Difficult People Message Series Resources

Difficult People:  How to Deal with Critical People
key verse:  2 Samuel 16:5-13
1.  Respond, don't react
2.  Stay focused on your purpose
3.  Find God's good in the criticism
    "there is often a kernal of truth in every criticism"
4.  Allow God and others to handle your critics

Difficult People:  How to Deal with Overly Needy People
key verse:  Matthew 9:36
1.  Love them where they are
2.  Help when God leads you to help
3.  Remember that "No" can be a loving answer
      "Saying Yes to one means you are saying No to others"
4.  Seek God's approval alone


Diffiult People:  How to Deal with Manipulators 
key verses:  Galatians 1;10 and Proverbs 29:25
1.  Pray Up, Read Up!
2.  Prepare to be challenged
3.  Respectfully say "NO" to manipulators
4.  Trust God’s view of you

Here is a link to a handout related to the the April 24th message.
Manipulation.pdf

Sermon notes for God's Christmas Plan Part 2: Predicted Pain for Our Gain

God’s Christmas Plan Part 2:  Predicted Pain for Our Gain
Isaiah 53:1-6
December 14, 2014

Isaiah 53:1-6

-God intended all along to save us from our sins

-He revealed this over 500 years before Jesus came into the world

Luke 24:25-27  Jesus used the Old Testament to explain that his suffering was predicted

Acts 8:34-35  Philip explains the Good News with the Old Testament scriptures
-The first New Testament writings didn't exist at that time!

Modern “Appearances” of Jesus

People trust the craziest "appearances" 
-5 picture examples of the "image of Christ":  a wall, iron, another wall, toast,  and a toasted cheese sandwich.

-these are some freaky phenomenons that have gained many devotees.  

Personally, my faith is based on far more solid evidence than burnt images in modern day items that resemble the picture of Jesus that doesn’t even exist!

History or Hoax?

Highlighted in The Case for Christ by Lee Strobel

Altered Stories

-did writers fabricate details to make it appear that Jesus fulfilled OT?

-the gospels would have been corrected by all the eye witnesses

-why would Matthew have allowed himself to be put to death for a lie?

Intentional Fulfillment

-did Jesus maneuver His life in a way to fulfill prophecy?

-example:  ride donkey into Jerusalem, others

-but, impossible to manipulate “30 pieces of silver, birth date

    Daniel 9:24-26 predicted when Jesus would arrive!

Taken Out of Context

-do Christians cherry pick OT verses to prove Jesus is the Messiah?

-this is a tired argument dismisses countless scholars and historians

-over 2000 years and we haven’t found any true basis for this theory

Coincidence

-did Jesus “accidentally” fulfill all these prophecies?

-could there be, or have there been others who fit the predictions?

-read excerpt from Case for Christ, page 183

-it is a staggering mathematical impossibility for even 8 prophecies to be fulfilled in one mane to be merely coincidence!  

-Jesus fulfilled over 100 clearly identifiable Old Testament prophecies!

God’s Christmas Plan:  Predicted Pain for Our Gain

Isaiah 53:6   “We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has   

    turned to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of

    us all”   

-Every one of us was a born sinner, straying from what is right

-We are all unable to find our way apart from divine intervention

-Jesus entered the world to take away all of our sins

-God’s plan was bear the punishing pain of crucifixion for our gain, to be our substitute!

Have I examined God’s plan?

How do my plans compare?

Am I ready to trust God’s plan?

-For seekers:  Surrender my life to Jesus Christ

-For beleivers:  Repent and return to Jesus Christ

sermon notes for God's Christmas Plan: Part 1- Planned All Along

Here are the notes from Sunday, December 7, 2014

God’s Christmas Plan

Part 1:  Planned All Along

Intro

God made a plan for us before we existed

-Jesus is God’s Christmas Plan for everyone

Jesus is and always has been the Plan

Jesus never claimed to be a "good teacher or "good man"

-He is either the Lord, a Liar or a Lunatic

Jesus is Coming…

Josh McDowell- The OT contains over 300 references to the Messiah that were fulfilled in Jesus.

