Equipping Thoughts

Twenty two and a half years of developing an intimate relationship - Thanks Jesus!!!
Intimacy in friendship, communication and OH YES…SEX! Not to embarrass Beckie or myself, but there are few out there willing to be real and honest about this area of intimacy. When spouses hide their weaknesses, problems and feelings regarding their physical intimacy, I’ve seen many “seemingly great marriages” result in loneliness and divorce.

SEX is obviously awesome (for men) and most women when they are romanced with genuine affection. SEX is Fun and Holy…when a husband and wife give of themselves to this physical act of intimacy…BUILT upon a strong spiritual and emotional intimacy in their MARRIAGE! Yes - SEX is Fun and Holy in Marriage!

UnHoly Sex is dangerously sinful and WILL reap long lasting, detrimental side effects in the hearts and minds of those who give themselves to it. Is unholy sex just defined by fornication; 2 people not married engaging in sexual activity? I don’t believe so. To me, sex in marriage can be unholy when it’s not built on true, Godly intimacy in relationship outside of the bedroom. For a wife to be an object of sexual acts can be far from holy intimacy. I’ve known of men who “use”their wives for sex - how unholy is that!!! Marriage is honorable and so must wives be honored!!

Hebrews 13:4 Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.

I think there’s more to come on this subject from the heart of Rod & Beckie To our married friends…have fun, be intimate…often…make intimacy a lifestyle. The benefits for you husbands, are Outstanding!

“A hero is a person that puts himself at risk for the benefit of others.”
Oliver North

Mr. North is describing our wonderful military servants through out the world! They are our heroes!

I also would like to think of our New Hope servants as these kinds of heroes! They are so willing to give up and sacrifice their lives for the sake of presenting the gospel of Jesus in such a way that turns non Christians into converts, converts into disciples and disciples into mature, fruitful leaders who will go into all the world to reach others for Christ!

Many visiting pastors and leaders have asked me, “Describe your church…the people, the staff and volunteers…”

Here’s what I say are the characteristics of our New Hope Heroes: (coming…part 2 and 3 and 4… - It will take volumes to describe our valuable people!)

1. A genuine love for God is alive and living through our servants.

2. A desire to please the Lord and not man. They are not recognition or applause seekers.

3. The “yes hearted willingness” to fulfill our Mission Statement…because everything we are and do is connected to a soul.

4. A gracious kindness that is exemplified through words and deeds.

Romans 5 The Message

7 We can understand someone dying for a person worth dying for, and we can understand how someone good and noble could inspire us to selfless sacrifice. 8 But God put his love on the line for us by offering his Son in sacrificial death while we were of no use whatever to him.

Matthew 28
7Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’

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The real meaning of Christmas began with a little baby wrapped in cloth among stable animals born by God to a virgin.

The real meaning of Christmas was fulfilled when the news of Jesus being raised from the dead was announced to 2 Mary’s!

The real meaning of Christmas for me is that I’m still able to meet Jesus - still able to see Him - not in Galilee, but within my heart!

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I’ve met Him! I see Him! He is risen from the dead and I’ve encountered Him! Jesus is alive! He has risen from the dead!

My heart can’t seem to contain the joy and excitement of this news. This morning…I’m astounded by Your love and commitment to me Lord! I don’t have to wait till December 25th to celebrate your life!

Today, I commit to living differently by:
1. Renewing my mind with this mornings revelation.
2. To keep meeting You throughout the day in prayerful meditation, worship, thanksgiving, confession of Your presence.
3. Celebrate in attitude, allowing this devotion to live through my face, words, actions.

2 Thessalonians
3 Dear brothers and sisters, we always thank God for you, as is right, for we are thankful that your faith is flourishing and you are all growing in love for each other. 4 We proudly tell God’s other churches about your endurance and faithfulness in all the persecutions and hardships you are suffering.

Would you like to hear God say to you …”Your faith is growing phenomenally; your love for people is developing wonderfully?”

Enduring hardship well will be a result of developing a flourishing faith and a growing love for people. It seems to me that my attitude towards how I am growing in love with God (faith) and people affects how i handle hardships. If my faith is strong and my relationships pure and right, the enemy has less to harass me with.

Let’s keep evaluating these 2 areas - our faith in God and our love for people. If we are doing well in these 2 areas, we will endure hardships and sufferings well.