Church 411

The Play Clock

2010-04-23T15:50:00.004-05:00

When you go into a game, athletes have to think they will win. They can’t think they might win. They have to think they will win. If that happens on both sides, it means that there will be two teams entering the game thinking the same thing, and only one will get to live it out. No matter how much we wish we could all win, in the end, one of us will lose. And a big determining factor in who comes out victorious is the game clock.

No matter how much we wish we could, we can’t put more time on the clock in any game. Each game we play is set up to be played in a certain amount of time. Whether it is counted by seconds and minutes or by innings or sets, each game has a set time frame. What we do in this amount of time determines the outcome of the game.

The Warrior

2010-03-23T15:41:00.002-05:00

In everyday man’s life, there is a cause worth fighting for and a victory worth claiming. What is yours? Discover how to not only prepare for the battles ahead, but more importantly, how to emerge victoriously. It’s time to stop playing the role of the nice guy and instead live as a Warrior.

Men's Group at Country Chapel

March 23rd, and April 27th, 2010 7pm

Country Chapel 5808 Northwest Fwy Wichita Falls, Texas

2010-03-16T10:12:00.001-05:00

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Shift Gears!

2010-03-16T10:08:00.000-05:00

Every time I turn on the news it seems the new buzzword is – CHANGE! So how can we just shift gears and change? Let’s learn a lesson about basic automotive mechanics. Generally a car has between 4 and 5 gears. The first gear maximizes power in exchange for speed. As you move through the gears, you can continue to go faster, yet without using any more power, and before you know it – you have to look at the speedometer – cause nobody wants a speeding ticket!

So what can we learn from this? Do you want a breakthrough? Do you want a new direction? Then you need to take that first step! You need to put all your focus – all your energy into that first initial gear! Yes, it takes all your strength, and yet it seems like you’re moving sooo slow — but be encouraged, because once you start moving, you’ll be able to shift gears — and before you know it –- you’ll be sailing along, and even need to check to see if you’re speeding!

The first step is always the hardest — but it’s necessary for change! You can breakthrough with the power of God empowering you, so GO FOR IT! Put everything you’ve got into that first start. And just like driving, it’ll get easier; and before you know it — we might even have to issue you a speeding citation, just to slow you down a bit..! With so much work to be done, let’s not stay in neutral — let’s get in gear, and start shifting!

Get Real and Keep it Real

2010-03-10T09:19:00.002-06:00

Luke 8:17 For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad.

I am a big Casting Crowns fan; And they have a song called “Stained Glass Masquerade”. Ever heard it? The lyrics are so good… here are a few lines.

So I tuck it all away, like everything’s okay
If I make them all believe it, maybe I’ll believe it too
So with a painted grin, I play the part again
So everyone will see me the way that I see them

Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
And smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation’s open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade

This song talks about the struggles many of us face deep down but can never show it in the church. How sad is it that we can’t be real with one another among brothers and sisters in the Lord!? Church should be the one place that we CAN show what’s inside!

God wants to tear down the barriers between our home life and our church life! He wants us to be transparent with one another. He wants us to love one another as He has loved us and receive one another as He receives us when we fail. This is how we grow individually and as a body. It might be a little uncomfortable, but it’s so necessary!

Let’s get real and keep it real,

You will face problems!

2010-03-08T11:04:00.000-06:00

John 16:33 These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

In this world we will face all kinds of obstacles, trials and tribulations and we should be wary of any doctrines or teachings that say we shouldn’t have to face these things. Why? Because the Lord said we will have tribulations. So the encouragement He is giving is simply this: You’re going to face trials, but GOD is greater than any problem you will face in this world!

As problems present themselves, we should face them in the power of God and overcome them with Him -– because every problem is an opportunity to exhibit the love and power of God in our lives. And it’s often through these situations that the world gets our true testimony as believers in Him!

So, lift up your head, and don’t expect “no obstacles” in this life. Continue looking up, and be filled with His joy, because the Lord has already overcome this world and our problems, and we will experience that when we simply give them over to Him!

Be qualified!

2010-03-03T16:52:00.002-06:00

There’s nothing we can do to earn God’s love, however if we want to experience His blessings we need to observe the qualifications that He’s given us in His Word. Psalm 112 details a whole list of blessings, but the key to receiving them is verse 1.

“Blessed is the man that fears (puts his trust, honors, in awe of His majesty) the Lord, and delights greatly in His commandments. (Takes pleasure in what God says and obeys Him).”

