daddy4ms

Introduction: Who am I? is one of the most important and deepest questions we each must answer.   Write down 3-5 words that describe who you are. We are going to look at identity from the world’s perspective, prophecies about Jesus’ birth, and then what it means for us. Where- Our identity is influenced by our birth ·          World -I was born in the United States in Iola, KS. I grew up in Yates Center, a small town in Southeast Kansas. It was a rural community. My family was in the grocery business. I was mostly well behaved because my parents said if I ever did anything wrong that they would find out about it.   And that was true.   These things influenced who I was.   Your birthplace is different than mine so you were shaped in different ways (big city, urban, suburban) But we are also similar in that many of us were born in the United States.   If we were born in a different country, our identity would be different. ·          Jesus -Micah 5:2; Luke 2:4 o    Micah 5:2- But

  Reaction ·          Vs. 11-12-People Amazed & Peter speaks o    The Lame beggar being healed prompted a reaction from the people and it leads them to want to know more.   This is a typical response to signs and wonders in the Bible and in the present. o    Peter asks them WHY do you wonder and WHY stare at us §   What God did in the past, He is still doing in the present and will continue to do in the future.   Healing did not stop in the book of Acts. §   It was not the power or piety of Peter that did the miracle.   The power is from the Spirit and based on who God is not who we are. ·          an undue focus on the human agents of divine healing could detract from the glory of God [1] ·          Such a mighty work was not a demonstration of the ‘ power ’ of the apostles. Neither can it be imagined that God has shown his power because of their ‘ godliness [2] ·          I think we have here a good theology of healing-is it still available (His Word, Ask God), no

Introduction: Today we are starting a new series on the book of Acts.   So, as we begin, I have one question for you to think and discuss with the person beside you.   This question and how you answer it will inform how you read the book of Acts.   Do you see Acts as a book about the past or present? Is it possible that what God did in the book of Acts He wants to be happening in the church today?   It might look different, but what does a church look like that loves God and loves others empowered by the Holy Spirit today? I also want to draw your attention to the title of the book.   In my Bible (ESV), it says “The Acts of the Apostles”.   I want to share a quote from the book that I lead an adult class on several years ago, Jesus, Continued by J.D. Greear.   Greear writes, “New Testament scholars have pointed out that when later Christians gave a name to the book of Acts, they probably chose the wrong title. Rather than “The Acts of the Apostles,” many say it should instead be “Th

Last week, I had the privilege of being in Houston and getting to spend time with the staff at Wood's Edge Church in Houston, Texas.  First of all, let me say that the staff was so hospitable and went above and beyond what I had in mind.  I spent about an hour talking logistics and history with their Prayer and Care Pastor, Carol.  It was so fun to hear their journey over the years of becoming a church that not just talks about prayer, but actually makes prayer a priority.  She shared lots of great resources and details about how they transitioned as a church and some of the obstacles along the way. In addition, to a great visit with Carol, I was treated to an amazing supper with Carol as well as three of their elders and their wives.  Not only was the food amazing, but also was able to hear the heart of these leaders and how prayer had changed them and their church.   After the meal, I was able to attend their Wednesday Evening Prayer Meeting.  It was a time of worship and prayer.

I’ve enjoyed the last two days of rest and relaxing at my happy place, the beach. Here’s a few pictures from some quiet and peaceful times in Galveston. There’s just something about the sound of the waves, the feeling of sand in my toes and the fun of playing in the ocean that just refreshes me and makes me smile.  Thanks to a friend who encouraged me to always try and see the sunrise when you are at the beach!

Spending today in prayer and worship here today. This is similar to the International House of Prayer in Kansas City. 

Today will be my first official learning opportunity on sabbatical. I will be doing an online prayer conference put on by Threshold Prayer  Ministries. I’m looking forward to learning more about leading prayer ministry in the church.