A sample of Bible references...

Genesis 3:15

-God’ promise to Eve

-Jesus would descend from a woman, not a man

Genesis 49:9-10

-Jacob blesses his son Judah

-vs 10  scepter will not depart from Judah…

2 Samuel 7:16  promise to David

-house, kingdom, throne…will endure forever

-see also Psalm 89:3-4  and Ezekiel 34:23-24

Isaiah 7:14

-The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name Him Immanuel

Isaiah 9:6-7

-for a child will be born for us…

Daniel 7:13-14

-prophecy of Jesus, ruler of the eternal kingdom

Micah 5:2

-Bethlehem predicted to be the birthplace of Jesus

Foreshadows of Jesus…

Adam- the first Adam fell

-Jesus was the perfect Adam who saved us from our fall

Abel- the first innocent blood shed, cried out for condemnation

-Jesus shed his truly innocent blood, crying out for our acquittal 

Abraham  called out to begin a chosen people on earth to glorify God

-Jesus established a new people of all nations who will glorify God

Isaac- who was offered up as a sacrifice to God by his father

-Jesus became the perfect sacrifice who paid for our sins on the cross

Jacob- wrestled with God and asked for His blessing

-Jesus wrestled for us all to give us an eternal blessing

Joseph- who forgave his brothers for how they wronged him

-Jesus died to forgive us of all our wrongdoings against Him

Moses – who stood in the gap between the people and the Lord

-Jesus stands in the gap forever between us and God

-Jesus clothes us with righteousness, reconciles us to God forever

Job- who suffered and brought glory to the Lord

-Jesus is the truly innocent sufferer who intercedes for us

David- the great victor over Goliath

-Jesus won the ultimate victory over the enemy of death and hell

Jonah- buried in the whale three days, came back to life

-Jesus was buried in a tomb, resurrected three days later to give us life

And then came Jesus!

-the innocent “Passover Lamb” whose blood covers our sins and redeems us from death, the true Prophet, Priest, King, Sacrifice, Light,

The Old Testament was God’s wake-up call: Jesus is coming!

Are we listening to God? 

How many times has God revealed Himself to us?

-through the Bible

-through Godly people in our lives

-through circumstances

-through the inner prompting of God’s Spirit

How many times have I resisted God's prompting to...

-put my faith in Jesus Christ?

-renew my faith in Jesus Christ?

Planned All Along!

God always had a plan

God prepares us for His plan

Am I trusting His plan?

Creation Science Resources

Here are some helpful resources when researching the origin of our earth.

www.answersingenesis.org

www.irc.org

See a recent debate that was streamed live over the internet between Ken Ham and Bill Nye.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=z6kgvhG3AkI

helpful fact sheet taken from "The FACE that demonstrates the Farce of Evolution" by Hank Hanegraaff
www.equip.org/PDF/DF803.pdf

Various other helpful info available at www.equip.org

This is a good place to visit, just south of Cincinnati, OH  www.creationmuseum.org

This is a Creation Science center in Texas  www.creationevidence.org

If you enjoy Lee Strobel, you will appreciate his teaching video on this subject
www.thecaseforacreator.com

Here is a link to the book for purchase  www.amazon.com/The-Case-For-Creator-Investigates/dp/0310242096

One Time A Day Challenge

Being a spiritual leader at home is as simple as the power of "1"

 One time a day, doe something really special for your kids' mom.

One time a day, invest in her spiritual well-being.

One time a day, catch your kids in the act of doing something good and tell them about it.

One time a day, tuck your kids into bed and pray with them and read or memorize a Bible verse together.

One time a day, get alone with God.

One time a day, sacrifice something personal for something that benefits your family.

One time a day, ask God to reveal to you anything in your own life that doesn't match your expectations for your kids.

