Pastor Tony Ashmore continues the series "Family Recipes" with part 4 in this Sunday service.
Family Recipes Part 4
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, November 29, 2009
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Philippians 4:10 (Message) “I'm glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess…I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am…”
Main Point: God’s family recipe is risky. The family He wanted has rejected and betrayed Him, yet He keeps on loving. Today, we will look at the ingredients of His recipe for family—Dangerous Love
Dangerous Love
1. Every Time He Drove a Nail—When did He know? We know that by the time He was 12, He knew the scriptures and His place in them. Yet, He loved dangerously. John 6:61-65 “The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But some of you do not believe me.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning which ones didn’t believe, and he knew who would betray him.) Then he said, “That is why I said that people can’t come to me unless the Father gives them to me.”
2. Risk it all to get it all--John 12:24 "Listen carefully: Unless a grain of wheat is buried in the ground, dead to the world, it is never any more than a grain of wheat. But if it is buried, it sprouts and reproduces itself many times over. In the same way, anyone who holds on to life just as it is destroys that life. But if you let it go, reckless in your love, you'll have it forever, real and eternal.”
3. Dangerous Love Ingredients—(Remember “God is love” 1 John 4:16—so we can interchange ‘God’ and ‘love’ in this passage without compromising the scripture. So we can know the actions of Dangerous Love) 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”
4. Communion represents Dangerous Love—
a. The Bread and the Wine--Risking it all to become one with Him (Paul said if Jesus was not raised from the dead, then we are fools)
b. The Cross--Risking it all to love ourselves (forgiving ourselves, moving beyond our tendencies and failures to go for the best—the image of God in us)
c. The Candles--Risking it all to love others (Forgiving, reconciling, actively seeking influence by moving past our experiences, our cynicism, our low expectations of others)
Final Word:
Luke 19:26 Message "He said, 'That's what I mean: Risk your life and get more than you ever dreamed of. Play it safe and end up holding the bag.
A Life-Giving Church for People Just Like You!
Whether you are full of questions or ready to jump right in, there is a place for you at The Church at Mirror Lake. Our church is a place where you can build relationships with others, experience God in worship, be empowered by practical, life-giving teaching from God's Word, and have fun doing it.
Together, we are living the Winner's Life as we learn to love, serve, reach, grow and connect. So whether you're a spiritual seeker starting to ask questions about God, or a committed Christian looking to sink your faith roots even deeper, you'll feel at home at The Church at Mirror Lake.
If you believe Jesus really meant it when He said, "I came so people can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of," (John 10:10 Message Translation) then join us this weekend at one of our Jesus Celebrations. Until then, browse our website (a link is on the right of this page) where you'll find lots of helpful info and feel free to download one of our service messages or subscribe to our weekly podcast where you will receive the fresh, life-giving Word of God.
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Sunday, November 29, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
11/22/09 - Family Recipes PT3 - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore continues the series "Family Recipes" with part 3 in this Sunday service.
Family Recipes Part 3
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, November 22, 2009
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Philippians 4:10 (Message) “I'm glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess…I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am…”
Main Point: Sometimes it is our families, those who are supposed to be closer to us than others, that trigger our most destructive and undesirable behaviors. We look at some of the worst things that happened in the Bible and often it was among family members—Cain and Abel, Isaac and Esau, Joseph and his brothers, David and Absalom. We can also find the ingredients for great family, and thriving instead of just surviving family gatherings.
Family Recipes
1. Focus on Celebrating life rather than issues—(don’t compromise your boundaries, but look for ways to release righteousness, peace and joy while others think they’re just sharing a meal) Romans 14:13, 17-19
2. Words that Count—John 14:30 & John 8:26 (words used for Heaven’s purposes or hell’s distractions? Known more for what you are against or what you are for?)
a. Matthew 7:6 Pearls before swine (Do you want people to know how great you are or how great He is?)
3. The Better Thing—Luke 10:38-42 and John 11
2 Different Targets with 2 Different Results
Martha’s target—a memorable meal
Mary’s target—a memorable encounter
Note—we never know what the meal was or how it turned out.
Results are found in John 11:
o Martha is worried about details and can list the reason why things shouldn’t happen
o Mary’s “wasted life” results in those around her being changed—A transformed human will always result in transformed humanity. John 11:45
38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home
40But Martha [overly occupied and too busy] was distracted with much serving (AMP)
38-39She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. (MESSAGE)
42 One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it's the main course, and won't be taken from her." (MESSAGE)
40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner (NLT)
42 Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her." (CEV)
John 11:2 This is the Mary who later poured the expensive perfume on the Lord’s feet and wiped them with her hair
John 11:45 Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen.
