Text Box: Volume 5, Issue 17 May 2010

 

 

           Sparks Nazarene ChurchText Box: GOD'S DREAMERS

 

Text Box: 2200 El Rancho Dr. Sparks NV  89431  (775) 358-4066 Email:  info@sparksnaz.org

 

Text Box: "Emotionally Healthy Spirituality" By Peter Scazzero Text Box: In a little book called Dangerous Wonder, Mike Yaconelli tells the story of a high school student who was asked to write a paper about his dreams for the future.  He described his dream of owning a 200 acre farm where he could raise and race horses.  The paper included a diagram of the property with stables, tracks and a big ranch home.  Two days after he turned in his dream paper he received it back with an “F”.  When he discussed the grade with his teacher he was told it was too “unrealistic.”   If he would rewrite the paper the teacher said that the grade would be reconsidered.  The boy went home, discussed the matter with his father and asked: “What should I do?”  “It’s your decision.”, said his dad.  After thinking about it for a week, the boy went back to his teacher and said.  “Here, you can keep the “F” and I will keep my dream.”  The Bible speaks of times when, if our hearts are right, God’s people will be dreamers. Both in Joel 2 and Acts 2 we are told that the outpouring of God’s spirit will produce dreamers, prophets and visionary believers.  What makes our hearts ready for God’s dreams? Waiting on God’s timing—Jesus told the disciples to wait for the gift the Father promised, Acts1:4.  Many find waiting hard.  We want results now and often times we act before God directs and we end up having to backtrack.  Openly Receiving God’s agenda - … you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, Acts 1:8.  Jesus told these disciples that acting on their own would continue to give them the results that they had been receiving.  What were those results?  Running, hiding, even Peter denying, UNTIL they received the Holy Spirit in Acts 2 and began to live out God’s agenda with  God’s power. Do what we know is right while we wait.  When we’re in a waiting time, we often feel we are wasting time and choose to do nothing at all.  However, the disciples give us an example of continuing to do what is right, while waiting.  They replaced Judas so that when the time came, they would be ready to do as Jesus had instructed them.  When we are waiting, we need to continue to obey what He’s already given us to do.    We serve a God who fills us with His spirit so that we will look forward and … ▪ Speak the truth ▪ Look beyond our circumstances and experience His plans, not our own. So be content waiting, continuing to do what is right while He continues to teach you in the “pause” and be ready to receive His direction and obey with your whole heart!                           ~Pastor Brad

Text Box: REST IN JESUS  REFLECT ON HIM RENEW IN GOD'S LOVE at HEART SPA WOMEN’S RETREAT May 14th - 16th at Lake Tahoe Register now for a great getaway weekend!   Stop by the Ministry Information Booth to pick up a flyer and sign up!!  Cost is $150.00.

Text Box: CELEBRATE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER at a Prayer Breakfast May 6th, 2010 6:30—7:30am Sparks Naz Family Life Center Sign up in the Foyer!