Being Curious is a Good Thing

Proverbs 18:15 An intelligent heart acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

One of the joys in spending time with our grandkids, or really with any young people, is they love to ask questions. “Papa,” one of my grandkids would ask, “How come the sunset is so orange? Why do worms come out in the rain? How does a car drive? Why do stars form patterns? Did Adam have a belly button? Why did Jesus die on the cross? Who made God?” And the questions keep coming. I love it! There is a freshness and excitement at their willingness to learn. Kids are naturally curious. I was, and still am. I love to learn and discover new things, for being curious is a good thing.

Proverbs 24:5 A wise man is full of strength,and a man of knowledge enhances his might.

Proverbs 9:9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.

Studies and research have been done that say being curious promotes happiness, expands empathy, builds relationships, and even can improve our health. Being curious is a good thing! God created us with the capacity to learn, yet it takes some effort and willingness to know.

Proverbs 1:5 Let the wise hear and increase in learning,and the one who understands obtain guidance,

It seems as we get older, and our lives get busier or more stressed, and we slow down our curiosity. Curiosity can get lost when we take on a self-focus, a victim mentality, or get caught up in a blame culture. Curiosity has with it a humility that we don’t know everything and are willing to discover and learn. Like learning about God and His way of life. The Bible does say that a reverent, respectful view of God opens us up to learning great wisdom.

Proverbs 1:7 The fear (reverent respect) of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge;fools despise wisdom and instruction.

Proverbs 9:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom,and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.

Being curious is a good thing. What are some things you are curious about? What are some things about God and His way of life that make you curious? The Bible is full of mysteries to explore. Why not act on those curiosities and see what adventure of learning comes about.

Church can be a wonderful environment to not only peak curiosity, but to have fun learning about God…especially around Easter! If you do not already have a church you attend, we would like to invite you to view or visit Neighborhood Church. We are a fun, welcoming church that loves God and seeks to live life His way. Each Sunday we study the Bible and have a great time together.  We would love for you to join us. Our website has all the information you need for times and locations of all our gatherings. You can also find us online at neighborhoodchurch.com. As well, if you would like to view any of our past worship gatherings or videos, visit our YouTube channel, or just search Neighborhood Church Cypress or Neighborhood Church Los Alamitos on their YouTube site.

Keeping curious along with you,

Mike

It’s Okay to Have Fun

Ecclesiastes 2:24  A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God,

I love to observe and enjoy times of fun. Sometimes they are planned, like a party or fun outing. Sometimes these moments of fun are unexpected and even in the midst of a time of sadness. One night as Kristi (my wife) and I were enjoying an evening at Disneyland, we were walking by a crowd waiting for a parade. The parade route was lined with excited kids of all ages anticipating the fun and joy and wonder they were about to experience. Some had been snacking on a favorite treat, savoring every bite. Some were playing games to pass the time. Some were what seemed to be joking as great laugher erupted. Others  were just relaxing in their place. Now, there were a few whose expressions were NOT showing they were in the happiest place on earth! One poor older woman looked downright mad as the kids next to her kept edging closer and closer, invading her space. However, what caught my eye was an older couple, a bit dressed up, sitting quietly on a park bench soaking in the joy and buzz of the gathered parade watchers. Just as I glanced over and admired the big smiles on their faces, a new song came over the loudspeakers. As the song played on, the man said something to what I guessed was his wife. He got up, and held out his hand to her. She smiled big and with a twinkle in her eye gently took hold of his hand and gracefully stood. He escorted her to the middle of the street and the two started to dance. The people around them started to cheer. They danced with even more passion, with whimsical expressions on their faces. It was pure joy! Yes, it was a bit crazy and some of their moves did not match their age! They were having a blast and so were all those who watched. They took the opportunity to be okay to have fun.

