Tiger Woods... three months ago, when that name was spoken, what came to mind? Success, money, fame, life at its best? How many people in the world would say Tiger has life at its best! Today, we all know he is in just as deep need of a Savior as you and I. Jesus calls us to abundant living, to la life greater than you or I can imagine! John 10:10 tells us this is why he came, so that we may have life and have it abundantly.
We often qualify abundant living by quantifying its presence. (If that statement made no sense, now you understand how my mind works... confusing statements over and over again... hang with me for a moment! :) ) In other words, we might recognize someone as living abundantly if they have an abundance of "x"(money, fame, cars, houses, pension, etc). Just ask yourself, do I view myself as living abundantly when I have much or have little? The day his story broke, Tiger most likely did not wake up that day thinking his life would change so quickly. Jesus calls us to something far greater than what can be destroyed, stolen, or lost in an instant.
Jesus' view of abundance comes not in quantity, but in quality. At Calvary over the following 4 weeks, we will be studying a series entitled, Living Beyond Myself. We will be looking at this paradox found in Scripture: To find real life, you must first lose it. We will have the opportunity to examine Jesus' life and teaching and test his claim that true fulfillment--genuine soul satisfaction--is found by offering up our gifts, talents, time and abilities to meet the needs of people all around us.
The world teaches that for one to find complete satisfaction in life you have to take care of #1. (yourself) But Christ teaches something very different... to find life in this world you must lose your life in Him. While so much more could be said, I would not want to spoil each lesson you will be learning in Sunday School and the worship services. I challenge you to make the next 4 weeks a priority and not miss what God has in store for you and I at Calvary.
See you Sunday!
sc
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Monday, December 28, 2009
Malfunctioning Tweeter
My apologies if you read my blog and noticed some inappropriate comments on my Tweet column to the right... Apparently my account was "hacked" or malfunctioned in some way... I just noticed it and have since removed the entire Twitter Column until futher notice... I still Twitter under the username sethcarnes. Thanks!
sc
sc
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Christmas lights
The season of Christmas has officially begun! This is truly my favorite time of year... everything from the music, the lights, the trees, you name it about Christmas, chances are I love it! Our family just drove around town to look at the lights, sipping our hot coffee and chocolate along the way... such a fun time! I encourage you to do the same with your family or friends! Here is a little video of someone going all out for their Christmas decorations on their house.... Amazing Grace, with a little twist... enjoy! Merry Christmas!
Friday, October 30, 2009
The Hall of Faith
Most every week, because of my occupation, I have the privilege of having conversations with individuals seeking to fill a void, a relationship with the Lord, a church family, or simply direction in a given situation. If you haven't noticed already, I love having these types of conversations with people. It is literally what I live for! I love helping people know Christ, helping people better understand their identity in Christ, helping people work through difficult issues and struggles in a biblical fashion, helping people live beyond themselves, directing people to a better understanding of the Truth... and so much more. I seriously have the best job in the world!
In the journey of life, there are always certain individuals who stick out as jewels. Interestingly, its not the people with the nicest car, biggest house, most trendy clothes or whatever. They are those people who along the way stand out as individuals who have an incredible passion and devotion to Jesus Christ. In Hebrews 11, we find some of these jewels that rise out of the text throughout Scripture. This is the highlight "widget" of Scripture... it's the recap, the headlines that reveal amazing testimonies of faith. Hebrews 11 has often been referred to as the "Hall of Faith." Many of the people here stand as exemplary models of who we should strive to be in our walk with Christ.
This Sunday, in our small groups, we look at Hebrews 11:8, focusing on the life of Abraham. It was he who "by faith... when called, he answered... when told to leave, he went... when told he would have decendants, he became a father (though he was at a very old age)... when tested, he proved faithful. All these things occurred through, or because of, his faith in Jesus Christ.
Abraham along with the rest of those mentioned in this chapter did not just hold to some cosy spirituality that said "what's good for you is good for me!" that gave them a label as a "person of faith." You should notice there are a lot of "spiritual" people in the world today. No, their faith rested in an all-powerful, all-knowing, sovereign, eternal, good God who lives to this day and continues to work through people just like He did through Abraham. People who live their lives not just for themselves, wrapped up in their own little world, but He works through people who have faith in Jesus Christ, and trust in his plan, will, and desire for their lives and the world around them.
