Pastor Trey Rhodes: impossible

Showing posts with label impossible. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Release the Kraken!

Among much skepticism, a paleontologist has found what could have been equal to the Kraken of seafaring lore. Written of famously in Jules Verne's 20,000 Leagues under the Sea, the Kraken is a giant cephalopod (octopus or squid-like creature) that ruled the seas and overwhelmed ships. Recently, marine biologists have found large squids measuring 50 to 60 feet in length floating on the ocean and have tried to bring them back to the lab to study them. That procedure has not been very successful as decay had already set in. It is no wonder that some have been searching for this monster that measured over 100 feet in length. Supposedly, a cave has been found with piles of bones of the giant fish and lizards crushed and scatttered after having been eaten. Whatever it was, it had to be huge.

In the "Blogpost" section of the Washington Post, we are told:

"A giant sea monster, akin to the mythological Kraken, may have terrorized Earth's ancient oceans, drowning or breaking the necks of its prey before dragging the bodies to its underwater lair."

McMenamin, the paleontologist who found the "lair" of the Kraken tells of His discovery. While he was,

"visiting a fossil site in the Nevada desert this summer." He found "the bones of ichthyosaurs, a giant marine reptile the size of a school bus that the Kraken once ate. The arrangement reminded McMenamin of the pile of debris that the modern octopus piles up to conceal the entrance of its den, leading him to believe this could have been the Kraken’s lair."

Why does he think they were eaten by a giant creature? He reports,

"strange markings on the bones suggested the ichthyosaurs were not all killed and buried at the same time."

Researcher Mark McMenamin says this arrangement of lizard bones,
which were brought to this area in a pattern of a tentacle, could prove the
existence of the Kraken

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2047699/Sea-monster-100ft-Kraken-exists-claims-scientist-Mark-McMenamin.html#ixzz1ag0OOGRy

In other words, he believes the evidence points to something leaving the bones of large creatures scattered around after devouring the ancient beasts.

While they will debate this find for many years, the truth is that something was happening with these creatures's bones. What happened is up to debate.

Here's something we don't need to debate, God wants to bless us so He can use us for His purposes. Over the next 2 weeks, we are going to reveal 8 principles that should help us all be thankful for and use what God has already blessed us with. What we have been given as God's children is not up to debate. It is already set in stone. Our blessings are for now, not just, "the sweet by and by." Just as Dr. McMenamin said, “We're ready for this. We have a very good case.” We too have a very good case, so let's be ready to avail ourselves of God's blessings in the here and now.

How?
1. Get All In (Joshua 13:8, 10, 22-23)
Just as the Reubenites were living on the border, too many of us want to live borderline Christian lives. We have taken to heart the jingle of a well-known fast food restaurant as we "make a run for the border." The land the Reubenites wanted was prime grazing land for their livestock, but was horrible for attacks on their families. They became the "trip-wire" for marauding enemies from neighboring nations. What seemed to be good ,for their accruing wealth was anything but that as the tribe was attacked again and again, losing not only riches and cattle, but also their own families.
You see, when we choose to live border lives, we sacrifice what is most important to us and we can even harm those we love. God wants us all in, not living a border-line Christian life.

2. Shine Your Light (Joshua 13:14, 33, 14:3-4, 18:7)
Over and over again, God told the Levites that they would not have a portion of the land given to them. They would be spread throughout the land in every tribe to influence the entire nation and shine their light on all of them. They would be given God and the priesthood with enough land to give them sustenance and wealth near each of the towns/cities. God wanted the Levites to make a difference in the lives of the entire kingdom.
In the same way, God wants us to be those who have been scattered throughout His kingdom on earth to make a difference in the lives of people everywhere. That is why we are not "hold up" in a monastery or a compound. We are called to shine the light of Christ and change the world. that is the kind of thing that can make the "Sun Stand Still" in the lives of those we touch.

