http://www.doxanet.net/cgi-bin/eisel/blosxomeisel/blosxom.pl Confirmation Related Discussion en http://www.doxanet.net/cgi-bin/eisel/blosxomeisel/blosxom.pl/2006/03/20#63204813 Confirmation Group Devotion March 19, 2006 How many of you know that each of you is perfectly lovely and a radiantly beautiful creation of God? If you’ve not walked in this truth I want you to consider what Pastor Bill Johnson recently taught: Before you were born; 14, 15, 16 years ago you did not exist….God did not like it so He created you. Amen!!!! Matthew 14:25-31 Matthew 16:13-17 Matthew 16:21-23 Matthew 26:69-75 Steve Reads: John 2:1-4 – Jesus Changes Water to Wine Ask: So what does Jesus mean when he says “my time has not yet come?” Say: To help us better understand, lets take a look at the disciple Peter. I can’t think of a better example of one whose time had not yet come, despite the fact that he walked in daily fellowship with Jesus. Student Reads: Matthew 14:25-31 Jesus Walks on Water Student Reads Matthew 16:13-17 Peter Confesses Christ Student Reads: Matthew 16:21-23 Get behind me Satan Student Reads: Matthew 26:69-75 Peter denies Christ Say: Ok! So based what we read today, here is what we know about Peter: • He confesses Jesus is Christ, Son of God. • He wants to do miraculous things, but lacks faith. And when he takes his eyes off of Jesus he begins to sink. • Despite his relationship with Jesus, He has his mind on worldly things rather than God and is a “stumbling block” to Jesus. • Finally out of fear he totally denies that he knows Jesus. I don’t know about you, but that description of Peter sounds very familiar to me. I wonder, how many times have I denied Christ? • By surrendering to fear rather than act boldly in faith. • By living with guilt and shame despite the promise of forgiveness. • by remaining planted in my seat during services rather than share a “God at work” moment in my life. • By wanting to look like Brad Pitt rather than acknowledge how perfectly lovely and radiantly beautiful I am as God’s creation The fact of the matter is that I’m a lot like Peter in my journey of faith. Yet, despite all his struggles I am truly inspired by Peter. His day finally comes in the book of Acts chapter 3 and 4. Peter heals a beggar and boldly proclaims the glory of God to the crowd. He is arrested and testifies boldly before the Sanhedrin. He is ordered not to speak or preach about Jesus. So what does he do? Prays for even more boldness to share the good news of the Gospel. I too have been praying for boldness in my faith and ministry. God who is forever faithful in His promises spoke to my heart recently and told me how happy he is to answer my prayer. At that very moment in His presence I experienced just an unbelievable feeling of joy and peace and comfort. In my joy I felt a powerful desire to sacrifice something of myself to the Lord. I thought about the season and some of the things I’ve given up for Lent in the past like; chocolate, or new clothes. Then I thought about Jesus and His sacrifice for me on the cross. So this year I’m giving up my personal comfort… that is to remain anonymous in my faith outside of the Church. I have vowed before the Lord to carry my Bible whenever I am in public during Lent as a visible proclamation of my faith. To the mall, the grocery store, Home Depot…..everywhere. This revelation came to me just before I was to leave for a business meeting. God’s timing is very interesting. The thought of carrying my Bible into a meeting with this particular group of people caused a momentary panic, but then I realized this was just a greater opportunity to give more of myself…. And take that first step in Faith. There is a time coming for each of us that is our moment of destiny in God’s ultimate purpose for our lives. A moment when we are so perfectly aligned with God’s will for our life. • We’ll fix our eyes on Jesus and reach out to take his hand. • We’ll have so much faith we’ll walk on water and heal a crippled beggar. • We’ll boldy proclaim the glory of Lord Jesus at the top of our lungs and with our hands raised bless him with our worship and praise and not consider for a moment what others must think. God knows my day had not yet come but he is preparing me and I know its coming soon. Just as He is preparing you for your destiny in His purpose for your life. Not sure if you deny God….then ask him….he’ll tell you. Not sure where you stand with him, then talk to Him about it. When God speaks to your heart, it won’t be a moment of guilt or shame, but rather a time of joy just being in his presence. A joy so powerful God won’t need to command you to give, you will want to give something of yourself. Something outside of what is convenient or comfortable, and with full knowledge and faith that God is expanding His kingdom through your heart filled with His joy. So what about changing water into wine Read John 2:4-9 Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.” His mother (Mary) said to the servants, “do whatever he tells you.” Mary responded in faith. A faith so great it could not be denied even though Jesus’ time had not yet come. It’s all about faith. <br> Author:Steve http://www.doxanet.net/cgi-bin/eisel/blosxomeisel/blosxom.pl/2006/02/26#6226142 In Luke chapter 11, one of the disciples after seeing Jesus pray in a "certain place," asks, "Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples." Jesus responds, "When you pray, say....." then teaches the Lords Prayer. Pastor Bill Johnson, (Link provided on Team Space page to Bills' Church...weekly Podcasts of sermons are available)notes that Jesus teaches the Disciples how to pray after He sent Out the Seventy-two in Luke 10 to "heal the sick" and spread the word, "The kingdom of God is near you." Interesting that Jesus did not teach them to pray before he sent them and then does so only after He is asked. Is there more of a lesson on prayer in this than simply the model of prayer Jesus provides in Chapter 11? When do you pray and why? Why does Jesus instruct in Luke 10:4 "Do not take a purse or bag or sandals?" <br> Author:Steve http://www.doxanet.net/cgi-bin/eisel/blosxomeisel/blosxom.pl/2006/02/24#62241259 Welcome to your new TeamSpace on www.fpcsparta.org. Steve Eisel is the admin for this area and will provide passwords for the team. Enjoy and let me know how things are working. The WebServant<br> Author:David P.