Pastor Tony Ashmore continues the series "Treehugger" in this Sunday service.
Treehugger Part 2
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, March 21, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Life-Giving:
The Big Idea: Jesus is our Tree of Life and in Him we find God-focused life built on relationships and innocence restored
Genesis 2:9 “The Lord God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground—trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden he placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”
Living in the Tree of Life: Innocence and Freedom
- an easiness even though there is work to be done (Adam cared for the garden)
- an eager expectation of good instead of worry, dread and fear (innocence instead of cynicism)
- a life of responsibility—I take responsibility for my actions and life and I find more opportunities for greater responsibility—makes us Response-able: able to respond to God
- built on strength of relationships rather than abilities and knowledge
- an “acceptance environment” instead of a “comparative environment”—It is not competition that drives us, it is love that keeps calling us higher in every area of our life. Therefore the eternal always takes pre-eminence over the temporal.
- Failure is not final and does not define me
- Tree of Life people have found grace—the ability to follow the Truth because He lives in them and they are “being” instead of “becoming”.
- Read the Bible to find Jesus not to fulfill an obligation or finish a task. When we meet others who are not reading their Bible, we don’t proudly and arrogantly tell them they should be. We are broken for them because they are missing out on something great. (Magnum Ice Cream)
- Pray to commune and converse with God rather than appease or meet a requirement.
- Live righteously because they have been made right with God rather than living righteously to be right with God.
- Our greatest reward is not recognition of people but relationship with God. I don’t pray, fast, give to make myself or anyone else think better of me. I pray, fast and give because that is the nature of God and I have been made like Him. In those actions I find partnership with Him and intimacy grows.
- Revelation 22:2 “On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”
When we live a grace-filled life in the Tree of Life, it has an impact on others. Those around us will find healing—hope for the hopeless, acceptance for the rejected, cleansing for the filthy, restoration for the broken—the ultimate healing: reconciliation with their Heavenly Father.
How do I live in the Tree of Life:
- Change my view of my Heavenly Father. Eve was deceived through a desire to please God. She was already pleasing to God. Through Jesus, we are all pleasing to God. He wants children, not slaves.
- Approach Him through relationship, not rules. We do not have to earn an audience with Him, nor can we. We have been given our right standing as a gift of love.
- Practice responding to Him, to His presence. Re-sensitize yourself to Him. Actively recognize and honor Him.
- Respond to sin with life. Jesus did not come to make us sorry. He came to fix our broken lives. When we, or others, sin, respond with innocence and freedom rather than shame and blame. Instead of hiding and covering, run to the mercy seat and find the grace you need to win. (Hebrews 4:16) Isaiah 30:21 CEV “If you go the wrong way—to the right or to the left—you will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the right way. You should go this way."
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.
_________________________________________________________________
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Friday, March 19, 2010
03/17/10 - Seeing Him PT1 - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore begins a new series entitled "Seeing Him" in this Wednesday service.
Seeing Him Part 1
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Seeing Him Part 1
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Monday, March 15, 2010
03/14/10 - Treehuggers PT1 - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore begins a new series entitled "Treehuggers" in this Sunday service.
Treehuggers Part 1
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, March 14, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Life-Giving:
The Big Idea: Jesus is our Tree of Life and in Him we find God-focused life built on relationships and innocence restored
Genesis 2:9 “The Lord God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground—trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden he placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”
Living in the Tree of Life: Innocence and Freedom
- an easiness even though there is work to be done (Adam cared for the garden)
- an eager expectation of good instead of worry, dread and fear (innocence instead of cynicism)
- a life of responsibility—I take responsibility for my actions and life and I find more opportunities for greater responsibility—makes us Response-able: able to respond to God
- built on strength of relationships rather than abilities and knowledge
- an “acceptance environment” instead of a “comparative environment”—It is not competition that drives us, it is love that keeps calling us higher in every area of our life. Therefore the eternal always takes pre-eminence over the temporal.
- Failure is not final and does not define me
- Tree of Life people have found grace—the ability to follow the Truth because He lives in them and they are “being” instead of “becoming”.
- Read the Bible to find Jesus not to fulfill an obligation or finish a task. When we meet others who are not reading their Bible, we don’t proudly and arrogantly tell them they should be. We are broken for them because they are missing out on something great. (Magnum Ice Cream)
- Pray to commune and converse with God rather than appease or meet a requirement.
- Live righteously because they have been made right with God rather than living righteously to be right with God.
- Our greatest reward is not recognition of people but relationship with God. I don’t pray, fast, give to make myself or anyone else think better of me. I pray, fast and give because that is the nature of God and I have been made like Him. In those actions I find partnership with Him and intimacy grows.
- Revelation 22:2 “On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”
When we live a grace-filled life in the Tree of Life, it has an impact on others. Those around us will find healing—hope for the hopeless, acceptance for the rejected, cleansing for the filthy, restoration for the broken—the ultimate healing: reconciliation with their Heavenly Father.
How do I live in the Tree of Life:
- Change my view of my Heavenly Father. Eve was deceived through a desire to please God. She was already pleasing to God. Through Jesus, we are all pleasing to God. He wants children, not slaves.
- Approach Him through relationship, not rules. We do not have to earn an audience with Him, nor can we. We have been given our right standing as a gift of love.
- Practice responding to Him, to His presence. Re-sensitize yourself to Him. Actively recognize and honor Him.
- Respond to sin with life. Jesus did not come to make us sorry. He came to fix our broken lives. When we, or others, sin, respond with innocence and freedom rather than shame and blame. Instead of hiding and covering, run to the mercy seat and find the grace you need to win. (Hebrews 4:16) Isaiah 30:21 CEV “If you go the wrong way—to the right or to the left—you will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the right way. You should go this way."
