This Sunday is the core of our teaching about the Holy Spirit. It is a powerful teaching the Spirit will use to transform our lives. I can’t wait to teach!

Let’s continue another relationship question:

“If the wife has taken care of the finances and decisions over the past 30 years how do you change and let the husband make the decisions, especially if he doesn’t desire to? How does what King Lemuel said in Proverbs 31 impact this?” 

 Great question… here come my bullet points:

• The husband does not have the right to walk away from his leadership role in the family—Ephesians 5:22-32
• The wife also has to fulfill her role in the family---Ephesians 5:22-32
• The idea of leadership in the scripture doesn’t mean that a husband is to make every decision--- remember we are to be the head “as” Jesus but a husband is “not” God.
• I think there is a well rounded, sober picture of leadership displayed in the scripture.
• Wise leadership actually would seek the advice/counsel from those around him---Proverbs 9:9
• Genesis 2:24 would actually teach us that husband and wife are to become one--- that doesn’t just mean physically, but emotionally and spiritually
• Philippians 2:2 teaches us that there is unity of love and purpose that can exist through the work of the Holy Spirit---this would really help in the decision making process’
• Proverbs 31 speaks of a man who is comfortable with himself and understands the many gifts of his wife and rejoices in them
• I especially like Proverbs 31:31- it tells us to give our wives their fair reward for their gifts
• Proverbs 31:31 also teaches us to praise the gifts of our wives publicly —“the city gates” was a place normally reserved for men in their culture--- however, this was the place where the wife’s gifts were to be praised!

Therefore, if both of you are happy with your arrangement and your husband is praising your gifts and talents… don’t feel any pressure to change it…

Others may want to chime in…

I can’t wait to see you Sunday!

Dave

This question has been one of the most common asked. Here come my bullet points:

•  Thank you for acknowledging the good thing your spouse does. It helps us to recognize that everyone has some good qualities. So many times in relationships it is easy to focus on the disappointments only.
• Ephesian 5:33 and 1 Peter 3:7 both state a command of scripture to “respect” our spouses.
• Respect in these passages refers to a sense of being overwhelmed. It is the same word used in connection with God. It is to be “in awe” of.
• Now I know were we can go with this… but it is not to worship your spouse by any means. Our worship belongs to God alone.
• I think everyone enjoys being around the people that are excited to be around them.
• Remember when young love was exciting? What was it based on? Obviously it wasn’t based on a track record of wonderful accomplishments.
• Your initial excitement in relationship was based on the possibilities of what the relationship might become. The hope of your future life together.
• Now… we have a track record! My hope has not been realized in all the ways I have desired…
• But, you have to maintenance the hope in you. It is an important spiritual discipline. God is not done with you or your spouse.
• So do not simply look at the actions--- imagine through prayer the possibilities.
• Then be excited at every response in a positive direction.
• I would also highlight that encouragement… “Putting courage in” your spouse to live into who they are meant to be may be helpful.
• You are never quite sure why someone does or doesn’t do something. Many times it may be because of fear of failure, fear of rejection, stress, bad role model, etc.
• Telling them how important they are in a non-requirement way could be helpful.

I know there are many other thoughts out there so jump in and help me out.

This Sunday we are going to answer the call to “Fan the Flame” of the Holy Ghost in our lives. I am looking forward to what God is going to do. We are planning a time of anointing at the altars and there are some baptism’s to celebrate along the way! God is good.

See you Saturday or Sunday,

Dave

We have been covering a relationship question every week that has been turned in from the congregation. This week’s question is: “I had a child out of wedlock and my partner is not willing to come pray, come to church or support me. How do I get out of a relationship with a child in the mix? Please help!”

