Thursday, September 24, 2009
Panning for Gold
God’s creation is beautiful, and he means for us to respond with joy. He also hid beautiful and valuable treasures in the earth, and some spend a lifetime digging, mining, and panning the gold, silver, copper, and precious stones He put there.
Likewise, He created His Church to shine as a light to the world, and to spark joy in the hearts of the congregation. And he also hid treasures in His word, ready to be discovered by those who devote themselves to finding them.
That Sunday, my husband, Dave, found gold. There it was in the bottom of the pan of swirling sand – that is, the sand was swirling, but the gold wasn’t. It lay still in spite of the motion all around it. He has the piece of gold in a tiny vial in the china cabinet, a treasure not only because it is valuable, but because it reminds us that labor and exertion -- and being in the right place at the right time -- are required for those who want to find gold.
In the same way, we can find life-sustaining treasures in God’s word. Advice from today’s TV Gurus is just swirling sand compared to the clarity, value and beauty of God’s wisdom. Learn the method for discovering His truths, and join with a group of Christians who are intent on mining God’s Word. Great relationships and treasures from God are the take-home value of spending time focusing on the scriptures with others.
Quick Study: mouse over or click on the scriptures below to read.
Ps. 119:127
Prov. 20:15, Prov. 25:11
1 Cor. 3:12-15
Rev. 3:18
Monday, August 31, 2009
God's Masterpiece
This short film (9 min) releases some of the questions that we have when God works on us.
Enjoy!
Click here to see the film.
Friday, August 21, 2009
A friend's prayer request
Thursday, August 20, 2009
A great blessing
Rough Mountain Trails
Perhaps our paved sidewalks and smooth wide streets have given us a false analogy of life; we expect our journey to be smooth, a gentle, air-conditioned ride free of effort, stones and danger. But the real journey of life requires attention to the dangers and avoidance of being distracted at crucial moments. In real life, there are times when a momentary distraction could take us over the edge. And in real life the necessity to stop and rest pulls at us among the pressures.
The Lord’s promise that no one ever wants to claim is “In this world you shall have tribulation…” although we all want the second half, “but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.”
When the pressures come, and the bumps in life’s road, do this quick self-check:
1) Check the path you’re on. Have you taken a detour? Are you really on the path, or are you bushwhacking?
2) Check your heart, your motives before the Lord. Are the bumps because you’ve forgotten His command to “Love the Lord your God and your neighbor as yourself”?
3) Check your stamina. Is it time for a rest break? How long since you got alone with God to be refreshed with the water of His Word?
4) Check your companions. Are you taking the journey with people who lift you up and encourage you?
After these checks, grip a fresh, renewed perspective and move forward with certainty that God is with you.
Listen to His words to you today:
Mt. 11:30 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Mt. 28:20 “Surely I am with you always…”
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Wash My Back!
Wash My Back!
Proverbs 27:6 Wounds from a friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. NLT
Yesterday was a tough day at my writers group. We met in the park, enjoying the sun and fresh air, a one-time departure from our usual meetings in a member’s home. The group critiqued my story; I hoped they would decree it ‘ready for publication,’ but they didn’t get it. Disappointed, I tried to defend it with explanations. It was like trying to explain a failed joke--it only made it worse. I left feeling frustrated, wondering whether I was only kidding myself about being a writer. I spent an hour fuming, certain I couldn’t snip out the offending bits, then realized I could just try the change, print it, and see what happened. It worked!
In the middle of the night, I awoke, still trying to process the experience at a deeper level. I pondered the day’s events, praying for forgiveness of my over-reaction and for clarity.
As I lay awake, the situation crystallized into a startling mental picture of God’s work in our lives: Our group was in the park, enjoying a sunny day. The tree over our heads was transformed into an enormous sprinkler. We were all splashing in its sparkling water in our swimsuits. When we were thoroughly wet, out came the sponges, bath puffs, washcloths and pumice stones, and we began to wash each other’s backs. Small specks were wiped away, large stains were rubbed vigorously, even tattoos were assailed with the pumice. Most of us had clean, but reddened, skin at the end of the session.
God’s Spirit seemed to be saying, “I’m the healing ointment that takes the sting out of the hard scrubbing. You need others to clean your back -- you can’t reach it, you can’t see the blemishes that are there. Don’t fight them; if you want to be ready for the unveiled exposure of publishing, you must welcome the cleansing of thoughtful assessment.”
