Dealing With Surgery

It's been a while since I posted anything. Shame on me.

I've been taking some time off after going in for surgery toward the end of 2011. It's been good, but I am getting restless.

The surgery went very well. I was afraid I'd be down and out for a four to five weeks, but God brought me through it and the recovery is going faster than first thought.

As one who believes God is still in the healing business going in for surgery could have some questioning my faith. "Why didn't God just heal you without surgery?" Well, he could have, but decided not to. Instead God used a great team of doctors, nurses, etc. to bring about the healing. Some of you still might question this and the same question again, "Why didn't God just do all the healing?"

Paul, in 2 Cor. 12:9 asked God to remove a thorn from his flesh. There has been a number of different thoughts on what this thorn was, but whatever it was God's answer is powerful. God said to Paul, '"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

It would have been great if God would have healed me without surgery, but like with Paul God said, "My grace is sufficient for you, Brad. My power is made perfect in your weakness."

Often times we get down when God doesn't do things the way WE think He should. He doesn't fix our finances overnight or bring the healing we want the way want it and when we want it. Instead He is trying to tell us, "My grace is sufficient for you." If you will submit then God's power will be made perfect, His will can be worked through your weakness. And because we can be used to do God's will even in our weakness we need to "boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ's power may rest on me."

God is good and is working in us and through us even in our low times, our painful times, our discouraging times. He is at work in us and through us ALL the time.

My prayer: "God thank you for being with me through this surgery. I pray that through it You will be glorified. Let Your power flow through my weaknesses. Thank you. Amen."

Digging Depper - Lesson Six

Finding A Church

Now that you have a relationship with Jesus it is important to find a good Church home.

In looking for a good Church you want to find one that:

1. Believes and teaches the Bible.

2. Believes in the power of prayer.

3. Has a loving atmosphere.

4. Seeks to practice what they preach.

5. Is willing to help you grow in your relationship with Jesus.

No Church is perfect, but it is important to be around others who share a relationship with Jesus (read Hebrews 10:24-25).  God has also given you talents that He wants you to use for His glory. You have a role to play in His Church (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).

We invite you to consider making New Hope Assembly your home church.

Digging Deeper - Lesson Five

Your Friends & You?

The relationship you now have with Jesus is one He desires to have with everyone, including your friends. However, for this to take place you must be willing to tell others about Jesus.

Read Matthew 28:19

What does this passage tell you to do?

A “disciple” is a follower of someone. In your case, a follower of Jesus.

Where are we to do this?

Your world includes the people you come in contact with every day; your family, your friends, your co-workers, etc.

Jesus loved you so much He gave up His life for you. He asked you show this same type of love to your friends, your family, your co-workers, and those you come in contact with every day. Share Jesus with them.

Who is one person you could share   Jesus with this week?

On a separate piece of paper take some time and write down what Jesus means to you and what he has done in your life. This is what is called your personal testimony (your story).  It is this story, and the role Jesus plays in your story, that can be used to share with others.

Digging Deeper - Lesson Four

Temptation & You?

Because you are now a Christian does not mean you are above sin (sin is doing anything contrary to God’s Word), but you now have the ability to rise above sin.

Read 1 Corinthians 10:13

Temptation is when the opportunity to sin arises in your life. If you give in to that temptation then it becomes sin.

Since God is faithful what does the Bible say He will not let happen?

When you are tempted what are you told God will provide for you?

What does this verse tell you about dealing with temptation in your life?

If you do give into temptation and it becomes sin what does 1 John 1:9 tell  you to do?

There is no way for you to escape the fact that sooner or later you will face temptation yet you can survive. And if you sin, don’t give up or think that you have failed. Ask God to forgive you and keep working on your relationship with Him. Never give up, God will never give up on you. He loves you so much that Jesus died on a cross for you.

Digging Deeper - Lesson Three

Prayer & You

Prayer is your vital line of communication with Jesus, your new friend. Prayer is simply taking to Jesus.

Good communication must go both ways.

God speaks to you through the Bible and you talk to Him through prayer. See God’s Communication Model (below).

 

Read Daniel 9:1-3

What was Daniel reading?

After reading what did he do?

In this scripture we see the above diagram put into action and verses 4-19 records Daniel’s prayer.

Read 9:4-19

What 4 words or statements does Daniel use to describe God?

1.

2.

3.

4.

Daniel starts his prayer by speaking of the goodness of God.

In verses 5-12 what does Daniel do?

The “Law of Moses” mentioned in verse 13 refers to the first 5 books of the Bible.

Daniel then does what in verse 16?

You can use this prayer as a model for your own prayers. It is not, However, it is not important that the words you use in talking to God be as fancy as Daniel’s but that they come from your heart.

Digging Deeper - Lesson Two

This is the second of an ongoing discipleship study. Every Wednesday I will post a short study. The first series will be from our brochure for new believers. It is called New Life 101. If you would like to print off a copy of the study going to www.mitchellnewhope.com and click on Digging Deeper on the home page.

Before you start the study make sure you have your bible, a pen and paper, and pray. Ask God to open up your mind and give you insight into His word.

These lessons are for those who have asked Jesus to come into their lives, forgive them of their sins, and be their God and King. If you have not done this I would encourage you to go to www.mitchellnewhope.com and click where it says Click here to learn more about Jesus.

The Bible & You?

The Bible introduces you to Jesus, and helps you see how He would want you to live. It is the best way for you to get to know your new friend.

Read Psalm 119:1-8

How can you always be “blameless?”

Verse 2 tells you 2 things which those who are “blessed” do, what are they?

1.

2.

In verse 7 the writer says, “he will praise God as he

It is important to study God’s Word (the Bible). Through the reading of the Bible, God will talk to you and through prayer you can talk to God.

Preparing for 24-7 Prayer

Starting Saturday morning at 9  New Hopers will begin praying for 24 hours. Different members of the church has selected an hour to devoid to prayer. So as we prepare to climb up into God's lap lets take a video look at what prayer is all about. The video is from the same people (Kore) that put together the one on worship. Check it out.

John Wesley once said, "God does nothing except in response to believing prayer."

Paul said, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, with transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6-7

There is power in prayer, it is time to tap into that power. It is time to crawl up into God's lap and spend some time with Him.