One time a day, forgive completely anyone in your home who has hurt you.

One time a day, say, "I'm sorry," and ask forgiveness for damaging a relationship.

One time a day, help make a child's dream come true.

Total time investment:  One to two hours a day.
Return on investment:  A lifetime of deep, abiding relationships and an eternity to celebrate.

The 21-Day Dad's Challenge, Carey Casey, general editor, Tyndale (2011), pg 34.

Holy Spirit Sermon

Here are my sermon notes from Sunday, March 10, 2013.

Good News:  God’s Spirit Prays for Us

Romans 8:26-27

THE GOOD NEWS IS Hope for a Broken World

Today:  the good news work of God’s Holy Spirit

Our statement of faith regarding the Holy Spirit

"The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, fully divine. He inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures. Through illumination He enables men to understand truth. He exalts Christ. He convicts men of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He calls men to the Savior, and effects regeneration. At the moment of regeneration He baptizes every believer into the body of Christ. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows the spiritual gifts by which they serve God through His church. He seals the believer unto the day of final redemption. His presence in the Christian is the guarantee that God will bring the believer into the fullness of the stature of Christ. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism and service.“        Baptist Faith and Message 2000

The Holy Spirit¹

He is equal with the Father and Son

He is a person-  John 14:26

He was in the beginning-  Genesis 1:2

He is active at the end-  Revelation 22:17

The work of the Holy Spirit

1.  Reveals God’s Word-  2 Peter 1:21

2.  Teaches-  John 14:26

3. Convicts-  John 16:8

4.  Invites- John 16:8

5.  Makes us new-  John 3:5-6

6.  Lives in believers-  Ephesians 1:13-14

7.  Prays for believers-  Romans 8:26-27

8.  Promotes unity-  Ephesians 4:3

9.  Empowers believers-  Acts 1:8

10.  Gives spiritual gifts to believers-  1 Corinthians 12:4

And…The Holy Spirit prays for us

When we are weak

When we don’t know how

On our behalf

According to God’s will

Our response

Do not resist Him

Acts 7:51

Go in His Power

Acts 1:8; Mark 13:11

Do not grieve Him

Ephesians 4:30

Be filled (controlled) by Him

Ephesians 5:18

Produce His Fruit

Galatians 5:22-23

¹The following notes were adapted from:  “Baptist Faith and Message, Sermon 4: The Holy Spirit” by Dr. Calvin Wittman on Saturday, May 09, 2009, at http://www.lifeway.com/Article/Foundations-faith-Holy-Spirit

Music Ministry Intern Description 2012

Ministry Internship Opportunity

St Joe Community Church is currently seeking a one year paid ministry intern who has an interest in and may someday participate in planting a church.  The purpose of this internship is to grow the participant’s knowledge, understanding and practice of ministry within a local church.   St Joe has an immediate need for an intern with adequate vocal and instrumental abilities to lead our worship band as the primary focus and ministry responsibility.  This intern will also have the opportunity to explore and participate in the other areas of ministry in the church. 

Qualifications:

• Heart and initiative for the work of the church and the Body of Christ

• Personal commitment to growth in his/her spiritual walk and as a servant of God

• High level of integrity in handling church resources and sensitive information

• Excellent people-skills, friendly demeanor, able to lead and train volunteers

• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple priorities within established time frames

• Flexibility to work in a fluid environment and “portable” style church

• Proficient in vocal singing and playing a lead instrument (such as guitar or keyboard)

• Experience in leading a worship band

• Committed to participating in our weekly worship, small groups and other normal ministry activities

                -If married, family also needs to be committed to participating at our church

• Committed to the vision, doctrines and practices of St Joe Community Church

-You may learn more about us at www.stjoecommunitychurch.org

• Able to be approved for funding by the North American Mission Board

                -The North American Mission Board is underwriting this paid internship.  Basic qualifications for

                  NAMB employment is outlined at www.namb.net/employment-guidelines/

To apply, send a letter of interest, a resume and/or any other information you believe will adequately describe you, your call to ministry, and your previous experiences in or similar to ministry work to:  Pastor Greg Byman  at gregbyman@gmail.com

How to be a real family guy

Message notes from May 6, 2012

Real Help for the Modern Family:

How to be a Real Family Guy

Intro

The problem:  men don’t know how to be men

                        Men are given mixed signals

                        Society picks on men who lead well

I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.