Treehuggers Part 1
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, March 14, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Life-Giving:
The Big Idea: Jesus is our Tree of Life and in Him we find God-focused life built on relationships and innocence restored
Genesis 2:9 “The Lord God made all sorts of trees grow up from the ground—trees that were beautiful and that produced delicious fruit. In the middle of the garden he placed the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil.”
Living in the Tree of Life: Innocence and Freedom
- an easiness even though there is work to be done (Adam cared for the garden)
- an eager expectation of good instead of worry, dread and fear (innocence instead of cynicism)
- a life of responsibility—I take responsibility for my actions and life and I find more opportunities for greater responsibility—makes us Response-able: able to respond to God
- built on strength of relationships rather than abilities and knowledge
- an “acceptance environment” instead of a “comparative environment”—It is not competition that drives us, it is love that keeps calling us higher in every area of our life. Therefore the eternal always takes pre-eminence over the temporal.
- Failure is not final and does not define me
- Tree of Life people have found grace—the ability to follow the Truth because He lives in them and they are “being” instead of “becoming”.
- Read the Bible to find Jesus not to fulfill an obligation or finish a task. When we meet others who are not reading their Bible, we don’t proudly and arrogantly tell them they should be. We are broken for them because they are missing out on something great. (Magnum Ice Cream)
- Pray to commune and converse with God rather than appease or meet a requirement.
- Live righteously because they have been made right with God rather than living righteously to be right with God.
- Our greatest reward is not recognition of people but relationship with God. I don’t pray, fast, give to make myself or anyone else think better of me. I pray, fast and give because that is the nature of God and I have been made like Him. In those actions I find partnership with Him and intimacy grows.
- Revelation 22:2 “On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”
When we live a grace-filled life in the Tree of Life, it has an impact on others. Those around us will find healing—hope for the hopeless, acceptance for the rejected, cleansing for the filthy, restoration for the broken—the ultimate healing: reconciliation with their Heavenly Father.
How do I live in the Tree of Life:
- Change my view of my Heavenly Father. Eve was deceived through a desire to please God. She was already pleasing to God. Through Jesus, we are all pleasing to God. He wants children, not slaves.
- Approach Him through relationship, not rules. We do not have to earn an audience with Him, nor can we. We have been given our right standing as a gift of love.
- Practice responding to Him, to His presence. Re-sensitize yourself to Him. Actively recognize and honor Him.
- Respond to sin with life. Jesus did not come to make us sorry. He came to fix our broken lives. When we, or others, sin, respond with innocence and freedom rather than shame and blame. Instead of hiding and covering, run to the mercy seat and find the grace you need to win. (Hebrews 4:16) Isaiah 30:21 CEV “If you go the wrong way—to the right or to the left—you will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the right way. You should go this way."
Friday, March 12, 2010
03/10/10 - Building Healthy Tendencies PT5 - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore teaches on "Building Healthy Tendencies" in this Wednesday evening service.
Building Healthy Tendencies PT5
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Surrounded by a cloud of witnesses to life of faith (Hebrews 12:1)
* Heavenly witnesses (Deuteronomy 30:19; Romans 8:16)
- Who do you study? (Philippians 3:19-20)
- Who are your heroes? (Colossians 3:2)
- Which of those heavenly heroes are your models?
* Earthly witnesses (Matthew 18:16—mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses establishes words)
- Who are your mentors? (Proverbs 19:20)
- Who are your best friends? (Proverbs 12:26; Proverbs 27:17—real friends make each other stronger)
- Who is watching you? (Acts 4:13)
John 12:24-26 NLT “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone.(limited influence) But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. 25 Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. 26 Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.”
2 Corinthians 6:1 (Message) “…don't frustrate God's work by showing up late, throwing a question mark over everything we're doing. Our work as God's servants gets validated—or not—in the details. People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly . . . in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we're beaten up, jailed, and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; when we're telling the truth, and when God's showing his power; when we're doing our best setting things right; when we're praised, and when we're blamed; slandered, and honored; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all.”
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 NLT “Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. 20 When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. 21 When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. 22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.”
Building Healthy Tendencies PT5
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Surrounded by a cloud of witnesses to life of faith (Hebrews 12:1)
* Heavenly witnesses (Deuteronomy 30:19; Romans 8:16)
- Who do you study? (Philippians 3:19-20)
- Who are your heroes? (Colossians 3:2)
- Which of those heavenly heroes are your models?
* Earthly witnesses (Matthew 18:16—mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses establishes words)
- Who are your mentors? (Proverbs 19:20)
- Who are your best friends? (Proverbs 12:26; Proverbs 27:17—real friends make each other stronger)
- Who is watching you? (Acts 4:13)
John 12:24-26 NLT “I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone.(limited influence) But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives. 25 Those who love their life in this world will lose it. Those who care nothing for their life in this world will keep it for eternity. 26 Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me.”
2 Corinthians 6:1 (Message) “…don't frustrate God's work by showing up late, throwing a question mark over everything we're doing. Our work as God's servants gets validated—or not—in the details. People are watching us as we stay at our post, alertly, unswervingly . . . in hard times, tough times, bad times; when we're beaten up, jailed, and mobbed; working hard, working late, working without eating; with pure heart, clear head, steady hand; in gentleness, holiness, and honest love; when we're telling the truth, and when God's showing his power; when we're doing our best setting things right; when we're praised, and when we're blamed; slandered, and honored; true to our word, though distrusted; ignored by the world, but recognized by God; terrifically alive, though rumored to be dead; beaten within an inch of our lives, but refusing to die; immersed in tears, yet always filled with deep joy; living on handouts, yet enriching many; having nothing, having it all.”
