tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-275932292024-02-19T03:08:36.139-05:00Connect the Dots[a blog by Mike Hurt]Mike Hurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11806591985325897524noreply@blogger.comBlogger296125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27593229.post-62488978075557875532018-03-22T12:06:00.004-04:002018-03-22T12:18:22.304-04:004 Ways to Test the Teaching<div style="text-align: center;">
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On Sunday, I challenged the church to always test the teaching that they are receiving. Start with what you hear with me. Test it. Then, go to your small group. Test it. Test what you are listening to on podcasts. Test what you are sharing on Facebook. Test what you are reading. Test all of it.<br />
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Centuries ago, Paul told Timothy why we should be testing our teaching today:<br />
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3 For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. 5 But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry. <b>2 Timothy 4:3-5</b></blockquote>
<i>So, what do you test to see if the teaching is sound or if it is only tickling itching ears? </i><br />
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<b>Am I being taught about sin and salvation even as a believer?</b> Do they teach clearly that Jesus forgives sins and calls us to live holy lives? Many teachers today avoid the issue of sin altogether. They may talk about mistakes, problems, issues, but seldom what Christ has done and is doing to forgive us and free us from our sin. So, what's the problem with that? If we minimize our teaching to help people deal with their mistakes and problems and how they can overcome their issues, then we have become self-help artists.<br />
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<b>Am I being taught things that have never been taught before?</b> Catch this: there is a huge difference between learning things from the Bible that you have never learned and being taught by one who believes they are teaching from the Bible in ways that have never been taught before. If they claim to be the only ones who have this knowledge or if they claim to have a special revelation from God, steer clear of this teaching because they are no longer teaching from the authority of the Bible, but instead, they are speaking based on their authority.<br />
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<b>Am I being taught the stories from Scripture or the modern day meaning behind the stories in Bible?</b> The story of God was written by men under the inspiration of Scripture. In giving us His Word, God gave us stories, poems, parables, prophetic language, and more so that we could know Him, honor Him, and tell others about Him. <br />
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As some teach from the Bible, rather than teaching the stories in historical context, they instead allegorize the stories. Here's an example: when David killed Goliath, what was God's intended message to us? Is it that God can use even a boy to defeat a giant to show His, God's, strength and protection of His people? Or, is it about how you and I need to face the giants of our life? When we remove the story from history and make it about us, then every part of the story becomes something with a hidden meaning for us today. The armor has meaning. The stones have meaning. So, the teaching shifts from the historical fact that a boy killed the oppressor of God's people to the three stones that we need to carry to face the giants in our lives?<br />
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So, the story shouldn't be applied to our lives? Yes, it should, but not in a way that reduces God's perfect Word to the whims of a modern day preacher. The pastor's job should be to find the intended message of the passage and then apply it in many different ways so that those listening learn and live the message of the passage. <br />
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<b>Am I receiving a balanced diet from God's Word? </b> As with our physical lives, if we don't have a balanced diet, our spiritual lives will struggle. Every teacher has their favorite passages and their favorite things to teach, that's why you must make sure that you are receiving teaching that is pulling from the whole counsel of God's Word. You can't feed only on the "ice cream" passages of Scripture and expect to be healthy. You also can't feed only on the "meat" of Scripture and expect to be healthy. It doesn't have to be an either or. If the one who is teaching is rightly dividing God's Word, then you will hear the truth in all of its voices.Mike Hurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11806591985325897524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27593229.post-55083299707221962642018-03-13T16:19:00.001-04:002018-03-13T16:19:50.441-04:003 Ways to Fuel Feelings with Faith<br />
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Get this one right and you get it all right. Get it wrong and you get it all wrong. What is it? Fuel your feelings with your faith rather than letting your feelings determine your decisions. I love how Russell put it on Sunday, "When someone says they are going with their gut, what they should be saying is that I'm going to let my broken sinfulness make this decision for me." None of us would make decisions with our "guts" if we looked at life like this. Instead, we would fuel our feelings with our faith.<br />
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So, how do you do this? How do you let your faith steer the ship? How do you let your faith direct your steps? How do you let your faith overrule your feelings?<br />
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<ul>
<li><b>Know what God's Word says.</b> One of the best ways to deal with wrong feelings is to focus on the truth of God's Word. When you know God's promises, you know where to stand. When you know God's expectations, you know what to do. When you know God's ways, you know what to expect.<br /><b><br /></b></li>
<li><b>Remember that God is always working. </b>Many times, when we say that we are going with our gut it is because we aren't sure God is working or at least not working on our timeline. Sometimes, instead of making a decision with your gut, you need to sit and wait on your God. Psalm 42:10 tells us to be still and know that He is God. You can only have this confidence if you remember that God is always working.<br /></li>
<li><b>Offer yourself to God as a living sacrifice. </b> Rather than going your own way, commit your ways to the Lord. Romans 12 refers to this as becoming a living sacrifice. We offer ourselves to God, see Him change how we think and act, and then, we are able to test and approve His perfect, pleasing will for our lives. It's possible to know and follow God's plan for your life, but it begins with your commitment to Him!</li>
