Thor: Humility

Today for Heroes part 7 we looked at the comic super-hero "Thor." His Father Odin wanted to teach him humility so he striped him of his powers and sent him to earth as a human.

We talked about true greatness and God's definition of humility...HUMILITY + SERVING = TRUE GREATNESS.

Think of someone in the past who took time to genuinely serve you. What kind of impact did it have on your life then? Does it still have an impact?

Why do you think it was so important for Jesus to have that special moment where he washed the disciples feet?

Even though we don't wash feet like that anymore in our culture, what are some things that we could do that would be very similar?

How can you remind yourself this week of God's definition of true greatness?

With Great Power Comes Great Responsiblity

This past Sunday we continue our "Heroes" series as we looked at Spider-Man. The famous quote, "With great power comes great responsibility" came from Peter Parker's Uncle Ben. How ironic, that the same thief that he could have stopped and captured but let go because of apathy, was the same thief that robbed and killed his Uncle Ben.

Apathy may not always kill things that visually however don't be deceived, apathy kills. Apathy always kills something in our lives that is beautiful.

The story found in the book of Nehemiah is amazing at how we often settle to live in ruins when God has intended so much more. I pray that we authentically seek God and consistently ask Him to reveal areas in our lives where we have grown complacent. Let's wake up and rebuild the walls in our lives! Let's take action and not settle for anything less that what God has created us and called us for!

Captain America: You Can Change the World

This past Sunday we talked about changing the world. Sound like a cliche? Seem like it's too big of a task? Make you feel small?

There are so many needs and so many problems (not including our own), that we often become overwhelmed or apathetic and end up doing nothing.

I used a quote from Andy Stanley, "Do for one, what you wish you could do for everyone."

Who is one person that you could pray for, call, facebook, email or text? Who is one person you could go out for a cup of coffee with? Who is one person you could focus on and serve.

To the world you may only be one person but to one person you could be the world!

Faith or Fear

This past Sunday was part 4 of our Heroes series. We looked at the hero "DareDevil" and talked about the reality of fear. We looked at how faith & fear are actually cousins that are connected with the common denominator of belief. What we dwell on determines our daily destiny.

At every moment in our lives we can choose one or the other. They both require belief and they are both readily available. Here are some verses you can focus on this week to help build your faith.

Ephesians 6:19--Pray also for me, that whenever I speak, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,

1 John 4:18--There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear

2 Timothy 1:7--For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.

Joshua 1:9--Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Let's feed our faith this week! What we dwell on determines our daily destiny!

Doing Life God's Way

Doing Life God's Way helps ordinary people live extraordinary lives. Being a hero is more often developed in small every day unoticed right decisions.

What is one area in your life that you feel like you have taken matters into your own hands?

What does the Bible say about that area? Take some time and find it.

How can you begin to do life God's way.

Heroes do life God's way. Ordinary people living extraordinary lives.

Heroes part 2 "Wonder Woman"

What a fun "Mothers Day" as Pastor Julie spoke on Heroes Part 2 "Wonder Woman."

She talked about how Mom's can get so consumed with taking care of kids, cleaning the house, paying the bills, etc. etc. that life can be overwhelming, challenging and even disappointing.

She talked about how God's Wonder Woman (or Super Man) pursues God with their dreams! She talked about Hannah from 1 Samuel 1 and how Hannah cried out to God. She defined "crying out to God" as P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Something Happens).

We can spend a lot of time complaining, yelling, stewing, venting in the natural but the supernatural begins to happen when we take our authentic feelings, thoughts, hurts & pains to God in prayer.

Challenge: Plan a strategic time this week to pray and talk to God about your dreams, thoughts and feelings. Remember, prayer is connecting finite people to an infinite God!

Heroes Part 1 "Incredible Hulk"

We kicked off our NEW series "Heroes" with talking about the Incredible Hulk and the relevant and reality of anger!

We looked at what the Bible has to say about anger and saw that anger by itself is not a sin (Ephesians 4:26-27). We looked at the reality of how are anger can either be a CANCER or a CATALYST!

We talked about the power of the Holy Spirit and how cancerous anger cannot grow where the Holy Spirit is allowed to flow. If you love gardening or planting flowers than you understand the the have the right soil is necessary for flowers or crop. The same principle is true spiritually, the condition of our hearts is important to what will be allowed to grow and flourish in our lives.

Challenge: This week spend time everyday asking God to fill you with His Holy Spirit a fresh anew. Take time to wait and listen. Take time to receive and believe. Watch the fruit of the Spirit began to form in your live one day at a time!