Happy Wednesday, you lovely things!
Today I thought we’d do something that could really build us up as women of faith as well as charge us on as members of a local body of believers. If you have been around here a while, you know how strongly we believe in the investment of our lives in a local church. Oh, I know, I know. I’ve heard the whole “they’re just a bunch of hypocrites” thing a million times but I can tell you that some of the loveliest, most genuine Christians I have ever known, I met at my local church amid all the flaws and occasional dysfunction. We can get over thinking we’ll ever find a perfect church and, anyway, I always think to myself that, if I could find one, I’d mess the thing up by walking in the door. I am convinced way down in the marrow of my bones that we cannot grow up into full-throttle effectiveness in our callings without being in the framework of a Word-oriented body of believers. This is true even if you and I often minister outside those walls. My home church profoundly affects what I do in ministry on the road and I rarely make a really big decision outside without running it by the leadership inside. This segment of Ephesians 4 is probably the biggest reason why I believe so strongly in the framework.
11Â And He gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers, 12Â to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ, 13Â until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ, 14Â so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes. 15Â Rather, speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, 16Â from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Eph 4:11–16). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.
That’s a powerful segment, isn’t it? Listen, I know some of you have been badly hurt by a grossly unhealthy church. In case nobody ever said it to you, your sisters here are so sorry that such pain came to you within a local body. It shouldn’t have. But, Sister, there’s another one out there for you. Don’t shut yourself off. You need a community of believers and not just your small group Bible study or accountability group. For it to function as the assembled church Christ ordained, it needs to be one that operates with leaders and shepherds and teachers like Ephesians 4 describes. Don’t misunderstand what I’m saying! I love communities of women in small group Bible study! You know I do! I’m just suggesting that they don’t replace a functioning assembly of believers where the broader gifts are practiced for the growth of those members.
Anyway, I’m just here to say that I really love my pastor. And, yep. He is my son-in-law but I told Amanda and Curtis recently that, this far in, I would have wanted to go right there to that church even if I didn’t know them from Adam. I am growing and meeting many new people. I’m being stretched. I’ve been kicked way out of my comfort zone. I love ministering to the children and helping hold doors and give hugs. And, Sister, I GET A WORD. Some of the most powerful things God has done in my life in the last year came from a seed sown in me through one of Curtis’s messages. (If you were part of the simulcast, that whole message about the Widow’s Oil and the jars developed from a question Curtis asked us the day he taught from 2 Kings 4.)
SO, this is what we’re doing today! We’re going to share ONE (just one please!) of the most important or memorable words God has ever spoken to you through your present pastor in a sermon. If you can do it succinctly, you can also tell us why, but it’s perfectly fine if you simply share the word. If at all possible, please give the text reference. You don’t have to write the verses out. Just the address is fine.
Here’s what I’m going to do for my entry. I want to share with you a recent sermon of Curtis’s that really ministered to me. Many of you probably won’t have time to listen but, for those of you who do, stay with it all the way to the end. His wrap up left me in tears. Perhaps it will be meaningful to you, too. To get to the sermon, click the following link. It will bring you to the Bayou City Fellowship podcast page. Look specifically for the title “What is to Come.” It will be the second one listed there, I’m almost positive. It’s free, of course. I’m not trying to get you to buy something here today. I’m also not selling churches. Laughing. Just hoping this might bless somebody.
Click here to download the podcast on iTunes. Remember, the title is “What is to Come.” If you have any problems connecting with the link provided, you can also search for “Bayou City Fellowship” in iTunes either online or on your computer if you have iTunes loaded there.
Your turn!!! Let’s share some words we’re getting, Sister! I love you dearly. I mean that. You are on my heart every day.
Pastor Phillip says we are all missionaries. The question is, “Who are we testifying about?” And he adds that missions begins at home.
“Scandalous Grace”…..a phrase my pastor uses often. Love it!
Elizabeth, Charleston, WV
But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and se
self-control. Against such there is no law. Galatiians5:22-23
“How may I pray for you?” The most touching of all comments.
Emily, Charleston, WV
David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defiled. 1 Samuel 17:45 NIV
Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
Proverbs 4:23
My pastor, Jason Dees, is always on target. He did a series of 3 sermons on Micah 6:8.
