Heartbeat

James: 13 Test For Genuine Faith Week #3

2010-04-08T04:53:00.002-05:00

H-Beaters or Laura,

What's up peeps/girl! So, what did you think about last night? Any thoughts or questions?

Did you think it was deceptively simple?

Did the "You know This" part make any sense?

Did you ever think about your "Relationship" with God's word before?

-Smog Away,

-P. James

James: 13 Test For Genuine Faith Week #2

2010-03-31T23:38:00.002-05:00

So Heartbeatians, The Test of Temptation, Blame, what is sin, How to conquer it, Cookie Jar Girls, Skillets, King David, Death, Gifts and so much more!

What stood out to you?

Did this lesson help in any way?

Or just tell us what is going God for ya!

-Blog Away!-James

James: 13 Test For Genuine Faith! wk#1

2010-03-25T16:55:00.004-05:00

Heartbeatians, Don't know about you but James laid out mucho` tough stuff last night!

There were allot of details about trials and joy and wisdom, and blessing and stuff.

What did you think? How did you do on the test? What's Going Wichchu` This Week?

Blog Onward-James

Will Your Blazing Center Go out?

2010-02-18T09:48:00.002-06:00

Heartbeatians,

We have finished! Wow, After months of studying our satisfaction in Jesus in our daily lives, looking at true biblical love, Joy, suffering, treasure, and so much more,

Do you feel that your heart is blazing or do you feel equipped to set it a flame even more?

What is one thing you have learned?

What are any questions you still have?

Encourage other Heartbeatians to blog their thoughts, I know you have them and no matter how small they matter to us and most assuredly to your Father in Heaven!

-P. James

So, How Was Pine Cove 2010???!!!!!

2010-02-16T15:01:00.001-06:00

Tell me, was it as Awesome as I remember or was it all a dream?

Stephanie the Robot (on YouTube)

2010-02-04T17:28:00.003-06:00

You can catch the message from Stephanie (or watch it for the first time if you missed it) at her new YouTube channel!

http://www.youtube.com/stephanietherobot

If you'd like to leave a comment, go ahead. They really like comments in the future. Obviously!

Suffering for the JOY set before you...What?

2010-01-27T21:37:00.006-06:00

Heartbeatians, so much to chat about!

Are we crazy as the Christ followers of old were? Why or why not?

In Hebrews 10:32-34, 11:24-26, 12:1-2 & 13:12-13, the passages we read, what stuck out to you? why?

Why did they think that "Reproach" (whatever that means) was greater than treasures here on earth?

Can you find anything in 2 Corinthians 4 that parallels the various passages in Hebrews that relate to our suffering and how to endure through it? I dare you to find it! Double dare then!

Any other thoughts, comments, reflections, applications, etc.

Blog away,

-P.James

This week's Blog: What's on your Mind, Heart, Soul?

2010-01-07T14:37:00.003-06:00

Hey Gang,

Watcha` Want 2 Post? This is an open blog to tell us what's going on in your life this week! We love your thoughts and comments!

This week's random fact is that David Walton was born with 3 ears, ask him about it (& Alabama is going to lose)!!!

The Ten Bridesmaids & What's on your mind:

2009-12-30T21:57:00.003-06:00

Hey People,

One of you reminded me to post something to chew on spiritually! Thanks to them!

So, what did you think of the Sunday message about the parable of the Ten Virgins?

I will leave it open for you to comment...Ist time to hear it? Maybe in that way? Did it rock you like it did me?

Blog whatever is on your mind!

Thanks,

-James

Blazing your Heart # 11

2009-12-03T09:43:00.002-06:00

Wow Team, Sometimes our human technology just fails us and probably for good reason!

It was interesting personally that the video failed last night and I went on to teach, It should have been un-expected but I actually wasn't and was content to teach on the fly!

So... what did you think?

We looked at Acts 20:35 and Luke 14:12-14 (which is our verse this week on the blog)

If we go with the belief that Joy is essential for us to Love, How would you motivate someone you know to do a loving thing? How would you motivate yourself?

After the last few weeks, has your understanding of biblical love changed and how?

What are some ways you want to try to start getting outside your comfort zones?

Blog away and tell a friend to do the same!

