Expectation

This past Sunday we continued our SERIES "The Heart of Christmas." This entire series we are looking at Christmas through the eyes of a child again.." You can listen to the podcast or download it by clicking here WYANDOTTE FAMILY PODCAST

You can also download an Amazon App for only $1.99 and have easy access to all of the podcasts right on your Android Smartphone or tablet. GET THE ANDROID APP 

We often pull back from expecting too much because we think if we don't expect much we won't hurt as much. However, pulling back on our expectations has a greater negative effect than you think. We we lower our expectations we stop pursuing and pouring as much energy into something. We we lower our expectations we lose passion. When we lower our expectation we miss out on the beauty right in front of us. 

I encourage you to increase your expectations as we approach the new year. Expect great things in your marriage. Expect great things at work. Expect great things in your family. Expect great things in your friendships. Then begin to pray the very expectations that you have.

Let the new year be the best one ever!

Develop Your Joy

This past Sunday we kicked off our NEW SERIES "The Heart of Christmas." This entire series we are looking at Christmas through the eyes of a child again.." You can listen to the podcast or download it by clicking here WYANDOTTE FAMILY PODCAST

You can also download an Amazon App for only $1.99 and have easy access to all of the podcasts right on your Android Smartphone or tablet. GET THE ANDROID APP 

For Part 1 we talked about the definition of joy. Joy is an outward sign of an inward faith in the promises of God (quote from Tommy NewBerry). Joy is more internal than external. Regardless of the circumstances that surround us we can be joyful. We looked at the shepherds and how the message of Jesus Christ brought abundant joy. Even though their personal situation didn't change, they were able to now live with JOY because of Jesus Christ! 

We all want to be joyful. No one wants to walk around discouraged, fearful, depressed and angry or aggravated. So why do some people seem to walk around full of joy while others don't? Why do some people seem to encounter tragedy and yet still maintain joy as their strength? 

Galatians 5:22 ways that JOY is a fruit of the Spirit. The more we spend time with Him the more joyful we become. The greater His Spirit directs our lives the more joyful we become. It is a natural byproduct. 

I challenge you to spend at least the first 10 minutes of every day with God. Spend time worshipping. Spend time praying. Spend time reading your Bible. Don't know where to begin? Try this Christmas Bible reading plan. 

Undetected Lie no one is talking about

All of the media outlets are covering and pushing Bruce Jenner's reveal. Matter of fact, every time I look on my news app on my phone I see articles about homosexuality, lesbianism, bi-sexual, thrupples etc. It seems that sexuality has become the #1 news source and what media wants to talk about. 

What many people don't realize, there is a lie that is going undetected. There is a major identity shift that our media is trying to reprogram without people even realizing it. Here is the undetected lie...your sexuality is your identity. 

Just 15 years ago people would introduce themselves by their name. People were known for their service or accomplishments. Now people introduce themselves or build a reputation solely based on their sexuality. "Hi, my name is Sally and I'm bi." "Hi, my name is Bob and I am transgender." 

Here is the problem. We are so much more than sexual beings. Yes, sexuality is a big part of our lives. God created it and created it to be good. However, we also are spiritual, emotional, and intellectual beings. When we try to find our identity in anything other than God, it simply doesn't work. It will always leave us empty and searching. Why? We were created for so much more. 

Matthew 6 teaches us that if we seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, then the other areas of our lives will fall into place. The very longing of our hearts and the very desires of our souls are fulfilled first in our relationship with God. If that isn't in place, then no amount of sex, sex changes or partners will fill that void. 

I hope we realize the undetected lie is actually degrading and making us as humans less important and special. We were created in the image of God and matter. Our identity is in Him. No matter where you find yourself on the debates, Seek God first. Make Him your identity because sex can't produce that. Your identity is not your sexuality. You are so much more. 

Following Jesus is Messy!

This past Sunday we continued our SERIES "SPIRITUAL AGLEBRA" This entire series we are looking at several powerful equations we see in the Bible." You can listen to the podcast or download it at http://wyandottefamily.libsyn.com/  or on iTunes athttps://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wyandottefamilys-podcast/id990745253

You can also download an Amazon App for only $1.99 and have easy access to all of the podcasts right on your Android Smartphone or tablet. http://www.amazon.com/Wizzard-Media-Wyandotte-Family-Church/dp/B00OZZXW56/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418834318&sr=8-1&keywords=Wyandotte+Family+Church 
For Part 4 the equation was, "See + Serve + Say = Significant Impact." We talked about how to truly make a difference and reach others with the love of Jesus in 2015. 