Final Word:
What’s your recipe for making your family time, your gatherings, your time with others, a time when Heaven touches your earth and changes your world?
- Welcome Him
- Lavish your life on Him
- Watch Heaven change your world and those you love!
Family Recipes Part 3
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, November 22, 2009
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Philippians 4:10 (Message) “I'm glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess…I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am…”
Main Point: Sometimes it is our families, those who are supposed to be closer to us than others, that trigger our most destructive and undesirable behaviors. We look at some of the worst things that happened in the Bible and often it was among family members—Cain and Abel, Isaac and Esau, Joseph and his brothers, David and Absalom. We can also find the ingredients for great family, and thriving instead of just surviving family gatherings.
Family Recipes
1. Focus on Celebrating life rather than issues—(don’t compromise your boundaries, but look for ways to release righteousness, peace and joy while others think they’re just sharing a meal) Romans 14:13, 17-19
2. Words that Count—John 14:30 & John 8:26 (words used for Heaven’s purposes or hell’s distractions? Known more for what you are against or what you are for?)
a. Matthew 7:6 Pearls before swine (Do you want people to know how great you are or how great He is?)
3. The Better Thing—Luke 10:38-42 and John 11
2 Different Targets with 2 Different Results
Martha’s target—a memorable meal
Mary’s target—a memorable encounter
Note—we never know what the meal was or how it turned out.
Results are found in John 11:
o Martha is worried about details and can list the reason why things shouldn’t happen
o Mary’s “wasted life” results in those around her being changed—A transformed human will always result in transformed humanity. John 11:45
38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home
40But Martha [overly occupied and too busy] was distracted with much serving (AMP)
38-39She had a sister, Mary, who sat before the Master, hanging on every word he said. But Martha was pulled away by all she had to do in the kitchen. Later, she stepped in, interrupting them. (MESSAGE)
42 One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it—it's the main course, and won't be taken from her." (MESSAGE)
40 But Martha was distracted by the big dinner (NLT)
42 Mary has chosen what is best, and it will not be taken away from her." (CEV)
John 11:2 This is the Mary who later poured the expensive perfume on the Lord’s feet and wiped them with her hair
John 11:45 Many of the people who were with Mary believed in Jesus when they saw this happen.
Final Word:
What’s your recipe for making your family time, your gatherings, your time with others, a time when Heaven touches your earth and changes your world?
- Welcome Him
- Lavish your life on Him
- Watch Heaven change your world and those you love!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
11/18/09 - What's Next PT3 - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore continues the series "What's Next" in this Wednesday evening service.
What's Next - Part 3
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
What's Next - Part 3
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
11/15/09 - Family Recipes PT2 - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore continues the series "Family Recipes" with part 2 in this Sunday service.
Family Recipes Part 2
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, November 15, 2009
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Philippians 4:10 (Message) “I'm glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess…I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am…”
Main Point: There are lots of recipes. They all look similar—List of ingredients, mixing and cooking directions—but what sets them apart is the end result—what they produce. A recipe is like a kitchen version of DNA—science can identify the ingredients but they cannot identify the directions that produce life. Our recipe, our DNA, makes us unique and can be used to identify us beyond a doubt. God has a recipe for life that, like DNA, will give us identity and declare us innocent of the charges against us. But it takes more than knowing the ingredients and the directions—we must love what it produces.
What makes a great recipe?
1. Ingredients
- 2 Peter 1: 3-4 “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.”
a. We have what we need, the ingredients, the DNA, to live a rich and satisfying life. Note: what we desire is the determining ingredient.
b. It is not enough to have the ingredients—we must have the directions. The same ingredients God has given us for life can produce religion. Instead of freedom, they can be used to produce control and bondage. Instead of relationship, they produce rules and regulations.
2. Directions
- Joshua 1:6-8 “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.”
a. 1 Samuel 15:22 “What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.” We like to experiment with the recipe. Why? Because some recipes have actually been improved through experimentation. But, then there are the tried and true ones. The ones that just work if you follow the directions. Note: our offerings and sacrifices are burnt!
b. John 14:21 “Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me.” Note the 1st direction is always to fall in love with God. The rest of the directions are dependent on the first one.
