I Corinthians 3:6 I planted, Apollos watered,
but God all the while was making it grow and He gave the increase. (AMP)
Our mission is to take the gospel to our world. Our world is Fishers, Indiana. Over the past five years many media sources has rated Fishers as one of the top places to live in the United States. To think that God has given us the responsibility of bringing the gospel to people who are moving here from around the United States to be a part of this community is an awesome honor and overwhelming thought. Fishers, with a population of nearly seventy thousand, a median age of 28 and over 18,000 school age kids is ripe with potential. I say we have a mission. If God will birth a burden and passion in some of us and send others to help along the way, there is no telling how we can impact, not only Fishers, but also the world.
This week is an opportunity. Over 75 kids will join us for Rock-It VBS. Will you be a part? Some have already got on board: making sets, helping with crafts and being team leaders. We could still use your help. For those who can’t come and be a part, pray. Pray that God will use us to plant a seed to see a harvest, to impact our world. It’s our mission.
Bi-Polar Christians
7.18.10
Ephesians 4:14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro,
and carried about with every wind of doctrine.
News Flash! Bi-polar Christianity is at an all time high! Contracted by Simon Peter during the Passion Week of Jesus, it has continued for generations and in recent years returned with vengeance. What is bi-polar Christianity? It is people who are ever swinging from committed to casual; for a few weeks they are actively involved white hot Christians, faithful to church, worship, bible reading and prayer, only to disappear from the scene for days, weeks or sometimes even months. At this time there is only one cure known to this disease, a close encounter with Jesus.
Be on the look out for those with this situation! It is highly contagious and difficult to contain. Sometimes known as yo-yo disease, it can be spotted only by its symptoms; critical spirit, negativism and doubt.
There is a protective antidote for this disease; a daily walk with God with ample time spent in His Word and prayer. Stay alert and do all you can to avoid being a bi-polar Christian!
What's Hidden in Your Heart?
7.11.10
Psalms 119:11
Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.
What’s hidden in your heart? David said, “thy word have I hid in my heart that I might not sin against thee.” David understood to survive in the world he lived in that the most important thing that he needed was for God’s Word to be in his heart.
How many other things do we often hide in our hearts; hurts, anger, lust, pride, gossip; just to name a few. Those things weigh us down, short circuit our spiritual life and cause us to drift away from God and His power.
A simple question this morning; are you hiding God’s Word in your heart? Is God’s Word a part of your daily life? Do you take time to read a few verses or a chapter in your day? Open the book, read one of the Proverbs or read the red words of Jesus. Do something so God’s Word gets deep in your heart! Hide God’s Word in your heart and see how over a period of time it blossoms in your life and gives you strength in times of test and trials.
Live Free
7.4.2010
Galatians 5:1 It was for freedom that Christ set us free; thereforekeep standing firm and do not be subject again to a yoke of slavery.
”Freedom. Once a year we pause to celebrate our country’s freedom from British rule. Brave men decided that it would be better to fight to live free than to live under the British burden and no freedom. Its funny how the things our forefathers fought to free us from have once again encumbered us. Yet later this evening we will listen to patriotic music and watch fireworks fill the air and celebrate a freedom that is much less than what they had envisioned.
What is true of our country is also true to many spiritually. How many people come into a Sunday service, celebrate freedom from sin, sing songs of victory and amen sermons that speak of overcoming, but often we walk away living well beneath the freedom that Christ had in mind for us.
Let this Fourth of July be a reminder that Jesus set you free from every thing that tries to weigh us down. Start living in the freedom of the cross and blood today! There is no freedom like the freedom that comes in Jesus!
New Generations, New Methods but Same Message
6.13.10
Isaiah43:19 See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?
This week we transitioned into the next phase of life with our kids, Risa our daughter joined the millions of teens with a cell phone. It took a little work on dad, but eventually I caved and now she is a proud owner of a phone. What amazed me was how quickly she got connected to others around her. Within a few minutes she was texting friends and a few hours later she had plans made for the week. What had my head spinning was how my little girl had went from what I thought was a social recluse to a sudden socialite. How did it happen? Where did it come from? Needless to say, I was blindsided by this quick transformation. What I concluded was simply this; she needed a way to communicate, to be in touch with her generation. Old dad thought she could do it the way of a phone, somewhere along the line I missed the memo that said, “kids only text today.” Who knew!