                                                Philippians 4:13

Man Myths  (taken from You Tube excerpts by Mark Driscoll)

Chauvinists

No Sissy Stuff Sam

 Success and Status Stewart

 Give Em Heck Hank

 I’m the Boss Bob

Cowards

Little Boy Linus

 Sturdy Oak Owen

 Hyper-Spiritual Henry

 Good Time Gary

  

A Real Family Guy Follows Jesus!

Ephesians 5:23  Husbands, love your wives, just as also Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her              

-put her first
-sacrifice, die to self
-totally devote myself to her and my children

Philippians 2:5-6  Make your own attitude that of Christ Jesus, who , existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage.

-men, we have great influence, are often leaders by default

-we must use this for the benefit of others

-we must consider others BEFORE we consider ourselves!

-with privilege comes responsibility! 

Am I a real family guy?

What do people say about me?

   Teachers

   Peers

   Pastors

   Friends

   Family

   Employers

   Neighbors

   Restaurant Servers

Psalm 1:3  He is like a tree planted beside streams of water that bears fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither.  Whatever he does prospers.  

-is there visible fruit in my life?

-am I prospering spiritually?

                 

John 15:16  I appointed you that you should go out and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you.     

-am I producing fruit that lasts?

Fruit =  look more like Jesus, lead people to Jesus   

Family Guy fruit:  children who find and follow Jesus!

If God filed an income tax form, could He legitimately claim you as a dependent?

Interview Jeremiah and Cyndi Brown

www.generationchurch.cc

  

Conclusion

Philippians 4:13  I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.

                                               

Be A REAL FAMILY GUY!   What is my next right step?

Launching Kids and Reshaping the Nest

My message notes from April 29, 2012

Real Help for the Modern Family:

Launch Our Kids and ReshapeThe Nest

Psalm 127; Mark 10:6-9

Intro

Philippians 4:13  I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Remember from Last Week…

Parenting = the process of training our child to leave!

-Genesis 2:24  “That is why a man LEAVES his father and mother…”

-Proverbs 22:6  “Teach a youth about the way he should GO; even

    when he is old he will not depart from it.”

-We raise our kids to go and establish their own families

-They will most likely duplicate the home they came from!

Launch them!  (don’t just let them leave)

Psalm 127

1.  Depend on God  vs. 1-2

2.  Receive kids as gifts vs. 3

3.  Release them for a mission  vs. 4-5

Parenting = leading our child to  find and follow Jesus Christ, 

                    so they will lead their children to find and follow Christ!

1 John 5:12  The one who has the Son has life. The one who doesn't have the Son of God does not have life.

Deuteronomy 6:5  Love the Lord your God with all our heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength

-We must launch them towards Jesus Christ

-His will is more important than “our will” for our kids

-True success is when our grandchildren find and follow Jesus!

Launching Kids requires a shift in our role

-From Authority to Advisor

-From hands on, to hands off

After we launch our kids, we must…

Reshape the Nest

Remember the original plan…

-Mark 10:6-9 is a lifelong plan

      Goals for our marriage as we reshape the nest:

            -Enjoyment

            -Example for our kids

Welcome Jerry & Becky Jones (interview)

Remember…

I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.

                                                Philippians 4:13

Conclusion

What is my next right step?

-Where are you right now? 

    Pre-launch, Post-Launch

    Full nest, empty nest

    Starter nest, long gone nest

-How must I surrender to God?

-Who must I turn to for help?