My tensions gave way to wonder, then peace; sleep followed the deep relaxation of insight. When morning came, I sent an e-mail thanking my fellow group members for their input. I need my friends’ criticisms to remove unsightly flaws and smudges. I need to relax under their attentions, not put up my dukes and fight them.
Proverbs 27:5 An open rebuke is better than hidden love. NLT
Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, a friend sharpens a friend. NLT
Questions to ponder:
Am I receiving criticism as the cleansing God means it to be?
Am I allowing Him to take the sting out of the deep scrubbings?
When giving constructive advice, am I being respectful of the other's feelings and keeping a mindset of humility?
Do I refresh others with encouraging words of stimulation to be the best they can be?
Prayer: Lord, help me receive critical input from others as a refreshing scrub. Pour in the healing oil of your Spirit to calm the sting. Make all of me ready for the exposure that comes from a visible Christian life. Amen.
Monday, July 20, 2009
Prayers Answered This Week
Today I want to give "specific" and "verifiable" praise to the LORD for answered prayers:
(1) Cathy Putze reports that God has done wonderful things for her during her days after surgery!
(2) Lula Shoff had another chemotherapy treatment last week and has not experienced the extreme nausea as in previous treatments!
(3) Orion and Andrea Worley called this evening to report that they have received multiple offers on their home since committing to come to Arizona if their home sale and job transfer could be worked out. Also, Orion has accepted a job transfer with U.S. Bank to a branch in Glendale with the same pay and benefits as his current position in Minnesota. They wanted you to know that because of your prayers they plan to move to Glendale to help us with the SHINE Youth Ministries and other church ministries beginning August 6th.
Now do you have any trouble finding something to help you with your motivation to worship this week? I can't wait to experience the excitement of Destiny Church in worship next Sunday! As we worship Him, he will energize and empower our worship. This is going to be a GREAT week of praise and celebration of His great love for Destiny Church. See you there!!!
Pastor Arvle
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Thank You
I have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity shown to me doing my recent "challenge". Not only has the miracle of physical healing taken place but the manisfestation of love toward each in a very special way. Permitt me to explain.
On March 18 my husband had left knee replacement. He came home March 20 and his care was 24/7 so I was getting no sleep whatsoever. On March 27 I discovered I had abnormal bleeding and after doctor visits was diagnosed with uterine cancer. I cannot put into words the fear that engulfed me and with the exhaustion I could barely function. I sat down with the Lord and decided that God had blessed me and who am I to question why this entered my life and determined I would go whatever route the Lord wanted me to go. I prayed and asked others to pray for me. God gave me such a vision of the glory of Jesus and of Heaven that I truly was not afraid if I lived or died; either way there was victory. What I did not expect was the other miracle God had in mind when he sent me to Destiny and that is the miracle of love like I have not experienced from any group of people before. Every day from Pastor and Beverly in the pre-op to visitors to people bringing food in 112-115 degree weather was blessed. You do not know how much your visits and kindness have meant. I could never repay such incredible and overwhelming love so instead I will pray that God give all of you the same and more tremendous vision of His Son and Heaven. Thank you that we can "overcome the challenges of life together"
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Titus 3:1-7
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Thirsty? Try Living Water!
Jesus knew how vital Living Water is to our spiritual health, and offered himself as water for our thirsty souls on several occasions:
To the Samaritan woman at the well Jn. 4:10-13.
To Nicodemus Jn. 3:5.
To the Temple crowd at the Feast of Tabernacles Jn. 7:37-38.
On the last day of the Feast of Tabernacles, the Jewish Priests would pour 'living water' from a golden pitcher on (or beside) the altar as a commemoration of thanks to God for supplying rain from heaven for the crops. The water must be caught from a flowing stream to be designated as 'living.'
Jesus was announcing himself as the stream of life-giving water that flows from God. How do we drink from Him?
.. Make time to worship God, resting in his presence
.. Walk in the Spirit, listening for his guidance in everyday life
.. Read the Word, shaping your life according to its principles
.. Remaining in fellowship with God's people for encouragement
.. Release the flow onto others through ministry
Christ used our need for water as an emblem of our essential need for God. Step into the flow and be refreshed, cleansed and filled.
For a short video biography, watch Who Did Christ Claim to be?
Do you have more ideas about how to receive and express the living water? Leave a comment below to share your thoughts.
Marsha
Sunday, July 12, 2009
filled with the Holy Spirit
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Psalm 43
and plead my cause against an ungodly nation;
rescue me from deceitful and wicked men.