1 Corinthians 9:19-23 NLT “Even though I am a free man with no master, I have become a slave to all people to bring many to Christ. 20 When I was with the Jews, I lived like a Jew to bring the Jews to Christ. When I was with those who follow the Jewish law, I too lived under that law. Even though I am not subject to the law, I did this so I could bring to Christ those who are under the law. 21 When I am with the Gentiles who do not follow the Jewish law, I too live apart from that law so I can bring them to Christ. But I do not ignore the law of God; I obey the law of Christ. 22 When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some. 23 I do everything to spread the Good News and share in its blessings.”
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
03/07/10 - Vision Sunday (With Slides) - Pastor Tony Ashmore
DELUXE version of this Sunday's service. PowerPoint slideshow has been included for iTunes and video iPod subscribers!
______________________________________
Pastor Tony Ashmore recasts the vision of the Church At Mirror Lake in this Sunday service.
Vision Sunday
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, March 7, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Isaiah 60
1 “Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you. 2 Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the Lord rises and appears over you. 3 All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance.
4 “Look and see, for everyone is coming home! 5 Your eyes will shine, and your heart will thrill with joy, 15 I will make you beautiful forever, a joy to all generations. 17 I will make peace your leader and righteousness your ruler. 18 Salvation will surround you like city walls, and praise will be on the lips of all who enter there.
22 The smallest family will become a thousand people, and the tiniest group will become a mighty nation. At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen.”
1. Things full of life grow. Our church is growing. Our intimacy with our Lord and each other is growing. Our influence is growing. Our Dream Team, those who minister at least twice a month, has grown from about 25 when we started to almost 400! We have grown in 6 short years from a church ministering to about 35 people a week to a church touching the lives of over 1100 people every week! We have grown from a church where we told people to drive as many cars as possible so people would notice us, to a church asking people to carpool and park as far away as possible.
2. We are still a very young church and must continue to take “next steps”. God is blessing our church. He is moving us rapidly toward the vision He gave us when we started a little over 6 years ago. We are in the top 1% of church starts in the United States. Lives are being changed, you are bringing your friends and family in amazing numbers. Our city has embraced our church as an important part of the community. We are continually challenged by our God to move forward. It is almost like He is forcing us to keep moving. Like the children of Israel, our promised land lies straight ahead and God will remove the obstacles if we will continue to follow Him humbly and obediently. We are making an impact on our original goal—reduce the number of unconnected and disconnected people in West Georgia. Along with other life-giving churches in our area (We have started a West Georgia Pastor Coaching Network that kicks off this Thursday) we will make it hard for people to go to hell from West Georgia. Our region of the country will be known as a place where the name of Jesus is famous. It will be the best place in America to live, work and play. We cannot become satisfied or settle for what has been done. We must stay focused on what could be and should be done.
3. Excited—both celebrations are 80% full, parking lot is 80% full, children’s facilities are 80% full—calling for responses:
a. Launch a 3rd Celebration—Try “Unplugged” for 6 to 8 weeks
b. CAML Kids Ministry will take over the front building except for the foyer.
i. Launch, our nursery will expand to the present Orbit room, giving us the ability to separate the crib and crawlers from the toddlers
ii. Orbit will move across the hall to the present Axis room and will represent a more age appropriate pre-school environment
iii. Axis will move into the Café Seating Area and will be 1st thru 3rd grade
iv. Spin, 4th – 6th grade will occupy their new building.
v. More play environments—indoor playgrounds and inflatable games
vi. More classes and a smaller teacher-child ratio means a richer environment for our kids and more opportunities for ministry teams and leaders.
c. Explore parking solutions
i. Challenges each of us to practice preferred parking (Romans 12:10)—park further away
ii. Acquisition of more property for parking and future development.
d. Begin strategic planning for campus expansion:
i. Kids 1st—Complete takeover of existing facilities with ample indoor and outdoor play areas—3rd space facility that can be used during the week by those in the community
ii. Next phase for adults: Connection Center with large common areas for café/coffee shop used as 3rd space throughout the week. Nursery facilities housed in that building. Beautiful courtyards for café/receptions, etc connecting buildings. 800 seat auditorium that could eventually be taken over by Revolve—moving them to the same property
iii. Future Sanctuary: 1200 seat, stadium seating (storage underneath seats)
e. Launch new campuses—reaching those we are not reaching now and providing a more convenient alternative to those driving from these areas now
i. Introduce CPG
ii. Add an Umbrella Name to our existing name that will allow each future campus to be connected—Many campuses, one church. We have always believed the church should be a gate-keeper for the city. Our mayor and city council proclaimed our location as “The gateway to the city”. Our vision has always been to be a place where the “Rich and Satisfying Life in Jesus” can be found. Therefore, we will become LIFEGATE Church at Mirror Lake. Each subsequent campus will be LIFEGATE Church at Bremen, Carrollton, Rockmart, Lagrange, etc.
So what must we do?
- Continue to be generous with our time, talent and resources
a. Many churches are struggling financially. Because of your faithfulness, we are solid financially.
b. Right now we need to generate the funds to create great environments for our kids.
c. We need to fund an additional parking area. We need to pray for favor in acquiring the land.
d. We need the fulfillment of our original agreements for connected roads and signs on Conners and Mirror Lake Blvd.
- If you are not involved yet, get on the bus
- If you are on the bus, get in the right seat
- Complete the Growth Track
- Join the Dream Team
- Keep inviting people to church
- Serve our community (Servolution groups)
- Stay focused, fired-up, praying and passionate
- There is real meaning to everything we do as the Body of Christ
- There is no unimportant task—everything matters and will change the world
- Protect our “community”. Love, Love, Love
- Be life-giving—March series
Isaiah 60:22 “The smallest family will become a thousand people, and the tiniest group will become a mighty nation. At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen.”