The second part of the equation is SERVE! When you study and examine the life of Jesus the one truth that is abundantly clear is He was a servant. He had all authority and power in heaven yet He chose to not only humble himself and become human, He also chose to serve us and put us first. 

Romans 5:8—But God showed his is great love for us by sending Christ to die for us, while we were still sinners.

Being a servant is messing. It means you will sometimes be taken advantage of. It means sometimes you wont' be appreciated. It means sometimes the love will not be reciprocated. Sometimes the people you are serving won't even realize what you are doing. Being a servant is messy. 

Being a servant is is powerful because it has nothing to do with the other person and everything to do with the condition of your heart and my heart. Look at Romans 5:8, Jesus died for us while we were sinners. He put us first even when we didn't give a rip about who He was or what He was doing for us. He did what needed to be done regardless of what we were doing. That is true love and service. 

Just like Jesus we are called to serve people even while they sin. We are called to love people regardless of their current lifestyle. Matter of fact, to truly follow Jesus we are called to serve people that don't deserve it. (ouch that hurts...at least it hurts me :) 

Once we see with compassion, we are called to action. How can you serve your boss you can't stand? How can you serve your neighbor who annoys you? How can you serve that family member who is an antagonizing atheist? How can you serve that co-worker is always trying to put themselves first while they push others down? 

Following Jesus is messy!  

A simple way to build compassion in your life

This past Sunday we continued our SERIES "SPIRITUAL AGLEBRA" This entire series we are looking at several powerful equations we see in the Bible." You can listen to the podcast or download it at http://wyandottefamily.libsyn.com/  or on iTunes athttps://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wyandottefamilys-podcast/id990745253

You can also download an Amazon App for only $1.99 and have easy access to all of the podcasts right on your Android Smartphone or tablet. http://www.amazon.com/Wizzard-Media-Wyandotte-Family-Church/dp/B00OZZXW56/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418834318&sr=8-1&keywords=Wyandotte+Family+Church 
For Part 4 the equation was, "See + Serve + Say = Significant Impact." We talked about how to truly make a difference and reach others with the love of Jesus in 2015. 

The first part of the equation is SEE. We were challenged to see people the way Jesus sees people. Well, how is that? With compassion. BUT HOW DO We DO THAT? What can we do, to take simple growth steps in developing compassion in our lives? 

The best way to develop compassion is to simple focus on the condition of your own heart. When you are fully aware of your failures, sins and short comings and are bringing them to Jesus. When you are expereincing His grace, patience, love and faithfullness, it makes it a lot easier to do the same with others. That is why Jesus said...

Matthew 7:2-5--2 For you will be treated as you treat others.[a] The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.[b]

3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye[c] when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend,[d] ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye?5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.

Jesus didn't say you can't help others. Jesus didn't say don't talk to others about things they are doing wrong. Jesus did say, FIRST, deal with yourself. When you do that, then you'll be able to SEE well enough to deal with the speck in your friends eye. Focusing on ourselves and surrendering our hearts to Jesus is a simple action step to developing a life of compasion. It is a simple step to help us SEE the way Jesus see's. 

Paul also teaches us this in Romans 2:21—Well then, if you teach others, why don’t you teach yourself? You tell others not to steal but do you steal? 

Lets be a people of compassion. Let's focus on our hearts, our attitudes, our thoughts and our actions. As we do this simple truth, we'll truly be able to SEE with compassion. 

The Power of a NAME

This past Sunday we continued our SERIES "SPIRITUAL AGLEBRA" This entire series we are looking at several powerful equations we see in the Bible." You can listen to the podcast or download it at http://wyandottefamily.libsyn.com/  or on iTunes athttps://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wyandottefamilys-podcast/id990745253 

You can also download an Amazon App for only $1.99 and have easy access to all of the podcasts right on your Android Smartphone or tablet. http://www.amazon.com/Wizzard-Media-Wyandotte-Family-Church/dp/B00OZZXW56/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418834318&sr=8-1&keywords=Wyandotte+Family+Church 
For Part 4 the equation was, "See + Serve + Say = Significant Impact." We talked about how to truly make a difference and reach others with the love of Jesus in 2015. 

