Then What?

What do you do when God shows you generosity?  What do you when God answers your prayer? 

Do you simply move on to your next "thing"?  I invite you to make today a day if thanks.  

Thank God for that child you're about to feed breakfast. That job you have to go to. That job you get to rest from today. For the house you live in. For the Royals getting a win last night.   

Join me today and pause to tell God how grateful you are for his love.  

So...today we're not asking, we're telling.  

God, thank you for... 

It Makes You Smile

Think about the most generous person you know.
Can you imagine their face?
What are the doing?

I bet they are smiling.
Why do I think this?
Because, that's what generous people do.

Let's revisit the same scripture from yesterday.  But this time, as you read, I want you to think about the faces of those within the story.  Can you see their faces as the story unfolds?  Can you see their frowns get turned upside down?

John 6:1-13 (NET)
6 After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (also called the Sea of Tiberias). 2 A large crowd was following him because they were observing the miraculous signs he was performing on the sick. 3 So Jesus went on up the mountainside and sat down there with his disciples. 4 (Now the Jewish feast of the Passover was near.) 5 Then Jesus, when he looked up and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, said to Philip, “Where can we buy bread so that these people may eat?” 6 (Now Jesus said this to test him, for he knew what he was going to do.) 7 Philip replied, “Two hundred silver coins worth of bread would not be enough for them, for each one to get a little.” 8 One of Jesus’ disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, 9 “Here is a boy who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what good are these for so many people?”  10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” (Now there was a lot of grass in that place.) So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. 11 Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed the bread to those who were seated. He then did the same with the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 When they were all satisfied, Jesus said to his disciples, “Gather up the broken pieces that are left over, so that nothing is wasted.” 13 So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves left over by the people who had eaten."

How big of a smile do you think was on the little boys face?
How many fish did the disciples hand out before the started laughing with disbelief?
And what about Jesus?  What do you think he was doing?
C'mon, you know exactly what he was doing.
He had a God sized smile.

Give God a chance.
Give back to God.
Give God 10%...You keep 90%.

When you do...I believe you will do what that little boy did.
What the disciples did.
What the crowd did.
And...
What Jesus did.
You will smile.  Because it feels good to be generous.

Have a blessed day,
Pastor Matt

 

I Don't Have Much

Anyone can be generous. 
Anyone!
One doesn't have to be wealthy to be generous.
To be and become generous all you have to do is give. 

You might say, "I don't have much."
Okay.  But that doesn't mean that you can't give.
Oh...I bet you're waiting.
Once you have more...Then you will start giving.
But you won't.

There simply comes a time when you choose to be generous.
Rarely does it start after you've made your millions.
Most times, it generosity starts while you making your hundreds.

God is faithful.  
You can trust Him.
Even with your little tithe (10%).
What you might discover...
Is that God takes your little and does a whole lot. 

Read this generous story about a kid who gave what little he had.

John 6:1-13 (NET)
6 After this Jesus went away to the other side of the Sea of Galilee (also called the Sea of Tiberias). 2 A large crowd was following him because they were observing the miraculous signs he was performing on the sick. 3 So Jesus went on up the mountainside and sat down there with his disciples. 4 (Now the Jewish feast of the Passover was near.) 5 Then Jesus, when he looked up and saw that a large crowd was coming to him, said to Philip, “Where can we buy bread so that these people may eat?” 6 (Now Jesus said this to test him, for he knew what he was going to do.) 7 Philip replied, “Two hundred silver coins worth of bread would not be enough for them, for each one to get a little.” 8 One of Jesus’ disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, 9 “Here is a boy who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what good are these for so many people?”  10 Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” (Now there was a lot of grass in that place.) So the men sat down, about five thousand in number. 11 Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed the bread to those who were seated. He then did the same with the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 When they were all satisfied, Jesus said to his disciples, “Gather up the broken pieces that are left over, so that nothing is wasted.” 13 So they gathered them up and filled twelve baskets with broken pieces from the five barley loaves left over by the people who had eaten."

What do you think was going through that kids mind?
Do you think he was upset that he gave?
What do you think the disciples were thinking?

Please trust this...
You can never ever out give God.
He won't let you.
But you should try!

Have a generous day,
Pastor Matt

Love Always Gives

I'm currently reading a book by Kevin Harney titled, Organic Outreach.  In it Harney writes, "Remember, God so loved the world that he gave.  Love gives.  And when a congregation's heart pounds hard for God, we give of ourselves - our time, our resources, our lives - to love others."

