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Friday, March 04, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
An upward perspective–Prayer without Ceasing
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil. ~ 1 Thessalonians 5:16-21
Thessalonica was a populous seaport in Macedonia. The Roman Empire's highway from Rome to the East, The Egnatian Way, cut its path through Thessalonica. The city was continually buzzing with visitors from around the world. I'm impressed by the commerce, wealth, and activity. But I'm more impressed that God sent the apostle Paul there. God had something important to say to this fast-paced, cosmopolitan group. And by extension, us.
Paul encouraged them to keep communication open with heaven. He said, "pray without ceasing." The Greek word Paul chose for "without ceasing" literally means "without intermission." No breaks in the action or music. Constant motion. To "pray without ceasing" doesn't mean you have to stay on your knees 24/7. It means, maintain an attitude of prayer. Allow prayer to become like breathing or blinking--something you do instinctively as part of your existence.
Just open your eyes, look around, and talk with God. Share with Him what makes you scared, what you need, what you're thankful for, and what you love about His character.
"Pray without ceasing" means that you have an upward perspective as you move around throughout your day. You are communicating with the One who promises to always listen. He is the only one capable of responding with power in every situation.
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Leviticus 14:1-57 Mark 3:20-35 Psalm 26:1-5 Proverbs 10:6-7
Monday, February 21, 2011
"The Only Way to Live and Die” Whosoevers Conference 2011 in Los Angeles California - March 4th and 5th
The Whosoevers Conference
Go be there live Friday March 4th and Saturday March 5th in Los Angeles or if you can't go then watch the conference live via the net right here at the Whosoevers Richmond Site. The whole event is free.
“The Only Way to Live and Die” Whosoevers Conference 2011
Friday
12:00-2:00 Doors open
2:00- 2:20 Worship
2:25- 2:30 Larry Page – Opening Prayer
2:30- 3:00 Study w/ Derek Neider (The Work of the Holy Spirit)
3:00-3:30 Study w/ Ron Hindt (Reaching the unreachable)
3:30- 3:40 Break
3:40-3:50 Worship
3:50- 4:35 Interview/Q&A- Ryan Ries/Sonny/HEAD (Walk w/ Christ now)
4:35-4:40 Out Of The Shadows
4:40- 5:10 Study w/ Mike Macintosh (Holiness)
5:10- 5:40 Study w/ Sonny (Jesus not Religion)
5:40- 7:30 Dinner Break
7:30- 9:30 Whosoever Friday Nights – Ryan Ries
The Arrows & The Rep
Saturday
9:00-9:20 Worship
9:25-9:30 Larry Page – Pray
9:30-10:00 Study w/ TBA
10:00-10:30 Study w/ Nathan Robinson (No One Left Behind)
10:30-11:00 Study w/Ryan Ries (No Compromise)
11:00-11:10 Break
11:10-11:40 Study w/ Brian Brodersen (New Wine)
11:40-12:15 Interviews/ Q&A- Ryan Ries/Sonny/ Annie /Guido (Staying connected)
12:15-2:00 Lunch Break
2:05-2:30 The REP
2:30-3:00 Study w/ David Trujillo (Stepping out by Faith)
3:00-3:35 Study w/ Frank Pastore (Q & A Defending the Faith)
3:35-3:45 Break
3:45-3:55 Worship
3:55-4:25 Study w/ Sean Mckeehan (Cleansed by the Word)
4:25-5:00 Study w/ Raul Ries (Wake-up time is short)
5:00-5:15 Worship
CONFERENCE INFO
DATES:* March 4-5 2011
TICKETS:
* FREE
SPEAKERS:
* Raul Ries
* Mike Macintosh
* Brian Brodersen
* Frank Pastore
* Derek Neider
* Nathan Robinson
* Ron Hindt
* David Trujillo
* Annie Lobert
* Michael Guido
* Sean Mckeehan
* The Whosoevers
BANDS:
* The Arrows
* The Rep
* Phil Sanchez
LOCATION:
* Calvary Chapel Golden Springs
22324 Golden Springs Dr.
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
(909) 396-1884
HOTEL INFO :
* Ayeres Suites
21951 Golden Springs Dr.
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
(909) 860-6290
* Holiday Inn
1725 E Gateway Center Dr.
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
(909) 860-5440
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
God is near -- Today's Devotion from Mike MacIntosh
"It shall come to pass that before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear" (Isaiah 65:24).