Honestly, life can get way too serious, yet truthfully, there are some horrible, deplorable, disgraceful and reprehensible things that happen in life. For those times, we do need to be serious and walk through them with wisdom and grace. However, there are times to have fun. Solomon, one of the wisest men that has ever lived, wrote this:

Ecclesiastes 3:1 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: …4 a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.

Life is full of moments to capture and experience and being a little crazy helps usher in some fun, even if it’s fun at work.

Ecclesiastes 3:13 also that everyone should eat and drink and take pleasure in all his toil—this is God’s gift to man.

Some companies, in wanting to create an atmosphere of fun, get a little crazy and sponsor “Donut Day,” “Fun Friday Casual Dress Day,” “Hawaiian Day,” and more. I even heard of one company that brought in a taco cart, mariachis, and a full on Mexican fiesta, including a piñata!  Because it’s okay to have fun.

See, these fun experiences make the heart glad and that is a good thing!

Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.

Proverbs 15:13 A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.

Yes, life is difficult, and our world is filled with awful happenings, yet there are, and can be, times to be okay to have fun. It might even help to endure those trying times. How could you step out and create some fun today?

Now, when some people think of church, they think the opposite of fun, but church can be fun…especially around Easter! If you do not already have a church you attend, we would like to invite you to view or visit Neighborhood Church. We are a fun, welcoming church that loves God and seeks to live life His way. Each Sunday we study the Bible and have a great time together.  We would love for you to join us. Our website has all the information you need for times and locations of all our gatherings. You can also find us online at neighborhoodchurch.com. As well, if you would like to view any of our past worship gatherings or videos, visit our YouTube channel, or just search Neighborhood Church Cypress or Neighborhood Church Los Alamitos on their YouTube site.

Looking for opportunities to bring in fun along with you,

Mike

Choices Matter

Joshua 24:15b … Choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.

Joshua from the Bible in the above verses was challenging people to make a choice. Either serve God or not, but his choice was to serve God, to live life God’s way. Choices are important, they matter. Choices can change life direction, foster good relationships, and create opportunity for building good character. Hopefully through life we learn to make good, godly choices. Because choices matter!

I am presiding over a few memorial services this week. It is an honor to stand with a family to celebrate and grieve a loved one who has passed. It is a moment to remember and appreciate the choices of a life. The loved ones who have passed made choices that shaped them and had an impact on others. The choices we make matter!

I remember being challenged by one of my mentors who quoted Jesus, saying people are known by their produce – their fruit (see Matthew 7:15-20), a good tree producing good fruit, and a not-so-good tree producing not-so-good fruit. Of course, I wanted, and want, to be that good tree with a life that reflects the grace, mercy, kindness, and strength that Jesus, the Christ, did. The choices we make matter! That is why Joshua challenged the people of Israel in Joshua 24:14-18. Joshua was doing this because what we choose matters.

The truth is, we will either enjoy the benefits of good choices or suffer the consequences of bad choices. As well, not to choose is a choice in itself. It is also a choice to learn from past choices to make even better choices. Now, some may say that others ‘make them’ say hurtful things, do foolish things, or be deceitful, yet each of us has been given the free will to choose most of our actions and most certainly our attitudes and our reactions. The Bible gives us some great and good choices that bring out our best and shape us in a good, godly way:

The choice of kindness where we intentionally bring out the best in others and think the best of them as well.

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

The choice to be helpful and persevere in doing good.

Galatians 6:9 And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

The choice for wisdom and to seek being both inquisitive and curious.

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

The choice to participate and not just spectate.

Matthew 7:12 So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.

Matthew 22:39 And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.

The choice to know God more…

Matthew 22:37 And He said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

2 Peter 3:18 But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.

Church, especially around Easter, is a great place to immerse ourselves in Jesus. If you do not already have a church you attend, we would like to invite you to view or visit Neighborhood Church. We are a fun, welcoming church that loves God and seeks to live life His way. Each Sunday we study the Bible and have a great time together.  We would love for you to join us. Our website has all the information you need for times and locations of all our gatherings. You can also find us online at neighborhoodchurch.com. As well, if you would like to view any of our past worship gatherings or videos, visit our YouTube channel, or just search Neighborhood Church Cypress or Neighborhood Church Los Alamitos on their YouTube site.

