How's Your Cup?

Are you one to think of the cup as half empty or half full? Knowing the answer to this question will help motivate you to finish the journey well.

It's hard to believe we've been traveling together now for eight full months. And God has been with us in every page we've read of His amazing story. What a blessing to have such a companion, such a friend. The Lord kindly reminded me this morning that I am more sinful and flawed than I realize, but I am more welcomed and loved than I ever dreamed. We can get caught up into thinking God is pleased or displeased with us based on how we're doing in our daily devotions. This couldn't be farther from the Truth. He is always pleased because when He sees us, He sees the reflection of His Son. He doesn't see our lack, but He focuses on what His Spirit is doing in and through us for His glory.

Let this Truth provide fuel for the rest of your journey. I'm looking forward to celebrating with you all in January 2010 what God has done. Our cup is nearly full, let's not be satisfied until we reach the top!

Weekly Oil

Wasn't this morning's message by Aaron Law absolutely wonderful? He did an outstanding job teaching us from God's Word. We are blessed to have such a man to join our Pastoral Team.

Read Hebrews 11:23-31
Exodus 12:1-30
Read Bible Speaks Today, pages 214 - 219

For Further Study finish reading Future Grace, by John Piper

Asleep At The Wheel

I have to admit that the past few weeks have been difficult in thinking of ways to encourage us on our journey. I've been praying about what to say or how to relate what my discouragements have been to everyone in an honest way without grumbling or complaining. It feels like I set out on this journey thinking I would be in a nice comfortable car, only to discover my car is a covered wagon! The pace is much slower, very bumpy and not one bit comfortable.

When I first discovered I wouldn't finish the Old Testament this year...I was full of faith and fine with it. However, each morning I've noticed an increased feeling that I'm standing still. That's when the perfect metaphor hit me; whenever a driver feels as if they're standing still and the road is moving, it's a clue they're about to fall asleep at the wheel. It's adamant to pull over and stretch in order to wake up.

So today, I'm pulling over to confess to you my discouragement hoping this will provide the grace I need to wake up. By God's grace I haven't stopped my journey, but I could very easily. I must fight this temptation because I need to continue moving forward no matter how slow the pace. I must because this is what my soul needs.

How about you? Are you feeling lethargic at the wheel? Let's pray for each other and confess our weaknesses. We need God's help and strength to do this and the good news is He never slumbers nor sleeps.

Weekly Oil

"What is the message that your life shouts? Does it declare that I believe God? Not just acknowledging Jesus' accomplishments, but DO I BELIEVE GOD? This is how we please God; we believe Him and line our lives up to this reality." Benny Phillips

Read Hebrews 11:8-22
Read Bible Speaks Today pages 202-212

Continue reading Future Grace, by John Piper

Weekly Oil

What an encouraging "faith-building" message we heard this morning from Benny Phillips. The next few weeks are going to be rich as we study Faith in depth from Hebrews. Today's main point was:

"Faith is the disposition of the whole person to believe, trust and appropriate God's promises."

Read Hebrews 11:1-7
Read BST pages 196-201

For further study over the next three weeks read John Piper's, Future Grace

Weekly Oil

Good Afternoon Travelers! I pray your journey is going along steady and sure. It's important not to veer off the path the Lord has set before us. This is where the road becomes rough and unpredictable. Stay the course, and God will surely lead us on!

This week:

Read Hebrews 10:26-39
Read Bible Speaks Today pages 189-195

For further study - continue reading, The Holiness of God, by R.C. Sproul.

Weekly Oil

Good Day to you! I pray you are enjoying the rich teaching we are receiving each week from the book of Hebrews. Our assignment for this week includes:

Read Hebrews 10:19-25
Read Bible Speaks Today pages 183 - 188

For Further Study - Read The Holiness of God, by R.C. Sproul

Have a wonderful week!