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Mike Hurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11806591985325897524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27593229.post-82107453508167480912018-03-08T10:02:00.001-05:002018-03-08T10:02:12.070-05:003 Ways to Make Room for God in Your Schedule<div style="text-align: center;">
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This Sunday, I challenged the church to do three things to sequester themselves and focus on their relationship with God. These three things are:<br />
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<ul>
<li>On-going Prayer</li>
<li>Daily Scripture Reading</li>
<li>Weekly Worship and Connection</li>
</ul>
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Each of these seems simple on its face, but how simple are they to practice? If we are honest, they aren't easy to program into our daily life. Ask 10 people why it's tough and 8 of the 10 will likely give the same answer - TIME. We have 24 hours in our day, but we struggle carving out a few minutes a day to focus on His Word. We have 168 hours in our week, but we struggle to prioritize connecting and worshiping God every week. Reality is, this is tough for all of us.<br />
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So what can you do to make room for God in your schedule?<br />
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<ol>
<li>In your commute time,<b> listen to God's Word</b>. When you are waiting to pick up your kids from school or activities, listen to God's Word. If you have a smartphone and the Bible App, you have everything you need to listen to the Bible. Simply push the sound icon at the top of the app and God's Word will be read to you.<br /></li>
<li>With your schedule, <b>plan what matters most - FIRST</b>. Prioritize being in a small group and getting your kids and students in a group. It's not a question of whether or not you are available. You make the choice. All of us can find two hours a week to connect with a group. Before your schedule fills up, fill it with things that will fill you up!<br /></li>
<li><b>See prayer differently</b>. Prayer isn't just something that you open or close your day with. Prayer isn't just something that you do before you eat. Prayer can happen anywhere and anytime. You don't even have to schedule it. Just be aware of God's presence in you and with you and talk with Him wherever you are. If carving out 30 minutes a day to pray doesn't work for you, then pray 60 times for a minute throughout your day and you have doubled your prayer!</li>
</ol>
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<br />Mike Hurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11806591985325897524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27593229.post-73006919333076779482018-03-01T13:48:00.000-05:002018-03-01T14:02:49.969-05:005 Wrong Ways to Deal with Sin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<ol>
<li><b>Think that you are never wrong. You never sin. </b>Those that think they are never wrong are impossible to live with and have a big problem. They have a big pride problem. The Bible warns us that those who claim to have no sin are liars. The first step to deal with sin is to get real and to own your stuff. </li>
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<li><b>Ignore the consequences of your actions. </b>Every sin has consequences. Every sin has a cost. The Bible says that the wages of sin are death. The end game of undealt with sin is death. Some sins kill us physically. Some sins kill us emotionally or relationally. People who ignore the consequences of their actions are dying a slow death throughout their lives and don't even realize why: the consequences of their sinful actions is zapping all of the joy, success, and hope in life. To deal with sin, we must be sick of sin - ready to cease and desist from the thing in life that destroys us. This includes a change of mind and a change in actions so that we don't repeat the broken patterns of our past.</li>
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<li><b>Continue to enjoy the pleasure of your impulses. </b>Sometimes, we run from sin, but many times, we run to sin. We run toward our sinful lusts. We run toward our sinful selfishness. We run toward the things that will eventually hurt us. Why do we do this? It's because sin is fun for a season. That's why the Bible teaches that we should flee sin. Fleeing isn't a passive response. Fleeing is an active step to run toward Godliness rather than sinfulness. Impulses must be overcome with fleeing.</li>
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<li><b>Compare yourselves to others. </b>Is good enough good enough for you? In most areas, no. But if one area, your relationship with God, maybe. As believers, we know that we are forgiven and free from our sin, but instead of living in freedom and victory, we live with comparison and settling for less than God's best for us. Instead of making a holy God our standard, we look to others (typically who do things worse than us) as our standard. As long as we a better than the worst person around us, we are good enough. That's why the Bible instructs us to not compare ourselves to others. That's why God says, Be holy for I am holy.</li>
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<li><b>Refuse to ask God or others for help. </b>We wrongly think that we must fight our battle with sin by ourselves. We created the problem so we have to solve the problem. We think that we have what it takes to try hard enough to make a change but we don't. That's why we are told to ask God for help and to rely on the strength of others when we are weak. </li>
</ol>
Mike Hurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11806591985325897524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27593229.post-35963798935629491662018-02-26T13:17:00.004-05:002018-02-26T13:18:14.444-05:00Things I Wish I Said | Cease and Desist<br />
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Have you ever received a Cease and Desist order? I have. Apparently, years ago, I used the wrong graphic on our website and received a request to take down that image and a demand to pay for the use. So, what did I do? I ceased and desisted. I was in the wrong. It was clear. So I stopped using the image and continued to stop using the image. I also made it right with the one that I had inadvertently wronged.</div>
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The book of Leviticus is God's Cease and Desist order for His people. After 400 years in captivity, there was much that needed to change the lives of the Hebrew people. They were affected by their years in Egypt in ways that were negative, hurtful, and sinful. Now, God was leading them and meeting with them in the Tabernacle.<br />