Seeking to make better choices along with you,

Mike

It’s Okay to be Sad

Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance.

We were noticing one of our grandsons was acting a bit out of character. He and his siblings were over for the evening, and he just did not seem his happy, talkative, interested in everything self. Lots of things were bothering him. His brother set him off as they were playing. Not unusual, but this time he let it get to him and came and sat down in the other room and was shedding a few tears. When we asked him what was up, he just shrugged his shoulders and stared off. Again, not his usual response. He got frustrated playing with some toys and again stomped off, frustrated, and went to sit by himself. Later that night he and I were talking, and I asked him again what was up and recounted his actions. We went through some possibilities. It came down to he was sad. He was not sure why, but he was just sad. We talked about how God made us with feelings and sometimes we just feel things and we are not sure why. We also talked that it’s okay to be sad sometimes. I encouraged him to pray about and let God know how he feels. I asked if he wanted to be alone for a bit, and he said yes. A few minutes later he called out, “Papa, I’m done being sad.” We went on with our evening.

God did put us together with feelings and emotions. And it’s okay to feel them and express them, as long as we don’t hurt anyone or ourselves. This feeling of sadness, when expressed, is a lament. Sometimes it’s tough to find the words to express how we feel. The Bible has a lot of laments, these expressions of sadness are there to help us give words to our feelings.

Psalm 5:1-2 Give ear to my words, O LORD; consider my groaning. Give attention to the sound of my cry, my King and my God, for to you do I pray.

Psalm 22:1-2 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest.

Psalm 88:3-5 For my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to Sheol. I am counted among those who go down to the pit; I am a man who has no strength, like one set loose among the dead, like the slain that lie in the grave, like those whom you remember no more, for they are cut off from your hand.

God wants to hear our laments, even if they are protests, complaints, or expressing our frustrations. God wants us to be honest with Him. He loves us and knows there will be times when we feel sad and that is okay. That is why Jesus said, “Come to Me…” in Matthew 11:28-30.

Matthew 11:28-30 Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.

To take Jesus’ ‘yoke’ is to immerse ourselves in who Jesus is and His way of life. It is to get to know Jesus. We do that as we read the Bible, especially the Bible books of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. As Easter approaches and we feel the sadness of Jesus paying the penalty for our sin on the cross and our own sin that nailed Him there, it is okay to feel sad and lament. For soon that sadness will turn into a time of joy and laughter.

Church, especially around Easter, is a great place to immerse ourselves in Jesus. If you do not already have a church you attend, we would like to invite you to view or visit Neighborhood Church. We are a fun, welcoming church that loves God and seeks to live life His way. Each Sunday we study the Bible and have a great time together.  We would love for you to join us. Our website has all the information you need for times and locations of all our gatherings. You can also find us online at neighborhoodchurch.com. As well, if you would like to view any of our past worship gatherings or videos, visit our YouTube channel, or just search Neighborhood Church Cypress or Neighborhood Church Los Alamitos on their YouTube site.

Being okay with sadness along with you,

Mike

Be First to Volunteer

Galatians 6:10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

My wife, Kristi, and I took a short trip this past weekend. It was a quick but fun time away. The flight home was packed! Maybe one or two seats open on the whole airplane. As people where volleying for seats, trying to fit their bags in the over-head compartments, the flight attendant came on the microphone. She mentioned there was a family with small children that would like to sit together and asked for volunteers to give up their seats for this family. The passengers all went silent and were looking down. Kristi and I could give up our seats but the guy next to us was sitting across the aisle from his family and could not move, so we were not available. But as I looked up from the awkward silence, one lone hand shot up. That passenger was about 5 rows ahead of us. He was a 5-year-old boy! Now I’m not sure why he wanted to switch seats, but out of a whole airplane full of adults, he was the only one to volunteer! I was proud of that kid. His mom even tried to pull his hand down and I think I heard him say, “I want to help this family.” Wow! What a great heart. What a great example! How different our world would be if more of us were like this kid.

