Purpose – Daniel Guerra

Serving in the local church, and as a motivational communicator, I am accused often of being more positive than the norm. Actually, the bubbly, enthusiastic spirit often finds people in question of whether or not I am ever serious. Well, more often than many can see. I have asked myself so many times; have I always been like this? Happy? Hopeful? Bubbly? The answer is no of course, however one day in my prayer time with God, I asked him to help me find a light at the end of my dark tunnel, and this is what I have found – Passionate Purpose.

Friends, living every day with passion and purpose; is important to make life more meaningful, it makes goals more achievable, life more enjoyable. Passion with purpose is the spark and fuel of what drives us as believers to accomplish our God-given set goals. There is the thrill, push, and excitement when we experience the passion to achieve those God-given goals, and the purpose to carry it through. Without passion, you may be able to see where you want to go but you may not necessarily have the motivation to drive you to get to where you want.

When we find purpose through God, we find clear direction. And, where there is passion, it will ignite and fuel the purpose that we have in God. And the key to unlocking the passion is God-purpose. It is literally interlinked. Friends without a clear purpose, we are not directed and we drift away, being more influenced by circumstances, the weather or the state of our economy.

How do we live life with passion and purpose? I believe we need to dig deep into ourselves and find our true purpose. Friends you have to know that you were created here with and for a mission that only you, uniquely you can accomplish. Take time to consider why you are here. Seek your purpose. Talk to Papa for clear direction on why are here, and what you are meant to do.
I love what Elizabeth Kubler-Ross says, “Learn to get in touch with the silence within your self and know that everything in life has a purpose.” Friends we have to realize, that without a true God-given purpose in life, it’s easy to get sidetracked on your life’s journey. It’s easy to wander and drift, accomplishing very little in life for God.

When we find our sense of purpose, we become focused. We are open minded, and we truly have something to live for and our lives become more meaningful. Friends, THERE IS a why for living. Victor Frankl has noted that those who have a reason for living survived even the harshest of life conditions over and above those who didn’t. They are looking beyond the present circumstances to something bigger. Think about that!!

Having a purpose in life need not be profound. Purpose may stem from a talent, a hobby, an experience or a social injustice. Or a plain desire to want to do something, or leave a mark.
Generally speaking, having a purpose is to do something that you love, or you think you can make a difference, positively. There are as many purposes as there are lives on earth.

Your purpose could be building a better life for the poor and hungry, or creating a contraption or a system or a device that will make life easier for those in your community or church. Or you may want to be a certain kind of person to make a difference in the world or in the lives of others. It doesn’t need to be fantastic. It could be simply be, for example, a purpose to be the most understanding, firm and loving mother on earth. Or the most comical yet inspiring leader in your church or community. You can create as many purposes and goals and be passionate about them when you know it will make a positive difference, beyond yourself, knowing that you are truly making God’s name known.

“The men who build the future are those who know that greater things are yet to come, and that they themselves will bring them about. The blazing sun of hope illumines their minds they never stop to doubt. They haven’t time-Author Unknown”

By being involved in something bigger than you, you have no time to be self absorbed in the pettiness and grinds of daily life. They are small and insignificant compared to the purpose in God for which you came to achieve.

Unless you give yourself to some great cause, a purpose beyond yourself, you haven’t really begun to fully live. Having a purpose in life through Christ will give our lives meaning, and will make us feel special and more important, and will give us permission to express our often hidden passions.

Most of us think we have to do exceptional things to find our true God-given purpose. However, It is, strangely, right in front of you. You must be willing to uncover it and discover it for yourself. Papa-God is right here to help us see it.

Friends, think about what you love, what moves you. Think about what you can do to make a difference in this world for Christ. Think about how you will want to be remembered when you leave. Or what you can do to better the situation, or correct a wrong so that others need not undergo the suffering you may have undergone. Think about your talents, what comes easily to you, and how you can make your talents count and be worth it. It could be put to better use, perhaps creating better value for others and perhaps monetizing your talents.

We all have passions and purposes, but a lot of people are afraid of pursuing it. They may feel it to be at a great expense- of their time, their privacy, their enjoyment. It is on the contrary, more fulfilling than living a life of non-passion and non-purpose in God.

It doesn’t have to start big. It all starts one step at a time. For instance, Abraham Lincoln didn’t set out to change the world. He only wanted to do the right thing in a time when the right thing wasn’t easy to discern. Mother Teresa took care of the starving people on the streets of Calcutta , and started in a small way.

If you already have a passion and a purpose for doing something for the good of mankind, and to make our Wonderful Master known, go for it and pursue it right now. Think of the consequence if you could actually see it succeed.

Have a mission, vision and purpose. Persist and succeed. You will be glad you did.