    -Connection Group, other godly friends

Real Help for the Modern Family: How to raise great kids

My message from April 22, 2012

Real Help for the Modern Family:  How to Raise Great Kids

Intro

Real help starts with God! 

Philippians 4:13  I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.

We also need help from each other!

-like Lincoln Hall needed after reaching the summit of Mount Everest.  He went crazy due to lack of oxygen.  His sherpas left him because they didn't think he was alive.  Then along came Dan Mazur, who was leading a high paying group to the summit.  He had to make a choice-- continue on or abandon his quest for the summit to save Lincoln's life?

-Dan Mazur chose the greater goal of saving Lincoln’s life

-Sadly, months earlier, over 40 climbers passed by David Sharp as he lay dying.  He did not survive.

    -However, David made several critical mistakes that led to his death—  the “could have been” rescuers

        may not have been able to save him

-Notice then:  We must help unhealthy families!  (Rescue them) 

                         -we must make personal sacrifices to save dying families around us

                      Healthy families need to do the right things to stay safe

                         -we must seek help, prepare for future dangers, do the next right thing

That is the reason for this series….“Real Help for the Modern Family”

Today: How to raise great kids
Genesis 2:24;   Deuteronomy 6:5-10;  Proverbs 22:6

What is a parent supposed to do?

1.  Parenting = the process of training our child to leave!

Genesis 2:24  “That is why a man LEAVES his father and mother…”

Proverbs 22:6  “Teach a youth about the way he should GO; even when he is old he will not depart from it.”

-We must raise our kids, send them out, so they can raise their kids

-Raise Great Kids = Future Great Home!

2.  Parenting = leading our child to  find and follow Jesus Christ

1 John 5:12  The one who has the Son has life. The one who doesn’t have the Son of God does not have life.

Deuteronomy 6:5  Love the Lord your God with all our heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength

How to raise great kids

Deuteronomy 6:6-10

1.  Demonstrate-  live it out, show them how to live for Jesus

2.  Teach- explain, break it down, age appropriate learning

3.  Practice- every moment is a teachable moment!

       -in the car, at the meal table, enjoying entertainment, chore time

Proverbs 22:6

4.  Expect!  

-we get what we aim for, we rarely get more than we aim for

-“the way”  each child has a particular

7 Tips from Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours by Dr. Kevin Leman

-Healthy Authority

-Accountability

-Reality is the Teacher- let my child fail!  (Great teacher!)

-Actions more than Words- follow through, no empty threats

-Keep Going (persevere, modify if needed (only God is perfect!)

-Relationship before Rules (unconditional love)

-Walk my Talk (you can’t lead where you won’t follow)

Remember, we are trusting God to help us do this!

Philippians 4:13  I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.

How to raise great kids

What is my next right step?

Follow Jesus personally 

Dedicate your kids to Jesus

 -lead them to find and follow Jesus 

Reach out to each other!  

     Who have you encouraged lately?

     Who are the encouraging people you are surrounding your life with?

Get help AS YOU do then next right thing!

-attend worship, join a Connection Group, start serving people somewhere
-turn from wrong behavior and start doing what is right

Real Help for the Modern Family: How to enjoy a great marriage

My message notes from April 15, 2012

Real Help for the Modern Family Part 2:  How to enjoy a great marriage

Intro:  We are spending six weeks to offer real help for families

We are on a quest to recover healthy families!

Goal = Recovery of Healthy Family!

We can’t do this on our own…

Philippians 4:13  I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Many people are seeking a healthy marriage and family

-Jeff Foxworthy "I say, If everybody in this house lives where it's God first, friends and family second and you third, we won't ever have an argument."

-Amy Winehouse "I know I'm talented, but I wasn't put here to sing. I was put here to be a wife and a mom and look after my family. I love what I do, but it's not where it begins and ends."

    -She wanted to have a great marriage and family, but didn't know how
-Wanting real help for our families and actually seeking and embracing real help are two different things!

