Hey everybody! I’ve been reflecting this week on the tragic slaughter of innocent lives in Norway. I am often times taken by surprise at the cruelty human beings can inflict on one another – justified by a cause that seems more important than human life. I want to ask you to pray with me for the victims of this horrendous act.
One thing that seems clear to me as I reflect on last week’s message and the permanence of our eternal destiny, is that we are all just a breath away from that reality. And folks, many people in our world are just a breath away from a CHRISTLESS reality. That very truth has always motivated us at TCC with a sense of urgency. We do all we do in order to “Connect As Many People As Possible To Jesus Christ.” That’s our mission. I ask you to pray with me about your involvement in and support of that mission. It’s the most important thing we could ever invest our lives in.
This is why we put our own desires aside. It’s why we serve faithfully to make sure there is an opportunity for people to hear a well–articulated presentation of Jesus Christ. It’s why we exist.
This week in our series, The Jesus Stories, we look at a story that has both challenge and blessing. As we accept the challenge we experience the blessing, and that brings true joy. If you want, go ahead and read Luke 14:15-24 so you can be ready to receive God’s word in your heart this Sunday. The message will be about how to develop a joyful heart.
Having my heart captured with you,
Pastor Ron
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Thursday, July 21, 2011
This Week at Twin Cities Church!
Hey everybody! I’m so thrilled to see how many of you are continuing your church schedule this summer. I know it can be complicated at times with all our extra summer activities and vacations to keep church in a spot of priority. I just want to mention ways you can stay connected to God’s family while you’re doing your summer thing.
First, you can always watch our services online. I was thrilled that our IT team was able to purchase a new copyright license that allows us to now stream the entire service – music and message. We usually have the services on our website by Tuesday at the latest.
Second, you can attend a church in the area where you are vacationing. This is a habit our family has had for 20 years now. Wherever we are, we look for a church to engage with on the Sunday we’re there. Two weeks ago, Kimberly and I were able to attend Rock Church in San Diego. We had an amazing church experience as we worshiped God with them.
Third, you can stay engaged with your Community Group. Summer is a good time for those extra fun events that you may not be able to do together other times of the year.
Fourth, you can stay engaged with our Bible reading plan and the Jabez Prayer Challenge. People keep telling me how much the prayer is changing their perspective and how God is answering. You’ll want to keep your eyes open for the God sightings that are created by praying this prayer wherever you go.
This Sunday we get to look at another story Jesus told to illustrate what life in the Kingdom of God looks like. You’ll want to read Luke 16:19-31 before Sunday so you can get more out of the time we have together.
Having my heart captured with you,
Pastor Ron
First, you can always watch our services online. I was thrilled that our IT team was able to purchase a new copyright license that allows us to now stream the entire service – music and message. We usually have the services on our website by Tuesday at the latest.
Second, you can attend a church in the area where you are vacationing. This is a habit our family has had for 20 years now. Wherever we are, we look for a church to engage with on the Sunday we’re there. Two weeks ago, Kimberly and I were able to attend Rock Church in San Diego. We had an amazing church experience as we worshiped God with them.
Third, you can stay engaged with your Community Group. Summer is a good time for those extra fun events that you may not be able to do together other times of the year.
Fourth, you can stay engaged with our Bible reading plan and the Jabez Prayer Challenge. People keep telling me how much the prayer is changing their perspective and how God is answering. You’ll want to keep your eyes open for the God sightings that are created by praying this prayer wherever you go.
This Sunday we get to look at another story Jesus told to illustrate what life in the Kingdom of God looks like. You’ll want to read Luke 16:19-31 before Sunday so you can get more out of the time we have together.
Having my heart captured with you,
Pastor Ron
Thursday, July 14, 2011
This Week at Twin Cities - Food Drive!
Hey everybody! My summer is now in full swing, and I’m loving the variety of God encounters I am getting to have as routines are broken during this time when my kids are out of school. I’ve had more time to sit with God and listen to Him through our daily reading plan. In fact, I was so moved by Hosea’s refusal to be a victim concerning his wife’s escapades, I asked God to help me to see life as Hosea was able to, and to trust God even when (in the moment) I just don’t understand or see how things are “good for those who love Him.”