I believe in you & Love you deeply!
Dg

Perfection? – Pastor Liz

A lot of people who don’t really know me, tend to think that I’m somehow better than they are. They think that I’m a “super-Christian,” that I’m perfect, and I don’t ever make mistakes. Nothing could be further from the truth.

The truth is I’m no different than anybody else. The Bible says that we are all sinners-we’re all screw-ups-and that includes me. Perhaps the only difference is that I know how much God loves me, and His love compels me to want to know Him. And as I get to know Him better, more and more of Him rubs off on me, and that changes the kind of person I am. Yeah, I’m still a screw-up, but I’m a perpetually forgiven screw-up, who in knowing the Greatest Lover, becomes a little more loving.

Jesus says that God knows us so well that He knows exactly how many hairs we have on our heads at any given moment. That’s pretty amazing considering how much some people have and how little others have! haha! But Jesus also says that there is no greater measure of love than to die for a friend. Jesus goes on to say, “You are my friends,” and he died for each one of us so that we can be friends with God.

If you think about it, is there anyone else that knows you better than God? Anybody else who knows exactly how many hairs you have on your head at any particular moment? And is there anyone who loves you more than God? Is there anyone who has given up their life so that you may live?

The One that knows you best, loves you the most. That’s pretty incredible to me considering all the dark places I have that nobody else even knows about. But God does. And yet He still loves me more than anybody else, and He loves you more than anybody else-no matter how screwed up you think you are.

Jesus didn’t come to save good and perfect people. He lived and died to save screw-ups like you and me-people who know they don’t have a chance without a little grace and forgiveness. Don’t wait until you get “cleaned up” to come to Jesus. He’s got the hands to heal your sickness, the thread to mend your broken heart, and the soap to wash your soul. He already knows you better than you even know yourself, and He already loves you more than you could ever imagine. He calls you, “friend.” What do you call him?

Love you all!

Past – a place of reference, not a place of residence.

Thank You – Pastor Dave

Yesterday was Pastor Appreciation Sunday here at New Life. I never cease to be amazed at what our congregation places together to surprise Debra and I. Of course last year they gutted our house and did a remodel. They would never have to do anything else. That was so incredible!
However, yesterday, was an absolutely phenominal moment. We’re grateful for the gifts. But what blessed us so much was to have my good friend of many years Judge Chris Freese come and speak. You could’ve knocked me over with a feather. I wasn’t sure what to say. I normally am not one who struggles for something to say.
What’s important to understand is I had a dream years ago of Chris being in service and sitting exactly where he sat. So during my preaching I was slightly overwhelmed.
Just to have the opportunity to minister the Word of God to my friend was an enormous blessing. So, don’t give up on your dreams. We serve a God that makes dreams come true.
I wonder what’s coming next year?

Blessings
Pastor Dave

Priorities

My Aunt called Saturday morning and told me that my cousin Allen had passed away the night before. I was stunned, because he was only 48 years old. I remember all the great times we had on my cousins farm when I was younger. From playing in the barn, to playing army, basketball, and even a whole week there attending VBS. Great memories! This year I’ve seen more people pass away that I personally knew than any other time in my life.
It’s made me aware more than ever of a couple of things. Are my life’s priorities in order? Am I walking in the love of God as much as possible? Am I serving God with everything thats in me? Am I placing a high priority on my wife and family? Am I doing my best to serve others in the family of God? All these questions and more cause me to daily re-evaluate what’s really important in life. It’s sad that some life lessons are learned in our later years. But the important thing is that we learn them.
Paul said in Acts 17:28, “In HIm we live, and move, and have our being.” All of these questions and perhaps the realignment of priorities can only be answered as we pursue Jesus and His word with all our heart.
Death is a horrible thing. I’ve watched it leave its mark of sorrow and grief upon many this year. But worse than death, is missing the plan and purpose of God for your life. I don’t want to miss God’s unfolding purpose for my life. I don’t want to be so busy that I exchange God’s priorities for my own and then believe they’re Gods. This week I’ll see relatives I haven’t seen or spoken to for years. Thats a tragedy. I take responsibility for that. Maybe some of my priorities have been out of order. No more! Lets all examine our priorities in the light of Gods love and purpose.
God Bless!

Pastor Dave

Presence of God – Pastor Dave

I’m watching out my window as the sun attempts to penetrate the fog. Actually you can’t see the sun at all its just getting lighter. Wow. What a great day to be alive. The last few days it seems the presence of the Lord has intensified. Praying this morning the atmosphere is charged with the power of God as its been all weekend. When I pray, worship, and even preach it seems as though the presence of the Lord is so real, as close, as if its almost tangible. There is a sense of confidence and boldness thats present today. I hope you are being surrounded with the goodness of the Lord today.
Somethings going on with Faith. Last night when I fed her supper we prayed and she just started crying. I don’t know if it was a cry birthed out of pain or sadness. But she reached over to hug me and I think she’s sensing what I have felt in the last couple of days.
The tears just streamed down her cheeks. I was reminded that God takes our tears and places them in a bottle.
God’s up to something. And when He begins to show himself strong its always an adventure. Well today I’m believing for miracles. Its not hard when you just feel so much of God in you and upon you.
Hope you have a great day and supernatural week.

