Sunday Morning Series - The Right Stuff - What About John?

Text: John 21

What are the enemies of gratefulness? I've always said, "Don't let Satan turn your blessings into curses." Today, Pastor Steve added more to my understanding of how that occurs. I like his version better: "Don't allow unthankfulness to corrupt your blessings."

Despair is an enemy of gratitude. When you start asking the following questions, watch out!

1. What do I do now?

2. Was the time I gave for nothing?

These kind of questions produce a fertile ground for Satan's seeds of sin. He's always trying to get us to question God's purpose, punctuality, Word, love, gifts, and plan.

After Jesus' resurrection, the disciples saw him. However, they knew his earthly ministry was over. What were they supposed to do now? Their jobs had been eliminated. They no longer ushered, took the offering, assisted with ministry, etc.

Peter decides to go back to his old trade of fishing. Several other disciples join him. Well, they go fishing, but don't catch anything. As they head back toward shore, they see someone on the beach. One of the disciples recognizes Jesus. Peter pulls on his coat and swims to shore. The scripture doesn't say it, but I think maybe he might have wanted some one-on-one time with Jesus. After all, he'd denied Jesus three times.

Jesus asks Peter if he loves him. He uses the Greek word, "agape," for love, which is the God-kind of love of total commitment. Peter answers that he loves Jesus with the Greek word, "phileo," or friendship love. He's honest. He remembers his failure, and can't say for certain if he can totally commit. Jesus gives him special assignments: feed my lambs (new believers) and feed my sheep (shepherd the flock). Peter is to be a fisher of men not fish. He's given a second chance. He's not cast aside because of his failure.

By this time, the others join them. Jesus prophesies over Peter concerning his future martrydom. Peter points to John and asks the Lord what about his future. Jesus tells him that's not his concern. How many times do we get envious of other's ministries or giftings? Just remember that greater callings and greater gifts require more maintenance and sacrifice.

When I despair, I specifically doubt God's purpose, plan, and punctuality. When I feel like a failure, I specifically doubt God's Word, plan, and gifts. When I envy, I specifically doubt God's purpose, plan, and love.

Odds and Ends

Thanks to everyone, who contributed to the Thanksgiving food drive.

We'll have communion on Sunday, December 6, 2009, at 10:00 A.M., during our worship service.

Please mark your calendars. On Sunday, 12/6/09, we'll have our next covered dish dinner immediately after the morning worship service. Please bring a main dish and a salad or dessert.

Happy Thanksgiving!

While we all love the special foods and family celebrations associated with Thanksgiving Day, let's remember to thank God for our many blessings.

A friend and I used to play the "Thanksgiving Game." Whoever could list the most things they were grateful for won the game. Have you ever written a "Thanksgiving List?" Take the challenge and see how many things you can write down for which you're thankful.

Quotable Quote

"You had better take the time to pray until Jesus is glorified in your eyes; then you will be able to make Him glorious to others." - Aimee Semple McPherson

This Week at Zoe

On Wednesday, 11/25/09, at 7:30 P.M., Pastor Steve will continue our study in Genesis. He'll be covering Genesis 1:11-31.

On Saturday, 11/28/09, we'll have a Ladies Brunch in the Children's Church Auditorium, at 10:00 A.M. Please bring a breakfast item and your Bible.

Sunday Morning Series - The Right Stuff - Maintaining Thankfulness

Pastor Stephen Hecht's main texts were Colossians 3:12-17 & Romans 1:18-32.

We've been talking about thankfulness. What are some of the phrases to watch for that endanger gratitude?

1. That's not fair.

2. Why not?

3. I'm disappointed.

4. I deserve better.

5. Nobody likes me.

6. I quit.

While you can think or utter these words and still remain thankful, it's difficult to be grateful with these patterns. A thankful mentality is to be mindful of how God has blessed you. An unthankful mentality is to be mindful of what God, others, or life in general has denied you.

