It Begins

I am so excited to start this series this weekend called the Invisible War. I know there is a lot of misunderstanding and hyperbole attached to spiritual/supernatural. We are going to share scriptural truth to debunk myths and substantiate truths. This knowledge is going to create fresh understanding and perspective. The really exciting thing is that it will change some lives. We know people are intrigued by the supernatural. This series is going to be capture their attention.

Would you pray for our church and the opportunity before us to present truth. We are in a spiritual conflict, we do have an enemy, we don't have to fear the enemy as followers of Christ. This begs the question? Are we followers of Christ? Whose side are we on? Find out more at either our Saturday night 6pm service we call "Sanctuary" or Sunday at either 9 or 11 am services.

Pastor J

Do you love correction?

One of the challenges when preaching is realizing you can't preach the whole Bible every Sunday. As ministers, we must choose a topic(as led by God's Spirit) and then focus on that particular area. Over time, we cover a breadth of issues that are all woven together and yet on any particular Sunday, you only get that one sermon.

One of the areas I don't have time to get into on Sunday is the discipline of the Lord. I still remember as a child those moments when I knew that I was going to be punished and be spanked by my parents. I can still see my mom at the kitchen counter taking that glass of water just before administering the punishment - don't know if it was to calm her down or if she believed the glass of water gave her some superpower of spanking :). But that discipline has proved effective in my moral character as an adult.

But, let's be honest - most of us don't like the idea of being chastened/disciplined by God.

However, look at these words.

Hebrews 12:5-11 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the LORD, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; for whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives." If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

God's great primary concern for us is not our happiness, but our holiness; not our comfort but our character. In His great love, He is determined to bring us to that condition, and He uses many differing means to that end.

Food for thought, sometimes the trial and tribulation is the actual discipline of the Lord intended to refine us or draw us closer to Him.

Pastor Rich

The Encouragement Factor

What a difference one positive comment can make. It can change someone's day. It can change someones attitude. It can change someone's life. The power is in the tongue. If it can spew death, it can also speak life. Who has encouraged you? How do you feel about them? Why don't you start your own chain of encouragement and watch what happens.

We are called to make disciples and the major first step is to help the candidate believe in themselves to do that. Perhaps the most meaningful thing we will ever do is to help someone go further than ever before, fueled by our encouragement.

It's not always easy because we don't feel like it. Sometimes, we are discouraged and find ourselves needing the encouragement. Take a step of faith and place some effort to help someone out. It's in the bible...."Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing" 1 Thess 5:11.

Be a blessing

Pastor J

Key to Handling Criticism

Criticism may not be criticism. Or at least we might label it constructive criticism. Coaches have to critically analyze what their "athlete" or "charge" is doing. They evaluate and guide. What does that look like to the average person? It often is met with some defense and denial. Yet, to get better scripture tells us that Iron will sharpen Iron (Prov 27:17) and that we should spur (Heb 10:24-25) each other to greater deeds.

Being on the receiving end takes some real heart work. The heart of the coached is the one that was pliable, teachable. IN a word a heart that is filled with humility. This Sunday we will talk about the truth behind hearing the correction. We are all called to coach and to be coached. The better we are at our own growth will enable us to grow others. Come grow with a heart of humility.

Pastor J

I'm Perplexed

Being perplexed is not something new for me. But this one has me baffled. Follow me on my diatribe. 92% of Americans say they believe in God - 78% say they are a Christian - 40% say they attend church regularly(each week). But in a national study it was determined that less than 20%, and maybe as low as 10% of people actually attend church on a Sunday.

You can see why I'm perplexed; somebody isn't telling the truth and to what extent does that lack of truth telling affect the other statistics. The other thing that perplexes me is that if 78% BELIEVE they are Christian but aren't; how challenging does that become in reaching them for Christ.

All of that leads me to our upcoming series - RESOLVE. We will be looking at the biblical process of disciple making through the lens of coaching. All of us need to be coached and should be coaching others. The process of discipleship should be both organic and systematic. This week, we will look at the heart of a coach. A great coach cares for their team and the bible teaches us to care for one another and to encourage one another. As a good coach, we should be recruiting(leading people to Christ) and training(helping them become better disciples). It's a tough but rewarding job and you are called to do it - so c'mon coach -see you this Sunday.

Pastor Rich

final thought of the year...Pray more

Well this is the last blog of the year. In reflection, this year sure moved quickly. I think of all the things that we experienced and faced. We truly had some marvelous moments in our service and events. We also had some trying moments as well as we faced difficulties as well.