You are God my stronghold.
Why have you rejected me?
Why must I go about mourning,
oppresses by the enemy?
Send forth your light and your truth,
let them guide me;
let them bring me to your holy mountain,
to the place where you dwell.
Then will I go to the altar of God,
to God, my joy and my delight.
I will praise you with the harp,
O God, my God
Why are you downcast, O my soul?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God."
I asked God to help me and to show me what is was that He wanted me to see and that is the passage that I looked down at. God surely is wonderful and can truly help you when you feel your worst, that is what he has done for me today. Thank you Jesus for everything. I hope that He is doing wonders in all your lives today, for He has helped to show me who I am and what I am here for. May God Bless all of you today.
Friday, July 10, 2009
Hello Everybody
I am figuring this out and just wanted to say "hi" to everyone. Also I would like to ask if everyone could pray for me to find a job. I have been having a problem finding one and I have been praying for one but I think now it is going to take a little more than just me praying at this time. Please just keep me in your prayers during this difficult time. Thank you and I miss all of you so much.
God Bless all of you,
Jennifer Martinez
New to our blog?
We want this to be a place to minister the Word and prayer to each other, and to make plans that will lead to spiritual growth.
Everyone can read what is posted, but if you want to comment or post, you must be added to our blogroll of writers -- just contact me with your email address and I'll send out the link. The link will expire after a certain length of time (a month or two, I think), so if you were sent a link several months ago, it may not work. I'll be happy to send another one.
Please share!! Suggestions are:
A verse from scripture that inspires you
A brief story of God's work in your life
A short scriptural insight that will be an encouragement to all
Prayer needs and answers to prayer
Ideas for how we can increase our knowledge of God and his Word
Ideas for ministry to our hurting world
May this place of connection be a blessing to all who participate.
Marsha
Home from Hospital
Thursday, July 9, 2009
I want to ask for prayer.Crystal went to the doctor with kidney pain that has been on going.she was tested for stones.we will hear back soon. Keep her in your prayers that we get a complete healing no matter what the level is.we believe that God will heal her and we receive that blessing fully.Thanks for your support.God Bless.Jason
Monday, July 6, 2009
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
hope im doing this right!?
Saturday, April 25, 2009
A Leadership Path Proposal
Watch the Leadership Path slideshow and leave your comments below.
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Answer to prayer at AIC
Praise and Prayers on Palm Sunday
PRAISE = Thanks, Lord, for these wonderful answers to prayer!
Jason & Crystal's son Anthony is recovering well from surgery.
Ernie, a Navajo, received Christ, when Chuck shared with him.
Native American Youth Convention drew 500+ students to fellowship and spiritual retreat at AIC.
Marvin Putze came through knee surgery and is recovering at home.
PRAYERS = Lord, pour your grace out on these situations....
Lula Schoff's health problems
Wilma, Cathy Putze's sister, will need surgery on her kidney, also has a heart problem.
Marvin, for full strength and stability in his knee now that his surgery was successful.
Anthony for complete recovery of appetite as the days progress.
Sharon's clients Nitha and Teresa for spiritual needs.
Lolly's father in Tucson had sudden health problems last week, not yet diagnosed.
Connie Garcia for full health and strength.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Can a blog stimulate my prayer life?
You’ll have a chance to read and pray for requests left here. Just take a moment after reading each request to lift that need up to God. In Luke 5:17-20, a sick man was brought to Christ for healing – using the unusual method of breaking a hole in the roof over the room where Christ was, then letting the man down through the hole in front of Jesus. The Lord responded by forgiving his sins first, then healing him. We can be the friends bringing these issues before the Lord.
Secondly, you’ll learn more about prayer from teachings posted here. Scriptural insights on prayer clarify our personal experiences with God, and light the path forward on the journey.
In addition, the practice of prayer with others on a regular basis has been a method of spiritual growth since early church times. See some examples in Acts 1:14, 2:42, 3:1, 4:24. Our method of gathering – in this blog - is 21st century, but the 1st century promise found in Matt. 18:19-20 still applies.
Join in the discussion, activate your faith on behalf of others, and let us know what God is doing.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Destiny Connects....

People to God's Word
Come along with us on the journey to know God through prayer, the Word, and through connecting with each other in an authentic way. You'll hear about our prayer needs, answers to prayer, what God said to us in the week's sermon or Bible study, and celebrations of God's activity in our lives. Jump in and share your thoughts, questions, prayer requests and celebrations.
Jer. 29:11