The first part of the equation is SEE. We were challenged to see people the way Jesus sees people. Well, how is that? With compassion. So often as followers of Christ it is so easy to become critical and hard hearted without even realizing it. It is easy to start grouping people together and stop caring for individuals. It's easy to call people atheists, agnostics, or closed minded. It's easy to say people are wicked and sinful. But when we see people that way, we are not seeing people the way Jesus does. When he saw the crowds He had compassion on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd. 

When you begin to have compassion, you'll drop the stereotypes and start calling and caring for people by name (individuals). There is truly power in a name. Try praying for someone specifically by name on a daily basis. You'll watch your heart soften and the compassion of Jesus grow inside of you.

This very thing happened to King Saul. He stopped calling David by name because of the jealousy and anger in his heart. 

http://bible.com/116/1sa.20.27.nlt But when David’s place was empty again the next day, Saul asked Jonathan, “Why hasn’t the son of Jesse been here for the meal either yesterday or today?”

David and Saul were close at one point. David was faithful and loyal to the King. However, the further and further away from the heart of God Saul became, the less compassion he had. It got so bad that he didn't refer to David by name but simply, "The son of Jesse." 

May we also be full of compassion and love. No matter how dark our country and culture gets. Maybe we focus on people. May we value and love people. May we see people the way Jesus does, with compassion!

NO WAY HOSEA

This past Sunday we continued our SERIES "SPIRITUAL AGLEBRA" This entire series we are looking at several powerful equations we see in the Bible." You can listen to the podcast or download it at http://wyandottefamily.libsyn.com/  or on iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wyandottefamilys-podcast/id990745253  

You can also download an Amazon App for only $1.99 and have easy access to all of the podcasts right on your Android Smartphone or tablet. http://www.amazon.com/Wizzard-Media-Wyandotte-Family-Church/dp/B00OZZXW56/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418834318&sr=8-1&keywords=Wyandotte+Family+Church 

For Part 3 we talked about the equation Connection + Mission = Community. The two points were experience God together and be on mission together. We see this realty again in another part of the Bible.

Colossians 3:16-17-Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. ¹⁷ And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father. 

True community forms when we spend time together and truly open our hearts. When we hear something like that our natural response is, "NO WAY HOSEA!" Opening your heart can be a scary thing, not knowing how others will react or treat you. However, true community can't be formed unless you open your heart.

In order to worship God together, truly, you have to open your heart. In order to counsel and encourage each other, you have to open your heart. To do everything in life as a representative of the Lord, you have to open your heart.

Take the risk. Open your heart. Have meaningful and spiritual conversations with each other. Encourage each other. Challenge each other. Fight the status quo.

It's not supposed to be easy!

This past Sunday we kicked off our NEW SERIES "JONAH" This entire series we are looking at the popular Bible story of Jonah and learning from Jonah's successes and failures. We also are learning how faithful God is, even when we are not." You can listen to the podcast or download it at http://wyandottefamily.libsyn.com/   

You can also download an Amazon App for only $1.99 and have easy access to all of the podcasts right on your Android Smartphone or tablet. http://www.amazon.com/Wizzard-Media-Wyandotte-Family-Church/dp/B00OZZXW56/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418834318&sr=8-1&keywords=Wyandotte+Family+Church 
For Part 1 we talked about how Jonah ran from God's call because it took him out of his comfort zone. The slogan from Sunday was, "God's call takes us out of our comfort zone." 

Staying in our comfort zone is so easy. We have no need to be stretched. We have not need to be challenged. We have no need to endure pain and growth. We can just sit comfortably in the safe comfort zone. We know what to expect and we know what is going to happen. That is why we often struggle with following God's call on our life. His call takes us out of our comfort zone. His call takes us to the unknown. His call takes us to a place we have never been before and it forces us to depend on Him. 