3. It's All Yours (Joshua 19:49-51)
Caleb was the first of the 2 faithful spies to receive his inheritance. Now, it was Joshua's turn. As he wandered in the desert for years and years, he held onto the promise of God: his inheritance of a land flowing with milk and honey. It was this promise that gave them "joy and courage as they endured years and wandering and waiting" (Weirsbe).
You can also be encouraged in your pilgrim journey. You can now claim your inheritance in Christ and claim, "every spiritual blessing" (Ephesians 1:3). We are assured, "For every one of God’s promises is 'Yes' in Him" 2 Corinthians 1:20 (HCSB).

Then you can...
4. Refuse Any Limitations (Joshua 14:8-12)
Caleb was 85 years young...at least that's how he saw it. When the inheritance was being divvied up, he didn't want it easy, he wanted the hill country where the enemy still needed to be driven out and the enemy were giants! If there was anyone who could have said they were tired and old and needed to take it easy, it was Caleb. But he saw the limitations of his age as an opportunity to show the strength and power of God. He saw the land as another opportunity to demonstrate how great God is.
Wherever you feel most limited, recognize that God wants to use your limitations as opportunities to show how great He is through your life. The Apostle Paul, said it this way, "We don't just put up with our limitations; we celebrate them, and then go on to celebrate every strength, every triumph of the truth in you." 2 Corinthians 13:9 (MSG). It is then we can be assured that it is Christ working in us because we couldn't have done it ourselves without His power working through us.

You have been impossibly blessed by the God of the impossible...now GET AFTER IT! Don't get lost in some lair that will take 1000's of years to find your work. Let them see Jesus in you today!

Thinkin' 'Bout Oceanside

Wow, what great worship services! You are truly allowing God to work through you and in you every single week. He truly touched hearts and lives at both services. We are getting it together in a great way. Thanks to those of you who are doing double duty. Your faithfulness is noted by our Lord, and He is so pleased with your commitment. Lives are being changed because of your obedience.
Saturday Night Worship and Coffee - "A new time for this generation." We are asking the Lord to bring people to our Saturday night service. It begins at 8:00 p.m. We provide an open and casual atmosphere. We encourage people to bring their iPads, laptops, and smart phones to worship in order to provide feedback and prayer requests during the service. We are committed to a one hour service, although people can come early and stay late if they'd like. That's where we need you to be involved. Let's get some inviting going on! Some people can't make it Sunday morning and this is a great opportunity for you to invite them to Saturday night. You might need to go and get them and come with them to worship. You can make a difference in their life for eternity. Don't give up. Keep asking. Keep praying. Let's watch our God do a new thing.
Scare Mare - We have had the walk-through and are "imagineering" what each room should be. We are praying to have a large crowd attend, and that means we're going to need your help. If you're not already involved, please get involved. Its going to take all of us plus a few more for this happen. We want to tell them that death is real and salvation in possible with Jesus as their Savior. With your help, that can happen. ScareMare begins October 28th and goes through 31st. Scare Mare, the scariest house you'll never forget!
Trunk or Treat - This year, we want to make a big deal of Jesus while providing a great opportunity for fun for the kids. Many of you have signed up to help and provide booths and candy and food and fun on October 31st. Let's keep providing this amazing event for our community and give them a REAL reason to celebrate. Get YOUR TRUNK READY!

Blessed impossibly to be used in an impossible way for the God who does the impossible,

Pastor Trey Rhodes

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

The Pursuit of Amanda Knox

Pursuit is for one of at least two reasons: 1) You really want what you're going after...like a boy pursuing a girl (or vice versa); or 2) You want to catch what you're going after. Like a defensive tackle pursuing the quarterback. The story of the week echoes both of those reasons. We have seen it played out in the media over these last few years as Amanda Knox endured incessant pursuit by the Italian prosecutor, Giuliano Mignini. As you should know by now, Knox was acquitted by an Italian appeals court because of shaky evidence based on what now seems to have been a coerced confession after a 50 hour non-stop grilling by 14 or more Italian police officers. More here from the UK's Mail Online. Their pursuit was relentless as they were trying to convict and convince a jury of her alleged crime of murdering Meredith Kercher. I'm sure they felt as if they left no stone unturned in their pursuit of the one they thought murdered this defenseless girl. I just hope that if Amanda Knox is not guilty, which it looks like she was not, that they now pursue with the same intensity whomever it was that committed this violent, heinous murder.