What doth the Lord require of thee? 1) Do Justly 2) Love Mercy 3) Walk Humbly with Thy God. Even minor prophets deserve a sermon series now and then!
Expect GREAT Things from GOD…Attempt GREAT things for GOD
Lisa from Charleston, WV
Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be afraid, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you; I will help you;
I will hold on to you with My righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10 (HCSB)
I am so blessed to be a part of a church that not only has a wonderful pastor, but the most tremendous staff in the world. Bro. David (Hamilton)just finished a series on angels. He ended his sermon by reading the Scripture in Revelation where the angel told John to “Worship God”; which tied that sermon to the series he is doing on worship on Sunday morning.
I’m looking forward to hearing your pastor’s sermon.
Blessings to you
Sharon Crouch
Pontotoc, MS 38863
My pastor has taught me so many things but I remember one particular time that I was going through A LOT and he showed us scripture to support the truth that
God knows my situation
God cares about my situation
God can change my situation
God is bigger than my situation
Jesus sent two disciple saying to them, “Go into the village and find a donkey tied and a colt with her.” Matthew 21
God used ordinary things…
a staff for Moses
a rock to provide water
a rope for the spies in Jericho
a sling shot for David
a donkey to enter into Jerusalem
Just makes me think how God uses ordinary people to do extra-ordinary service for Him.
_Worship has to do with who God is not what He does for us.
In speaking on commitment my pastor sited Joshua 13 when the priests were about to cross the Jordan River with the Ark. God had already been working upstream in the town of Adam slowing the waters down so that when they stepped to the waters edge, they stepped on dry land. God is always working upstream ahead of us! Commit to that reality and step onto dry land! This spoke so much to me as I faced an unwanted personal matter that changed what my life would look like, shattering dreams, and causing me to doubt at times who was in control. I often remind myself with the Spirit’s prompting, God is working upstream! Do not be afraid of high water. Commit to crossing on dry land.
My pastor has preached 2 awesome sermons from the same passage-2 Chronicles 20- over the past years. This chapter gives incredible insight into how we should respond to crisis. The key verse is the latter part of verse 12: “We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you.” Some of his points: God expects, invites, and wants us to pray; especially in a crisis. We must pray with faith that God is always in control. The greatest emphasis of our prayer should be God’s glory, not my needs. A thought-provoking question posed was “do I praise God as much as I plead”?
Judy, Dumas, AR
Romans 8:38
For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things
present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created
thing shall separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Julie/Deer Park,TX/Psalm4:8 I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety. NIV
What a great topic, Beth!
I feel so blessed to be a part of the church body that the Lord led me to 7 years ago in order to save me from myself. This past week our Associate Pastor, who was stepping in last minute for our Senior Pastor who was having his appendix taken out, preached out of Psalm 46, which spoke so powerfully to me as my soul was just so unsettled that morning as I was struggling with a certain situation that had come up. It was a wonderful reminder that ‘God is my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore I will not fear though the earth gives way…’ Just what I need to hear!
Beth your words were like a word from God for me as our church suffers through division. Our Pastor Jeremy Couture has been teaching on the Marks of a healthy church.
Hebrew 10:19-25. “Long time attenders–Stop dating the church”.
I never want to be that person. I want to be in a deep relationship with believers so that I can stand through hard times, such as this.
Our Pastor is going through the creation account from Genesis on Sunday nights. He’s brought up an amazing point the last two weeks- stopping me in my tracks. I’ve both giggled and stood in awe of our Creator God.
How many chapters are there surrounding the tabernacle? The ornate details of the tabernacle?
Contrast that with this one statement from Scripture: “He made the stars, also.” Genesis 1:16
That is IT. No fifty chapters explaining to us the complexities of space- the galaxies- the stars, which are truly vast and detailed beyond human comprehension.
God’s ways are mysterious and above us. I find that wildly comforting and exciting all at the same time!
