WHERE ARE YOU?

Genesis 3:7-13

(The Message)

7 Immediately the two of them did "see what's really going on"—saw themselves naked! They sewed fig leaves together as makeshift clothes for themselves. 8 When they heard the sound of God strolling in the garden in the evening breeze, the Man and his Wife hid in the trees of the garden, hid from God. 9 God called to the Man: "Where are you?" 10 He said, "I heard you in the garden and I was afraid because I was naked. And I hid." 11 God said, "Who told you you were naked? Did you eat from that tree I told you not to eat from?" 12 The Man said, "The Woman you gave me as a companion, she gave me fruit from the tree, and, yes, I ate it." God said to the Woman, "What is this that you've done?"

13 "The serpent seduced me," she said, "and I ate."

 After not listening to God, Adam and Eve found themselves in a terrible predicament. Their first reaction was to cover up rather than "fess up." Fig leaves can never hide the root problem of sin, but even today, we still try this approach (v. 7). Instead of acknowledging and confessing sin, we often attempt a quick surface fix of the situation.

Adam and Eve's second response was to avoid God. They knew they were guilty of disobeying, but instead of coming to Him to reestablish their relationship, they hid from Him in fear (v. 8). We can do the same thing when sin breaks our fellowship with the Lord. Have you ever found yourself avoiding prayer and time in the Scriptures because you were struggling with sin and felt guilty?

A third reaction was to try and avoid personal responsibility by blaming others (vv. 12-13). Shifting guilt to another person can't remove it. We are each responsible before God for our actions, regardless of the circumstances or who else is involved.
Despite Adam and Eve's sin and their evasive ways of handling it, the Lord came to them (v. 9). Our sin is never large enough to keep Him away; our Father still calls to us and asks, "Where are you?" He knows what we have done and why, but He questions us so that we can come to realize our desperate state.

Never let guilt or shame keep you from God. He continually seeks those who have made a mess of their life and speaks to them through His Word, His Spirit, and His people. Forgiveness and a restored relationship await all who are willing to listen and respond with confession and repentance.
(EXCERPT BY CHARLES STANLEY)


COME OUT ON SATURDAY@5PM TO FIND OUT WHERE YOU ARE?


Christ First,
pw

How to Listen to God's Word by Charles Stanley

Nehemiah 8 (The Message)

Ezra and The Revelation1 By the time the seventh month arrived, the People of Israel were settled in their towns. Then all the people gathered as one person in the town square in front of the Water Gate and asked the scholar Ezra to bring the Book of The Revelation of Moses that God had commanded for Israel.

2-3 So Ezra the priest brought The Revelation to the congregation, which was made up of both men and women—everyone capable of understanding. It was the first day of the seventh month. He read it facing the town square at the Water Gate from early dawn until noon in the hearing of the men and women, all who could understand it. And all the people listened—they were all ears—to the Book of The Revelation. 4 The scholar Ezra stood on a wooden platform constructed for the occasion. He was flanked on the right by Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, and on the left by Pedaiah, Mishael, Malkijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam. 5-6 Ezra opened the book. Every eye was on him (he was standing on the raised platform) and as he opened the book everyone stood. Then Ezra praised God, the great God, and all the people responded, "Oh Yes! Yes!" with hands raised high. And then they fell to their knees in worship of God, their faces to the ground. 7-8 Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah, all Levites, explained The Revelation while people stood, listening respectfully. They translated the Book of The Revelation of God so the people could understand it and then explained the reading. 9 Nehemiah the governor, along with Ezra the priest and scholar and the Levites who were teaching the people, said to all the people, "This day is holy to God, your God. Don't weep and carry on." They said this because all the people were weeping as they heard the words of The Revelation. 10 He continued, "Go home and prepare a feast, holiday food and drink; and share it with those who don't have anything: This day is holy to God. Don't feel bad. The joy of God is your strength!" 11 The Levites calmed the people, "Quiet now. This is a holy day. Don't be upset." 12 So the people went off to feast, eating and drinking and including the poor in a great celebration. Now they got it; they understood the reading that had been given to them. 13-15 On the second day of the month the family heads of all the people, the priests, and the Levites gathered around Ezra the scholar to get a deeper understanding of the words of The Revelation. They found written in The Revelation that God commanded through Moses that the People of Israel are to live in booths during the festival of the seventh month. So they published this decree and had it posted in all their cities and in Jerusalem: "Go into the hills and collect olive branches, pine branches, myrtle branches, palm branches, and any other leafy branches to make booths, as it is written." 16-17 So the people went out, brought in branches, and made themselves booths on their roofs, courtyards, the courtyards of The Temple of God, the Water Gate plaza, and the Ephraim Gate plaza. The entire congregation that had come back from exile made booths and lived in them. The People of Israel hadn't done this from the time of Joshua son of Nun until that very day—a terrific day! Great joy! 18 Ezra read from the Book of The Revelation of God each day, from the first to the last day—they celebrated the feast for seven days. On the eighth day they held a solemn assembly in accordance with the decree.