I know this may seem simple, maybe even silly, but it's impossible to be generous and not give.  So, how does one become generous?  They start to give.  

How can you give today?
What can you give?

Will it be your time?  Your experience?  Your talent?  Your money?  
Remember, to be and become generous...
You must do as God did.
You have to give.

Let us know how your 90 Day Challenge is going so far.
It's not bragging.  It's celebrating what God is doing through your obedience AND it is inspiring those who see and hear to do the same.  So, let us know by clicking here -
https://www.facebook.com/newcitykc

Have a generous day,
Pastor Matt

The Golden Rule

The 90 Day Generosity Challenge - Day 3 - The Golden Rule

In everything, treat others as you would want them to treat you, for this fulfills the law and the prophets. - Jesus,  Matthew 7:12

This is the verse and generous thought for today.  How might you treat someone the way you want to be treated.  This is a very simple truth and one that doesn't need to be over complicated with lots of words or thoughts.   

How can you practice this verse today?
Who needs (not deserves but needs) you to treat them well?
Let the smiles begin!

Have a blessed day, 
Pastor Matt

True Life

The 90 Day Generosity Challenge - Day 2 - True Life

Monday seems like a great day to start or refocus.  It's the first day of your work week and it has all the potential to be the first day of new perspective...A true life perspective.  

Let's look to our greatest influence, the Word of God.  Oh...I should give this disclaimer.  I view the Bible as my ultimate authority.  It trumps what I think and what I feel.  In short, I believe God is the boss.  I therefore must submit my life and will to him and not expect the boss to change His ways to make my life more convenient.  

In 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Paul coaches young Timothy to,

"Command those who are rich in this world's goods not to be haughty or to set their hope on riches, which are uncertain, but on God who richly provides us with all things for our enjoyment.  Tell them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous givers, sharing with others.  In this way they will save up a treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the future and so lay hold of what is truly life."

I can read your mind.  I know what you just thought..."I'm not rich."
And the rest of the world would look at you and say..."Uh, yes you are." 
Do you have a home?  A car?  Any amount of money in a savings account?  Retirement? 
If you answered yes to any of these questions you are rich.

Now I must refocus us because we can easily be distracted by being or becoming rich.  But notice what Paul says, being rich isn't the main thing.  So what is?  Paul says the main thing is to set our hope on God who richly provides.  This focus, setting our hope on God, is how we become more generous.

How?  Get this...You do what God tells you to when God tells you to do it.  This is not a game of cat and mouse.  God wants you to know what he's up to and how he wants you to join him.  Look again at the above scripture.  Paul says, "Tell them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, to be generous givers, sharing with others." 

So, let's start here for today.  Think on these questions:
1. What does it look like for you to "do good" today?
2. How might you be "rich in good deeds"?
3. How can you give generously today?
4. What do you have to share?

This is what we are going to do over the next 90 days.  And, I LOVE IT!  

Don't forget to share this on your social media platform.  Do you think the world would be better if the world did the above.  Yep...It's called the Kingdom of God and it's true life.  

Blessings,
Pastor Matt

Why Be Generous

The 90 Day Generosity Challenge - Day 1 - Why Be Generous?

Before you start any endeavor you need to first ask a very important one word question...
Why?

If you are able to answer the "Why?" question, you will have a greater chance of completing what you started.  So, when we think about becoming a more generous person we need to ask "Why?".

So, why should you choose to become more generous?  Let me provide one simple Biblical reason.

Because God is generous and you were created in the image of God.

Think on the most famous scripture in al the Bible, John 3:16.
"For this is the way God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."

In all the ways God could have chosen to love the world, he chose the expression of giving.  God is a giving God.  God is a generous God.  And, God wants you to be more like Him.  So, what does this mean for you?  How might God be asking you to become more generous?  How is God asking you to live like Him? 

Over the next 90 Days, New City Church will provide you a daily generous thought.  We believe God wants to transform our actions by transforming the way we think...Specifically, how we think about generosity.  Not only do we hope you read these devotions but that you will also choose to share it on your personal social media platforms.   

Blessings,
Pastor Matt

 

What the People Want

This Sunday at New City Church we will be learning from 1 Samuel and how the people made a public plea for a king.  Before you hear what I think...I think it would be wonderful if you first heard from God.

So...grab a copy of The Story or open up to 1 Samuel in your Bible and learn about why the people wanted a king, what God said a king would do, and discover who Israel's first king was.

