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Encounter Church

Grow Through It

1 Peter 4:12-13 (NLT) “Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.” I do not know one person that wakes up each day and looks forward to the trials that may come their way in the next 24 hours. None of us like setbacks or persecutions. Most of us have a plan. There’s nothing wrong with a plan. But how do you react when your plan goes south? What happens to your attitude and demeanor when a kink is thrown into your goals? What does your attitude reveal about how you face the adversities of life? Do you get hateful and angry with the people around you? Are you withdrawn and pout and throw yourself a pity party? Do you pitch a temper tantrum to warn people to stay out of your path? Or maybe you go around with a negative attitude? I get it. It’s hard. It wasn’t in your plan. It feels like everything is messed up. You wonder why things are spinning out of control. You’re angry. You’re bitter. You’re confused. And you just want everything to be like it was supposed to be. But hear this: God allowed it! And God doesn’t allow things without purpose. So don’t just endure it. Don’t just whine about it. Don’t even just try to get through it. Instead, grow through it. Realize that God has purpose in our trials, and He is allowing us to suffer, in order to make us more like Him! And honestly, isn’t that what everyday should look like! Shouldn’t we try to become more like Jesus each and everyday? So remember today (if your plans don’t go according to schedule), don’t get angry, upset or hateful! Instead, realize God allowed it, so there is purpose in it! Have a blessed Tuesday!

Peace Through Longing

Psalm 42:1 (AMP) “As the deer pants [longingly] for the water brooks, so my soul pants [longingly] for You, O God. Several mornings ago, I woke up to the most beautiful sight! As I peered out our back windows to look at the sunrise over the lake, I saw a doe hugging the edge of the lake. She was so beautiful, as she had her head down quenching her thirst! She was young and all alone, but in that moment, I saw total and complete peace in her. She was obviously thirsty, as she seemed to lap the water for awhile. As I watched her for a bit, the Holy Spirit brought this verse to my mind. And I began to http://wonder...does my soul long for God? I mean as a Christian, I want my soul to long for God, but does it? I’m sure you are like http://me...busy! So many demands on your time and attention. Often, there aren’t enough hours in the day. And when I do have a moment to myself, do I spend it longing for the attention of my Father? I hear people longingly desire for the weekend to be here. I listen as people long for a vacation or a big event in their lives (like a new relationship, graduation, a new job, getting married, having a baby, moving into a new house). And none of these things are bad things! They are wonderful things! But do we long for God as much as we do for things of this world? It was then that I realized that the total and complete peace I saw in that deer is the same peace I feel when my soul longs for my Father! And there is nothing else that can compare! Have a blessed Saturday!

Banging on locked doors

Revelation 3:7 (NLT) “http://...what he opens, no one can close; and what he closes, no one can open.” For several weeks now, I have watched the most beautiful cardinal on my back porch. I’m not sure why he has decided to “camp out” on my deck, but this bird has totally made himself at home. A few days ago, he began to attempt to get into our house. He is constantly pecking at the windows and the doors. I’m not sure if he is seeing his reflection or if he is just curious about what is on the other side of the glass. But he is relentless in his pursuit. What he doesn’t understand is that he isn’t designed to live in our home. He wouldn’t have freedom to fly wherever he needed to go. He would actually be in bondage in our house, but he desperately wants inside. It makes me think about the times I have tried so hard to open doors in my own life that God has closed. I beat on them. I bang on them. I try my hardest to force them open. In the past, it was a relationship with someone. Another time, it was a job. I have even tried to open my own doors of ministry opportunities. But each time, I was just like that cardinal...unsuccessful. It was wasted time, emotions, and energy. Because http://friend...no matter how much we want a door opened, if it’s not God’s will for our life, than we are delaying the inevitable and frustrating ourselves for naught. So if God has shut a door in your life, walk away! You’re not supposed to go through it, so quit wasting your time! Happy Friday!