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So that sinful people could meet with a holy God, sin must be atoned for. Sin must be paid for. Sin must be dealt with. Sin must be covered. That's why the opening chapters of Leviticus spell out a sacrificial system that includes: burnt offerings, grain offerings, fellowship offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings. Each of these rituals teaches us about our relationship with God. What do we learn from each of these offerings about our relationship with God?<br />
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1. The burnt offering reminds us that God accepts sinful people because of His grace.<br />
2. The grain offering reminds us to be grateful and generous because of God's grace.<br />
3. The fellowship offering reminds us to celebrate together what God has done.<br />
4. The sin offering covers unintentional sin and prepares to be clean to meet with God.<br />
5. The guilt offering takes action to make wrongs right.<br />
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Each of these offerings points us to our need for a Savior - our need for atonement.<br />
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<b><i>Now, for some things that I wish I said:</i></b><br />
<ul>
<li>The sacrificial rituals remind of our relationship with God.</li>
<li>Rituals should never replace our relationship with God.</li>
<li>More that religious-based rituals, God wants grace-based obedience. </li>
<li>The specific laws and rules in the book of Leviticus remind us that God cares about every area of our life - our relationships, our diet, our worship, our family, our work, our attitude - everything matters to Him.</li>
<li>If you think you need something or someone besides Jesus to see your life change, you are missing it. When Jesus died on the cross and rose again, the sacrificial system ended. It is finished. There is no other way to forgiveness. There is no other way to life. There is no other way to seeing a change in ourselves then the ONE TIME, perfect sacrifice of Jesus.</li>
</ul>
Mike Hurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11806591985325897524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27593229.post-58248237682184409772018-02-12T10:07:00.002-05:002018-02-12T10:07:45.716-05:00Things I Wish I Said | Keep God First<div style="text-align: center;">
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As we walk through the Bible, we arrive at a powerful moment in history when God came down and rescued His people with His truth. As His people were freed from Egyptian captivity, they had work to do with Him to keep their part of the covenant so God gave them 10 Commandments - 10 clear ways that they could obey, honor, and please Him with their life. The commandments are for our blessing and for our benefit so it is important that we dig into and understand their meaning. The first four commandments deal with our relationship with God and the last 6 deal with our relationships with one another. They provide the way that we should live and they provide the motive for which we live. </div>
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Now, for some things that I wish I said:</div>
<ul>
<li>A Gallup Poll revealed that 84% of Americans believe that the Ten Commandments are a valid guide to life. That’s encouraging until you realize that another survey revealed that only 30% of those polled could name even 3 of the Commandments.</li>
<li>Commandment #1 proves that all religions aren't the same. We are to have no other God's before our God.</li>
<li>Commandment #2 pushes us to worship God in spirit and in truth. Don't settle for a caricature of God when you can worship the one, true God.</li>
<li>Commandment #3 leads us to deal with our words and our heart. If we say that we believe in and worship with one true God, then our words should show it. We don't want to misuse the name of God. We don't want to curse people and bless God with the same mouth. We want consistency because what we say with our mouths displays what we believe about the person of God.</li>
<li>Commandment #4 reminds us of how we were created and how life is best lived. If God can create in 6 and rest on the 7th day, we can set apart a day for rest and worship, too. Don't turn a holy day into a holiday. In Commandment #4, God says, "I want some control of your schedule." Your body needs it. Your Spirit needs it. Your family needs it.</li>
</ul>
Mike Hurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11806591985325897524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27593229.post-29276915733462667712018-02-05T10:31:00.002-05:002018-02-05T10:31:39.140-05:00Things I Wish I Said | Dangers of a Hard Heart<div style="text-align: center;">
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Some talks are easy to deliver. Some aren't. Sunday's talk was one of those tough but needed messages. As I studied, prayed, and prepared for the message, God confronted me and made me deal with the condition of my heart. Is it growing cold and calloused? Is it growing hard or soft toward Him and people? Are my decisions showing that I am tender to God's call and to the needs of others? These are the questions that rattled around in my head and heart leading into Sunday.<br />
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Let me leave you with a few questions that you can deal with too.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Am I listening to God and to others or is my heart hard and set in my ways?</li>
<li>Am I noticing the warning signs of a hard heart and making changes?</li>
<li>Am I following God with dependence and obedience or am I rebelling against Him with a hard heart?</li>
</ul>
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<br />Mike Hurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11806591985325897524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27593229.post-50015341280956536742018-01-29T11:57:00.002-05:002018-01-29T11:57:56.120-05:00Things I Wish I Said | God Hears, God Acts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As we journey through Scripture, we move from Genesis to the book of Exodus. The opening chapters of Exodus find God's people being mistreated and crying out for help as they were captive in Egypt. What would God do for the people that He promised to bless? <br />
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The answer is profound. He came down to rescue His people. He came down and called a man, Moses, to lead the exodus to free His people. This is how God works. He isn't a distant, uncaring deity. He sees our needs. He hears our cries and he acts to meet our needs. This is a huge takeaway from the story of God and His people.<br />
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Now, for some things that I wish I said...<br />