Big question… really big question that has some complexity to it… let me lean on my bullet points because I could write forever and then others can join in…

• Your desire to follow Christ and be connected to the body of Christ is awesome. Keep your consistency and find ways to develop deep relationships with other Christians. They will be supportive in the midst of difficult times.
• I am not sure when you mention partner exactly what that means. Is there a dating relationship? Do you live together? Or do you simply partner together in raising your child? I want to speak gracefully to the importance of the covenant relationship of marriage.
• Marriage is designed by God to knit two souls together, “…the two shall become one…” There are so many wonderful gifts that come from a spouse that has “…forsaken all others…” and “…keeps themselves only for you…” Sex is a powerful tool that is a part of that knitting together. In spite of what the world may say sex is more then a physical desire, but it is an emotional and spiritual event in a person’s life. Both give and receive the fullness of the other person in “The act of Marriage” we call sex. That is why God calls us to keep sex inside of marriage. The bonding that takes place is to be handled with great care.
• You do have a child with your partner. Your child will want to have a relationship with their parent. So this person will be a part of your life for some time to come. Because of this you will want to be sensitive and cordial to this person.
• However, I believe that the biblical standard of being “equally yoked” still applies in your situation. You want to select wisely who you have a life-long journey with. You will want them to have their own fruitful relationship with Jesus. The old saying applies here, “It doesn’t get any better then the interview.”
• So to not send false messages you need to be completely honest and open with them about your desires (it sounds like you have). Now you will need to find the strength to share a few things:
• Your partner is and always will be important to your child and they should live into that no matter what your relationship is.
• You want God at the center of your relationship.
• Since God is not their center you are going to release them from obligation to you.

You may agree or disagree and I am sure there are details that complicate this… However, with the current information these are some general thoughts… others feel free to agree or not.

Looking forward to seeing everyone Sunday… come check out the new Sound system what you hear will amaze you!

Sunnybunnyeasteregg.com can help us get to 30,000 eggs and help some challenged people at the same time. Hit the web-site and place an order.

Dave

“Being divorced, I never want to go through that experience again--- so perhaps I am subconsciously ensuring that I have a wall around me to protect me--- thus preventing me from loving again fully. How can we break free from fears and love again freely?”

Divorce is a painful experience. I really believe one of several reasons God says, “I hate divorce…” is because of the pain it causes. Everyone I know who has experienced divorce agrees with God. It is not what they had desired and it is incredibly painful.

Whether it is conscious or not, pain from divorce causes us to not want to become vulnerable again. There are several directions we can take to answer this question, but I am going to share just a simple thought and toss out the question for others to respond.

Here is my thought: The more secure we feel the greater risk we are willing to take.

So how do we become secure? Some quick bullet thoughts… jump in and help me!

• Begin by establishing a rock solid relationship with Jesus--- in other words let your security and identity be wrapped up in Him! Hear him say, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Search the scripture for his promises and find your security and identity there. Your healing is in this. I would suggest a connect group here at FVC where you can meet with others to help you on your journey.
• Once you have started that journey put mirrors in your life--- The scriptures talk to us about “examining ourselves…” and “transforming our minds…” Develop yourself through the work of the spirit, prayer, Christian relationships and specific classes to make sure you are ready for another relationship. The fact is that second marriages fail at a higher rate then first marriages and third marriages fail at a higher rate then second marriages. That fact alone can cause us to run the other direction. However, doing the hard work with Jesus can help you prepare for the next step… wherever he leads you. I am going to suggest that you search out the resources available here at FVC to help you with that, there are plenty to get you started.
• Remember the Bible also tells us to “guard our hearts.”--- So the natural defenses that come up after a divorce are not necessarily bad. It can help you to be particular about who you decide to have a relationship with. Have a high standard for who you let in! The higher your’ standard the more secure you will feel.

I know there are many other great thoughts feel free to chime in!

I want to thank everyone for the great response to Saturday night services. There was a great crowd and it was an awesome time together with Christ. Invite someone to join us.

Remember Gracia Burnham is going to share her story of being kidnapped by Muslim terrorists this Sunday morning…. Talk about Jesus helping you cope with difficult times! Share the news.

We celebrated four people that accepted Christ recently… I never get tired of that!