“Get up, get over it, get on the right road, and get going” ~Pastor Ed Young (from Phil. 3:12-14: this sermon series is on how to have confidence (hope) in life now in light of Jesus’ return)
John 14:1-4, “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. If I go and prepare a place for you I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. And you know the way where I am going.” NASB
Marty Stringer, Spanish Fort, AL. “The Lord is my chosen portion and my cup; you hold my lot.” Psalms 16:5 ESV
Curtis’s Message was such a blessing! Wow! Never thought of what’s to come in that manner! Blew me away!!!! Totally ready for what’s to come in heaven with the King of Kings!! Love it!!Jesus thank you for loving me!!!
I want to check out that podcast and hear Curtis’s sermon! Thanks for letting us know:) When I was going through that really hard time last year, my pastor did two things that impacted me enough to where I still think about the verses and the Biblical perspective he shared then. The Lord used him to speak over me Phil 3:13-14. Forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal…He was also one of two people, him and Tammie Head (by doing her Bible study)that was used by the Lord to tell me something I really needed to hear: I am working from victory, as more than an overcomer in Christ…I am dead to sin now, and alive to Christ. Invaluable these things have been to me since last year. This siesta loves you dearly too, you are on my heart also:):) Grace and mercy and peace to you Siesta Mama Beth!
My word was from the message by Curtis Jones, tent indeed! I was inspired!
My current pastor is amazing. His teaching on tithing and being obedient to God has convicted me that I am living in disobedience by refusing to tithe. So this year I have committed to trust Him and see what he will do with it!
I haven’t listened yet to the download because my pastor is the same as yours. I did not want to be influenced by the one you picked. I can’t even pick one because I would be here all day trying to decide. One of the things I most like about our church and our pastor is that JESUS IS ALWAYS NUMBER ONE! No one should ever leave BCF, Pastored by Curtis Jones, and feel one iota of condemnation. All glory to our Almighty God!!
I work at a church, under a dynamic teaching pastor. My most recent word from him was last week. I’ve found myself using the phrase “You’ve been placed on purpose” ever since then. One of the ways the enemy attacks me is whispering that “I don’t belong here.” specifically regarding one aspect of my ministry. I doubt my skills. I doubt my placement. Sometimes I don’t like what I have to do on a daily basis to be obedient. So, when my pastor taught on Acts 8:26-40 reminding us that we have each been “placed on purpose” to carry the Gospel I was reminded that my job is to “open my mouth and ….tell them the good news about Jesus.” WHEREVER God carries me, and not just in my church. Thank Beth and Living Proof for constantly challenging women to participate in the local body. Love y’all.
After working 11 years as a transcriptionist, a few months ago my job at the hospital was outsourced. After a month I was becoming anxious over bills. In November our pastor shared A WORD from Psalm 107. Over and over “Lord help! they cried in their trouble, and he saved them from their distress.”… “Let them praise the LORD for his great love and for all his wonderful deeds to them.” I have come back to it many times since to readjust my focus on him when I start worrying how a certain bill will be paid. Reminds me to look at what God has done, is doing, and is yet to do. I am not alone. I know he is growing me in this time of waiting and uncertainty but he is also showing out in his provision. Praise the LORD for his great love and wonderful deeds!
Matthew 6:24…for my friend who lost her husband yesterday.
Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
My Spirit has been doin’ some groaning for months now. Thanks be to God for the words your Pastor spoke that shined some light as to why its been so intense. Blessed be the name of the LORD.
Week 3 Is. 29:19 NIV “Once more the humble will rejoice in the Lord; the needy will rejoice in the Holy One of Israel.”
My Pastor spoke once on making a difference that has stuck in my mind and I have shared it with several people since then. He said that “FAT” folks make a difference. This acrostic stands for Faithful,Available, and Teachable. God doesn’t call the qualified, but qualifies the called.Romans 12:1
January has been a focus on prayer. Last weekend’s sermon specifically addressed praying for government officials. Even if we may not agree with people in the government, prayer is always necessary (and the most effective thing we can do).
One weekend Pastor Tim did not hold services…the title of the weekend was “the church has left the buidling”…we all went into our community to serve and to be Christ’s hands and heart to others…that was true worship.