Don't let your thankfulness tank run low. Embrace it. Colossians 3:12-17 urges us to let the peace of God rule, be thankful, let the word of Christ dwell, sing with grace in your hearts, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, and giving thanks to God. These attitudes will keep your tank filled to the brim.

For the remainder of this message, check out our website. It may take a few days for this message to appear on the site. You can download it to your MP3 player, podcast, or listen via the Sermon Player.

If you're visiting in our area or looking for a church family, we'd love to meet you. We're located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Route 611), Warrington, PA 18976. If you need more information, contact us at (215) 343-7686.

Announcements

The Children's Church is still collecting non-perishable foods for Thanksgiving baskets. Bring them with you to Sunday or Wednesday services.

Please remember to turn off or put your cell phone into silent mode during the services. Thank you!

Do you have a testimony about answered prayer or how the Word of God worked for you? We would love for you to share it with the congregation. Just let an usher know. If you'd like it posted on the website or blog, write it down or e-mail it.

Thank You!

Thanks to all of you who helped with meals and stopped by to assist Mercy. Their freezer was packed full. You can still bring meals or stop in to help this week. See the church directory or contact the office if you need more information.

Quotable Quote

"Gratitude is born in hears that take time to count up past mercies..." - Author Unknown

This Week at Zoe

On Wednesday, 11/18/09, at 7:30 P.M. Pastor Steve will begin a new series on the Book of Genesis.

On Saturday, 11/21/09, at 8:00A.M., we'll be having a work day to help at Susan's home instead of our usual Men's Breakfast. Susan will provide lunch. See or call Keith if you have any questions.

Sunday Series - The Right Stuff - "Under the Surface"

Text: Luke 22:1-7, John 13:1-2, Luke 4:13, Matthew 26:1-16.

How does someone like Judas Iscariot become a betrayer? He probably left a good job to follow Jesus. Luke 22:1-7 says that satan entered Judas. There had to be steps in between that led to this terrible end.

We usually talk about the types of soil in terms of planting good seed (God's Word). However, the enemy can also plant seed in good soil. When satan left Jesus, he planned to come back at an opportune time. Yes, satan is keenly aware of opportunities. He doesn't have to create them. Life gives opportunities.

In Matthew 26:1-16, we see the story of the woman pouring the alabaster box of ointment on Jesus' head. All the disciples saw it, but one spoke out his displeasure - Judas Iscariot. Wrong seed can be sown in good ground without satan entering. I Peter 5:8 says, "Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour." Satan jumps at the opportunity.

What reason did Judas Iscariot have to be dissatisfied?

He had the best shepherd (Jesus).

He had responsibility (was the ministry's treasurer).

He received the best teaching (from Jesus).

His needs were met.

He had ministry opportunities.

What did he lack?

A place to call home. (They constantly traveled.)

Someone to follow his plans. (He had his ideas of how Jesus should come into his kingdom.)

He probably made more money before following Jesus.

Others received more attention than him.

Ungrateful, unthankful thoughts accelerate the growth of bad seed. As faith gets God's attention, ungratefulness gets the devil's attention.

To hear the full message, check out the website. You can listen via the sermon player, download it to your MP3, or podcast. Please note: It might take some time for the message to appear on the site.

Life Principle

"It is easier to maintain an attitude of grateful thanksgiving than it is to re-acquire it." - Pastor Stephen Hecht

Announcements

The Children's Church is still collecting NON-PERISHABLE FOODS for Thanksgiving baskets. Bring them with you to Sunday or Wednesday services.

Don't forget! While in church, please turn your CELL PHONE off or at least into silent mode. Thank you!

Quotable Quotes

"Gratitude is riches. Complaining is poverty. Instead of complaining about what's wrong, be grateful for what's right." - Author Unknown

This Week At Zoe

On Wednesday, 11/11/09, at 6:30 P.M., the leadership will meet for prayer. At 7:30 P.M., everyone is invited to join us for prayer.