How to enjoy a great marriage  Genesis 2:18-25

What are the Enemies of Marriage (diagnosis of dysfunction)
-Genesis 3:6
-1 John 2:15-17

1.  Wandering Feelings

-I want to feed my flesh, enjoy the fruit of what I'm not supposed to have

 -If it feels good, do it!

2.  Wandering Eyes

 -I keep looking at what I can't have, longing for it, thinking about it

 -I take my focus off of what I already have

3.  Prideful Heart

 -I'm unwilling to admit I'm wrong, and uninterested in confessing my weaknesses to others

 -I think I know better than God

How to enjoy a great marriage:  Genesis 2:18-25

Treat my spouse as my…

1.  Companion

-“it is not good for man to be alone

-what is a best friend?  Do those things!

2.  Helper

-complimentary roles, a team, mutually beneficial

Treat my spouse as my…

3.  Equal  “bone of my bone, flesh of my flesh!”

-taken from his side, not his foot!  

-we walk alongside one another

-man and woman are both made in the image of God!

4.  Only

-we leave our family to form a new family unit

-bond:  cement, glue, each becomes part of the other

-my spouse is my exclusive partner in life for enjoyment

-fidelity is paramount to true happiness, peace and joy

5.  Confidant- the one I share all my secrets with

-physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually

Practical exercise:  “We”   vs.    “I”

Think about everything you do…

-is this activity something “We” have agreed on or “I” just want to do?

-is what I am about to do something my spouse is ok with?

Calendar- How I spend my time, where I go, what I do

Money- Do I swipe my card, spend my cash and make my deals with my spouse in mind?

Social Media- who do I connect with?  Does my spouse know everywhere I go online?

Remember:  We can’t do this on our own!

Philippians 4:13  I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me.

How to enjoy a great marriage

My next right steps…

1.  Practice Genesis 2:18-25

-Marriage 101 starting two weeks from tonight

2.  Practice “We”

3.  Trust Jesus

-Matthew 28:17  “some” didn’t  believe the resurrection

                            Even after they saw Jesus physically!

-You know Jesus makes a difference…will you trust in Him now?

Real Help for the Modern Family: Where to Begin

My message notes from Easter Sunday 2012...

Real Help for the Modern Family Part 1

The Beginning of Real Help

Intro:  Today begins a new series about family

-many family structures today:  traditional, single parents, divorced, his/hers/ours, grandparents raising grandkids, not married/no children, adult children caring for aging parents, foster parents, adoptive parents, and many other configurations

-modern and ancient families face the same challenges

-This series is about timeless principles for every type of family

Upcoming topics:

 April 15          Marriage

 April 22          Raising Kids

 April 29          Launching Kids/Empty Nest

 May 6             Dads

 May 13           Moms

 May 20           Grandparents/Adult Children

I visited Fort Recovery a few weeks ago…

-built after General Anthony Wayne recovered land and property that was tragically lost when General Sinclair was crushed by British and Indians. 

-I thought of all the forces that are waging war against the family

My Goal for this series=Recovery of Healthy Family!

The Beginning Of Real Help for the Modern Family

Mark 16:1-7

Is there an Empty Tomb or do we have an Empty Faith?

-1 Corinthians 15:17, 19

-If Jesus is alive, there is great hope, and our faith is rooted in truth

-If Jesus is still dead, we have no hope, and we might as well give up!

Real Help Right Now- Mark 16:1-7

1.  Start asking the right questions

-they were worried about moving the stone that was moved

-stop focusing on what you can’t answer, what may not matter

2.  Keep moving towards Jesus

-they kept going, found an empty tomb, eventually Jesus appeared!

-You may not know what it means to trust Jesus fully…

    Keep taking your next right step towards Jesus

3.  Believe in the impossible

-If Jesus can come back to life, He can help your family right now!

To be a healthy family we don’t have to…

-Know it all

-Be perfect

-Be strong enough

The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available now!

-Ephesians 2:4-10

But God, who is abundant in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. By grace you are saved!