God, through the Bible, encourages us to step up and help people, and if needed, be the first to volunteer.

1 Peter 4:10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.

Ephesians 2:10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

Proverbs 11:24 One gives freely, yet grows all the richer;another withholds what he should give, and only suffers want.

Proverbs 3:27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due,when it is in your power to do it.

Proverbs 3:28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again,tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you.

There is a lot of need in our world these days. Needs for volunteers in our schools, in our city parks and recreation departments, in the service organizations in our community, in our churches, among our neighbors. Why not be first to volunteer! Your actions will inspire others. This young volunteer on the airplane that day did not end up changing his seat, for as people noticed a kid volunteered first, whole rows of people opened up and that family got to sit together. When we step up to volunteer, others follow and soon it becomes a movement!

Yes, church can be a great place to step up and volunteer. If you do not already have a church you attend, we would like to invite you to view or visit Neighborhood Church. We are a fun, welcoming church that loves God and seeks to live life His way. Each Sunday we study the Bible and have a great time together.  We would love for you to join us. Our website has all the information you need for times and locations of all our gatherings. You can also find us online at neighborhoodchurch.com. As well, if you would like to view any of our past worship gatherings or videos, visit our YouTube channel, or just search Neighborhood Church Cypress or Neighborhood Church Los Alamitos on their YouTube site.

Seeking to step up and volunteer along with you,

Mike

Kind Words Matter

Proverbs 15:1 A soft answer turns away wrath,but a harsh word stirs up anger.

The word ‘soft’ in Proverbs 15:1 is not weak or benign, but an answer that is kind, gentle, tender-hearted, with thought and calmness. It is a kind, thoughtful response that looks to build up not tear down. All too much we are quick with spewing the venom of hate-speech and venting our frustrations. Yet, kind words matter. I watched a store manager notice and help a person who was struggling with their shopping cart, but then also asked if they were ok. The way that manager asked the question was sincere and heartfelt. The woman looked up with surprise, but then they started to talk. I am not sure what they talked about, but I saw that woman later in the store and she was smiling. Kind words matter.

Ephesians 4:29 Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.

When we are controlled and gentle in our speech it does build up others and instructs.

Proverbs 15:2 The tongue of the wise commends knowledge,but the mouths of fools pour out folly.

These kind words also encourage and bring life.

Proverbs 15:4 A gentle tongue is a tree of life,but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.

It takes thought and consideration and looking for words that help, heal, and give grace.

Colossians 4:6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

How could you be more gentle with your words today?

Church is a good place to not only practice kind words, but to learn God’s way of life. If you do not already have a church you attend, we would like to invite you to view or visit Neighborhood Church. We are a fun, welcoming church that loves God and seeks to live life His way. Each Sunday we study the Bible and have a great time together.  We would love for you to join us. Our website has all the information you need for times and locations of all our gatherings. You can also find us online at neighborhoodchurch.com. As well, if you would like to view any of our past worship gatherings or videos, visit our YouTube channel, or just search Neighborhood Church Cypress or Neighborhood Church Los Alamitos on their YouTube site.

