North Lake Church

Word #5- LOVE 

I hope you have heard that God loves the world, and that He gave His Son because of that LOVE.  I also hope that you can come to an understanding of just how powerful that act was, and what it means for you as an individual.  LOVE can be grossly misunderstood.  What many folks think they know about love will one day be challenged and for many it will leave them with feelings of hate and bitterness.  Don’t let that be you!  Find out what true LOVE is by getting it from the true source…

John 17:17 (NKJV) Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth. 

God’s Word is truth and you can trust it!

Love is powerful and it is the greatest thing there is!

1 Corinthians 13:8 (NKJV) 8 Love never fails. 

1 Corinthians 13:13 (NKJV) 13 And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.

We are discussing what will make or break families, and LOVE is the most powerful thing a family can have. True love will help a family to think clearly in times of crisis, it will fuel family harmony, it will bind a family together when everything else seems to be falling apart.  Your family needs LOVE more than:

1) Communication,  2) Knowledge,  3) Faith,  4) Generosity, or  5) Dedication

> In vs. 1, Paul teaches that a person can communicate very well and still be nothing more than noise if they don’t have love!

>In vs. 2 Paul teaches that a person can have understanding and get knowledge, but still be lacking without love.

> Thirdly, Paul also teaches us in vs.2  that love is even more important than faith.  Wow!  LOVE is a powerful force.

> In vs.3 we learn that generosity that comes from anything else besides love is unprofitable. It’s good to sacrifice and give, but make sure it’s done from love and not for some sort of personal gain. 

> Lastly Paul says that supreme dedication to a cause such a martyrdom for the faith, means NOTHING without love.  Sacrifice all you want, but do it without love and you will get nothing!

Communication, Knowledge, Faith Generosity, Dedication are all important.  All these will come with love, but Love alone has so much power for your family.  Understand love, get love, and then give love.

You need to Love instead of hate… Many people are tired of being filled with hate.  Hate will cause you to be mean, bitter, angry, and just plain sad!  Those words don’t sound descriptive of the joy of the Lord to me!  God wants you to be joyful and happy about your future with Him and the plans He has for you to live out.

While your living out those plans, be aware that SATAN HATES you and your family.  1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV) 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  If he can keep you harboring hate in your heart, he is well on his way to devouring your family.  Be sober and vigilant about understanding the true love that comes with knowing HIM. 1 John 3:14 (NKJV) 14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death.  Do you love people?  Do you love God’s people?  If you can answer that with a confident yes, it would stand to reason that you have come to a proper understanding God’s love for us.  It would seem that you have passed from death to true life in Jesus Christ are in love with the one who gave Himself for us.

Question for consideration?….  How could you show love to those around you that are hurting?

1 Peter 4:8 (NKJV) 8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for “love will cover a multitude of sins.” 

If we are going to have great families and change our communities then we must speak & live LOVE!

Blessings to you, Pastor Jamie

watch this video:   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b-2dKOfbC9c

Further Study for you:

Luke 6:32 (NKJV) 32 But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 

1 Corinthians 8:1 (NKJV) 1 Now concerning things offered to idols: We know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 

Ephesians 4:2 (NKJV) 2 with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love,

Galatians 5:13 (NKJV) 13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.

Romans 8:37-39 (NKJV) 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

1 John 3:10-23 (NKJV) 10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. 11 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, 12 not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous. 13 Do not marvel, my brethren, if the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren. He who does not love his brother abides in death. 15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 16 By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. 17 But whoever has this world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and shuts up his heart from him, how does the love of God abide in him? 18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. 19 And by this we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure our hearts before Him. 20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence toward God. 22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment. 

Word #4- Truth

When you and I begin to deal with our current reality, also known as the TRUTH, a change can occur.  If and when we deal with the truth, a specific plan with a greater focus will enhance our relationship with God and others!  The truth will bring transformation.

What is truth?  Jesus said in John 17:17 (NKJV) “Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” 

Jesus taught us to build on His teachings… Matthew 7:24-27 (NKJV) 24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: 25 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: 27 and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was its fall.” 

If you are going to build your family on the truth, you will need a specific plan.  That plan must be Jesus and his teachings. Jesus teaches us that His truth is the only thing that stands strong in the storms of this life.  The storms of this life will cause many things to come and go, such as: people, things, money, etc… but God’s Word will never pass away.  God’s Word has the power to bring transformation to families and individuals.  You can build on it without fail.  Let the plans of your life be made through the truths found among it’s pages and when the storms come, you’ll be standing firm in the face of any opposition.