3. “The Proof is in the Pudding”
- Psalm 34:8 “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!”
• We can only know the recipe is a good one when we have tasted the results. Others can tell us about it, describe how it tastes to them, but until we taste for ourselves we don’t know if it is a recipe we want to use.
• Once we have tasted and found it good, then we are willing to make it a part of our “cookbook”. Then it becomes part of our culture—our DNA.
Final Word:
Like the batter of a great recipe—the waste—that we cannot just throw away, we lick the mixer paddles, clean the bowl, make ice cream flavors based on it—we can determine our DNA-the recipes we are choosing for life—by what we are “wasting” our lives on. 2 instances of waste in the New Testament—
1. The Prodigal Son who wasted his inheritance on what was supposed to be life, and
2. Mary of Bethany—who those watching her pour out a year of her life’s earnings on Jesus described as wasteful. I have decided to waste my life on Jesus.
Family Recipes Part 2
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, November 15, 2009
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Philippians 4:10 (Message) “I'm glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess…I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am…”
Main Point: There are lots of recipes. They all look similar—List of ingredients, mixing and cooking directions—but what sets them apart is the end result—what they produce. A recipe is like a kitchen version of DNA—science can identify the ingredients but they cannot identify the directions that produce life. Our recipe, our DNA, makes us unique and can be used to identify us beyond a doubt. God has a recipe for life that, like DNA, will give us identity and declare us innocent of the charges against us. But it takes more than knowing the ingredients and the directions—we must love what it produces.
What makes a great recipe?
1. Ingredients
- 2 Peter 1: 3-4 “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires.”
a. We have what we need, the ingredients, the DNA, to live a rich and satisfying life. Note: what we desire is the determining ingredient.
b. It is not enough to have the ingredients—we must have the directions. The same ingredients God has given us for life can produce religion. Instead of freedom, they can be used to produce control and bondage. Instead of relationship, they produce rules and regulations.
2. Directions
- Joshua 1:6-8 “Be strong and courageous, for you are the one who will lead these people to possess all the land I swore to their ancestors I would give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the instructions Moses gave you. Do not deviate from them, turning either to the right or to the left. Then you will be successful in everything you do. Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.”
a. 1 Samuel 15:22 “What is more pleasing to the Lord: your burnt offerings and sacrifices or your obedience to his voice? Listen! Obedience is better than sacrifice, and submission is better than offering the fat of rams.” We like to experiment with the recipe. Why? Because some recipes have actually been improved through experimentation. But, then there are the tried and true ones. The ones that just work if you follow the directions. Note: our offerings and sacrifices are burnt!
b. John 14:21 “Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me.” Note the 1st direction is always to fall in love with God. The rest of the directions are dependent on the first one.
3. “The Proof is in the Pudding”
- Psalm 34:8 “Taste and see that the Lord is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!”
• We can only know the recipe is a good one when we have tasted the results. Others can tell us about it, describe how it tastes to them, but until we taste for ourselves we don’t know if it is a recipe we want to use.
• Once we have tasted and found it good, then we are willing to make it a part of our “cookbook”. Then it becomes part of our culture—our DNA.
Final Word:
Like the batter of a great recipe—the waste—that we cannot just throw away, we lick the mixer paddles, clean the bowl, make ice cream flavors based on it—we can determine our DNA-the recipes we are choosing for life—by what we are “wasting” our lives on. 2 instances of waste in the New Testament—
1. The Prodigal Son who wasted his inheritance on what was supposed to be life, and
2. Mary of Bethany—who those watching her pour out a year of her life’s earnings on Jesus described as wasteful. I have decided to waste my life on Jesus.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
11/11/09 - What's Next PT2 - Tony Sherrill
Tony Sherrill continues "What's Next" in part 2 of the series in this Wednesday evening service.
What's Next Part 2
Tony Sherrill
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
What's Next Part 2
Tony Sherrill
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sunday, November 8, 2009
11/08/09 - Family Recipes PT1 - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore begins a new series entitled "Family Recipes" with part 1 in this Sunday service.
Family Recipes Part 1
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, November 08, 2009
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Philippians 4:10 (Message) “I'm glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess…I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am…”
Main Point: This month we will celebrate Thanksgiving by coming together and sharing a meal. That meal evokes memories—favorite dishes prepared by favorite people. Those favorite dishes are the result of a recipe—a combination of ingredients that end up producing memories and even identification—Shirley’s Strawberry Cake, Sheryll’s Sweet Potato Casserole, Amy’s Mac’n Cheese.
