You are currently browsing the monthly archive for March 2008.
Most of us have had addictions of some sort. Some of those addictions are taboo, others are culturally acceptable (like TV, coffee, work, internet, etc). But, no matter what kind they are, Jesus can help us in a journey that will take us from slavery to freedom! That is why in April we will be starting a brand new series in The Pursuit called "Hooked," where we will learn to break free from those addictions! 
As part of that series, we will have a special guest on Sunday April 20. Craig Gross from xxxchurch.com will be speaking at our Celebration Services about the addiction to porn!
This is something that has been in the making for a while, and we are excited to announce it today! God is providing an amazing speaker for this topic! I do not know Craig personally, but I have seen his debates with people in the porn industry and I was impressed by the knowledge and grace he displays! It will be a great treat to have him come to our young church!
If you are in the area make sure you come by on Sunday April 20 @ 10:30am (check out www.thepursuit.cc for directions).
Reading the last few chapters of Matthew brings about a mixture of emotions. On one hand, there is sadness for the sacrifice and the torture that Jesus endured. I feel that each minute that passed was even more palpable for him because of the continuous punishment. Over and over again he was insulted, spat on, beat, flogged, and mocked. And, even though it took place about two thousand years a go, I feel like I administered each one of those forms of punishment with my sin. I know I have denied him, humiliated him, and ignored him. A big part of the sins he was carrying that day were mine. He had none, he bore mine. He was pure, but took on my filth. He was holy, but decided to suffer the punishment for my faults.
On the other hand, there is incredible joy to be found! He endured all the punishment not only knowing that He would die, but also knowing that He would live! He resurrected on the third day! He conquered death, defeated sin, and open a clear path for us to reach the Father. This is how He paved the way, with His own blood. His victory allows us to be victorious over sin as well!
Then, a new countdown began. It is the countdown until His second return. What are we to do? He has left us with a purpose…
Matthew 28:19-20
"… go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
Somebody before us took this order seriously, because we are disciples today! And we are to obey everything that He has taught. This is not easy. Satan does not want us to obey Jesus and to live for Him, with Him, through Him. That is why Jesus finished His statement with the words "I am with you always, to the very end of age."
He is with us. He is with me. He spilled His blood to clean my sins and make me holy! He has forgiven me and given me new life! And I need to live this new life obeying Him and making other disciples of Jesus. People need to know they too can live a life to the fullest in Him. People need to know Him!
I am not worthy of this journey. I do not know why God has allowed me to enter His grace, especially because I have rejected it so many times. But I do know that I need to do something about it. That is why I serve Him. That is why I want to live for Him.
Jesus, may your words enter my heart and dwell within me forever! I delight in your love because it is a love that I do not deserve! Thank You for Your sacrifice. For your love so amazing. No one has ever died for me, and even if they did, no one’s life or death can take away my sins like you have. I give you all the glory Jesus! May we celebrate your life today. May we lift you up and proclaim that You are the Son of God, who died for us and resurrected on the third day! You have given me salvation, and I thank you for that Christ! Make me Yours. Amen.
American Idol this season has been lacking for me. Most of the performances have been cheesy and awkward, except for just a few. However, the one consistent element of quality has been the band. Has anyone noticed that those guys can play ANYTHING?! Especially their guitarist, Paul Jackson Jr. That dude can play it all!
Texto: Matthew 25:20-21
Se acercó el que había recibido cinco talentos y trajo otros cinco
talentos, diciendo: "Señor, cinco talentos me entregaste; aquí tienes,
he ganado otros cinco talentos sobre ellos". Su señor le dijo: "Bien, buen siervo y fiel; sobre poco has sido fiel, sobre mucho te pondré. Entra en el gozo de tu señor".
Observacion/Aplicacion: Jesus cuenta la historia de un hombre que ha invertido lo que se le ha dado. Siempre hay riesgo en inversiones. Sin embargo, este hombre tomo el riesgo y tuvo produccion. Para mi, esta parabola no habla solo de dinero, sino de todo lo que Dios nos da para administrar. Debemos preguntarnos que cosas Dios nos ha dado en las cuales debemos invertir… nuestras habilidades, nuestra familia, nuestros bienes, nuestra iglesia, y nuestro corazon. Como podemos facilitar crecimiento para cada area? Como podemos regresar mas de lo que nos entregaron?
Oracion: Padre, queremos regresarte mas de lo que nos has dado. Enseñanos como podemos ser buenos administradores de todo lo que es tuyo. Como podemos invertir en cada area de nuestra vida para ver crecimiento? Danos sabiduria para saber como hacerlo. Amen.
Scripture: Matthew 24:44
So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.
Observation/Application: Jesus himself does not know the time of his second coming, yet he warns his disciples to be ready. This means, we cannot wait until the last minute to be like Jesus, not only will we be missing out on an adventurous life, but we will be caught off-guard. Instead, we have to live as if He was coming today!
Prayer: Jesus, may I live like you always. I do not want to wait until the last hour to change and be more like you, but I want to do it at all times. May I be ready for your return. Amen.
Scripture: Matthew 18:2
I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Observation/Application: The disciples were waiting for Jesus to paint the picture of a righteous man. Instead, he presents a crazy idea: children, who had little importance at the time, resembled more the type of man that Jesus is talking about. Humbleness, simplicity, blind love and absolute trust should fill our hearts, just like when we were kids.
Prayer: Father, may I never forget that my heart should be like that of a child. May my soul resemble the virtues of infants, and may I always love you like a son loves a father. Amen.
Scripture: Matthew 17:5b
"This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"
Observation: God Himself is identifying who Jesus is – His Son, the one He loves! Furthermore, He firmly commands that Jesus is to be heard! He is giving Jesus authority like no other.
Application: Life is so much better when we read and know the words of Jesus! It is so easy for us to delve into our Bibles and get His words, yet we ignore them due to busyness and convenience. In fact, most times His words will be hard to obey, but the rewards will be eternal!
Prayer: Jesus, may I be sensitive to Your words. Speak into my life. Show me in Scripture and through Your Holy Spirit what Your will for my life is. Talk to me. Guide me. Teach me. Amen.
Four years a go Erin and I got married! Time goes by quickly! I give thanks to God for my beautiful and
smart wife, I am so proud of her and the things she keeps doing for Jesus. I love you babe!
Those of you who bet we would get pregnant during our first year… YOU STILL OWE ME SOME MONEY!
We are at the American Airlines arena with the students. As you can
see the place is packed!
.
