In The Flow

There are times in our life where we hit a rhythm - where things are flowing nicely. It has been that kind of week for me in my work life; but what I hunger for is for that same flow spiritually.

Don't get me wrong - I sense God's presence in a strong way in my life and for our church; but I'm/we're not there yet. And by there - I mean in the Divine flow of His Spirit - but it's coming.

As with all things relating to God - there is a sense of grasping, but there is also the mystery. My words can't do justice to describe this concept. It's one of those - you know it when you see it(or when you experience it) kind of things and I can't wait for it to get here.

So for now - waiting on the Divine flow...

See you Sunday

Pastor Rich

Had to Make a Sudden Change

Have you ever been involved in something - a project, an activity, maybe driving somewhere and had to make a sudden change. It happened to me this week - I had to change the sermon for Sunday.

Let me give you a bit of insight - normally we plan/pray about our sermon series months in advance; and then spend effort and energy researching, putting together creative elements,and finally a sermon. The final sermon for each Sunday is put together the week prior - well, this week, I had to change the sermon because I felt the unction to preach about a different topic.

A primary question we must all deal with in life is - are we willing to go where God leads us? So see you Sunday for a sudden change in direction.

Pastor Rich

Faithful to the End

James 1:12 "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crownof life that the Lord has promised to those who love him."

Perserverance, ,faithfulness, commitment. These words should not be taken lightly. Nor should we allow them to lose their vigor. Commitment in the year 2011 is all about convenience. Commitment if it works for me, isn't too demanding and brings me everything I need.

Reading the Bible we begin to see these words and they are associated with Christians. They are encouragements and exhortations, commands to be faithful. Jesus was faithful. He didn't veer from course. He was fully committed to go to the Cross.

The challenge before us is to be committed. Never quit, keep moving forward. Commitment like that is powerful and moves mountains. We can't allow weariness to consume us. Rise up with the power of a faithful heart and keep moving forward.

Be there Sunday morning to get the rest of the story...

Pastor Jay

God Knows You

My inbox has been flooded this morning - on an average day I get over 100 emails; yet the thought in my mind is how many messages/prayers does God get every day. Millions by the minute and yet He knows each of us intimately and attends to each heart. I am amazed. Thank you God for loving me so much; and He loves you too.

On Sunday, we are going to examine an important word that requires that we integrate our hearts values into our daily actions.

We area also celebrating Father's Day - so we are making a video to honor dads and we need some pictures - so please email your pictures of dad with the kids to jimb@horizonschurch.com

See you Sunday.

Pastor Rich

Grateful to be grateful

I am grateful to be grateful. It is really awesome to say thanks to God and others because that shows and proves that I have been blessed. When I think something is accomplished by my awesomeness I can get proud. When I think that my title, or season, or name, or nationality has earned me some sort of privilege that's not being grateful.

You see our human nature makes us think that we are entitled. That because of "Who" we are everyone should bow down. The truth is that we need to learn to "Work Hard" like it depends on us and "Pray hard" like it depends on God. This bring us into a sense of accomplishment but also understanding that it was God. Thanks God.

James 1:17 "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow" So it all comes from him. Listen, you have an abundance and if it is good...it's from God. Thank Him, and start practicing that idea of being grateful when others are showing entitlement. In the end see who gets more out of there practice and what it reaps in their life.

Be a blessing as you are blessed,

Pastor J

Tending to Your Growth

We are in the midst of a series called Weeds(yes, we've heard the jokes).

However, the concept of this series is serious stuff. What is growing in your life? One of our focuses this year is Cultivating. That means we are each responsible on a personal level for what happens in our spiritual growth.

When it comes to gardening - the concept is pretty basic - have good soil - plant something that can grow in that climate - get the proper amount of sunlight and water and keep out the weeds(and pests/insects - but that would be another sermon concept - so let's just stick with the weeds idea).

I just planted over 20 pots of tomatoes, flowers, herbs and peppers on my back deck -and so another cycle of growth begins - I'm excited to begin using the herbs in my cooking - to see the harvest begin in the next few months. But it all started with planting something and helping it grow. What is growing in your life? Seriously, what is is that you are trying to grow in your life? Yes, let's get rid of the weeds, but let's also focus on the growth.

OK - get to it...

See you this Sunday.

Pastor Rich

The Main Thing is.....

This week I will be sharing on the topic of the Weed of Weights. What are weights?. They are anything that hinders or encumbers your walk with Christ. It is easy for all of us to examine our life and identify the bad. We have no problem saying we need to watch our language, control our temptations, and to pursue holiness. However, do we stop and ask the question of what we are doing that seems mundane, or even fun, could be toxic.

We allow our life to take on some stuff along the way. It is not inherently bad, but it keeps us from taking time to do Godly things. If good is the enemy of great, what good things could we lay aside to become great. Weeds - need to be pulled. The weed that are weights need to be pulled. Don't be satisfied with good enough. God's grace and mercy are poured out for us. He suffered and died for us. Don't just pay lip service, do one good deed and call it good.

I encourage you to consider a life pursuing everything that God has for you. Drop the little things...TV...Technology...Sports...People...that weigh us down. Invest into time, people, and places that enrich your life and spiritual journey. You could do greater things, but it starts with a heart that is fully surrendered.

I do hope to see you Sunday, and join in our celebration as we Baptize several new men, women, and children. Who knows the day could be special for you, even life changing.

We serve an awesome God...

Pastor J