New Life's Blog

He Loves You No Matter What

March 9, 2011
He Loves You No Matter What
by Sharon Jaynes

Today’s Truth
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39 NIV).

Friend to Friend
Most of us live in a world of performance-based acceptance.  We make good grades and mommy is proud.  We look pretty and daddy smiles. We do a good job at work and the boss is pleased. We serve at church and congregation thinks we are “good Christians.”

Unfortunately that same sense of having to perform well to be accepted by people can easily roll over into our relationship with God. We falsely believe that we must perform well to be loved and accepted by Him, when nothing could be further from the truth. As a result, we strive to obtain something that we already have...God’s unconditional love.

Anabel Gillham was a woman who loved God, but had trouble accepting that God could love her. Sure, she knew the Bible verses that talked of God’s unconditional love for her. And yet she knew herself and doubted a God who knew her innermost thoughts would approve of her.

Then God used a very special person to help Annabel understand the depths of His love for her - her second child, Mason David Gilham, who was profoundly retarded.  Let’s let Anabel tell you her story.

I never doubted for a moment that Jesus loved that profoundly retarded little boy.  It didn’t matter that he would never sit with the kids in the back of the church and on a certain special night walk down the aisle, take the pastor by the hand, and invite Jesus into his heart.  It was entirely irrelevant that he could not quote a single verse of Scripture, that he would never go to high school, or that he would never be a dad.  I knew that Jesus loved Mason.

What I could not comprehend, what I could not accept, was that Jesus could love Mason’s mother, Anabel.  You see, I believed that in order for a person to accept me, to love me, I had to perform for him. My standard for getting love was performance-based, so I “performed” constantly, perfectly. In fact, I did not allow anyone to see me when I was not performing perfectly. I never had any close friends because I was convinced that if a person ever really got to know me, he wouldn’t like me.

Mace could never have performed for his parent’s love, or for anyone’s love, but oh, how they loved him.  His condition deteriorated to such a degree-and so rapidly-that they had to place him in an institution when he was very young. His parents enrolled him in the Enid State School for Mentally Handicapped Children. They drove regularly 120 miles to see him but occasionally also brought him home for a visit. 

On one particular visit, Mace had been with them since Thursday evening. On the following Saturday afternoon God painted a vivid picture of His great love for Anabel through Mason. She was standing at the kitchen sink, dreading what lay ahead. In just a few moments, she would be gathering Mace’s things together and taking him back to “his house.” She had done this many times before-and it was never easy-but today God had something in mind that would change her life forever.
 “I stood up to the sink again,” she continued. “More dishes, more washing, more crying - and thoughts, foreign to my way of thinking, began filtering into my conscious awareness.  I believe God spoke to me that day, and this is what He said: “ Anabel, you don’t look at your son and turn away in disgust because he’s sitting there with saliva drooling out of mouth; you don’t shake your head, repulsed because he has dinner all over his shirt or because he’s sitting in a dirty, smelly diaper when he ought to be able to take care of himself. Anabel, you don’t reject Mason because all of the dreams you had for him have been destroyed. You don’t reject him because he doesn’t perform for you. You love him, Anabel, just because he is yours. Mason doesn’t willfully reject your love, but you willfully reject Mine. I love you, Anabel, not because you’re neat or attractive, or because you do things well, not because you perform for Me but just because you’re Mine.”

And friend, that’s exactly how God feels about you.  He loves you just because you’re His.

Let’s Pray
Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me unconditionally.  You love me when I perform well, and when I fall flat on my face. Help me to love others the same. 
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen

Now It’s Your Turn
Do you ever feel that God loves you more when you perform well?

I’m guessing you said, “Yes.”  So tell me, what is wrong with that way of thinking?

 

Why Do You Need to Go to Church?

To Whom it May Concern:

I was reading a book on How to Grow as a Christian, where it states that we need to go to church. Well that's where I have to differ, because it does not sit well with me when the church's concern is one's income. I have been to several churches and they always ask about income. I tell them I will give what I can and their response is, "You have to give at least ten percent of your income." I understand that the church needs funds to operate, but to tell someone that they need to give ten percent is not right ... I have decided to go online and do my Bible Studies and use the Internet to obtain information about following Christ, and to learn about God. I have friends and relatives who are good Christians and they will stand with me to honor Christianity. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Peace be with you and may God bless you.

Sincerely, 
Finding My own Way

I was moved by this letter because it reflects on the frustrations of so many Christians today. I want to encourage you to look at the idea of church attendance from a different perspective. It's so important to really understand the Lord's teachings about the body of Christ and what the Bible says about going to church.

Most of my reply to this letter is contained in this examination of what the Bible says about church attendance, I hope you too will look deeper into the question of what the Bible says about going to church.

What does the bible say about church attendance?

The Bible tells us to meet together as believers and to encourage one another.

Hebrews 10:25 
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. (NIV)

The reason I encourage Christians to find a good church is because the Bible instructs us to be in relationship with other believers. If we are part of Christ's body, we will recognize our need to fit into the body of believers. The Church is the place where we come together to encourage one another as members of Christ's body. Together we fulfill an important purpose on the Earth.

