E-ialogue.com

A Blessed Weekend at Unity

We had two great days this weekend.  Saturday was our last Upward Flag football and Cheerleading game day.  This season has really flown by, yet God's Word and the testimonies shared- which once again were soul stirring, a shout out to all who shared - will not fly by the lives that were touched by them.  So along with a HEARTY THANKS to all the volunteers that made this ministry possible let each of us continue to pray for all the kids and their families.  God isn't through with them even though our 2009 season is over.  Too, pray for tonight's Upward Awards Night, pray that this ministry platform will once again be used to share the love and gospel of Christ Jesus.

Sunday was a great day.  On a personal note, I am really being blessed with our current series on the "Habitude of Gratitude."   Like each message I bring, I am the first to be impacted by what we talk on Sunday.  I have to confess we take the "acts of kindness" of both God the Father and others way to much for granted.  Hopefully you're are listening to what the Holy Spirit is saying to you as we focus on this "fundamental response to the goodness of God" for the remainder of November.   Hey, if you would like to share a testimony of gratitude hit the link and we'll post it for others to see what God is doing in your life and the gratitude you have for His gracious kindness.

Our 2009 Christmas Missions Offering also kicked of to a great start.  Our goal is $20,000 dollars this year. This is an increase from last years goal of $15,000 dollars, which by the way we exceeded through the faithfulness of many in our Unity family.  So ask God how He would have you invest generously for the sake of the lost and hurting, both locally and globally.

Remember, "nothing great is seldom accomplished by the talents of a few, but by the sacrifices of the many."

A Misunderstanding

Biblical gratitude is often misunderstood which leads to those who are yet Christ followers thinking we are nuts.  "We" followers of Christ Jesus are expected to have this for a habitude, "in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus"  (1 Thessalonians 5:18).  However the gratitude we are to "give" isn't necessarily for the "thing" we are experiencing, especially the cruddy things of life, it is for the promise we have.  Our gratitude is based on the FACT that God the Son, Jesus Christ is always walking with us through our cruddy moments and has promised us "good" is coming.

So, as a Christ follower, one who has trusted their life to the risen Savior Jesus, "give thanks" you're never walking alone.

"Through Him then, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of prasie to God, that is, the fruit of lips that give thanks to His name."  Hebrews 13:15 (NASB95)

A Biblical Doctrine on Gratitude!

I am really excited about our upcoming series at Unity, "Habitude of Gratitude."  The more I have prepared the more aware I have become of the biblical doctrine of gratitude.  That's right when we think of doctrine, we think of Theology Proper (God the Father), Christology (God the Son - Jesus Christ), Pneumatology (God the Holy Spirit), Hamartiology (sin), Soteriology (salvation) and the like; but "gratitude." 

Yes, when you consider what these and other biblical doctrines have to reveal it is very clear why there is a biblical doctrine of gratitude.   Consider the words of Martin Luther,

"See that you do not forget what you were before, lest you take for granted the grace and mercy you received from God and forget to express your gratitude each day."  (bold emphasis mine)

Any thoughts?

Worth getting excited about...

I love this time of the year.  Yes, it is getting cooler; yes we are right in the middle of Unity's Upward season; yes Thanksgiving and Christmas are right around the corner.  But what I love about this time of the year is nailing down next years ministry plan and prayerfully anticipating ALL God is going to do.  I get really pumped when I recall Ephesians 3:20 and know that Almighty God is working, especially when I focus on Him working through us.  God is already ahead of our planning, but it is EXCITING to know that as we implement the plan, WE AREN'T ALONE!

We can get REALLY excited when our favorite sports team has won their game, when your employer acknowledges our value to the company by give you a raise or when you pay off your car or mortgage.  But as wonderful as these and other times of excitement come and go, KNOWING God is working in and through us; well wouldn't you say that's WORTH GETTING EXCITED ABOUT?

News Worthy

It is not anything new, but isn't it interesting how the news media has become such a part of our culture.  To the extent that some say that they have moved from being simply about "broadcasting the events of the day" to "being" more of an influence on popular opinion.   Too, depending on one's perspective on current events there is a particular network that will support your opinions and interests.  Literally you can tune in, log on to networks that communicate fluff and networks that report on news worthy events.  You know events that are really impacting lives.

Wouldn't it be interesting to see a news network broadcasting from the Kingdom of God concerning its citizens, God's people.  Think about what the line up would be - fluff or news worthy events.  Is the Church of Jesus Christ really involved in what is "news worthy?"  How about your church?

"...that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places."  Ephesians 3:10 (NASB95)

What a day for "The Team"

God really blessed us with a Great day for Upward Flag football and cheerleading.  The feel in the air was more than a pre-fall feeling, it was one of anticipation.  And though some teams didn't have everything together it is exciting to know that God the Holy Spirit was and is at work.  The testimonies from Jill, Kelly and Ed was a definite asset in God's hands.

It is more than I can say for the Georgia's Bulldogs.  It was painful to anticipate this was LSU's year to win in Athens.  I have to say the Tiger's deserved to win.  But the real winner of the day was the One the commentator's didn't comment on - it was the Lord God Almighty.  If you left the game early you missed the best play of the game, seeing both Bulldog and Tigers knelling in a Kingdom huddle to pray a prayer of thanks.  God's team always wins!!!

Valuable Advice

When I think of all the pastoral council I have given, the MOST valued council would be "engage."  Really, I believe more and more people and especially professing followers of Christ are being seduced away from the true source of all one searches for.  If you stop long enough to take note of the quest everyone seems to be on is a quest for answers to their needs.  For some they believe the seducing spirits of our culture, all claiming to hold the truth or the answer to one's need(s).

However, in my life and the lives of millions there is one truth that has stood the test of time.  A truth that not only claims to be truth, but the testimony of the lives impacted by this truth are endless.  This is why the MOST valued council I could and will ever give is "engage."  ENGAGE the Word of God, daily with prayerful opened eyes(Psalm 119:18) and willingness to apply ALL God reveals to you.

"Sanctify them in the truth; Your Word is truth."  Recorded word's of Christ Jesus in John 17:17(NLT).