spirit controlled

What if we tuned into all that the Spirit of God was saying to us? Right here, right now, what is he saying? Are we tuned in enough to notice. I am convinced after reading the bible that the Holy Spirit is nudging us, giving us feeling, an unction and we are ignoring it amidst all the noise and busyness of the day. The best self control is saying "here God have control." The bible says to us that if we live by the Spirit we will not gratify the desires of our sinful nature. (Gal 5:16) Jesus told his disciples to abide in His vine, and we would bear much fruit. (John 15:5-8)

Wouldn't that be awesome, to be sin free and bearing much fruit? I encourage you all to grow in Christ, read your bibles, pray, and watch how that changes who we think, what we do, and what we talk about. We show Christs character.

Blessings - More on this Sunday,

Pastor Jay

Its our kindness

As I prepare to speak on the virtue of kindness, I am reminded of the song...Its Your Kindness. It says, "Its Your Kindness that leads us to repentance." We respond to the Kindness, mercy, love and compassion bestowed upon us by Jesus Christ.

So with this given to us, what should we be giving to our world? The truth is that one kind act could change someones life. One act that we do, could change someones day, week, or even life. When we think about doing kind acts, we usually gain opportunities. Kindness, being kind and loving in action toward others.

This is the skill that is encouraged for us to use in scripture. Look the easy way out is the main way, the hard way and the right way is to give kindness to those that don't deserve it. See you Sunday for more as we dig up the lost virtue of kindness.

Pastor Jay

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