See you Sunday,

Dave

This past Sunday I collected several questions about relationships. I am going to blog about these for the next several weeks. If you put a question in hopefully you will see it addressed at some point. I would like to depend on your insight, wisdom and life experience also. Therefore, I am going to state the question and give a response, but I want you to chime in the conversation.

Question: How do you deal with a non-believing spouse who has objected to hearing about God? (This question has been submitted several times in slightly different wording. So I know it is a concern for many of us)

The question is general in nature… it doesn’t state specifically what the issue is. The most common we think about is how do we witness or share about Christ if our spouse is determined not even to listen. This can be very painful because our relationship with Christ is such an integral part of our lives. We want to share our faith with the most other significant person in our lives.

However, there are a number of other issues that can arise also. This is created because the foundation that the spouses operate from is different. This can make already complicated communications even more complex.

Also, the question is can sometimes be interpreted as coming from a wife. But I know many men that are in similar situations.

I am going to give some quick bullet points to start the conversation, but please jump in and share, correct, deepen, etc.

• Matthew 19 frames marriage as ordained by God. Therefore, if your spouse is faithful then you should remain absolutely committed to them. Do not let your mind or heart wander.
• James 1:19-20 instructs us that we should be “Quick to listen and slow to speak.” So put yourself in a position to hear what they have to say. Also hear what they do not say. Speak softly and gently.
• 1 Corinthians 13 reminds us that God can fill us with his love and we can demonstrate that to our spouses whether they believe or not. That is the best witness we have according to 1 Peter 3.
• Philippians 4:6 encourages us to call on God’s power for our frame of mind and our concerns in life… pray for your spouse and for yourself.

A practical thought:

• Try to get your spouse connected to other believers through common interests… not for the purpose of preaching, but friendship.

I know there are many other insights out there… pitch in!

If you or someone in your family haven’t been baptized please contact Kcwienkala@fvcn.org we are planning a baptism service in the very near future.

Great to be your Pastor,

Dave

Paul has just delivered some instruction concerning husbands and wives and then he concludes with the statement above.  Sunday I said, “Our spouses were not given to us to meet our every need, but to point us to who can--- Christ.”  I believe there is a spiritual purpose to every marriage.  Do you agree or disagree?  If so what is it? How has your spouse helped you?… (we are only taking the helpful comments)!

I apologize!  Last week there was a 3x5 card in the program. I was suppose to tell you any question about marriage you have write it on the card and I will be blogging about it the next several weeks in my blog.  So if I forget… that is the purpose of the card this week!  Write your question and put it in the baskets that are passed for the offering at the end!

I was incredibly proud of a family this past week.  They met a family who was there for the first time and then invited them to lunch!  Kingdom in action!  What a great example for all of us.  Lets share the love.

See you Sunday,

Dave

You will also get a chance to submit any question you have about marriage and relationships and I will blog through the questions for the next several weeks.  I don’t have all (or maybe any) answers, but it will allow us to keep the conversation about our most important earthly relationships we have.  I will simply attempt to share what the scripture has to say.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday… bring a friend.

Dave

Scriptures are us so full of insight. Just this simple thought thatwe are sinners informs us that:

• we are not perfect
• we need grace
• we need God’s help

 When we apply this simple truth to our relationships it is a gift to everyone we are friends with. It is a wonderful gift to our spouse.

Are there other biblical truths that have helped you in your friendships, family or marriage relationships? I would love to hear them.

• There are some great things happening in the life of our church:
• Our marriage classes have 60+ people involved
• Feb. 25th there is a prayer seminar
• Feb. 25 is our first Saturday Night Worship
• Wednesday nights during Lent- we are calling people to begin a fast each Tuesday night and break it with us Wednesday night in a time of prayer and sharing
• Gracia Burnham will share her story March 4th Sunday am only

Invite everyone you know!

This Sunday the title of the message is “Axes and Knives” I know a little scary for a marriage message, but you will have to come out to find the answers.