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<ul>
<li>God's eye, His ear, and His hand are actively working in our lives according to His plan.</li>
<li>God looks at us with a loving eye, not a suspicious, vengeful one.</li>
<li>His arm isn't too short to rescue because He is always with us and near us in times of need.</li>
<li>Too many times, it's easier to live in the pool of self-pity rather than calling out to God for help.</li>
<li>God still calls men and women to be a part of His rescue plan.</li>
</ul>
Mike Hurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11806591985325897524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27593229.post-59859315109015890612018-01-22T10:18:00.000-05:002018-01-22T10:21:32.194-05:00Things I Wish I Said | Consider Him Faithful<div style="text-align: center;">
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There are sometimes when I a preaching that I say something that surprises me. In fact, most messages have moments where I can't believe that I just said what I said. Sunday's message was no exception. I said some funny things that I didn't expect to say. I said some things about the passage that I didn't plan on saying. I said something insighftul (IMHO) that I did even think about for the moment, but I think it captures the message on Abraham in one sentence: Christianity is a "get to" relationship, not a "got to" responsibility. This thought comes from Romans 4:1-5:</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”<br />
4 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation.5 However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. <b>Romans 4:1-5</b></blockquote>
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God offers us an adventure of faith that is an opportunity not an obligation.</div>
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Now, for some things that I wish I said:</div>
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<ul>
<li>We can't earn salvation with works, but we must work to live out our salvation.</li>
<li>Some are children of God, but not living as friends of God.</li>
<li>Abraham didn't always get it right with his actions, but his faith was still effective.</li>
<li>Abraham was "fully pursuaded" about God's faithfulness. We can be, too.</li>
<li>What do we do while we wait on God? Consider Him faithful. Don't give up.</li>
<li>When we live as exiles and strangers, it doesn't mean that we are odd for God. It means that we look different with our habits, attitudes, desires, and lifestyle.</li>
</ul>
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Mike Hurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11806591985325897524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27593229.post-82761785336391454092018-01-15T14:26:00.001-05:002018-01-15T14:26:30.592-05:00In the Same Boat | Things I Wish I Said<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Yesterday, we continued our journey through God's big story in Scripture. We fast-forwarded ten generations from Adam and Eve to the story of Noah and the Ark. What did the world look like ten generations after sin entered into the word? Well, as you would expect, the viral effects of sin were impacting all people in how that thought and how they lived. It was so bad that God regretted making "mankind" and he was ready for a reboot. <br />
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That's when Noah came on the scene. <br />
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God looked upon Noah with grace and chose him to be a part of God's story of judgment and rescue for generations to come. Noah would obediently build the ark just as God said he should. His family and two of all animals entered the ark. It rained for 40 days and 40 nights and the whole earth was flooded with God's judgment fully experienced. Noah and his family were rescued from the flood because of God's grace and Noah's faith. After a year on the ark, the waters fully receded and it was time to disembark. As they did, God made a covenant with them and gave them a symbol of His forever promise. He promised not to judge the earth with a flood ever again. His guarantee can still be seen today as a rainbow fills the sky. God is and always will be faithful to His promises.<br />
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Remember the three takeaways from the message:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Thank God that we don't get what we deserve.</li>
<li>God never forgets His promises.</li>
<li>God knows how to rescue.</li>
</ol>
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Now, for some things I wish that I said...<br />
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<ul>
<li>When it comes to the need for God's grace, we are all in the same boat.</li>
<li>Because we don't get what we deserve, we don't give others what they deserve. We give them the same grace that God has given to us.</li>
<li>The all-knowing, ever-present, all-powerful, God never forgets His commitments to us.</li>
<li>There are no expiration dates on God's promises.</li>
<li>There is coming a day when God will judge sin for the last time.</li>
<li>God always provides a way of escape.</li>
</ul>
Mike Hurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11806591985325897524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27593229.post-52026581092995679582018-01-08T13:47:00.000-05:002018-01-08T13:47:40.961-05:00Origins | Things I Wish I Said<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I love the start of a new year. The energy, the focus, the response to God in our services yesterday was amazing. I was awesome to see people stand and publicly declare their confidence that nothing is too hard for God. Then, to see the church be the church and pray for these folks. It never gets old.<br />
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On Sunday, we kicked off the teaching focus for 2018. The plan is simple. We are going to walk through the Bible book by book this year. Whether you have never read the Bible or you are an experienced student of the Bible, we will all learn and take our next steps this year. My hope and prayer are that our journey through Scripture will lead you to have full trust in God and in His Word.<br />
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Now, for some things I wish I said:<br />
<ul>
<li>God created everything that we have, see, and experience so that we can honor Him and enjoy life. </li>
<li>God created with His voice because nothing is too hard for God.</li>
<li>Before anything was God is.</li>
<li>We are managers. God is the owner.</li>
<li>All creation longs to worship God. Never take your ability to worship God for granted. </li>
<li>We are accountable to God. He isn't accountable to us.</li>
<li>A life of faith knows that nothing is too hard for God. </li>
<li>A person of faith lives this faith by trusting God when He is the only hope.</li>