You see, God knows what we need even before we come to Him. While we are even in the process of speaking to Him, God is answering. What great assurance it is to know that His desire is to fulfill the spiritual desires of our heart.
We also have this assurance: He is near! And He is eagerly waiting for us to re-engage with Him in prayer. Be a person that is characterized by these great words of David: one who is continually coming back to God with a heart and mind focused on Him no matter what circumstances come your way.
For more devotions from Mike MacIntosh click: Here
To see archives of worship and Mike's teaching at Horizon San Diego click Here
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Freedom from religion -- Today's Devotion from Mike MacIntosh
Colossians 2:20-23
False humility and religion say, "If I don't touch this or eat that, if I pray often enough or do enough good things, then I can be righteous and pleasing to God." But that does not follow the teaching of Jesus. It was not Jesus or the Bible that taught the people not to touch, taste, or handle; it was the doctrines of men. Men wanted to look holy and righteous outwardly, and this is exactly what Paul is warning against.
Rules and regulations do not make us righteous -- only the redeeming blood of Jesus can do that. Be assured that Jesus died on a cross for you in order to wipe out the handwriting of requirements that were against you -- they have been nailed to the cross (Colossians 2:14). You are free!
Check out more devotions from Mike MacIntosh Here
And, check out video services with worship and teaching Here
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Wherever you are, you can be a light -- Today's Devotion from Mike MacIntoshDevotional by Mike MacIntosh
Wherever you are, you can be a lightBut I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear. ~ Philippians 1:12-14 Paul had the palace guard watching him, and you have people watching you. They see when you deal honestly with people; they see your kindness and generosity demonstrated. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16). God wants you to have the confidence that you can shine like a bright beacon in this dark world. God has begun a good work in you and He promises to complete it. For some of you, that work began 20+ years ago, for some it has been a couple of years, and for others maybe just a couple of days, but He is doing a good work in you. So no matter where you are today and what you are doing, like Paul, let your light shine as you allow the Holy Spirit to use you! Check out Mike and His Ministry Here |
Monday, November 22, 2010
Overcoming addictions -- Today's Devotion from Mike MacIntosh
When Jesus was led up to the place where He would be put to death, I find it interesting that the soldiers would offer Him wine and myrrh to drink. These people hated Jesus, yet they still offered him a drug and a sedative so that He wouldn't feel the excruciating pain. Clearly, even the soldiers knew that of all the methods of execution ever devised, crucifixion was the worst. But Jesus did not take their drugs. Why? Because had He done so, He wouldn't have experienced the agony of the cross. He wouldn't have taken on the pain of our sins.
You see, Jesus was the perfect sacrifice for our sin and our sins. He not only died on that cross to pay for our sin, but suffered the pain, agony, and humiliation that each and every one of our sins cause. Jesus has experienced every pain that you feel. He has felt all the hurt and agony that you have experienced. He suffered through terrible shame, as many of us have. And He did it for you. He didn't take the easy way out, even when He was offered a drug to ease the pain.
Today, maybe a drug is the "easy way out" for you or someone you love. For those who are dealing with drug or alcohol abuse, or have sons or daughters, or close relatives or friends going through this, let me encourage you by simply saying this: Jesus Christ is the answer to your addiction problem. You can go through twelve steps or fifty steps, but without the One and Only Step -- Jesus Christ -- there is no freedom from any addiction. Sure, you need to recognize that you have a problem, but then go to Jesus and beg for His mercy and His help. He overcame the most traumatic suffering any one person could ever experience, and I know without a shadow of a doubt that He will help you overcome your addictions, if you just ask.
