As a young man, I incorrectly thought prayer people were flighty.
There is an old saying that was passed around my circle of influence that stated, “We shouldn’t be so heavenly minded, that we are not earthly good.”
Now, I see things differently.
Prayer people should be the wisest.
Prayer people are insightful.
Prayer people have that timely comment that impacts the meeting.
Prayer people have the demeanor and persona that remind people of Jesus.
I finished our series Prayer is for Everybody with a message titled, “Devoted to Prayer,” based on Colossians 4:2-6.
These messages have come out of my long walk with the Lord. I have made many mistakes and tried many things but I have settled into this simple, meaningful relationship with God. That is prayer to me. I hope this capstone message will turn your heart to him.
SERMON ONLY
FULL SERVICE
One of the most surprising developments of the 2020s so far has been the strength of the American dollar. As unstable as our fiscal policies have been, American bonds are the preferred safe place for the world to place their wealth. I credit innovation, the free market, and strong businesses as the key to our strength.
The two bank failures in the last week have reminded us of the vulnerabilities in our current financial system. In addition, record inflation weakens the dollar and hurts the poor. I hope common sense and sound fiscal policy will keep the American dollar the preferred world currency, slow inflation, and stabilize the prosperity available to so many.
These failures have shown us that our money is not worth what we perceive. The worth of a dollar is connected to investors’ confidence, risk, and trust. In a fallen world, we can’t put our trust in the plans of man.
“Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” – Pslam 20:7 (ESV)
One of the best gifts you give the world is your emotional health. We cannot always control this part of us, but good choices and habits along the journey position us for optimal health. My faith in Christ has benefited my emotional health more than anything, but I know a lot of more devout believers who struggle emotionally.
I write all this as many of you are on Spring Break, which can be a time to realize unmet expectations. I want you to hear this – KEEP YOUR CONFIDENCE! Remaining confident in who God has made you is a key to emotional health. Participate in conversations, reading, podcasts, music, and thoughts that build confidence. God believes in you, and so do I!
My active schedule has kept me from writing the last few weeks, but I hope that changes this week. For those who may use my blog to access CIL service content, I want to share our links from Sunday.
We had a great service, as Pastor Mauricio Barahona presented a great teaching titled, “Patterns of the Heart.”
Be blessed!
SERMON ONLY
FULL SERVICE
It’s been a tough few days in Hendersonville, as record winds on Friday brought tragedy to several people and power loss to thousands. Even with people unable to attend, we had a strong attendance with lots of passion for Jesus.
Watch the entire service, as Aubrey had some great ministry moments during the worship music.
FULL SERVICE
I preached on the “Structure of Prayer,” and this teaching is very practical, giving you some ideas and tools to connect with God.
SERMON ONLY
In sports, we cheer athletes on to inspire them to achieve.
We do not cheer on God. He will perform His will with or without us.
He does not need us; we need Him.
That is why we must recognize the Sovereignty of God amid our bold, faith-filled prayers.
What is the Sovereignty of God? After meditating on a few definitions, I have settled with this:
The Sovereignty of God is his absolute right to do all things according to his will.
So my conclusion, I will pray as hard as I can, as long as I can.
When the situation is over, I will trust God’s Sovereignty. This answer is not always satisfying, but this perspective holds true to Scripture.
Today is the beginning of Lent, a 40 day season (not counting Sundays) until Easter. We prepare ourselves for Easter by walking with the Lord in this season of praying, fasting, giving, and reflection. There are no rules for Lent. Simply follow the Lord’s lead to turn from sin and connect with Him.
As part of our Lent journey, I invite you to give a gift to our “40 Days of Hope” giving campaign. For $25, you can provide clean water for years to a family in the developing world by providing them a water filter. And 100% of your gift will go directly to families in need. This project is through our partners Convoy of Hope. During Lent, replace something you may fast during the 40 days of Lent with a gift to this project.
I hope every person in our church family can give towards the “40 Days of Hope” campaign.
You can give now by clicking here:
https://cil.churchcenter.com/giving/to/40-days-of-hope
We can make a tangible difference in the quality of someone’s life. Let’s do it!
I know Sunday’s service was excellent because Beth and I worshipped at a hotel in Houston. We were visiting family but were so blessed by Abbey Allison and Rob Still leading worship music and Jacob Bell bringing the sermon. Jacob’s sermon was titled, “For Such a Time As This.” See the links below if you were not at the service or want to experience it again.
Also, the picture above is of me with my brother, only 1st cousin (my other brother), and sister on a quick visit to Houston. We loved supporting the younger generation in their weekend activities.
WATCH SERMON
WATCH FULL SERVICE
When I first engaged in spiritual formation, every prayer was answered the way I wanted, and those prayer successes built my faith.
But, after a while, I inevitably learned that not every prayer will be answered as I expect.
Yahweh is not our wish-list generator.
He is not a genie in the bottle.
He is not a force or energy.
Yahweh is a God with a personality, intelligence, and will.
We pray to Yahweh, and He responds according to His purposes and will.
We struggle in this. We rest in this.
Aaron's Angle 