It's going to be a fun Sunday.  I hope you will make the best effort to worship with us. And don't forget...FREE community meal following the 5:00PM service.

Service Times: 9:30AM, 11:00AM, and 5:00PM

Blessings,
Pastor Matt

2 Hours

Today's post is a little different.  I would like to ask you to plan ahead for next week.  I know you don't want me to plan your life...But may I offer some questions that you might consider if you were to plan ahead?

1. Could you set aside 40 minutes to abide?  If so, what time and what day(s) would you choose to do this?  Here is a simple plan to help guide your 40 minutes: Talk to God (pray) - 15 minutes, Read the Bible to see what God says about what you talked to Him about - 15 minutes, and Sitting still and reflecting on what you prayed and read - 10 minutes

2. Is there a friend or mentor that you could take to lunch or coffee?  This could be a good time to ask questions and learn from someone that you hope to one day be like.   

3. Can you find 30 minutes in the evening to turn the tv/phone/computer off and devote this time to reading a book that will help you improve in: Parenting, Marriage, Money, or a specific Skill that will help you within your job?  Because of technology, we have every opportunity to learn on any topic we choose.  There is no excuse for you not to learn up.

I'm done.  There could be more but this is a great start.  And notice how much time it will take. If you did all of this in one day...All you would lose is around 2 hours!  Stop saying you can't...Yes you can and it will only take 2 hours.  Stop listening to your past...Look to God for your future.  All it takes is a little planning.

Blessings,
Pastor Matt

Abide & Loyalty

I love John chapter 15.  When I read it I ask myself, "Is it really that simple?"  I've included John 15:1-8 below.  If you can, take a look and see if you can see what I read that causes me to think "Is it really that simple."

15 “I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. 2 He takes away every branch that does not bear fruit in me. He prunes every branch that bears fruit so that it will bear more fruit. 3 You are clean already because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me.  5 I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me—and I in him—bears much fruit, because apart from me you can accomplish nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown out like a branch, and dries up; and such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, and are burned up. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want, and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is honored by this, that you bear much fruit and show that you are my disciples."  John 15:1-8

Okay, so I helped.  But I didn't want you to spend your entire time trying to figure out how I think.  

Notice Jesus words, "If you remain in me and my words remain in you..."  It's almost like it he's saying that following him consist of two things: Abiding (remain in me) and Loyalty (my words remain in you).  That's it.  Jesus says, spend time with me and do what I say.  That is all a "branch" is called to do.  Here's the amazing part.  When us "branches" do these two things the "vine" (Jesus) produces fruit through us.  Let me say it again, when you and I abide and remain loyal to Jesus he works through you.  

Before I move on...I want to first slow down.  As a follower of Jesus you must not skip these two aspects of the relationship.  Jesus did not offer suggestions.  Abiding and Loyalty are expectations of this relationship.  Actually, when you think about, Abiding and Loyalty are expectations of any healthy relationship.  Now, if you're reading this blog I'm guessing this next part might not be for you.  However, I feel it is important to remember. 

I like to often add a little jab to get you to think more...Let me try this one.  If you simple don't have time to talk to God and read his word...just be honest and say.  "I like ________ more than God."  I'm not letting you get away with saying, "I don't have time."  No, you have time you just choose to use it doing something else.  Your Loyalty is towards another.  The "other" might be a person, a tv show, a game, or even an event.  Just be honest with yourself and with God.  You like God...just not as much as you like ______.

Now...if this is you, please hear me.  Only you can realign your priorities.  It's up to you.  However, God gave you some relational help...Church.  At New City Church we are going to encourage you towards two simple things.  What is God saying to you (Abiding)?  And, what are you doing about it (Loyalty)?  I think it is wise to walk with those who are striving to follow Jesus.  Okay...let's move on. 

The Bible teaches that the followers of God have a great enemy.  The last thing this enemy wants you and I to do is abide with and be loyal to Jesus.  Here are 3 example of how the enemy might come at you:

- I'm not doing enough.  The accusation that you haven't read enough, prayed enough, served enough, helped enough, etc...  This is not from God.  I believe the enemy uses this to discourage us by wanting us to think God somehow isn't satisfied.  

- I'm doing too much.  This is where opportunities weigh us down.  In this example, we forget our position ("branch") and take the position of the "vine" (Jesus).  Here we work really hard to make fruit.  If this is you, (and by the way, this is me), we need to trust the "vine" to do what He said He would do.  It is not our job to make things happen.  Our job is to abide and remain loyal.  

