Steve Stahl

The BIG C

Hey,

Check out Proverbs 6:7-8 (CEV). It says, “Ants don’t have leaders, but they store up food during the harvest season.” Is that not amazing how organized, how structured ants are? Yet they don’t have leaders. That just freaked me out, blew my mind, that I dug into it. What I found is ants are in constant communication. They produce a chemical called pheromones and that is how they do so much together. What an awesome thing it would be if humans could communicate in a way that would create that type of community. We could do awesome things together for God. Just a random thought…… Have a great day!

 Randomly,

Steve

Little Bird!!

Hey,

 

My children, Katie and Jeremiah, found a new born bird that was injured.  They have become this bird’s mother and are feeding and caring for this bird.  It is amazing that they looked on-line and found out how to care for the bird so it would be able to live.  They are in the process of feeding this bird every 14-18 minutes.  They have named the bird Lucky, and it is a great lesson in life for them.  It makes me think about how small each one of us is in this great big world.  Yet even as insignificant as we are we can have a profound impact on our children and the next generation.  How? Just stay focused and feed children the word of God and be an example of God in action. 

 

Randomly,

 

Steve

REST

Hey,

 

Have you ever thought about rest?  I have. My family and I were on vacation up at Cedar Point and the activities involved in that made me think of all the different things that can distract us from actually getting the rest that God has made us for.  Have you ever thought about entering into God’s rest and what that would truly mean?  God set the example for us in the fact that he rested on the 7^th day.  We must follow in His footsteps and take a day, or a Sabbath, and rest.  How are you doing?

 

Randomly,

 

Steve

ONE PRAYER

Hey,

 

I am so excited about ONE PRAYER, our new series starting this Sunday.   It will be different from anything we have ever done.  What would your one prayer be for the church?  Not just our church, but the church Jesus died for.  

 

See you Sunday and get ready for an awesome day!

 

Randomly,

 

Steve

LOST

Hey,

What a great conference I attended last week!  I wanted to list a few highlights and then challenge you.  First, the church in America has declined over 8 million people in the last 15 years.  I know America has grown some large churches but a large part of their growth has been transfer growth.  We, the American church, need to be about seeking and saving the lost.  I want to encourage you today to start making lost people a priority.  How do you do that?  Spend time with them even on their turf.  Check out what Paul said,

1 Corinthians 9:19-23

¹⁹ Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. ²⁰ To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. ²¹ To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. ²² To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. ²³ I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

Randomly,

Steve

Call of God

Hey,

Do you think God calls us to a specific job or ministry?  What does it mean to have a calling on your life?  I think it means that no matter what you are doing you are compelled to do the one thing God has for you.   No matter what it is God wants to use you there for His glory.  It is something you would do for NO pay.  What do you think your calling is?  Are you ready to help us transform our community one person at a time?  Where is it you fit into the body of Christ?  Let me know if you need help finding your call, I would be glad to pray with you.

 

Randomly,

Steve

Who is going with you?

Hey,

Vicky and I are up in the DC area going to a conference and we spent some time visiting the sites.  I cried when I saw the Vietnam Memorial.    I could not hold back looking at all those names of men and women who died for their country…our country.   What is it you’re willing to die for?  Are you willing to die to yourself to be more like Jesus or are you just believing for fire insurance?  I know, tough questions.  Here’s the deal.  How many people are you going to take with you?  That is the question that burns in my soul right now.  I pray every day for people to receive Jesus, but praying is not enough.  We need to suffer and die for people just like Jesus did.  Anyway, here is a cool Scripture that helps me know that I need to hope for bigger things.  Hebrews 11:1 [By Faith] Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.   By the way One Prayer will start on June 8^th.  Get ready; it’s going to be a great ride!!!!

 

Randomly,

 

Steve

Hey,

What would you pray if God would answer One Prayer for the Church at large?  One Prayer will happen starting June 8^th at over 800 churches nationwide. What would your prayer be?

 

Also, I love new technology especially when it helps me with my walk with God. Check out this new    online bible community. Click on the link below and enjoy a new way to connect with God.

http://www.youversion.com/reader

Randomly,

Steve

SUBMISSION?

Hey,

If you have been baptized in Christ Jesus, it symbolizes your submission to God.  You are dying to self and receiving the full power of God in faith of Jesus’ resurrection.    Baptism is not the end but the beginning of leading a life totally submitted to God.  If you have been baptized, how is submission to Christ going?    If you have not been baptized, what is holding you back?

Randomly,

Steve

Enjoying Life

Hey,

When was the last time you did something you are really good at and then praised God?  God created you to enjoy life and to live it to the full.  Many of us are enjoying it to the Full Throttle energy drink.  God created us to live life at a marathon pace not at a sprinter’s pace.  What does that mean?  We have to be productive and get things done in less time and then enjoy the rest of the time that’s left.  Now, if you cannot be more productive, maybe you need to cut out some things of your life.  In any case, find a way to make room for life. 

Randomly,

Steve