See you Sunday,

Dave

When I was first married to Megan I was encouraged to “honor marriage- even if you don’t like it” I was confused. Why would I have to honor my marriage? Wouldn’t these altruistic, lovey-dovey, rainbow-butterfly feelings last forever? I shrugged the advice off as the babblings of an old man tainted by the long road of a rough marriage. If it meant anything at all I figured it must have been meant for those who didn’t really understand what it was like to fall in love with their soul mate.

But for anyone that has been through fights, sickness, kids, in-laws, cold shoulders, hot tempers, and the vast array of other issues that inevitably visit every marriage- you know that marriage is worthy of honor- even when it isn’t fun.

So what does it mean to honor marriage? Does it mean that we hunker down and stay in a loveless marriage because we have a religious obligation to be stay? I hope not. Our motivation must be fueled by an active pursuit, not a passive resignation. The honor we show toward marriage comes in the form of identifiable actions.

Our example is Christ. He honored the church, his bride, to the point of death. He sweat drops of blood and he took the pain of the cross. He did not do this out of religious duty or zeal- he did it because he believed that a relationship with us was worth fighting for. If Jesus believed we were worth it- who are we to give up on each other?

We honor our marriage and the marriages of other by acknowledging the witness of Christ and following in his footsteps in our own marriage.

That was a great message this week! Thanks Bryan and Linda for your wisdom and example!

If you have enjoyed our series on marriage post a comment and any insights you have gained! Come next week to Celebrate, Connect, and Care!

Keeps your hands up and keep fighting to honor marriage this week!

Luke

This is one of the scriptures my small group discusses Sunday night. We applied it to marriage. One of the brilliant members of the group expounded a little on the illustration of being yoked. If there are two animals yoked and one is significantly weaker, then the animals will only move in circles and not make progress. That is an interesting picture.

We also discussed if we are equally yoked with a believer in marriage that it helps us by having:

• the same motivation
• the same basis of authority (scripture
• the same perspectives of self and sin
• the same help from God to help us grow

What are some other advantages to being equally yoked?

This Sunday you will love the teaching. It is going to be way cool, so be here and invite a friend!

Dave

This is a great passage for all relationships… especially our primary earthly relationship with our spouse… here are a few insights from Sunday’s teaching:

• We are twisted by sin from conception- it affects everything about us
• Our expectations of our spouse are twisted because of our sinfulness
• We need God’s help to untwist us- Jesus is our only hope!
• We need God’s help to deliver encouragement to our spouses
• We need God’s help to move us towards like-mindedness
• We need God’s help to stop us for our selfish conceit

Someone asked me, “I am not married. Should I come the next several weeks?” Let me answer that:

• Absolutely! In fact you should invite everyone you know!
• Relationship principles work across all relationships
• You know a marriage that needs help and this can equip you
• We are teaching the Bible and you don’t exclude sections!
• You are being selfless showing support to others in the church

I could go on and on but these should be sufficient!

Looking forward to gathering this Sunday!!!!

Dave

Philippians 2:1, “If you have any encouragement…”

I heard somewhere years ago that encouragement was “putting courage in.” Paul briefly discusses the courage that should be put in us through our relationship with Christ.

• Courage to live this Jesus life out, in a world that often had different values

Courage to be kind in the face of cruelty

Courage to be gentle when treated harshly

Courage to be joyful even in loss

Courage to be peaceful when surrounded by turmoil

Courage to be patient when pressured

Courage to have self-control in a world that has self-rule

Courage to be humble when assaulted with arrogance

Courage to reconcile when one would severe the relationship

I want you to live 2012 with the type of courage that comes from the Father of heavenly lights! God loves you and wants to fill you with His Spirit. Remember throughout 2012 what Paul wrote to Timothy, “For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”

Thank you for your courage to give the way you did during the holiday season… there will be a DVD to celebrate all your great efforts this Sunday.

We are starting a strong marriage and family emphasis this Sunday. But please know the scriptures taught will bring value to all our relationships.

Invite someone to join you this Sunday… they will love the teaching and this time of year everyone is thinking about personal change.