How is it that two people can sit in the same pew, hear the same sermon about the same portion of Scripture, and walk away with two different reactions? One is joyful and the other unaffected. I think the reason is that some people do not know how to listen to the Word of God.

Nehemiah 8 is an amazing scene of God’s people coming together to hear His Word. Remember that they didn’t have individual copies of Scripture to read. For generations, the events of Genesis though Deuteronomy were passed down from parent to child. Moreover, the people had been in captivity for many years. This was the first time most of them heard the Word read. Imagine their excitement as they listened attentively for the Lord to speak to them.

The Israelites were hungry for God’s Word. Are you? Do you listen eagerly and with an expectant mind and heart? The length of a person’s attention span is directly related to the intensity of his hunger for something. If you crave to know more of God, then your mind is going to be fastened on what He’s saying through your pastor or your personal reading. And the reality is that nothing in the world mattersas much as what the Lord has to say.

So many things clamor for our focus but few truly deserve it. The Lord is worthy of nothing less than our undivided attention. He has something to say to every person. So whoever listens to God’s Word with an open heart and alert mind will receive from Him.

Come out on Saturday@5pm as we unfold/Listen to the mysteries(from the Bible)
and gain the "Recipes of Life"

Christ First,
pw

ALIVE IN THE WORD LENT DEVOTIONAL

ALIVE IN THE WORD

LENT – 40 DAYS of “Making Everyday Count”

LIFE APPLICATION DEVOTIONAL(Compiled by Pastor Debra A. White)

 

Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, the season (40 days) of preparation as we remember the resurrection of Jesus Christ on Easter. Some persons decide to just concentrate on fasting from certain foods. ALIVE In The Word challenge, is not just to “Fast” but if you choose to fast also draw from the true meaning of Christ’s ministry, death, resurrection and what life lesson can I learn and apply in my everyday life. We pray that this Life Application Devotional will do just that,

to help you make every 40 days count in this Lent.

What will you be “Praying” about and what will you “Fast” from (Food red and fried/pork meats, fast foods, sweets, pops, TV/Facebook/Internet etc…) most important what is God asking you to give up.

And how will God use you to be a blessing…

For more information on LENT and FASTING go to http://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-Lent.html

Beginning of Lent Ash Wednesday, March 9- Saturday, March 12

Scripture Readings:  Isaiah 58:1-12; Psalm 51:1-17; Matthew 6:1-16
Life Application: Start this week in repentance so that God can create in us a clean heart and renew a right spirit as we journey daily in this Lent.
Sentence Prayer: God teach me to number my days in lent, so that each day will count.


Week One: Sunday, March 13– Saturday, March 19
Scripture Readings:  Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7; Psalm 32 Matthew 4:1-11
Life Application: This week let go and forgive. Who is that person or something that you need to forgive and let go, take this week doing just that..(write a letter send a card, e-mail or go in person)
Sentence Prayer: God just as you have forgiven me, I to by faith will forgive others and let go…



Week Two:  Sunday, March 20—Saturday, March 26
Scripture Readings:  Genesis 12:1-4; Psalm 91; Matthew 17:1-9
Life Application: Spend this week, more time in prayer and devotion with God
as God transforms your life…
Sentence Prayer: That you God, for being my refuge, as I dwell in the secret place and trust you, God.

Week Three:   Sunday, March 27—Saturday, April 2
Scripture Readings:   Exodus 17:1-7; Psalm 95; John 4:5-42
Life Application: Spend this week sending out (through e-mails, mail a card or make a phone call) words of encouragement
Sentence Prayer: God I choose to speak life and encouragement into the lives of others.



Week Four:  Sunday, April 3—Saturday, April 9
Scripture Readings:1 Samuel 16:1-13; Psalm 23; John 9:1-41
Life Application: Spend this week helping someone in need… (a family/friend who is hurting during these economical times, homeless shelter, food pantry donations, giving to a charity or outreach, visiting someone in the hospital, cleaning someone homes, running errands, etc..)
Sentence Prayer: God, just as you took on role as a servant, I too will serve others.