Amanda Knox in custody of Italian police during her trial for Meredith Kercher's murder

You pursue that which you want. In this case, the pursuit was because the prosecutor truly believed he could get a conviction that stuck. Now, let me ask you, what are you pursuing? How big are the goals for your life? Are they large, extra-large, or maybe even God-sized? Those are the things you should be pursuing. Things that really matter.

It will take a God-sized goal for you to be the father God wants you to be (See this Blog: I'm Tired of Being a Good Father) It will take a God-sized goal for you moms to raise your children as world changers. It will take a God-sized goal for you to share Jesus with those you know at work or at school or with your friends. These are all things that God must intervene if you are to make an impact that will last for all of eternity. Aren't you tired of the same old same old? Isn't it time you left the mundane part of life to someone else. Are you ready to step off into the great unknown and watch God use you in ways you could have never imagined? That is Pursuit of the Impossible. What is impossible with us, is possible with the all powerful God. Making things possible is all about power, and we don't serve a powerful God. We serve an ALL-POWERFUL God. That's why whatever might seem impossible in your life, is possible with the God of the Bible, our God.

Interestingly enough, we have a great example of that kind of belief that leads to prayer, that led to a great win for God and His people.The leader was Joshua, the event was a battle that was impossible to win, and a victory only possible if God suspended His laws of physics...talk about impossible. Regardless how impossible it seemed, Joshua pursued God for the impossible and then was audacious enough to pray for God to do the impossible. So, God did just that. If that is possible for Him, it is certainly possible for each one of who claim the name of Christ.

Here's three ways to get us to be able to accomplish the impossible in our lives.

Recognize that you need...
Help (Joshua 10:6-7)

The Gibeonites were now calling in the favor that they had asked of Joshua and the warriors of Israel, "PROTECT US!!" Here they are caught in between a rock and a hard place. They has chosen to place their trust in these new-comers instead of their age-old friends. Those who were their closest allies are now their worst enemies. There was no doubt that unless they got the help of Joshua, his army, and ultimately, his God there was no chance that they would survive the next 24 hours. They needed help. They couldn't do it on their own.

Let's look a moment at these pagan people. They had enough sense to call on a savior, Joshua (which means YAHWEH saves), to deliver them. These were people who were complete heathens, but knew who to call on for help in a time of crisis. Christ-followers, learn a lesson: when you need help, call on God. There is no one else who is able to help us in our time our trouble more than our very own Savior, Jesus. That is why we are told to

approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us at the proper time. Hebrews 4:16 (HCSB)

Then you will be able to become audacious when you
Pray (Joshua 10:8-15)

Joshua and his soldiers marched all night to get to the 5 city-kingdoms they were called upon to defend the Gibeonites from. So, what was impossible, defeating the armies of 5 city-kingdoms at once, was now made more difficult with their weariness, but his strategy worked. The armies of the enemy were routed. There was only one problem: there was not enough time in the day to defeat all the enemy. Many had been destroyed, many had not. They were fleeing and would be around to fight another day. So Joshua recognized that and realized he also needed God's help in the pursuit. So he prays one of the most audacious prayers in history, "sun stand still." This was a simple prayer but an incredible act took place. According to both the Bible and another non-bibilcal text called the Book of Jashar, "So the sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed its setting almost a full day" (Joshua 10:13b). So you see, God does do the impossible. It doesn't take much faith to believe what God did. That's history. Your faith is really tested when You audaciously ask God to do it in your life. That is pursuing God to do the impossible.

Once you get to that point, I don't want you to miss this important part of pursuing the impossible:
Involvement. We've got to get right into the middle of what it is we are asking God to do. Otherwise, it's just wishful thinking. Joshua prayed. Then Joshua pursued. He got involved. That's what God wants you to do. If you aren't willing to get involved, then don't pray. We pray, God does what only He can do, so we can do what He wants us to do.