In the same way, the Bible gives us recipes for great life. There are defined combinations of ingredients that will produce rich and satisfying life. This month we will explore those recipes from God’s Word together.
Recipe for Life…Luke 15:11-24—A Ring, A Robe, and A Party
1. A Ring--He Knows My Name
- Isaiah 49:16 “See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands…”
a. My name means something to Him, even if it means nothing to me. My name, my identity, is important to Him. He knows every hair on my head and every tear I have ever cried. He has never left me, and will never leave me.
b. My name, my purpose, are still intact with Him. The prodigal had spent the inheritance, wasted on the illusion of life promised by the world’s culture. Yet it was restored with the restoration of the ring—his identity and his place in his family. The ring represented the authority of the Father. It carried the weight of His name and the inheritance of His Kingdom.
2. A Robe--Time Has Not Altered My Value to Him
- Matthew 13:45-46 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!”
a. Everything the prodigal had done, all the wasted time and resources, all the regrets and “if only’s”, had not de-valued him to His father. Through the cycle of trying to find worth through a life defined by the world’s culture, of the demoralizing realization of failure, through the humbling walk back, ready to be relegated to a lesser role, his value with His Father remained the same.
b. He knows me and He loves me—now and forevermore.
- Hebrews 4:13-16 - 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. 14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
3. A Party—Surround me with Family
- Ephesians 1:3-6 (Message) - How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.
Family Recipes Part 1
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, November 08, 2009
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Philippians 4:10 (Message) “I'm glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess…I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am…”
Main Point: This month we will celebrate Thanksgiving by coming together and sharing a meal. That meal evokes memories—favorite dishes prepared by favorite people. Those favorite dishes are the result of a recipe—a combination of ingredients that end up producing memories and even identification—Shirley’s Strawberry Cake, Sheryll’s Sweet Potato Casserole, Amy’s Mac’n Cheese.
In the same way, the Bible gives us recipes for great life. There are defined combinations of ingredients that will produce rich and satisfying life. This month we will explore those recipes from God’s Word together.
Recipe for Life…Luke 15:11-24—A Ring, A Robe, and A Party
1. A Ring--He Knows My Name
- Isaiah 49:16 “See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands…”
a. My name means something to Him, even if it means nothing to me. My name, my identity, is important to Him. He knows every hair on my head and every tear I have ever cried. He has never left me, and will never leave me.
b. My name, my purpose, are still intact with Him. The prodigal had spent the inheritance, wasted on the illusion of life promised by the world’s culture. Yet it was restored with the restoration of the ring—his identity and his place in his family. The ring represented the authority of the Father. It carried the weight of His name and the inheritance of His Kingdom.
2. A Robe--Time Has Not Altered My Value to Him
- Matthew 13:45-46 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!”
a. Everything the prodigal had done, all the wasted time and resources, all the regrets and “if only’s”, had not de-valued him to His father. Through the cycle of trying to find worth through a life defined by the world’s culture, of the demoralizing realization of failure, through the humbling walk back, ready to be relegated to a lesser role, his value with His Father remained the same.
b. He knows me and He loves me—now and forevermore.
- Hebrews 4:13-16 - 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God. Everything is naked and exposed before his eyes, and he is the one to whom we are accountable. 14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
3. A Party—Surround me with Family
- Ephesians 1:3-6 (Message) - How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is! He's the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him. Long before he laid down earth's foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into his family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand of his beloved Son.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
11/04/09 - What's Next - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore begins a new series entitled "What's Next" in this Wednesday evening service.
What's Next?
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
What's Next?
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Monday, November 2, 2009
11/01/09 - Vision Sunday - Pastor Sheryll Ashmore
Pastor Sheryll Ashmore discusses "Where Am I and Why?" in this Vision Sunday message.
Vision Sunday - Where Am I and Why?
Pastor Sheryll Ashmore
Sunday, November 1, 2009
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Where Am I and Why?
In life, in relationships (with God and others), on the job, in my church
Vision Sunday-November 2009-Year coming to a close-Let’s look at our ministry model and set some goals for the remainder of 2009 and next year.
Ready to grow? If not, why? How do you feel when you hear the challenge to grow? This reveals the condition of our hearts.