Pastor Dave

Worship – Pastor Dave

I was thinking about worship today.How worship effects our life in so many ways. But specifically worship in regards to our daughter Faith. Many are aware of her history. That we were told she was blind and would probably die before age one. However, by the grace of God she is still here. She can find a penny on brown carpet. Praise God!
Faith is a worshipper. She has always loved music. It seems music is the language of the soul. There are certain songs that I listen to that can transcend my soul and spirit into another realm. The same is true with Faith. Yesterday in worship she was making a joyful noise with all her heart. Some may not consider it a joyful sound. But to Faith it is joyful. She can’t pronounce syllables or phrases but the noise that eminates from her lips surely gives the Father’s heart joy. Faith squeals really loud and then may begin to clap or swing her arm.
Its amazing, because Faith wants to sing and can’t and many times we can and won’t.
There is a liberty and an abandonment in her worship that attracts the heart of God. Maybe we don’t realize it, but I’m sure she’s cognitive of it. I believe the Lord is doing something within her that we haven’t recognized yet.
The Bible says, God is seeking for true worshippers, to worship in spirit and in truth. Well, God doesn’t have to seek for Faith. She’s always ready to respond when she hears music. Even when she’s having a seizure, which can be as simple as an eye flutter. Faith does her best, if music is playing, to squeal, or swing her arms. Shouldn’t we be that way? No matter what’s happening with us or drowning us, shouldn’t we do our best to worship?
Faith’s response to life, which we realize is limited, has taught me so very much. So I think I’ll take a break and worship.

Pastor Dave

Make a Difference – Pastor Dave

I was thinking this weekend about all the funerals that I’ve performed this year. I don’t remember a year that I’ve had so many memorial services. Each one of these that have passed away left memories, many impacted lives in very significant ways. The point is that every one of us are going to die, if Jesus doesn’t come first. It seems the older you get the more death has a place in your thinking process. Death is not something we like to discuss. It is called by Job, “The King of Terrors.”

I just don’t want to come to the end of my life and realize I’ve wasted so much of my life on trivial things.

Jesus said “if you lose your life for my sake you find it, and if you find your life you lose it.” I see so many people trying to find themselves outside of Jesus Christ.

You see, it really doesn’t matter where we live, what we drive, or where we sleep. Life is much more than that. And God for sure has blessed Debra and I with all of those things. But the real essence of my existence is a little like the old song: Only one life twill soon be past: only what is done for Christ will last.

What I’m trying to say is, I really want to make a difference in peoples lives. And making a difference in their life means a willingness to love them. And if we love people then we’ll lead them and point them to our all – satisfying God. Thats the plan of God for all of us. First to find God in Jesus Christ and to point others in His direction.

There are many ways to make your life count and make a difference in peoples lives. being kind when thats not what they may deserve, being merciful, loving, and caring to others. All of those things will cause your life to count. So you can look back at the end of your life and know your days weren’t wasted.

I believe we’re inching ever closer to the coming of the Lord if we don’t destroy one another first. I just want to encourage you to be totally sold out to Jesus and not waste your days. Every day is a gift from God. I challenge you to make a difference in someones life.

Pastor Dave

Living Praise Living Worship

Have you ever asked yourself what praise & worship was all about? Has anyone ever explained to you, what it means, and why we do it?

Well, no worries!! I wrote this article so you can see why we worship the way we do, and how YOU can participate in a worship experience wherever you attend Church.

Worship

“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him.” (John 4:23)

I personally believe God is seeking something. The Bible says in another place that the eyes of the Lord run over the earth, looking for someone whose heart is completely devoted to Him. God wants to work strongly in our lives. And God is seeking ture worshipers. Are they so hard to find? Men and women everywhere are worshiping. There are billions of religious people on the earth. But God is seeking worshipers who worship in spirit and truth. What does that mean?

To worship in spirit is to reach out with one’s innermost being to God in love and devotion. To do so in truth is to do it honestly, and according to the truth about God. God wants our worship to be a response to what we see and know of Him. He wants to reveal Himself, that we might worship Him. We were made to worship God. God is the greatest. The nature of mankind is that of a worshiper. However, many times, the worship of self or some false god has usurped the true worship of the living God, who made heavens and earth. True worship is the most fulfilling experience we can have, bar none. It is available to those who truly put their lives on the altar for God. Once we take our lives off the “altar” we simply can’t enjoy the same depth of worship.

