Secure Investment

In finance we always hear of diversifying;  we want to have stock options, we invest in 401k's, we are constantly watching our mutual funds and lipper averages all in an effort to assure financial security.  It turns out that investing in eternity is about putting all of our stock in to one "account" and that is the kingdom of God.  I have been thinking along these lines as I take a look at our calendar and realize how bombarded our schedule truly is.  I am sure you can relate; church, school, soccer games, pta meetings, and making dinner just to name a few.  The Lord has been challenging me to make certain that I don't become so busy that I lose focus on the things that are truly important.  Eugene Peterson makes it really plain for us to understand in the Message:

Matthew 6:33

The Message (MSG)

 ^30-33"If God gives such attention to the appearance of wildflowers—most of which are never even seen—don't you think he'll attend to you, take pride in you, do his best for you? What I'm trying to do here is to get you to relax, to not be so preoccupied with getting, so you can respond to God's giving. People who don't know God and the way he works fuss over these things, but you know both God and how he works. Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don't worry about missing out. You'll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.

When we invest our hearts and lives in to our relationship with God then he has an amazing way of putting the pieces of the puzzle in the proper order.  Where are you investing your life today?

On the eve of "Ahop's Got Talent"  I am truly amazed at the gifts and abilities of God's people within our church.  In every area there are people being raised up to carry the torch of ministry at Ahop.  It begs the question; what are you doing with what God has given you?  You are not an artist by accident.  You don't have the voice of an angel to simply fill your shower with heavenly tones.  You weren't blessed with the hands of a skilled craftsman so you could build bird houses in your garage.  God has placed specific skills and abilities in to his people with flawless design.  What we do with those talents is up to us.  Paul urges the Colossians to "work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people.  When we use our talents to honor our creator then and only then are we operating in the way our maker intended.  Think of ways you can use your God-given abilities this week to honor God and enhance the lives of others.


Romans 12:6-8

As the amazing crew continues to remove and tear down the remnants of Ahop's future home, it reminds me of the Spiritual renovations that are often necessary in the heart of the believer.  Of course we want to be brand new.  We all love the word "upgrade."  Whether it be a new phone, a bigger television, or a new vehicle, we all want the latest and the greatest.  When it comes to becoming spiritually renewed we often have to remove the old.  We have to remove our old way of thinking, we have to remove old habits, occasionally we have to move on from old relationships.  Christ promises new identity in him, and there is no upgrade that can match that.  As you remember Ahop's endeavor in your times of prayer consider what God is trying to renovate in your own life.  He has tremendous destiny in store for our church and for its people, let's keep our eyes on him and he will bring us to the land he has promised.

AHOP Super Sunday

This is an exciting time to be a part of AHOP.  We are on the verge of tremendous transformation in more ways than one.  We are thankful that you and your family have chosen to call A House of Prayer your home church, and our commitment is to offer the very best in spiritual development for people of all ages. We are only a couple of  days away from the Super Bowl, and I know Pastor Brooks has a tremendous message in store.  If you've never been a part of baptism at AHOP, especially on Super Bowl Sunday, you haven't truly lived.  It is going to be a tremendous weekend, and there is the matter of the big game as well.  This is the first of many posts from A House of Prayer, stay tuned for devotions, sermon teasers, and encouragement from our pastor, and enjoy "Super Weekend" at AHOP.