Spiritual Battle (May 18, 2008)

Hi Bloggers of Shalom,

I hope you've enjoyed our blog. I have enjoyed reading your thoughts. I've also had some people comment to me that they have been reading but not leave a message; another mentioned she had difficulty actually signing in. So I'm curious to know how many of you out there have been reading but not signing in. Maybe this week you could just say "hi". Also, if you could let me know what helped you grow during these messages that would be very helpful feedback. And, here's the weekly thoughts/challenges.

Becoming a Family of Purpose

1. Do we/I have a balanced spirituality that does not exclude the concept of spiritual battle but also does not exaggerate the idea of spiritual battle?
2. Are there anger issues that need to be dealt with?
3. Pray for spiritual protection.


May God form us into the amazing people He intends us to be. May God grant us a heart for all generations (Malachi 4:6).

Pastor Rick



To listen to Pastor Rick's sermon from Sunday, May 18, 2008 click here.

To read the PDF transcript of the sermon click here.

Family Altar (May 11, 2008)

Hi everyone,

As we wind down our series on the "Elephant" we made the call to worship God in our homes; to seek the reward of worshipping God! I hope that you were encouraged this week to re-prioritize God in your personal and family lives. I look forward to reading your thoughts. God wants to shape our families into something extraordinary but we cannot do that without the delight of personally experiencing God. So here are the “family of purpose” challenges and thoughts for this week.

Pastor Rick

1. Are you individually and as a family asking, “What sacrifice can we/I make to express our worship to God?”
2. Are you bringing offerings to God and teaching your children to bring offerings to God?
3. Do you talk about how you are doing in your relationship with Jesus? Do you pray for each other?
4. Family Project: Pray for each other that God will be your greatest treasure!


To listen to Pastor Rick's sermon from Sunday, May 11, 2008 click here.

To read the PDF transcript of the sermon click here.

Rule Over You (May 4, 2008)

Well, here we are at the beginning of May. I had a sense that God was speaking to us on Sunday in ways that seemed deeper than words. I look forward to reading your thoughts. Here's the "Becoming a Family of Purpose" ideas I mentioned in the message.

Pastor Rick

Becoming a Family of Purpose

1. How do people respond when someone tries to control them?
2. How do people respond when someone loves them and speaks honestly with them?
3. What needs to change in our family?
4. Reflect on this passage this week ­ Ephesians 4-5.


To listen to Pastor Rick's sermon from Sunday, May 4, 2008 click here.

To read the PDF transcript of the sermon click here.