As members of the body of Christ, we belong to each other.

Romans 12:5 
... so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. (NIV)

It is actually for our own good that God want us in fellowship with other believers. We need each other to grow up in the faith, to learn to serve, to love one another, and to practice forgivness. Though we are individuals, we still belong to one another.

Background

When you give up on attending church, what's at stake? Well, to put it in a nutshell: the unity of the body, your own spiritual gorwth, protection and blessing are all at risk when you're disconnected from the body of Christ.

Christ's body is made of many parts, yet it is still one unified entity.

1 Corinthians 12:12 
The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 12:14-23 
Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, and the parts that we think are less honorable we treat with special honor. (NIV)

1 Corinthians 12:27 
Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (NIV)

Unity in the body of Christ does not mean total conformity and uniformity. Although maintaining unity in the body is very important, it is also vital to value the unique qualities that make each of us an individual "part" of the body. Both aspects, unity and individuality, deserve emphasis and appreciation. This makes for a healthy church body, when we remember that Christ is our common denominator. He makes us one.

Spiritual Growth

We develop the character of Christ through bearing with one another in the body of Christ.

Ephesians 4:2 
Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (NIV)

How else will we grow spiritually unless we interact with other believers? We learn humility, gentleness and patience, developing the character of Christ as we relate within the body of Christ.

In the body of Christ we exercise our spiritual gifts to serve and minister to one another.

1 Peter 4:10 
Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. (NIV)

1 Thessalonians 5:11 
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. (NIV)

James 5:16 
Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. (NIV)

We will discover a satisfying sense of fulfillment when we begin to carry out our purpose in the body of Christ. We are the ones who miss out on all the blessings of God and the gifts of our "family members," if we choose not to be a part of Christ's body.

Protection & Blessing

Our leaders in the body of Christ offer spiritual protection.

1 Peter 5:1-4 
To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder ... Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. (NIV)

Hebrews 13:17 
Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you. (NIV)

God has placed us into the body of Christ for our own protection and blessing. Just like every earthly family, it's not always fun. We don't always have warm and fuzzy feelings in the body. There are difficult and unlovely moments as we grow together as a family, but there are also blessings that we will never experience unless we become relational and connected in the body of Christ.

Need One More Reason to Go to Church?

Jesus went to church as a regular practice. Luke 4:16 says, "He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom."(NIV) It was his custom—his regular practice—to go to church. The Message Bible puts it like this, "As he always did on the Sabbath, he went to the meeting place." If Jesus made it a priority to meet together with other believers, shouldn't we, as his followers, do so also?

Resolution

So, if you are disillusioned with church, perhaps the problem is not "church in general," but rather the type of churches you have experienced thus far.  Perhaps you have never attended a healthy, balanced Christian church? They really do exist. I would encourage you not to give up, but continue to search for a Christ-centered, biblically-balanced church. But as you search, remember also, churches are imperfect. They are full of flawed people. However, we can't let other people's mistakes keep us from a genuine relationship with God and all of the blessings he has planned for us as we relate within his body.

 

 

 

Today

Hello all! I am sitting in the sanctuary, watching the daycare from across the street practice for their graduation on Friday! After this its back to the classic Tuesday to do list. Please pray for Rhonda's Brookings company that more work would develop! If you have any prayer requests please email me at angela@newlifeinternet.net and I will post them for all of our brothers and sisters to prey for or if you would rather I will just keep it to myself an pray for it privately. Love you, Angela

Your prayers were answered!

Prasie God!!! My grandmother is back home.  She is eating and has slight pain only when she stands, but she is up and around!  Thank you all for your prayers, I know and she knows as you all know that they work!  All the time.

 

Love you all!

Jessica Cassidy

 

 

Have You Seen This?

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Hello all

We have been super busy the last week here in the office, the rental takes a lot of energy and everything else is just on top of that!

Couple of things

• Please pray for Jessica Cassidy's Grandma she had a pretty bad accident and we need a miracle
• Please pray for Mrs. Gladys, she is just having some health issues

I will be posting the Richard Roberts video later today.

He is an awesome man of God and I cannot wait for him to get here

Love yall,

Pastor Angela

Email from Pastor Sean

New Life Christian Fellowship

 

Dear New Life Family

 

I have two incredible things to share with you that I know will bring your life Healing and Purpose.   

 

First, on Sunday, May 17 at 10 am we welcome Richard Roberts as our guest minister.  This service promises to be one of the highlights of the year for everyone.  Richard Roberts continues the work the healing of the whole man, that God called his father Oral Roberts to.  Now more than ever we must take advantage of every window of opportunity that opens for us to find healing and be touched by unique ministries such as this one.  Don't waste another minute letting the pain, and injuries of life control you.  