This got me thinking, what if the church has missed in the same way. Trying to communicate through old methods and feeling left on the outside. We must make sure that we are in touch with how our world works in this day. Text me if you have any ideas, I’m trying to keep up with this new generation thing!
Just Be Yourself! 6.6.10
Deuteronomy 7:6 For you are a holy people to the LORD your God;
the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His own possession
out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth
* This week's article is written by our daughter Risa. We hope you are blessed and inspired by her thought.
This past week my mom and I were shopping and we bought a game called Family Talk. Each night at the table we read one of the questions and we all answer the question. Last night while we were eating dinner the family talk card said, “If you could be someone famous who would you choose?” We each took turns but no one could think of anyone we would rather be, so we re-asked the question, “If you could be someone else, who would you be?” Again no one could think of anyone they would rather be than themselves. It left me thinking that God made you special; so don’t try to be someone else, just be yourself!
Risa Hudson
In Memory
5.29.10
Deuteronomy 5:16 Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you,
so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
Young men and women with aspirations to defend their country head off to war. Each year thousands get promoted to different branches of the service. They live out their dreams of serving their country, for some never to return home again. For them, we reflect today. These are and were noble men and women with courage who were not afraid to die so that we could enjoy our freedom here in America. Fallen soldiers, sons, husbands, fathers, mothers, daughters, friends; courageous soldiers of war, we honor you today. America would not experience freedom if it were not for you!
Reflecting, none of us would be experiencing the freedom we have spiritually if it were not for Jesus Christ; so willing was he to lay down his life, and die so that we might be free!
On this Memorial Day take time to Honor men and women who have either passed on or who are still among us. Take time to thank them for giving their life so that we might experience our freedom. And then, today, take time to thank God for giving us the honor to serve him, thank Him for giving His life so that we might be free. It’s a freedom worth thanking Him for!
Mary Hudson
Your Biggest Fan 5.23.10
She was sweet and innocent. Her small voice still echoes in my mind. Her question will be one I will never forget. I was scrubbing away in the bathroom, doing my duty as a housewife, when she came in and asked me, “Do you need a watcher?” It threw me off. I didn’t understand her question so I asked her to repeat it. “Do you need a watcher, you know someone to watch you mommy?” I smiled; of course I welcomed a watcher, especially her cute little face.
We all have a very qualified watcher, keeping close tabs on our life, pulling for us, wanting to make our choices for us but being the gentlemen that He is, He allows us to make our own choices. Life gives us so many options. Optimism or Pessimism, positive or negative, laughing or crying, faithful or faithless, love or hate, bitter or sweet, lazy or motivated…all of these choices are ours! Each of these will send us in opposite directions depending on our choice. We have a loving God who watches us carefully. He is our biggest “fan”. He is pulling for us to make the right decisions every day. I’m so glad He has the power to persuade us to make the right choice. When He filled us with his spirit, we were given the hope that every decision we make can have a great beginning to opening some wonderful opportunities in life. Aren’t you glad you have a watcher you can depend on!! He’s your biggest fan!
Mary Hudson
The Key to Blessings 5.2.10
Psalms 84:12 O Lord of hosts, how blessed is the man who trusts in You!
I ran across this quote this week and it rang so true to me that I felt I needed to share it with you all today. It simply said, “If I want to be blessed, I must be committed to doing the things that God is committed to blessing.” A pretty simple principle. God’s promises are not to bless what we do, but to bless those who will do what he ask in His Word.
Stand up in the face of the enemy and God will show up in the fire, build an altar in the face of an enemy and God will confirm himself; go it alone and you’ll find yourself in the belly of a whale. God is committed to His Word, not your whims.