Seeking to be more gentle with words along with you,

Mike

There is Good in Grief

Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

A few weeks ago, I helped once again in a memorial service. It was a time to grieve the loss of someone to death and to celebrate their life and our love for them. Like most memorials, giving time and making time to express grief is a good thing. Those moments allow our deep feelings of sorrow, or pain, or hurt, or regret, or loss, or loneliness come to the surface and be processed. The process of mourning and grieving is part of our human experience. Grief is defined by the Mayo Clinic as “the natural reaction to loss. Grief is both a universal and a personal experience. Individual experiences of grief vary and are influenced by the nature of the loss.” Life brings with it all kinds of losses. Yes, the loss of a loved one, a spouse, a member of our family, a friend, a work partner, a neighbor. There are also other losses in life: the loss of a job or business, the loss of a relationship, the loss of a special moment, the loss of material things, the loss of health, the loss of an opportunity, the loss of freedoms, the loss of peace. It seems there are a lot of losses these days. And though grief, grieving, and mourning are difficult and painful, it’s a healthy process in the life God has given us. To grieve and mourn is to process a loss, to walk through the various feelings and emotions that loss has brought on. It is not good to deny those feelings or suppress them. Yes, they can be overwhelming, and getting help is a good thing, for it is okay to mourn.

Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4 For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:a time to weep, and a time to laugh;a time to mourn, and a time to dance.

John 11:35 Jesus wept.

Psalms 34:18 The LORD is near to the brokenheartedand saves the crushed in spirit.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.

The Bible gives us many examples of people grappling with grief. These are usually called songs or psalms of lament. Like in Psalm 6:

Psalm 6:2-3 Be gracious to me, O LORD, for I am languishing; heal me, O LORD, for my bones are troubled. My soul also is greatly troubled. But you, O LORD—how long?

Psalm 42-43 are more psalms where the author is grieving a loss and even in this, they feel distant from God. Yet they are crying out to Him.

Psalm 42:3 My tears have been my foodday and night,while they say to me all the day long,“Where is your God?”

Psalm 42:5 Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation.

King David wrote Psalm 38 and expresses in detail his feelings and the isolation of his grief.

Psalm 38:9-11 O Lord, all my longing is before you; my sighing is not hidden from you. My heart throbs. My strength fails me, and the light of my eyes—it also has gone from me. My friends and companions stand aloof from my plague, and my nearest kin stand far off.

In Psalm 130 the author cries out God in the depths of their anguish.

Psalm 130:1-2 Out of the depths I cry to you, O LORD! O Lord, hear my voice! Let your ears be attentive to the voice of my pleas for mercy!

Now everyone grieves differently and at a different pace. Yet there needs to be enough time to acknowledge the pain and feel God’s comfort. It’s a process, not always a ‘one-and-done’ moment. What are you grieving? It’s good to express it to God. If it seems too much, get help; contact your pastor, a counselor, or a good friend. You do not need to go through this alone.

Church can be one of those places to get help in times of grief. If you do not already have a church you attend, we would like to invite you to view or visit Neighborhood Church. We are a fun, welcoming church that loves God and seeks to live life His way. Each Sunday we study the Bible and have a great time together.  We would love for you to join us. Our website has all the information you need for times and locations of all our gatherings. You can also find us online at neighborhoodchurch.com. As well, if you would like to view any of our past worship gatherings or videos, visit our YouTube channel, or just search Neighborhood Church Cypress or Neighborhood Church Los Alamitos on their YouTube site.

Seeking to find the good in grief along with you,

Mike

Gaining Good Wisdom

Proverbs 3:13-18 Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,and the one who gets understanding,for the gain from her is better than gain from silverand her profit better than gold.She is more precious than jewels,and nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand;in her left hand are riches and honor.Her ways are ways of pleasantness,and all her paths are peace.She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her;those who hold her fast are called blessed.

