MacArthur Blvd. Christian Church: November 2012

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Light vs Darkness

Weekly Update for the week of Nov. 28^th

This year, Thanksgiving came a little earlier than we’re used to. There were 5 Thursdays instead of the usual

4 so here we are beginning to think about the Christmas season. This coming Sunday will be the first Sunday of Advent. We have lit candles in our fellowship as long as I can remember. It’s one of the traditions I look forward the most during this season. Each Sunday there is a specific emphasis. The first is Hope. Without hope in our lives, we falter.

For some, this is the worst time of the year because they have lost hope in everything. It doesn’t have to be the disenfranchised, the homeless and the destitute that feel this lack of hope. Some may have nearly every material thing a person could want and still have no hope.

Isaiah 9:2 tells us that people were walking in darkness but a great Light came and lived in the land. He still does today, but those who refuse to accept His amazing mercy and grace are still in the dark.

As we enter this season of Christmas, let’s reflect on the true reason we celebrate. It’s not the shopping until we drop, or all the food we will consume, or the parties we attend. It’s recognizing and celebrating the fact that we don’t have to live in the dark anymore. Jesus Christ came to show us God’s love and that we can live in the light forever.

Are you living in the Light?

Blessings,

Anna

Wednesday, November 14, 2012

Are you listening?

Weekly Update for the week of Nov. 14^th

Colossians 4:2 states: “Devote yourselves to prayer, keeping alert in it with an attitude of thanksgiving,”

Prayer is a key element in our walk with the Lord. It’s the way we communicate with Him. When we ‘devote’ our selves to something, we make it a priority to do. So when we devote ourselves to prayer we are actively and purposely spending time doing it. The second half of this verse reminds us that our conversations with God go both ways. We must stay alert for His voice.

The word ‘attitude’ is another key word. In this case ‘attitude of thanksgiving’ tells us how we are to listen. We must open our hearts and be willing to listen. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said I was listening, but in my heart of hearts I had closed my heart to what I was being told. Picture someone with their arms crossed in front of them. How open are we when we have that stance in our hearts?

How open is your heart? Share a time when you really listened to God. What happened? What happened when you didn't listen to God?

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

God is in Control

Weekly Update for Nov. 7th

Psalm 121

A song of ascents.

1I lift up my eyes to the hills—

where does my help come from?

2My help comes from the Lord,

the Maker of heaven and earth.

3He will not let your foot slip—

he who watches over you will not slumber;

4indeed, he who watches over Israel

will neither slumber nor sleep.

5The Lord watches over you—

the Lord is your shade at your right hand;

6the sun will not harm you by day,

nor the moon by night.

7The Lord will keep you from all harm—

he will watch over your life;

8the Lord will watch over your coming and going

both now and forevermore.

We are studying the Psalms of ascent in our Friday morning study. This psalm is the one we are studying right now. It’s always been one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. The first two verses are written from the psalmist’s view point. He is questioning where his help comes from in the 1^st verse and answers in the second that His help comes from God. The next 5 verses affirm that God is by our side each step of the way and we have nothing to fear.

I have to admit that I need this reminder almost every day. I know in my head that God is in control of everything, but I have a hard time believing in my heart sometimes.

I come to this chapter many times to reaffirm in my heart what my mind knows. And that God knows my heart and is always there to reassure me and walk through those moments with me. What a comfort that is. Knowing that no matter what is going on in my personal life, the corporate life, or the world around me; God is in control.

Do you believe that God is in control?

Blessings,

Anna

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Honoring God

Weekly Update for the week of Nov. 1^st

This last week has been busy here at MacArthur. We had a prayer breakfast on Saturday, Oct. the 27^th. Then last night we had our Trunk or Treat event. Car trunks were decorated and candy dispensed to the neighborhood children. Plenty of fun and fellowship was had by all who attended. The youth group ended the evening with their own time of fellowship.

Each event drew people together to glorify God. Even fellowship is a way of glorifying God. When we gather together and live life together, we bring honor to God. When we share in the good things that God has given us, even candy and goodies, we honor God and when we gather together and encourage each other to walk closer to God in our prayer lives, we honor God.

How do you honor God with your life?

Blessings, Anna