Adopt that attitude toward Him and be assured, blessings are on the way! Your offspring will be mighty on the earth (vs 2), wealth and riches shall be in your house (vs 3), even in darkness the light shall shine on you (vs 4), you shall not be shaken (vs 6) in the midst of evil you will have no fear of bad news because your heart is set upon Him (vs 7).

Now I don’t know about you, but I want to live in the blessings of God!

Let’s live a life that God will bless, honor the Lord with our whole heart, and delight in obeying Him!

Funny isn't it?

2009-10-27T08:39:00.002-05:00

Funny how 100 people looks so big when there in a church, but so small when you take it to the mall.

Funny how long it takes to serve God for an hour, But how quickly a team plays
4 Quarters of football.

Funny how long a couple of hours spent at church are but how short they are
when watching a movie.

Funny How we feel ashamed of sharing the Gospel to someone But we don't have difficulty thinking of things to talk to a friend.

Funny how we get thrilled when a baseball game goes into extra innings, but we complaint when a sermon is longer than the regular time.

Funny how hard it is to read a chapter in the Bible, but how easy to read 100 pages
of a best selling novel.

Funny how people want to get a front seat at any game or concert but scramble to get back seat at church service.

Funny how we need 2 or 3 weeks advance notice to fit a church event into our schedule, but can adjust our schedule for other events at the last moment.

Funny how hard it is for people to learn a simple Gospel well enough to tell others but simple it is for the same people to understand and repeat gossip.

Funny how we believe what the newspaper say, but question what Bible says.

Funny how people are so consumed with what others think about them rather
than what God thinks about them.

Funny how people think that they can get more accomplished in a lifetime without God than in an hour with Him.

Funny how everyone wants to go to heaven provided they do not have to believe, or to think, or to say, or do anything

Funny how you can send a thousand jokes through e-mail and spread like wildfire, But when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing.

Funny isn't it?
Are you laughing? Are you thinking?

Spread the word and give thanks to the Lord for He is good!

Daniel Fitzwater

Spiritual MapQuest

2009-08-11T08:01:00.003-05:00

Anyone who has traveled with a specific destination in mind knows that before you head out on the road, it helps to map out your route. If you're not lucky enough to own a GPS, then you at least need to use a road atlas or go online and map out your route using a mapping service such as MapQuest.

As many people travel down life's highway in search of happiness, they figure they'll run into it somewhere, someday. They head off in a general direction, assuming happiness will pop up on the way like a highway sign directing them which way to turn, how many miles to go, and what exit to take to get there. Happiness, however, isn't like a tourist attraction, an all-you-can-eat buffet, or a theme park.

Some people aren't even sure what they're looking for. They say, "Happiness," but they think, "No problems." They say, "Happiness," but they think, "Perfect family." They say, "Happiness," but think "Financial freedom." They say, "Happiness," but think, "Physical attractiveness." If only they can find their way to the latter the former is guaranteed.

I love MapQuest. Granted, I was pretty good at finding my way around before, but with MapQuest, I can get where I'm going in the most efficient way possible. No more wandering around streets in the general direction. Now I know not only where I'm going but also how far away it is, how long it should take me to get there, and explicit step-by-step directions on how to go each leg of the trip. If I want to, I can ask it to find the shortest route possible or the quickest route possible. I can choose to avoid highways, toll roads, even roads that are closed seasonally. I can see the traffic conditions associated with my route, real time, to be alerted to congestion and traffic bottlenecks. I can even print a visual map, along with text instructions. Whoever thought of this was a genius.

Some people want a road map for life. They want to be able to type in "life problems" or "family problems" or "financial problems" or "body problems" as the beginning point, push a button, and—voilá!—have a step-by-step, individualized map created for them with "happiness" as the ending point. They want a personalized printout of how to get from their place of problems and arrive at that elusive destination of happiness.

It's a tall order, but, yes, I can do that. Not that I'm such a genius myself. I just happen to know the Genius who created a different kind of MapQuest, a spiritual MapQuest. Like the earthbound MapQuest, access to it is free for the asking. All you need is to be connected. The spiritual MapQuest is called Scripture, and the Creator is God Himself.

But our destination of happiness and God's are a little different. As much as I hate to admit it, my destination of happiness often reminds me of my son, Caleb. For him, happiness is arrived at when everything around him is going his way and all the adults in the general vicinity are in sync with his needs. He's 5, after all. I'm a bit older than that, but I still fight against a childish view of happiness that's akin to the excitement and self-satisfaction of a 5 year old. This destination of happiness is about the "woohoo" rush of exhilaration and the "that's what I'm talking 'bout" pumped fist of fulfillment. It's a great place to be, but it isn't a place you stay very long.

