My son at his best....

Sunday afterthoughts 03.21.10

I enjoyed the Sunday morning worship. Our young people were the highlight of the service. With that, here are my Sunday afterthoughts:

• I will be taking (okay I have been taking) a break from my blog posting of the book of Acts. We are going to Kentucky this week to see my son graduate from his job training. He is a US Marine. We are proud of him.
• When packing, we bring only the necessities. When we pack to live for Jesus, we need the necessities. All else is extra or is unnecessary.
• Jesus was a master storyteller and he gave us the responsibility of knowing and understanding the stories (aka parables).
• When we worship, are we worshipping to be seen or to connect to God? Check out Psalm 25:12.
• Too all my friends on Twivotion, I really love what you do! You help me worship with others Monday through Friday.
• My wife and church secretary (aka my daughter) made 30 sandwiches while my son-in-law and I got out the chips and water to fundraise for a church computer. $5 for a lunch raised us about $125! Beat that Subway. :-)
• Looking forward to my trip to Kentucky. We will see our son soon. Semper Fidelis!

Sunday afterthoughts 03.14.10

Here are my Sunday afterthoughts:

• It is great to have visitors, especially when they feel loved.
• One of my deacons was back and was serving like no other. I praise God for him!
• My message doesn't impact people, God's message does!
• We had people who came forward to be prayed for and prayed up!
• Jesus was a transformer of lives and if we don't let him transform us, then we are pew warmers.
• I learned that I am a "leper" and have been one of the nine instead of the one who thanked God. Luke 17:11-17
• An unhappy Christian is an oxymoron. Psalm 68:3
• I don't have religion, I have a relationship with Jesus Christ and you can too!

Acts 4 - Get Out Of Jail Free

As a kid, I remember playing monopoly with my uncle. We didn't really understand all the rules of the game, but there is one thing we did understand. We understood the value of the "Get Out Of Jail Free" card. It would mean that we would no longer would be trapped in jail, having to roll the perfect die number, or pay a subastantial fine to be released. Sometimes it seems as though we did not belong there in the first place because we did nothing wrong.

Peter and John had performed a great miracle in the healing of the crippled beggar and they were announcing to the world about Jesus and the resurrection. So many people were interested in what they had to say. They were receiving alot of attention and it was noticeable among the religious leaders who would have them arrested and put in jail. While in jail they were questioned about "what power or what name did you do this [miracle]?" Who gave you the authority?

Peter got right to the point and no longer feared them. He declared that the way to heaven is through Jesus (Acts 4:12)only. Which to the religious leaders meant that there was nothing they could do in their conduct, religious obedience, or other way to arrive in heaven. The only way was to have Jesus, their Get Out of Jail Free card!

Have you heard about God? Jesus? Did you realize that He has a plan and purpose for your life? Have you been trying to do everything on your own: be a good person, help others, obey the laws? It is time to be free of the things, attitudes and actions that have separate you from God. Will you accept God's Get Out Of Jail free card? Take Jesus in your life right now and experience God's love for you!

Sunday afterthoughts 3.07.10

Here are my Sunday afterthoughts:

* It is difficult not to be discouraged at times, but I must remember that God has called me to speak no matter who is not there.
* Our Spanish Ministry rocks! Not only in music, but in the numerous amount of ministries they do!
* Another Kudos to our Spanish Ministry who had 7 baptisms yesterday spanning 3 generations. So awesome to see.
* Wondering at times why God puts challenges in front of us. It is to make us grow.
* Evangelism is not an option. It is what we are supposed to do. Matt. 28:19-20
* We need to do more living the gospel instead of reading. 1 Corinthians 8:1
* Leaders need to listen, love and learn from others.

Sunday afterthought 2.28.10

Here are my Sunday afterthoughts:

*Having many things to do can wear you out, but God's love should never wear you out.
*Having a church family means alot, but I appreciate it much when you see them in action with you.
*We learned that being a Christ follower means nothing without love!
*When people are hurting, we need to help. Be in help mode.
*My grandma's memorial service was done well with songs, bible verses and prayer.
*My grandma sought to bring many to the church, when God called her home and the service was done, there was at least 300 People at Trinity Cristo Del Rey!
*Losing a loved one is tough, but our memories will never fade.
*I will see my grandma again one day, will you see me or her?