He also raised us up with Him and seated us with Him in the heavens, in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages He might display the immeasurable riches of His grace in [His] kindness to us in Christ Jesus.

For by grace you are saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God's gift- not from works, so that no one can boast.

For we are His creation-created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them.

The Beginning Of Real Help for the Modern Family

My next right step…

1.  Start asking the right questions-  keep coming to worship, seeking God's answers!

-we will discover principles for healthy family relationships

2.  Keep moving towards Jesus-  keep praying!

-we will learn what it means to really depend on Jesus and His church

3.  Believe in the impossible-  trust Jesus!

-we will seek to bring hope and healing

-I desire for us to move beyond the past and embrace a preferred future

    Under the power and influence of Jesus Christ

Will you trust Jesus today? 

John Wesley's 22 Questions

John Wesley, over 200 years ago, created the following questions to help believers become more spiritually accountable.  Our circumstances may have changed, but human nature has not.  These are still practical and relevant for any individual or group interested in growing spiritually.  

1. Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I am better than I really am? In other words, am I a hypocrite?
2. Am I honest in all my acts and words, or do I exaggerate?
3. Do I confidentially pass on to another what was told to me in confidence?
4. Can I be trusted?
5. Am I a slave to dress, friends, work, or habits?
6. Am I self-conscious, self-pitying, or self-justifying?
7. Did the Bible live in me today?
8. Do I give it time to speak to me everyday?
9. Am I enjoying prayer?
10. When did I last speak to someone else about my faith?
11. Do I pray about the money I spend?
12. Do I get to bed on time and get up on time?
13. Do I disobey God in anything?
14. Do I insist upon doing something about which my conscience is uneasy?
15. Am I defeated in any part of my life?
16. Am I jealous, impure, critical, irritable, touchy, or distrustful?
17. How do I spend my spare time?
18. Am I proud?
19. Do I thank God that I am not as other people, especially as the Pharisees who despised the publican?
20. Is there anyone whom I fear, dislike, disown, criticize, hold a resentment toward or disregard? If so, what am I doing about it?
21. Do I grumble or complain constantly?
22. Is Christ real to me?

Remember the unborn

Here are some ways to remember the unborn as we pause to remember that our country made it legal to murder children in a mother's womb 39 years ago:

How to remember the unborn

Protect the unborn

-Psalm 139   God "sees" us as a person before we are born.

   

-Jeremiah 1:5   God has a plan and purpose for us before we are born.

-Unborn children are referred to as people by God, and therefore deserve the same protection as a baby or person who is already born!

  

Avoid the crisis

-Unplanned pregnancies occur most often when we make unhealthy and unholy lifestyle choices

-We must promote and support healthy marriages- the proper context for pregnancy and parenthood

-We must help our teens and single adults abstain from sex until marriage

    -provide real help, not just legalistic rules.

    -openly discuss sexuality with them in the context of what the Bible says about it

    -discuss with teens how modern media portrays sex vs. what God says about sex

    -be a parent before you are a pal!  Parenthood requires us to provide healthy boundaries

    -but remember, rules without a relationship with our kids = rebellion.  We must have both!

-Stay personally accountable-  don't ever say "adultery will never happen to me!"

-Support pregnant women-  no matter the situation!  

    -men, step up and take the lead in serving her when you become the father of an unborn child!

Offer Hope

-When a crisis pregnancy happens, be there!

-visit  www.ahopecenter.com  

-Is God asking YOU to volunteer as an advocate for life?

  

Find comfort during loss

The Bible declares that Children who die are safe

Truths about children

-Children are born sinners

    Ephesians 2:3

    Psalm 51:5  Indeed, I was guilty when I was born; I was sinful when

                       my mother conceived me.

    -if children were not born into sin, they would not ever die!

