ONLY ONE LOVE…

John clearly points out that we can only have one love in our lives.  We either love the Lord or we love the world. If we love the world, John says, the love of the Father isn’t in us.  Seems to be very black and white, but in our lives it is often very confusing.  What does it mean to love the world?  How about loving God?  What does it look like or doesn’t look like?  Today we will be looking at various scriptures about having one love.

AS A PASTOR (3)…

I can get discouraged when I believe that God wants to do far more in and through Set Free than I believe we are allowing Him to do. I see the enemy working hard at discouraging our people. He is working hard at stealing their passion for God.  He is working hard at sharing his lies that lead people to depression and discouragement. He is working hard at putting people into an apathetic state.  I can understand when God says in Revelation 3 that He’d rather us be hot or cold.  Lukewarm Christians don’t make an impact on the world.  Rather the world and God wants to spit us out. 

SO 2011 WAS A TOUGH YEAR…

let’s make up our minds to remember who our God is and who we are!  We are His children and He can do anything!  He can remake us.  He can restore us.  He can fill us with His enthusiasm and His passion.  Jesus said that those who “Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness” will be filled.  Hungry and thirsty people are passionate.  I hunger for more than ever before.  Do you too?  Shall we decide together that we will not allow ourselves to be lukewarm at all?  Will be choose to be lights for His Kingdom?  I say YES!

WEDNESDAY NIGHT WORSHIP AND CLASSES…

I’m so thankful for those who are making this a commitment and coming on Wednesday nights.  The two classes are rich in material that changes lives.  I hurt when I think of all who could benefit from this and don’t come.   I hear of some amazing insights the women are getting and I am so blessed by what Harold is teaching. It is challenging me to rethink what it means to be in Christ and the fruit in my life.  Will you come this week?  Starts at 6:30 with music.

LETTERS…

“It was nice to see all of you.  Hope to see you in December. You are all in my prayers.” Love Sharon Batten

CARING OPPORTUNITIES…

Clint & Tina Wilhelms had a death in their family.
We still have empty shoe boxes that need to be filled for the “Big Hearts For Little Hands” ministry that provides them to children in need.  Pick one up in the foyer today and return by December 14.

THE CHRISTIAN JOURNAL…

our Lord brought enough funds in to print the December issue.  Thanks to those who donated. It went to press late yesterday and will probably be printed on Monday.  Each issue this year was a test of faith!  We will move ahead with 2012 trusting that God has a plan.  Our themes in 2012 will be based on Ephesians.  Should be some good stuff!  Remember, any $100 donation in December to CJ will reap 100 pop open cards.

GOD’S FOOD PANTRY…

Tina shared the totals for November.  Served 196 households with 479 people.  Thanks to God for allowing us to serve.  We do need to cover the costs of the food.  Our pantry bill right now is $1,500.  Starting in January we have help from the West Family Foundation in Jacksonville, but we will need to cover this expenditure.  If everyone helps a little we can get this taken care of.

CELEBRATE RECOVERY…

we had a great group this week.  Most chairs were filled.  Great spirit.  We will be starting the teaching on the 12-steps over again in two weeks.  This is a great time to bring new people to the program.  We need people to make a commitment to come and be a blessing to those God brings through the doors.  In the last 14 years I’ve seen some amazing miracles at CR. I’ve seen lives changed.  I’ve seen marriages created.  I’ve seen leaders developed.  I’ve seen families reunited.  It all starts with coming on Thursday nights and making a commitment.  Starts at 6:30.

ROGUE RETREAT…

we currently have 33 apartments filled with people anxious to have a fresh start and put their lives in order.  We have a great staff of people who are touching lives every day and being an inspiration.  I heard this week that at family court Rogue Retreat is talked about with respect.  Often they want to try to get their clients into our program since they have seen good results with others who have been at Rogue Retreat.  What an honor it is to glorify the father through our work.  We have several people who are donating to help with our $ a week for Rogue Retreat.  The $ can be $1, $5, $10 or whatever.  We even have current residents giving $ a week to Rogue Retreat.  You can find donation envelopes in the foyer or Heather will send them to you.  Call (541) 499-0880.

BOOK STORE….

there are STILL some good gift ideas for Christmas.  Check them out today, but they may not be there tomorrow. Limited supply.

SOZO MINISTRY…

we have a great team of people ready to do these sessions, but they are waiting for those who want to go through one.  By appointment only.  Check out setfreesozo.com for more information.

HOMELESS BAGS (2)…

our youth department wants to put together more bags to hand out.  Needing more donations to help cover expenses.   Need about $50 for ten bags.  The ministry in Ashland is also asking for our help again this year to provide winter socks, gloves, hats and more.

POP OPEN CARDS…

it’s been an amazing two weeks for pop open cards.  Last week we sent 5,000 cards to a hospital in California.  We sent 1,000 to a man in Florida.  This week we sent 2,000 to a Salvation Army Center in Indiana.  We sent another 2,000 to a pastor in New Jersey.  There were also some smaller orders to Springfield, Oregon and several hundred to people in Medford.  It is catching on! It is so exciting to think that our little fellowship is creating a product that will be used by people all over the country to touch lives each day.  Amazing!  We are truly in the encouragement business.

CHRISTMAS OPPORTUNITIES…

• Ladies…there is a Women’s Christmas party at the church this Sunday night, December 11 at 6:30.
• Debi and I are having an open house on Saturday, December 17 from 6-8 (come and go).  Our home is at 1743 Alcan in Medford.
• Christmas Worship Service for Set Free will be Saturday, December 24 at 11:00 am.  It will be followed by our Christmas potluck.
• Christmas Eve Service will be Saturday, December 24 at 6:00 pm.  Lots of music.
• Christmas Day Service with New Life at 9:30 am to be followed by potluck, music, raffle, gifts, etc into the afternoon.