The only think we like to "change" is our underwear!

This past Sunday continued our series "Pain Killers" with part 3: Pain of Change.  

You can listen to this message on on our website at http://www.wyandottefamily.com/listen.html or you can listen on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wyandotte-family-church/id478735158?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

This Sunday is our special illustrated Message "Scream." If you haven't yet go on to our facebook page http:www.facebook.com/wyandottefamily and SHARE the Scream graphic and post on your own wall.

Pastor Evan proposed 3 questions to us in his message...

#1--Are you comfortable?
#2--Are you satisfied? 
#3--Are you hungry for change? 

Change is such an interesting dynamic of our lives. It is something that is inevidible yet we try to keep it from happening. We wish we could pause our children at a certain age. We wish our boss didn't have to leave. We don't like to be forced to let old friends go and have to meet and make new friends. We try to keep the grey hairs and wrinkles from showing. 

However, the reality and truth of the matter is life is constantly changing and we can't stop it. Once we realize and embrace this truth, we then are setting ourselves up to change as well. As we change, we often are growing and becoming stronger. 

I'm thankful that I'm not the husband I was 12 years ago. I'm thankful I'm not the Father I was 12 years ago. I'm thankful I do not pastor like I did 12 years ago. Why? Because of change. 

I want to encourage you to not just change for change sake but to be strategic about the changes in your life. 

#1--What small change can you make today to be a stronger and loving spouse?
#2--What small change can you make today to be a more effective parent?
#3--What small change can you make today to grow closer to God? 

Maybe you decide you are going to start taking your family to church every week? Maybe you decide you are going to implement a consistent date night with your spouse? Maybe you are going to decide to stop drinking pop or having late night snacks? Maybe you are going to decide to spend time with your children for the first 30 minutes you are home. 

Change doesn't have to be bad. Change, even though it can hurt and be hard, is often our #1 friend. Why? Change often stretches us and causes us to grow.

May we be a people and community that isn't afraid of change!!

40 days to a joy filled life!

This past Sunday continued our NEW series "Pain Killers" with part 2: Pain of Suffering.  

You can listen to this message on on our website at http://www.wyandottefamily.com/listen.html or you can listen on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wyandotte-family-church/id478735158?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

As a pastor I get the privilege and opportunity to talk, encourage and pray with many people. From my personal experience over the past 12 years of full time ministry, I've seen the amount of people battling depression increase. Many are suffering with the pain of depression or discouragement!
.

More and more people I talk to are not satisfied with their lives, are discouraged or just lack purpose. As a result many are lacking genuine joy in their hearts. 

How would life be different for you if you expereinced true joy? Imagine how your relationships could improve with joy? Imagine how your job could be impacted by joy? Our circumstances may not change in the near future but you and I can. 

I challenge you to take the "40 day to a Joy Filled Life" challenge. (www.40daystoajoyfilledlife.com) This book has 2-3 pages to read every day for 40 days. I love 
it because it's not overwhelming and very attainable for the busy. There is even a FREE 3 chapter PDF you can download before you buy the book. Right now it's on sale on Amazon for $9.98. 

My pray is that we will learn to live lives of genuine joy that positively encourage and impact everyone around us. Our families, marriages, jobs, and community can be strengthened by joy! May we be the ones to take the challenge and experience true joy!!!

PAIN OF LOSS (going practical)

This past Sunday we started our NEW series "Pain Killers" with part 1: Pain of Loss.  

You can listen to this message on on our website at http://www.wyandottefamily.com/listen.html or you can listen on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wyandotte-family-church/id478735158?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

I wanted to follow up this week and share some practical actions steps we can all take to allow God to comfort us with His presence, His promises and His people. Here is a great quote..."It's not he who has the most information that wins, but He who applies it" --Konan Stephens

#1--His Presence

*When you are going through the pain of loss, spending time in prayer & worship is vitally important. Talking to God, pouring out your feelings and thoughts to Him (authentically) and listening to His voice provides genuine comfort. 

Here are two songs that are very meaningful and encouraging when you are going through the process of grieving...

• In Your Presence by Jason Upton (.89 cents) http://www.amazon.com/In-Your-Presence/dp/B00120CTNI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349728073&sr=8-1&keywords=Jason+Upton+In+your+presence 
• Come Holy Spirit by Planetshakers ($1.29) http://www.amazon.com/Come-Holy-Spirit/dp/B0083L2MX6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1349728120&s=dmusic&sr=1-1

#2--His Promises 

Getting into the word of God and clinging to His promises gives you the strength and comfort in time of grieving. Here is a great way to read God's promises and to receive the comfort He gives through them.

• W. Word (what promises stick out to you in the current stage you are in?)
• A. Application (How does this promise connect to your life?)
• T. Talk (Talk to God about the promises you are standing on and trusting Him with)
• C. Confession (Confess your honest struggles and thank Him for the truth of His word)
• H. Holy Spirit (Listen to the Spirits voice and or direction as you pray)

#3--His People 

Here is a list of our current home groups going on right now!!!

• Starting Point (11 week adventure through the story of God & the Bible.) led by Ann & Nick Romanick. This group is great for seekers, new believers or those who want to be refreshed on the basics.
  *Monday's at 6:30pm Contact them at 313-820-4640
• D3 Dearborn (Deeper Discipleship & Discussion) led by David & Nadine Buzzeo. This group will go deeper, study and discuss the sermons from Sunday Morning.*Tuesday's at 6:30pm Contact them at 313-207-1755
• D3 Wyandotte (Deeper Discipleship & Discussion) led by Rose Gyorke & John Fulmer. This group will go deeper, study and discuss the sermons from Sunday Morning. *Wednesday's at 6:30pm Contact them at 313-613-7007
• D3 Brownstown (Deeper Discipleship & Discussion) led by Johnny & Theresa Saenz & Evan & Erin Distad. This group will go deeper, study and discuss the sermons from Sunday Mornings*Thursday's 6:00pm Contact them at 313-215-0915

Whose is it anyway?

This past Sunday we ended our series with part 4 "Generosity." We talked about the 3 different types of giving and how "only what is given away can multiply!" 

You can listen to this message on on our website at http://www.wyandottefamily.com/listen.html or you can listen on iTunes at http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/wyandotte-family-church/id478735158?mt=2&ign-mpt=uo%3D4

As we wrap up this focus on money and giving, I want to share with you one more verse! It's found in the Old Testament and comes from the heart of King David.

            http://bible.us/1Chr29.14.NLT But who am I, and who are my people, that we could give anything to you? Everything we have has come from you, and we give you only what you first gave us!

I love the heart and wisdom of David. He understood the fact that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father above. Everything we have is a blessing. When we live our lives with that reality, we are on our way to living a blessed life. We will be generous to people all around us. We will see God's provision and power flow through our lives because we will be living as stewards not owners. We will be willing to obey Him when he speaks. 

May we be a people who live our lives not as owners but stewards. May we be generous always remember, everything we have and own has come from God!!