God has shown me some biblical ways to worship in the pages of the Bible. We can do so by bowing down to God, by prostrating ourselves, by lifting our hands to God , dancing and in many other ways. When we TRULY do something as for the Lord it is an expression of worship. Even our regular paid work can be an expression of worship, if we are doing it for Him.

Praise

To praise God is to declare the good things about God, who He is and what He has done. The opposite of praising God is to blaspheme God. When we blame God and make cynical remarks about God we are not praising Him When we complain we aren’t giving thanks, we are grumbling and this displeases the Lord. I’ve been guilty of this many a time and it hasn’t helped me at all. What we need to do is to learn to speak words of praise continually. We need to look beyond our temporary setbacks to the promises of God, and the end results promised by God. When we do so, it actually helps us get out of trouble faster.

Paul and Silas were once thrown in jail for preaching the gospel of Christ. Instead of complaining about the way they were beaten and tortured, they praised God with singing in the middle of the night. Such praise is so powerful it changes circumstances. God shook the prison, let them go, and caused the jailer to get saved. This sort of thing could happen today too, if we can look not to the things which are seen, but to the things which are unseen. This is part of our high calling in Jesus Christ.

Music

Music is an important tool for praise and worship. I’m planning to write more on this subject I the near future.

I love you tremendously, and pray that you can find your expression and give it to the Lord through your daily life of worship.

Worship – Pastor Liz

We did a series about worship at church a while back and there is so much to learn and to grow from in worship. Shall I share my thoughts? (I guess if you are still reading, that is a yes!)

Worship – to ascribe to, to give honor
We can worship many things in our life…
What do we worship? Money, relationships, jobs, ourselves
Sometimes, it’s easier to worship created things rather than the creator of those things.

When we gather together at church for praise and worship, we are not just getting ready for a nice, little message or a sermon. We are reconfiguring our lives so that God is placed at the top of the worship chain, and all other options removed.

My prayer to God is….
God, I place you back on the throne of my life, right where you belong.
I surrender to You, not because You’re forcing me to, but because I trust Your love for me.
So this day, please see my heart for what it is — A deep well of desire that wants to see You honored and glorified above all else.
And when I inevitably block Your worship with a lesser object of my own choosing, please pull me back, and remind me of the truth.
So receive my heartfelt worship given to You and You alone.

In Awe – Pastor Liz

Last night was a gorgeous night and when I was walking and noticed that the moon and stars seemed especially bright. The moon was huge and felt close enough to touch. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL!!

After my walk, I decided to lay down on the track. (weird? maybe….haha) I was listening to CFNI worship on my cell and staring at the stars trying to see how many constellations I could pick out. You know how there are some stars that are bright and can be seen almost always but on a really clear night you can see TONS of stars that are so far away?! I couldn’t help but admire the sprinkles of light that were so far away.

It just reminded me of how massive God is and yet He decided to dwell with us. To love us. To save us. Dwell IN us. Who are we, but specks of dust compared to Him? He created all that is around us. Everything… from things as large as the mountains, the oceans, the sun, the moon to something so complex and intricate as US! It made me think of the verse in Psalms about how everything He created praises him.

Psalm 148:1-20 – Hallelujah! Praise God from heaven, praise him from the mountaintops;
Praise him, all you his angels, praise him, all you his warriors,
Praise him, sun and moon, praise him, you morning stars;
Praise him, high heaven, praise him, heavenly rain clouds;
Praise, oh let them praise the name of God— he spoke the word, and there they were!
He set them in place from all time to eternity;
He gave his orders, and that’s it!
Praise God from earth, you sea dragons, you fathomless ocean deeps;
Fire and hail, snow and ice, hurricanes obeying his orders;
Mountains and all hills, apple orchards and cedar forests;
Wild beasts and herds of cattle, snakes, and birds in flight;
Earth’s kings and all races, leaders and important people,
Robust men and women in their prime, and yes, graybeards and little children.
Let them praise the name of God— it’s the only Name worth praising.
His radiance exceeds anything in earth and sky;
He’s built a monument—his very own people!
Praise from all who love God! Israel’s children, intimate friends of God. Hallelujah!

It amazes me how creation worships Him! I was looking at how bright the moon was and remembering that I learned in school that the moon glows because it is reflecting the light of the sun. Oh that WE would reflect the light of the SON! That our lives would be so bright that people would take notice! One of my favorite sayings is by St. Francis of Assisi “Preach the gospel. If necessary, use words.”

We were created to worship. We were created in His image. We should reflect his image. When people look at me, I don’t want them to see Liz. I want them to see Jesus.

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