Leaders Allow God to Lead

When ever we feel responsible for an organization, family, or a church it is easy to feel the weight of the world on your shoulders. Some of us have the ability to go for years holding up the church or our family completely on our own. But after a while, hope seems to fade and we just don’t have the strength to lead anymore. The prophet Habakkuk did everything he could to turn the Hebrew people back to God, but they wouldn’t budge. In his perceived failure Habakkuk was able to turn to God for strength:


“17 Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, 18 yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior. 19 The Sovereign LORD is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to go on the heights.”  Habakkuk 3:17-19

True leadership understands that only God is in control and that only by the strength that He offers will we ever be able to properly lead families, friends, coworkers, and churches in the right direction. Do not sit and worry about what is or is not happening, because we need to learn to rest in His power and control. And no matter what happens we must learn to praise Him for He is our hope and salvation. So do not give up on what whatever position you hold, whether that is a parent, manager, or church leader; rather place your faith and hope in the direction of God, for it is He that gives success in His time and in His way. – Vic

His Word Is Powerful!

"Flight 1234," the control tower advised, "turn right 45 degrees for noise abatement." "Roger," the pilot responded, "but we're at 35,000 feet. How much noise can we make up here?"
"Sir," the control tower replied, "have you ever heard the noise a 727 makes when it hits a 747?"

Sometimes advice doesn’t always make sense, at least not right away. Sometimes God Word is like that. We don’t always understand it; however if we stay connected to God (the ultimate control tower), He will guide us in for safe landing. The vision for the White House Church of Christ is to love God, love each other, and love the world. This vision begins with a deep relationship with God. His Word is powerful and can influence every aspect of life. Listen to Him, listen to His advice and allow it to be the guide that brings you home. - Vic
“17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ.” Romans 10:17 NIV

Happy Easter: Your Prince Has Come!

We all know the story of Snow White; she was a young maiden who the mirror said was the fairest in all of the land. Enraged by the mirrors declaration, the evil Queen set out to destroy Snow White. The Queen disguised herself as a poor old woman who happened to be an apple peddler. The old woman offered Snow White the poisoned apple, claiming it to be a magic wishing apple; that anyone who made a wish and took a bite will have their desires come true. Snow White's animal friends were not easily convinced; they ran off to warn the dwarves. While they were gone Snow White took a bite of the apple, and she fell to the floor, seemingly dead. How many times have we bitten into the apple, the forbidden fruit of this world? Many times I have found myself sleep walking, living for stuff that promises to make my wishes come true. Like Snow White many of us have fallen asleep and have become overwhelmed by the pressures of this world. If the world has turned you into a grouchy, angry, guilt-ridden, and (or) tired person; then you are living in a nightmare, and it is time to wake up. Listen to the words of Paul.
"Wake up, O sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you." Ephesians 5:14 NIV
Your prince has come to wake you up, to help you have the life you have always desired. We were once living a nightmare, but now we have been awakened by our Prince who has called us to follow Him into everlasting life.

There's An App for that ... Faithfulness

King David wrote the following Psalm about God’s faithfulness.


“2 Test me, LORD, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; 3 for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.” Psalm 26:2-3 NIV

In this passage King David was saying “God I don’t know why you do things you do, or why you allow me to go through the things you allow me to go through, but I trust that you have my back, that you have my best interest in mind, and I trust that you will be faithful to me.”

Faith in the faithfulness of others is easy when things are going well, but when things become difficult that is when our faith is tested. Faith in your spouse is easy when they are doting over you with hugs, smiles, and kind words. But what if there is a disagreement, what if they don’t give me what I want? That is when both faithfulness and faith are tested. If we can’t trust each other we will begin to think the worst about each other. We will question their every comment, every action, and we will find slights in the most subtle of things. In the same way if we don’t trust God, we will think the worst of God. We will begin to think that God is out to get us; that He enjoys testing us or that He doesn’t care about us. When we lack faith in His faithfulness we will not trust Him, and in turn we will not be faithful to Him. Remember David’s words when he said that God is faithful and His love for us is unfailing. That does not mean we will not face trial or adversity, but it does mean that God will give us whatever we need to overcome our struggle in order to grow from it. Not only is God good all the time, He is also faithful all the time. Wait for Him, trust in Him, call to Him; because He is faithful to you!

Small Group Lesson “Headline News”

Life Group Lesson “Headline News”


Begin with a prayer.

What is the best news headline that you have ever seen?

Why do some stories receive more publicity than others?

Read Mark 15:16-20
Why would people mock the idea that Jesus “was King of the Jews?”

Does Jesus understand what abuse is? How could this help someone who has been abused or mistreated?

Read Mark 15:21-32
What are some things that you noticed from the text we just read? What stands out?

Why do you think Jesus wouldn’t take the “wine with myrrh” drug to ease the pain?

(Just as we take drugs for pain relief now, it would not have been sinful for Jesus to take something for the pain.) Why would He want to experience the full extent of the pain?

How do your sufferings compare to what Jesus went through? How does it make you feel to know that He suffered for you?

Read Mark 15:33-38; Mark 15:1-7
The darkness over the land symbolized a world without God. How does this story help you stay connected to God (light) in every part of your life?

Why do you think that the events surrounding Jesus’ death caused the centurion to say, “surely this man was the Son of God”?

What were the women expecting to find at the tomb that Sunday morning? Why were they surprised (frightened)?

Jesus the man who died saving the world, is back and alive! How does this true story inspire you? How does it help you?

Read 1 Corinthians 15:3-5
What does the headline “Christ died for your sins” mean to you? How does the Gospel affect your life on a daily basis?

If you were writing a catchy but honest headline for this story, what would it be?

Close in prayer.

FIVE MINUTE MINISTRY

You can be a minister and a missionary without leaving your job or your country. In fact, we are officially asking you to take on this responsibility starting this morning. Here is how it works: this week and every Sunday, we ask that you refrain from talking with your closest friends and associates for the first five minutes after the closing prayer. Instead, seek out visitors or members you normally do not spend time with and speak to them. Get to know their names, where they live, and what they do. Afraid you will approach a member when you thought they were a visitor? Relax! They are probably wondering if you are a member, too! Get to know their names and shake their hands. Smile at each other and you will know each other from now on. Five minute ministry… easier than relocating to Venezuela but just as critical for the health of the kingdom of God. Start now. (Author unknown)