______________________________________
Pastor Tony Ashmore recasts the vision of the Church At Mirror Lake in this Sunday service.
Vision Sunday
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, March 7, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Isaiah 60
1 “Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you. 2 Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the Lord rises and appears over you. 3 All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance.
4 “Look and see, for everyone is coming home! 5 Your eyes will shine, and your heart will thrill with joy, 15 I will make you beautiful forever, a joy to all generations. 17 I will make peace your leader and righteousness your ruler. 18 Salvation will surround you like city walls, and praise will be on the lips of all who enter there.
22 The smallest family will become a thousand people, and the tiniest group will become a mighty nation. At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen.”
1. Things full of life grow. Our church is growing. Our intimacy with our Lord and each other is growing. Our influence is growing. Our Dream Team, those who minister at least twice a month, has grown from about 25 when we started to almost 400! We have grown in 6 short years from a church ministering to about 35 people a week to a church touching the lives of over 1100 people every week! We have grown from a church where we told people to drive as many cars as possible so people would notice us, to a church asking people to carpool and park as far away as possible.
2. We are still a very young church and must continue to take “next steps”. God is blessing our church. He is moving us rapidly toward the vision He gave us when we started a little over 6 years ago. We are in the top 1% of church starts in the United States. Lives are being changed, you are bringing your friends and family in amazing numbers. Our city has embraced our church as an important part of the community. We are continually challenged by our God to move forward. It is almost like He is forcing us to keep moving. Like the children of Israel, our promised land lies straight ahead and God will remove the obstacles if we will continue to follow Him humbly and obediently. We are making an impact on our original goal—reduce the number of unconnected and disconnected people in West Georgia. Along with other life-giving churches in our area (We have started a West Georgia Pastor Coaching Network that kicks off this Thursday) we will make it hard for people to go to hell from West Georgia. Our region of the country will be known as a place where the name of Jesus is famous. It will be the best place in America to live, work and play. We cannot become satisfied or settle for what has been done. We must stay focused on what could be and should be done.
3. Excited—both celebrations are 80% full, parking lot is 80% full, children’s facilities are 80% full—calling for responses:
a. Launch a 3rd Celebration—Try “Unplugged” for 6 to 8 weeks
b. CAML Kids Ministry will take over the front building except for the foyer.
i. Launch, our nursery will expand to the present Orbit room, giving us the ability to separate the crib and crawlers from the toddlers
ii. Orbit will move across the hall to the present Axis room and will represent a more age appropriate pre-school environment
iii. Axis will move into the Café Seating Area and will be 1st thru 3rd grade
iv. Spin, 4th – 6th grade will occupy their new building.
v. More play environments—indoor playgrounds and inflatable games
vi. More classes and a smaller teacher-child ratio means a richer environment for our kids and more opportunities for ministry teams and leaders.
c. Explore parking solutions
i. Challenges each of us to practice preferred parking (Romans 12:10)—park further away
ii. Acquisition of more property for parking and future development.
d. Begin strategic planning for campus expansion:
i. Kids 1st—Complete takeover of existing facilities with ample indoor and outdoor play areas—3rd space facility that can be used during the week by those in the community
ii. Next phase for adults: Connection Center with large common areas for café/coffee shop used as 3rd space throughout the week. Nursery facilities housed in that building. Beautiful courtyards for café/receptions, etc connecting buildings. 800 seat auditorium that could eventually be taken over by Revolve—moving them to the same property
iii. Future Sanctuary: 1200 seat, stadium seating (storage underneath seats)
e. Launch new campuses—reaching those we are not reaching now and providing a more convenient alternative to those driving from these areas now
i. Introduce CPG
ii. Add an Umbrella Name to our existing name that will allow each future campus to be connected—Many campuses, one church. We have always believed the church should be a gate-keeper for the city. Our mayor and city council proclaimed our location as “The gateway to the city”. Our vision has always been to be a place where the “Rich and Satisfying Life in Jesus” can be found. Therefore, we will become LIFEGATE Church at Mirror Lake. Each subsequent campus will be LIFEGATE Church at Bremen, Carrollton, Rockmart, Lagrange, etc.
So what must we do?
- Continue to be generous with our time, talent and resources
a. Many churches are struggling financially. Because of your faithfulness, we are solid financially.
b. Right now we need to generate the funds to create great environments for our kids.
c. We need to fund an additional parking area. We need to pray for favor in acquiring the land.
d. We need the fulfillment of our original agreements for connected roads and signs on Conners and Mirror Lake Blvd.
- If you are not involved yet, get on the bus
- If you are on the bus, get in the right seat
- Complete the Growth Track
- Join the Dream Team
- Keep inviting people to church
- Serve our community (Servolution groups)
- Stay focused, fired-up, praying and passionate
- There is real meaning to everything we do as the Body of Christ
- There is no unimportant task—everything matters and will change the world
- Protect our “community”. Love, Love, Love
- Be life-giving—March series
Isaiah 60:22 “The smallest family will become a thousand people, and the tiniest group will become a mighty nation. At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen.”
Monday, March 8, 2010
03/07/10 - Vision Sunday - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore recasts the vision of the Church At Mirror Lake in this Sunday service.
Vision Sunday
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, March 7, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Isaiah 60
1 “Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you. 2 Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the Lord rises and appears over you. 3 All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance.