- What I'm doing isn't spiritual enough.  Here, when we abide we are accused of not abiding correctly.  This too is not from God.  How our enemy loves to discourage us followers of Jesus. And, how often we let him!  In short...Satan's a liar, stop dwelling on his accusations. 

Those are just some of my thoughts for the day.  I hope you are pushed, if not encouraged, to follow Jesus.  
Blessings,
Pastor Matt

Seasons

Yesterday I shared an observation from my reading in John 15.  Today I want to continue this by looking more closely at God the gardner.  

Let's begin by reading John 15:1-8

15 “I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. 2 He takes away (He lifts up) every branch that does not bear fruit in me. He prunes every branch that bears fruit so that it will bear more fruit. 3 You are clean already because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me.  5 I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me—and I in him—bears much fruit, because apart from me you can accomplish nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown out like a branch, and dries up; and such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, and are burned up. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want, and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is honored by this, that you bear much fruit and show that you are my disciples."  John 15:1-8

Observation #2 - God the gardner
In this passage the gardner is responsible for "lifting you up" or "pruning" you back.  As I read this I come to the conclusion that, in my following Jesus, I will be in one of three seasons.  

Season of Being Lifted Up:
In this story, concerning fruit, that grows on a vine (possibly grapes), it would be the goal of the gardner to harvest as much fruit as possible.  In your Bible, John 15:2 will say something like, "He takes away every branch that doesn't bear fruit in me."   This is a poor translation.  The actual translation, as I provided above in parentheses is, "He lifts up every branch that doesn't bear fruit in me."  Think on this scripture this way...Why would any gardner/farmer cut off or remove a potential fruit bearing branch?  That's an easy answer, he wouldn't.  But why would a gardner need to lift up a branch?  To answer this you need to think about fruit that grows on vines.  Some of the branches are located on the bottom of the vine.  Here, on the bottom, the vines often get covered in mud and dust and therefor they are unable to grow.  What does a good gardner do?  He wipes them off and lifts them up.  Why, so that they might be in the light of the sun and begin to grow.  Why would a gardner do this?  Because the gardner wants more than anything...Fruit.  Verse 8,  My Father is honored by this, that you bear much fruit and show that you are my disciples."

Maybe in this season of life you need lifted up?  Maybe you are covered in something, could be sin, could be life, but whatever it is it is keeping you from direct contact with the Son.  If so, allow God to lift you up.  You were not created to live in the mud and muck.  You were called to a life that produces "much fruit." 

WARNING: When God lifts you up He doesn't ask you how you want this to happen.  Do not fight what God is trying to do in your life.  Think on this...Is there a person in your life that is trying to speak God's truth but you are refusing to listen to them?  Is God asking you to do something that you do not want to do?  Do you find yourself refusing to grow up in a particular area of life (establishing a budget to control your spending, working out a better form of communication between you and your spouse, changing the way you "date," etc...)

WARNING: Don't get in the way of God doing His thing in someone else's life.  Are you sure that your "helping" isn't really interference for what God is trying to do in that person's life?  

Season of Pruning:
First, if you are being "pruned" please don't confuse this with discipline.  Pruning isn't bad.  Pruning is a very good thing.  Notice John 15:2, "He prunes every branch that bears fruit so that it will bear more fruit."  During this season, God is cutting you back so that in season you will produce even MORE fruit!  Don't fight the shears.  Embrace them!  Allow God to give you rest.  Please hear me (and as you read this pray that I too would understand what I'm writing because I struggle with this), no crop produces fruit 24/7.  You're not the exception.  But...

Pruning isn't just a vacation.  Don't be deceived.  Pruning involves cutting away.  As you follow Jesus and as He produces fruit in your life...He will expect more of you.  Jesus' first call is to "come and see" and somewhere along the way He raises the stakes to "pick up your cross and follow me" or come and die.  Do not be deceived...when God prunes you, He often ask you to give up things that you really enjoy.  These are not always bad things.  He may simply ask you to give up something just to see if you are as loyal to him as you think you are.  When we allow His holy shears to go to work in our life, we can be sure that in season, He will have prepared a person able to bear more fruit.  

WARNING: Stop being mad at God.  If you can't understand why "this" is happening in your life, maybe you should consider that God is preparing you for much MORE.  Repent for your poor attitude and chill out.  