</ul>
Mike Hurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11806591985325897524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27593229.post-30788779421596241262017-12-18T12:07:00.003-05:002017-12-18T12:07:56.653-05:004 Things You Can Do to Celebrate Christ This Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When it comes to how Americans see and celebrate Christmas, times are changing. A <a href="http://www.pewforum.org/2017/12/12/americans-say-religious-aspects-of-christmas-are-declining-in-public-life/" target="_blank">recent Pew Study</a> reported that only 46% of Americans celebrate Christmas as a sacred holiday. That means that 54% of Americans see Christmas as only a secular celebration. Those who celebrate the sacred at Christmas are now in the minority in our country. <br />
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Before we are too quick to judge on this, I have a question. How do you celebrate Christmas - secular or sacred? Let's press a little deeper. You may believe that Christmas is about Christ, but how do you celebrate in a way that shows that? You may know that Jesus is the reason for the season, but how does this truth affect how you celebrate Christmas with family and friends? <br />
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Consider these 4 things that you can do to celebrate Christ this Christmas:<br />
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<ol>
<li>Worship Him at home and with the church. Gather your family together to worship Jesus on Christmas Eve. This is isn't just a tradition. It's a natural part of a believer's life. Mark the day when we celebrate the birth of Jesus. Want to take your family's worship to the next level? Consider <a href="http://www.tommynelson.com/teaching-kids-about-communion/" target="_blank">taking communion together as a family</a>. <br /></li>
<li>Read the Christmas story aloud from Matthew and Luke to remember the birth of Jesus.<br /></li>
<li>Serve others this Christmas. Serving others is a great way to reinforce that God gave at Christmas and so can we.<br /></li>
<li>Pray for others as a part of Christmas meals. The hope of Christmas is peace and joy. Pray that others will know the peace and joy that only Jesus brings.</li>
</ol>
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Bonus: Watch 24 Hours of Christmas together on Parkway's <a href="http://parkwayvictoria.churchonline.org/" target="_blank">Internet Campus</a>. This 30 minute Christmas experience with music and a retelling of the Christmas story will replay every 30 minutes starting at 6:00 PM on Christmas Eve.</div>
Mike Hurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11806591985325897524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27593229.post-44172993675295596732017-12-18T09:57:00.002-05:002017-12-18T09:59:22.337-05:00Things I Wish I Said | Down to Earth Lifestyle<div style="text-align: center;">
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Sometimes its the simplest of messages that have the most profound impact on our lives. Such was the case with yesterday's message. The story was simple. Angels announced that Mary will give birth to God's Son, the Savior of the world. The application was straightforward. Choose the chosen one. Live as though God is with us. Follow Him as Lord. This simple, straightforward talk encourages all to live a Down to Earth Lifestyle.<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
What is God's purpose for Christmas? God gave us His son, our Savior so that we can live with Him and for Him.</blockquote>
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Now, for some things that I wish I said:</div>
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<ul>
<li>Are we celebrating Christmas as a secular or a sacred holiday?</li>
<li>God giving us His Son shows us undeniable love for us.</li>
<li>God providing a Savior for us shows His relentless pursuit of us.</li>
<li>God living with us shows His boundless grace.</li>
<li>We work out our salvation. We don't don't work for our salvation.</li>
<li>Working out salvation requires work on our part and on God's part.</li>
</ul>
Mike Hurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11806591985325897524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27593229.post-62540491370976740632017-12-11T10:30:00.002-05:002017-12-11T10:31:30.800-05:004 Things to Do to Live Humbly<br />
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Who is counting on you to make life not about you? </blockquote>
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Living down to earth humility requires our attention. If we don't keep an eye on our lives and an eye on the life of Christ, we will fall into the faulty thinking that life is for us, by us, and about us. Consider these 4 Things That You Can Do Today to live down to earth humility.<br />
<ol>
<li><b>Read the Gospels</b> to see how Jesus loved, valued, and served others. See the personal love of Jesus through the Gospel of John. Witness His powerful work and teaching through the Gospel of Luke. Hear His powerful call to discipleship through the Gospel of Matthew. Dig into His life through the Gosel of Mark.</li>
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<li><b>Keep an eye on the condition of your heart. </b> When you find yourself fighting for your way or when you find yourself demanding action from others, pride could be a problem. Remember, that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.</li>
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<li><b>Simple acts</b> of submission keep your heart soft toward God and people. Hold a door. Look people in the eyes. Say please and thank you.</li>
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<li><b>Deal with entitlement.</b> When engaging in relationships asks this question: What can I do to meet other's needs rather than expecting for my needs to be met.</li>
</ol>
Mike Hurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11806591985325897524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27593229.post-83988388795633486772017-12-11T10:08:00.001-05:002017-12-11T10:19:04.314-05:00Things I Wish I Said | Down to Earth Humility<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wow. What a great day at Parkway. Loved the Christmas music, the energy in the room and getting to spend time together. As we continued the series, Down to Earth, we learned how Jesus redefined greatness with His birth, life, and eventual death on the cross. Greatness now serves. Greatness now loves. Greatness now looks to the interests of others. Turn to Philippians 2 and Paul instructs us to have the same mindset in our relationships. This is when Christmas becomes very personal. Because Jesus humbled Himself, came for me, died for me, I should do the same for others. I can live humbly. I can live intentionally. I can choose to submit my life for the benefit of others.<br />