4 “Look and see, for everyone is coming home! 5 Your eyes will shine, and your heart will thrill with joy, 15 I will make you beautiful forever, a joy to all generations. 17 I will make peace your leader and righteousness your ruler. 18 Salvation will surround you like city walls, and praise will be on the lips of all who enter there.
22 The smallest family will become a thousand people, and the tiniest group will become a mighty nation. At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen.”
1. Things full of life grow. Our church is growing. Our intimacy with our Lord and each other is growing. Our influence is growing. Our Dream Team, those who minister at least twice a month, has grown from about 25 when we started to almost 400! We have grown in 6 short years from a church ministering to about 35 people a week to a church touching the lives of over 1100 people every week! We have grown from a church where we told people to drive as many cars as possible so people would notice us, to a church asking people to carpool and park as far away as possible.
2. We are still a very young church and must continue to take “next steps”. God is blessing our church. He is moving us rapidly toward the vision He gave us when we started a little over 6 years ago. We are in the top 1% of church starts in the United States. Lives are being changed, you are bringing your friends and family in amazing numbers. Our city has embraced our church as an important part of the community. We are continually challenged by our God to move forward. It is almost like He is forcing us to keep moving. Like the children of Israel, our promised land lies straight ahead and God will remove the obstacles if we will continue to follow Him humbly and obediently. We are making an impact on our original goal—reduce the number of unconnected and disconnected people in West Georgia. Along with other life-giving churches in our area (We have started a West Georgia Pastor Coaching Network that kicks off this Thursday) we will make it hard for people to go to hell from West Georgia. Our region of the country will be known as a place where the name of Jesus is famous. It will be the best place in America to live, work and play. We cannot become satisfied or settle for what has been done. We must stay focused on what could be and should be done.
3. Excited—both celebrations are 80% full, parking lot is 80% full, children’s facilities are 80% full—calling for responses:
a. Launch a 3rd Celebration—Try “Unplugged” for 6 to 8 weeks
b. CAML Kids Ministry will take over the front building except for the foyer.
i. Launch, our nursery will expand to the present Orbit room, giving us the ability to separate the crib and crawlers from the toddlers
ii. Orbit will move across the hall to the present Axis room and will represent a more age appropriate pre-school environment
iii. Axis will move into the Café Seating Area and will be 1st thru 3rd grade
iv. Spin, 4th – 6th grade will occupy their new building.
v. More play environments—indoor playgrounds and inflatable games
vi. More classes and a smaller teacher-child ratio means a richer environment for our kids and more opportunities for ministry teams and leaders.
c. Explore parking solutions
i. Challenges each of us to practice preferred parking (Romans 12:10)—park further away
ii. Acquisition of more property for parking and future development.
d. Begin strategic planning for campus expansion:
i. Kids 1st—Complete takeover of existing facilities with ample indoor and outdoor play areas—3rd space facility that can be used during the week by those in the community
ii. Next phase for adults: Connection Center with large common areas for café/coffee shop used as 3rd space throughout the week. Nursery facilities housed in that building. Beautiful courtyards for café/receptions, etc connecting buildings. 800 seat auditorium that could eventually be taken over by Revolve—moving them to the same property
iii. Future Sanctuary: 1200 seat, stadium seating (storage underneath seats)
e. Launch new campuses—reaching those we are not reaching now and providing a more convenient alternative to those driving from these areas now
i. Introduce CPG
ii. Add an Umbrella Name to our existing name that will allow each future campus to be connected—Many campuses, one church. We have always believed the church should be a gate-keeper for the city. Our mayor and city council proclaimed our location as “The gateway to the city”. Our vision has always been to be a place where the “Rich and Satisfying Life in Jesus” can be found. Therefore, we will become LIFEGATE Church at Mirror Lake. Each subsequent campus will be LIFEGATE Church at Bremen, Carrollton, Rockmart, Lagrange, etc.
So what must we do?
- Continue to be generous with our time, talent and resources
a. Many churches are struggling financially. Because of your faithfulness, we are solid financially.
b. Right now we need to generate the funds to create great environments for our kids.
c. We need to fund an additional parking area. We need to pray for favor in acquiring the land.
d. We need the fulfillment of our original agreements for connected roads and signs on Conners and Mirror Lake Blvd.
- If you are not involved yet, get on the bus
- If you are on the bus, get in the right seat
- Complete the Growth Track
- Join the Dream Team
- Keep inviting people to church
- Serve our community (Servolution groups)
- Stay focused, fired-up, praying and passionate
- There is real meaning to everything we do as the Body of Christ
- There is no unimportant task—everything matters and will change the world
- Protect our “community”. Love, Love, Love
- Be life-giving—March series
Isaiah 60:22 “The smallest family will become a thousand people, and the tiniest group will become a mighty nation. At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen.”
Vision Sunday
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Sunday, March 7, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Isaiah 60
1 “Arise, Jerusalem! Let your light shine for all to see. For the glory of the Lord rises to shine on you. 2 Darkness as black as night covers all the nations of the earth, but the glory of the Lord rises and appears over you. 3 All nations will come to your light; mighty kings will come to see your radiance.
4 “Look and see, for everyone is coming home! 5 Your eyes will shine, and your heart will thrill with joy, 15 I will make you beautiful forever, a joy to all generations. 17 I will make peace your leader and righteousness your ruler. 18 Salvation will surround you like city walls, and praise will be on the lips of all who enter there.
22 The smallest family will become a thousand people, and the tiniest group will become a mighty nation. At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen.”
1. Things full of life grow. Our church is growing. Our intimacy with our Lord and each other is growing. Our influence is growing. Our Dream Team, those who minister at least twice a month, has grown from about 25 when we started to almost 400! We have grown in 6 short years from a church ministering to about 35 people a week to a church touching the lives of over 1100 people every week! We have grown from a church where we told people to drive as many cars as possible so people would notice us, to a church asking people to carpool and park as far away as possible.