May you and I have this same faith, and may it drive us to selfless living beyond ourselves.
sc
In the journey of life, there are always certain individuals who stick out as jewels. Interestingly, its not the people with the nicest car, biggest house, most trendy clothes or whatever. They are those people who along the way stand out as individuals who have an incredible passion and devotion to Jesus Christ. In Hebrews 11, we find some of these jewels that rise out of the text throughout Scripture. This is the highlight "widget" of Scripture... it's the recap, the headlines that reveal amazing testimonies of faith. Hebrews 11 has often been referred to as the "Hall of Faith." Many of the people here stand as exemplary models of who we should strive to be in our walk with Christ.
This Sunday, in our small groups, we look at Hebrews 11:8, focusing on the life of Abraham. It was he who "by faith... when called, he answered... when told to leave, he went... when told he would have decendants, he became a father (though he was at a very old age)... when tested, he proved faithful. All these things occurred through, or because of, his faith in Jesus Christ.
Abraham along with the rest of those mentioned in this chapter did not just hold to some cosy spirituality that said "what's good for you is good for me!" that gave them a label as a "person of faith." You should notice there are a lot of "spiritual" people in the world today. No, their faith rested in an all-powerful, all-knowing, sovereign, eternal, good God who lives to this day and continues to work through people just like He did through Abraham. People who live their lives not just for themselves, wrapped up in their own little world, but He works through people who have faith in Jesus Christ, and trust in his plan, will, and desire for their lives and the world around them.
May you and I have this same faith, and may it drive us to selfless living beyond ourselves.
sc
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Social Media
I first saw this video several months ago, but it was brought to my attention again today. The statistics are astounding and they invite the church to think in new ways of how it will reach the world. Many churches have hopped on board, the question is will we? Or are we content with doing things the same ole way? I am thankful my church is one that is not afraid of embarking on new adventures with hopes and dreams of reaching our community for Jesus Christ.
Now let's get moving!
sc
Now let's get moving!
sc
Friday, October 9, 2009
Complete Worship
On my iPod I have a song entitled, You are Worthy, by Hillsong. It is one of my favorite songs of worship that speaks of God's great worth and how He is deserving of not just some, part, or what's left of what I have, but He is worthy of ALL that I am.
Sunday, we will/did look at the the story of Cain and Abel. Here you find that Abel brought his very best, the first fruits of his labor, and the firstborn of his livestock as an offering to the Father. His brother Cain brought a meager portion of what was easy and comfortable. Abel gave and sacrificed what was his very best to give. Cain gave what required no sacrifice and what was comfortable and normal.
There are many passages throughout Scripture that speak of God's desire for ALL of his people, meaning all of each person. just to name a few, read the story of Abraham and Issac, Job, Jesus and the rich young ruler, or passages like Heb 11:4 and Revelation 3:16. Because of his disobedience Cain's life ended up being one of toil, misery, and isolation. Even still, God's grace was evident in his life. (to find explanations of that, be in your small group on Sunday :))
My prayer for you and I is that we do not hold back in our worship, devotion, and service to the Father, but that with total abandon and complete sacrifice, we worship our Father in Heaven.
Below is the song I mentioned above...
You are worthy oh Lord, of all honor.
You are worthy to receive all the praise.
In your presence I live and with all I have to give,
I will worship you, honor you and glorify your holy name....
Sunday, we will/did look at the the story of Cain and Abel. Here you find that Abel brought his very best, the first fruits of his labor, and the firstborn of his livestock as an offering to the Father. His brother Cain brought a meager portion of what was easy and comfortable. Abel gave and sacrificed what was his very best to give. Cain gave what required no sacrifice and what was comfortable and normal.
There are many passages throughout Scripture that speak of God's desire for ALL of his people, meaning all of each person. just to name a few, read the story of Abraham and Issac, Job, Jesus and the rich young ruler, or passages like Heb 11:4 and Revelation 3:16. Because of his disobedience Cain's life ended up being one of toil, misery, and isolation. Even still, God's grace was evident in his life. (to find explanations of that, be in your small group on Sunday :))
My prayer for you and I is that we do not hold back in our worship, devotion, and service to the Father, but that with total abandon and complete sacrifice, we worship our Father in Heaven.
Below is the song I mentioned above...
You are worthy oh Lord, of all honor.
You are worthy to receive all the praise.
In your presence I live and with all I have to give,
I will worship you, honor you and glorify your holy name....