Sunday Morning Series - The Right Stuff - Grateful Thanksgiving

Text: 2 Kings 6:24-7:20.

At the beginning of Chapter 6, we read the story of the King of Syria sending people to kill Elisha. Of course, God protects him, and the prophet feeds and sends them away in peace. Ben-Hadad, king of Syria, repays Elisha's kindness by coming against Samaria (capital of Israel) and laying seige to the city.

Things get so desperate that people are paying a fortune for a donkey's head and the excrement of doves in order to survive. A woman calls out to the king and asks him to make her friend kill her son, so they can eat him. Does the king repent or call the people to repentance for all their sins? No, he blames the messenger of God for their predicament and sends an assassin to the prophet's door.

Elisha prophesies that food will be plentiful and cheap the next day. The messenger expresses his doubt. As a result, he's told he will see the prophecy come to pass, but will not participate in the blessing.

When reading these stories, it's good to put ourselves in the place of these people. Suppose someone told us that gas would cost two cents per gallon tomorrow down from $6.00? A lot of people would have difficulty believing that prediction.

The next day, four lepers decide to approach the Syrian camp and beg for food. What do they have to lose? If they stay outside the city gates, they'll starve. If the Syrians kill them, their misery will be over. They find the camp abandoned, and gourge themselves on food and drink and carry off valuables from the tents. Out of fear, they decided they'd better let the king and the people know of their discovery. They are thankful, but did they have an attitude of thankfulness? Did they want to share the good news? They told the others to protect themselves.

To hear the entire message, check out the website sermon player, download it to your MP3, or podcast. Pastor Steve shows the difference between being polite and being gratefully thankful.

Book Club

If you want to participate in the new Book Club, please see Jim. The first selection is Max Lucado's, "Facing the Giants," based on the David and Goliath story. The book is available in hard cover for $10.00.

Collecting Non-Perishable Foods

The Children's Church is collecting non-perishable foods for Thanksgiving baskets. Bring them with you to the Sunday or Wednesday night services.

Let's help make Thanksgiving special for those going through hard times.

This Week at Zoe

On Wednesday, November 4, 2009, at 7:30 PM, Pastor Steve begins a new series from the Book of Genesis. Come out and invite a friend!

Men's Ministries

Men's night out is scheduled for Friday, November 6th. One idea is to see a new movie that will have its first showing November 6th - the animated "A Christmas Carol" with the voice of Jim Carrey as Scrooge.

Let Pastor Steve know what you think of this idea or suggest an alternative activity. We will send the final details in an email this week.

Sunday Morning Series - The Right Stuff - When I Am Not Thankful

Pastor's text: 2 Chronicles 20

Pastor Stephen Hecht looked at Jehoshaphat's response to a big problem. He gets word that a great multitude is coming against them. Situations will cause fear to rise up, but he didn't allow fear to paralyze him. He went to God.

It's fascinating to see his approach. He set or positioned himself to seek the Lord, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. The people joined him in the house of the Lord to seek Him. Jehoshaphat leads the people in prayer. He praises God and acknowledges His power and might. He points out that the very ones God told them to spare are coming against them. He asks God to judge them because they have no might against such a great force.

There's no record that Jehoshaphat or the people bickered and complained. They don't declare their own demise. They don't blame God for their predicament. Instead they seek God's help and declare His power. Someone once taught "there is no place between unthankful and thankful." These people showed the attributes of thankfulness.

Can you pray without getting entangled in doubt or unbelief? Can you pray without griping and moaning? Can you pray without succumbing to doom and gloom?

Judah was spared because of their obedience to God's instructions. In this case, God told them to go before the army, praising the Lord. When they did so, God delivered them.

To hear the full message, visit our website. You can listen via the Sermon Player or download the message FREE onto your MP3 player. Podcasting is also available for your convenience.

If you're in the area, you're welcome to visit. We're located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Rte. 611), Warrington, PA. For more information, check out the website or call
(215) 343-7686.