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:
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
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 |
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
