Pastor Chris' Newsletter- Family Business

Dear Orchard Grove, This Sunday we talked about the five-star lifestyle. People often assume that a five star lifestyle is about having whatever your heart desires. We associate it with money, fame, being served, pampered and getting things our way. But in our case study we found that while there is nothing wrong with having lots of money or fame per se. It will not guarantee us fulfillment. Solomon already tested it for us. He had the ability to get whatever he saw and wanted. Let his words from Ecclesiastes sink in… I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me.I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired men and women singers, and a harem as well-- the delights of the heart of man.I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me.I denied myself nothing my eyes desired; I refused my heart no pleasure. My heart took delight in all my work, and this was the reward for all my labor.Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done and what I had toiled to achieve, everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind; nothing was gained under the sun. Eccl 2:7-11 (NIV) We know that God didn’t design us to chase the wind, but to experience true meaning and purpose in life. This is the real five-star lifestyle. Jesus came to show us the way I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed of. ~Jesus John 10:10 (MES) I believe that these five things are the key to experiencing the life God intended for us to live.

1. Friendship with God. Everybody is searching to connect with their creator and Jesus came to show us who He is and how to connect to him.

The Biblical Concept: Salvation. So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God—all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done for us in making us friends of God. Rom. 5:11 (NLT)

1. A Person marked by Love. This is the most important rule in God’s book, the result of living God’s way and the fruit of letting him have his way in our lives. This is the goal of God for all of us.

The Biblical concept: Spiritual Maturity. But what happens when we live God’s way? The Spirit produces the fruit of love, joy, peace… Gal 5:22-23 (MES, NCV)

1. Being Connected to a Family. We need true human connection that strengthen and support us physically and emotionally. We were built to belong! Not just blood family but the Family of God.

Biblical Concept: Support. There was a man all alone; he had neither son nor brother. There was no end to his toil, yet his eyes were not content with his wealth. "For whom am I toiling," he asked, "and why am I depriving myself of enjoyment?" This too is meaningless-- a miserable business!Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone? Eccl 4:8-11 (NIV)

1. Using your life to help others. Simply put we “need” to be a blessing to others. God has given us gifts so we can find others in need and allow God’s gifts to flow through us.

Biblical Concept: Serving. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, passing on to others God’s many kinds of blessings. 1 Pet 4:10 (NIV, TLB)

1. Managing God’s Resources. We’ve learned that the true five-star lifestyle is not about owning but managing. Its understanding that we came in this world naked and are going to leave naked. All we have is God’s and we are going to report to him one day on how we took care of His stuff.

Biblical Concept: Stewardship. God says: “Everything under heaven belongs to me.” Job 41:11 (NIV) As we launch into our Family Business series this Sunday, it is important for us to remember that this is what our calling is; to invite others to experience the five-star lifestyle. Jesus to His disciples:“Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life.” Mt. 28:19 (MES) Jesus at age 12 to his “earthly parents”:Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business? Luke 2:49 (NKJ) This Sunday I am looking forward to sharing more about our calling in our “Family Business” Series. We are going to begin by taking a look back at where God has brought us and then a “look” forward at what lies ahead. LET’S GET DOWN TO BUSINESS! Chris

High School Superbowl Party

On Sunday, Feb. 3rd the High School Students had a Superbowl Party!
The HSM students just hung out with each other, played some guitar hero, watched some good football and ate lots of food!!! You can't have a party without food! Visit the High School webpage for upcoming events!