There is a huge difference between the world's definition of happiness and God's. I think what it all boils down to is that the world says that happiness comes about through the correct alignment of outward circumstances such as no problems, good looks, wealth, health, and pleasant and satisfying experiences. The world says just line up enough of these circumstances on the left side of the equation and it's guaranteed to equal happiness on the right side. The huge disclaimer, of course, is that if your right side doesn't add up correctly, then it's because you didn't appropriately line up the things on the left side.

God says happiness comes about through the correct alignment of the inner qualities of love, faith, righteousness, peace and self-control. And the beautiful thing about God is that He doesn't expect you to find and fine-tune these qualities on your own. Instead, He gives them to you as a gift of His Spirit (see Gal. 5:22-23). Aligning yourself with God brings you closer in line with the qualities of the Spirit. When you live a life full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control, you live a happy life.God wrote the map of your life. He knows every step of the way before you do. He knows what works and what doesn't. He knows what will make you truly happy because He made you—mind, body and soul. He knows that the best path for you to take is to follow His spiritual MapQuest.

Are you following His directions?

Twitter with Peter

2009-06-30T11:36:00.005-05:00

What if they had Twitter back when the disciples were around.
I think I can see Peter's series of tweets...

Fishing_Pete: we are out on a lake rowing our backs out. Jesus no where around.

Fishing_Pete: getting real dark, storms coming

Jesus_loves_John: I Think we should turn this boat around.

Fishing_Pete: Weather hits us

Jesus_loves_John: Think I see a Ghost of Jesus

Fishing_Pete: Man am I scared.

We have the advantage of the Word to follow every day, and 2000 years of history about Jesus. We should not fault the disciples when they were scarred, we most likely would react the same way.

One King

2009-06-30T11:07:00.002-05:00

Herod & Jesus
One king seeks to destroy another; The other only seeks to love. One king plots to eliminate competition; the other plans to save the world. One king walks a path of destruction; The other a path of reconciliation. One king is buried in a royal tomb; The other in a borrowed grave. But only ONE king rose from the dead. Only one king has authority over life and death. Only one king came to seek and save that which was lost.
Hail, King Jesus!

Meaning of Life

2009-06-05T16:43:00.002-05:00

What gives our lives meaning? It certainly isn’t having lots of money, because no amount of money can buy you a feeling of significance. Buying new and nice things brings temporary excitement that quickly fades, forcing us to go on looking for the next best thrill. Being famous, or successful puts us in the spotlight for a moment, ask T.O. X Dallas Cowboy.But at the end of the day that empty void inside still stirs. Why? Because we were created to have purpose and meaning in life, and the more experiences we have in life, the more deeply we feel the need to discover that meaning.

There is only one purpose of this life. The meaning of life is to glorify and please God. There are many other reasons why we were created as well, but they are all rooted in glorifying and pleasing The Lord. While God has a uniquely different plan for each of our lives, we all share this primary purpose. Sorry T.O. going to miss you, but maybe you will learn. If not you still have a few teams you have n0t play for.

Can You See Him?

2009-04-30T10:27:00.002-05:00

Daily life usually sets us on a path that’s almost robotic and we forget to see God in all things. Think of your day today. Did you see Him in your kid’s laughter, the old homeless man riding his bike, or a even the papers you just stapled? He was there.We just got to look for him.

Not yet answered

2009-04-12T20:51:00.004-05:00

What is something you are currently praying for that God has apparently not yet answered?

Be open and honest with God. He can handle it. Ask him to help you examine your heart, your motives and your faith. Ask him for a willingness to hear whatever his answer, whatever it may be, and to trust in his goodness and his wisdom.

Here are some suggestion you may want to use for your time with God this week.

Day 1. Pray for your unanswered request. Read John 9:31

Day 2. Spend time praying for those in your life you may have grudges against.
Read 1Peter 3:7

Day 3. Have an honest conversation with God about the current state of your faith. Read Matt.9:29-30

Day 4. Seek God's will for your life. Not only ask God for his will, but also take time to listen for his will, but also take time to listen for his response.
1 John 5:14-15

Day 5. Thank God for the prayers you know he has answered in your life. Pray for those unanswered prayers. Read Colossians 1:12

Position, Power, and Authority

2009-04-04T20:56:00.002-05:00

Things in the Kingdom of God are so different from the things of our culture. In our culture, people strive for position, power, and authority. Many people don’t care who they have to climb over to get to the top, or what methods they have to use to get there. Jesus, however, tells His disciples and us that in His Kingdom it is not that way. Jesus said that He did not come to be served but to serve. His words are a reminder to all of us that true greatness is found in serving God. Be blessed as you look for ways to serve today!