Paralyzing Fear

2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV) “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” About a month ago, I was in Walmart one afternoon. I ran into an elderly lady in the dairy section. She was taking her time making her selection. And I was trying to hurry (as usual). I politely said, “Do you mind if I reach over you to grab some Greek yogurt?” She was so kind and sweet, and apologized for being in my way. The funny thing is..I ran into her 2 more times before I went to check out. The last time, she said, “Honey, I’m so sorry that I keep getting in your way! I’m just taking my time, because I haven’t been out of the house or even grocery shopping in over a year!” I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Friend, that is what fear does to people. It paralyzes them. It keeps them from living life with purpose! It keeps them secluded from a lost and dying world! What would have happened if Jesus and the disciples refused to be around the lepers, because they were extremely contagious? If there is anything in your life that is causing fear, then let me be very clear: the fear is not from God! He says above that He gives us power, love and a sound mind! That last part, “a sound mind”, does not include fear. Because a sound mind and a spirit of fear cannot co-exist together! I’m praying that whatever fears you have today will be replaced with power, love and a sound mind...because those are from the Lord! Have a blessed Thursday!

Everything Has Gone Wrong

Philippians 4:11 (NIV) “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” Well, I don’t know if anyone can say that 2020 has gone anything like we anticipated or wanted it to go. It sure has not for me. There have been plenty of setbacks, disappointments, frustrations, divisions, and losses. As I was listening to the radio while I was driving earlier this week, you would think it was “The Great Depression”. They were talking about everything that has gone wrong this year. And I just started thinking about what had gone right! Friend, no matter how bleak things look, no matter how many disappointments or setbacks you incur, no matter how many losses you http://have...it’s not all bad! In fact, there is plenty to be thankful for. But just like the yummy food that you will partake of today stems from a great http://recipe...the recipe for being thankful is a godly perspective and an attitude of contentment. No matter what your situation is. No matter what your need is. No matter what your circumstances http://are...you can still be content and thankful! So today, let’s do something different! Let’s not say anything negative. Let’s not complain or grumble or gripe. Let’s not fuss or argue. Instead, let’s be thankful and content for another day! There is exactly 35 days left in this iconic and memorable http://year...can you spend them being content and thankful? I sure am going to give it my best shot! And by the way, I’m thankful for you today! Have a happy, blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving full of contentment!

Because You Said So

Luke 5:5 (NIV) “Simon answered, “Master, we’ve worked hard all night and haven’t caught anything. But because you say so, I will let down the nets.” Because you said so. This is something I’m learning. Sometimes I don’t understand what God is calling me to do. Sometimes I don’t understand why He tells me to praise Him in the middle of a storm. Sometimes I don’t understand how I can have peace while having problems. Sometimes I don’t understand why I have to have go through valleys to get to mountaintops. Sometimes I don’t understand why God allows me to suffer. Sometimes I don’t see the big picture. But I’m trying to follow the example Simon gave us here. He didn’t understand either. It made no sense to him, and in all reality, what Jesus was telling him to do, seemed unrealistic. But Simon did exactly what he was told, and his reason? Because you said so. There are things God has been telling me to do, and I have not done them, simply because they make no sense. What about you? Is there something that God has been telling you to do or something He has been telling you to lay down? It may not make sense but do it...because God said so! Simon was immediately blessed with more than he ever imagined! Maybe the same will happen for you or for me! Have a blessed Day!

Even Your Enemies

Matthew 5:46-47 (NLT) “If you love only those who love you, what reward is there for that? Even corrupt tax collectors do that much. If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that.” I was scrolling through Facebook the other day and saw a post saying something to the effect of: “Don’t go the extra mile for people who won’t even go an extra foot for you.” Or “Don’t cross an ocean for someone that won’t cross a puddle for you.” Or my favorite , “Don’t hold the door open for someone who will slam it in your face!” And the overwhelming response to this post was: “Yes, girl!” & “Don’t give people the time of day who don’t care anything about you!” & “Amen, sister!” And I just sat there and thought that this totally goes against everything that Jesus taught! Go after that person that totally rejects you! Don’t just go the extra http://mile...but go 10 extra miles! Don’t just hold the door open but give them a hug & buy their meal! I say this because Jesus loved me when I continually rejected Him. Jesus loved me when I shut the door in His face! What better way to show the heart of Jesus than to love someone who wouldn’t even give me the time of day! I’m praying that you and I both encounter a person like this today and that we show them what the heart of Jesus really looks like! Happy Wednesday!