If you are going to build your family on the truth your going to need to focus. II Timothy 2:15 (NKJV) says’ “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”  Families need to focus on the Word.  There are plenty of ways to use the word of God in the teaching of your children on a daily basis.  Think about it, every time you hear or see something that confirms or contradicts God’s teachings is a “moment of opportunity’ to live out the truth of God as a parent for your children to see and learn.  You won’t be able to do that if you have not been “rightly dividing the word of truth”.  But if you have, you are approved by God and unashamedly able to teach truth to those who look to you as an example.  This does take some work, but what is there besides salvation, that comes free?  Be a worker!

Question:  Do you love your family?  Then focus on teaching them the truth.

Objections:

> My kids won’t listen… or There’s gonna be conflict… or My husband/wife isn’t on board…  2 Timothy 2:23-26 (NKJV) 23 But avoid foolish and ignorant disputes, knowing that they generate strife. 24 And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient, 25 in humility correcting those who are in opposition, if God perhaps will grant them repentance, so that they may know the truth, 26 and that they may come to their senses and escape the snare of the devil, having been taken captive by him to do his will. 

> I feel inadequate… II Timothy 2:15 (NKJV) says’ “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”

> I don’t have time… Bad Excuse

> I can’t start now it’s to late … If your still breathing it’s not too late

The family will fall without the TRUTH.  Without truth the family looks like this: divorce, disrespect, dysfunctional, foolish arguments, anger, unthankfulness, unhappiness, and the list goes on…  These are a few of the storms of this life, and when they hit an individual or family that hasn’t built on the truth a devastating aftermath is left.

The good news:  God’s truth is waiting when that fall occurs for the individual or family that has not built on the truth because His Word will never pass away!  Many people are looking for something to hold on to.  Something that won’t change or default or quit.  Please realize today that God’s Word and His Son Jesus whom He sent is that truth!

Read Joshua 24:15 and choose which foundation to build on today.

Blessings to you,

Pastor Jamie

Word #3- Respect 

I have often thought that respect has diminished in this day and age.  I wonder if my parents had those same thoughts in their minds as they raised me and my brothers?  Just thinking about some of the dumb things I said and did, I am sure they did.  My Mom and Dad shook their head’s in disbelief plenty of times as they were confronted with the actions of Jamie Jones.  Despite all those mistakes, my folks and others, managed to teach me some respect.

The famous 10 commandments are found in Exodus 20.  Commandment 5, being the only commandment with a promise, can teach us a few things about respect.  Exodus 20:12 “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the LORD your God is giving you.

As we look at this verse it’s important to realize that the ones being addressed had just been released from 400 years of captivity!  Age was not valued at all in the culture they had been in.  If you couldn’t work you were worthless.  It’s a little scary, but our culture has that same ability.

We also see a transition between the first 4 commandments and the following 6.  The first 4 are all about respecting God and the following 6 are about respecting others humans. The 1st commandment is foundational for the following 9, and the 5th is foundational for the 5 that follow.  When you fail to show respect and allegiance to God you will have trouble keeping the other 9.  When we fail to honor our parents like commandment 5 teaches us, we will fail to show respect for others.

> Obedience & Respect

It is possible to show obedience but not show respect, but it does not seem possible to honor someone without respect.  Young people… if you are going to honor your parents you must respect them!  Parents… if you want honor from your children, show respect to God and to others.  In short, obey and respect the 10 commandments and blessings will come.

> Respect & Thankfulness

Respect seems to be directly connected with thankfulness.  For instance, take the ten leapers in Luke 17. Ten were healed and told to go and show themselves to the priest.  But only one of the ten came back and found Jesus just to say “thank you”, and that effort seems to have come from a great deal of respect for God.  In contrast, a lack of respect seems to be present in the lives of individuals who have an unthankful attitude.  If you are having trouble showing respect for God, your parents, or others, try finding some things to be thankful for.  I would dare say that if you make a list it will turn out longer than what you are imagining right now.  Have fun!

How could you (adult or child) honor your folks while showing respect?

1) Value their advice

2) Be thankful and appreciative

3) Forgive their failings

Scripture for further study:

Proverbs 13:1 (NKJV)  A wise son heeds his father’s instruction, But a scoffer does not listen to rebuke. 

Ephesians 6:1-3 (NKJV) 1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: 3 “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”

Luke 17:11-19 (NKJV) 11 Now it happened as He went to Jerusalem that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. 12 Then as He entered a certain village, there met Him ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off. 13 And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” 14 So when He saw them, He said to them, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And so it was that as they went, they were cleansed. 15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, returned, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. 17 So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? 18 Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” 19 And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” 

5 Words that will Make or Break Your Family

Word #2 – Commitment 

Real commitment is a missing quality for many people these days.  The causes range from a lack of good examples to a lack of accountability and even societal.  BUT!… Commitment is still and always will be a good thing in God’s eyes!  He wants us to honor our commitments to Him and others.  Our faithfulness to our commitments make deep impacts upon many people… especially our own children.  Take them seriously!

