A Prayer for Centerpointe: People of The Book

The pace of change is incredible an increasing, which I have no problem with. I like change, especially if it makes our lives improved and more efficient; like my golf clubs. I like the improvements if it increases my chances of staying on the fairway, and if I can gain another 10 yards, well, that’s even better.

The changes that concern me though are the ones of moral consequence; the ones that tell us the behaviors that were once held in high value are no longer important or relevant. There needs to be a foundation, a standard, a boundary marker, basic principles which we can live.

For followers of Jesus, it is the Bible. The Psalmist said it this way: “I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you” (Psalms 119:11 NLT-SE). Society may have a shifting set of values, but God’s Word remains the same. If we are not consistently meditating on it, our values will shift with the culture around us.

My prayer for Centerpointe Church:

Lord, like the Psalmist said, “Open our eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions” (119:18). Help us to be people of The Book. Teach us Your ways. I pray that Your Word comes to life as we read it and meditate on it. May it change us to become the people you have called us to be. 

Sick Enough of not Being Enough

We seem to talk ourselves out of so many things, mostly because we see our lack rather than God’s provision. The words “not enough” loop over and over in our mind. Here are a few “not enough” thoughts:

“I am not brave enough”

“I am not strong enough”

“I am not old enough” or “young enough”

“I am not big enough”

“I am not smart enough”

“I am not gifted enough”

“I do not have enough”

“I do not know enough of the right people”

“I do not speak well enough”

“I am not ____________ enough" (You fill in the blank.)

When are we sick enough of not being enough? Isn’t Jesus more than enough? 

My prayer for Centerpointe Church:

Jesus, I pray that your people would experience You as The Provider, the one who supplies all our needs. I pray that we understand deep in our hearts that You are more than enough. You provide health, strength, provisions, peace, hope, joy and love.

Since I am a big Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir fan, here is a great video for devotions:

We have too much history with God’s provision to allow one season to discourage us.

Serving Together,

Pastor Keith

Do It Afraid

Yesterday, as Esther and I were talking to a Southeastern professor about our daughter, Brittany, I noticed a piece of paper hanging on the wall next to his desk, full of quotes from authors and leaders. They were there obviously because they struck a cord with him and were constant reminders to keep him focused and give him strength. One of the quotes was from Joyce Meyers. I had read this quote before and have reminded myself of it from time to time. I have even used it to encourage others throughout the years. It’s simple, short and powerful:

“Do it afraid”.

That’s it; just three little words, but with so much meaning.

It comes from the title of Joyce Myers’ book with the same title. For her blog post on this, go to:  http://www.joycemeyer.org/articles/ea.aspx?article=do_it_afraid.

I wonder how many times we keep ourselves from moving forward in God’s plans for our lives based on fear.

A simple search of scripture shows us that God repeatedly says, “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.” Jesus seems to constantly remind his disciples not to fear. Why? Because he is with them. 

There is no reason for us to be afraid of what others say or do, for our God is with us.

So... if you are afraid to talk to someone, or try something new – why not just step out and do it afraid. Perhaps God wants to teach you that it is not about your feelings of fear, but about His strength in your life.

My Prayer for Centerpointe Church:

Lord, I pray for the people you have put in my care today. I pray that they will be strong and courageous. I pray they will experience your presence in such a powerful way and it would make them bold and stouthearted. May they walk in Your strength, Your power and Your authority.

Amen.

Praying for Our Nation

Yesterday, I was talking to a friend of mine who is a police officer as they were preparing to arrest someone. They shared with me that just when they thought they had seen the lowest of humanity, there is something else, or someone else, that sinks even lower.


As I am reading through the Bible, I am currently reading in the Minor Prophets, Micah and Nahum to be specific, I am reminded that wickedness permeated Israel during their time and God called them to take bold stands and speak out against it. For surely the judgement of God is on its way.


However, even in the midst of the prophetic judgements, there stands powerful messages of God's love and compassion. For example: Micah 7:18-20 says,  “Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love. Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! You will show us your faithfulness and unfailing love as you promised to our ancestors Abraham and Jacob long ago.” (NLT-SE).


This reminds me that even in the midst of wickedness, God desperately calls us to himself. He waits patiently and is ready to forgive us our sins. Where sin abounds, grace much more abounds.


Yes, We should be angry at the effects of sin. It ruins lives, families and nations. But we should also be filled with hope - hope in the power of Jesus to change lives and transform nations.


This week, I performed a marriage for a couple that had been divorced. They both came to a place of repentance and God did a major work in their lives. After much prayer, confession, forgiveness, counseling and communication they came back together. What a joy it was to stand in the front of our sanctuary and see their sons beam with joy as they watched their mom and dad renew their covenant relationship. It was so cute to hear them repeat along with their parents, "I, __________, take thee..."


Now that is the power of God in the middle of a sinful world!