Season of Fruitfulness
Ahhh...Don't we all want to be here.  But please know...In the harvest there is a lot of work.  Let me put this before you.  Is your harvest ready?  Is it time to collect some fruit?  What I'm trying to say is, don't leave fruit on the vine!  Is it time to share the gospel with her?  Yes!  Is it time to share the gospel with him?  Yes!  Is it time to intentionally disciple them?  Yes!  If you're in this season of fruitfulness get to work.  God has entrusted with you precious fruit.  My Father is honored by this, that you bear much fruit and show that you are my disciples."

WARNING: You are not the fruit producer.  The vine (Jesus) is the producer of the fruit.  Don't get cocky or arrogant.  Just remember, you ain't that good.  Be thankful that God chooses to use you.  You might even consider how to bless him back for allowing you to be a part of this fruitful season.  

There is much more to say to this but I think this is enough for today.  
Blessings,
Pastor Matt

Position

Let's begin with a section of scripture found in the Gospel of John.

15 “I am the true vine and my Father is the gardener. 2 He (lifts up) every branch that does not bear fruit in me. He prunes every branch that bears fruit so that it will bear more fruit. 3 You are clean already because of the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it remains in the vine, so neither can you unless you remain in me.  5 I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me—and I in him—bears much fruit, because apart from me you can accomplish nothing. 6 If anyone does not remain in me, he is thrown out like a branch, and dries up; and such branches are gathered up and thrown into the fire, and are burned up. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you want, and it will be done for you. 8 My Father is honored by this, that you bear much fruit and show that you are my disciples."  - Jesus, John 15:1-8

This is what I read today.  I want share with you some of my observations over the next few days as they were a great reminder for me and I hope they will be for you as well.

Observation #1
I think this passage is one of the most important passages in all the Bible.  There are several reasons I think this, but for today I want to focus on one.  This passage speaks to our position.  Before reading further, I ask that you re-read the above passage.  As you do, see if you can identify the "characters" within this story.  

How many did you notice?  I noticed 4.

The four are: the Gardner, the vine, the branch, and the fruit.  Pop quiz...
"Which of the four are you?"

This a really important question.  Not only to answer but to also think on this week.  I say this because, although you know you are the "branch," we act like the "vine" and take credit for the "fruit."

Here's what I did and I ask you to do the same.  Think on the above statement and then think on the following questions.  How are you acting like the "vine?"  What "fruit" are you taking credit for?  If you're really brave, reach out to someone who is further along in their following Jesus and discuss this with them.  

Have a blessed day,
Pastor Matt

Remind Them...

Titus 3:1-7 says,

"Remind them to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work. They must not slander anyone, but be peaceable, gentle, showing complete courtesy to all people."

You may need to re-read this passage. I've read it several times this morning.

Don't miss the fullness of Paul's word choice: "every good work", "must not slander", "showing complete courtesy to all people".

Thia is what I'm told to "remind" you. But why?  Why do you, and I need reminding?  That's easy, because we forget!   

Here's another question, "Why should I show this type of kindness to those types of people?  Shouldn't I be against them?"  Great question, glad you asked. For the answer all you have to do is keep reading this letter to Titus.  

Why should we show this type of kindness to those types of people? 

"For we too were once foolish, disobedient, misled, enslaved to various passions and desires, spending our lives in evil and envy, hateful and hating one another. But, when the kindness of God our Saviour and his love for mankind appeared, he saved us not by works of righteousness that we have done but on the basis of his mercy, through the washing of the new birth and the renewin of the Holy Spirit..." Titus 3:3-5

If that scripture confused you let me answer the question of "Why be kind to those types of people?" this way. 

Because it wasn't that long ago that you were just like them!  And, God, not something you did, but God saved you by his grace. Grace has a name, it's Jesus Christ. 

So, what am I saying? Be nice to the world. Jesus didn't come yelling and screaming and neither should you. Jesus's ministry didn't consist of attacking those far from God and neither should yours.  

Hear a warning from Titus 1:16, "They profess to know God but with their deeds they deny him."   

My prayer for the church is this, that our words = our actions.  

Have a blessed day as you trust in and live like Jesus, 

Pastor Matt

Not For You?

Here's a thought for you...What if your faithfulness towards God was not meant for your immediate benefit?  What if you being faithful to the life God has called you to live was for your kids or your grandkids or even your great-great-great grandkids?  

What if...the life God has called you to live was all about you changing the spiritual direction of your future family tree.