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Now, for some things I wish I said (and somethings that I'm glad I said):<br />
<ul>
<li>Even Jesus' birthplace showed how He would live his life. Greatness comes from Bethlehem though Bethlehem is a small, humble town.</li>
<li>You can't choose where you were born, but you can choose how you live.</li>
<li>Because I worship Jesus, I will make myself nothing - even if it costs me something.</li>
<li>Because I worship Jesus, I will obey Him - even if I don't want to.</li>
<li>I won't use my relationship with God to only benefit myself. I will lay my life down for others.</li>
<li>Who is counting on you to make life not about you?</li>
<li>The secret to living a humble life is being willing to submit your life first to Christ and then to others.</li>
<li>Out of reverence for Christ, submit your lives to one another.</li>
<li>Deal with selfish ambition so that you value others and look to their interests above your own. Down to earth love leads to down to earth humility.</li>
<li>If you can have the mind of Christ, why would you setting for anything less?</li>
</ul>
Mike Hurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11806591985325897524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27593229.post-43561520465433877382017-12-04T12:19:00.001-05:002017-12-04T12:19:02.115-05:00Things I Wish I Said | Down to Earth Love<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. John 1:1-5<br />
Yesterday, we kicked off, Down to Earth, our Christmas series. Yes, I am preaching the unchanging story of Christmas! Yes, it's the same message from last year and the year before and the year before. You catch my drift. Bottom line: there is no other story to be told than the story of the God's Son born in Bethlehem to save us from our sins. This Christmas, like every Christmas, we are going to dig into this unchanging story of Jesus and how His life changes ours. I began with a look at His down to earth love displayed at Christmas.<br />
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Now, for some things that I wish I said:<br />
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<ul>
<li>Until you know how much you are loved by God, you will never know your potential in Christ.</li>
<li>The love of God is the foundation for our spiritual life.</li>
<li>Love is a decision, based on commitment.</li>
<li>When I make life about me, I am not loving.</li>
<li>When I don't value others, I am not loving.</li>
<li>Choosing to love others is a second by second decision.</li>
</ul>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">At Christmas, we celebrate that God didn’t come from us, but he came down to earth for us.</span></div>
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<br />Mike Hurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11806591985325897524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27593229.post-83655238572423729702017-11-27T13:16:00.001-05:002017-11-27T13:16:45.926-05:004 Things to Do to Be Ready for Tomorrow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, what would you tell your 20 year old self? I'd tell the 20 year old Mike that tomorrow is coming and it is coming faster than you ever could imagine. People have told me this any number of ways over the years, but as with many things, I don't believe it until I see it with my own eyes. When I held my babies, people would say, "Don't blink. They grow up fast." Nick graduates this year. Tomorrow is coming. What can we do to be ready for tomorrow?<br />
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<ol>
<li>Pray for and develop your plan for tomorrow. Whatever your next season is, make a prayerful plan. Faith + a plan = no worries.<br /></li>
<li>Work the plan now, so you see the fruit of the plan tomorrow. <br /></li>
<li> Tomorrow will come with some surprises. That's why you need a budget, a small group, and a growing faith in Christ. Which do you need to work on this week?<br /></li>
<li>Know that God will be in control today AND tomorrow. Seek Him. Trust Him. Replace your anxious thoughts with faith!</li>
</ol>
Mike Hurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11806591985325897524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27593229.post-91152298135763422262017-11-27T12:29:00.001-05:002017-11-27T12:35:51.516-05:00Things I Wish I Said | Tomorrow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I am so thankful that the Lord is teaching me as I get to teach you. The messages that I preach, I live. I live the passages. I live the struggle. I live the takeaway of the talk most every week. Sometimes I get it right. Many times I don't, but the Lord teaches me as I teach you.<br />
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This was especially true this week. Based on what the Lord taught me, the message that I planned to preach was incomplete. My plan was simple: help people develop a financial plan that helps us plan for tomorrow rather than worrying about tomorrow. This message while good wasn't all that needed to be taught. So what was? If it's true that tomorrow is coming (and it is), we need to be prepared not just financially, but relationally and most importantly spiritually.<br />
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I'm grateful to the Lord that I was able teach what I am learning on Sunday.<br />
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Now, for some things that I wish I said:<br />
<ul>
<li>If we don't plan for tomorrow, we have no option but to worry about tomorrow.</li>
<li>Having a solid financial foundation isn't the only thing you need to be ready for tomorrow.</li>
<li>Our ability to be "rich" is based on our ability to be content in what God has given us.</li>
<li>You can live the american dream - good money, good relationships - and miss God's dream for your life.</li>
<li>Don't settle for the American dream. Strive to live a God honoring life that is faithful today and trusts Him for tomorrow.</li>
<li>To be ready for tomorrow, we need a plan. We need a financial plan, a strategy for healthy relationships, and an intentional path for spiritual growth.</li>
</ul>
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Mike Hurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11806591985325897524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27593229.post-83422667115676262732017-11-16T08:45:00.003-05:002017-11-16T08:46:35.487-05:00Security FAQ<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fHQPw91T9scX51PxndCQ1foACM8PJR80P-j78cGd0NEBXbKaKPpfvctp9MYPaoGIFuxs-csLu8rtgfVVyT2Bggf07FKKHVTzXxDve9othXr53Komj8AKeCbzf2z9upS_yazd4w/s1600/faq_small.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="838" data-original-width="1600" height="167" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_fHQPw91T9scX51PxndCQ1foACM8PJR80P-j78cGd0NEBXbKaKPpfvctp9MYPaoGIFuxs-csLu8rtgfVVyT2Bggf07FKKHVTzXxDve9othXr53Komj8AKeCbzf2z9upS_yazd4w/s320/faq_small.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Since the shocking act at FBC Sutherland Springs, I have talked with countless people regarding church security. It seems that everyone has questions and concerns. I want to take a moment to address some of the frequently asked questions.<br />
