Water for our World

This weekend we issued the "bottle of change" strategy as a mission project to build a well in Ugandan village. I am excited about making such a huge difference in the lives of so many who need clean water to survive. Even though I have filled three empty bottles with money so far, I plan to do another this week. I hope you can partner with us and bring a bottle full of change back with you to worship this weekend. A little effort made by so many of us will make a big difference in someone's life. Thanks for partnering with us @ NCC.

Chris

Water for our World

Proverbs 11:24-25 (NIV)"One man gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed."Last weekend I spoke about the secret to lasting joy and happiness, "Generosity". I hope you are learning and applying this secret to your life.

This weekend we have a special opportunity to partner with "Water for our World" a ministry of one of our sister churches that is an organization committed to giving life, love, and hope through water. By raising awareness we will create strategic partnerships, which make it possible for the 1 billion thirsty people to gain access to the most fundamental element of life – water.I am excited about following Jesus into the relief of death and suffering in our world. We have a simple and fun strategy to raise money and dig a life-giving well for a village in Africa. I believe whole-heartedly that God is pleased by this kind of effort. Join us this weekend as we "give a cool drink of water in His name". This is another way that we are being the life of Jesus to our world.

Holy discontent?

I have been thinking a lot about my contentment level. I even recently brought a weekend talk called "Want what you have" which was all about happiness as a result of appreciating what you currently have and not always craving more.

But are there areas of my life that I am not supposed to be content with? Am I supposed to be content with my current level of growth? The fulfillment of my potential? Fruit of God's Spirit displayed in my life?

Bill Hybles writes about what he calls "Holy Discontent". This is the condition from which vision for something new and better for our lives arises. Could it be that there is much that we should not be content with. The world around us is waiting to be changed, the Kingdom of God is ready to be advanced, and people are needing to be shown the hope of the Gospel. If I become to content with my current situation I may not become a catylist for change.

I am to be content with what God provides for me yes, but I am not to be content with the condition of the world around me. May we have a holy discontent that produces holy vision for the difference that we can make in this life and in the lives of others.

Keeping the Junk Out

…Above all else, guard your heart, for it affects everything you do.” Pr. 4:23

I have been watching dilligently for everything that comes into my heart. No movies, no tv series, no random music, less news commentary, more inspiring reading, more uplifting people, more prayer. It is significant to note my level of peace and happiness just by more closely monitoring what gets in.

For someone who is series about transformation and mind renewal it is critical to be on gaurd for all the bad input that comes from poorly chosen entertainment and friends. Choose well and live well.

Isaiah 26:3 (NLT) “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, whose thoughts are fixed on you!”


Peace,
Chris

Do you ever worry about anything? I mean really worry? Ever have anxiety that wakes you up in the middle of the night-grinding your teeth? How do you deal with worry and anxiety?

Worry is a notorious joy thief. It is impossible to worry and be happy at the same time. This week and this weekend at NCC I am discussing how to win over worry and experience joy.

Worry cannot be eliminated, it must be replaced.

Give Hope

The offer of salvation from Jesus' Father to those He desires to become His children. For God so loved us that He gave us His one and only Son. All we need to do is believe in Him and we will avoid eternal death and receive eternal life. Incredible. Simple.

Hopeful. Who will you offer this hope to this week? I am praying that God will use you to reach out to someone this week. Give hope this Easter and invite someone to church.

Current series: "3:16 The Numbers of Hope"

Conflict Resolution

Philippians 4:1-3 (NIV) 1 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! 2 I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. 3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.


We have been talking about resolving conflict which can be challenging. Which conflict resolution tip from our weekend talk would be most difficult for you? Which would be the easiest? What would motivate you to take any of these steps, no matter how easy or difficult?
1. Resolve conflict quickly – Don't let the sun go down while you are angry, Ephesians 4:26-27
2. Talk to the person, not about the person – Matthew 5:23-24, 18:15-17
3. Get help if you need it – Matthew 18:15-17
4. Recognize where you are wrong first – Philippians 2:3-4
5. Seek first to understand, then to be understood – Matthew 7:12; Luke 6:31
6. Be quick to ask for and to give forgiveness – Matthew 6:12, 18:21-22, Colossians 3:13
7. View conflict as an opportunity – Philippians 1:15-18, 4:2-3
8. Focus on solutions, not blame – Genesis 50:15-21

Remember – the goal is to win a person, not to win an argument.