David gave us the key to blessings in his very first Psalm, 1 Blessed is the man that walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful. 2But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law does he meditate day and night. 3 …and whatsoever he does shall prosper. Want to be blessed? Walk according to the Word and watch His blessings fall on your life and home.
A Good Name 4.25.10
Eccclesiastes 7:1a A good name is better than precious ointment,
I had the privilege of officiating the going home service of an old saint this past week as we laid Ben Glover to rest. As I spoke with the family I was made aware once again how powerful the role of a father can be.
Though Ben’s life is now over, the impact of his life will remain for years to come. His zeal for life, commitment to family and love for God was strong, not only in his family, but to the many of his friends and acquaintances he made through his years of life. Reflecting on his life, it reminded me once again what we should put the emphasis on as we live this life.
I’m sure you could extend this list, but here is a small list that we should keep in focus as live our lives:
- Keep the Faith. Nothing in life matters more than being ready for eternity.
- Teach the Faith. Teach it to your family, be involved in your church and share it with the world.
- Make More Memories than Money. When your life comes to an end what your family will treasure and carry in their hearts are the memories you have made.
Leave something of real value, leave a heritage.
Memory Lane 4.18.10
I Corinthians 3:7
So then neither the one who plants nor the one who waters
is anything, but God who causes the growth
I didn’t fully appreciate or understand that tremendous blessing at the time, the heat in the midst of the battle often blurs the blessing, but now, a few years down the road, I have become very thankful for the years I spent with incredible young people from around the United States and beyond while working at Indiana Bible College. Being able to invest in their lives was a privilege and honor.
Today, they return the favor by being here at Life Connections. I hope you will be blessed by the talented and anointed singing of Kristen Keller from Lancaster, Ohio and the ministry of Jon and Indira Petoskey from East Hartford, Connecticut. In addition, Anthony Vilhauer from Paoli, Oklahoma, will be blessing our kids in Kids Connection. Their lives and ministries bring a warm glow to my heart and allows me to see the dividends from my time at Indiana Bible College.
What you are investing in today is important. You may not see immediate dividends, but in time it will grow and mature and become something beautiful. So keep teaching, believing and encouraging… the rewards will come back multiplied!
Back to Business as Usual
4.11.10
Luke 24:6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee:
Seven days later: back to business as usual. The buzz about the veil torn in the temple has subsided, the earthquake is yesterday’s news and the supposed dead walking through the streets has been relegated to a myth. The death of the man Jesus and his supposed resurrection has been overwhelmed by routine. With the exception of a few radical disciples and their reports of seeing a resurrected Jesus, life has returned to normal; another dollar to be made, another deal to be done, laundry to wash and schooling for kids. Calvary’s cross and Jesus’ resurrection has had no impact on daily life.
Funny how much things have changed, yet how much they haven’t. Two thousand years later, a few stopped Friday to observe the cross and there was a flurry of celebration on Sunday. A sunrise service, Easter baskets for the kids, the largest crowd ever at Life Connections but for many today, its back to business as usual. Yards to mow, kids activities to be a part of, shopping, or maybe a trip to the fishing hole or golf course. Whatever, lives really weren’t impacted by the resurrection celebration; just a moment in time, a spot on the calendar. Makes me thankful for the few who believed and pursued. I suggest we do the same!
Hope Lives!
4.4.10
Luke 24:6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you,
while he was still with you in Galilee:
Who could have imagined. A week earlier He is the most well-known and popular person in Jerusalem. His entry in Jerusalem was one that was reserved for Kings and dignitaries. Crowds lined the dusty road, palm branches were being waved to cool His ride and lay to the ground to calm the dust and shouts of Hosanna rang along the path. But now it is a week later, the name of Jesus is no longer the name to be dropped in social circles, in fact, the hero who was greeted on the road to Jerusalem is dead, suspended on a cross between to thieves. Who could have imagined a man’s popularity could swing so quickly. His followers have abandoned Him and those He had healed fear to mention the miracle. Jesus, just a shooting star like some many other would be saviors.