-Salvation is by grace alone

    Ephesians 2:8-9

    -Baptism cannot save an infant

    -prayer or activity after death doesn’t save an infant

       -no scripture supports this,  Heb. 9:27 refutes it

-Children are declared as “innocent” in the Bible

    Deuteronomy 1:39

    Jeremiah 19:4-7

    Mark 10:14-16

        -true faith is modeled by the unassuming trust displayed in children

        -Jesus would not have blessed children if they had rejected Him

   -How can a child…

            Openly reject Jesus (refuse to believe)?

            Know or comprehend the consequences of their sin?

                -this idea is the basis for legal classification of  “minor”

  

-We will see our children who died

    2 Samuel 12:22-23

    -David would see “him” (a person)

    -implies a relationship with his child in eternity

Choose Life Today: 

We must Remember the Unborn

-as we choose our new President

-as we elect other political officials

-as we petition currently elected officials

-as we choose to give financially

-as we pray for our friends, family and neighbors 

-as we serve men and women expecting a child

Be Generous!

I try to be generous when I hear about causes and issues that need money.  Mind you, I'm not extravagant, nor do I give to every cause I hear about.  I'm rather picky actually.

As hear the Salvation Army bells, read year-end letters asking for one more "tax-deductible" gift, and watching many people struggling in a down economy, my desire grows.  I want to help, but how?  Who should I help?  How much should I give?

Sometimes I have "misgiving giving."  Whenever I am haphazard (have no plan), ignorant of how trustworthy the organization is, or when I am wondering if this will keep me from fulfilling my prior donation commitments.  I'm also uneasy whenever I feel manipulated or made to feel guilty by people asking me for money.  I want to enjoy giving!

So here are some Generosity Practices I try to live out, based on 2 Corinthians 8:1-5:
1.  Don't dwell on my circumstances-  I will never have enough money to give away, nor do I never have any money to give away.  Generosity is not about how much I have.

2.  Give according to my ability-  I can't wait for a financial windfall to become generous.  God is asking me what I'm going to do with what I already have.  My pledges and gifts must be worked out within my current budget.

3.  Give beyond my ability-  Even the poorest person can be generous.  I need to be willing to give "beyond my abilities" and watch how God enables me to do it!  I must be willing to become financially poor in order for others to become spiritually rich.

4.  Give to trustworthy people-  If I don't trust you, I won't give to you.  You may be a great person.  Your organization may be the best solution to a current problem.  But, I need to know you a bit, to trust you with my money!

That said, I start my giving by contributing at least 10% to my local church.  Here are some reasons why:
1.  I believe God tells us in Malachi 3:10 to give a tithe (10th or 10%) to the "storehouse" and test whether or not He will bless us.  I have and He has!  My storehouse is the local church, the place I get "fed" so to speak.

2.  Jesus said "I will build my church" in Matthew 16:18.  I want in on what Jesus is doing!

3.  Trust-  I believe in my church, her vision, the people, the leadership, and God's ability  to use our church to fulfill His purposes

4.  Our church focused locally and globally-  we give away at least 10% to missions  beyond ourselves.

5.  Fun-  I enjoy watching God use my money to help people spiritually and physically!

6.  Helps me grow-  I trust God more when I give, and I appreciate the accountability to our church to ensure I am keeping up to date in my giving obedience to God.  That little "giving report" I receive at the end of the year reminds me of how well I am staying committed to this.

In conclusion, here are the steps I go through when starting to give:
1.  Give myself to God first!  Pray, read God's Word,  remember that He owns everything and I am simply His manager of the resources He gave me.

2.  Give to trustworthy causes-  do my homework

3.  Give voluntarily-  2 Corinthians 9:7 says to give as I have determined in my heart, and to give cheerfully!

4.  Start with what I already have- I need to plan my giving into my current budget, according to what I have right now

5.  Live for spiritual riches-  2 Corinthians 8:9 says Jesus became poor so that I might become rich!  Giving to meet people's needs physically and spiritually in Christ's name is the only investment with an eternal reward.

Give generously and be blessed!