Week Five:  Sunday, April 10—Saturday, April 16
Scripture Readings: Ezekiel 37:1-14; Psalm 130; John 11:1-45
Life Application: This week call someone and have prayer with them.
Sentence Prayer: God you challenge us to prayer for one for the fervent prayer of the righteous availeth much.

Holy Week:  Palm Sunday, April 17-Saturday, April 23
Easter/Resurrection Sunday, April 24

Scripture Readings:  Matthew 21: 1-11; John 13; Matthew 26; Matthew 27; Matthew 28
Life Application: Take this week to share about the Love and Grace of Christ and His salvation (For God so loved the World that He gave his only begotten son that whosoever believeth on Him shall be save…) and invite someone(s) to the Resurrection Weekend Celebration…
Sentence Prayer: Thank you God for loving me so much and others by given your son to die on the cross for our sins…

RESURRECTION WEEKEND CELEBRATION

Attend one or all

(Please feel free to bring

Someone (s) with you)

GOOD FRIDAY, APRIL 22@6:30PM

Be encouraged with

The 7 Last Words spoken on the cross

and how those 7 Words

are effective for us today and throughout eternity

(Prayer and Communion Served)

 

HOLY SATURDAY

EMPOWERING STUDY

APRIL 23@5PM

Find out what Christ was doing during the time period from the cross

and being in the tomb…

and what it means for us today

 

1 HOUR EASTER/RESURRECTION SERVICE

APRIL 24@10AM

Come see a Visual
Modern day Resurrection Story

(If weather permits we will have a Children’s Resurrection Hunting,

as they understand the true meaning of Easter…)

ALL SERVICES HELD AT

COMFORT SUITES

500 WEST NORTHFIELD DRIVE

BROWNSBURG, IN

Christ First,
pw



"The Impact..."

17So Ananias left and went into the house. And he laid his hands on Saul and said, Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, Who appeared to you along the way by which you came here, has sent me that you may recover your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.18And instantly something like scales fell from [Saul's] eyes, and he recovered his sight. Then he arose and was baptized,19And after he took some food, he was strengthened. For several days [afterward] he remained with the disciples at Damascus.20And immediately in the synagogues he proclaimed Jesus, saying, He is the Son of God!21And all who heard him were amazed and said, Is not this the very man who harassed and overthrew and destroyed in Jerusalem those who called upon this Name? And he has come here for the express purpose of arresting them and bringing them in chains before the chief priests.22But Saul increased all the more in strength, and continued to confound and put to confusion the Jews who lived in Damascus by comparing and examining evidence and proving that Jesus is the Christ (the Messiah). (Acts 9:17-22; Amplifed Version)

Can you remember what has "Impacted" your life (a book, a person, or a circumstance etc...).  Was this "Impact"  for good or for worst.  In the month of February ALIVE IN THE WORD Ministry is teaching a Series on "The Impact" as we continue to "Make Each Day Count" as God is teaching us to number our days.  The Impact of Paul changed his life for good (read the text above out of Acts 9:17-22), out of "The Impact" his life was transformed and his everyday outcomes began to make a difference for the Kingdom.  The "Impact" should be life changing, a transformation should take place(things I use to do I don't do no more...).  The "Impact" should cause reflection upon one's life(when I look back over my life...).  The "Impact" should cause one to change direction(no turning back..., I'm heading in a New Direction...).  The "Impact" should be shared(It's like fire set up in my bones...).  The "Impact" should be noticed with others(I am going to let my light shine...).  The "Impact" should make a dent in each day(I give myself away...).  The "Impact" should never be forgotten (Jesus, I never  forget what you done for me...).  Ultimately "The Impact" is a relationship to draw us closer to God(closer to thee...). 

As we are in the month of February, we must never forget Black History making,  those who made an "Impact" so that we can continue to make "Impact".  Check out this website so that you may be informed on Black History Facts www.biography.com/blackhistory/history/366-facts-inventions.jsp  

When each day is counted in 2011 what "Impact" will you make...

Christ First,
pw

If you can,  come out on Saturdays@5pm,  as we share "The Impacts" that are making a difference...If you have a story please feel free to come and share...but if you are needing a story come find out how you may already have one to share...

"MAKING EACH DAY COUNT"

So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom. 

