Pursuit...

Well...one of my favorite times of the year has started and we are off to Kansas Deer Season. It's been great seeing several men, and yes...women in our church get their deer. However, I have yet to get mine. I did have a chance this morning, but I missed a decent 10 point buck...blame it on "buck fever"(man my heart was pounding)...blame it on a long shot...blame it on the gun...but still, I missed. Well it got me to thinking about what I, and all of us should really be pursuing. Take a minute and read what Paul wrote to Timothy about what to pursue in life:

2 Timothy 2:22
22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. (NIV)

So for all of us "deer hunters" out there...and the rest of you who are pursuing something else, lets remember what God has called us to pursue.

Have a wonderful day!

-Pastor Ryan

PS - That was my trophy deer from 2004...couldn't resist to post it again on the web.

Love Your Neighbor...

Like many of you, I grew up watching Mr. Roger's Neighborhood on PBS. The puppets kind of scared me, but the message was always right on...Love Your Neighbor. Its awesome how a Biblical principle was taught via a children's show on TV.

Jesus told us in Matthew 22:39 we are to "Love our neighbor as ourself." This, according to Christ, was the 2nd greatest commandment we can follow as Christians. Are you loving your neighbor?

If you think deeply about it, the two commandments encourage us to be involved in relationships: Relationship with God, and Relationship with others. These are greatest commands Jesus could give. In my opinion, we need to follow these thoroughly and completely. Love God with everything we have and love others as ourselves!

Just yesterday, I was walking out of my house and my neighbor just happened to be walking out of his. I casually engaged him in conversation and we ended up talking in his yard for a few moments. During the conversation, he shared he was getting ready to be involved in an event that could literally change his life. Hmmm...can someone say divine appointment. I knew I could not leave that conversation without praying for him. As we finished up our chat, I looked at him and asked...can I pray with you? Guess what...he said "yes" and I prayed with him. Right there, in front of God and everyone else in the neighborhood, I put my hand on his shoulder and just prayed. Simple and effective.

Are you praying for your neighbor? Are you looking for ways to minister to your neighbors? Are you involved in relationship with them? Remember, Jesus said this is the 2nd greatest commandment! Wouldn't it be great if we as a church committed ourselves to truly loving our neighbors?

One last thought for the moment...maybe one of you is saying to yourself, "I don't have the strength or the courage (put any excuse in here you want) to pray for someone like that." Well here is the truth...I didn't pray for my neighbor as "Reverend Ryan T. Webster" or even "Pastor Ryan", I prayed with him as "Plain ole Neighbor Across the Street Ryan." You can do it...God will give you the strength. To quote another children's show on PBS..."Who are the people in your neighborhood?" God knows...and He wants you to as well!

-Pastor Ryan

Giving Everything

Yesterday was a great service! For those of you who missed, the whole morning was definately orchestrated by God. First off, I want to share how very excited I am to see our church worship the way it does. It is truly our way of expressing love to God! I loved the time of communion yesterday...what more appropriate way to end the Thanksgiving holiday than to remember what Jesus did for us on the cross. I am most proud of our students from 4 Points Masters Commission. What a great opportunity to see how God is working in their lives. There is truly something remarkable to say about giving our life fully to Him and knowing that God is in control!

Over the next few Sundays I will be sharing on the theme of giving. This next week I would like each of you to spend some time reading Luke 9. This is where the main text of my message will come from. What kept a few people from giving their all to Chirst? We will also be celebrating with Mike & Krista Hulsey as they take a step of faith and head down to Oklahoma City to be Youth Pastors. Lets be in continual prayer for God's direction in their life!

-Pastor Ryan

Happy Thanksgiving

Hey Church Family,
I wanted to extend to each one of you my sincere thanks and appreciation for being a part of the Body of Christ. Know that you are loved and prayed for regularly! Here is a short Thanksgiving day message to each of you.

Philippians 4:6-7
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Isn't it wonderful to know on days like this, but in truth...everyday...God's peace will guard our hearts and minds through Jesus! What an awesome thing to be thankful for!

-Pastor Ryan