This was nothing new in Scripture. There are many people who who called outside of their comfort zone. Abraham was called out of his hometown and was called to leave his family to go to a place that was unknown. Moses spent 40 years in the dessert of Middian and was doing quite well. Yet, God called him to go to back to Egypt and confront the most powerful person on the planet at that time. God asked the 12 disciples to leave their familiar jobs and expertise to follow Him and become fishers of men. All unknown. All were new experiences that were stretching them out of their comfort zones. Yet, as each one obeyed, they experienced God and His faithfulness at a whole new level. 

What is God calling you to do? Is there someone specific at work, school or neighborhood He is asking you to share your faith with? Is there a ministry at church he is asking you to start or get involved with? Is there someone new to the faith He is asking you to mentor and meet with? Is there a new skill or focus He is asking you to pursue and study? 

Trust God and allow Him to take you out of your comfort zone. You will never regret trusting God and taking that next step. As you step out of your comfort zone you will discover God in more deep and meaningful ways. You don't want to stay in your lazy boy chair. There is so much more waiting for you! 

Someone else will do it!!

This past Sunday we concluded our SERIES "Body Building?" This entire series we are looking at how we can "pump up" and grow as a church body (family)." You can listen to the podcast or download it at http://wyandottefamily.libsyn.com/  

You can also download an Amazon App for only $1.99 and have easy access to all of the podcasts right on your Android Smartphone or tablet. http://www.amazon.com/Wizzard-Media-Wyandotte-Family-Church/dp/B00OZZXW56/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418834318&sr=8-1&keywords=Wyandotte+Family+Church 
For Part 6 we talked about "Pumping up our Vision." The slogan this past Sunday was "What we see, becomes our reality."

The two points from this past Sunday were #1--Vision comes from God. #2--Vision is seeing what could be and what should be. I want to share a 3rd point in this blog...

#3—Vision compels us to action

In the following Verses in Acts 10 Peter went with the men to the house of Cornelius.  He didn’t just see, he was compelled to do something about it.

What is the difference between a dream and a vision? Dreamers dream about things being different; visionaries envision themselves making a difference and changing things.-Andy Stanley

 

Whenever you and I have vision, it isn't for someone else to do! God is stirring our hearts, breaking our hearts and getting our attention for action. We are called to be a part of the solution. I can't tell you how many times people have had great ideas or suggestions at church but when I ask them how they can help make it a reality, they shy away. I usually hear, "I don't have the time for it but I'm sure someone else does." If you have said that, please know I am not condemning you. All I am saying is that you are missing out. God is giving you vision so you can be a part of a blessing and a preferred future. I would rather reorganize and reprioritize by time and schedule so I could do the very thing God is calling me to do than miss out.

 

Check out this powerful verse written by the Apostle Paul...

1 Corinthians 9:16—Yet preaching the Good News is not something I can boast about. I am compelled by God to do it. How terrible for me if I didn’t preach the Good News!

When we receive a vision from God. When we see how things should be and could be we are compelled to action. We can’t stay silent. We can’t stay in our comfort zones. We are moved to get involved. We are moved to make a difference.

 

What makes you glad?
What makes you sad?
What makes you mad?
What do you see that others do not?

Take a step of action! Follow the vision God is giving you. Get involved to making a preferred future. Don't delegate the vision that God has given you!

You were created with a PURPOSE and for a PURPOSE

This past Sunday we continued our SERIES "Body Building?" This entire series we are looking at how we can "pump up" and grow as a church body (family)." You can listen to the podcast or download it at http://wyandottefamily.libsyn.com/  

You can also download an Amazon App for only $1.99 and have easy access to all of the podcasts right on your Android Smartphone or tablet. http://www.amazon.com/Wizzard-Media-Wyandotte-Family-Church/dp/B00OZZXW56/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418834318&sr=8-1&keywords=Wyandotte+Family+Church 
For Part 5 we talked about "Pumping up our Purpose." The slogan this past Sunday was "Know God and make Him known."

The very first reason we were created and placed on this planet is to KNOW GOD! This is central to living a life of a purpose. This is why money, toys, entertainment, alcohol, popularity and sex provide temporary pleasure and fun but not purpose. Many people live their lives for that purpose however, the ache in their heart will not be fulfilled. Why?

1. You were created to know the creator (KNOW GOD)

God created us to have a relationship with us. Mark 12—Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.

