don’t you love a good deal?

I’m a big fan of Craigslist.org. Yes, I’ve had some crazy experiences (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rub5yi-GDXU), but some of the finds are unbelievable.

I remember wanting an iPod Touch so badly. But for $399 + tax brand new, it wasn’t going to happen. So I started scanning Craigslist. Every day, sometimes even a couple times a day. But the deals weren’t that great.

Then one day, I came across a newly listed brand new iPod Touch. The price? Only $200! Apparently, the seller had been given it after already owning one and just wanted to get rid of it.

When I saw how good a deal it was, I pounced on it. I called the seller up. I jumped in my car, cancelled my other plans, and drove (safely and within the speed limit, of course) to Tim Horton’s to pick it up. And I’m still excited about that deal today. You see, when you come across an AMAZING opportunity, you don’t put it off, you don’t hold back, and you don’t look back.

I think that’s the kind of idea Jesus is trying to convey in Matthew 13:45-46. When you find Christ and understand the love and freedom that comes from being part of His kingdom, surrendering your life to God no longer becomes about giving up your position as top dog in your life. You realize, “I just found the greatest deal ever! I will give up whatever it takes … and I’ll still come out a winner!”

Sometimes, if we’ve been following Christ for a while, we forget just how lucky we are to have a Savior who paid all penalties on our behalf. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us! What a deal!

My closing thought for you today is this: what have you been putting off selling? Is there a bad habit or stubborn area you’ve been holding on to instead of getting rid of it for the sake of Christ? Remember, gaining a relationship with Christ is worth giving up everything. Because like Jesus said, “Whoever loses his life for me will find it” (Matthew 16:25).


Today's Blogger: Todd Cavanaugh


Tomorrow's text: Matt. 24:1-28:20; Acts 1:1-4:37

actions vs. reactions.

Jesus' sermon on the mount lays out for the believer the core values of God's Kingdom.

Jesus not only calls His disciples and all who would take up the call to follow Him towards Godly "actions" but Godly "reactions".

He essentially says to the people of His day, "All that you have been taught up to this point is good, but incomplete." A heart transformed by God's love is capable of much more than simply acting Godly.

Eye for an eye.

38"You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' ³⁹But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. ⁴⁰And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. ⁴¹If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. ⁴²Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.

Love for your enemy.

⁴³"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' ⁴⁴But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, ⁴⁵that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. ⁴⁶If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? ⁴⁷And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? ⁴⁸Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

<sup>I've found in my own personal life that Godly actions-deeds I initiate and have some sort of control over walking out, are SO much easier to regulate and keep holy than my reactions towards others actions.

Why does it seem so much easier to act in compassion than it is to react with that same virtue?

Jesus was training His followers to not just act empowered by the Spirit of God but to react by that same power.</sup>

The Kingdom lifestyle God is looking to form in us is not just limited to our actions but encompasses our reactions as well.

^{May you access the grace of God in your reactions to others this week!
-Pastor Joshua
Tomorrow's text: Matthew 13:1-23:39}

embarking on a journey

Years ago I memorized Hebrews 4:12 that says, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” It’s one of my all time favorite verses to quote, because it’s so powerful.

I absolutely LOVE that God’s word is not just a bunch of words in an old book. It’s alive. It’s active. It’s sharp, like a sword. It has the ability to penetrate into the depths of our life and root out everything that’s ugly and broken. It’s able to unveil the hidden potential that God placed within us before we were born and reveal it to the light for us and the whole world to see and enjoy.

When I was in college a very well respected professor lovingly referred to as “Professor McGee” said something to me that has always stuck in my heart as so profound and true.

“The Word of God is an ocean that children can wade in and men can drown in.” Professor McGee

We are all about to embark on a journey of discovery that is God-led and God-directed. And every single one of our journey’s will be God-unique, not one even close to another. It’s an adventure I personally can’t wait to take, and one I look forward to hearing about from you!

“Lord, we submit our hearts and lives to you as we delve into the mysteries found in your Holy Word!”

Guest Blogger: Pastor Wayne Hedlund

Tomorrow’s text: Matthew 1:1-Matthew 12:50

newthru30 journey

The Word of God is so transformative in its power...and we will be unleashing that power over the next 30 days in our lives on a whole new level.

8.28-9.26

• 5 Sundays walking through New Testament passages
• daily devotional blog entries
• reading plan available at Elim Gospel Church's website
• NT on cd or mp3 available at our resource center located in of church lobby
  
• Community Groups Fair September 26 after 9 & 1045am services.

Smith Wigglesworth, a man of great faith who demonstrated the love and power of God in such a remarkable way during his lifetime, built his entire life and ministry on 4 principles:

1. Read the Word of God.
2. Consume the Word of God until it consumes you.
   
3. Believe the Word of God.
4. Act on the Word of God.

"Man does not live on bread alone but on every word that proceeds from the
mouth of God." -Jesus

Looking forward to taking this 30 day journey together!

myths that make you miserable.

08-22-10 - The Naked Truth 03 - Joshua Finley from EGC on Vimeo.

swedish fish.

Every parent knows that you can't always give your children everything they ask for.

If Anna and I made that mistake what kind of situation would we find ourselves in???

• we'd own more animals than the Bronx zoo...
• our home would be filled with a hundred different kinds of "swords" from outside...
• the boys would be practicing how to drive a car before they learn how to ride a bike...
• Judah would live on french toast...
• and Jesse would be a steady coffee drinker before his 3rd birthday!

Even though as a Dad I can't always give my kids everything they think they want, there are times where I should say "yes" to their requests.

The other day I was checking out of Walmart with my son Judah when he asked for some candy. He kind of gave me one of those looks as if to say, "I know what you will say but for some crazy chance I'll ask anyway."

In that brief moment I felt the Holy Spirit nudge me to just say "yes".

I've never heard the Holy Spirit lead me to buy swedish fish before. I realized that as a person that represents God the Father to my children, I never want to grow up thinking that God is stingy, distant, grumpy and uninterested in blessing them...even in the area of their "wants" that are far from "needs".

You don't have what you want because you don't ask God for it. (James 4:2)

If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! (Jesus in Matthew 7:11)

For $.64 the Holy Spirit helped me not miss the chance to model for my son a gracious and giving Heavenly Father. (even if he did have to agree to share half the package with his brother after they both finished their dinner:)


In what ways could you be more generous and giving?

In what areas of your life should you break out from predictable, default answer of "no" with a surprisingly generous "yes"?

newthru30

300 Seconds - 08-10 - New Thru 30 from EGC on Vimeo.

relational intelligence.

08-08-10 - The Naked Truth 01 - Relational Intelligence - Joshua Finley from EGC on Vimeo.