 

Second, I believe that no life is complete without the discovering the singular purpose for which God created you.  Our Wed. night pastor's bible study has opened the way for each of us to find our destiny based on God's perfect design.  We begin a series based on the best selling book "THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE" by Rick Warren.  If you have read this book you know it points us to principles that are essential for every believer.  If you haven't had the chance to read it, then please join us this week and watch as your life is transformed by the power of the word of God.  

 

Also, we wish all of our Mothers a Happy Mothers Day this week.  We would like to present all of our mothers with a free gift to show our appreciation for all you do.  Join us this Sunday and together we will 'Become the Miracle' that Christ made possible.  

 

In Love,

Pastor Sean Mooney 

 

New Life Christian Fellowship

2104 Underwood

La Porte TX 77571

 

 

***Please take a moment to send the following e-mail out to your entire contact list of friends, family, co-workers, neighbors, place on your facebook, myspace and twitter, etc... 

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Have I been distant?

 

Yes I know, I have! But we are embarking on a 8 day rental with ExxonMobil an I have to have all my ducks in a row (quack) I have been here to day since 5:30AM. Yes that was even before the sun. ok do I have time to sit down and "blog"?

Breakfast is ready

Coffee is made

Waters are cold

Muffins are soft

Air is on

My Contact is happy

Yes I have time

A lot of people ask me why I do rentals, why do I work so hard for something that is not "church" related and my answer to that is - every penny I can put towards the work of the Lord with these two hands is worth the effort I put in! and besides I have a great team that supports me – Daisy an Brittany practically runs it after 8am, but I am still quality control and I am still tweaking the table, checking the air, and yes even straightening the bathrooms. I want these business men to have the absolute best experience they can have here. So please join with me in my prayer for them today.

 

Dear Father,

Help the leaders of exxonmobil to have a supernatural day, let them learn everything they need to learn today easily. Let The Holy Spirit move right into their classroom and give them the comfort and the peace they need. Lord, please bless New Life with more rentals, because the staff know this is truly a way to further your kingdom, give us favor with the companies we do business with. Thank You, Amen

An Amazing Day!

Look! Now I can work on the TEA!

		Empty Bishop's Box (4/30/2009)
		Print for Carolyn (4/30/2009)
		Personal Banking (4/30/2009)
		New Life Blog (4/30/2009)
		Count Offering (4/30/2009)
		Order Sysco (4/30/2009)
		Check Secure Give (4/30/2009)
		Visitor Book _ Brittany (4/30/2009)
		Print For Sunday (4/30/2009)
		Plan LIT Event (4/30/2009)
		Email Family Life Count Sheet (4/30/2009)
		Enter Giving Records (4/30/2009)
		Email Giving Reports (4/30/2009)
		Enter Attendance (4/30/2009)
		Email Attendance Report (4/30/2009)
		Enter Giving Records (4/28/2009)

Do you know who is coming??????

Richard Roberts is coming to New Life

Sunday, May 17, 2009 at 10am

Richard Roberts, B.A., M.A., D.Min, has dedicated his life to minister the saving, healing, delivering power of Jesus Christ around the world. God has put a dream in Richard's heart of reaching the nations of the earth for Jesus. Since 1980 he has ministered God's healing power in more than 34 nations spanning six continents. In his miracle healing rallies, Richard has ministered to crowds of up to 100,000 people in a single service. Often as much as 50 percent of the audience stands for prayer to receive Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Hundreds and thousands more receive healings and miracles as Richard ministers God's Word and moves in the gifts of the Spirit, especially the word of knowledge.

Richard is the Chairman and CEO of Oral Roberts Evangelistic Association and also co-chairman of International Charismatic Bible Ministries. He and his wife Lindsay host a nationally syndicated TV program, The Hour of Healing--a one-hour, interactive daily broadcast that reaches out to millions. On this unique healing program, broadcast live from the Prayer Tower, Richard ministers in the power of the Holy Spirit, praying for those who are sick or hurting in some area of their lives, and often giving specific words of knowledge about how God is touching people with His healing power. The Hour of Healing has received more than 115,000 phone calls from viewers who have reported healing miracles.

From 1993-2007 Richard served as President and CEO of Oral Roberts University and in 2008 was elected President Emeritus by the Board of Regents.

Richard is a man who is on fire for God, consumed by the compassion of Jesus for sick and hurting people. His meetings across the United States and around the world are marked by a tremendous move of the Spirit, resulting in all types of physical, mental, emotional, financial, and spiritual healings. Richard says, "Jesus was born to step into a world of trouble and bring healing and deliverance, and that's the call of God upon my own life–to reach out to people in their troubles and heartaches, to pray and believe God, and to bring them His Word of hope and healing."

Richard has authored a number of books, booklets, and other inspirational material, including When It Seems All Hope is Gone, The Good News Is the Bad News Is Wrong, Claim Your Inheritance, and his autobiography, He's the God of a Second Chance.

A native Tulsan, Richard is very active in the local community. He has a strong commitment to the city of Tulsa and his vision for the Ministry as part of the community.

Richard and Lindsay have three daughters, Jordan, Olivia, and Chloe.