Psalm 90:12

As we have entered in A New Year and A New Decade, ALIVE In The Word Ministry is asking God to teach us how to number our days, we want to walk through this year in the wisdom of God on how to make each day count.  At the end of the day we want to be able to give an account of how we spent our days. Life is precious given to us by God and we have decided to Live and Leave a Legacy.  Living a Life pleasing unto God and a Legacy left of how we were a Blessing to others. 

For 365 days ALIVE In The Word Ministry is on a Journey in which we will be placing in our own personal "Making Everyday Day Count" Journals of How each Day has been accounted for.  We invite you to be apart of  this Journey if you are in the surrounding area of Brownsburg, Indiana we hold a informal and empowering Study on Saturdays@5pm at the Comfort Suites in Brownsburg, IN if you are unable to attend, but would like to still be apart of this journey please go to our facebook Alive in the Word Ministry and make a Journal Request or e-mail Pastor White at dwhite633@aol.com.  

We are refusing to go through another year wondering what happen to the time ("where did the year go?") and what did we do or accomplish in the year...we are going to participate in what God has designed for our life to be and become.  In order to understand the will of God there must be an understanding of who God is and His Word...I encourage you if you are not, please connect to a fellowship/church that Christ is the Center and the Word of God is the focus teaching of understanding, that is helping you to grow in your spiritual walk and you are becoming empowered to understand your faith and purpose/calling in life.

"MAKING EACH DAY COUNT..."

before you know it, you will be saying "where did the time go"...

 

Christ First,

pastor white

 

Please feel to contact me at dwhite633@aol.com  if you are interesting in this Journey Journal and may need a better understanding... or if you are in search of a fellowship/church where you can grow spiritually to become empowered to better understand your faith and purpose/calling in life and need wise counsel and guidance. I am available to be that spiritual counsel/advisor or to help you find that fellowship/church.

"Keeping Christ in Christmas"

The number one way to keep Jesus Christ in your Christmas celebrations is to have him present in your daily life. If you're not sure what it means to become a believer in Christ, check out this article on "How to Become a Christian." If you've already accepted Jesus as your Savior and made him the center of your life, keeping Christ in Christmas is more about the way you live your life than the things you say

such as "Merry Christmas" versus "Happy Holidays."

Keeping Christ in Christmas means daily revealing the character, love and spirit of Christ that dwells in you, by allowing these traits to shine through your actions.

Here are simple ways to keep Christ the central focus of your life this Christmas season.

1) Give God one very special gift just from you to him:

Let this gift be something personal that no one else needs to know about, and let it be a sacrifice. David said in 2 Samuel 24 that he would not offer a sacrifice to God that cost him nothing.

Maybe your gift to God will be to forgive someone you've needed to forgive for a long time. You may discover that you've given a gift back to yourself.

Perhaps your gift will be to commit to spending time with God daily (e-mail dwhite633@aol.com to began ALIVE IN THE WORD 2011 Daily Devotional walk with God). Or maybe there is something God has asked you to give up. Make this your most important gift of the season.

2) Set aside a special time to read the Christmas story in Luke 1:5-56 through 2:1-20

Consider reading this account with your family and discussing it together.
 The Christmas Story
 More Christmas Bible Verses 


3) Set up a Nativity scene in your home:

If you don't have a Nativity, here are ideas to help you make your own Nativity scene:
Nativity Related Crafts

4) Plan a project of good will this Christmas:

A few years ago we "adopted" a single mom. My friend was barely making ends meet and didn't have money to buy gifts for her small child. Together with my husband's family we bought gifts for both of them and replaced her broken down washing machine the week of Christmas. Do you have an elderly neighbor in need of home repairs or yard work? Find someone with a genuine need, involve your whole family and see how happy you can make someone this Christmas.

Top Christmas Charity Projects
(your local church and community may have ministries and programs that you can give and serve in...)

5) Take a group Christmas caroling in a nursing home or a children's hospital:

One year the staff at the office where I worked decided to incorporate Christmas caroling at a nearby nursing home into our yearly staff Christmas party plans. We all met first at the nursing home and toured the facility while singing Christmas carols. Afterwards, we headed back to our party with our hearts full of tenderness. It was the best staff Christmas party we'd ever had.

6) Give a surprise gift of service to each member of your family:

Jesus taught us to serve by washing the disciples feet. He also taught us that it is "more blessed to give than to receive." Acts 20:35 (NIV) The idea of giving an unexpected gift of service to members of your family is to demonstrate Christ-like love and service. You might consider giving a back rub to your spouse, running an errand for your brother, or cleaning out a closet for your mother. Make it personal and meaningful and watch the blessings multiply.