Then we can experience what it's like to see God
Win (Joshua 10:16-26)

God did the impossible. Joshua defeated the enemy. The Gibeonites were protected. And God purposes were accomplished. God won! He is a winning God! Deuteronomy 20 :reminds us:

God, your God, is right there with you, fighting with you against your enemies, fighting to win. Deuteronomy 20:4 (MSG)

Here's a word of encouragement, never leave enemies around to come back and defeat you later. That's why God answered that prayer without hesitation. It was His will for the Israelites to possess Canaan. He promised they would. He keeps His promises. He did the impossible.

Our enemies aren't nearly so tangible. And in many ways aren't as easy to fight. Jesus fought them all in the desert against the most formidable opponent ever, Satan. Jesus won. We can too. Our enemies are the world system, the flesh and its appetites, and the pride of our station in life. It's what 1 John defines precisely for us:

Practically everything that goes on in the world—wanting your own way, wanting everything for yourself, wanting to appear important—has nothing to do with the Father. It just isolates you from Him 1 John 2:16 (MSG)

These are our enemies. These are the things that want to destroy us. Trust in the winning God, the One who does the impossible to relentlessly pursue the enemies of our life, abundant life and utterly destroy them. That will truly be a Sun Stand Still moment.

PRAY AUDACIOUSLY, LIVE RECKLESSLY, and PURSUE RELENTLESSLY for GOD.

Thinkin' 'Bout Oceanside

Saturday Night Worship and Coffee - "A new time for this generation." We are asking the Lord to bring people to our Saturday night service. It begins at 8:00 p.m. We provide an open and casual atmosphere. We encourage people to bring their iPads, laptops, and smart phones to worship in order to provide feedback and prayer requests during the service. We are committed to a one hour service, although people can come early and stay late if they'd like. That's where we need you to be involved. Invite, invite, invite, invite. Some people can't make it Sunday morning and this is a great opportunity for you to invite them to Saturday night. You might need to go and get them and come with them to worship. You can make a difference in their life for eternity. Don't give up. Keep asking. Keep praying. Let's watch our God do a new thing.
Scare Mare - The days rapidly approaching. We are praying to have a large crowd attend, and that means we're going to need your help. If you're not involved, please do. We want to tell them that de3ath is real and salvation in possible with Jesus as their Savior. Begins October 28th and goes through 31st. Scare Mare, the scariest house you'll never forget!
Trunk or Treat - This year, we want to make a big deal of Jesus while providing a great opportunity for fun for the kids. Many of you have signed up to help and provide booths and candy and food and fun on October 31st. Let's keep providing this amazing event for our community and give them a REAL reason to celebrate.

In HOT PURSUIT of the Impossible,

Pastor Trey Rhodes

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Army Proud Takes on Another Meaning Altogether

Ignorance is bliss. I hope you didn't just ignore that first statement...unless, of course, you want to live in bliss even when it comes to ignoring ignorance. Then, are you ignoring it if you ignore ignorance? ...anyway, I digress. I just heard that this administration has stopped the "Don't ask, don't tell" policy for military service. I'm sure many people feel like I do...I don't want to know. My concern is that the military is becoming a place for social engineering rather than for the purpose for which it was founded, the defense of our nation.

Please don't tell me. I'm not going to ask, and I'm not really interested. But, it seems there are many who have to flaunt their lifestyle...whatever it is with whomever they are with. My opinion is that, "Don't ask, don't tell" was working fine. Our military is the best in the world. Really, what is the reason to have to flaunt one's sexual interests in front of others. Why would someone desire to flaunt their sinful lifestyle? As I have visited in people's homes, I've almost always had people at least apologize to me for beer cans on the table, or the Playboy in the magazine rack, or the cigarette smoke in the room. They cared what I thought. But things have changed, and it is not for the best. The reasoning behind this new policy makes no sense to me nor to many others who are comfortable with their monogamous, moral, biblical heterosexuality. I assume that some think this is just one more obstacle out of the way for this lifestyle to be accepted into the mainstream. But, for me, ignorance was bliss.

Big surprise...there will always be obstacles in life. Be ready. Of course, we are always anxious to get rid of many of them when they keep us from moving forward. But, the basis of life is not removing obstacles, but overcoming them. We live in an entitlement culture. We think that we are entitled. That will never happen, but even if it were possible, there is no benefit to living life that way. So, once we recognize obstacles, we must be sure to learn from them and move on.