<ul>
<li>Yes, we have security plans in place.</li>
<li>Yes, we are looking at these plans to create safe, welcoming environments every time our doors are open at every location.</li>
<li>Yes, you can carry at Parkway with a CHL.</li>
<li>Yes, we are praying for and trusting the Lord for our safety.</li>
<li>Yes, we'd welcome the opportunity to pray with you, too.</li>
<li>Yes, you can come to church with confidence.</li>
</ul>
Mike Hurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11806591985325897524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27593229.post-42130609168165793612017-11-14T16:53:00.001-05:002017-11-14T16:53:20.533-05:001 in 10<br />
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In Luke 17, we see the love of God for people on display to ten men with leprosy. These ten men lived as outcasts on the fringes of society. Their highly contagious disease pushed them to the margins of life - sick, alone, and uncared for. Then, Jesus came on the scene. They cried out to Him asking for His pity. Jesus sent them to the priests and as they went along their way, they were healed. All ten were healed, but only one returned to thank Jesus. Only one threw himself at the feet of Jesus and said thanks for all that Jesus had done. Only one praised God because of Jesus' work. All ten were healed, but only one returned.<br />
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This Thanksgiving, who are you? Are you the one who returns praising God and giving Jesus credit for all that He has done for you? Or are you like the other 9? Jesus has healed you, but you aren't returning to worship, thank, and give Him glory for what He has done.<br />
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Today, be a person that thanks God for all that He has done. Be the one. Pull away from the crowd and thank Him for what He has done. Speak up around tell others what God is doing in you. Reach out and love others because you are so thankful for God's love for you. Be the one.<br />
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15 One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. 16 He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.</div>
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17 Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? 18 Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.” <b>Luke 17:15-19</b></div>
Mike Hurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11806591985325897524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27593229.post-13822600404547674082017-11-14T16:39:00.001-05:002017-11-14T16:41:33.852-05:004 Things to Do to Give to Others<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZik45_cs7j6NwFNZ4X2cijeD6qdLCIp3aaGfnIKz3k_4boPALpypeA17Yxt9UUFRZzBq_H_3ol2eh_1S1zz1STOKxfpB6ylZ_yA9r-mMkjwXIMTa4yuv2dzLCEnqOUl9z6zMxlg/s1600/4_Things_Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="900" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZik45_cs7j6NwFNZ4X2cijeD6qdLCIp3aaGfnIKz3k_4boPALpypeA17Yxt9UUFRZzBq_H_3ol2eh_1S1zz1STOKxfpB6ylZ_yA9r-mMkjwXIMTa4yuv2dzLCEnqOUl9z6zMxlg/s320/4_Things_Blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For some of us, giving is a natural part of our lives. For others, it takes a little bit of work. What can you do this week to grow in generosity? Check out these 4 things that you can do this week to give to others.<br />
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<ol>
<li><b>Notice needs. </b> If you fail to notice needs, you will never see opportunities for generosity. If you begin to notice needs, you see that many times a day that you can give yourself to others.</li>
<li><b>See your resources.</b> Once you notice needs, check to see what you have to share with someone. Do they need an encouraging word? Do they need help? Do they need money? You can help based on what you have.</li>
<li><b>Get intentional. </b> Don't just wait for giving opportunities to come your way. Set some money aside to give at church. Worship God through your giving. Start where you can and keep growing in generosity.</li>
<li><b>Be prayerful. </b>As you give yourself, your talents, your resources, or your money to someone, be prayerful and ask God to use what you give to benefit and bless the person. Even as you give, never forget that the blessing comes from His work through our gift.</li>
</ol>
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But since you excel in everything--in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you --see that you also excel in this grace of giving. <b>2 Corinthians 8:7</b></div>
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<br />Mike Hurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11806591985325897524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27593229.post-11032450476191721302017-11-14T16:30:00.001-05:002017-11-14T16:33:07.617-05:00Things I Wish I Said | Giving is Good<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is more blessed to give than it is to receive. This is how Jesus sees it. It makes sense because all that Jesus did was give. He gave up heaven and was born of a woman. He gave himself through teaching and loving people. He gave the ultimate sacrifice when He died for the sins of the world. All Jesus did was give and He said that it is more blessed to give than it is to receive.<br />
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As you grow as a Christ follower, take the next step in discipleship and agree with Jesus that it is more blessed to give than it is to receive. Give yourself away for God's purposes. Give yourself away in love and service to others. Give your offerings to the Lord with great joy. Agree with God that it is more blessed to give than it is to receive.<br />
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Now, for some things that I wish I said:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Giving isn't something that comes naturally to most of us.</li>
<li>Growing in grace unlocks your heart to give as God has given to you.</li>
<li>When you give to God, you receive blessings from God.</li>
<li>Blessings from God come in all shapes and forms. He is the one who decides what we receive. </li>
<li>Take a step of faith by becoming generous today. Trust God as the provider of your life and give to Him and others.</li>
<li>If giving has been a discipline that you've lived for a while, consider this: Are you giving sacrificially? Are you giving extravagantly? Take your next step.</li>