Truth is: you’ve been called to greatness! God intends for us to lead a great life.
* Luke 7:28 “I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is.”
* John 14:12 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.”
Why does God want us to live great lives?
* Matthew 23:11 “The greatest among you must be a servant.” Life is not supposed to happen to us-we are supposed to be intentional and make the most of our life by serving others on purpose.
- His greatest desire is for us to live a life that looks beyond ourselves to see the needs and the hurts of others. This means we must continue to mature in our Christian walk. Left to our own thoughts, this does not come naturally. It happens as we allow His love to live in and through us.
Characteristics and excuses for where we are:
- I’ve been hurt (we forget we have also hurt others and hope and expect that they will forgive and move one) So much easier to focus on the times when we’ve been hurt, rather than those times we’ve done the hurting.
- I don’t have time. (grow and mature right where you are-simply make the most effective use of your life-get intentional about being the best coach ever in your home, on the job, doing what you are already doing at church)
Our reaction to life defines us: Those things or people that anger us, make us afraid control us. Others are watching to see if we live out what we say we believe.
- What comes out of our mouth in tough situations? The way you talk gives you away.
- Where was I this time last year? Have I shrunk, stayed the same, grown? Even if I identified myself as a coach last year, I should continue to grow and mature.
The Stadium Scenario
1.) Spectator: person who watches event
What’s in it for me?
Hope I get my money’s worth.
Judgmental
Critical
Notice things need to be done and wonder who will do it-no personal investment
Do I commit or not?
Examples: They do this or that. What do you do about this? They could have done that better. I could do better than them.
I stay here because:
I just can’t make a decision
I’m afraid I don’t have what it takes
* Luke 17:20 NKJV-“The kingdom of God does not come with observation…”
2.) Fan: person enthusiastic about an interest
I do get my money’s worth
I like it
I see things that need to be done or could be done better, but I’m pretty happy watching others do it.
I do cheer others on
Examples: Rah! Rah! Rah! You can do it. You do the work and I’ll cheer you on.
Look at how great our children’s ministry is-they do such a great job.
I stay here because:
I’m having a blast. I’m good at cheering others on. They need me to motivate them. It doesn’t really require much of me.
* Mark 9:40 NLT-“Anyone who is not against is for us.” Spectators and fans are “for us” people. Players and Coaches are “with us” folks.
3.) Player: a person who takes part
I am just not happy watching others make it happen
I am more invested and really want to participate in the victory
It’s important to me that the team performs well and we get the victory
Examples: We can do it. Hey-I’ll help you with that.
Did you notice we need_________? What should be done about that?
I stay here because:
If I go any further, I’m all in. Am I ready for that?
I’m doing great right where I am, why do I need anything more?
I’m really good at what I do. Wouldn’t it be better if I continue doing it?
* Matthew 5:1-2-Message-“When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions.”
4.) Coach: a person who instructs and aligns
It’s important to me that others find their place on the team
I look at the overall game plan and am no longer focused on just “my” area
I notice when something needs to be done in any area and don’t want on someone else to jump in there-if it needs to be done, I can do it.
My greatest joy is helping others find their gifts, get on the right seat on the bus and do well.
Examples: continually casting vision, sees the big picture, understands the importance of the entire team
Our overall game plan is: vision
Tell me what you like to do: making it happen
I know where your gift can be used effectively
I stay here because:
Where else would I be?
This is where I find the greatest level of satisfaction and fulfillment.
This is where I can serve others best
Once I’ve realized all of this, why would I go back to anything else?
In fact, I want to get better and better at coaching
* 1 Corinthians 9:19 “Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ.”
Four Groups of People Involved With Every Great Adventure:
1) Those who participate in the whole adventure (with us)
2) Those who started but did not finish (for us)
3) Those who waved at the adventurers from the dock (for us)
4) Those who didn’t even know there was an adventure going on (oblivious)
At the end of the day, I want to be in for the whole adventure. I want people to know I was with them, sold out to make sure they achieved their God-given destiny. I don’t want live to pass me by and I’m oblivious to what’s going on. I want my life to count for the Kingdom of God-I want to be someone He can use to bring many to Christ.
Vision Sunday - Where Am I and Why?
Pastor Sheryll Ashmore
Sunday, November 1, 2009
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Where Am I and Why?
In life, in relationships (with God and others), on the job, in my church
Vision Sunday-November 2009-Year coming to a close-Let’s look at our ministry model and set some goals for the remainder of 2009 and next year.
