Psalm 119

Have been reading Psalm 119 this morning. Here are some highlights for me from that passage.

vs 7 "As I learn your righteous regulations, I will thank You by living as I should!"

Vs 9 "How can a young person stay pure? By obeying Your word."

Vs 11 "I have hidden Your word in my heart, that I might not sin against You."

Vs 15 "I will study Your commandments and reflect on Your ways."

Vs 18 "Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in Your instructions."

Vs 27 "Help me understand the meaning of Your commandments, and I will meditate on Your wonderful deeds."

Vs 28 "Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing Your instructions."

Vs 36 - 37 "Give me an eagerness for Your laws rather than a love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through Your word."

Obeying God's commands is the greatest way to live! It's the best way to thank Him for all He's done for us! Obedience is better than sacrifice!

Hebrews 2 - 4

Spent time reading Hebrews chapters 1 - 4 this morning. Very challenging and encouraging chapters!

2:18 "Since (Jesus) has gone through suffering and testing, He is able to help us when we are being tested."

In those moments of suffering and testing, Jesus is there to help! He knows exactly what we are facing because He too faced suffering and testing. The question is - are we turning to Jesus for the help we need? Today, am I turning to Jesus for the help I need? Today, are you turning to Jesus for the help you need?

3 times in chapter 3 and 4 it says, "Today, when you hear His voice, don't harden your hearts."

After all that God has done and continues to do it's amazing to me that we have to be reminded not to harden our hearts towards God. Our God who loves us passionately and gave all He had so that we could be freed from the curse of sin and death. But the reality is that we must be reminded not to harden our hearts to Him.

3:12 says "You must warn each other every day, while it is still 'today', so that none of you will be deceived by sin and hardened against God."

There is a spiritual battle raging around us all the time. We are constantly under attack by the enemy. He wants to deceive us away from God. He wants us to join his rebellion against God and the armies of Heaven.

Today, as God is speaking to us, let's respond quickly to Him! Let's not ignore what He is telling us. Let's not get arrogant and think we can handle things without His strength and wisdom. Let's respond to our loving Father immediately in all He asks!

Have an epic day writing an epic story with your life!

Mr Blogger - Not

Wow, it's been like a month since I've posted anything here! Wow, apparently I'm not Mr. Blogger! As a man of few words, I generally use my words up by lunchtime and then have little left to offer. That's why we have our epic worship gatherings before lunch. After that I'm a blubbering idiot! Some of you can testify to the truth of that!

Hope you have a great day and weekend! Looking forward to seeing all of you at epic on Sunday!

Great sacrifices and great rewards

This morning I read 2 Timothy. A letter from the Apostle Paul written to his "son" in the faith Timothy.

Paul was so focused on his calling by God. In 2:10 Paul says, "I am willing to endure anything if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen."

The Trent version of that verse reads, "I am willing to endure some things if it will bring salvation and eternal glory in Christ Jesus to those God has chosen."

God continues to teach me that the story we live in is truly His story and not mine. My role in the story is to point people to Jesus - no matter what! Paul encourages us in 3:12 "everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil people and impostors will flourish."

That's encouraging (not)! The road we walk as Christ-followers is a difficult road. A road filled with persecution, spiritual warfare, struggle, temptation and battles of epic proportions. We are to expect those things - knowing that "everyone who wants to live a godly life ... WILL suffer persecution."

And I love Paul's closing comments in 4:7 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race and I have remained faithful. And now the prize awaits me - the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of His return. And the prize is not just for me but for ALL who eagerly look forward to His appearing."

On the epic adventure we can expect great trials and great triumphs! Great sacrifices and great rewards! And it will be worth it all - for all of eternity!

Meet the Creator

Tomorrow we introduce epic to the main character of the epic story! The only one in the story who always does what is good, right and perfect! Pray for open hearts and minds as God takes center stage!

Light of the world

I've been reading through the book of John lately and am regularly amazed at Jesus! Jesus is incredible! God wrapped in human form. The only person able to face every kind of temptation and choose life - every time! God Himself sent to earth for us!

Jesus said "I am the light of the world. If you follow Me, you won't have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life." ~ John 8:12

Do you have the "light" that leads to life?

If you have the "light" are you following that "light"? How bright does that light burn within you? Is that light barely flickering or has it been set ablaze? You and I determine the intensity of the "light" within us!

humbled

I sit here Monday morning humbled at God's grace and goodness. The blessings of yesterday are many! We have an incredible team of committed servants worshiping God with every act of service! We had around 300 people show up for our first service!

Thank you to all who helped support epic's launch! Everyone from those who gave $ to those who prayed to those who gave of their time and talents, etc...

It's so humbling to see what God will do when we get out of His way! God, You are so awesome and worthy of our praise!