Love,

-James

Novemeber 22-29 Weekly Blog

2009-11-23T17:19:00.001-06:00

Alright Everyone,

So, whats on your heartand/or mind this week? What has God been doing good that you should Thank Him for? Blog On -James

Is your Center Blazing # 10

2009-11-20T11:06:00.003-06:00

Hey my H-Beatians & friends!

So, I know we ended up playing stone the pharisee/protect the prophet or whatever we ended up calling it!

But the musical worship was great and we just touched on

True Love: Duty or Delight Part #2!

We learned from 2 Corinthians 9:7-8 that Giving is loving IF you are Cheerful!!!

What are your thoughts? Can you see this in your own life to be true?
Can giving extend beyond money? What else does God call us to give & give cheerfully?

We also learned that behavior isn't the 1st level of warfare in the Spiritual battle that we are in!

BUT...

It begins within your own heart! What do you think? Can you see this in your life or others?

Look at: Acts 20:33-35, "I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my necessities and those who were with me. In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

For next time and ask, "In helping the poor and weak why is it important to remember that it is more blessed to give than receive? and "What is the most important word in these verses?"

Blog onward souldier,

-James

Weekly Discussion, Thoughts & Reflections

2009-11-10T14:30:00.003-06:00

Hola` Heartbeatians!!!

November 8th-15th

It was recommended to us to do a weekly post for you all to share of all the thoughts, reflections, what your learning and so on in your daily lives!

So, whats going on this week...

Blog onward!!!

-Heartbeat staff

Blaze the Core E-Lev-Un!

2009-11-05T12:00:00.002-06:00

I am thinking those Macedonians were blazing for their wonderful Lord, I mean...Deep Poverty & Severe Affliction and still they Begged to give even more!!! What! Is this possible for you and I?

Alright, So I left you hanging last night BUT to prep. for next Wednesday re-read 2 Corinthians 8:1-8!

What is Love,

Think about it, look at the previous post again and it's baby rolling off a car question, think about why you do what you do in life as a Christian!

We est. If you pursue your Joy in God you will truly be a loving person or You cannot be a truly loving person unless you pursue your joy/happiness in God! What do ya tink`?

Did you find it interesting that as believers, the Macedonians (who just plan rocked) their poverty was not lifted and even still their affliction/suffering increased?

Remember 1 Corinthians 13:3 "And though I give all my possessions to to the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, BUT have not love, it profits me nothing."

Blog away...

-James

Blazing Center Number Ten!

2009-10-29T13:27:00.004-05:00

Greetings you wonderful Person,

All right, I was sick last week and am recovering but wow! was last night intense!

Did the story of Christan, I and the anniversary gift help clarify anything for you? I hope so.

We just finished 8 biblical reasons to back up the statement,

"Pursue your Joy, God commands it."

Next week we will begin looking at,
"True Love: Duty or Delight?"

Some things to think about and answer;

Imagine your walking down a busy street, a baby is left on a car roof and the car takes off, the baby rolls off the roof and you dive and catch the baby, throwing it into a nice pile of leaves on the sidewalk landing safely. Meantime you are hit and killed by a Huge truck! Is your action necessarily an actions of love? Defend your answer.

Examine 1 Corinthians 13:3, Is it possible to give up all you have and even lay down your life and not have love? How might this affect your answer to the previous question, if at all?

Think back to lesson 2! (I know, it was a long time for me too!) How did we/you define love?

Hint: Love is not making much of someone, love is doing whatever it takes to enthrall someone with what will make them happy for eternity!

With that recap, read 2 Corinthians 8:1-9. In what 2 ways does Paul describe their giving?

Blog away about this or whatever Gd has placed on your heart! And Pass it on...

-James

Blazing in the Center 6 upside down!

2009-10-20T10:01:00.003-05:00

Been a while (almost a week) since we talked last!

Let these questions stir up thoughts for tomorrow night's time together and just for anyone who is seeking to deepen their roots in their Hope, Christ Jesus!

We left off last week with these words, "Pursue your Joy, God commands it!"

Psalm 100:1-2 "Make a joyful noise all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing!"

So, would it be wrong to serve the Lord without joy?

Philippians 4:4 "Rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice!" Is this a command?

Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart."

Would God give you everything you want, even if it were sinful?

Mathew 13:44 "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field."

Why would the man do this? He sells everything with JOY, How can he be joyful in losing all that he owns? What does this tell us about the Kingdom of heaven? Why would he tell us this?

Does God call us to self denial? Does this go against pursuing joy in God? read Hebrews 11:24-26.

