08/18/2021
HOME - Renewal Ministries of Colorado Springs
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HOME - Renewal Ministries of Colorado Springs
Welcome to our website, we appreciate your interest. Renewal Ministries of Colorado Springs is built upon the belief that anyone who is desperate for change, can change, by embracing the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit. “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the...
10/05/2020
“Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel,” (Philippians 1:27 NKJV)
The Greek word “conduct” πολιτεύω politeuomai literally means “to be a good citizen.”
As Christians we are citizens of Heaven. We are also in citizens of America. I believe that Paul’s message speaks to all of us. In this critical time we have an opportunity, dare I say, an obligation, to live our lives in a way that validates the gospel with the hope that it will influence our nation. It is not about republican, independent, or democrat. It must always be about truth and righteousness, bringing Kingdom values to bear upon our society.
Edmund Burke an Irish statesman in the 1700’s said is well “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.” We have an obligation to cast our vote, to make our voice heard in November. No longer can we afford to be known as “the silent majority.” To be silent is not conduct worthy of the gospel of Christ!
09/25/2020
We are open for face-to-face and Telehealth appointments.
08/04/2020
How to know the will of God-a great reminder from Abandonment to Divine Providence, Jean-Pierre de Caussade (1675 -1751)
“Every moment we live through is like an ambassador that declares the will of God to us. If we understood how to see in each moment some manifestation of the will of God we should find therein all that our hearts could desire. If we were attentive and watchful, God would reveal Himself to us, and we would see His divine action in everything that happened to us and rejoice in it. There is not a moment in which God does not present Himself under the cover of some pain to be endured, of some consolation to be enjoyed, or of some duty to be performed. All that takes place within us, around us, or through us, contains and conceals His divine action. If we have abandoned ourselves to God, there is only one rule for us: the duty of living with faith, humility and love in the present moment.”
05/12/2020
“When the light of divine providence has once shone upon a godly man, he is then relieved and set free not only from the extreme anxiety and fear that were pressing him before, but from every care.” –John Calvin
04/06/2020
A Parents’ Guide to Screen Time During Coronavirus - Focus on the Family
Parents Guide to screen time . . .
https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/a-parents-guide-to-screen-time-during-coronavirus/
A Parents’ Guide to Screen Time During Coronavirus - Focus on the Family
Now, more than ever, we need to be mindful of our screens and how we use them. Here is a guide to limiting screen time for your family in positive ways.
04/03/2020
Trusting God in Today's Economy - Focus on the Family
A very relevant message for today from the past . . .
https://www.focusonthefamily.com/episodes/broadcast/trusting-god-in-todays-economy/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=885107&refcd=885107&utm_source=ENewsletter&seid=114071864
Trusting God in Today's Economy - Focus on the Family
Author and speaker Steve Farrar encourages listeners who are struggling with financial challenges to trust in God as their ultimate provider and sustainer.
04/02/2020
Family-friendly Streaming Content from Focus on the Family
Great new biblically based FREE resource for everyone in the home!
https://www.focusonthefamily.com/streaming/
Family-friendly Streaming Content from Focus on the Family
Sign Up Below for FREE Family-Friendly Streaming We ask for birthdate to help us develop and curate content to provide relevant resources to you.
03/27/2020
How to Care for Your Mental Health During Coronavirus
https://www.focusonthefamily.com/get-help/how-to-care-for-your-mental-health-during-coronavirus/
How to Care for Your Mental Health During Coronavirus
With all the changes going on around you, you can help to support strong mental health during the coronavirus for yourself and those in your care.
03/16/2020
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - Matt Boswell
A great song for such a time as this
A mighty fortress is our God . . .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oNeP7bGagqg
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God - Matt Boswell
A Mighty Fortress Is Our God Words and Music by Martin Luther Additional Words and Music by Matt Boswell Performed by Matt Boswell On “Messenger Hymns, Vol. ...
02/25/2020
Voted best into the top ten for 2020 marriage counseling in El Paso County, Colorado
01/28/2020
A Parent's Guide to Today's Technology Download - Focus on the Family
If you are concerned about the children in your family or those you minister to in church, get this FREE download.
https://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/a-parents-guide-to-todays-technology-download/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=856701&utm_source=ENewsletter&seid=
A Parent's Guide to Today's Technology Download - Focus on the Family
Find out how kids are using their online and mobile devices, and how that participation can impact them physically, psychologically, emotionally and socially.