 

A one-word summary of this verse is worship. That is what worship is, loving God with all your heart, mind and strength. When we hear the word worship we usually think of music and singing. I have heard some people say, “I love church because I love the worship.” They are referring to singing and music. The Bible’s definition of worship is much broader. It’s using your home life, private life, school life and friendships life to honor God. Right now if you are reading and taking notes so you can KNOW GOD more, you are worshiping. When you hear the Bible being preached that’s worship. When you open the door for someone else and let them go first, that is worship! Those of you who give your tithes & offerings, did you know that is an act of worship. When you attend pre-gathering pray that is an act of worship God created us to have a relationship with Him and to enjoy His friendship.

God doesn’t want us to be religious. He doesn’t care what church you attend but He does care if you love and have a relationship with Jesus. We all have met religious people that don’t know a thing about God. That isn’t our purpose.

We were created to know the Creator, not for us to be robots for Him. It’s to love Him with all your mind and soul. So if this is God’s plan then what is our response. To honor God with our lives. Not just on Sunday mornings. That is Paul says in Philippians 3

Philippians 3:8-9— ⁸ Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ ⁹ and become one with him.

Compared to knowing God personally and having a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ everything else takes a back seat. Everything else is secondary.

 

Ralph Barton, one of the top cartoonists of the nations, left this note pinned to his pillow before taking his own life: "I have had few difficulties, many friends, great successes; I have gone from wife to wife, from house to house, visited great countries of the world, but I am fed up with inventing devices to fill up twenty-four hours of the day." 

 

You can live for whatever you want. Live for pleasure. Live for money. Live for accolades. Live for yourself. In the end, that ache and whole will still be there. Why? We were created to KNOW GOD. We were created for so much more than the here and now.

Does my life really matter?

This past Sunday we continued our SERIES "Body Building?" This entire series we are looking at how we can "pump up" and grow as a church body (family)." You can listen to the podcast or download it at http://wyandottefamily.libsyn.com/  

You can also download an Amazon App for only $1.99 and have easy access to all of the podcasts right on your Android Smartphone or tablet. http://www.amazon.com/Wizzard-Media-Wyandotte-Family-Church/dp/B00OZZXW56/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418834318&sr=8-1&keywords=Wyandotte+Family+Church 
For Part 5 we talked about "Pumping up our Purpose." The slogan this past Sunday was "Know God and make Him known."

Why were we created? Why were we placed on this planet? Why in this generation? These are great questions to wrestle with? I love what Rick Warren says in his book, "The Purpose Driven Life." Here is an exert from his book and from Doug Fields Sermon, "Welcome to the Planet."...
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In order to move ahead you’ve got to determine in your heart and in your mind if in fact there is a God. Not everyone believes there is a God. You probably don’t have to talk to too many people at to figure that out. There is a famous quote from atheist Bertrand Russell.

QUOTE—Unless you assume a God, the question of life’s purpose is meaningless.”

In reality you have two options. One option is to believe that there is no God. That you are here by accident. That millions and millions and millions of years ago something happened, some cosmic collision in a void darkness and in that collision humanity began to develop and grow. We are here by chance.

Or you may believe something different. Maybe you believe there is a God. That there is a creator, a designer behind this incredible thing we call earth. Within this view there are several options you can go. One is a very popular belief called deism. They believe that there is a God who created the thing. God got the whole earth spinning and then He took off. He’s impersonal and distant and doesn’t want to have anything to do with you.

There is another view that the Bible teaches. And that view is this, that God created earth and in His creation He has a design and purpose and as part of His creation He has a design and purpose for you and me.

Let’s all go down these two tracks together.

>First, if there’s no God, then there’s no reason to discuss the meaning of life. If there’s no God, is there any reason that you would spend an hour out of your week to come to church? What a waste of time if there is no God. If there is no God then there should be no morality. There should be no values. There should be nothing to enhance the way we live our life. If there is no God then when you and I die that’s all there is.

>For the second track, let’s assume and imagine there is a God. If there is a God and God created the earth, that there is a designer, there is a creator, there is somebody “Imaginerring” this whole thing called earth, and then there must be a purpose to His creation. If God created the earth and there must be a purpose to His creation therefore there’s purpose in my life. God has a purpose for or lives.