But this is different; though He is dead, the earthquake, the tombs opening and the veil torn in the temple has left people a little skittish. As Mary and the other women go to visit the tomb that morning, they do so with heavy hearts. Approaching they see the stone rolled back and little do they realize everything has changed in the world. There is no more hopelessness. Hope is forever alive. A fact we must remember still today. Jesus lives! Hope lives!
Bald Men and Bad Gospel
3.28.10
Acts 1:4
And gathering them together, He commanded them not to leave Jerusalem,
but to wait for what the Father had promised, "Which," He said, "you heard of from Me;
Hype. It’s about as valuable as a comb is to a bald man. It’s especially bad when hype is brought to church or the gospel. The gospel of Jesus Christ does not have to be manipulated by music, packaged in a deceptive wrapper or diminished to superficial salvation; the gospel of Jesus Christ can stand on its own! The power of the Holy Spirit is dynamic in itself; it does not need to be forced upon anyone. Let me remind you that Jesus told the disciples to go and wait on the promise, not to go and create the promise. No one has exclusive rights to the Spirit and no one can make it fall at their whim. The wind of the Spirit blows where and when it wills.
I feel compelled to mention this today because there is a move to hype up Jesus, to help out the moving of the Spirit and to create a revival. Let me remind you that most every revival has started with great prayer, not great promotion. Life Connections is committed to seeing a move of God, but the move of God that will take place in this church will happen authentically, through building relationships with Jesus Christ, living repentant lives and seeking His face with faithful prayer. Lets be authentic, lets be book of Acts!
The Gift of God
3.21.10
1 Peter 4:10
As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God
His little voice was soft, quiet and sweet. His small hand was curled around mine gently. “Can I ask you a question?” Sure you can,” responding casually, not anticipating the question from a young first grader to catch me completely by surprise. “What is all around you and made you a gift?” “I’m not sure. I responded. “God”, he said. I wasn’t sure I heard him right so I bent down and looked him in the eye and said, “Did you just say God?” He smiled and said “Yes, God.” It warmed my heart! It was one of those out the blue moments, a reminder again that yes, God is all around us but not only does God surround us, He made us gifts so that we could be a blessing to those around us!
Little Luke was diagnosed with autism so it made his statement even more profound and special. What a gift he was to me that day! I haven’t been able to get this little conversation out of my mind. Every day I want to be a gift to someone and leave everyone I meet just a little more encouraged, a little more uplifted, a little happier. It doesn’t take much, maybe just a quick question will do it, but it will sure make the gift God made you more valuable.
Mary Hudson
Pastor's Pen 2010
It Was in the Biscuits
3.7.10
Matthew 26:12 He went away again a second time and prayed, saying, "My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done.
While in my opinion my wife is a fantastic cook, for many years I have complained that no matter how hard she tried, she just couldn’t make good biscuits and gravy. She would get recipes from others; buy different brands of mixes, but regardless of what she tried, her gravy never tasted quite right. Last week things changed, not in Mary’s ability to make gravy but in our choice of biscuits. Turns out the problem wasn’t so much with Mary’s gravy, but my choice of biscuits.
Oddly, it got me to thinking about how we get frustrated with God and our prayers. We pray and pray it seems to no avail. It leaves us asking, what’s wrong with God, why won’t He answer my prayers? The problem has never been with God’s power and ability, but I’m afraid many times it’s with our asking or our faith. Jesus’ prayer in the garden is a model for our prayer request. Ask what you want, but always end it as Jesus did, “thy will be done.”
Having problems with your prayers? Question your motives, not God’s ability. You might find it’s like my biscuit and gravy scenario. The problem may lie with your prayer, not God’s ability to hear and answer.
Compete to Complete
2.28.10
James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried,
he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.
The Winter Olympics have been a true test of endurance and character. Medals have been won and lost in fractions of seconds and the smallest slips. It’s rewarding to see medals given to those who have spent years of time in practice and just as heartbreaking to see those who’s hopes have been dashed by a slip of a skate or a missed gate. Every athlete has spent not hours or days, but years preparing for one opportunity to shine. For every three victors that stand on the medal stand there are scores more who walk away with broken dreams, likely asking, was it worth all the time invested only to loose.
