Its a Bummer Getting Older

Okay, there. I said it.

Let me tell you why. Because your eyes get bad; among other things. And on a side note: you also get smaller (I did not need to hear that).

Anyway, last week I went to get my eyes checked and to get new glasses. And yes, my eyes have gotten worse. "Age" is what the doctor says. Wow. "Why don't you just slap me in the face and call me stupid." I didn't tell the doctor that. I'm sure I thought it. So this week, I'll be getting my new glasses, and thanks to technology and science, I'll see better.

Do you ever ask God to allow you to see things through His eyes? Careful. He'll show you. But, I think as believers, we all want it. It's just hard sometimes.

Our desire should be to see the world around us through God's eyes. To have His heart, His love, His compassion, His grace.

"Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law." Psalm 119:18

Peace

Pain...Why?

Have you ever asked this question? "Why am I having to go through this pain?" I have. If you have not, just wait a bit. You will.

I'll decline to answer that question. I have my thoughts, but I'm sure I will bore you with my discourse.

However, I do have a few things I'd like to share. The scriptures tell us that in the world we will have trouble. Folks, difficulty will come. In fact, James tells us that we should welcome difficulties, trials, tribulation, as friends. Unusual that James would say that. "Welcome difficulties as friends?" Wow! "Why?" Because God will use that pain to form us into His likeness. Amazing.

Child of God, the difficulties that you are facing will pass. Trust me. Oh, how I wish that I could take away the pain of those who struggle, who are hurting, who are afraid. My attempt although valiant, are but a vapor compared to the amount of love and care our Lord wants to lavish on us. That's the kind of God we serve.

Jesus was afflicted, so that we could live in the victory of His risen life. Believe it.

I love you all
Sammy

Taking a look back

Today I took a look back. I took a walk around our Palmetto Bay campus. Looking, thinking, dreaming, evaluating. I ended up in our 4000 building. That's where the Library and media center are.

At this point I should tell you that back in the day, the 4000 building was the Recreation Building. That's where the youth met. We had the original cafe', before it became cool to have one. Faded jeans, T-Shirts and guitars. Some good memories.

It was there, back as a young teenager that I began my journey with Christ. Now, here I was, in the same building. It looks much different now. But the memories are still there.

I started to look back at the beginning of my journey. When I told my mentor, I felt the Lord was leading me to go into full time music ministry; to give my life fully in service for our Lord.

It seemed like just yesterday. The years have passed quickly. I was a bit emotional as I remembered how gracious our Lord has been to me. Wow.

Well the journey continues. Prepping for week two of "Afflicted." Our Lord was afflicted, His blood was shed for the forgiveness of sin. What a message.

Join us this weekend at Christ Fellowship Palmetto Bay. Four services, four opportunities.

Peace

USA Olympic Curling Team

A strange thing happened to me the other day. I was home and I decided to watch some Olympics. MSNBC was showing "Curling." I know what your thinking, "Curling is not a sport."

Well, I sat there for awhile and continued to watch, asking myself, "What is the point of this game?" Curiosity finally got the best of me and I did an internet search. I found some interesting facts, that I will not bore you with. Remember, I said that something strange happened to me. I'm a bit weird, I know.

I sat and continued to watch and actually got really excited when USA won a game. They've not been doing that good.

The question that I'm asking is, "What is the attraction to this sport? Why was I drawn into this unusual game?"

Not sure I know the answer to those questions, but I do wonder what can we do, as a church body, to encourage people to be here. What will make them stop and say, "I want to come visit your church." Or what about this? "I want to have what you have, and that is a relationship with Christ."

I'm not sure if I'll watch anymore curling. I sure hope USA wins a few more games though, because it appears that those players love what they're doing and believe in it.

I love my church and the folks that I serve along side with each and every day. It is so good and I just want our world to find what we've already found:
Jesus is all we need.

"Afflicted" Series Begins This Weekend

As we come the end of our study of the book of Matthew, we will begin to focus on the affliction that Christ endured. The point of death. The "Afflicted" series will lead us up to Easter.

Because He was afflicted, we can overcome.

Join us at Christ Fellowship Palmetto Bay, this weekend. Saturday 6:30 p.m., Sunday, 9:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m., and 12:30 pm. Or you can also go to our website, and check out our other locations and service times that you can attend: cfmiami.org

Check this video out: "Afflicted" Series

Peace
Sammy

Coming...

What a sweet weekend we had over the Valentines Day holiday weekend at Christ Fellowship. Sweet in a few ways. One, many crossed the line of faith and started their new journey with Christ.

Two, chocolate fountain buffet's. Yes. Now, something that we did not expect is the cold weather. The chocolate began to harden. But not to worry. Chocolate is good hot or cold.

So now what is coming? Begin this weekend is the new Series and Small Group Study, "Afflicted."

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
James 2:12

On my last post, I was just wanting to write; I'd like to continue to do so now. This journey we call, "Life," is unpredictable indeed. For example; a women who was in one of our services this weekend received a tragic phone call. Her uncle after the wedding of his daughter leaving the wedding was shot and killed. How terrible! Nothing could prepare you for something like this.

Reading the scriptures I'm reminded that in this world there will be trouble and trials. Look at this verse:
John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."

Wow. There will be trials, but we are over comers because of the blood of Christ. Then looking at James, for those who persevere under trial will receive the crown of life. As we look to this weekend's coming new series, we will deal with this compelling topic and see what the scriptures have to say about it.

Looking forward to seeing you all this weekend at Christ Fellowship Palmetto Bay.
Peace
Sammy

I'm On A Journey

Tonight I'm just writing. I've watched most of the Super Bowl, I've reflected on the weekend, made plans for the week, sent emails, checked the 2010 Triathlon schedule, updated my iPhone, and just thought...

I realized that I'm on a journey- noun, traveling from one place to another, usually taking a rather long time.

My journey started a while back...I'll not say when. Let's just say, I had hair then. But now, the Lord stays busy keeping up with my hair loss.

My journey has taken me to many places, met new people, and learned deep truths. But, are all journeys easy? I think the basic answer is "No." Journeys are many times filled with highs and lows, joy and pain.

If you knew completely all the details of the journey, would you still take it? I wonder.

A journey is like a marathon race. The course is set. God sets our journey. In a marathon there is training that must take place. In our life journey, there is preparation that comes through life skill development, and God's word.

Once in the marathon, there's a lot that can happen. Fatigue, discouragement, pain, exhilaration. In our life journey, the same can happen. In both marathon and life journey, there are people a long the way that will encourage you as well as lift you up when you fall.

There are also some unexpected twists and turns. How we handle these obstacles says a lot about us. I enjoy running and have run three full marathons, and I have to say that you can gain many life applications between a race and our life journey.

My journey continues today. "Lord, you establish my steps. You know the path, you know the course, there's gonna be some sweet times and some difficult times. Teach me Lord."

Hebrews 12:1-2
Peace