If there is purpose in my life I must either pursue it…think about it. If there is purpose in my life than I must pursue that purpose and try to get my arms around that purpose and think about it, embrace it and live it out. Or I must ignore it. Really those are my two options. I either pursue God’s purposes for my life or ignore them.

The next few blogs we are going to be looking at this love letter and discovering God’s purposes for our lives. Then you’ve got to decide, do I but into it and live it or do I ignore it? One of the key verses I want to throw out at you this week is

 

Ephesians 2:10—We are God’s workmanship and we were CREATED in Christ Jesus to do good things which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Let’s really think about that verse for a sec. We are God’s workmanship—you and me—which He created in Christ Jesus to do good works—so therefore there’s meaning behind why He created us—to do something good—which He prepared in advance for us to do—meaning He had purpose in your life and my life before we were created.

Being His workmanship means that God as our designer has a strong interest in what He’s created. God is the designer of your life and my life. We look around and other people might not care about you.  You might even look in the mirror and not care that much about yourself. You may have been unfortunate to grow up in a family that hasn’t shown you a lot of love. But let me tell you this about God’s character, He loves you as His creation. The Bible says you are His workmanship.

 

The next few blogs we will talk about the 2 main purposes of our lives to Know God and make Him Known.

It doesn't make cents!

This past Sunday we continued our SERIES "Body Building?" This entire series we are looking at how we can "pump up" and grow as a church body (family)." You can listen to the podcast or download it at http://wyandottefamily.libsyn.com/  

You can also download an Amazon App for only $1.99 and have easy access to all of the podcasts right on your Android Smartphone or tablet. http://www.amazon.com/Wizzard-Media-Wyandotte-Family-Church/dp/B00OZZXW56/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418834318&sr=8-1&keywords=Wyandotte+Family+Church 
We talked about generosity and how generosity is the pathway to joy!

Have you ever met a grumpy generous person? Have you ever met a joyful stingy person? No way. The more people cling to their possessions the more their possessions own them. The first thing it will suffocate is your joy. Why is that? Simply put, it is the way the Creator designed it to operate.

Mark 8:35--If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake and for the sake of the Good News, you will save it.

When we cling to things, we ultimately lose out. Not only do we lose it in the end when we do not invest in eternal things, we lose out on true joy.

What are you clinging to? Why not take a faith step and trust God? What can you give today? Who can you bless? Who can you serve? Be generous with your time, talents and treasures and watch your joy increase!!!

But that doesn't make any sense!

This past Sunday we continued our SERIES "Body Building?" This entire series we are looking at how we can "pump up" and grow as a church body (family)." You can listen to the podcast or download it at http://wyandottefamily.libsyn.com/  
You can also download an Amazon App for only $1.99 and have easy access to all of the podcasts right on your Android Smartphone or tablet. http://www.amazon.com/Wizzard-Media-Wyandotte-Family-Church/dp/B00OZZXW56/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418834318&sr=8-1&keywords=Wyandotte+Family+Church 
We defined faith by using a quote from Pastor Andy Stanley, "Faith is simply believing God is who He says He is and that He will always do what He says He will do." To me this principle and reality is best illustrated from the Old Testament.

When Israel was in the wilderness and preparing for the promise land, God gave them many instructions and commandments. All of them required faith that as they did their part, God was going to come through on His.

God told Israel that when they planted fruit trees in the promise land, to leave the fruit unharvested for the first three years. He also commanded them not to eat it. WHAT? What do you mean God, don't eat it? What do you mean don't harvest? Then God continues to stretch their faith...

Leviticus 19:24-25—In the fourth year the entire crop must be consecrated to the Lord as a celebration of praise. Finally, in the fifth year you may eat the fruit. If you follow this pattern, your harvest will increase. I am the Lord your God.

So if not eating or harvesting the crops the first 3 years was tough, then He asks Israel to consecrate the 4th years harvest completely to Him. They were not to use it for themselves at all. Then in the 5th year, they were allowed to eat it for themselves. He wanted them to by faith, trust Him with the first 4 years of harvest from every fruit tree planted.