I hope this helps for tomm. night! Hey you, yes you! Pass this on to a friend.

-James

2009-10-20T09:56:00.001-05:00

Mathew 16:18

“I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.

“What’s in a name?”

What’s in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet,” mused Juliet in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. It’s evident that Juliet was not Hebrew. For the people of ancient Israel felt that the meaning behind a person’s name was vitally important. Parents carefully chose a name based on the personality, characteristics, or character that they saw in their child, or what they hoped would be true of their son or daughter.

When Jesus first called Simon to be His disciple, the fisherman was known for his rash and reckless ways—a shifting-sand kind of person. Later, Jesus changed Simon’s name to Peter, which means rock. It took a while, however, for Peter to live up to his new name.

We read in a subsequent account (Matthew 26) that Peter failed Jesus by denying Him three times. Prior to that failure was another sad episode in the Garden of Gethsemane. In the garden, Jesus’ soul was “crushed with grief to the point of death” (Matthew 26:38). Three times He got up to seek out His disciples. Each time He found them sleeping. “He said to Peter, ‘Couldn’t you watch with Me even one hour?’ ” (v.40).

At the close of the gospel of John, we find Peter returning to his old trade of fishing, perhaps due to disappointment with himself (John 21). But the story doesn’t end there. Jesus came to reinstate Peter. In essence, Jesus helped Peter understand that God had not given up on him and that God still wanted to use him.

If you, like Peter, have received Jesus as your Savior, you now are identified with the name of Christ. You are a Christian. This title lifts up who you are and calls you to become what you are not yet. Be encouraged. God isn’t done with you yet. —Poh Fang Chia, Our Daily Journey

Heartbeatians and Children of God, Be encouraged this very day!

-James

Blaze the Center # 8

2009-10-15T12:17:00.002-05:00

Hey friends, Heartbeatians and visitors!

Last night we stumbled upon the term, "Christian Hedonism"

So, what did you think? Did it make any sense?

Did you or can you see how Philippians 1:20-23 relates to the term Christian hedonism?

^20"as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body,whether by life or by death. ²¹For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. ²²If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. ²³ I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better".

Our vocation, goal, passion in life is to pursue your joy in God! Do you agree or disagree?Why?

What is one thing you want to "take home" and remember from Wednesday night's video?

Pass it on...

-James

God is the Center #7!

2009-10-07T15:18:00.002-05:00

Lots of stuff to talk about next week concerning "anti-Hedonism" or "Christian Hedonism".

I desire to put much more emphasis on God's very own words concerning all of this studying.

So, what scripture can you find where God is telling, commanding, imparting, to us things that have to do with pursuing our delight, gladness, happiness, etc. What can you find? Ex: from tonight,

Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."

Can you find this principle in your daily bible readings currently or what you already know about God?

What stood out to you tonight that caught your interest?

Was great to see you all and we Thank God for being in your life!

Grace and Peace are yours for the taking,

-James

T.B.C. 6.0

2009-10-06T08:38:00.003-05:00

Hello-Hello you person of significance!

Pine Cove was Rocking, Served, served and served the Lord. Made it to 22 on ultimate volley ball, played 132 downs of football, strolled through the piny woods, executed extreme jumping, collected mucho` carpet burns, felt the rain, and went home with that kinda God pain(which is sooo good).

Alright, onto the prep. for tomorrow, this is a lengthy one!

We will be starting our 4th lesson in The Blazing Center

Q#1: What is wrong, if anything, with these 2 statements below;

"Oh, how valuable I must be that he died for me"?

"Not only is man God-centered, but God himself is God-centered."

Q#2: Ecclesiastes 8:8 "No man has the power...over the day of his death."

How often do you think about death & what is your attitude towards it? How could someone glorify God in their death...what kind of death brings God glory?

Read Philippians 1:18-23-what reason does Paul give for Hope?

Q#3: Hedonism: "A life devoted and given over to pleasure."

Given this definition of hedonism, is it a bad thing? Why or why not?

Here is a different def. of hedonism; "a theory according to which a person is motivated to produce one state of affairs in preference to another if, and only if, he thinks it will be more pleasant , or less unpleasant for himself."

Q#4:What might you think the term "Christian Hedonism" mean?