Right Time God

2 Corinthians 6:2 (NLT) “For God says, At just the right time, I heard you...” Do you remember when you were little and would make out a long Christmas list, but that top 1 or maybe even 2 on the list, you wanted more than anything else! If your parents were like mine, you did not get them until Christmas morning. Why? Because it would have ruined the surprise and it wouldn’t have meant as much. It’s the same with God’s http://timing...he has just the right time for everything in our lives. Maybe you have been praying for a new job, or praying that God would give you a spouse or a girlfriend/boyfriend, or maybe for a new house. Maybe you have been asking God for some direction or some answers in situations in your life. Maybe you have been praying for God to open doors of opportunity for you. Whatever you have been praying for, it’s not that God isn’t listening or doesn’t care about you and the desires of your http://heart...it just has not been the right time. Keep asking. Keep praying. Keep believing. Because one day you will wake up and it will be “the right time”http://...but it will be in God’s time. And that day could be today! Happy Tuesday!!!

Boomerangs

Galatians 6:7-8 (NIV) “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” I have always been fascinated with boomerangs. Well, not just boomerangs, but Australia in http://general...koala bears, kangaroos, and that “down under” accent! But boomerangs are very unique! I don’t know of any other tool or weapon that is thrown and comes straight back to the person who threw it. My Dad used to explain it that the spinning of the boomerang creates different aerodynamic forces that makes it spin in an elliptical pattern back to the place from where it started. While I really have no idea what that means...I do know that it is a perfect example of “reaping and sowing” that is talked about in the Bible. If you sow discord, that is what you will reap. If you sow peace, that is what you will reap. If you sow anger, that is what you will reap, if you sow joy, that is what you will reap. So my question to you today is, “What are you sowing?” Because whatever it http://is...it will be coming back to in what I call “the boomerang effect”! Let’s sow the things that we also want to reap! Have a super blessed Monday!

Oasis College and Career

Oasis College and Career is a ministry for ages 18 to twenty-somethings. This ministry equips and disciples our young adults to help provide purpose and the ability to make godly decisions throughout their lives. We actively engage in missions by reaching out to our community through serving, ministering the Word, and fellowship. Join Pastors Tim and Tina Reneau on Wednesdays at 6:30pm.

Perspective

Numbers 13:33 (KJV) “And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.” What do you do when the situation you are in looks bleak? Have you ever been there? Maybe in your marriage. Maybe your health or the health of a loved one. Maybe your job seems like a dead end career. Maybe your finances do not seem to ever be enough. This is real life. The 12 men in this scripture went to scout out the land that God was going to give them. For 40 days, they walked through the gorgeous countryside and saw a ‘land flowing with milk and honey.’ They all saw the same beautiful land, but only 2 of the 12 saw the promise of what God was going to give them. The other 10 saw destruction, fear and literal giants! So what do you do when what you see and perceive does not line up with the promises of God? You pray for a different http://perspective...you pray for a spiritual perspective. You ask God for His perspective. It’s all in what you see! Joshua and Caleb saw a promise, even though there were giants in the way! The other 10 scouts could only see the giants amidst the beautiful promise! So no matter how bleak your situation looks today and in the days ahead, trust God with the promises He has given you in His word! And pray for the perspective that He wants you to see! Have a blessed Friday!

Young at Heart

Young at Heart exists for those age 50 and older. We take dinner trips, shopping trips, go to concerts, have movie nights, do outreach programs for people in need within our community, and lots more. Watch the calendar for current events.

Are You Tired? Today's Devotion

Isaiah 40:31 (NIV) “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.” I’m tired. No, I’m exhausted. Not just sleepy. But tired of the battles of life. Tired of getting up everyday to fight the things of this world. Tired of making the right choices when I see others around me making wrong choices and getting rewarded. I have no strength left. So I started reading this verse. It tells me that if I will have hope in the Lord, I will be renewed with new strength. So I wanted to know what hoping in the Lord looked like. It doesn’t come naturally. You see hoping in the Lord is not based on a desire or a dream that you are ‘hoping’ will happen. Hoping in the Lord is knowing without a doubt, having all certainty, that God will come through in your situation. Hoping in the Lord is having confidence that the Lord will help you in your weaknesses. Hoping in the Lord is having an expectation that in the near future God will make a way where there is no way. Certainty, confidence and expectancy. That is what hope in the Lord looks like! And be assured, it will renew your strength! Have a blessed day!

Grace Alone

June 7, 2015 • Pastor Allan Kendrick

Part 5 of Pastor's series on Grace. This is based on a deeper understanding of Grace Pastor received after the passing of his son.