I was thinking about this today as I was reading The Story chapter 4.  In this chapter we are introduced to Moses.  On page 46 (Exodus 3:8) God says to Moses, "So I have come down to rescue them (Israelites who are slaves in Egypt) from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey..."

This is so interesting to me because, with this statement God is going to fulfill a promise that he made to Moses great-great-great-great grandfather Abraham.  In Genesis 12 God tells Abraham, "To your offspring I will give this land."  I'd guess Abraham thought God was talking about his future son (which hadn't been born at the time of this statement).  And I'm certain Abraham didn't think it was going to take around 565 years for God to bring baby Moses into the world to lead a people into a promise.  (This calculation is based on the time-line provided in The Story).  

I think this is a very mature thought...Would/Could you remain faithful to God, even if you knew, that you're faithfulness would never benefit you?

Here's another one...Would/Could you remain faithful to God just because he asked you to?  No reward.  No promise.  Just a simple human replying to our great God..."Yes, I will live and love as you ask me to."  

Wow...Now that's maturity.  Will you take a step in that direction today?  Here's what I'm praying...Take a look and see if you want to join with me.

Lord, You are God and I am not.  However, I'm not nothing.  I trust that I'm your prized creation.  I believe that you died for my sins.  I trust the blood you shed covers my sins and provides me the gift of unrestricted relationship with you.  Like Adam and Eve, I will one day walk with you in the cool of the day.  Yet, that day hasn't come.  Lord, your world is becoming crowded with people who: give you no respect, say you don't exist, or say they know you but live like those who don't.  Lord, this world makes me weak...But you make me strong!  Lord, I ask for the strength to remain loyal to you.  I ask for Your wisdom so that I might better understand what you say in your Bible...Not so that I am smarter...No, that I may show you that I am loyal to you and to you alone.  You said, through Jesus, "If you love me, obey my commandments."  Lord, whatever I might face today...the good, the bad, or the ugly...Help me to face it as you would.  And those times I fail, and they happen more times then I'd like to admit, let me accept your grace, learn from my mistake, repent of my action/attitude, and confidently continue to follow in your example of life and love.  Lord, I love you.  Today I will live, love, and follow...On Purpose!  

Have a blessed day and don't forget to have read The Story chapter 4 prior to Sunday.
Much love,
Pastor Matt

Caring for the Moix Family

Good Monday New City Church family.  As I shared on Sunday, we will be using our blog as a way to communicate specific ways for you to bless the Moix family during this difficult time.

If you're not aware of what's going on, let me provide a quick update.  Rachel Moix was diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer two weeks ago.  This week, Rachel will begin an 18 week chemo treatment process.  Over the next several months we are choosing to gather around the Moix family and serve them in a variety of ways.  Below are some of the ways we will be meeting these specific needs.

1. Providing Meals:
- If you would like to join in and help provide meals for the Moix family you can do so by clicking this link.  Here you will find a schedule of open days that you can bless them with food.  

2. Cards and Gifts:
- If you want to provide Rachel with a specific gift, flowers, or a card, please contact Jenn Miller for the best way to give this blessing.  Jenn@newcitychurch.com

3. Prayer and Fasting:
- If you would like to choose a specific day of the week to pray and fast for Rachel you can do this by emailing Trista Voos.  Trista.Voos@gmail.com

4. House Cleaning:
- If you would like to provide financial resources that will go specifically to the person who has been hired to help clean their home you can do so by emailing Jenn Miller.  Jenn@newcitychurch.com

5. Other Things:
- If you have other ways that you want to bless them or you have questions please feel free to contact any of our Elders.  Casey@newcitychurch.com, Charlie@newcitychurch.com, Matt@newcitychurch.com, or Randy@newcitychurch.com.

Let the blessings begin,
Pastor Matt
  

What Type of Faith?

This is the second of three blogs about Trials, Faith and Temptation.

You may think you are a person of faith, and you very well may be. But here’s a way to discover what type of faith you have. When you find yourself in a trial, what is the foundation of your faith? How you answer this will describe what type of faith you have. Let me share some of my own experiences as I have learned about faith.

When some are tested their faith is expressed in prayer. They pray, they get their friends to pray, they ask their friends on social media to pray. Everyone is praying…But the question is, what are they praying? Nevertheless, prayer makes the person feel better.

When others are tested they seek wise counsel. They meet with as many people as they can, some who are peers and others who are wiser than they. And they talk and they share. But what do they talk about and what is shared? But this too makes the person feel better.

