Abundant Life Blog

This Sunday!

2012-02-09T17:01:34+00:00

Our Annual Vision Meeting is a time to look back at the great things that took place in 2011 and to cast the vision for 2012 in the ministries of Abundant Life Church. There are great things happening and we want you to know about them and play a part as well. As a member of the church please make it a priority to be a part of this exciting time. The Annual Vision Meeting will take place immediately following the AM service this Sunday, February 12th. Childcare is provided for kids 0 - 5th grade. See you Sunday!

Super Bowl Party

2012-02-01T19:10:58+00:00

Doors open at 5:30pm and kick off is at 6:30pm We'll be watching the game in the sanctuary on the BIG screen and have lots of awesome things planned and prizes to award just for showing up! We're having a chili, nachos, and dessert cook off. Anyone can enter and there areGREAT prizes for the winners!!! Chili & Nachos need to be dropped off by 5:45pm for judging. Hotdogs and drinks provided. Bring a dish to share. Video games and karaoke will be set up in the foyer for teens and kids. Also family games and competition. A Spirit Award will be given to the person who comes best decked out in their teams colors. This will be an amazing night and time. Bring family and friends and join us for this incredible night! Hope to see you there

Substitutes for Worship

2012-01-27T22:06:07+00:00

I want to be famous. I want to impress people with how great I am at leading worship. I also want to impress God with the many things I do for him. But today I'm reminded that God isn't concerned with what I do for him. He isn't concerned about the extra time I'm putting into this project or that video. God is concerned with my heart. Worship is a heart issue. There is a constant war for my attention, my affection, and my worship because of whom my worship is about. My heart knows and believes one thing, while my head says and does another. And of course, my pride and desire for greatness do a great job of keeping me too busy to notice. “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” - Luke 10:42 (NLT) Often times I realize it's easy to find myself in Martha's shoes. I mean, hey, I'm a pastor. Every day is about doing my Father's business. But how often do I take a few moments to sit at my Savior's feet and hear his Word? What Christ said here is both convicting and troubling - It's easy to get caught up in doing work for Jesus and miss out on what is truly important. Christ is actually telling us that our work for Him can get in the way of our relationship with him. But it's not just any work he's referring to -- it's work for Jesus. Martha busied herself with housework for Jesus and his guests. Somehow she was convinced that her work for Christ was just as good as time spent with Christ. Her work was important, but she missed out on an amazing opportunity to get intimate with Jesus. Mary sat at Jesus' feet and spent time listening to his teaching. Mary experienced a greater depth in her relationship with him that surpassed knowledge - she got intimate with her Savior. If you want to impress God, do so with your worship of Him. "How could they miss it? Because instead of trusting God, they took over. They were absorbed in what they themselves were doing. They were so absorbed in their "God projects" that they didn't notice God right in front of them" - Romans 9:32 (MSG) Don't busy yourself with work. Don't be so consumed with productivity that you neglect the one thing that's important. Don't seek to impress God or man with what you do. We cannot let our work for Jesus be a substitute for time spent with Jesus.

Family Movie Night

2012-01-18T18:58:46+00:00

Family Movie Night, featuring "Dolphin Tale", is just around the corner and we'd LOVE for you to join us. This event is specifically designed with your family in mind. It's a great & inexpensive way to spend special, quality time together. The movie will be shown, January 27th at 7pm in the Sanctuary and is FREE! Concessions are available. All proceeds will benefit ALC Kids. Bring your family & friends and come hang out with us!

Powerful Beyond Measure

2012-01-12T14:36:00+00:00

“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” by: Marianne Williamson The Christian life is impossible to live apart from the power of the Holy Spirit, so we must continually be filled and surrender to God’s plans for our lives. John 15:5 reminds us that "Apart from me you can do nothing." Being filled with the Spirit is something that the Spirit does to us with our permission. He empowers us and our job is simply to surrender. We give up and let the Lord take control...control of our thoughts, our desires, our dreams, and our actions. With the power of God working in us and through us there is no addiction too strong that God can not break the chains of bondage, there is no financial deficit that can not be paid in full, there is no sickness or disease that stands a chance when seek after God with every part of who we are and refuse to accept any other answer but God's Will for our lives.

Choosing to fast

2012-01-04T18:20:18+00:00

"Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward. For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may recieve the promise" (Hebrews 10:35-36) Fasting and prayer prepare and condition your spirit to go the distance in life's battles. Remember, fasting is not a requirement - it is a choice. Fasting does not guarantee your salvation and it does not make you better than anyone else. Choosing to fast is choosing to come away from the routine and wait upon the Lord with greater intensity, seeking His face and His presence in a deeper way. We have chosen to fast at Abundant Life for 21 days, from January 2-22. I intive you to join us and make up your mind, make a plan, write it down, and stick to it. I want to endure. I want to do the will of God. I want the promise!