01/23/2020
“For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” (Ephesians 2:10 NLT)
God’s love is a transforming love. It meets us right where we are at, but when we receive this love it always takes us where we should be going. The love of God that saves my soul will also change my life. —David Guzik
01/19/2020
“The Epistle to the Ephesians is a complete Body of Divinity. In the first chapter you have the doctrines of the gospel; in the next, you have the experience of the Christians; and before the Epistle is finished, you have the precepts of the Christian faith. Whosoever would see Christianity in one treatise, let him ‘read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest’ the Epistle to the Ephesians.” (Spurgeon)
01/07/2020
My prayer for you in 2020 . . . “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” (Romans 15:13 ESV)
12/02/2019
Have a blessed Christmas and New Year!
11/27/2019
For THIS I am thankful . . . “For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:17 ESV)
“The stream of grace and righteousness is deeper and broader than the stream of guilt; for this righteousness does not only take away the guilt of that one offence, but of many other offences, even of all. God in Christ forgives all trespasses, Col. 2:13.” --Matthew Henry Commentary
10/08/2019
Overview: Luke Ch. 1-9
The Bible Project is a wonderful, inspiring, and enjoyable presentation of each book of the Bible that will captivate your imagination. This material is great for family devotions and can easily be incorporated into children’s ministry.
Here is an example from the book of Luke, of this wonderful project.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=4&v=XIb_dCIxzr0
You can find all the information at https://thebibleproject.com
Overview: Luke Ch. 1-9
Watch our overview video on the book of Luke, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. In Luke, Jesus carries the covenant ...
10/06/2019
Fish Bytes 4 Kids: Bible Stories, Christian Parodies & More
GREAT content for kids! Check this out.
https://www.messy.fm/show/4719?utm_source=listennotes.com&utm_campaign=Listen+Notes&utm_medium=website
Fish Bytes 4 Kids: Bible Stories, Christian Parodies & More
Messy lets you setup a podcast easily by recording, editing, and publishing it all from one website. There's nothing to download and no special equipment to buy. Basic plans are free. Start your podcast today.
08/13/2019
THE MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB
And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." And he said to me, "These are the true words of God." (Revelation 19:9 ESV)
“On that day, everyone will see the church for what she really is: the precious bride of Jesus. “The Bride of Christ is a sort of Cinderella now, sitting among the ashes. She is like her Lord, ‘despised and rejected of men’; the watchmen smite her, and take away her veil from her; for they know her not, even as they knew not her Lord. But when he shall appear, then shall she appear also, and in his glorious manifestation she also shall shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of the Father.” (Spurgeon)
08/12/2019
How a Pastor Overcame Po*******hy and Used It for Good - Focus on the Family
https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/how-a-pastor-overcame-po*******hy-and-used-it-for-good/?utm_campaign=778301&utm_medium=email&utm_source=nl_thrivingpastor
How a Pastor Overcame Po*******hy and Used It for Good - Focus on the Family
This is the story of one pastor's battle for sexual integrity and how God helped him overcome po*******hy so he could help people with similar struggles. God transforms us so we might help others.
08/07/2019
Are My Expectations Realistic? - Focus on the Family
ARE MY EXPECTATIONS REALISTIC?
https://new.focusonthefamily.com/marriage/are-my-expectations-realistic/?utm_campaign=778201&utm_medium=email&utm_source=nl_thrivingpastor
Are My Expectations Realistic? - Focus on the Family
Physical intimacy and romantic love are not what keep couples together. It’s the emotional and spiritual aspects that make a marriage sweet.
08/06/2019
Is There A Difference In Being Judgmental And Using Your Judgment? - Sacred Structures by Jim Baker
Is There A Difference In Being Judgmental And Using Your Judgment?
By Jim Baker
https://sacredstructures.org/might/is-there-a-difference-in-being-judgmental-and-using-your-judgment/
It’s a complicated question…..one I have wrestled with as I often question, as an individual and as a church leader, whether I am being judgmental or simply using my God-given judgment. Scripture surely helps, and we will examine what the Bible says in our next post. But, to begin with I have found that determining clear definitions and guidelines helps.