Looking forward to being together,

Dave

 Wow! Is this fitting or what? Ezekiel at the beginning of the year was given a vision by God for the upcoming year. We could go into the vision that God gave Ezekiel, but I want you to catch that God has a vision for you this upcoming year. Do you know what it is? Have you asked Him? Let me share a few general directions to get connected with:

• Genesis 15:1- Do not be afraid of God’s vision
• Genesis 46- It may be to explore a new pattern of living
• 1 Samuel 3:15- Don’t be afraid to tell others your vision
• Lamentations 2:14- God’s vision will cause you to confess your sin
• Acts 9- The vision may lead you into connecting with people you never thought of before
• Acts 10- The vision may break a strongly held prejudice
• Acts 16- The vision will include sharing Christ with others
• Proverbs 20:18- Seek advice before you commit
• Romans 12- Your vision will be connected to your church

Alright… I called you to seek God for vision… here are some of the things he has been speaking to me about:

• Call the church to prayer -
     -  You might have noticed our monthly prayer guides in the bulletins at the beginning of each month
     -  January 8th is our first of several praise and prayer times for this year
     -  I am taking a personal journey with some men through a prayer devotional
     -  Lent is a time we will fast and pray
• Become more aggressive in sharing the good news - 
    -  Let people know that the church is here… FVC is a great church and our community needs to become more aware of us
    -  Start another service- Saturday night service is being planned- contact Bheil@fvcn.org if you would like to help out or attend… he is helping organize… I will be teaching
    -  Call our people to connect with their friends and family
• Reach out to families with great intention - 
    -  Notice the Smalley’s coming- invite your friends and sign up yourself!
    -  We have started several family ministries- Check out the Group Catalog at the Resource Center
    -  Opening the first teaching series of the year- Man vs Wife

There are so many opportunities to fulfill God’s call at FVC! Join in with your church and find God’s vision for you this year!

 Dave

Has Jesus disturbed you? I know that sounds like an odd question. We are used to the idea of his comfort, care, provision, healing, etc. But have you been disturbed by his arrival? We should be. The arrival of Christ in our lives should uproot us from the soil of the world and replant us in the soil of his spirit. Our thoughts, patterns, beliefs, pursuits should take on a different motivation and direction. Unless you have been disturbed by His arrival you have not yet celebrated Christmas. Be disturbed into making Celebration/Worship, Connection/Group life, Care/Ministry a part of your normal life.

Some ideas to help you have a disturbing Christmas:
• Invite someone to join you for our traditional Christmas Eve services at 2:00, 3:45 or 5:30
• Bring non-perishable food items and help us fill our pod up to deliver to hungry people in Philadelphia
• Invite a person that has no place to go to join your family this Christmas season
• Give the gift of presence to the lonely

Hoping for a disturbing Christmas,

Dave

• A family who volunteered to shop for groceries for others for the food drive
• Many people bringing in food to fill up the pod going to Philadelphia
• Several folks who responded to God’s call to pray about family
• A young man who visited with me about his desire for God to work in his marriage
• A man who two weeks ago prayed to accept Christ in our Sunday morning worship service

God is way beyond awesome! It is great to be shook up by him.

Don’t forget this week:

• To bring in some major groceries for the food drive
• To come to the Live Nativity Musical Saturday night
• To invite someone to join you that night

We are praying about starting a Saturday night worship service. We want to share the love of Christ with as many as we can. If you are interested in participating in Saturday night or attending the service please let me know by responding to this blog!

I am looking forward to this Sunday!

God is awesome. It is good to be your pastor…

Dave

Jesus' Birth

Matthew 1:18-25, “This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said…"

There wasn’t much quiet about the birth of Jesus. We have been talking about how he rocked the world when he came. He challenged the structures of power, religion and even the family.

This Sunday we are going to teach about the difference Jesus makes in the family. What does he want? What does he do? How can we follow?