Check out Mike's Daily Devotions Here
Have you ever experienced rejection? -- Devotion from Mike MacIntosh
Check out Mike's Daily Devotions Here
Thursday, November 11, 2010
What are you running from? -- Today's Devotion from Mike MacIntosh
Mark 14:50-52
Check out Mike's Daily Devotions Here
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Devotion by Mike MacIntosh
Mark 13:2-5
Consider Jesus' response to the disciples in this passage, for example. After Jesus had prophesied that the temple would be destroyed, the disciples privately asked Him for clarification. When would it happen? What signs would foretell it happening? Surely Jesus knew they were concerned by His prophecy -- we saw yesterday how fascinated the disciples were with the temple. After all, they probably thought it would eventually house Jesus' throne, and that they would assume posts there. But rather than satisfy their curiosity, Jesus refocuses their hearts by first saying, "Take heed!"
This Greek word means "to see," and the present tense is best translated as, "Keep on (or continue) seeing." Remember when Jesus said, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" (Mark 7:16)? Well, it's as if Jesus is now saying to the disciples, "He who has eyes to see, let him see." Jesus is so quick to love the disciples, to refocus their attention onto the issues that really matter, and to point out the potential dangers that they would face. It reminds me of a caring parent, encouraging a child to "Be careful" when setting out on a task.
You see, there are things that the enemy produces to steer you in the wrong direction; to move you away from the Lord and His people. Jesus is saying: Look. Be attentive to your surroundings. Be aware of things that are going on about you. Watch that you are protecting yourself and your family from the dangers of the world. See that you don't let your spiritual guard down.
What television shows are you watching... or paying for? What books do you purchase or allow your kids to read? What magazines do you pick up or allow your kids to look at? Take these simple words of Jesus to heart. Be attentive. Be watchful and know exactly what's going on in your life and in your family's life.
Check out Mike's Daily Devotions Here
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Where was God on 911?
Now don’t get me wrong, I am not saying all Christians do good and all non-Christians do bad or evil. I am not saying that at all.
One good book about that is by a 911 Chaplain named Mike Macintosh who left his congregation for months to serve the police, firemen and victims of 911. I have included it on the left so you can so you can read his story.
Check out Mike's Daily Devotions Here
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Devotion by Mike MacIntosh
Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. And He said to them, "Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while." For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves.Mark 6:30-32 Can you relate to what the disciples are feeling here? They are exhausted, weary, burdened, and burned out. Too often, life is an exhausting ordeal. But here's the encouraging news: Jesus has so much compassion for you, and He desires the very best for you.Maybe you need to get away from the hectic pace of life and the stress it brings, and spend time in a quiet, deserted place with the Lord to seek His desires for you. Or maybe you are already in a deserted place, spiritually, where Jesus is absent from your life; you need to get out of that place and seek Jesus alone for guidance and hope and joy. You see, not only does Jesus want to give you rest for your soul, He wants to be with you. Notice that Jesus said, "Come aside." He desires to spend time with you, because He's the one guiding and ministering to you. He doesn't leave you alone for you to figure out what your next steps are; He's right there with you, offering His help to you. Trust in the compassion of Jesus. Ask Him for rest. Ask Him for advice. Trust Him with all your heart (Proverbs 3:5-6) for your next steps. And above all, find your true rest and comfort in Him. "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28). | ||
| Make Your Decision Click for more information about accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. | More Resources Check out these helpful resources: | Through the Bible in 1 Year Click to Read: |
Friday, June 25, 2010
Today's Devotion from Mike MacIntosh
You see, every barrier has two sides. To every fear you harbor, every doubt you hide, every trial you encounter, there is another side. On the other side of fear is love, since "perfect love casts out fear" (1 John 4:18). On the other side of doubt is faith -- faith that can move mountains (Matthew 21:21). And on the other side of every heartache you experience is hope -- "the hope which is laid up for you in heaven" (Colossians 1:5). But just as we can't see the other side of a wall unless we move around it, so we will never see the other side of a spiritual barrier unless we move.
You know, it's painful to acknowledge fears, doubts, struggles, and heartaches. It's not easy to admit failures and acknowledge defeats. But unless we acknowledge a barrier, we have no hope of moving past it. Today, if there are barriers blocking your spiritual growth, Jesus wants to take you to the other side.
