We are the Champions!

Hi there. This is Alana. You'll see my name over there to the side listed as a "contributor", although I haven't contributed much here on this blog, except for simply getting it started. I have been a member of what I call "blog world" for a little over a year and it has blessed me greatly. I think this blog has a lot of potential for helping us create more community within our church. Dave and I have been brainstorming ideas to spruce things up around here (the blog) as well as adding content that will leave you wanting to visit more and perhaps even join in the discussion.

One of the ideas we've spoken about is a forum type discussion on the sermon. Of course, in order to have a forum, we'll need you to get involved via the comment section. If you'd like to join in the discussion, simply leave a comment. In order to leave a comment, you must first create a google account with a username. Then at the end of the post, you simply click on "post a comment" and offer your thoughts.

I thought this week's sermon was a great place for us to start, so I will offer a few of my thoughts and then offer a couple of ways for you to enter the discussion, if you so choose.

The title of today's sermon was "Victory". Dave's starting thought was...

Don't forget: We are in a battle. (Ephesians 6:12)

I think as I mature in life and in spiritual life I am becoming more and more aware of this. I have started to recognize the areas that Satan targets me and have learned to resist him with scripture and calling on God to fight the battle for me. Because after all, we know in the end that He is the victor! This brings me great comfort and empowers me to fight instead of walking around in defeat. There are a couple of areas in my life that he has learned are easy targets. Although, by the grace of God, I see the targets getting smaller! For the sake of being transparent and in hopes of starting of the discussion, I will share a couple of them with you.

One area is in my desire to please men. I have always been a people pleaser, and although not all of you will relate to this, some of the darkest times in my life were when I had conflict with someone and was unable to resolve it. I'm also a peacemaker, so when there is unresolved conflict in my life it can take me to a dark place. A dark place where Satan is waiting and more than willing to "devour" me.

Another area is in my want for things. This manifests itself in different ways for me. One way is in regards to food and another way is with actual material things. I have bought into the lie for too long that these are needs and not wants and that I would not be "okay" without them. God has been teaching me lately that I can be more than okay without these things. In fact, I can be FREE without them. He has no desire for me to live in bondage.

Okay, it's your turn to enter the discussion. Here are a few questions to get you started...

1) Are you aware of the "battles" in your life?
2) In which battles have you found victory?
3) In which battles are you still struggling?
4) What are some of your favorite scriptures for "resisting" the Devil?

"...for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."

1 John 5:4-5

HOPE!

I hope that this video encourages you during this time of economic uncertainty. Crown Financial Ministries has so many resources to offer the local church. This is a great message from the CEO of the company. I think TLCC can make an impact in this community, specifically in the area of finances. Put your trust in Jesus!

Your vote counts! Please watch this video and vote with wisdom and discernment. There are issues that deserve our attention and our vote.

Will you give your Life for the Kingdom?

Patriot Nathan Hale Was Hanged
September 22, 1776
"I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." Have you heard this famous declaration before? American patriot Nathan Hale said it on September 22, 1776, his last words before he was hanged for spying on British troops. How did this come to pass? Hale, born in Coventry, Connecticut, on June 6, 1755, and a teacher by trade, joined his five brothers in the fight for independence against the British.

Five of Nathan Hale's brothers fought the British at Lexington and Concord, Massachusetts, on April 19, 1775. Nathan joined them on July 6. From there, he quickly rose to the rank of captain in the military. He fought under General George Washington in New York, as British General William Howe began a military build-up on Long Island. Washington took his army onto Manhattan Island. At the battle of Harlem Heights, Washington, facing Howe in battle yet again, asked for a volunteer to go on a spy mission behind enemy lines. Hale stepped forward.
Disguised as a Dutch schoolmaster, Nathan Hale set out on his mission on
September 1.
For a week he gathered information on the position of British troops, but was captured while returning to the American side. Because of incriminating papers Hale possessed, the British knew he was a spy. It is said that his cousin, a British sympathizer under Howe's command, betrayed him. Howe ordered young Hale to be hanged the following day. That's when Hale, who gave his life for his country, said those famous words.

Taken from www.americaslibrary.gov

Jesus commands that his followers must be willing to give their very life for him and the Kingdom. How is your life of Jesus-like self denial going?

Blessings!

One CRAFTy win!

Last night, I stayed up to watch UCLA upset the Vols in OT. What an exciting game. The first half didn't look that promising. the score really didn't tell the whole story at the end of the first half. Only down by 7 points, the Bruins went in the lockerroom with four interceptions from the third string quarterback.

Craft, came out and played a completely different second half and led the Bruins to an electrifying victory in OT.

No matter what the first half look like for you this morning, don't give up!
God's mercies are new every morning.

There are so many great lessons from this game. Many of the seniors on the team encouraged Craft and let him know that they were't giving up on him.
That was the first thing he stated in the post game interview.
Never underestimate the power we have to encourage one another!!

Be encourged. Don't Quit. We win! Because He already won. All we have to do is get out on the field and play!!!

The Spoken Word

Imagine a church that looks like God! TLCC can be this church, even in Southwest MO!

everyone is a missionary!

So, the other day I read this statistic that if the world was a village of 100 people, 67 of them would not know Jesus.
Do the math. 33 people know Jesus. 67 don't. why? What are the 33 doing with the GOOD NEWS? Could they be doing more?
I want to make a difference in my "village" that I live in. I know that you do too. Oh, how the number of 67 could dramatically change if the 33 were burdened, motivated, and convicted to be the missionaries that God has called us to be.
Let's win our village to Jesus!
In the fall of 08 we are going to be speaking about missions around the number "67". Put your creative hats on a think with the team as we come up with ideas that center around this incredible number.
What could you do with 67 dimes?
Send out 67 postcards?

we would love to use one of your creative ideas!

David