The children of Israel were told by God that He had given them the land of Canaan to become their homeland, "Be strong and courageous, for you will distribute the land I swore to their fathers to give them as an inheritance" (Joshua 1:6, HCSB), but there would be many obstacles to overcome. Some were actual battles they would face with the enemy, but most of the battles were with themselves. Battles to stay true to the command of God in their life. It was then that would be able to take the land. That is why God reminded them to, "carefully observe the whole instruction My servant Moses commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right or the left, so that you will have success wherever you go" (Joshua 1:7, HCSB).

The enemies of Israel knew they could not defeat them, so they decided to trick them. The Gibeonite cities were some 25 miles away, so that meant Israel was required by God's command to defeat them in battle. The Gibeonites knew this and sent a delegation to the base camp of Joshua to ask for their protection. Their ruse was they would deceive Joshua into thinking that they had come from many miles away, outside of the land God had given the Israelites. This could become a huge obstacle hung around the necks of the Israelites if they didn't choose wisely. They did not.

With that in mind, it is good that God recorded this embarassing event so that we could learn from it.

Here's three words that we can learn from so that you and I can move ahead and become all that God wants us to be.

Let's look at Joshua 9

First obstacle...

Influence - (vv. 3-5)

Influence can be for good or bad. Make sure that when someone is selling you on their way of thinking, that it is not for their own selfish reason. These people were self-centered and wanted to assure they were protected from the power of the armies of Israel. It was all about them and nothing for Israel. People will do the same to you. When God begins to work in your life, they will be drawn to you and seek to influence you for their good. Take care that you become all God wants you to be, not what they want you to be.

Obstacle number 2...

Tricks - (vv. 6-12)

The Gibeonites pulled out all the stops in order to scam Joshua and the children of Israel. They not only wanted to influence these people, they wanted to deceive them.

There are many who will deceive you in order to get their way. These verses help us how to identify deception:

1) Are they who they say they are?

2) Do they really need the help?

3) Are they claiming to be important?

4) Are they claiming to want to help you?

5) Is their claim of godliness authentic?

Be sure and pray this prayer "Rescue me from their dirty tricks" Psalm 59:2 (MSG)

The final obstacle...

Impulsiveness (vv. 14-15)

Without consulting God, Joshua agreed to a treaty with the Gibeonites. Before we are too hard on him, have you ever made a decision without finding out what God says? I once had a deacon at a church ask me for some advice and finished his question with..."I know the Bible doesn't have anything to say about this." In actuality, the Bible, and hence God, had much to say about it. There is an answer for every circumstance you come across. It is a matter of knowing God and knowing His Word, the Bible. Impulsively making a decision that is life altering without consulting God is counter-productive and very possibly disobedient.

If you want to see God do the impossible, overcome the obstacles and see what God can do!

Thinkin' 'bout Oceanside

What a great first Oceanside Saturday night worship service! Thanks to everyone who made it possible. Lots of new guests, great spirit, and a warm family atmosphere. That was because of you. Thank you...and be sure to invite your friends. Several asked about it, so here's the video we watched about inviting friends and neighbors to the weekend services.

Scaremare is on the way! So many of you are excited about this incredible outreach. God is going to use you to help reach people with the Gospel. Keep on planning for your room.

Parenting Seminar postponed for now - we want as many people as possible to join us for the John Rosemond seminar. It will be great. Here's how you can help: get in touch with Mrs. Kelly Rhodes and let her know you are interested (kbrmom@bellsouth.net). This is going to be one of those eye-opening, life-changing events that you don't want to miss. That is why we have postponed it for the moment. We don't want anyone to miss! You won't even have to go far; it will be here at Oceanside Church. This is also a great opportunity to invite your friends to Oceanside to let them know we care about them.

Overcoming Obstacles,

Pastor Trey Rhodes

Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Impossible Miss Universe?