I heard a sermon recently about how our faith walk should always be a progression of faith, we should never reach a point on this earth where we feel Jesus is done with us. It’s important to be confident in our eternal destiny, which is with the Lord in heaven, through His son Jesus Christ, however we need to approach that thrown of God with humility and a repentant heart always. We must never “sit down” in our faith as if we have “arrived”, no, no….God is not done with us. Always take a stand for the Lord, walk (not sit) daily and allow the Lord to do great things through us to glorify Him and experience his Grace here on earth too through his blessings. We want to walk with Jesus not fall behind or run in front of Him. I loved this, it really kicked me in my booty to strive for AMAZING faith, through a daily progression of trust in the Lord, reading the Word of God and having a repentant heart. Much love to you!!
BE STILL and know that I am GOD! Psalm 46:10
The power of just being still and letting that sink deep into my soul!!
Oh January 13, 2013, our pastor preached an awesome sermon titled “The Righteousness of God” taken from the text of Romans 10:1-13. Verse 3 talked about how people are ”ignorant” of God’s righteousness and therefore set out to be righteous in their own eyes and the eyes of the world. Therein is the folly of belief in a ”works salvation”.
He gave a definition of righteousness I had never heard before:”Righteousness is innocence that has been maintained in the presence of temptation.” And such was the righteousness of Jesus…Hebrews 4:15 “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”
The ONLY righteousness that can please God is that of His Son Jesus Christ! Praise the Lord that His righteousness has been applied to my soul and now “when He sees me, He sees the blood of the Lamb! He sees me as worthy, and not as I am!”
Thank you Beth for letting us share some blessings from our individual pastors and churches!
God bless you!
Marilyn
Oh,God-of-the-Angel-Armies,if you’ll take a good,hard look at my pain,if you’ll quit neglecting me and go into action for me by giving me a son,I’ll give him completely,unreservedly to you. I’ll set him apart for a life of holy discipline.
1 Samuel 1:11
The Message
Gina from Moody, AL
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. Romans 8:26 NAS
On having faith without works or works without faith; From James 2:14-26:
A Maui Zaui pizza (do you all have Round Table Pizza in Texas?) has two key ingredients, pineapple and ham. If you leave one off, it ceases to be a Maui Zaui pizza. It can be a pineapple pizza or a ham pizza, but it can’t be a Maui Zaui pizza.
So it is with faith and works. You leave one or the other out and you can’t truly have a full and abundant Christian life the way God intended it to be. It just ain’t the real deal!
🙂
My pastor at WoodsEdge is currently teaching through 1 Peter. He said, based on 1 Peter 1:13-21 that we have two charges from Peter. 1. To set my hope on salvation and 2. To be holy as Christ is holy. The word that stuck with me was that we are to pursue Jesus and the holiness will come. Not to try to pursue just being holy, but to pursue Jesus.
Matt 21:22 (NKJV)
And whatever things you ask in prayer,
believing you will receive.
My Pastor comments when people do or say things that are hurtful, frustrating etc that they are “just doing people things”. This has helped me so much in not taking personally when people do or say things that are hurtful or frustrating !
“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
~Romans 15:7 ESV
Brittany, Johns Creek
Since the first of the year, Mark has been preaching on prayer. He challenged us all to pray 20 minutes a day until the 27th of this month. We had a revival starting on the 27th, so he wanted us to pray especially for that. His sermons all month have been on prayer and the importance of it in our relationship with God. John 20:27 says in part to “stop doubting and believe!” Believe God will do what He says He will do! (sound familiar?). Acts 1:13 and 14 talks about how the disciples were praying together. So, the last two weeks before revival our church was open each evening at 630 for us to come pray. Our revival started last Sunday, morning and night, Monday night, Tuesday night, and Wednesday night. The church was FULL every night! Many were at the altar praying and doing business with God. Two were baptized the last night of revival and more will be on Sunday (hopefully). We know of several more decisions that were made for Christ.
I have heard others say things about their church. None of them are perfect, after all we are there! But, God ministers there mightily! I thank God daily for my church family! Now the challenge, is to keep on praying!
Kat Albany, NY
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.
Jeremiah 33:3 NIV
God can handle our questioning. We should not be afraid to dig deep into the mysteries of God.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 NIV
You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us ? (James 4:4, 5 NIV)
Lexington, ky