Ready to grow? If not, why? How do you feel when you hear the challenge to grow? This reveals the condition of our hearts.
Truth is: you’ve been called to greatness! God intends for us to lead a great life.
* Luke 7:28 “I tell you, of all who have ever lived, none is greater than John. Yet even the least person in the Kingdom of God is greater than he is.”
* John 14:12 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father.”
Why does God want us to live great lives?
* Matthew 23:11 “The greatest among you must be a servant.” Life is not supposed to happen to us-we are supposed to be intentional and make the most of our life by serving others on purpose.
- His greatest desire is for us to live a life that looks beyond ourselves to see the needs and the hurts of others. This means we must continue to mature in our Christian walk. Left to our own thoughts, this does not come naturally. It happens as we allow His love to live in and through us.
Characteristics and excuses for where we are:
- I’ve been hurt (we forget we have also hurt others and hope and expect that they will forgive and move one) So much easier to focus on the times when we’ve been hurt, rather than those times we’ve done the hurting.
- I don’t have time. (grow and mature right where you are-simply make the most effective use of your life-get intentional about being the best coach ever in your home, on the job, doing what you are already doing at church)
Our reaction to life defines us: Those things or people that anger us, make us afraid control us. Others are watching to see if we live out what we say we believe.
- What comes out of our mouth in tough situations? The way you talk gives you away.
- Where was I this time last year? Have I shrunk, stayed the same, grown? Even if I identified myself as a coach last year, I should continue to grow and mature.
The Stadium Scenario
1.) Spectator: person who watches event
What’s in it for me?
Hope I get my money’s worth.
Judgmental
Critical
Notice things need to be done and wonder who will do it-no personal investment
Do I commit or not?
Examples: They do this or that. What do you do about this? They could have done that better. I could do better than them.
I stay here because:
I just can’t make a decision
I’m afraid I don’t have what it takes
* Luke 17:20 NKJV-“The kingdom of God does not come with observation…”
2.) Fan: person enthusiastic about an interest
I do get my money’s worth
I like it
I see things that need to be done or could be done better, but I’m pretty happy watching others do it.
I do cheer others on
Examples: Rah! Rah! Rah! You can do it. You do the work and I’ll cheer you on.
Look at how great our children’s ministry is-they do such a great job.
I stay here because:
I’m having a blast. I’m good at cheering others on. They need me to motivate them. It doesn’t really require much of me.
* Mark 9:40 NLT-“Anyone who is not against is for us.” Spectators and fans are “for us” people. Players and Coaches are “with us” folks.
3.) Player: a person who takes part
I am just not happy watching others make it happen
I am more invested and really want to participate in the victory
It’s important to me that the team performs well and we get the victory
Examples: We can do it. Hey-I’ll help you with that.
Did you notice we need_________? What should be done about that?
I stay here because:
If I go any further, I’m all in. Am I ready for that?
I’m doing great right where I am, why do I need anything more?
I’m really good at what I do. Wouldn’t it be better if I continue doing it?
* Matthew 5:1-2-Message-“When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions.”
4.) Coach: a person who instructs and aligns
It’s important to me that others find their place on the team
I look at the overall game plan and am no longer focused on just “my” area
I notice when something needs to be done in any area and don’t want on someone else to jump in there-if it needs to be done, I can do it.
My greatest joy is helping others find their gifts, get on the right seat on the bus and do well.
Examples: continually casting vision, sees the big picture, understands the importance of the entire team
Our overall game plan is: vision
Tell me what you like to do: making it happen
I know where your gift can be used effectively
I stay here because:
Where else would I be?
This is where I find the greatest level of satisfaction and fulfillment.
This is where I can serve others best
Once I’ve realized all of this, why would I go back to anything else?
In fact, I want to get better and better at coaching
* 1 Corinthians 9:19 “Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ.”
Four Groups of People Involved With Every Great Adventure:
1) Those who participate in the whole adventure (with us)
2) Those who started but did not finish (for us)
3) Those who waved at the adventurers from the dock (for us)
4) Those who didn’t even know there was an adventure going on (oblivious)
At the end of the day, I want to be in for the whole adventure. I want people to know I was with them, sold out to make sure they achieved their God-given destiny. I don’t want live to pass me by and I’m oblivious to what’s going on. I want my life to count for the Kingdom of God-I want to be someone He can use to bring many to Christ.
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