Read this summary of Christan Hedonism below and summarize in your own words;

http://www.desiringgod.org/AboutUs/OurDistinctives/ChristianHedonism/

Blog away resting in He who cares for you,

-James

Is God Vain?

2009-09-30T21:12:00.003-05:00

My Head is about to explode!!!! (in a good way)

Tonight in our second lesson in The Blazing Center, We encountered a problem many people struggle with...

With a God that is all consumed with Himself and His glory, how can he be loving as well?

Solution: You tell me...

What did you think about: "Love is not making much of someone; love is doing whatever you have to do in order to enthrall someone with what will make them eternally satisfied"?

So, now that you have had time to think...What do you think...have you had any joyous moments in your life that had absolutely have nothing to do with you?

!!!Lazarus!!! What-Did Christ really wait for two days, Did he say because He loved them, therefore/so He let him die!

In Love (His Glory)

-James

Blaze that Center #5

2009-09-29T11:53:00.005-05:00

Heartbeatians and Visitors,

I know, I know, it's been so long since the last post...since we missed last week due to the S.Y.A.T.P. Rally!

Don't know bout chu` but I am ready to hear from Piper tomorrow!!!

Without further adieu, let us wast no longer and look at some questions for tomorrow nizzlight;

Let's talk about L.O.V.E. shall we!

From every area of life we are bombarded with it, T.V., movies, school, commercials, literature, (any one say Twilight:), psychology, teenage crushes, tacos, out of everyone's mouth! Everyone seems to have their own opinion of what love really is. Let us look at what the bible has to say about God's love...we may find it surprising!

How would you define love? Then, how would our culture define love? Are they different.

Do you feel loved by God b/c you believe He makes much of you, or b/c you believe He frees you and empowers you to enjoy making much of Him? And if so, Do you see it lived out daily?

Read John 11:1-7 to get deeper, get that shovel out!

How does verse 5 relate to verse 6?If Jesus really loved Mary, Martha and Lazarus, why did He stay "2 days longer in the place where He was"?

Even deeper in, look up this link and ask what was Michael Prowse's problem with God? What do you think of Piper's response?

http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/TasteAndSee/ByDate/2003/1245_An_Open_Letter_to_Michael_Prowse/

Grace and Peace,

-James

T.B.Center Day # 4

2009-09-18T10:35:00.002-05:00

Alright-Alright all you Peeps,

Hope you loved the last lesson and are looking forward to the next lesson (not this Wed. b/c of the SYATP Rally)

Here are some questions that will help you get ready for the next lesson and will make you look smart during the discussion time if you prepare for them!!! Wink;) Wink;)

Recap from last time; God delights in His glory above all things.

1st Question:

Why do you think Jesus is coming back? What will God's purpose be at the end of history, when Jesus returns?

1 Thessalonians 1:9-10 and 4:16-17

According to these passages, why is Jesus returning?

Bloga Lavista babby, watch for the next blog soon,

-James

The Blazing Center Week #2

2009-09-16T20:30:00.002-05:00

Wowzers baby, I don't about you but that was as Stevo says L.E.G.I.T.

So much sweet stuff tonight huh?

Well lets get to it shall we...

Why do you think John shared so much of his personal story @ the beginning of this entire series? What do you think about God placing a deep almost desperate longing for happiness in his life? Can this apply to your life at skool, home, relationships, church, circumstances, etc.

Do you think God is unjust in forgiving us? Why or Why not?

Are we sinning if we don't pursue the glory of God? Whatcha thinking, Blogger it!

So...just for you, What was your take home tonight? What is the application to change your life?

Just let us know how God gripped you tonight, everyone's thoughts are different.

Did you know you help and encourage others when you slap your thoughts down???

You DO!

Alright, enough for tonight, :)

-"God is most glorified in you, when you are most satisfied in Him."-J.P.

-James

The Blazing Center Dia 3

2009-09-15T08:41:00.002-05:00

Alrighty Heartbeatians!

As we prepare for tomorrow nights sweet Teach, let's consider a few more questions!

Here we go...

Psalm 17:11 says that "God is a righteous judge." But can a righteous judge let criminals go free?

Imagine your in a courtroom in G-Town and a convicted murderer is standing before the Judge. There is no doubt that he committed the horrific murder and he deserves to be severely punished. BUT the Judge looks at the murderer and says "You can go free. I forgive you." Now truly, how would you react?

If Jesus hadn't died, then would God be able to forgive us of our sins? Why not? Read Romans 3:21-26, especially concentrating on verse 25!