Oasis Student Ministries

Come join this ministry full of students seeking to know Jesus and to make Him known to the world. Participate in a ministry created specifically for teenagers, with teenagers, and by teenagers.

Gossip Can Be True

1 Peter 3:10 (NLT) “If you want to enjoy life and see many happy days, keep your tongue from speaking evil and your lips from telling lies.” I don’t know about you, but I like to really enjoy each day that I live! I like to have fun! I like to laugh! I like to smile! I like to encourage others! I like to find joy in small things and moments! But when I hear people gossiping about others or when I join in on the gossip, my day seems to go downhill. Did you know that gossip can even be true? But when you talk about someone trying to diminish their reputation (even if it is true), it is wrong. And then we have the issue of lying. People nowadays seem to think that a ‘little white lie’ is ok. If I distort the truth just a little bit, it’s not really a lie. But God says it does not change the fact that it is still a lie. And these things will ruin our lives. They will make us lose friendships. They will make us lose trust. They will make us miserable. So today I challenge you to watch what comes out of your mouth. Let it be only that which builds others up, so you can truly enjoy today! Have an awesome Wednesday!

Be Strong in Grace Part 2

May 31, 2015 • Pastor Allan Kendrick

Part 4 of Pastor's series on Grace. This is based on a deeper understanding of Grace Pastor received after the passing of his son.

What do you choose today?

Genesis 50:20-21 (NIV) “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.” I thought about something while I was studying this text last night having to do with the story of Joseph. We all know the famous verse of Genesis 50:20 about what man meant for harm, God meant for good, which is the saving of many souls. But stop and really think about that. Joseph had to make a choice to allow God to turn it into good. And I started thinking about different scenarios in my life, some even right now, where a person meant harm for http://me...maybe not physical harm but it was still intentional. Maybe they were trying to ruin my reputation or harm my influence. Maybe they were trying to harm my relationships or maybe their words spoken to me were very hurtful and damaging. Am I going to allow God to turn it into good for the saving of souls? OR am I going to allow the devil to turn it into his good? What about you? We both have a choice just like Joseph did. The things that have happened to you throughout your life that were harmful and completely out of your control, will it bring good to God through you or will you allow it to bring good to the devil? B/c it will be one or the other. Bringing good to God always means the saving of souls, but the devil wants to halt all of that abruptly so his plan is anger, resentment, bitterness, http://frustration...it would have been real easy for Joseph to choose the latter. It would have been natural for him to choose unforgiveness. But that won’t turn things around for good. Joseph even went the extra mile as the Word says and “spoke kindly to them” and “provided for them.” Wow! What do you choose today? Have a blessed Monday!

Men's Ministry

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 There is more to life than eating, sleeping, and working. The Men's Ministry is here for us to learn from each other and challenge one other to be the men God has called us to be.

Day 41 is coming

Genesis 7:17 NIV “For forty days the flood kept coming on the earth, and as the waters increased they lifted the ark high above the earth.” 40 days. That’s how long the flooding rain lasted. 40 days. That’s how long the taunts of Goliath kept the Israelite army in fear (1 Samuel 17:6). 40 days. That’s how long Elijah endured the death threats of Jezebel (1 Kings 19:8-12). 40 days. That’s how long the early church saw Jesus walk on the earth after His resurrection. But I don’t want to talk about 40 days. I want to talk about Day 41! On day 41, the the rain stopped falling and Noah and his family knew they had survived! On day 41, David faced the giant and fearlessly took him down! On day 41, Elijah chose to listen to the gentle whisper of God’s voice! On day 41, the early Christians saw the resurrected Jesus ascend into heaven! When will you have your day 41? When will I have my day 41? I have started a 40 day prayer challenge! I have some things I need to change in my life! For 40 days, I have committed to pray about those things more than I ever have before! It won’t be easy! It may be the hardest thing I ever http://do...but GOD will show up! Join me! Make a list today of things you need to pray about! And for 40 days, pray harder than you ever have! My friend, day 41 is coming! Have a blessed Friday!!!

Be Strong in Grace Part 1

May 24, 2015 • Pastor Allan Kendrick

Part 3 of Pastor's series on Grace. This is based on a deeper understanding of Grace Pastor received after the passing of his son. God encourages us to be strong in Grace.