On the Edge of Victory

Sometimes in life, we are so close to victory that we can almost taste it!  Have you ever been there?  So many times in life (too many times), I have been on the edge of victory.  I remember playing in the semi-finals of the NCCAA Men's Basketball Championships in 1992.  The game came down to a last second shot after our leading scorer blew out his knee.  Unfortunately, our opponents won the game and went on to win the championship.  We had come up short even though we were on the edge of victory.

Sometimes we don't know why we come up short or if there is anything to learn from our experience.  But, life certainly teaches us that you won't win again if you give up after loosing.  We all have moments in our life which look like or feel like that.  Times when we are certain we can win, but we come up short of the goal or the expectation.

The Israelites were at a similar place in Numbers 13 -- the edge of victory.  God had called them, led them, and provided for them out of slavery and through the wilderness.  Now they were on the edge of victory ready to possess the promised land.  One thing stood in the way . . .  fear!

Fear of the unknown.  Fear of change.  Fear of the obstacles.  Only one thing could overcome the fear.  Faith in God's goodness and God's plan to come through on His promises.

Fear can be crippling and it can steal your faith, your joy, and your hope.  If you are struggling with fear in some area of your life.  I encourage you to increase your faith in God.  Faith pleases God and invites Him to help you.  Join us Sunday as we consider faith on the edge of victory.  Pastor Tom

Faith in the Fire

This past Sunday, we studied the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in Daniel 3.  It's an inspiring story of courage and faith in the face of certain death.  There are perhaps two unexpected twists to the story.  The first is that Daniel's friends didn't bow.  The second is that they didn't burn!

It was not all that uncommon in those ancient days for rulers to build images or idols to themselves as gods.  The Egyptians worshipped their Pharaohs as gods.  The ancient Japanese had an imperial cult as did the Romans.  Anyways, in those days emperor worship as well as idol worship was common.  For an Israelite, however, this was specifically forbidden (Exodus 20).  Daniel's friends took the commands of scripture seriously.  When faced with the fiery furnace, they refused to bow.  WOW!  This should give us courage and inspire pour faith today.  What are you facing which causes you to want to "turn tail and run" or give in and just "go with the flow"?

Another amazing twist in the story is the "fourth man in the fiery furnace".  The courage and faith of Daniel's friend placed them in the greatest trial of their life.  But, God did not abandon them; he sent a messenger into the fire with them.

It's true, they didn't bow and they didn't burn!  This should inspire us to live with courage and faith.  It can also teach us something really important about faith and God.  Faith isn't trusting in "belief" or positive attitude.  Faith is leaving the outcomes to God and serving him anyways.  I want that kind of faith.

The story also teaches us that God shows up when his children are in the fire.  It's no fun to be in the "fiery furnace" of life.  But, Daniel 3 teaches us that God (like a good earthly father) is drawn to his children when they are facing overwhelming odds.

You might be going through a trial today.  My advice to you is stand up for the Lord be consistent in your faith and courage.  Your faith will draw God's presence and help into your situation.

Have a great week!  Pastor Tom

Daniel Plan is almost here

The Daniel Plan materials have been ordered and the groups start the first week of January.  I hope you will make plans now to join a group or host a group.  We have ordered the Six sessions on DVD, but we need to know how many study guides to order.  So sign up on the web at http://www.newlifecolumbia.org/daniel_plan.aspx as soon as possible.

The New Life Campaign includes a 5K Run/Walk to raise Funds for RISE & Build, plus a challenge to set a weight loss goal and a prayer walk goal.  The Daniel Plan at New Life will run six weeks.  Let's get healthy!

The Daniel Plan

The Daniel Plan Small Group Study Guide

Looking forward to January 2014.  At New Life we will be launching a six week campaign called "The Daniel Plan"  It was developed by Rick Warren's Saddleback Church in California.  You can go to http://www.danielplan.com for more information.

In January and February all New Life Small groups will workout the six week study together.  And it is a workout (kinda).  The study itself focuses on five aspects of health and wholeness.  They are: Faith, food, fitness, focus, and friends.  I hope you will "get pumped" now about the upcoming Daniel Plan Campaign.  I believe the Daniel Plan can help to make 2014 your best year ever.  Together we can live "DANIEL STRONG"!

Bill Federer at New Life

Bill Federer, author of the American Minute is coming to New Life Community Church on Sunday, May 30th.  Please join us @ the ARC (1701 W Ash Street) at 10:15 AM for our Sunday gathering.  Bill will be speaking about the importance of America, faith, and freedom.  Bring a friend.

Call 443-LIFE or go to www.newlifecolumbia.org with questions.

The Gospel is . . . Grace and faith

What is the gospel really?  I know it's good news; but why?  I believe the gospel of Christ Jesus is good news because it releases us from the bondage of "self".   For most people today, "religion" is nothing more than a personally decided upon set of beliefs or philosophies -- that's what you call pluralism.  It's where you take a little bit of this and a little bit of that and "shazam", you've got religion.  It seems good at first, but the problem in the long run is that your religion is no bigger or better than you are??!?!  You become your own means to salvation, enlightenment, or whatever you call it.

The Christian message is different.  There's God and then there's you and me.  We can never measure up--that's the bad news.  The good news is that we don't have to measure up!  God took care of everything when he sent Jesus to take our place and pay our price--that's grace.  God offers you grace and we respond with faith in God's plan.  It's really that simple.  The gospel is good news because it is a relationship of grace and faith.  See you Sunday and bring all your friends.  Pastor Tom

I Love America Festival-Save the date

July 4th is just around the corner and I can't wait.  This year July 4th is on Sunday, so why not join us out at the Boone County Fairgrounds for a celebration of America's birthday.

This year there are opportunities for groups or businesses to sponsor the event or to reserve space to set up a booth representing your organization.  More info to follow.  Just wanted to get a shout out there for ILA 2010.  Please help spread the word.


I Love America Festival.  Boone County Fairgrounds. Sunday, July 4th (3 PM until dark).

Celebrating America

Fourth of July is almost here and so is the I Love America Festival at the Boone County Fairgrounds. As I write this blog, I'm glancing at a copy of the Declaration of Independence hanging in my office. 56 men signed the original document. Most all of the men suffered great loss because of their stance for freedom. It's still true today -- "freedom isn't free".

During the month of July we are going to celebrate "Faith, Family, and Freedom" -- three core values which we believe make America great. I hope you will join us for the festival on the 4th and join us each Sunday as we celebrate America together.

July 5th, I will be speaking on the topic: "Why I Love America!" Maybe you should take some time this week and make a list of your favorite reasons why you love America. I'd love to hear them.

Here's my short list:
1. I met my wife in America.
2. We are free to worship God.
3. We are free to work where we want, when we want.
4. We can choose to live where we want.
5. We get to vote in elections.
6. There is still justice for all under the law.

Well, I'm off to get some banners and t-shirts ready to go for the event. O yeah, I need to get some ribbons for the Kid's Duathlon.

See ya Saturday at the festival.

Pastor Tom