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210 North Pearl Street
Lebanon Illinois |
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| Pastor Brian N. Pope |
January 13, 2009 |
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Greetings!
Can you believe it? It is already the middle of the month. I guess the saying is true, time flies when you are having fun, or as you get older. I will let you decide which one fits you. As for me I am having fun. Is everyday a great and wonderful, no bad things happen to me day? Absolutely not! Work is tough for me just as it is for you as well. I am keeping my focus on the things that bring me joy. Knowing I have a mansion in Heaven, a beautiful wife, 2 great kids, a wonderful church, great friends, a warm home, a running car, a laptop and phone to keep up, time,
This Sunday's sermon is "Developing a Daily Routine."
See you Sunday!
Pastor Brian
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Our Motto
"This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!"
2 Corinthians 5: 17 New Living Translation
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Tithing
A couple of housekeeping issues. Some ask how come we don't pass the offering plate, or is there and offering plate, etc. There is an offering plate on the table below the bulletin board. One of the bad reputations of the church at large is that the church is always asking for money. At Fresh Start we understand that and have made it our position to not ask for money. In turn God has blessed us, tithes are good, and our finances are in order. However... tithing is a mandate from God and it is a form of worship when we give back a portion of what God has blessed us with. For your tax records please place your tithe in an envelope with your name so that we can give you year end statements for your tax records.
Do we have needs? Yes, as most churches we have needs. As tithing is up, more needs in the community can be met. We are also in a great position to be in as well. We own our own building but God has blessed us with growth and we will be needing an additional building in the future. We are saving for and looking for sites in our area. Please keep us in your prayers on this.
Thanks,
Pastor Brian
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Monday Memo
THE OTHER THING PATRICK HENRY SAID
LAMENTATIONS 3:22-23
Patrick Henry, whose primary contribution to the history books is the phrase "Give me liberty or give me death," made another statement that appears in a number of quotation collections.
He said, "I know of no way of judging the future but by the past."
Repeat this before an audience and you'll see many heads nod in agreement. It has the ring of good common sense.
Be careful, though. This axiom might be true when applied to politics or history or investment strategies, but it provides a lousy foundation for developing relationships. And it certainly doesn't reflect the way God relates to us.
God gives a chance to let go of the past and start over -- each and every day. Jeremiah wrote, "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)
God doesn't judge our future by our past. He didn't do it with David or Moses or Peter or Paul or countless other Bible characters. Neither does he do it with you and me. He does not treat us as our sins deserve. [Psalm 103:10] With him, every day is a new day.
A good way to begin each day with God is to remember that you've just been given brand new mercies -- the chance to start the day with a clean slate.
It's also a good way to start the day with others. God doesn't allow your past to prevent you from a having a great future, so let's give the same gift to others.
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Sunday's
10 am
Morning Worship
Sunday's 6 pm
Small Group
Studies
WCG Fireflies
Ladies Bible Study
Wednesdays
6.30 pm
Saturday Jaunuary 23, 2010
Mens Breakfast / work day
8am
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