2. We are still a very young church and must continue to take “next steps”. God is blessing our church. He is moving us rapidly toward the vision He gave us when we started a little over 6 years ago. We are in the top 1% of church starts in the United States. Lives are being changed, you are bringing your friends and family in amazing numbers. Our city has embraced our church as an important part of the community. We are continually challenged by our God to move forward. It is almost like He is forcing us to keep moving. Like the children of Israel, our promised land lies straight ahead and God will remove the obstacles if we will continue to follow Him humbly and obediently. We are making an impact on our original goal—reduce the number of unconnected and disconnected people in West Georgia. Along with other life-giving churches in our area (We have started a West Georgia Pastor Coaching Network that kicks off this Thursday) we will make it hard for people to go to hell from West Georgia. Our region of the country will be known as a place where the name of Jesus is famous. It will be the best place in America to live, work and play. We cannot become satisfied or settle for what has been done. We must stay focused on what could be and should be done.
3. Excited—both celebrations are 80% full, parking lot is 80% full, children’s facilities are 80% full—calling for responses:
a. Launch a 3rd Celebration—Try “Unplugged” for 6 to 8 weeks
b. CAML Kids Ministry will take over the front building except for the foyer.
i. Launch, our nursery will expand to the present Orbit room, giving us the ability to separate the crib and crawlers from the toddlers
ii. Orbit will move across the hall to the present Axis room and will represent a more age appropriate pre-school environment
iii. Axis will move into the Café Seating Area and will be 1st thru 3rd grade
iv. Spin, 4th – 6th grade will occupy their new building.
v. More play environments—indoor playgrounds and inflatable games
vi. More classes and a smaller teacher-child ratio means a richer environment for our kids and more opportunities for ministry teams and leaders.
c. Explore parking solutions
i. Challenges each of us to practice preferred parking (Romans 12:10)—park further away
ii. Acquisition of more property for parking and future development.
d. Begin strategic planning for campus expansion:
i. Kids 1st—Complete takeover of existing facilities with ample indoor and outdoor play areas—3rd space facility that can be used during the week by those in the community
ii. Next phase for adults: Connection Center with large common areas for café/coffee shop used as 3rd space throughout the week. Nursery facilities housed in that building. Beautiful courtyards for café/receptions, etc connecting buildings. 800 seat auditorium that could eventually be taken over by Revolve—moving them to the same property
iii. Future Sanctuary: 1200 seat, stadium seating (storage underneath seats)
e. Launch new campuses—reaching those we are not reaching now and providing a more convenient alternative to those driving from these areas now
i. Introduce CPG
ii. Add an Umbrella Name to our existing name that will allow each future campus to be connected—Many campuses, one church. We have always believed the church should be a gate-keeper for the city. Our mayor and city council proclaimed our location as “The gateway to the city”. Our vision has always been to be a place where the “Rich and Satisfying Life in Jesus” can be found. Therefore, we will become LIFEGATE Church at Mirror Lake. Each subsequent campus will be LIFEGATE Church at Bremen, Carrollton, Rockmart, Lagrange, etc.
So what must we do?
- Continue to be generous with our time, talent and resources
a. Many churches are struggling financially. Because of your faithfulness, we are solid financially.
b. Right now we need to generate the funds to create great environments for our kids.
c. We need to fund an additional parking area. We need to pray for favor in acquiring the land.
d. We need the fulfillment of our original agreements for connected roads and signs on Conners and Mirror Lake Blvd.
- If you are not involved yet, get on the bus
- If you are on the bus, get in the right seat
- Complete the Growth Track
- Join the Dream Team
- Keep inviting people to church
- Serve our community (Servolution groups)
- Stay focused, fired-up, praying and passionate
- There is real meaning to everything we do as the Body of Christ
- There is no unimportant task—everything matters and will change the world
- Protect our “community”. Love, Love, Love
- Be life-giving—March series
Isaiah 60:22 “The smallest family will become a thousand people, and the tiniest group will become a mighty nation. At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen.”
Friday, March 5, 2010
03/03/10 - Building Healthy Tendencies PT4 - Tony Sherrill
Tony Sherrill teaches on "Building Healthy Tendencies" in this Wednesday evening service.
Building Healthy Tendencies PT4
Tony Sherrill
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Different goals + Same habits/tendencies = Same results + more disillusionment.
Changing our tendencies: Ephesians 2:1-10
* Recognize the propitiation work of Jesus (Colossians 1:21-22)
- We no longer live.
- We have God’s peace: At peace with Him and at peace about our life and eternity. (Isaiah 26:3)
* Access the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16; 2 Timothy 1:7)
- Confession lines up with believing (Psalm 27:2) (1 Corinthians 8:12)
- Walk the talk (Ephesians 4:17 & 23)
* As a man thinks… (Proverbs 23:17)
- Seek Godly wisdom (Luke 21:15; Romans 12:2)
- Think on these things (Philippians 4:8—meditation)
- What actions would bring those about? (Romans 7:27)
* Out of the mouth…(Proverbs 18:21; Proverbs 21:23; Matthew 12:34)
- Life-giving words (Romans 15:6; Proverbs 15:4)
- Words full of truth (Matthew 4:4)
- Actions full of grace (Proverbs 22:11)
* Surrounded by a cloud of witnesses to life of faith (Hebrews 12:1)
- Heavenly witnesses (Deuteronomy 30:19; Romans 8:16)
- Who do you study? (Philippians 3:19-20)
- Who are your heroes? (Colossians 3:2)
- Which of those heavenly heroes are your models?
