C2C Church Christian Blog
Bridging the Gap between Worship and Missions.
Tags >> Christ
Posted by: mhaley
on Nov 10, 2011
Peter and John had been very bold in their witness of what Christ had done in their lives; how their lives had become whole and Christ's love had filled them. God took these ordinary men and inspired them to "connect" with a man who had been lame for forty years. This man was healed, in the name of Jesus, by the power of God's love through these two men. Naturally, the church council and the religious leaders were not happy about this love and energy that was permeating "their" religious camp. But, these religious leaders could not deny the courage and boldness that had come over these two men to speak the truth about how their lives had changed since meeting Jesus. Peter and John were acting on what they could now see from God's horizon. Peter and John were more concerned about what God desired to do through them, than how these people around them listening might react to what they might do and say. This is an example of a stand of courageous love for God and people. It is that courage for which we, as Christ followers, must seek to "connect." The Holy Spirit is the Giver and Initiator of such courage. Following this story, the healing of the lame man, we see the early Church (followers of Christ) ramping up their prayer for courage...
Posted by: mhaley
on Nov 08, 2011
"Then the Lord sent this message through the prophet Haggai: "Why are you living in luxurious houses while my house lies in ruins? This is what the Lord of Heaven's Armies says: Look at what's happening to you! You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsy. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes." Haggai 1:1-8
Haggai talks about "Pockets with holes;" that provides a very good visual for us doesn't it?
Posted by: mhaley
on Nov 02, 2011
"If I wanted to boast, I would be no fool in doing so, because I would be telling the truth. But I won't do it, because I don't want anyone to give me credit beyond what they can see in my life or hear in my message, even though I have received such wonderful revelations from God. So, to keep me from being proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud." 2 Corinthians 6-12
The Apostle Paul knew all about issues and problems; yet, God trusted and empowered him to write a great portion of the New Testament. Many Christians feel if they face intense problems, it is because God is displeased with them. Punishment must be the reason; that's a human perspective.
Posted by: mhaley
on Oct 31, 2011
Have you ever been caught up in deep worship--true oneness with God that filled and overwhelmed you with awe, wonder, praise, and thanksgiving? The Apostle John did. His spirit was translated from a physical location (more than likely the Island of Patmos) to the throne room of heaven where he witnessed the glory of God's presence (Revelation 4:1-11).
Posted by: mhaley
on Oct 28, 2011
"If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark." John 12:44-47
A picture is most beautiful when the lighting is just right. The eyes of our understanding are beautifully lit when we are trusting Christ. When it comes to "seeing things clearly" for what they are in this world and your life, has it ever dawned on you that you may not really have the "lighted" picture? In other words, do you ever admit that you might not be seeing things from a "Lighted" perspective?
Posted by: mhaley
on Oct 25, 2011
"When I heard your greeting, the baby in my womb jumped for joy. You are blessed because you believed that the Lord would do what he said." Luke 1:44
I want to take you back, over 2000 years ago, to a small town with a teenage girl, Mary. She is entrusted with a Promise that has been delivered by an angel. God places that promise within Mary; she is to give birth to Christ. It defies all logic; all reason. It seems out of context; it looks like she is dishonored. She ponders the word given by the angel; the message that she is highly favored and loved by God. She chooses to believe. No one really knows for awhile about the Promise in Mary. The ones that do, find it impossible to believe. It's a huge gift, but carrying and explaining such a Gift is difficult. Staying among the people who have known her and viewed her as a child with nothing significant yet to offer, makes it impossible for her to have the right perspective of herself--seeing herself from God's horizon. How will she gain that proper vantage point?
Posted by: mhaley
on Oct 24, 2011
 "Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. He existed before anything was created and is supreme over all creation, for through him God created everything in the heavenly realms and on earth. He made the things we can see and the things we can't see--such as thrones, kingdoms, rulers, and authorities in the unseen world. Everything was created through him and for him. He existed before anything else, and he holds all creation together." Colossians 1:15-17
Posted by: mhaley
on Oct 18, 2011
"You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor? Can you make it salty again? It will be thrown out and trampled underfoot as worthless. You are the light of the world--like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father." Matthew 5:13-16
God created us for relationships. Within those relationships, we are called to be salt and light--the flavor and illumination of God's love that has been extended to us. When we respond to the love of God found in Jesus, we become partakers in the Common Story. We share and tell our part of the Story, as well as advance God's kingdom in this world through the cultivating of other vibrant relationships. This is the context in which God has called his Church--the people of God--to grow in connection to Christ.
Posted by: mhaley
on Feb 16, 2011
Our words matter to God; we need to align our words with the Word of God. Jesus came to earth that we might know the Father through the Word--the mind of Christ. If we do not spend time getting to know the Word, we cannot know God. If we do not know God, we cannot be victorious in this world. Have you been speaking the Word? Have you been faithful to repeat what the Word says about you? The enemy works through deception and if you do not know the Word, you will struggle to see yourself properly. If you have not been speaking Truth about yourself, boldly declare today...
Posted by: mhaley
on Feb 04, 2011
We connect with God and people through words; in this way we are simply acting like Jesus. Our words are powerful and, therefore, must be purposeful. God created the universe through the Word, breath of God, and the Spirit manifested material substance. We can create environments with our words, as well. We can inspire by sharing our hopes and dreams or we can be a negative voice that brings everyone's spirit down.
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