Surviving the Financial Crisis - Wealth Building

So, I'm watching The Duchess the other night. Don't gag, guys. Chick flicks are a way to your woman's heart. And don't worry. I'm not going to spoil the ending for you. But the movie opens with the Duke staring out a window at some children playing. Later in the movie, after much has happened, he's standing in the same place, looking out the same window, watching children play. And after gazing for a few moments, he utters a cry from the heart, a statement something like this: "Oh, to have the freedom to experience that much joy." And, with the weight of the world and the consequences of the choices he has made on his shoulders, he slowly turns from the window, turns his back to the camera, and drags his body and his load down the hall. Rich enough to have everything he wanted; impoverished, having nothing he needed.

Not to be too heavy here, but this is not the life God intends for you. Is there a way to achieve clarity on what to invest in to prevent a forlorn looking back 10, 15, 20, 30 years down the road? What could life be like if we purposed to be free to experience much joy?

We'll dig into this as we conclude the riveting series on Surviving the Financial Crisis this Sunday at Moland. See ya at 11:00--and come early for some coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and munchies.

If you want to get a jump on where we're going, check out Matthew 6:19-23.

Dwaine Darrah, Westmoreland Campus Pastor

I Want To Be Perfect

Ever wonder why some people are just not happy with the faith that God gave them? Or, have you ever met someone who is a Christ-follower yet is always impatient? All Christians are in the process of becoming the person God wants them to become. The interesting thing is we must also want to change; yet no matter how much we try, it is God who does the changing. John Wesley wrote extensively about how we must be perfect if we are to have communion with God. Perfection in the Greek refers to the process of becoming better today than I was yesterday, not being without flaw. So, if it is God who does the conforming and we are unhappy with our current state how then are we to be conformed? The answer is we must ask God to give us a desire for change and then place ourselves in a place where God can do the work. This is where spiritual disciplines are applied. The paradox is God does the changing but we can't change until we ask God to give us the desire to change. We are to spend time with God through solitude, prayer, fasting and anything else that will cause you to sense the presence of God.

God longs that we might know true peace and rest but unhealthy habits limit what God can do in our lives. Or, God is calling us to take a step into something greater and we are wrestling with Him over our own selfish needs or desires.

A good friend of mine tells people regularly that a wise person learns from other people's mistakes so s/he doesn't have to make those mistakes. Where is God calling you to change your behavior? Let God work on your mind. Think differently. Then let Him give you peace and rest. After looking at Isaiah 30.15 ask yourself if this can be applied to your life. Are you having anything to do with it?

Easter Egg Drop

We are about 6 weeks away from our 2nd ever Easter Egg Drop here at the Haymarket campus. The excitement in the air is getting thick! People are talking! Moms are swooning! Dads are taking up kick boxing! All for the BIG day on Saturday, April 4th.

Last year we planned on 1000 people showing up. 4500 decided to come. AWESOME! So we are better prepared this year (we think).

Also, this year we are teaming up with the town of Haymarket and other local businesses. The event is free but we are asking all people who come out to bring a can or two of food for our brand new food pantry we have started here in the town.

Great stuff!

If you are a New Lifer and would like to be a part of this incredible day (controlled chaos is a good term to use), let us know! Email Sheryll at Haymarket@newlife4me.com. Come be a part of a great event in Haymarket!

One BIG Story...

How is God at work in your life?

2 Corinthians 1 says that God gives us stories so we can help other people who go through the same struggles we’ve experienced. So, we are collecting stories. Your story.

Ask yourself these questions and let us know how God is working in your life and those around you.

1. How has God encouraged you?
2. How have you seen God do more than you could ask or imagine?
3. Has God used anyone in the church to help you at just the right time?

Send your stories to jessh@newlife4me.com. God wants to encourage others with the encouragement you have received.

Want to read great stories of God at work? Read the Spring Blog to see how God is already at work at New Life...

just great stuff!

Life got you down? Feel run over by, we don't know, bulls with huge horns? Well, welcome to our new blog for new life christian church! Everyday someone from our staff will post a little piece of info, a thought, an upcoming event, or just dribble. You choose which one you think it is, and hopefully, we'll help you feel less run over too.

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Thanks and enjoy!