Failure: Mrs. Jones & Me

2011-12-29T18:48:07+00:00

It's hard to believe that 2011 is nearly over. I remember as a child thinking how slowly life moved by, and now as an adult I'm overtly aware of how quickly time passes. I guess it's one of those weird as-you-get-older paradox's. As I spend some time reflecting over this last year, I can feel the discouragement start to settle in. There are so many goals that I failed to deliver on. Books I failed to read. Places I failed to go. Weight I failed to lose. The glass doesn't even feel half-full - it feels like it's nearly empty with dirty, stagnant water at the bottom. Yuck. Earlier this year there was a story circulating the internet called "When Grandma Goes To Court." Hopefully you've seen it. No? Let me enlighten you. In a trial, a Southern small-town prosecuting attorney called his first witness, a grandmotherly, elderly woman to the stand. He approached her and asked, 'Mrs. Jones, do you know me?' She responded, 'Why, yes, I do know you, Mr. Williams. I've known you since you were a boy, and frankly, you've been a big disappointment to me. You lie, you cheat on your wife, and you manipulate people and talk about them behind their backs. You think you're a big shot when you haven't the brains to realize you'll never amount to anything more than a two-bit paper pusher. Yes, I know you.' The lawyer was stunned. Not knowing what else to do, he pointed across the room and asked, 'Mrs. Jones, do you know the defense attorney?' She again replied, 'Why yes, I do. I've known Mr. Bradley since he was a youngster, too. He's lazy, bigoted, and he has a drinking problem. He can't build a normal relationship with anyone, and his law practice is one of the worst in the entire state. Not to mention he cheated on his wife with three different women. One of them was your wife. Yes, I know him.' The defense attorney nearly died. The judge asked both counselors to approach the bench and, in a very quiet voice, said, 'If either of you idiots asks her if she knows me, I'll send you both to the electric chair.' Ell. Oh. Ell. I love that story. But not because that's exactly how grandmas are or the fact that it makes me laugh out loud. I love it because it reminds me of my own accuser. He seeks to steal from me, kill me, and destroy me. He knows every sin I've committed over the past year. Every failure, every shortcoming. And he finds pleasure in constantly reminding me of these things. But there's always two sides to every story. Christ came to give me a rich and satisfying life. A life in abundance. A life I can live to the fullest. And when the devil tries to broadcast my failures, Christ asks, "What failures? Which shortcomings? What sin?" A beautiful exchange takes place. Beauty for ashes. A crown for my rags. I see what's in front of me and I find the hope I need to make this next year count. I don't want to suffer through another day, or tolerate another week, or survive another year. I want to live each day to the fullest and make the most what little time I've been given. So let me ask you today: What sin is gripping you? What failure is haunting you? What guilt is plaguing you? Maybe 2011 wasn't a good year. Maybe you're like me and fell short on some personal goals. Maybe there's a Mrs. Jones haunting your thoughts and dreams. Or maybe you lost a job or a loved one. Today I want to encourage you. In God's courtroom, there is no past - there is only the present and the future. In Christ, there is only hope and redemption. Don't allow the enemy's accusations to trump God's saving grace. Let His promises propel you into an amazing new year and His peace lead you to an abundantly blessed future. Psalm 103 1 Let all that I am praise the LORD; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. 2 Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. 3 He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases. 4 He redeems me from death and crowns me with love and tender mercies. 5 He fills my life with good things. My youth is renewed like the eagle’s! 6 The LORD gives righteousness and justice to all who are treated unfairly. 7 He revealed his character to Moses and his deeds to the people of Israel. 8 The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. 9 He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. 10 He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. 11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the east 12 He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.

Sharing the Joy of Christmas

2011-12-22T19:21:01+00:00

There's only a few more days until Christmas!!!! I LOVE this time of year But it’s sad to think that for millions if not billions of people, this season has no real meaning. They don't know that a Savior has been born. For Christians it may be hard to imagine the world without Jesus, but for many people in the world today it's a harsh reality. They are unaware of the joy that can be found in Him. This holiday season let's not forget those who are oppressed and have never heard Jesus. As we open gifts with our families remember the most precious gift ever given and share it with those around us. Be glad and rejoice because a Savior has come. Let us proclaim to others the same proclamation that the angels made to the Shepherds, "I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people... a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord."

Coat & Blanket Drive

2011-11-23T17:57:26+00:00

Our Coat & Blanket drive is underway We have received many coats and blankets, but still need more. Collection is through Sunday, December 4th. Items may be dropped off at the church duirng service times or during business hours (M-F 8:30-5pm). WTRM is also a donation site. All of the donated coats and blankets will be given away at our upcoming Holiday Souper Market (December 10th- 4-6pm). So it's time for you to go through your closets and bless those in need! Let's share the warmth!

Thanksgiving and Giving Thanks

2011-11-17T19:27:09+00:00

Juicy oven-roasted Turkey. Creamy homemade mashed potatoes. Delectable whip-cream-covered pie. Those are the obvious reasons for celebrating Thanksgiving - it makes for some good eating. But while we're stuffing our faces, let's not forget what this holiday is really about. You can eat all the goodies, enjoy (or tolerate) your family, slip into a food-induced coma, and still miss out on the true purpose behind Thanksgiving. If life is going well for you, giving thanks might come easily. But if you're struggling and 2011 hasn't been very nice to you, giving thanks probably isn't even on your to-do list. I want to encourage you today - giving thanks can be the very thing that propels you into the blessings of God. Paul instructed us in 1 Thess. 5:18 to "Thank God no matter what happens." What? Thank God no matter what? Why would I want to do that? Well, Paul thought we might respond that way, so here's what he said to the church in Philippi: "Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Instead of worrying, you can trust in God's promises. Instead of living fearfully, you can have confidence in Christ's strength. Instead of carrying heavy burdens, you can rest in God's peace. By praising God and shifting your attention off of your circumstances and focusing on His promises, you create an opportunity for God to be God in your life. So before you devour all that Thanksgiving goodness, thank God for everything - the good, the bad, and the ugly - and let his peace grant you the comfort you need.