Definitions of Judging, Judgment and Judgmental
Judging: To form an opinion or come to a conclusion; to be able or qualified to give an opinion
Judgment: The ability to make objective decisions or come to sensible conclusions; discernment; judiciousness
Judgmental: To display an excessively critical and unhelpful point of view; condemning, censorious; critically nitpicking and finding fault with another person, group of people, idea, or situation
Clearly, there is a difference between making judgments and being judgmental. But, how can you tell? Here’s what works for me.
When I Am Using My Judgment
Practically speaking, I find I’m using my judgment when:
1. It’s my job – When as a leader I am called upon to make judgements concerning whether or not someone lives up to agreed upon standards of both spiritual and organizational leadership.
2. I need to set boundaries – When I make judgments that people are unhealthy for me, my family, or those I am responsible for in order to protect myself or others from danger or being hurt.
3. There is dishonesty – When the dishonesty of another requires I genuinely express how I feel and what I know to be true.
4. The law requires it – When I am aware of confirmed illegal or unlawful behavior.
5. I am qualified – When I have sufficient experience, knowledge, and understanding to render an opinion or observation.
6. I have been a witness – When I have personally witnessed the behavior or heard the words from their mouths.
7. I have walked in their shoes – When I have first looked inward and examined my own similar faults and selfish motives. When I have sympathized and empathized with the other person.
When I Am Being Judgmental
I tend to cross the line into being judgmental when I’m:
1. Condemning
2. Censorious
3. Gossiping
4. Hypercritical
5. Excessively fault finding
6. Aware my comments are harmful or have hurtful consequences
7. Using words that evoke in me feelings of superiority, jealousy, or pride
8. Avoiding my own faults by pointing them out in others
9. Intolerant of people not like me
10. Rating others based upon their appearance or associations
11. Not empathetic and sympathetic
12. Not qualified to comment
Personal Safeguards
As Christians trying to be salt and light in the world, and as church leaders striving to model biblical behavior, being judgmental is something we need to understand and work to counteract. Why? When we are unaware of our judgmental tendencies, we become angry, hateful, and defensive. Such a trait not only alienates us from others, but also from God. Therefore, it is important to guard against. Here are some approaches I use as personal safeguards against being judgmental.
1. Practice Presence – Before speaking, spend time with the person, seek to understand, empathize, and really listen.
2. Beam Removal – Make sure I look inward first, face my shadows, and get the beam out of my own eye.
3. Demonstrate Grace – Realize they have had experiences and relationships of which I am unaware that have shaped their words and actions.
4. Value Frame – Ask, what if the person doesn’t get their values from the same place I do?
5. Imagine the Impact – Be mindful of the potential impact of my judgments and the law of unintended consequences.
6. Judge the Sin, Not the Sinner – Maintain a nonjudgmental attitude toward an individual’s essence by separating problematic acts from the person.
7. Know the Facts – Make certain I have verifiable information before speaking or acting.
8. Remain Open – Look for additional information that may challenge my initial opinions and change my evaluations.
9. Avoid Stereotypes – Don’t form strong judgments based upon brief snapshots or cultural stereotyped frames.
10. Avoid Prejudice – Be aware of my own tendencies and don’t base judgments on underlying prejudices.
Is There A Difference In Being Judgmental And Using Your Judgment? - Sacred Structures by Jim Baker
Clearly, there is a difference between making judgments and being judgmental. But, how can you tell? Here’s what works for me.
07/31/2019
Lauren Daigle - You Say (Official Music Video)
A very good reminder of who YOU are . . .
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIaT8Jl2zpI
Lauren Daigle - You Say (Official Music Video)
The official music video for Lauren Daigle's new single "You Say" from her album, Look Up Child, out now! Stream You Say here : https://LaurenDaigle.lnk.to/Y...
07/20/2019
The Dragon Hiding in Your Desires: Why Temptation Feels So Harmless
Good read for anyone who wants to walk in greater victory over temptation.
https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/the-dragon-hiding-in-your-desires
The Dragon Hiding in Your Desires: Why Temptation Feels So Harmless
Many of us fail to defeat sin because we refuse to use our imagination. If we could really see what sin will do to us, temptation would lose its power.