Jesus teaches us a few things in Luke 14:25-30 (NKJV) 25 Now great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 26 “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28 For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it– 29 lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 saying, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 

Commitment is powerful, and will hold families together 

> If it’s total vs. 25-26

Commitment to Christ is not commitment at all… if it is not total.

Commitment to Family is not commitment at all… if it is not total.

Be 100% committed to your family and your kids, but love God the most!

We want our kids to know that there is nothing else we love more than them… except God

You know why?… Because I want them to love God more than anything else.  My commitment to God impacts their commitment towards God.

Read about Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 22 to see how God provides when He is our #1.  This is a difficult task, and is not possible outside of the help of Holy Spirit living in you!

Commitment is powerful, and will hold families together 

> If the cost is understood vs 27-28

Commitment to Christ is a serious matter.  Following Him begs the question of wether or not we have thought about the cost before we say yes to making the commitment?  Following Christ will cost you _____________  ________________  ________________ (you fill the blanks for yourself).  Be prepared to pay the cost.

Commitment is the major factor missing in most peoples lives.  If it is missing from a marriage, it is destined for failure.  Those marriages that do not understand the cost from the beginning will begin to unravel at the first sign of hard-ship.

I know that many of you have not kept commitments… ME TOO!  We should repent and ask God to help us make better choices based upon our true level f commitment.

Now is a good time to contemplate your relationship with Jesus Christ.  Ask your self “Am I truly, 100%, totally committed to Jesus not matter the cost?”  Then asks yourself about your commitment to your own family.

Commitment is powerful, and will hold families together 

> If finishing is the only option vs 29-30

I’m sure there were doubters when I announced that I had accepted Christ and had committed to be His disciple.  There may have been some when you made your announcement about your relationship with Him.  However, I do know that there was no doubt from me about my decision to commitment my life to HIM.  I also will tell you that I was surprised about some things it cost me, and that I, just like you, will always need the help of the HS to accomplish my commitment to HIM.

Christ is looking for finishers not quitters when it comes to commitments.

The Christian life is a marathon not a sprint.  Raising a family is much the same.  Once you start it lasts the rest of your life… unless you quit!  It doesn’t end when kids go to college, or get married and have their own families, it goes on and on and on.  So get prepared to finish, and don’t forget that it’s a long haul.  You will want to get some help on the way and I recommend Jesus and His Church (see Word #1). There is a legacy that is left and a respect that comes when the course of commitment is finished.

Why do families break their commitments?…. Think about it.  Write down our thoughts and commit to preventing it from happening to your family and yourself from this point.

If a family wants this total commitment, what should they do?… Talk about it together.  Commit to it together.  Work for it daily.  Write down your thoughts from here on_______________________.

Remember that we all make mistakes sometimes, and we all need forgiveness and the grace provided to us by Christ.  Get that grace and forgiveness and move forward with the guidance of the Holy Spirit working in you to live a committed life to Christ and your family!

Blessings to you and yours-  PASTOR JAMIE 

We are living in times where most families are either broken, split, or scattered from town to town.  Keeping a family together is hard, and gets harder when tuff times come… and they will come.  The CHURCH is there for a hurting family to fall back on.  I believe that the CHURCH is God’s plan A, and that there is no plan B.

I also believe that for most people, the CHURCH is plan B.  And that’s fine.  I know that for me, CHURCH wasn’t my first choice.  But it did become the best and right choice.  Being a part of a CHURCH family and raising a family within the CHURCH helps pave the way for truth, love, commitment, and respect to be major characteristics in your family.

We find Jesus soeaking to Peter about the CHURCH in Matthew 16:13-18 (NKJV) 13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14 So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. 

Your Family needs to Believe in the Church

Jesus said that He would build His church upon the “petra” or “rock“, that is the corner stone of Himself.  He also said that “the gates of hades shall not prevail against it“, and if you trust in all the promises of God… YOU CAN BELIEVE IN THE CHURCH that Jesus Christ established and that He will keep His CHURCH until He returns.

If you want your family to win, you should have them involved in the CHURCH!

You might ask… “What is the CHURCH?”  It is the “ekklesia“.  The called out ones.  The CHURCH is not a building, but rather the called out people of God.  Called out of what?… Those who have been called out of sin and into fellowship with Christ.  This is Jesus’ CHURCH.  Folks who have a relationship with Him, and because of that relationship are serving Him daily.

If you Believe in the CHURCH, then I am asking you to participate with Jesus’ CHURCH in carrying out His great commission for the church: Matthew 28:18-20.

God Bless,

Pastor Jamie Jones