Do the Next Thing

2009-03-31T22:38:00.002-05:00

We want so badly to know what the future holds. Some of us will try everything to figure out what is going to happen before it happens. Take prophecy, people have been predicting the end of time for centuries. Searching and searching for the answers..... We know from bible prophecy what the end looks like but WHEN..... And HOW..... When will it all take place? How exactly will it all play out? Only God knows.

So we plan what we believe we have control over. We plan everything out just so, and then we have nothing to worry about. Right?

What I'm talking about is trying to control everything so nothing bad happens. Nothing except the reality of Gods control is a sure thing. So what to do?

We rest in God's control. We do the next thing. We put ALL things in His hands and go along for the ride. We do the next thing He gives us to do when He tells us to do it.

Our life is no longer our own and although we are at times given the privilege of seeing the outcome of Gods work, it is not a given that we will. Sometimes we just do the work and move on without knowing the reason why or seeing the outcome. It is after all His work not ours and we are only His tools.

We have no real power over the things that happen around us, but we know the one who does. So we rest in His power, trusting in His goodness. Knowing that He has our best interest at heart.

You see, He is not afraid of us going through a little trouble or pain. He knows we can handle it and if we are relying on Him we will be OK.

How do we stop relying on ourselves and trying to control the outcome of the future?

We break the pride that’s inside of us that gives us the belief that we can control things. We trust that the one who created us really does love us and wants the best for us. We put ALL of our life in His hands and take the attitude of a servant. Then we do the next thing we are told to do.

Do you Believe God or do you just believe IN God?

2009-03-28T17:06:00.002-05:00

Today I begin with, a question:
Do you Believe God or do you just believe IN God?
Lots of people believe IN God...but if our lives are to really be changed by His power, we must go deeper than just believing IN Him...we must BELIEVE Him.

Do you really believe that what God promises in His Word is true? It's funny, we as Christians, believe that He can save us through the blood of Jesus, for salvation. But too often, we live as if we don't believe that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead might just not be sufficient to meet our daily needs. We worry about how to pay the bills, about decisions we need to make, whatever it is, we act as if we must handle it on our own, because God just might not be able to take care of it! We Christians would never SAY we believe that, yet our lives too often lack the confidence in Jesus to meet ALL our needs, as He SAYS He will.

Do you believe God IS who He says He is?
Do you believe He can do what He says He can do?
Do you believe YOU are who HE says you are?

Take him at His Word, and trust that HE WILL DO what He says He will do!

No doubts, No questioning

2009-03-24T20:50:00.004-05:00

I just love superheroes, they takes me back to childhood.
Speaking of childhood, I now get to relive mine with is my 5 year old Caleb.

Caleb LOVES superheroes!

Recently, Caleb, asked me what is his super power, I said that your power could be want ever he wants it to be. He throw up his hands up in the air and said "Super Power!" He really believes it will work when he throws up his hands. Not sure what Super powers he has but because he shouting at the top of his lungs it’s certainly something. I ask him what is his powers and he said everything powerful. WOW Everything powerful.

What an ability to believe in what seems impossible. As I watched Caleb ran around the house with his new super powers. I have begun to ponder my capability to believe like a child again. Can I go back and just take things at face value like I did as a child? Can I ever trust like that again?

How awesome that would be. To take God's truth and love at face value and just believe like Caleb. No doubts, no questioning, just trust in the power.

Figure it all out

2009-03-21T10:46:00.002-05:00

Many years ago I heard a minister point out, “While you’re trying to figure it all out, God is working it all out.” This simple statement has been a proverb in my own life many times over! May we rely on God’s grace today which enables us to be still and cease striving; to know deep within our being that He is God and that truly He is working it all out.