I’m so thankful that in the race we run that there are not just three victors. Those that receive a prize in God’s economy do so, not for being the best, but completing the course; quite different than the Olympics.
On top of the world today? “complete the race.” Struggling to keep the faith?, “finish the course”. Just beginning your journey with God?, “stay the course,” nearing the end? “finish strong.” The victory is not to the strong or the swift, but those who endure to the end. Like Nike says, Live Strong. Compete to complete!
The Street Called "Extra Mile"
2.21.10
Matthew 5:41 Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two.
There are no traffic jams on the street called “Extra Mile.” Most people get off on the exits just before; “just enough” and “just slide by.” While the traffic might be light on the street called Extra Mile, the benefits are often well worth the extra effort.
One of the ten lepers returned to Jesus while the others hurried to the priest and was made whole. Four men went the extra mile when deterred by a crowd; tore off a roof and saw a lame man pick up his bed and walk. What about you? Are you an Extra Mile Christian?
What are the characteristics of an extra mile Christian? They get up and pray when their bodies are weary. They make the Sunday service when the clouds are gray and the bed says, “roll over and go back to sleep.” They throw down a fast meal to get the Bible Study when it would be easier to have an excuse. They smile and say thanks when the service was poor at the restaurant. They forgive instead of judge; give grace when grace isn’t deserved and love when they really don’t have too. Most importantly, they make a difference, they are the ones that cause others to say, “I want to be a Christian like them.” Lets set our sights on being a second mile Christian!
A Day of Love
2.14.10
1 John 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love
Today probably more than any other day of the year we see the icons that say, “love.” We say, “I love you” in many different forms, for some it’s a simple card, for others it may be chocolates or roses and for some it’s a candle lit dinner. It is a time when we take a moment out of our lives to reminisce about days gone by; the day you met your spouse, the day of the proposal and many other special moments you’ve shared along life’s journey.
Love defined simply is an intense feeling of deep affection. It involves emotions, physical attraction and admiration. While all of us have experienced love in some way, there is a love that supersedes any love that you may have experienced. The love of God; His affection was so intense that it caused Him to come to this earth, walk with His creation and even die so that we could spend eternity with Him. Looking for love? Look to God. His love is without conditions, forever forgiving and filled with blessings. No greater love…than the love of God. God is love!
A Little Football
2.7.10
Psalms 116:15 Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.
As we prepare for a Colts victory later tonight, I thought it might be good to go over some key football terms:
· Draw Play – what many do with the bulletin during the sermon.
· Two Minute Warning – the point in the sermon when you realize it’s almost over and you begin to gather up all your stuff.
· Blitz – the rush to get to the restaurant before the other churches in the area.
· Flex Defense – the ability to allow absolutely nothing heard in the sermon to affect you.
· An End Run – those who get of church quickly without speaking to anyone.
· Quarterback Sneak – those who quietly leave during altar call.
· Benchwarmer – those who do not sing, clap or praise during worship service.
· Staying in the Pocket – what happens to a lot of money that should be given in offering.
Have a blessed afternoon and go Colts!
Watch Your Thoughts! 1.31.10
Proverbs 23:7
For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.
I ran across this article this past week and it reminded me of how important our thought life is. You’ve probably seen it before, but its wisdom causes it worthy of being repeated.
· Watch your thoughts; they become your words.
· Watch your words; they become your actions.
· Watch your actions; they become your habits.
· Watch your habits; they become your character.
· Watch you character; it becomes your destiny.
Many Christians put so much emphasis on appearance and works, but David understood the power of thoughts. Why do you think our adversary expends so much energy on controlling our thoughts? Simple, if he can get our thoughts on this world; its problems, its entertainment and its lust then he can control our entire life.
Make it a priority this year to spend time in the Word of God, let it influence your thoughts more than television, movies or the Internet. Let’s think right, lets think like God!
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Life Connections
11616 E. 126th Street
Fishers, IN 46037
Phone: 317.577-HOPE