You might prepare by asking yourself, “What would change in my family if Jesus was physically present?”
Our Advent project is to collect food for Philadelphia. There is a great shortage of food and a huge demand for it. The economy has created some great needs. But Jesus and Jesus’ people are in the business of meeting needs in a divine way.

So go to the grocery store… Aldi’s… Costco and lets fill up the storage unit in the parking lot with some food that will last well beyond the Christmas season. I know you always respond in a major way to big time needs… thank you in advance.

We are also thinking about starting a Saturday evening worship service… if this interest you please send and email to bheil@fvcn.org

See you Sunday,
Dave

Luke 2:8-12, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

There are certain emotions that traditionally have gone along with Christmas for me. Most of them are warm fuzzy feelings. I like those feelings.

It is difficult for me to be reminded that the arrival of Christ was not a warm fuzzy event. It sent the world, physical and spiritual, into a fighting response. King Herod slaughtered hundreds of children; Joseph and the family had to run for their lives to Egypt… the gospel of John talks about light piercing the darkness when Jesus was born… you better believe the darkness fought back.

Even our scripture today seems warm and fuzzy as we read it. However, the shepherds in Jesus day were not well respected as they were in King David’s day. These shepherds were viewed much more like some would view illegal immigrants moving from job to job with minimal pay. The priests of the temple wouldn’t touch them because they were considered unclean. Yet these are the people that received the special angelic invitation to Christ’s birth.

This almost makes it seem like Jesus was a rule breaker. Well, he was a rule breaker. He broke what he considered to be crazy rules. He didn’t break God’s rules, but he broke man’s rules. In fact, we are going to talk about that this Sunday. But to help us get started maybe you could post the craziest religious rule you have experienced. This could be fun… do it in a spirit of love and fun… but I want to hear your stories.

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday,

Dave

PS. Don’t forget our food drive for the hungry in Philadelphia… we can provide some great resources for the needy… that sounds a lot like what Jesus would do!

I love Paul’s teaching in 2 Corinthians 3-5!  A few summary points for those who like the bullet thing…

• Your brokenness does not disqualify you in God’s plan
• God has the passion and power to heal your broken places
• God wants you to allow His light to shine through your brokenness
• You are the light of the world… You are His ambassadors… He is making His plea to the world through your healing…

Here is the major question: “What broken piece of your life does Jesus want to shine through this week?”

I am really pumped about Advent this year! The teaching is going to be challenging as we look at how Jesus turned the world upside down. When he arrived… just his presence challenged the systems of the day. Begin thinking now… how did Jesus’ birth change the world?

One thing I am really pumped about this advent is our opportunity to change the world. We are going to collect food during the season and the first of January deliver that food to several food banks in Philadelphia. Let’s make this a huge outpouring of Christ’s love on Philadelphia this year!

You’re awesome!

Dave

This Sunday is a life changing teaching!  Wholly is what we become in relationship with God.  He moves through our holey-ness and makes us wholly.  Come expecting God to work a healing in your life.

This Advent season I am challenging you, our body of believers and the community to meet the need of hunger in our area.  As you drive onto the property please notice the Pod storage unit that is in the parking lot to begin loading the non-perishable items you will be bringing to help stamp out hunger.  Let me give you some instructions:

• Cases of food items are great- like what you could get at Costco or BJ’s.
• Please deliver the food to the foyer and it will be taken to the Pod for storage
• We are not after holiday food, but food to sustain a family through the winter. Items such as Cereal, oatmeal, canned vegetables, canned meat.
• We also need staples like sugar, flour, etc.
• Protein is really important- but don’t bring perishable items.

See you this Sunday!

Dave

God does not see you as you see you.  God looks at you through His parental lens.  He sees your potential not your past.  He celebrates your possibilities not your problems.  He desires to come alongside and be the helping hand that you need.  Does He discipline? Sure. Can He be stern? Absolutely. But it flows from a heart that desires His best for you.

So don’t let the baggage of your past, sins, failures, age, etc. inhibit you from praying the prayer: "God what is Your will for my life?"