When some are tested they hunker down with their own past experiences and weather the storm. They’ve been here before so they recall what they did the last time and often lean on some little poem or wise saying that helps them get through the test. But what is the basis of the poem or the saying or the experience? Yet, this also makes the person feel better.

Prayer, wise counsel, experiences, these are all wonderful things. But they are not necessarily Biblical faith. 

I’m learning to have not just faith but true Biblical faith. Biblical faith is not prayer, it’s not seeking wise counsel, it’s not leaning on your past experiences.  Biblical faith is knowing, applying, and trusting in God’s word. When you find yourself in any type of trial and you allow the Bible to speak into your life, you align your actions with what God is saying, and then you trust that God will do what He said He would do. This is Biblical faith.

When you pray, pray scripture. Don’t babble on trying to persuade God to respond. Thank Him for this trial and for what it will produce within you. Pray scriptures like Romans 8:28 and Genesis 50:20.  Bigger words, tighter eyes, more tears do not equate to Biblical faith. 

When you meet with your wise counsel what is the source of the advice. If your wise counsel can’t point you to scripture…RUN! You can get anything they are saying at your local bookstore. Men and women who have Biblical faith will point you back to God’s word and give you Biblical principals that reflect the heart of those scriptures. Look for your “Jethro” or “Paul” who will speak into your life and point you always back to what God says.

When you think on your past experiences remember Proverbs 3:5-6. When you think back on your past experiences remember what Moses told the Israelites when crossing the Jordan, “stay behind the ark of the covenant…for we have never been this way before.” When walking through a trial, even one that seems familiar, allow God to lead you and not your past experience (your past experiences may be the very reason you are in this trial again?).

What would our life, family, and churches look like if we were people who understood and lived in Biblical faith.  I will answer that with some Biblical faith...Jesus said, "the gates of hell will not prevail."  

Have a blessed day,
Pastor Matt

Types of Trials

This post is the first of three.  Over the next few days I will post on the topics of Trials, Faith, and Temptations.  Each of these devotional blogs will be based out of the book of James.  

Types of Trial

I believe there are three types of trials a person faces.  The first type of trial is the trial you create.  This is the speeding ticket.  You know, those things you find yourself in that although you want to blame someone else, and maybe you do, it’s really no one’s fault but yours.  Yet it is something you must deal with.  This type of trial is simply, your fault.

The second trial is not because of you or anyone else.  It’s just you having to deal with the daily grind of living in this jacked up world.  Types of trouble within this trial include: your ac breaking and costing you several thousands of dollars, you being diagnosed with cancer, or your house being destroyed by a flash flood.  These trials are not your fault but yet they happen and although you didn’t create them nor want them you must deal with them…This is called life.

The third type of trial is the hardest for me to reconcile.  The third type of trial is when someone else’s wickedness affects your peace.  This is when you are hit by a drunk driver, someone hurts your child, your spouse leaves you for another person, or maybe your partner is stealing from you and there’s nothing you can do but take the loss.  These types of trials are so frustrating for me because in the first type I can own my own behavior, in trial two, although it’s difficult I find it easier to trust God because I didn’t cause the pain, nor did you, so all I can do is look to Him.  But here, in this third type of trial I find my anger rise.  This is not right!  This is wrong and justice must be had.  However, James tells me to do the same here as I would in any other type of trial.

“consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance.” James 1:2

What about you, what type of trial are you in?  Give it a name, be able to identify it.  This will help you as you search the scripture to see what God says about you and your trial.  

How will you find joy? There is joy somewhere within this trial.  You MUST NOT miss this for if you do you might not pass the test.

Will you pass this test?  Where have you fixed your focus?  Will you endure or will this trial consume you?  I believe that God has given you every "tool" that you need to endure.  Do you know where to find these "tools" and more importantly do you know how to use them?

That's enough for now...
God bless,
Pastor Matt

Forgetful?

I've been reading in James for the past several weeks.  James is such a rich book that is filled with application.  AND...it's not complicated to understand.  For example, read with me James 1:23-25

"For if someone merely listens to the message and does not live it out, he is like someone who gazes at his own face in a mirror.  For he gazes at himself and then goes out and immediately forgets what sort of person he was.  But the one who peers into the perfect law of liberty and fixes his attention there, and does not become a forgetful listener but one who lives it out - he will be blessed in what he does."  

Let's look deeper into this passage:
Do you want to gaze upon the person you used to be...  "what sort of person he was", OR will you gaze upon the scriptures that reflect what you can become... "peers into the perfect law of liberty...one who lives it out - he will be blessed in what he does."