Friday, October 2, 2009
Getting Wise on Evil
Imagine with me for a moment… You’re friend just unintentionally or intentionally insulted you, what now? You wake up in the morning a little earlier than normal, do you turn the TV on or do you pick up the Bible to hear from the Holy Spirit? Your month long project at work was just belittled and thrown out the window for “apparently” no reason, how do you respond? A co-worker was promoted faster than you, than should have been, how do you respond? Anger, resentment, jealousy, lust, covetousness, etc. Insert your own struggle, hurt, or pain, here…the list could go on…
Every day we are confronted with life situations and temptations that present options, choices, and opportunities that serve one of two purposes. They serve a selfish reason, or they serve a godly reason. They will benefit the kingdom of God or the kingdom of self. This Sunday, in Bible study at 10am, we will study a lesson entitled Getting Wise on Evil.
In Romans 1:25, Paul describes the situation of those who have given in to evil as those who have “exchanged the truth of God for a lie.” When we look at the story of Adam and Eve, we see the first example of this common everyday scenario. Satan presented to Eve a truth claim contrary to that of God’s when he said, “did God really say, you must not…” How often do we hear that same lie? That lie that says, “you will find fulfillment if you…?” or “does Scripture really say that you need to…?” or “is all of Scripture really reliable…?”
We think Satan is so creative and deceptive in his schemes. He’s not! He spreads the same lies he always has since the beginning of time… that God’s Word is insufficient, that His message is misleading, and that life is NOT found in Him.
God’s word is the source of truth and life! His word is clear, reliable, and life-giving. If you think it’s not, know that God even gives it to those of us "simple minded folk" in such a way that we can understand… for example, Jesus boiled all of the law down to two main ideas: love God and love people. How much more basic can you get? If you remember nothing else, remember that!
So this post keeps getting longer and longer, I need to stop, for your sake and mine… I challenge you to know Christ, know his Word, and know life in Him. Romans 12:2 says, “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This only comes through diligent study of His word, both in community with believers (in small group settings and in large church worship services), but even more so in personal devotional study throughout each week.
I dare you to try it… read his Word today, start in Romans, start in John, start in Galatians… start somewhere, but read his Word… be renewed and be transformed… and get wise on (overcoming) evil in the process.
See you Sunday!
Blessings…
sc
Every day we are confronted with life situations and temptations that present options, choices, and opportunities that serve one of two purposes. They serve a selfish reason, or they serve a godly reason. They will benefit the kingdom of God or the kingdom of self. This Sunday, in Bible study at 10am, we will study a lesson entitled Getting Wise on Evil.
In Romans 1:25, Paul describes the situation of those who have given in to evil as those who have “exchanged the truth of God for a lie.” When we look at the story of Adam and Eve, we see the first example of this common everyday scenario. Satan presented to Eve a truth claim contrary to that of God’s when he said, “did God really say, you must not…” How often do we hear that same lie? That lie that says, “you will find fulfillment if you…?” or “does Scripture really say that you need to…?” or “is all of Scripture really reliable…?”
We think Satan is so creative and deceptive in his schemes. He’s not! He spreads the same lies he always has since the beginning of time… that God’s Word is insufficient, that His message is misleading, and that life is NOT found in Him.
God’s word is the source of truth and life! His word is clear, reliable, and life-giving. If you think it’s not, know that God even gives it to those of us "simple minded folk" in such a way that we can understand… for example, Jesus boiled all of the law down to two main ideas: love God and love people. How much more basic can you get? If you remember nothing else, remember that!
So this post keeps getting longer and longer, I need to stop, for your sake and mine… I challenge you to know Christ, know his Word, and know life in Him. Romans 12:2 says, “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This only comes through diligent study of His word, both in community with believers (in small group settings and in large church worship services), but even more so in personal devotional study throughout each week.
I dare you to try it… read his Word today, start in Romans, start in John, start in Galatians… start somewhere, but read his Word… be renewed and be transformed… and get wise on (overcoming) evil in the process.
See you Sunday!
Blessings…
sc
Friday, September 25, 2009
Solely His
The name SolelyHis comes from one of my favorite, yet also one of what I consider the most challenging passages in Scripture, 2 Chronicles 16:9. It says this, "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him." I don’t know about you, but the desire of my life is that the Lord finds me in such a state…
That phrase, "fully committed," rings with tones of reckless abandonment and complete surrender. It describes one who holds nothing back, one who seeks the Lord with their entire being. It is an individual who is solely dependent on and committed to the Father, who in turn is this person's sole provider, Savior, and Lord.
Now who would not want to be in found in such a way – found as faithful and one who is strengthened, empowered and renewed by the Father? You may think of the words that will be said by the Lord in the end, “well done, good and faithful servant.” Do you desire this? I would confidently say, that if this were a question on a test, on paper every believing man or woman would answer a resounding YES, OF COURSE!