This Sunday we begin our new series Holy, Holey, Wholly… I am really excited about the guest artist who will be working while I teach.  I think it is going to be awesome.  God has a good word in a unique way for you this Sunday!

See you there,

Dave

• * understanding God’s providential will
• * accepting God’s personal salvation
• * where does my career fit in to God’s plan
• * questions we can ask ourselves to discern God’s will
• * the importance of advisors and mentors

In fact, several people asked me following the service (I really do mean several…), “Where do I find advisors and mentors?”  That is a great question.  Some of you might want to share. Let me give some thoughts:

• * Small groups- look around your group- if you are not in one, get in one.
• * Christian co-workers- who responds to you when you ask for prayer or offer it?
• * Christian neighbors- take a risk and use some God-talk… see who responds.
• * Pray- they might be right around you already.

But the bottom line is you need to reach-out, search and work at it.  Because mentors are based on relational affinity and permission for the person to speak into your life… you have to work at finding yours. 

This next Sunday we are going to talk about overcoming the major obstacle that keeps us from seeking His will.

Many of us give up before we even ask the question or pray the prayer.  We are defeated before we begin.  God has a better plan for us.  We must be willing to ask.

We almost ran out of Game Plan Booklets this past week.  If you didn’t get one make sure you stop by the Connect Group area of the Resource Center to pick one up.

Can’t wait to see you,

Dave

• Am I hearing Jesus voice?
• Which voice that I hear is Jesus’?
• Am I following the right voice?

So many thoughts can be attached to this. How do you distinguish the voice of Christ from all the other voices that bang around in our head? C’mon, I can’t be the only one hearing multiple voices!

Sunday’s teaching will help bring some clarity to this subject. I am excited to teach on what I think is a very important topic.

I also have a gift for everyone… don’t miss it!

See you there,

Dave

• God has given you your current opportunity, be thankful for it
• Wherever you work or whomever you work for… you ultimately work for God- act like it
• There is a reward in eternity for making the most of opportunities God gives you
• Your next opportunity is based on how you handle your current one

These were the basics, but I recommend that you visit the website and catch the entire teaching if it applies to where you are right now.

Sunday was a great day for S’MORE and Upward. A big shout out goes to all the leaders and volunteers that make both of these ministries happen. You are loved, appreciated, and admired for the efforts that you give for children and the kingdom of Christ. Thanks!

Next Sunday I have a gift for everyone. I can’t wait to give it to you!

See you there,

Dave

• Upward is about caring about what is valuable to the community.

• Upward is about opening the doors of the gospel to families.

• Upward is about displaying Christ love and care to children.

I have had several chances to visit in depth with mom and dads about their struggles and spiritual lives because of Upward. Pray for this Sunday that God will work in an awesome way!

Remember regular service at 9am and Upward Sunday at 10:30!

See you there,

Dave

I rambled last week about the above verse. Basically I wanted to share the goal or calling of the verse… however, it is important for us to consider how we accomplish the goal above. Any thoughts you have I would love to hear… so I will ramble on how I think we begin to accomplish transforming our thoughts….

Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."--- Think about that which is noble… the good attributes in you, your circumstances and in others. You might even want to list them and repeat them over and over again.

Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."---partner with another person to hold you accountable… find a partner who you can be honest with and give them permission to challenge you, correct you and admonish you. It is important that you give them permission… then they have freedom to speak truth clearly to you and you set yourself up to receive them.

Philippians 4:6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."--- Guard your mind with prayer… Go to Jesus with your request, concerns and the desire to transform your mind! The Holy Spirit is always working on our behalf, but He does an inside job when we open ourselves up and ask Him to!

