Have
you ever opened the refrigerator door and stared inside?Have you ever flipped a light switch and when
it didn’t turn on, you flipped it again?Have you ever heard the quote, “Money is Power?”
Food
does not “magically” appear in the refrigerator, nor does electricity exist in
the switch.If the “Money is Power” quote
is true, then money would allow you to buy happiness, peace, and fulfillment in
life…but it can’t.This week, we are
looking at a story where Christ tells us, “The
quality of our life and our power for truly living will never consist in the
abundance of our stuff.”
Week
3 … boosting the power of personal finance = How do we harness, or tap into, POWER for living from an economic
standpoint?
Recently,
I’ve been thinking about OPPORTUNITY.I
saw on Facebook where a college roommate of mine (from Oral Roberts University)
lost his dad yesterday.His post
described the pain and loss and then, he said, “Tell someone you love them while
you still have the opportunity.”
I
just finished a business meeting where “opportunities” were discussed for the
next wave of ministry and influence, for Christ, through Cypress Church.I was invited to this meeting by a friend of
mine who wanted to share information about an “opportunity.”
My
wife, Serena, was telling me last night about one of those rare, but incredibly
rewarding, “life discussions” she had with one of our sons.She sensed he was ready to talk about stuff
and she put aside the housework to take advantage of the “opportunity” to
connect with him on a deeper level.
I’m
reminded of the verse in Galatians
6:9-10…
Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a
harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good
to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Opportunity
involves two basic aspects:
1.Looking
for moments to advance the cause near and dear to your heart
2.Taking
a step of action
As
we approach the season of Giving Thanks and the Celebration of Christmas, let
me encourage you to do a couple of things:
1.Don’t
become so busy with the meaningless details that you miss the opportunity to
connect with Christ and others on a deeper level.
2.Cultivate
opportunities to extend simple invitations to friends to experience Cypress…so
they may experience Christ in the coming weeks.
In recent days (post election), it seems our nation’s impending “Fiscal Cliff” is all over the news. January 1 is a rather important date for our nation, financially; a tremendous amount of work needs to be accomplished in Washington before then. Our future financial lives (and our kids’ and grandkids’) will be impacted, one way or another, based on decisions made in our nation’s capital.
All of us live with financial pressure. Statistics show that now, more than any other time in history, there are more Americans living on “The $ Cliff” or “hanging on by a thread,” as they feel themselves sliding over the edge. It is interesting that scripture focuses so much on teaching followers of Christ how to handle money and the “stuff” of this life.
This weekend, we continue our series by diving into a curious story found in Luke 16:10-15.
If you are looking for perspective, reinforcement, or direction on living with financial pressure, according to God’s plan…do not miss this weekend.
I believe there will be lives and families transformed because of their response to the Truth of Scripture and the Presence of the Lord! See you this weekend,
There will always be unlimited opportunities to invest limited resources, which create tension to be managed in life. Husbands and wives rank financial tension as the number one topic for arguments.
Let me ask a question... Why is it that scripture talks about economics, finances, and how we think and interact with the stuff of this world MORE THAN faith and prayer? I believe part of the answer is because Christ knows one of the strongest bonds in all the world is the bond between one’s bank account and one’s heart and mind.
For the next four weeks, we will be looking to scripture to SUPER CHARGE our personal finances, according to principles, from the One who created all that is.
See you this weekend, Pastor Ken
PS. For those who like to read ahead…check out Luke 16:1-15.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Man Named
"MOST COURAGEOUS IN ALL OF AMERICA”
Visiting Central Ohio this Weekend
KABOOM! On June 14, 1969 Bob Wieland's life went one way and his legs went another!
That was the day that Bob's legs were BLOWN OFF after stepping on a booby trapped mortar in Vietnam while running to aid his fellow soldiers as a combat medic. Bob's life was changed instantly. He passionately says "I lost both legs, but I didn't lose my heart!"
This Saturday, October 27th @ 6:00pm
&
Sunday, October 28th 2012 @ 9:30am and 11:15am
Cypress Wesleyan Church – Alton Darby Campus
377 Alton Darby Creek Road Galloway, Ohio 43119
Vietnam veteran Bob “Mr. Inspiration” Wieland will share his spectacular journey
through life, in celebration of our country, and the sacrifice of our men and women
in the Armed Forces!
Wieland travels to Ohio from Arcadia, California, and is currently on a
“Celebrate America Tour” challenging all to do a measure more. On the tour, he is speaking at high schools, colleges, corporate events, and churches.
While the world is enamored with "Reality TV," Bob Wieland has lived life for real!
As he says, “The Joy has been in the Journey!”
He has lived life on the edge. A rare breed who has experienced seemingly
insurmountable obstacles. He has accomplished incredible achievements that
have inspired others to go onward to "TAKE THE CHALLENGE" to believe
they possess, within themselves, what it takes to be champions in life!
Bob is an extreme sports enthusiast. He is a four-time world champ in the
bench press with a personal best lift of 507 pounds, former strength coach
with the NFL (Green Bay Packers), and the only double amputee to complete the
grueling Iron Man Triathlon in Hawaii, WITHOUT the use of a wheel chair!
He has also competed in the LA and NYC marathons but Bob's greatest joy is
motivational speaking. Because of his ability to inspire others, former president, Ronald Reagan, first recognized him as "Mr. Inspiration."
Bob Wieland is especially known for walking across America (ON HIS ARMS) from
LA to DC starting in 1982 and ending in 1986. This was an extreme challenge
that many name as the greatest athletic achievement of all time.
People Magazine has called Bob Wieland one of the SIX most
amazing Americans in the last 20 years!
Bob’s fighting spirit has been an inspiration to millions around the world!
His life story is being made into a major motion picture and he
continues to challenge others to "Always remember that it's too soon to quit!"
If you’ve ever taken your foot off the gas pedal when you’ve see a police car, or checked your teeth before meeting a person for the first time, then you understand healthy fear (by the way, I have done bothJ). If you’ve ever received a speeding ticket and wished you had been more “cautious,” then you also understand what happens when our healthy fear dissipates to the point it no longer guides good decision making (yes, once again…I speak from experience).
This weekend, we will look at the clear and STRONG teaching of God’s Word as related to a healthy fear of the Lord and how it is designed to enhance the quality of life we live.
Do you want riches, honor and a long, fulfilled life...then see you this weekend!
Pastor Ken
Proverbs 22:4-5 (NLT) True humility and fear of the Lord lead to riches, honor, and long life. Corrupt people walk a thorny, treacherous road; whoever values life will avoid it.
Looking to take the next step of faith, but not sure what that looks like? Discovery Seminar is a great place to start! I'd love to have you join me for this informational class where I discuss our beliefs, our vision, how to become a member, and how you fit in here at Cypress. Come get your questions answered and Discover God's next step for you! Our next class is Wednesday, October 24, from 6-8:30pm. You can register online-Discovery Seminar