Life isn't a treadmill or a hamster wheel; Jesus is working all things out, moving with you to accomplish what He wants in your life. He doesn't want to see you stuck in the same place spiritually, so He is taking you further along. He loves you and He has a wonderful plan for your life. Be willing not only to go with Him but to enjoy the journey to the other side that He has planned for you. And when you feel like you're stuck in a rut, keep this verse close to your heart.
Visit Mike's Church Website: Horizon Christian Fellowship (San Diego)
Friday, February 12, 2010
Healing for the broken-hearted -- Today's Devotion from Mike MacIntosh
| And when Jesus was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, a woman came to Him having an alabaster flask of very costly fragrant oil, and she poured it on His head as He sat at the table. Matthew 26:6-7 Years ago, a chaplain friend of mine in northern California received a 2:00 AM phone call. It was the Highway Patrol, and they needed him right away -- there had been an accident, and it was ugly. So he raced to the scene, exhausted, but eager to help. As he pulled up, he saw car parts everywhere and the typical ominous, swirling police lights. "How can I help?" he asked an officer. "Chaplain, this is one of the worst accidents we've seen, but we need to identify the victim, the driver..." Without hesitation, the chaplain interrupted, saying, "I'll do it; I'll get in the car somehow." He walked up to the shattered car; the driver's body was beyond recognition. He pulled out the driver's wallet, and froze. The driver was his son. Understandably, he flipped out, unable to absorb what was happening. That night, he broke the news to his wife that their only son had lost his life on Interstate 5. It was the start of a horrible time in his life -- a time of anger and bitterness towards God. A time of brokenness and unanswered questions. Shortly thereafter, he received another phone call, this time from back east. Terrorists had just flown two planes into the World Trade Center towers, and the voice on the other end of the line pleaded, "We need you to come to Ground Zero." He refused. It was the last place he wanted to go. Months passed, though, and that Christmas, after some convincing from his wife, he packed his bags and made the trip to New York. Walking Ground Zero, he encountered a devastated couple, still wondering if their daughter had been killed in the attacks. "Can you tell me about her?" he asked them. He wrote down her description -- 24 years old, brown hair, brown eyes, 115 pounds -- and said he'd ask around. Later that day, as he walked inside the police perimeter, a truck came around the corner, filled with debris. As it passed by, something fell off the back, and he randomly picked it up. Pulling out his notes, he realized what he had just found: the identification for the couples' missing daughter. He went back to the couple, hugged them, and cried. And cried, and cried. "Is this your daughter?" Mom and Dad fell apart. But that day, the chaplain was able to put it all in perspective. God healed his heart that day, and used him to lead the couple to Jesus. You know, it's amazing how God not only loves the broken-hearted -- He uses them to bring love and healing to other broken-hearted people. In Matthew 26, Jesus visits the home of someone who knew what it felt like to be broken-hearted: a leper. Here was a man who had been ostracized and rejected not only by his friends and family, but even by the religious leaders of his day. Jesus, though, freely visited his home. He loved this leper, even when everyone else rejected him. Why? Because Jesus, too, was broken-hearted. You see, Jesus knew that He would be crucified in only a matter of days. He knew the burden of sin He would carry as He would be tortured and nailed to a cross. And it broke His heart. But there, in the leper's home of all places, a woman poured out expensive fragrant oil over His head to bless Him. Can you imagine how encouraged Jesus must have felt? Can you imagine how blessed He must have been by this woman, broken before her Lord, sacrificing her costly fragrance to honor Him? The disciples, though, grumbled amongst themselves. "This fragrant oil might have been sold for much and given to the poor," they reasoned (Matthew 26:9). They didn't share Jesus' brokenness, and couldn't minister to Him. They didn't understand. Maybe today you feel like a failure, or an outcast, or that you'll never amount to anything. Maybe you, like my chaplain friend, are broken-hearted and crushed. Jesus understands. He loves you, and He wants to heal you. He suffered great loss -- even death on a cross -- because He cares for you so much. Let Jesus heal your heart, and He will use you to heal others. Make Your Decision Click for more information about accepting Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. Check out these helpful resources:
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