Whew… That is enough for me to work on today, but I will talk more about this next week. Let’s covenant together that we will take these three steps and see how God transforms our thinking. I would like to hear your ideas…

Reasons I am praising God this week: 

• The constant flow of “new life” we get to celebrate- every month there are several who have prayed to accept Christ- I never get tired of that!
• My connect group met last night and had a rich time of fellowship and Word- we pray together and for each other whenever we gather- you need a connect group!
• The 6th graders who were serving in the church yesterday- how awesome is that- they are setting a great example for all of us!
• New teaching series begins next Sunday- Game Plan is about investigating God’s plan for you- there will even be helpful tools to engage.
• Your constant witness of Jesus to the people and place you go- I know we gather every Sunday and I love it- but I also get excited about the lives you touch during the week.
• The great tool we have with our Body of believers- I appreciate that you use the tool to invite and reach people for Christ- bring someone with you this week!

Dave

The Holy Spirit has been using this Scripture to speak to me about my own thought life. When we say "thought life" we can immediately go to thoughts of physical or sexual temptation… that is certainly something that each of us should be consciously taking captive and making obedient. However, my conviction has been moving in a different direction. Here are my ramblings:

• “take captive”- we don’t allow our thoughts to go wherever they want but proactively direct them
• “every thought”- these aren’t just thoughts about sex but they include unhealthy paradigms about ourselves, misunderstandings about others, mental models that lead us astray in so many arenas, dislikes about things that don’t matter, self-elevation, etc. etc.
• “obedient to Christ”- it is not alright to just stop thinking negative thoughts about life, ourselves or others, but our thoughts must begin to be Christ-like.

God’s Word speaks of our need because of the damage that is done to us and others if we do not take our thoughts captive…. Next week I want to discuss “guarding our hearts”—awesome teaching there.

Final thought… the only way this is even possible is through the power of the Holy Spirit working in us! Pray now for God to do His work.

Let me help you begin thinking right thoughts now….

• Thanks to Scott Anderson because of the Word shared this Sunday we welcomed a new believer into the fold…. Awesome!
• Get involved in a connect group and Grow!
• Next Sunday ~ great teaching on the Fallacies of Failure ~ don’t miss it!

Bring someone with you… Fairview Village Church is an incredible church - you ought to be proud of it!

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday!

Dave

I love the literal translation of “Elijah is here.” It means "Yahweh is my God." Elijah challenged Obadiah to declare to the one who masters him that he serves Yahweh alone.

The Holy Spirit does awesome work in us when we make this declaration to the masters in our life. What masters you? What do you serve? What do you fear? What are you addicted to? If it is not Almighty God then you need to make the same declaration that Elijah said to Obadiah…. "Yahweh is my God".

This past Sunday was awesome in so many ways…. We kicked off with:

• Remembering the families of 9-11
• Praying for peace, our military, our leadership
• Worshiping from our hearts
• Being challenged to make Yahweh our God
• 105 middle school students at the Vine  
• 93 senior high students at Solomon's Porch
• A rockin’ Jesus filled S’MORE
• Bringing up Boys class with tons of parents in it

Let’s do it again this week!

You have got to hear Scott Anderson this Sunday. He has taken his message of courage and victory over major medical challenges to literally millions of people. He will make you laugh, cry and receive God’s blessings. Bring a friend… they will thank you.

See you Sunday,

Dave

Luke taught a powerful biblical truth this past Sunday. “Love is the Christian ethic!” When Jesus returns… what we have done for the, “…least of these…” will have an eternal impact.

The very thought of “…the least of these…” teaches us about our attitudes and actions:

• We recognize real human need both physical and spiritual
• We respond with fervor and vigor towards the whole of humanities needs
• We expect nothing in return… they are “… the least of these…”
• We are free to give generously with no strings attached

 Remember that the greatest gift we give to others is “Jesus in us.”

The fall is in full swing this coming week.

• Bible Zone and S’MORE are back
• Solomon’s Porch kicks off
• Stop by the Connect Group area in the lobby and look over the catalog of groups

You may consider making yourself available to serve this year. There is a need for folks to serve at the Children’s Welcome Desk. Please contact Fhorner@fvcn.org if you are available.

Scott Anderson will be with us September 18th. His life story will inspire and encourage you. It is a message you will want to share with your friends so invite someone to join you.
Learn more here.

Really looking forward to sharing together this week,

Dave

Dave