Miss Universe, Leila Lopes, receives her will deserved crown

The new Miss Universe, Leila Lopes, is from Angola. Where in the world is Angola? Yeah, admit it. You had to look it up on Google. I didn't (I had the advantage of living in Africa for 2 years, so I knew, but that is the only reason). According to People magazine online edition, "She is the first woman from Angola and only the fourth black woman to be crowned Miss Universe."

At first I thought it was another ploy to capitulate to the undeveloped countries for political gain. Then I read these words, "'I consider myself a woman endowed with inner beauty,' she said. 'I have acquired many wonderful principles from my family and I intend to follow these for the rest of my life.'" so as People magazine observed, "it's not only the exterior that Lopes wants the world to see," it is what inside. According to the judges, that capped it for them. Even they were looking for inner beauty. This is truly a wonderful story of someone going from rags to riches in the vein of an Horatio Alger story.

At first, when I read the headlines, I thought, "That's impossible. I must be reading it wrong. Of all the girls in the world, a girl from Angola got the crown?" As it turns out, it may be improbable, but not impossible. According to my "big honking" Webster's dictionary, it means that it is something that is "incapable of being done." When something is impossible, that is exactly what it is, not possible. According to The Complete Word Study Dictionary, New Testament, it is when we have no power in and of ourselves to accomplish the act. That's what impossible is. No matter how hard we try, we do not have the power to accomplish the action. It would be similar to asking a weedwacker engine to power a C-130 Hercules. No matter how hard the weedwacker tries and regardless of the sincerity or intention, it does not have the power to lift a C-130 off the tarmac. It would be, you guessed it, impossible.

Here's the bottom line, God not only wants to do the impossible in your life, He promises He can do it as well. He has the power. He is the Lord God omnipotent (all-powerful).

And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. Mark 10:27

What is the impossible thing that is lurking in the back of your mind? Maybe it is a relationship that is beyond mending, or a friend that has refused to follow Jesus, or a financial situation that it will take a miracle to settle. Remember this...God can!

What do you and I need to do?
Get ready for God to do it. Here's how from Joshua 1:

1. Take God at His Word (vv. 6-9)
Joshua was promised supernatural success if He would mediate on God's supernatural book. Meditation empowers us to see life from God's point of view. God's will and hence His words will never be stopped. Then we can easily trust God because His Word has become a part of us: "I trust in Your Word" Psalm 119:42

2. Watch for God's Activity (vv. 10-11)
God told Joshua to tell the people to get ready. How? They were about to cross the Jordan, so it would make sense that they should building a bridge or constructing a boat or raft. But, that's not where God was at work. He was about to do the impossible by piling up the water of the Jordan during the spring tide. They had to take their eyes off of where they thought God should work and open their eyes to where God was going to work.

Remember what Jesus said, "My Father is still working and I am working also." (John 5:17) If that is true, then we better know what God is about to do around us. Be sure to look at people, not circumstances.

Are they being drawn to God?
Are they seeking Him?
Do they feel conviction of their sin?

3. Look What God Has Already Given You (vv. 12-15)
God has already given you things materially and spiritually. These people had been given property (including house and farms that had already been built for them). They had also been given rest.

First, think of all that God has already given you materially. You have a roof over your head, food to eat, clothes to wear. If you wonder if God cares...look and see that He has already cared for you.

Second, rest is also given to us. Those of us that have trusted Christ as Savior and Lord can now rest in His finished work. We no longer strive to live up to God's standards, Jesus made the impossible possible by dtying on the cross for us. That is why Jesus cried, "It is finished" from the cross. The price had been paid and the work was accomplished.

4. Do God's will (vv. 16-18)
The children of Israel had had enough of low living and rebellious attitudes. They were about to see God do impossible things. They were were up to their necks in sinful attitudes and actions because of the lifestyles of their parents. So, they chose a new and different way. They chose now to follow God and they guaranteed it with the very lives:

Anyone who rebels against your order and does not obey your words in all that you command him, will be put to death. Joshua 1:18

Would you be willing to so commit to Christ, that if you didn't do His will, you would willingly die? We so often speak of dying for what we believe, but will you live for the One you believe in? His will is worth our lives.

Once we are prepared for God, He stands on the edge of heaven waiting to do the impossible. Be ready.