According to the passage, why was it necessary for Jesus to die for your sins?

Good stuff, leave a comment about the questions or what ever is going on in your heart and minds! We love hearing from you.

See you tomorrow night,

-James

Blazing Center Study Guide Day Dos

2009-09-12T10:30:00.005-05:00

Hello all you beautiful peoples,

How many stars can you see from your house, have you ever wondered...

Why is the universe so big?

Quiz time;

The Milky Way galaxy is ___________ miles across.
There are _________ stars in our galaxy.
There are _________ galaxies known in the universe.

___________________________________________________________________

Remember when I taught on the sweetest Psalm on God and His word in Psalm 19(think hard)?

According to Psalm 19:1, " The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above declares his haniwork." Why does the universe exist according to this Psalm?

For those of you who want more of the honey, look up Job 26: 7-14 and ask again, Why might the universe be so huge?

Well, that's what is good for today peeps!

Shout it from the roof tops of your Lord's Faithfullness and also remind them of the blog!!! :)

- blog away, James

Blazing Center Study Guide Day 1

2009-09-10T17:16:00.002-05:00

Good evening Heartbeatians, this is the first daily study out of many to come in the next 8 weeks as we dig deeper into the Blazing Center.

These questions are intended to prepare you for Heartbeat's lesson next week! So, answer them, blog them, think about them, ask about them, wrestle, paint, chisel, and engrave these questions and answers in your hearts! So a new heartbeat begins!

Question #1
Do you desire to be happy? How do you know? How does your happiness figure into your daily decisions? Record your reflections.

Question #2
What does the phrase "the glory of God" bring to your mind first? What does "the glory of God" have to do with you?

What is God Passionate About?

Very few people ask what God is passionate about. But isn't this one of the most important questions that you can ask!

-Pastor James

What was that about ice cream?

2009-09-09T20:49:00.003-05:00

You're eating a bowl of ice cream and the whole time you're thinking, "Man, I sure do want MORE ice cream!" Or, you're just enjoying the ice cream, thinking, "This ice cream is awesome!" You've probably done both. So, which way did the ice cream taste better? When you spent your time wanting something more or when you made the most of what you had?

You get where it's going. That's like contentment.

When I was a lot younger I had a used car that just made me want a better car. If something wasn't perfect I'd complain, "Stupid car, why can't it blah blah blah!" But the car was what I needed. I just wasn't happy with it.

The emotions were there. Good, bad, sad, mad, glad... Whichever. But I had the happiness centered around my thoughts of having a different car. I'd have been a lot happier with a better car. And that made me feel even worse.

Not very content.

Next time an old dude talks about ice cream and you're, like, "What!?!" Think about which is the happier way to eat ice cream. There's something to that.

- Will

2009-09-09T13:17:00.004-05:00

"The Blazing Center"

We just started a new video series tonight by John Piper called "The Blazing Center"-it is sweet!

So, Heartbeatians...the big question is...WHAT DID YOU THINK SO FAR ?

What is swimming around in those cute little heads of yours???

"God is most glorified in you when you are most satisfied in Him"

This DVD series will argue that you never have to choose between being happy and doing the right thing. In fact, God demands that you pursue your own happiness.

Watch for tomorrows Blazing Center Blog!!!

- Love Pastor James

The Value of Setting Goals and Knowing What it Takes to Achieve Them!

2009-08-26T17:42:00.009-05:00

Luke 14:25-33

Hey there Heartbeatians and visitors!

We just finished digging into Luke 14:25-33. It's a most radical passage, as Jesus throws the hammer down and shoots straight with us on what it is to be one of his real disciples!

I don't know about you but I desire to be true and real when it comes to following Jesus but it sometimes feels out of reach for me.

I mean, He says in verse 26:

"If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, his own life also, he cannot be My disciple."

What do you think?

Further do you think 1st Corinthians 10:13 applies?
"No temptation has siezed you except what is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not let you be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."

Also in Matthew 16:24, Jesus delivers the same message as our Luke passage, but with a different wording: "Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."

So we see "deny" instead of "hate." What do you think? Does it help you to understand the passage better as it did with me? The subject of denying ourselves is found throughout the Bible, in fact, it is self denial that characterizes a person when he or she comes to saving faith in Christ!

Blog away with Grace and Peace,
- Pastor James