God was faithful through it all. His mercies endure forever. What came out of this past year was a fresh stimulus to pray. It is the most important, effective thing we will ever do. That is why I Thess 5 tells us to ..."Pray without ceasing". Our human nature likes to relax when we accomplish something or overcome something. We pray while in crisis, and usually stop until the next one shows. Whether we are on the mountaintop or in the valley...we should always be praying.

We are very excited to share some of our plans and how prayer will play a part. This weekend we will be sharing on how Prayer Prepares the Way.

I encourage you to make this resolution...Pray more. After making said resolution; keep it. As we pray...we will see that anything can happen.

Merry Christmas

If you know anything about me; you know I love this time of year. I love all of the trappings of the Christmas season -the music, the movies, the decorations - the candy and food - the family time, etc.

What I love most of all is depicted in the simplicity of Linus on stage reciting the story of Christmas in the classic moves A Charlie Brown Christmas...

Charlie Brown: “Isn't there ANYONE who knows what Christmas is all about?!?!

Linus: "Sure, Charlie Brown, I can tell you what Christmas is all about."

Linus: “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’ ” (Luke 2:8-14)“You see, Charlie Brown—that’s what Christmas is all about.”

In 1965, Peanuts cartoonist Charles Schulz was asked to create a Christmas special for CBS. When it was time to review the script, CBS executives and producers said it was “way too religious for a secular audience.” The brass advised cutting Linus’ monologue from Luke 2 and other biblical/Christian references, but Schulz insisted that they stay in. The brass said the characters should be voiced by adult actors, but Schulz insisted on actual children. The brass wanted to add a laugh track, but Schulz insisted on a simple combination of piano music and silence behind the voices. The brass eventually acquiesced and agreed to air the special as Schulz had conceived it, but CBS braced for a flop and prepared to write off their losses. What happened? America embraced A Charlie Brown Christmas. It struck a chord in the heart and soul of the nation.

That simple message of the love of God for His children still strikes a chord in my heart and it is my prayer for you this Christmas season - that you may join with me and Linus in beholding, rejoicing and comprehending the true meaning of the season.

Hope to see you at one of our 4 services this weekend -December 24th at 6pm and 8pm and December 25th at 9a and 11a(these services are at the top of my most favored moments during Christmas - receiving communion and singing Silent Night in the glow of the lit candles that remind us that the Light of the world has come in the person of Jesus)

Pastor Rich

Following the Star

The shepherds saw the angels, the wise men followed a star. The followed it to find the savior of the world. You may ask; did they really know all that was attached to this moment?Did they really know that songs would be written, that the Bible with the Greatest Story ever told would include them? I think not.

Yet; even for us to follow that unction could lead to something greater. A spiritual unction that leads to that solitary act could become the special moment that we all desire. More importantly it led to a truly divine moment. Could all that separates our lives from divine moments be the act of hearing and surrendering to God's spirit as it compels us.

I don't think we can say that we are not spiritual enough. The wise men were stargazers, magi, oriental astrologers. Not predictors of the future but rather those studying the skies, seasons, and time. The shepherds were not learned spiritual men, nor were they scholars but yet they are now included in plays, songs, scenes set on lawns and coffee tables. Just think perhaps the greatest story being told of today could include you; there is just one thing that separates you from something greater.

Sunday we will look at how a spiritual unction with a solitary action could lead to something genuinely special.

Blessings

Pastor Jay

Which one am I?

Hard question time - would people say you are more of a complainer or a rejoicer? Think about that - most of us do a great job of complaining; and a not so good job of rejoicing. But it's not a job; it's supposed to be the reality of our heart attitude. On Sunday, we are going to examine some reasons to rejoice as we continue our new series Even Greater. Hope to see you there or listen/watch next week at http://web.me.com/horizonschurch/Horizons_Church/EG_Main_Page.html

Pastor Rich

Even Greater

We begin a new series on Sunday called(you guessed it!) Even Greater. There is a "great" song by Planetshakers by the same title that says we believe for even greater, we believe for more. As we continue in this journey of hope rising and hopes expressed; we are believing God for even greater and hopes fulfilled.

I am excited to be a part of what God is doing in our midst as we pursue Him with our whole heart.

I encourage you to truly get serious about your faith. Don't let your faith be a piece of your life; but rather let it be the center of your life. Jesus doesn't want the scraps from our table. As we pursue Him - Even Greater comes.