</ul>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way, they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. <b>1 Timothy 6:17-19</b></div>
Mike Hurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11806591985325897524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27593229.post-23559475423270870142017-11-13T14:48:00.002-05:002017-11-13T14:49:14.557-05:004 Things to Change to Handle Money Differently<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZik45_cs7j6NwFNZ4X2cijeD6qdLCIp3aaGfnIKz3k_4boPALpypeA17Yxt9UUFRZzBq_H_3ol2eh_1S1zz1STOKxfpB6ylZ_yA9r-mMkjwXIMTa4yuv2dzLCEnqOUl9z6zMxlg/s1600/4_Things_Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="900" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZik45_cs7j6NwFNZ4X2cijeD6qdLCIp3aaGfnIKz3k_4boPALpypeA17Yxt9UUFRZzBq_H_3ol2eh_1S1zz1STOKxfpB6ylZ_yA9r-mMkjwXIMTa4yuv2dzLCEnqOUl9z6zMxlg/s320/4_Things_Blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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To deal with the stress of financial pressure, we need to handle money differently. We can't do what we've always done and expect to get different results. We must handle money in a new and different way as disciples of Jesus. What to make some change? Check out these four things that you can do to handle money differently.<br />
<ol>
<li>Realize that your significance isn't determined by what you can earn, save, or borrow. Your significance is defined by God. You matter to Him. When you know that you matter to God, you can trust Him for both your significance and for your provision.</li>
<li>When you see God as the provider of your life, you get to enjoy all that He has given you. Learning to handle money God's way won't take away your enjoyment. He will make it complete. Do it your way and experience stress. Do it His way and experience His peace and His provision.</li>
<li>If you are handling money God's way, you will be doing three things. You will be spending. You will be saving (or paying off debt). You will be giving. You can go three for three on this. Start today.</li>
<li>Set up a budget this week. Don't wonder where your money when. Tell your money where to go. Make a plan for what you need and want. Attach a dollar value to every item. There you have it. Your budget is done.</li>
</ol>
Mike Hurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11806591985325897524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27593229.post-17812953080435857462017-11-13T14:38:00.001-05:002017-11-13T14:40:51.961-05:00Things I Wish I Said | Stress is Bad<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I don't have to convince you of this. Stress is bad. Relational stress is bad. Stress at work is bad. Stress caused by health problems is bad. Stress is bad. That's why I on Sunday, we took at look at the #1 stressor that puts pressure on our lives. What is that #1 stressor? It's hasn't changed for decades. The #1 stressor is how we handle our money. The talk centered on one simple Proverb that speaks both to our issues and gives us a plan for deal with financial stress.<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
7 One person pretends to be rich, yet has nothing; another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth. Proverbs 13:7</blockquote>
Do you see yourself in this verse? Are you pretending to be rich or are you pretending to be poor? When we pretend to be rich, we live beyond our means and define our lives by things that don't truly matter. When we pretend to be poor, we live beneath our means. We are content with what God has given us and we have great wealth.<br />
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<b>Now for some things that I wish I said:</b><br />
<ol>
<li>The difference between LOVING money and HAVING money is my response. </li>
<li>When I pretend to be rich, I have to keep pretending. </li>
<li>When I pretend to be poor, I will experience great wealth. </li>
<li>Great wealth is ultimately found in being content with what you have and who you are. </li>
<li>Without a less is more mindset, we will continue to chase the wind and experience stress. </li>
<li>It takes work to be content with what you have. </li>
<li>Develop a plan and live within a budget. </li>
<li>Stop fighting about what you have spent and make a plan trusting God together on what you will spend. </li>
<li>We love God and have money.</li>
</ol>
<ol>
</ol>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. <b>1 Timothy 6:6-10 </b></blockquote>
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<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span class="text Prov-13-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "verdana" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span class="text Prov-13-7" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; box-sizing: border-box; position: relative;"><br /></span></span>Mike Hurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11806591985325897524noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27593229.post-17139556885696352442017-11-06T10:17:00.004-05:002017-11-06T10:20:13.908-05:004 Things to Adopt a Less is More Lifestyle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZik45_cs7j6NwFNZ4X2cijeD6qdLCIp3aaGfnIKz3k_4boPALpypeA17Yxt9UUFRZzBq_H_3ol2eh_1S1zz1STOKxfpB6ylZ_yA9r-mMkjwXIMTa4yuv2dzLCEnqOUl9z6zMxlg/s1600/4_Things_Blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="391" data-original-width="900" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZik45_cs7j6NwFNZ4X2cijeD6qdLCIp3aaGfnIKz3k_4boPALpypeA17Yxt9UUFRZzBq_H_3ol2eh_1S1zz1STOKxfpB6ylZ_yA9r-mMkjwXIMTa4yuv2dzLCEnqOUl9z6zMxlg/s320/4_Things_Blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Things change when you adopt a less is more mentality. They must. Check out these four things to tweak this week:<br />
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<ol>
<li><b>Deal with your shopping habit.</b> Less shopping equals less spending. Less shopping equals less clutter.<br /></li>
<li><b>Work for yourself.</b> Are you paying someone to do something that you could do yourself? This is the week to work for yourself. Create financial margin by working a couple of more hours a week.<br /></li>
<li><b>Clear it out.</b> If you haven't used it recently, say in a year or so, get rid of it. Consider how you can give away or sell clothes, decorations, tools, and other household items.<br /></li>
<li><b>Trust God as your provider. </b>Are you praying about your needs? Are you trusting God to make change in your family? Working in your own strength and power is exhausting. Partnering with God is life-giving!</li>
</ol>
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<blockquote class="tr_bq">
16 Better a little with the fear of the Lord than great wealth with turmoil. Proverbs 15:16</blockquote>
Mike Hurthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11806591985325897524noreply@blogger.com0