In the context of this passage, King Asa is the man to whom this challenging word was spoken. He was a good king who loved the Lord; he was obedient and faithful to the Father. He even went so far as to place his devotion to the Lord above his own family. He lived and reigned, faithful to the Lord, for around 35 years.
Yet after one decision (16:1-2) - after 35 years – just one shift in his perspective, good King Asa began a new season in his life. Asa removed his dependence from the Creator and placed it on the created. He no longer sought the Lord, but placed his trust and dependence on man.
These words, "the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth..." were spoken by a prophet to King Asa. The chilling implication to him, in that moment, was that he would not be found faithful; he did not fit that description. He would not be strengthened by the Lord because his heart was not fully committed to the Father. If he could have answered the question on a test, I'm sure he would have said he trusted God. But his actions displayed something else, for his response to this rebuke was not one of repentance, but rather continued disobedience to the Lord. The remaining 6 years of his reign were not filled with strength, protection, and blessing, but were met with disease, war and eventually death.
Asa's unrepentant heart blocked the favor of the Lord from his life. No matter what our words may say, our actions display what we truly believe. May we not block the Lord's favor from our lives by not living fully committed to Him. May we live as though he is our sole source of truth, of love, of salvation, and of hope. May our concerns and cares not distract us from our commitment and faith in Jesus Christ. May our dependence be completely and solely rooted in His sovereign power. May we be solely His every moment of every day.
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14
Until next time...
sc
That phrase, "fully committed," rings with tones of reckless abandonment and complete surrender. It describes one who holds nothing back, one who seeks the Lord with their entire being. It is an individual who is solely dependent on and committed to the Father, who in turn is this person's sole provider, Savior, and Lord.
Now who would not want to be in found in such a way – found as faithful and one who is strengthened, empowered and renewed by the Father? You may think of the words that will be said by the Lord in the end, “well done, good and faithful servant.” Do you desire this? I would confidently say, that if this were a question on a test, on paper every believing man or woman would answer a resounding YES, OF COURSE!
In the context of this passage, King Asa is the man to whom this challenging word was spoken. He was a good king who loved the Lord; he was obedient and faithful to the Father. He even went so far as to place his devotion to the Lord above his own family. He lived and reigned, faithful to the Lord, for around 35 years.
Yet after one decision (16:1-2) - after 35 years – just one shift in his perspective, good King Asa began a new season in his life. Asa removed his dependence from the Creator and placed it on the created. He no longer sought the Lord, but placed his trust and dependence on man.
These words, "the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth..." were spoken by a prophet to King Asa. The chilling implication to him, in that moment, was that he would not be found faithful; he did not fit that description. He would not be strengthened by the Lord because his heart was not fully committed to the Father. If he could have answered the question on a test, I'm sure he would have said he trusted God. But his actions displayed something else, for his response to this rebuke was not one of repentance, but rather continued disobedience to the Lord. The remaining 6 years of his reign were not filled with strength, protection, and blessing, but were met with disease, war and eventually death.
Asa's unrepentant heart blocked the favor of the Lord from his life. No matter what our words may say, our actions display what we truly believe. May we not block the Lord's favor from our lives by not living fully committed to Him. May we live as though he is our sole source of truth, of love, of salvation, and of hope. May our concerns and cares not distract us from our commitment and faith in Jesus Christ. May our dependence be completely and solely rooted in His sovereign power. May we be solely His every moment of every day.
"May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock, and my Redeemer." Psalm 19:14
Until next time...
sc
Initial post...
Greetings!
Starting a blog has been on my "to-do" list for some time now... yet continually placed on the "back-burner" of life. Ever been there??? Yet, here it is... the long awaited and greatly anticipated BLOG. Well, that may be stretching it a bit... My hope and prayer is that this becomes a source of spiritual refreshment, challenge, and joy to those who read it. Nevertheless, a blog would not be a blog if there were not an occasional random post with little other purpose than entertainment. :) So here begins the journey...
See you soon..
sc
Starting a blog has been on my "to-do" list for some time now... yet continually placed on the "back-burner" of life. Ever been there??? Yet, here it is... the long awaited and greatly anticipated BLOG. Well, that may be stretching it a bit... My hope and prayer is that this becomes a source of spiritual refreshment, challenge, and joy to those who read it. Nevertheless, a blog would not be a blog if there were not an occasional random post with little other purpose than entertainment. :) So here begins the journey...
See you soon..
sc
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