- Earthly witnesses (Matthew 18:16—mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses establishes words)
- Who are your mentors? (Proverbs 19:20)
- Who are your best friends? (Proverbs 12:26; Proverbs 27:17—real friends make each other stronger)
- Who is watching you? (Acts 4:13)
Building Healthy Tendencies PT4
Tony Sherrill
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Different goals + Same habits/tendencies = Same results + more disillusionment.
Changing our tendencies: Ephesians 2:1-10
* Recognize the propitiation work of Jesus (Colossians 1:21-22)
- We no longer live.
- We have God’s peace: At peace with Him and at peace about our life and eternity. (Isaiah 26:3)
* Access the mind of Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16; 2 Timothy 1:7)
- Confession lines up with believing (Psalm 27:2) (1 Corinthians 8:12)
- Walk the talk (Ephesians 4:17 & 23)
* As a man thinks… (Proverbs 23:17)
- Seek Godly wisdom (Luke 21:15; Romans 12:2)
- Think on these things (Philippians 4:8—meditation)
- What actions would bring those about? (Romans 7:27)
* Out of the mouth…(Proverbs 18:21; Proverbs 21:23; Matthew 12:34)
- Life-giving words (Romans 15:6; Proverbs 15:4)
- Words full of truth (Matthew 4:4)
- Actions full of grace (Proverbs 22:11)
* Surrounded by a cloud of witnesses to life of faith (Hebrews 12:1)
- Heavenly witnesses (Deuteronomy 30:19; Romans 8:16)
- Who do you study? (Philippians 3:19-20)
- Who are your heroes? (Colossians 3:2)
- Which of those heavenly heroes are your models?
- Earthly witnesses (Matthew 18:16—mouth of 2 or 3 witnesses establishes words)
- Who are your mentors? (Proverbs 19:20)
- Who are your best friends? (Proverbs 12:26; Proverbs 27:17—real friends make each other stronger)
- Who is watching you? (Acts 4:13)
Monday, March 1, 2010
02/28/10 - Bulletproofing Your Marriage PT3 - Pastor Tony Ashmore
Pastor Tony Ashmore continues the series "Bulletproofing Your Marriage" with part 3 in this Sunday service.
Bulletproofing Your Marriage PT3
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, February 28, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Bulletproofing Your Marriage
1 Peter 5:8 “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”
The “Bullets” Aimed at Marriage:
1. Unrealistic Expectations
2. Forgetting Who You Married:
3. External Stressors
4. Average (accepting anything less than God’s best for your marriage)
5. Divorce
Malachi 2:16 (MESSAGE) “God, not you, made marriage. His Spirit inhabits even the smallest details of marriage. And what does he want from marriage? Children of God, that's what. So guard the spirit of marriage within you.”
1. 2 words that make great marriages.
a. Respect and Love (Ephesians 5: 33 )
b. About respect:
a. It’s a gift. Respect is given, not earned.
b. It makes a place for humility, which disarms hiding and power struggles.
c. About love:
a. It’s not an emotion; it is an expression of the nature of God. It is a verb.
b. It covers a multitude of sin, which disarms blame-shifting and disconnection.
d. A marriage filled with respect and love will be a safe place for both husband and wife.
Ephesians 5: 28So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.
Ephesians 5:(AMP) 33However, let each man of you [without exception] love his wife as [being in a sense] his very own self; and let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband [that she notices him, regards him, honors him, prefers him, venerates, and esteems him; and that she defers to him, praises him, and loves and admires him exceedingly].
1 Corinthians 13: 4Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. 6It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 8Love will last forever…
2. Watch your mouth.
a. Speak life about your mate and your marriage. Don’t give in to the pressure to mock and belittle marriage. Take every opportunity to brag about your marriage. Remember, Jesus said you can have what you say!
b. Protect your mate and your marriage with your words, actions, and your deeds.
c. Work your problems out with your spouse, not with your friends, or even your parents. James Dobson’s study on the biggest killers of marriage found “in-laws” was always in the Top 10. Find trusted Biblical mentors who can stay non-judgmental and life-giving. (Obviously, this does not apply to abusive situations.)
Matthew 12: 37For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
Romans 12:2 (JBP): Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould…
Ecclesiastes 12: 11The words of the wise prod us to live well. They're like nails hammered home, holding life together. They are given by God, the one Shepherd.
3. What we have here is an opportunity to communicate.
a. Learn to disagree in a healthy way.
a. Don’t keep score.
b. Avoid generalizations
c. Make your bed a sacred place where arguing is banned. Don’t go to bed mad.
d. Learn to agree to disagree.
b. Don’t threaten each other with the “D” word. If you say it enough you will begin to think it is an option. Use the C word. (commitment)
c. 4 Communication Killers:
1. Criticism: attacks on character and worth that target the shortcomings of the other
2. Contempt: intentionally abusing your spouse – verbally, emotionally, and psychologically. Contempt expresses the complete absence of any admiration and is delivered with insults, name-calling, hostile humor, mockery, and body language.
3. Defensiveness: a way of sidestepping responsibility
4. Stone-walling: Rather than dealing directly with the issue or with our partner, we check out by tuning out, turning away, engaging in busyness or obsessive behaviors. We simply stop relating to the most important people in our lives.
Proverbs 18:21Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit--you choose.
4. Sizzlin’ Sex.
a. Learn to talk with each other about your likes and dislikes. (Men, make it enjoyable for her too)
b. Be adventurous, spontaneous and make some noise.
c. If something feels especially good, tell your spouse while it is happening!
d. Develop an atmosphere of mutual respect. “If it makes you feel uncomfortable, then I don’t want it.”
e. Never use sex as a weapon.
f. 3 tips for sizzlin’ sex that lasts a lifetime:
1. Eyes open.
2. Lights on.
3. Call each other by name.
Hebrews 13: 4Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled…
1 Corinthians 7: 4The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband also gives authority over his body to his wife. 5So do not deprive each other of sexual relations.