Sticks and Stones

2009-03-20T09:22:00.002-05:00

Sticks and stones may break my bones
But words will never hurt me.
As much as I hate to admit it, my mother (who wasn't wrong about many things) was way off base with that little rhyme. Only a person who denies his or her emotions can truly say "words will never hurt me." A truer version might go something like this:

Sticks and stones may make me curse
But cruel words will hurt much worse.
While not as inspirational (you'll never see that on a Hallmark card), it is much closer to reality. However badly sticks and stones may hurt, the pain of cruel words is always much worse. After all, sticks and stones crush the body; cruel words crush the soul. You can kill with cutting words as easily as with sharpened sticks and jagged stones.

Do More Than

2009-03-19T21:26:00.001-05:00

According to the scriptures, the Lord distributes gifts to each in the body as it pleases Him. Spiritual gifts are not provided to you merely for your own gratification, but so the church would be built up. God has given you gifts that will be a help to your church -- it is up to you to discover them. By doing so, you will glorify God and be a great help to your church.

... do more than belong... Participate. ... do more than
care... Help. ... do more than believe... Practice.... do more than be fair... Be kind. ... do more than forgive... Forget. .. do more than dream... Work. ... do more than teach... Inspire. ... do more than live... Grow. ... do more than be friendly... Be a friend... do more than give... Serve.

As a body of believers, we should seek to serve God using the gifts he's given us. As we discover our own gifts, we can help direct others to do the same.

Treasured

2009-03-18T08:43:00.003-05:00

"Call your wife 'blessed' and praise her."(Proverbs 31:28-29) Tell her that she is special and is greater than any other woman on earth. Don't just mention her physical beauty, but her care for you, her hard work, and her ladylike attributes. Watch the flower of your wife blossom as you repeatedly fill her ears with your praises. She longs for those words and she wants to hear them from you! Of course you don't need pride, but that does not change the wife's need and longing to be treasured.

Happy Anniversary baby 3 years today. Love you with all my heart.
FitzH2o.

Think of God's Words as a hammer.

2009-03-17T15:24:00.007-05:00

God’s Word is full of power; it will not return to Him empty.
God’s Word will accomplish His desires and purposes.
God’s Word has irresistible power!

When you speak the Word of God, you are tapping into limitless power

Think of God’s Word as a hammer. Picture it.
This hammer can drive home a nail = positive results.
This hammer can break down obstacles = overcoming negatives.

“SPEAK [God's Word] faithfully” and all kinds of positive things will begin to happen, and all kinds of obstacles and opposition will begin to be broken. There is great power in the spoken word of God. God’s all-powerful Word — “the word of faith” — “is in YOUR MOUTH” to be spoken. SPEAK God’s Word, and expect its power.

They Shall Know us by Our Fruit

2009-03-16T22:38:00.002-05:00

Today we are going to talk about fruit. Do you like fruit? What is your favorite fruit? All fruit is different. It tastes different, it looks different and it feels different in your mouth (sometimes fruit is crunchy, sometimes soft, sometimes juicy, etc.)

The Bible talks about fruit but its a different kind of fruit, it's called the fruit of the Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit is a little like real fruit because they are each special and different too.

It's really neat because when we ask Jesus to live in us his Spirit stays with us and He will give us some of this special fruit. As we grow and learn more about Jesus, the Spirit will give us more and more fruit and become more Christ-like.

Jesus said that the world would know us, not by our knowledge or worldly possessions, but by our fruit. This fruit is the manifestation of the Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ in us as believers in Him. Just as you can identify an apple tree by the apples it produces, or an orange tree by the oranges it produces, so should the world know we are Christians by Christ that is produced in us. The fruit of the Holy Spirit consists of nine parts. These parts are (Galatians 5:22-23)
Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self control.

These nine fruits of the Spirit are produced as we abide in Him. It is a natural process just as trees bear fruit naturally, and this is the way that the world should see us as Christians. This is how they see Christ. By the fruit that we produce. Notice the very first and most important fruit on the list. It’s love. And not just ordinary love but the perfect love of God in Jesus Christ.

Power Of Prayer

2009-03-15T20:49:00.000-05:00

Today, we know everything about famous people. Because of TV, Internet and Magazines.

It was a lot harder to get info about someone 2000 ago. Although his life is better documented than any other ancient person, we still don’t know much about the personal details.

Jesus was the special friend of hurting people in society. People who are rejected and hurt by others are particularly the objects of God’s love givers through Jesus.

Event after event in Jesus’ life came first, and it was only later the Disciples noticed that certain events had been predicted in the Old Testament.

The Disciples noticed the effectiveness of Jesus prayers and decided they could use a bit of that power too. Luke 6:12
We all could use power of Prayer.
Do you think there is power in prayer?

Let me know what you think about this power of prayer.