There is a lot of advantage from gaining good wisdom. A long time ago, and yes, I mean back in the 70’s! I was looking for a newer car. It was time to let my very cool, ‘67 Mustang go. I had rebuilt the engine, done some fun modifications, and it was super-fast. Too fast! Though I never received a speeding ticket from driving that car, it was constantly needing more attention and money to fix it up.  That was fine when I was in high school, but now approaching college, working full-time, I needed something more reliable that would give me better gas milage. So, I found a great looking Volkswagen Karmann-Ghia. My friend was selling it. In my brief research, it was a good price, but he did say it just needed “a little work!”?! Well, I trusted in this friend and believed what he was saying. He seemed honest, and it would be helpful to him if I would purchase it. The car was sporty, and he kept saying I would look good in it. I looked over the engine, but I was not that familiar with Volkswagen engines. He assured me I did not need to worry about that, it was a good brand of car. He seemed to be knowledgeable, and I thought wise, because he was older than me. I was ready to make the deal. I knew I should ask someone who knew these types of cars. My uncle had recently restored an old Volkswagen Beetle, so I took the car over to him. He walked around the car and liked it a lot and then started to examine it. He inspected the interior, the tires, and then the engine. He went back and sat in the car and flipped on the ignition. He noticed a switch on the dash and asked me about it. I had asked my friend about the switch earlier, but he just said that was nothing and I believed him. Well, when my uncle flipped the switch, smoke started coming out the dashboard. My uncle asked how much was the price of the car? I told him and he said to me as he turned off and got out of the car, “Absolutely not, do not buy this car!” I was stunned and disappointed. He did say it was a nice car, but it would take me months to fix it up and cost me well over what it was worth. I started arguing with my uncle because I wanted the car and my friend said it was a great deal. Finally, I listened to my uncle and instead bought my first Honda car. Though I thought I had all the wisdom I needed to make the right decision, what I needed was to gain some good wisdom. I am so thankful I had an uncle who had that good wisdom. Good wisdom is worth gaining!

Proverbs 19:20 Listen to advice and accept instruction,that you may gain wisdom in the future.

Proverbs 12:15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes,but a wise man listens to advice.

Now, it’s important where we get our wisdom. Good wisdom is that which has stood the test of time and is shown to be right, useful, and tested. Too much in our world we listen to people of influence, those popular people with a lot of fame and social status or followers on social media. It is empowering to have people listen and follow what you say, so they flex their words and give out their not-so-good wisdom. Why not get good wisdom from reliable sources, sources that are tried and tested, like God and His Word, the Bible.

James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.

James 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

Psalms 111:10 The fear (reverent respect) of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;all those who practice it have a good understanding.His praise endures forever!

God and the Bible are great resources to get good wisdom. I know I have learned much and found incredible wisdom for life from them. What wisdom are you learning from the Lord? Gaining good wisdom from God is a worthwhile pursuit.

Church is a great place to get good, godly wisdom. If you do not already have a church you attend, we would like to invite you to view or visit Neighborhood Church. We are a fun, welcoming church that loves God and seeks to live life His way. Each Sunday we study the Bible and have a great time together.  We would love for you to join us. Our website has all the information you need for times and locations of all our gatherings. You can also find us online at neighborhoodchurch.com. As well, if you would like to view any of our past worship gatherings or videos, visit our YouTube channel, or just search Neighborhood Church Cypress or Neighborhood Church Los Alamitos on their YouTube site.

Seeking to gain good, godly wisdom with you,

Mike

Together It’s More Fun!

Psalms 133:1 Behold, how good and pleasant it iswhen brothers dwell in unity!

Just a few nights ago, we had a handful of grandkids over. One set we had picked up from school, and another set were dropped off so their parents could have a meeting. It was great! The kids we picked up did their homework. When the other kids showed up, us boys drove to McDonalds for Happy Meals. Knowing how much these boys are eating these days we got a few more cheeseburgers. I did not plan on the girls wanting more. They never ask for a second cheeseburger! We got them all fed, and the play-fest began. They were doing great until a few of them wanted to be exclusive in their use of the Lego bucket. One group took them out of the playroom so the other group no longer had access. It escalated into a tug of war in the living room with one group pulling on one side of the Lego bucket and the other group pulling on the other. Noticing what was going on we asked them to stop. They stopped, but each group lobbied hard for exclusive use of all the Legos. We asked how that would be fair. No answer. Finally, one said, “There is enough Legos for all of us. Maybe we could play together, and besides together is more fun.” All agreed eventually and had fun building all kinds of fun creations.