Pastor Rich

Hope Prevails

We are three weeks into our series on Building Hope. Many people have expressed their Hope on our board. We are praying, believing and hoping to see them fulfilled. In fact a few cards have appeared on the Fulfilled board. With that in mind I will share this Sunday on how we can embrace our situations with expectation. There are some real scriptural truths that enable each and everyone of us as Christ followers to live in genuine Hope...that can become tangible miracles. We do have history behind us, present miracles to glorify God with, thus a future to believe in. This is not false hope or hope as the world would rely on. This is biblical Hope that finds it source on Almighty God.

I can't wait to share this message as it has blessed me in preparation. Hope wins.

Pastor Jay

Hope Rising

Our current sermon series is titled Building Hope; and I pray that your hope is being built.

Life is full of pain, sometimes, public, sometimes, personal and often private. How do handle the pain that life often brings to us; we will delve into that topic on Sunday. Our hope is found in the journey through such pain and the truth of God's unfailing love, grace and sustainment during such times. God is ever faithful to dispense to us the measure of encouragement that helps us overcome the intensity of our pain.

See you Sunday,

Pastor Rich

Dreams on Detour

Let's all face it. Dreams are wonderful to talk about it. One of the most exciting times we have in life is in the dream phase. We can dream all the marvelous things we can and will do. However the journey can be long, hard, difficult, and sometimes depressing. The truth is that to pursue our dream is going to be pretty hard. It was true in the Bible for anyone pursuing their God dream. It's true today of our dreams. Yet, there is Hope that God who gave us a dream, will give us the ability to see it through. This is the key...that it is a God work.

Phil 1:6 "For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus"

If God put it in you, and you continue down His path, no matter the difficulty, the detour, or the delay... it can come true. I write this to encourage you and to give you the courage to renew your dreams.

Take the next step and watch what happens when we sow spiritual seeds in prayer and God's word. Strength will fill you up and enable you to go forward like never before.

Pastor J

Forgiveness

I have really been struggling through something recently. You want to know what it is? I'll let you know in a bit.

We are beginning a new series this coming Sunday; (i love semi colons) - it's called Building Hope. This concept has been stirring in my heart for months and I'm really looking forward to what God is going to do in us over the next month.

So back to forgiveness - you thought I'd forgot. I'm not struggling with forgiving someone, but rather with how the concept works when others don't repent. Think about this - when does God forgive us? He forgives us when we repent; until that time, He has an attitude of forgiveness towards us but is waiting on us to repent. That concept has me perplexed. We are to forgive others for when they harm and hurt us up to 70*7(don't do the math - if you do your being legalistic and missing the point). But what happens when others don't repent, how can we then forgive?

I believe it works more like this....We are to have an attitude of forgiveness at all times and even forgive others even when they don't repent. However, the intended end of forgiveness is reconciliation and a broken relationship is not reconciled until the cycle of forgiveness is complete. That cycle can' t be completed until repentance occurs. So, even though we have a heart of forgiveness towards all who offend; it's not complete unless they repent. And that is why we often feel a tension or struggle with those we haven't been able to reconcile with - because even though we have an attitude of forgiveness with them - the circle isn't repaired without the repentance and ultimate reconciliation. Often, I've struggled with this because I have forgiven others who haven't repented but still sense the unreconciled relationship. Now, here is the freeing part - if that is you - you've done your part - don't carry the burden of that unreconciled relationship - yes, pray for reconciliation, but don't' feel guilty or condemned.

I think the amazing thing in all of this is God's amazing grace to forgive us and give us a spirit of forgiveness towards others and ultimateley heal broken relationships.

Pastor Rich

Flow Time

Stagnation refers to something that has ceased to flow. It often refers to a body of water that has no in or no out and thus just sits there...becoming stagnant. We as believers can stagnate. We can have something in us, but no flow out and thus no fresh flow in. There is much for us to learn as we look to the word of God. It compels us not to become stale, rather to stoke the fire. It compels us to give, to serve, and to worship.

Are we satisfied with our Christian journey? Do we long for more? Do we hunger for more? Do we find ourselves desperate before we find ourselves in a desperate situation? These are important questions. Why? Consider what Christ says of the Laodecian church in Rev 3...."I know your deeds, you are not cold, you are not hot, so I will spew you out. Yuck..not a snowball, not a fireball, but a spitball. Interestingly enough we are preferred to be hot or cold, that is better than the middle. So right now as you read this blog...Are you feeling a little stale? Get the flow going my friends, it's flow time.

