Podcast: Pam Nelson with international speaker & evangelist Christine Caine

Listen as Pam joins Christine Caine for a 20 minute podcast about our God of the 24/7!

Connecting With God

This morning we discussed practical ways to connect with God...like simply starting by slowly reading through the book of John.  Below are a few more resources for getting started with God!

A few helpful resources:

Got Questions.org

Intervarsity Tips on Bible Study

Focus on the Family How to Study the Bible

Starting With God

Campus Crusade on How to Have a Quiet Time

Biblegateway Online Bible & Study Tools

Crosswalk Christian Lifestyle Info

For Families: Real Family Life Website

For Men: the book Wild At Heart

True Identity: Avoiding the Comparison Trap

In his book, Victory Over the Darkness, Dr. Neil T. Anderson says, “The more you reaffirm who you are in Christ, the more your behavior will begin to reflect your true identity!” Here is a compilation of Scriptures Dr. Anderson’s ministry created to remind us of who we are in Christ.

I am accepted . . .

• John 1:12 I am God’s child.
• John 15:15 I am a friend of Jesus Christ, as His disciple.
• Romans 5:1 I have been justified.
• 1 Corinthians 6:17 I am united with the Lord, and I am one with Him in spirit.
• 1 Corinthians 6:19–20 I have been bought with a price and I belong to God.
• 1 Corinthians 12:27 I am a member of Christ’s body.
• Ephesians 1:3–8 I have been chosen by God and adopted as His child.
• Hebrews 4:14–16 I have direct access to the throne of grace through Jesus Christ.

I am secure . . .

• Romans 8:1–2 I am free from condemnation.
• Romans 8:28 I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances.
• Romans 8:31–39 I am free from condemnation. I cannot be separated from God’s love.
• 2 Corinthians 1:21–22 I have been established, anointed, and sealed by God.
• Colossians 3:1–4 I am hidden with Christ in God.
• Philippians 1:6 I am confident God will complete the good work He started in me.
• Philippians 3:20 I am a citizen of heaven.
• 2 Timothy 1:7 I have been given a spirit of power, love, and a sound mind.
• 1 John 5:18 I am born of God, and the evil one cannot touch me.

I am significant . . .

• John 15:5, I am a branch of Jesus Christ, the true vine, and a channel of His life.
• John 15:16, I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit.
• 1 Corinthians 3:16, I am God’s temple.
• 2 Corinthians 5:17–21, I am a minister of reconciliation for God.
• Ephesians 2:6, I am seated with Jesus Christ in the heavenly realm.
• Ephesians 2:10, I am God’s workmanship.
• Ephesians 3:12, I may approach God with freedom and confidence.
• Philippians 4:13, I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.

You're invited to take a SOUL STAYCATION!

Exodus 20:8-11 says "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.  six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your god.  On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter...for in six days the Lord made the heavens and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, be he rested on the seventh day.  Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy."

God is serious about us setting aside time to rest, not just when we have leftover time!  The Sabbath means literally to stop, put an end to or cease!

Materialism says, "Build it up and you will find rest."

Pleasure media says, "Live it up and you will find rest."

Religion says, "Keep it up and you will find rest."

Jesus says, "Come to me and you will find rest!"

--> What things provide RESTORATIVE rest in your life and allow you to receive the rest that God calls us to?  Time in quiet and in the Word with prayer?  Long walks?  Time with the family playing together or creating together?  A good life-giving book?  You're invited to make time for a soul staycation this summer!

Many resources for getting started can be found here: www.startingwithgod.com!

Setting Summer Goals

First, goals should be:

S - Specific (not just lose weight, but "lose 15 pounds")

M - Measurable (can you tangibly show you met the goal?)

A - Attainable ("Bring about world peace" is way too lofty!)

R - Realistic ("never eat chocolate again" better to say limit to one day/week)

T - Timely (set a due date, like August 31st!)

And, it's important that you know who you are in Christ, so that you know that you are loved, forgiven, and an heir to the kingdom!  Let this truth help you to begin with a strong start!  "For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not evil, to give you a future and hope" (Jeremiah 29:11)

And, a great resource to help you start from this important truth is the (short!) daily devotional "Jesus Calling" -- learn more here!

If You Want to Walk on Water...

When we step out, there is always a call, fear, reassurance, a decision and a changed life.  Be encouraged to step out and into God's call as we visit with certified  Life Purpose Coach, Pam Nelson, and hear more about this great book!

Deep within you lies the same faith and longing that sent Peter walking across the wind-swept Sea of Galilee toward Jesus. In what ways is the Lord telling you, as he did Peter, 'Come'? John Ortberg invites you to consider the incredible potential that awaits you outside your comfort zone.

And to learn more about Pam's next book study group, The Life You've Always Wanted, click here!

Made To Crave book and devotional

Satisfying your deepest desire with God, not food!  To learn more about the book and a FREE 21 day devotional, click here!

To learn more about "Made to Crave" small groups in our area, click here!

Has food become more about frustration than fulfillment? The NY Times Bestselling release Made to Crave is the missing link between a woman’s desire to be healthy and the spiritual empowerment necessary to make that happen. Author Lysa TerKeurst personally understands the battle that women face. In Made to Crave, she will help you:

• Break the cycle of “I’ll start again on Monday,” and feel good about yourself today.
• Stop agonizing over numbers on the scale and make peace with your body.
• Replace rationalization that leads to diet failure with wisdom that leads to victory.
• Reach your healthy goals and grow closer to God through the process.

This book is not a how-to manual or the latest, greatest dieting plan. Made to Crave is a helpful companion to use alongside whatever healthy eating approach you choose — a book and Bible study to help you find the “want to” in how to make healthy lifestyle changes.