Another day we got to read Psalm 73, and I was brought back to a birthday prayer I received last February from a dear friend. I want to write verses 23 and 24 here because they may be just what you need right now. “I belong to You; You hold my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.” I am praying that you will know the confidence expressed here and exemplified through the life of Hosea. The Bible is such an amazing book!
This Sunday we’re going to look at a parable Jesus taught that I’m sure took people by surprise. In fact, I’m sure most of Jesus’ teachings surprised people. This story is about a man who took an unethical path and Jesus actually used it as a positive example. The story is called, “The Parable of the Shrewd Manager,” and you can read it in Luke 16:1-13. Reading it in advance allows God to prepare the soil of your heart to receive His word.
Having my heart captured with you,
Pastor Ron
Another day we got to read Psalm 73, and I was brought back to a birthday prayer I received last February from a dear friend. I want to write verses 23 and 24 here because they may be just what you need right now. “I belong to You; You hold my right hand. You guide me with Your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny.” I am praying that you will know the confidence expressed here and exemplified through the life of Hosea. The Bible is such an amazing book!
This Sunday we’re going to look at a parable Jesus taught that I’m sure took people by surprise. In fact, I’m sure most of Jesus’ teachings surprised people. This story is about a man who took an unethical path and Jesus actually used it as a positive example. The story is called, “The Parable of the Shrewd Manager,” and you can read it in Luke 16:1-13. Reading it in advance allows God to prepare the soil of your heart to receive His word.
Having my heart captured with you,
Pastor Ron
Thursday, July 7, 2011
This Week at Twin Cities - A Prepared Heart
Hey everybody! Wow, our new series, “The Jesus Stories,” started out with a bang last week. I was so grateful for our Celebration Arts Team for the rousing and moving selection of patriotic music. One woman told me that by the time we finished, her husband was so moved he was unable to sing because of the tears. Another person wrote me a note about how well we do at honoring our country’s heritage and heroes. If you missed the day, you might watch the entire service online so you can be part of what God did.
Last week we talked about being receptive to the voice of God. Jesus was a master communicator and story teller, and in that very first parable of His ministry He outlined both the purpose for His stories and gave us a framework for interpreting them. One thing to remember is this: Parable means to “throw alongside” So, Jesus was throwing an example from ordinary life alongside of a deep biblical truth about the Kingdom of God as a way to help people like you and me understand more about God’s heart.
This Sunday we’re going to look at a parable Jesus taught helping people know the importance of being proactive instead of complacent concerning the things we know God has called us to do. We are called to be vigilant and prepared. The parable is called “The Ten Bridesmaids,” and you can read it in Matthew 25:1-13. Reading it in advance allows God to prepare the soil of your heart to receive His word.
The last idea I shared on Sunday is to have a posture that says, “Yes” to God. I hope you’ll begin living with a “Yes God” heart.
Having my heart captured with you,
Pastor Ron
Last week we talked about being receptive to the voice of God. Jesus was a master communicator and story teller, and in that very first parable of His ministry He outlined both the purpose for His stories and gave us a framework for interpreting them. One thing to remember is this: Parable means to “throw alongside” So, Jesus was throwing an example from ordinary life alongside of a deep biblical truth about the Kingdom of God as a way to help people like you and me understand more about God’s heart.
This Sunday we’re going to look at a parable Jesus taught helping people know the importance of being proactive instead of complacent concerning the things we know God has called us to do. We are called to be vigilant and prepared. The parable is called “The Ten Bridesmaids,” and you can read it in Matthew 25:1-13. Reading it in advance allows God to prepare the soil of your heart to receive His word.
The last idea I shared on Sunday is to have a posture that says, “Yes” to God. I hope you’ll begin living with a “Yes God” heart.
Having my heart captured with you,
Pastor Ron
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