God encourages togetherness and unity in interacting with each other…for together is more fun!

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

The Bible also encourages us on how to build togetherness and bring on this unity…for together is more fun!

2 Corinthians 13:11 Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.

Romans 12:16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.

Philippians 2:3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Colossians 3:14 And above all these, put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

Yes, together is more fun. What could you do to bring on unity and better togetherness with others?

The environment at church can do a lot to foster togetherness and unity. If you do not already have a church you attend, we would like to invite you to view or visit Neighborhood Church. We are a fun, welcoming church that loves God and seeks to live life His way. Each Sunday we study the Bible and have a great time together.  We would love for you to join us. Our website has all the information you need for times and locations of all our gatherings. You can also find us online at neighborhoodchurch.com. As well, if you would like to view any of our past worship gatherings or videos, visit our YouTube channel, or just search Neighborhood Church Cypress or Neighborhood Church Los Alamitos on their YouTube site.

Enjoying then fun of togetherness along with you,

Mike

Being Thankful Holds Back Want

1 Thessalonians 5:18 Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

I was in Target this week with three of my grandkids. They were coming over for dinner and to hang out at our house for the evening. I had picked them up and Kristi (my wife and ‘MorMor’ to our grandkids) was going to meet us at home. I needed a few things and thought it would be fun to have a little adventure at the store. As we got situated in the cart, two inside, one hanging on the side, we headed out to find my needed items. Of course, we found a few treats along the way! One then asked, “Papa, can we get a toy?” What happened next was a surprise and made me think! The oldest grandchild, in response to his sister’s question, said, “Why are you asking for a new toy. We just had Christmas … and got lots of toys. We should be thankful for what we have!” The one who asked the question started thinking out loud in a pouty voice, “But I only got a few toys!’ Then you could tell she was going through her mind at all she did receive at Christmas. A smile came over her face and she looked at me with a sheepish grin and said, “I did get a lot Papa, so maybe just a snack?” I smiled and said, “Of course, let’s find a snack!”

As we made our way to the cookie aisle I started to think of how unsatisfying and joy-draining the path of want can be. Want can rob the fun and joy of what we do have. Want can pull our attention away from the good we have and move us to play the victim. Want can even push us away from relationships, and sometimes even God.

Yet, being thankful can add so much to life. Many studies have been done that prove being thankful reduces stress, helps us feel better, allows us to be more open to relationships and connecting with others, and strengthens our mental health. Thankfulness enhances empathy and calms our inner aggressions. Some studies suggest being thankful even makes us more attractive and improves our physical health! Wow, so much from just being thankful. Can you think of something right now you are thankful for? If so, you just gave yourself a gift! God does encourage us to be thankful.

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Psalms 100:4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving,and His courts with praise!Give thanks to Him; bless His name!

Psalms 106:1 Praise the LORD!Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good,for His steadfast love endures forever!

Psalms 28:7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped;my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.

Can you think of a few more things you are thankful for? Maybe family, friends, how God encouraged you, helped you, provided for you? Why not take some time to look over life and be thankful. It can hold back that wayward path of want.

Oh, as we were heading out of the store, the oldest grandson turned to me and asked, “Would a Nintendo game system be too much to get right now?!?” We both laughed on the way to the car.

Church is a great environment to express thankfulness. If you do not already have a church you attend, we would like to invite you to view or visit Neighborhood Church. We are a fun, welcoming church that loves God and seeks to live life His way. Each Sunday we study the Bible and have a great time together.  We would love for you to join us. Our website has all the information you need for times and locations of all our gatherings. You can also find us online at neighborhoodchurch.com. As well, if you would like to view any of our past worship gatherings or videos, visit our YouTube channel, or just search Neighborhood Church Cypress or Neighborhood Church Los Alamitos on their YouTube site.

Seeking to be more thankful along with you,

Mike