I love what God says at the end of that passage; "If you follow this pattern, your harvest will increase." God is saying if you trust me and obey me then I will bless you and your harvest will increase. But in order to get to the "increased harvest" they had to by faith not touch the crops for the first 3 years and then consecrate year 4 totally to the Lord.

We all want to be blessed and we all want our lives to be increased. We want increased finances, favor, healthy relationships, and physical health. However, God has given us specific commands and principles in the Bible that He calls us to follow and obey. Guess what? They all require faith! Simply believing that God is who He says He is and that He will always do what He says He will do. We are called to be people of faith. Not blindly living our lives but simply trusting that God is who He says HE is and that HE will do what He says He will do.

What faith step do you need to take right now? This week? This month? You can trust Him?

You want me to do what???

This past Sunday we continued our NEW SERIES "Body Building?" This entire series we are looking at how we can "pump up" and grow as a church body (family)." You can listen to the podcast or download it at http://wyandottefamily.libsyn.com/  
You can also download an Amazon App for only $1.99 and have easy access to all of the podcasts right on your Android Smartphone or tablet. http://www.amazon.com/Wizzard-Media-Wyandotte-Family-Church/dp/B00OZZXW56/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418834318&sr=8-1&keywords=Wyandotte+Family+Church 

This past Sunday we looked at Pumping up obedience. We learned that we often like to live how we want (disobey) and expect God to bless our disobedience. We learned that "Obedience is the pathway to blessing."

I came across this verse in my devotions that I thought was powerful...

Leviticus 18:5--If you obey my decrees and my regulations, you will find life through them. I am the lord .

God gives us guidance for our finances, relationships, sexuality, thought life, attitudes, physical health, and more. He gives us these for one reason and one reason only...SO WE WILL FIND LIFE! He has created a way to live and operate. He knows how life is to be maximized. So He gave us a clear guide in the Bible. 

We can trust that God has our best interest in mind. Even when we don't understand we can still obey.

I'll start doing ________ when I ___________

This past Sunday we kicked off our NEW SERIES "Body Building?" We are looking at how we can "pump up" and grow as a church body (family)." You can listen to the podcast or download it at http://wyandottefamily.libsyn.com/  
You can also download an Amazon App for only $1.99 and have easy access to all of the podcasts right on your Android Smartphone or tablet. http://www.amazon.com/Wizzard-Media-Wyandotte-Family-Church/dp/B00OZZXW56/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418834318&sr=8-1&keywords=Wyandotte+Family+Church 

Have you ever said or thought this before? "I'll start doing _________ when I ___________. That is an easy statement or thought for us to grab a hold of. That statement and the reasoning that follows becomes the foundation for us to stay right where we are at. YET, that isn't how the Kingdom of God operates. As a follower of Jesus Christ we don't follow any other way but the way God designed it to work. It says in Luke...

Luke 16:10-If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.

With God it doesn't matter how much time, energy, finances, or resources we have. He isn't impressed if we have a lot of money or if we have a great title. Instead, he is looking to see if we are FAITHFUL. If we are faithful with what He has already blessed us with. How do we know if we are being faithful? Are we using our time, talents and treasures for our goals and purposes or for His?

God has given us everything we have. It says in...

1 Corinthians 10:26--²⁶ For “the earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.

Everything has come from Him and everything was given for His glory, His goals and His purposes. He is looking to see if we are using our money for His purposes and glory. He is looking to see if we are using our time for His purposes and glory. He is looking to see if we are using are family for His purposes and His glory. He is looking to see if we are using our talents and skills for His purposes and His glory.

Wherever you are and whatever you have, just start with the word faithful. Be faithful right now with what God has given you. How to you learn what God wants or what God asks? Spend time reading the Bible every day. The Bible is His heart and Word. It reveals His purpose and plan for our lives.

Remember, God owns it all. we are just the managers. Manage well!

God...it's not fair!!!!!!!

This past Sunday we concluded our series "Fashion Police?" This entire series we looked at what we are called to wear internally as followers of Christ." You can listen to the podcast or download it at http://wyandottefamily.libsyn.com/  
You can also download an Amazon App for only $1.99 and have easy access to all of the podcasts right on your Android Smartphone or tablet. http://www.amazon.com/Wizzard-Media-Wyandotte-Family-Church/dp/B00OZZXW56/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418834318&sr=8-1&keywords=Wyandotte+Family+Church 

For part 4 we talked about the issue of love. We talked about what love is and what love isn't. The slogan from Sunday was "Love is more motion than emotion." We talked about doing the right things and how are emotions follow. The definition of love we used was "making a conscious decision to love someone else in a practical way for their benefit." When we begin to do that, our emotions catch up with our decision.