7) Set aside a time of family devotions on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning:

Before opening the gifts, take a few minutes to gather together as a family in prayer and devotions. Read a few Bible verses and discuss as a family the true meaning of Christmas.
Christmas Bible Verses
Christmas Prayers and Poems
The Christmas Story
Christmas Devotionals
 8) Attend a Christmas church service together with your family:

If you are alone this Christmas or don't have family living near you, invite a friend or a neighbor to join you.

9) Send Christmas cards that convey a spiritual message:

This is an easy way to share your faith at Christmastime. If you've already bought the reindeer cards—no problem! Just write a Bible verse and include a personal message with each card.
Select Christmas Bible Verses

10) Write a Christmas letter to a missionary or a Soldier:

Many missionaries and Soldiers are unable to travel home for the holidays, so it can be a very lonely time for them. Write a special Christmas letter to a missionary or a Soldier of your choice, thanking them for giving their life in service to the Lord and our country. Trust me—it will mean more than you can imagine!
(By Mary Fairchild, About.com Guide and Pastor White)

Contact Pastor White if you have decided to become a believer in Christ and if you desire to Commit to spend more time with God and you want to join ALIVE IN THE WORD 2011 Daily Devotional please feel to e-mail at dwhite633@aol.com

Christ First,
pw

"The Power of Praying In Jesus Name"

"Believe me: I am in my Father and my Father is in me. If you can't believe that, believe what you see—these works. The person who trusts me will not only do what I'm doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I've been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I'll do it. That's how the Father will be seen for who he is in the Son. I mean it. Whatever you request in this way, I'll do.

(John 14:11-14, The Message)

Jesus Christ issued a bold statement when He said, "If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it" (John 14:14). Since it is against the nature of our Triune God to break a promise (Titus 1:2), we know that the Lord will fulfill that pledge.

So when we make a big request and nothing happens, the problem isn't with God. Believers are called to live a righteous life. The Lord won't overlook spiritual laziness to give us what we want. He has two requirements for answering petitions:


• Approach God in complete dependence on Christ's merits. The Savior's blood paid for our right to enter the Father's holy presence. His sacrifice at Calvary took away our sins and clothed us in righteousness, which allows us to stand unashamed before the throne. We don't earn favor through works or get prayers answered because we are super-spiritual. God responds because His Son sits at His right hand, interceding for us.

• Approach God in holiness—that is, separated from all known sin. God said that He would not hear those who "regard wickedness" in their hearts (Ps. 66:18). If He were to answer prayer when we are willfully living in sin, then He would be sanctioning our transgression. Therefore, believers must turn away from their wrongdoing before making big requests.

God is always faithful. He is willing to give you what you need and to bless you richly besides. But this is no something-for-nothing offer. The Lord demands righteous living from His followers. Those who live according to God's will can trust Him for anything they ask in His Son's name

"You didn't choose me, remember; I chose you, and put you in the world to bear fruit, fruit that won't spoil. As fruit bearers, whatever you ask the Father in relation to me, he gives you.

(John 15: 16, The Message)

Too often people take the verse to imply, "If you ask anything, I will do it." They overlook the most essential phrase: "in My name."

Asking in Christ's name has two meanings. First, believers are welcome to make requests that align with God's purpose and plan. To do that, we need to ask Him if our prayers match His will. God has several ways of assuring followers that they are on the correct path. For instance, He may increase right desires or decrease wrong ones. Another possibility is that He will use His Word to redirect a Christian's steps or confirm that he is going the right way. God always makes His will plain to the man or woman who seeks to know it.

Second, invoking Christ's name means that we desire to glorify Him instead of ourselves. James gives this warning: "You ask and do not receive because you ask with wrong motives so that you may spend it on your pleasures" (James 4:3). To understand that, let's consider those who are trying to pray their way out of a financial hole. The question is, Does a person want to get out of debt so that he has more for himself or so that he can use the excess in God-honoring ways? Motives are apparent to God. He will not offer help until our heart is right.

In the name Jesus Christ, there is abundant power. However, calling upon Him in prayer is not a magic charm to get what we want. Rather, it is a signal that we are laying down our personal desires and our own way of getting things done. In so doing, we commit to follow God and bring honor to Him.

(Excerpts from Charles Stanley's Daily Devotions)

Come to ALIVE In The Word Study on Saturday@5pm in the months of November and December as we share in the teaching on the Power of Prayer and Praise. 

Christ First,
pw