Pastor J

Worst Day Ever

I hear this expression often nowadays. Sometimes a person is joking when using this expression and at other times you sense that maybe that is the truth. For most of us, we can recount a day or at least narrow it down to a few days that were the worst day ever.

I don't know about you; but those days often become the springboard for a season for me. I have to work very hard and truly seek God to find a path out of depression and despondency. The beautiful thing is that God always has a path and that the perspective on the other side of the confusion is better than when we are going through those times. Not that we feel good about the experience but we have a better perspective. It is often in these times that I get confused about life.

The question for most of us, is how do I get from being confused to being focused again. Join us this Sunday as we will look at how God has created some pathways that lead us from here to there.

If you are having the worst day ever - don't give up, don't quit - God will walk with you, carry you, sustain you and guide you through every situation you face. Be encouraged, greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world(sorry - had to preach a little there)

ps - I just caved - was trying to make it till November 1st - didn't make it - what am I talking about you may ask - just listened to the first Christmas music of the season... :)

Pastor Rich

Are you Lost?

Lost...not just a TV show, but a reality for many people wandering the earth. They wonder as they wander, asking what is life's meaning. Is this all there is? They seek fulfillment and happiness in very wrong places. They ask...what happened, why didn't this work out. People become disillusioned, disenchanted, misdirected...Lost.

Even the believer has to sift through his/her doubts. Trying to make sense of the trials of life, but in the end a little lost. Truthfully, we have all been there at one time or another. Not sure which path to take, scared to take another step, wondering and second guessing decisions we make.

There is one sure way to get back on track. Let the Holy Spirit and God's word navigate you. If you follow their guidance you are on your way to having that confidence of knowing your path..navigated. Join us this Sunday as we explore this place of being lost to an assurance of being navigated.

Pastor J

Why I Preach

In the emptiness of my fallow speech
I form my lips to utter some sound
that might illuminate the grandeur of who you are
to those whom you love and have entrusted into my care

I love to preach - to present the truth of God's word to those who have ears to hear. One of the challenges of preaching is the vastness of the audience. On any given Sunday, we have those who are new to the faith and are still growing in their basic understanding concerning the foundational concepts of God's truth and Love; and then we have the life long Christ follower who could probably preach the message better than me(some have even told me so :)

I don't say this to complain; I love the challenge. But the one thing I have to keep in my mind is that I am not trying to please you - no offense - I am just trying to honor God with what He calls me to do week in and week out. Just wanted to give you a window into the struggle of a guy who tries to be faithful to God's word and give you some insight into a thought of someone who gets to stand before God's people and speak.

So I invite you to come hear the feeble words of someone who just genuinely loves God this Sunday as we begin a new series called You are Here

Talk at you soon

Pastor Rich

Redemption for all

There is something wonderful about the message of Jesus Christ. Forgiveness comes to all who ask. Not just one singular time, but when we genuinely ask, time and time again. This Sunday we will look at scripture and see that we can even guard ourselves and walk holy.

We may not think we can, we may not think we could, but it's true for God's word is powerful and life changing. We can guard our actions and glorify God in the process. This is true living. Forgiven, not perfect, but striving and conscious to be the Church that God has called us to be. The key to all of this is seeking God...the bible states it in James 4 "Draw near to me, I will draw near to you."

God is not hard to get...It's us in our mind that is filled with doubt, fear,and guilt that keeps us from overcoming. Hide His word in your heart. Draw near to Him. Abide with Christ and watch how life changes ...even for the person who has followed Christ for awhile.

Blessings and I sincerely cannot wait for Sunday...Because the message of redemption is for everyone...What we tear up, God will build back.

Pastor Jay

Words are powerful

I heard some years ago about a study done by psychologists. They took a look at the power of words and how an insult or put down affects a person's well being. They found that for every negative word; it took seven positive words to heal it. They discovered a truth. They discovered a biblical truth..."Life and death are in the power of the tongue" - manifested in our words.

Consider the truth of God's all powerful word. Prov 18:21 (NASB) “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.” Now don't dismiss this or be flippant about the power you possess. They are not just words. They are either death or life.

How do you talk to others? Specifically how do you talk to your family, your co-worker? You see that matters a lot. What are you seeding into them, death or life. How many of us, if we were really honest would take this power seriously and let it steer our thinking and steer our speaking so that we promoted life.

Pray and ask God to help you watch your tongue. Pray and ask God to guard your talk. Try to ensure that when you speak....God smiles.

Pastor Jay