Today I want to talk about these tough questions, "What if I don't love my spouse anymore?" "What if I don't feel connected to that friend anymore?" "What if the other person is still a jerk?" "What if that person at school, work or neighborhood doesn't respond or give back love?" 

These are all great questions. They are tough questions. Let's take a look at a powerful verse. I want to warn you ahead of time though, this verse isn't going to naturally sit right with you. I isn't going to seem fair. It isn't going to make sense to our flesh. However, when we choose to trust and obey God, even if it is hard, we always discover blessing!

1 Peter 2:21-23--For God called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly

On a side note I am not talking about abuse, torture or any kind of harm. If that is happening you need to contact the appropriate authorities right away. What I am talking about is a spouse who is distant and uncaring. A friend who seems to be self-consumed. A co-worker who is constantly negative and mean. What are we supposed to do? How are we supposed to respond? LOVE!

Love isn't for the benefit of the giver but for the benefit of the receiver. We are called to Love he same way God loves us. Remember, love is "making a conscious decision to love someone else in a practical way for their benefit."

We can choose to love others even if we don't feel like it. When we put love into motion without the emotion it doesn't make it less powerful. From my perspective it actually makes it more powerful. You are choosing to love even when the feelings aren't there. What
Inevitably ends up happening, our feelings follow our actions. That is why I say love is more motion and emotion.

So, who do you need to love today? What relationship needs to be revived? No it doesn't happen overnight. But as you faithfully love for the other persons benefit (like Jesus Christ has done for you), you will see a change!!! NO, it wasn't fair for Jesus to have to be tortured and die on the cross but I am sure glad He was. His love, paved a way for my forgiveness, salvation and life. LOVE IS POWERFUL!!! LOVE IS MOTION!

How praying for your enemies will change your life!

This past Sunday we continued our series "Fashion Police?" This entire series we are looking at what we are called to wear internally as followers of Christ." You can listen to the podcast or download it at http://wyandottefamily.libsyn.com/  
You can also download an Amazon App for only $1.99 and have easy access to all of the podcasts right on your Android Smartphone or tablet. http://www.amazon.com/Wizzard-Media-Wyandotte-Family-Church/dp/B00OZZXW56/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1418834318&sr=8-1&keywords=Wyandotte+Family+Church 

For part 3 we talked about forgiveness. Since this is such a deep, personal and challenging area I want to blog various thoughts and scripture verses throughout the week. I pray that challenge, encourage and push you to take the next step of forgiving. You can't move forward, unless you let go of the past.

Today's blog I want to talk about a spiritual principle that Jesus commanded us to do. It can be one of the hardest spiritual principles we assimilate into our lives yet can be the most powerful and freeing.

Matthew 5:43-45--“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’^[a] and hate your enemy. ⁴⁴ But I say, love your enemies!^[b] Pray for those who persecute you! ⁴⁵ In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven

There are people who really hurt us and wound us deeply. We have talked in the past few blogs about surrender the hurt and justice into the hands of God. But now Jesus is asking me to pray for those who have hurt me????

I was talking to a wise counselor one time who told me about someone they were hurt by. They told God, I can't pray for that person because I don't want to and my prayer would be insincere. The counselor had a profound revelation from God that day. God spoke to their heart, "Since when is obedience a matter of feelings." Simply obey what I have asked you to do. That counselor began to pray for that person and God began to give wisdom and insight into the situation and changed their heart toward the other person.

There is a powerful spiritual dynamic that happens when we pray for those who have hurt us. God begins to do a deep work in our hearts and we find greater joy and strength in Him.

Even if you don't want to pray. Even if you feel like you don't mean the prayers at all. Obey Jesus Christ anyway. Begin to pray for the next 7 days that God would bless the other person. That God would draw them closer to Himself. That God would speak to them. That they would hear God's voice and sense His love. Let's take a growth step and obey.