5. We’ve fallen and we can get up.
a. Pre-Divorce:
a. Take responsibility for your behavior. Repent, seek and give forgiveness. It’s a new day.
b. Patience. You don’t turn a ship around quickly, especially one that’s was sinking. Requires some bailing, some repairing, some cooperation before you can turn it around.
c. Start doing what great marriages do. Surround yourself with them.
b. Post-Divorce:
a. Repent, forgive yourself, forgive others. Recognize the baggage and accept it in a healthy way. Remember, divorce is not the “unforgivable sin” regardless of what religion has said.
b. Get healthy before considering another mating relationship. (2 greatest commandments)
Revelation 21:5 “Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.”
Bulletproofing Your Marriage PT3
Pastor Tony Ashmore
Wednesday, February 28, 2010
www.churchatmirrorlake.com
Sermon Notes:
Bulletproofing Your Marriage
1 Peter 5:8 “Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”
The “Bullets” Aimed at Marriage:
1. Unrealistic Expectations
2. Forgetting Who You Married:
3. External Stressors
4. Average (accepting anything less than God’s best for your marriage)
5. Divorce
Malachi 2:16 (MESSAGE) “God, not you, made marriage. His Spirit inhabits even the smallest details of marriage. And what does he want from marriage? Children of God, that's what. So guard the spirit of marriage within you.”
1. 2 words that make great marriages.
a. Respect and Love (Ephesians 5: 33 )
b. About respect:
a. It’s a gift. Respect is given, not earned.
b. It makes a place for humility, which disarms hiding and power struggles.
c. About love:
a. It’s not an emotion; it is an expression of the nature of God. It is a verb.
b. It covers a multitude of sin, which disarms blame-shifting and disconnection.
d. A marriage filled with respect and love will be a safe place for both husband and wife.
Ephesians 5: 28So husbands ought to love their own wives as their own bodies; he who loves his wife loves himself.
Ephesians 5:(AMP) 33However, let each man of you [without exception] love his wife as [being in a sense] his very own self; and let the wife see that she respects and reverences her husband [that she notices him, regards him, honors him, prefers him, venerates, and esteems him; and that she defers to him, praises him, and loves and admires him exceedingly].
1 Corinthians 13: 4Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud 5or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record of when it has been wronged. 6It is never glad about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. 7Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 8Love will last forever…
2. Watch your mouth.
a. Speak life about your mate and your marriage. Don’t give in to the pressure to mock and belittle marriage. Take every opportunity to brag about your marriage. Remember, Jesus said you can have what you say!
b. Protect your mate and your marriage with your words, actions, and your deeds.
c. Work your problems out with your spouse, not with your friends, or even your parents. James Dobson’s study on the biggest killers of marriage found “in-laws” was always in the Top 10. Find trusted Biblical mentors who can stay non-judgmental and life-giving. (Obviously, this does not apply to abusive situations.)
Matthew 12: 37For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."
Romans 12:2 (JBP): Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould…
Ecclesiastes 12: 11The words of the wise prod us to live well. They're like nails hammered home, holding life together. They are given by God, the one Shepherd.
3. What we have here is an opportunity to communicate.
a. Learn to disagree in a healthy way.
a. Don’t keep score.
b. Avoid generalizations
c. Make your bed a sacred place where arguing is banned. Don’t go to bed mad.
d. Learn to agree to disagree.
b. Don’t threaten each other with the “D” word. If you say it enough you will begin to think it is an option. Use the C word. (commitment)
c. 4 Communication Killers:
1. Criticism: attacks on character and worth that target the shortcomings of the other
2. Contempt: intentionally abusing your spouse – verbally, emotionally, and psychologically. Contempt expresses the complete absence of any admiration and is delivered with insults, name-calling, hostile humor, mockery, and body language.
3. Defensiveness: a way of sidestepping responsibility
4. Stone-walling: Rather than dealing directly with the issue or with our partner, we check out by tuning out, turning away, engaging in busyness or obsessive behaviors. We simply stop relating to the most important people in our lives.
Proverbs 18:21Words kill, words give life; they're either poison or fruit--you choose.
4. Sizzlin’ Sex.
a. Learn to talk with each other about your likes and dislikes. (Men, make it enjoyable for her too)
b. Be adventurous, spontaneous and make some noise.
c. If something feels especially good, tell your spouse while it is happening!
d. Develop an atmosphere of mutual respect. “If it makes you feel uncomfortable, then I don’t want it.”
e. Never use sex as a weapon.
f. 3 tips for sizzlin’ sex that lasts a lifetime:
1. Eyes open.
2. Lights on.
3. Call each other by name.
Hebrews 13: 4Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled…
1 Corinthians 7: 4The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband also gives authority over his body to his wife. 5So do not deprive each other of sexual relations.
5. We’ve fallen and we can get up.
a. Pre-Divorce:
a. Take responsibility for your behavior. Repent, seek and give forgiveness. It’s a new day.
b. Patience. You don’t turn a ship around quickly, especially one that’s was sinking. Requires some bailing, some repairing, some cooperation before you can turn it around.
c. Start doing what great marriages do. Surround yourself with them.
b. Post-Divorce:
a. Repent, forgive yourself, forgive others. Recognize the baggage and accept it in a healthy way. Remember, divorce is not the “unforgivable sin” regardless of what religion has said.
b. Get healthy before considering another mating relationship. (2 greatest commandments)
Revelation 21:5 “Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.”
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)