If you're tired of life you are living then start living a your life in a new direction.  It's really not all that complicated.  

Notice also that James speaks of the Bible, not as something that takes your life away and keep you away from all fun but rather as something that brings your freedom... "peers into the perfect law of liberty."  Is that how you view the Bible?  Here's a new thought for many of you...The Bible, God's way, the lifestyle Jesus set for us...Will always set you free.  You think people who are chasing every desire are free?  C'mon...they're anything but free.  They are captives of their flesh...always having to do whatever their skin commands.  But not us...Not for those of us who peer into the Bible to learn how to live.  

Command your skin, your flesh, to shut up and begin to peer into the freedom that comes when we follow Jesus!

Have a FREE week.  
Much love,
Pastor Matt

Confused?

I would like to offer a quick spiritual thought for you to think on.  

In John 14:15 Jesus says. "If you love me _________________."  What do you think Jesus said would show that you love him? You've probably already looked at Jn 14:15 for the answer. If not, let me give it to you. Jesus said we can know we love him if we obey his commands. 

I think we miss the application because the word "Love" gets thrown around all the time. I think a great way to view this word, in this context, is by thinking about loyalty. What if we ready John 14:15 this way, "If you are going to be loyal to me then you will do what I say."   

Think on this...How often have you told God you love him YET continue to not do what he says?  Before we conclude, look with me in the book of James chapter 1 verse 22.  

"But be sure you live out the message and do not merely listen to it and so deceive yourselves."  

Notice that hearing the words of God are not the same as living them out. Might you be confused in life because you are listening to God and at the same time completely ignoring Him?   

No one can walk in two directions at the same time. At every moment you will either take steps towards God or away from Him. - J. Piper

Much love,

Pastor Matt

Yes or No?

I'm writing this post in hopes that you will read it.  Let me begin with a question for you...Not them...A question for you.

Do you believe the Bible?  Stay with me...Do you really believe that you can completely trust EVERY SINGLE word found in the Bible?  

I want to share a couple recent conversations I've had.  You may read these examples and think, "Hey, that's a conversation I had with Matt."  Then, you would be right.  I'm using you as an example:)

#1 - A few weeks ago I'm in the lobby and I stopped to say hello to one of our single young adults.  I said, "How are you today?"  He responds, "I have a bad headache."  So, being a pastor who believes in healing I said, "Would you like me to pray for you?  He replied, "No."  And walked off to get a free coffee in hopes that it would subdue his aching head.

#2 - A couple weeks back I was talking to a family of our church.  During our short conversation they shared how stuff has always and is still breaking all around them.  Everywhere they go, it seems bad luck seemed to follow.  So, being a pastor who believes Jesus IS shalom (Peace), I said, "How about me and one of our Elders come over to your house and pray over you and your stuff.  We will pray for God to bring peace into your home."  They laughed my suggestion off.  

Here's the deal.  James 5:13-16, "Is anyone among you ill? He should summon the elders of the church, and they should pray for him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick and the Lord will raise him up—and if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. So confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great effectiveness."

Do you believe this?  If, YES, and then you don't obey...What good has this truth served you?

Here's another thought...And I mentioned it earlier.  In the Old Testament, Shalom was a very big deal.  Shalom means a lot of things but at the heart of this word is "peace."  "Peace" in every AREA of your life!  What?...do you believe in some pansy little god who can only give you peace in the easy areas?  The entire New Testament is about God sending his only begotten son, Jesus.  Jesus is the perfect, not a type, but exact expression of Shalom.  Peace has a name and it's Jesus.  

Peace is not too far away for you.  If you're trying to have peace, there's the problem.  You and I can only conjure up so much peace.  Some things are beyond our pay grade.  This is when you lean on your church family, your Elders to step in with you and pray for and over you.  

I'm done...But I want you to know why I'm writing this post.  Today I'm really really happy.  The kind of happy where you have to hold back tears.  Why?  Because God just answered a huge healing prayer for someone very special to me.  Today, I have seen God be faithful to his own words.  Today, God has increased my faith in Himself!  So, why do I write as I do?  Because I want you to know God more.  I want you to feel the way I do right now.  I want you to trust that God is true, is good, is for us, is in control,...I could go on and on but I've got to get ready for City Walk.  

People of God, trust in the words we read in our Bible.  Each word was written ON PURPOSE.
Blessings,
Pastor Matt