07/10/2019
How Faith Heritage Relates to Faith Practice - Barna Group
Great article . . .
https://www.barna.com/research/faith-heritage-faith-practice/?mc_cid=fc133c2aff&mc_eid=5c60a59561
How Faith Heritage Relates to Faith Practice - Barna Group
The recent Barna report, Households of Faith, finds some (at times surprising) links between faith heritage and present faith practice.
07/01/2019
How to Respond to Tragedy – Meier Clinics
How to respond to tragedy
https://www.meierclinics.com/how-to-respond-to-tragedy/
How to Respond to Tragedy – Meier Clinics
How to Respond to Tragedy How do we as Christians support others when we hear of their loss, whether it is that of a friend or family member, sudden or expected? There are no easy answers to this, but here are a few guidelines: What to say: Keep it simple. “I am so sorry.” “I can’t eve...
06/21/2019
Think about it . . .
SUPPOSE
by Phoebe Cary (1824-1871)
Suppose, my little lady,
Your doll should break her head,
Could you make it whole by crying
Till your eyes and nose are red?
And wouldn’t it be pleasanter
To treat it as a joke;
And say you’re glad “It was Dolly’s
And not your head that broke?”
Suppose you ’re dressed for walking,
And the rain comes pouring down,
Will it clear off any sooner
Because you scold and frown?
And wouldn’t it be nicer
For you to smile than pout,
And so make sunshine in the house
When there is none without?
Suppose your task, my little man,
Is very hard to get,
Will it make it any easier
For you to sit and fret?
And wouldn’t it be wiser
Than waiting like a dunce,
To go to work in earnest
And learn the thing at once?
Suppose that some boys have a horse,
And some a coach and pair,
Will it tire you less while walking
To say, “It isn’t fair?”
And wouldn’t it be nobler
To keep your temper sweet,
And in your heart be thankful
You can walk upon your feet?
And suppose the world don’t please you,
Nor the way some people do,
Do you think the whole creation
Will be altered just for you?
And isn’t it, my boy or girl,
The wisest, bravest plan,
Whatever comes, or doesn’t come,
To do the best you can?
06/10/2019
Thanks for your prayer support for the services at Highpoint Church this morning. It was such a privilege to minister to these precious people. There were so many comments of how God spoke to individual hearts on so many levels! Thank you Highpoint leadership for allowing me to bring the Word of the Lord to you!
06/06/2019
Home
Hello prayer warriors. I will be preaching both services this Sunday at Highpoint church in Aurora. I would appreciate your prayer, that the anointing of the Holy Spirit would be upon the message and the messenger. I am trusting the Lord for the people to be deeply encouraged as they experience His presence.
https://highpointchurch.us/
Home
Highpoint Church is all about living life and growing faith through... Experiencing God Growing Faith Serving Others Loving our world. LEARN MORE Pastoral Care & Prayer CONTACT US Power of Three
05/02/2019
04/03/2019
And as they went out of Jericho, a great crowd followed him. And behold, there were two blind men sitting by the roadside, and when they heard that Jesus was passing by, they cried out, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!" The crowd rebuked them, telling them to be silent, but they cried out all the more, "Lord, have mercy on us, Son of David!" And stopping, Jesus called them and said, "What do you want me to do for you?" They said to him, "Lord, let our eyes be opened." 34 And Jesus in pity touched their eyes, and immediately they recovered their sight and followed him. -- Matthew 20:29-34 (ESV)
“Many speak of faith and the desire to be used of God to do the miraculous. I say, seek not the miraculous, rather allow me to place within you a heart of pity for others. If you cannot be moved in your deepest parts with compassion, then what lasting good can you do for them? The ability to be moved in regard to the needs of others is what should motivate you to a Kingdom response. It Is not great faith, but greater love for the blind, deaf, lame, and hurting that in the end it advances the kingdom of God!”
(The Holy Spirit)
Father God, I have prayed to be used by you, and to some degree you have honored that prayer, for which I am thankful. Today you have shown me that my greater need is not more faith or power. It is to be moved with greater pity, caring for the lost, the week, the fearful, the despondent, the downcast, and the outcast.
Humble me to a greater degree so that Your compassion has room for increase. My desire is to serve you, and those you love with a pure heart. Father God allow me simply to be a more compassionate servant! Amen.
04/23/2019
"It is hard to find counselors you know you can trust to speak truth in the power of the Holy Spirit, but you are one of them!" JB