OAKS MINISTRY IS ALIVE AND WELL......
YES we are still meeting every Tuesday evening from 7:30-9:00 PM.
YES we still meet at Media Church on 5th street outside of Oxford, Pa.
YES Oaks is still a group for women of any age, denomination or background.
YES when we gather together we are ENCOURAGED to go be the women God intends us to be. To continue to grow in our walk with God. To learn to love Him and Trust Him with ALL our hearts. To put him first in our lives and to experience JOY as we live this life together knowing that God is with us and we are never alone even if we "feel" lonely.
YES you are welcome to join us on any given week. No reservations necessary. Just show up!
One of my favorite verses is ROMANS 8:28 "All things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purposes".
Knowing and living this truth puts things in a rightful perspective. FACT: No matter what I think or feel about a certain situation in my life. God has allowed it and GOOD will come out of it when I respond to it in faith.
Another one of my favorites is PHILIPPIANS 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength"
This verse has been very real to me for as I learn to TRUST God and put Him first in my life, GOD puts me in situations that I feel so unqualified for and I have to remember this and make a personal claim on it for the situation that I find myself in. I do my best and TRUST God with the rest! Sounds simple, it is! FACT: Its all about choosing to TRUST in GOD and BELIEVING His promises. Through many circumstances I have seen GOD @ WORK and this brings me much JOY!!
Which brings me to the study that we are now in the midst of its called "GOD @ WORK".
If you have a need to see GOD @ WORK in your life and in this world today, this is the group for you. Come prepared to listen, to learn to see life through the eyes of CHRIST. We call this putting on your JESUS glasses! When we begin to see things from God's perspective, our response to life will be different and the result will be more JOY and PEACE in our lives regardless of our circumstances.
Have you been around the same ole mountain for years? Try OAKS and see if it makes a difference. FACT: It may not happen overnight, but step by step as God leads and you follow, you will see your life change into something more beautiful than you can ever imagine.
Joyfully Serving Jesus...
Robin Martin
Check out our website at www.mmchurch.org Click under ministries and you can learn more about Oaks Class and MMC!! Any questions feel free to contact me at robinmartin3@hotmail.com.
Wednesday, February 25, 2015
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Learning More and Going Deeper In Christ
Ladies:
Do you feel you are at a standstill in your relationship to Christ? Is Christianity, as you know it, not working for you? Is something missing?
Are you hungering for more in your relationship to God, but not sure what that looks like or even
If its possible?
Some Christian women today are struggling in bad marriages, have troubled children, are overwhelmed with past failures, have intense personal struggles and are filled with doubts and confusion about their spiritual lives. Some words that describe them are exhausted, burned-out, overwhelmed, defeated, depressed, ashamed, emotionally unstable, angry frustrated, discouraged, uptight, insecure, lonely and fearful.
What if I told you that instead of being miserable, frustrated and in bondage to worries, doubts, and fears you could be free, gracious, loving confident, contented, stable, joyous, peaceful and radiant?
The answer is found in a "GROWING" relationship with Jesus Christ.
If you can relate to any of this, please consider joining the Ladies Oaks Class on Tuesday evenings. Even if you can't relate to the above and are just looking for
something new this is the class for you.
Feel free to drop in on any given week...you'll be glad you did!!
Class 7:30-9:00PM.
SO YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE?
OAKS LADIES MINISTRY (based on Isaiah 61:1-3)
1. For women of all ages and backgrounds.
2. Meets at Media Mennonite Church Tuesdays; doors open at 7 pm for fellowship, class begins at 7:30 pm. Primarily a teaching group.
3. This is not a small group, but a fellowship of women hearing God's liberating truth, and supporting one another in prayer and fellowship.
4. We usually do Book study from the Bible, or a Christian book study. Sometimes we divide into groups for times of prayer and share but only as they desire. You are encouraged to bring women who are dealing with hurts of the heart.
5. Ladies are free to ask questions and join in on the discussion at hand. We all can learn from each other. But no one is ever forced to read, pray or communicate in any way if not comfortable with it.
6. The purpose of our Group: The Oaks are generally a group of women who have not grown up in or stayed committed to the church. These women need to know that they are loved and cared about and welcome in our fellowship.
Want to connect? Call Robin @ 484-368-7268 or e-mail me at robinmartin3@hotmail.com
Why? Because I care..........
Do you feel you are at a standstill in your relationship to Christ? Is Christianity, as you know it, not working for you? Is something missing?
Are you hungering for more in your relationship to God, but not sure what that looks like or even
If its possible?
Some Christian women today are struggling in bad marriages, have troubled children, are overwhelmed with past failures, have intense personal struggles and are filled with doubts and confusion about their spiritual lives. Some words that describe them are exhausted, burned-out, overwhelmed, defeated, depressed, ashamed, emotionally unstable, angry frustrated, discouraged, uptight, insecure, lonely and fearful.
What if I told you that instead of being miserable, frustrated and in bondage to worries, doubts, and fears you could be free, gracious, loving confident, contented, stable, joyous, peaceful and radiant?
The answer is found in a "GROWING" relationship with Jesus Christ.
If you can relate to any of this, please consider joining the Ladies Oaks Class on Tuesday evenings. Even if you can't relate to the above and are just looking for
something new this is the class for you.
Feel free to drop in on any given week...you'll be glad you did!!
Class 7:30-9:00PM.
SO YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE?
OAKS LADIES MINISTRY (based on Isaiah 61:1-3)
1. For women of all ages and backgrounds.
2. Meets at Media Mennonite Church Tuesdays; doors open at 7 pm for fellowship, class begins at 7:30 pm. Primarily a teaching group.
3. This is not a small group, but a fellowship of women hearing God's liberating truth, and supporting one another in prayer and fellowship.
4. We usually do Book study from the Bible, or a Christian book study. Sometimes we divide into groups for times of prayer and share but only as they desire. You are encouraged to bring women who are dealing with hurts of the heart.
5. Ladies are free to ask questions and join in on the discussion at hand. We all can learn from each other. But no one is ever forced to read, pray or communicate in any way if not comfortable with it.
6. The purpose of our Group: The Oaks are generally a group of women who have not grown up in or stayed committed to the church. These women need to know that they are loved and cared about and welcome in our fellowship.
Want to connect? Call Robin @ 484-368-7268 or e-mail me at robinmartin3@hotmail.com
Why? Because I care..........
Friday, January 11, 2013
2013: A New Year a New Beginning
2013: A New Year a New Beginning
As I begin to think about the New Year, I do wonder what God has in store for us? So many things are happening around the world, that cause much concern. As inflation rises, and people are unemployed, as I hear in the news about random shootings targeted at young and innocent people, my heart cries out why Lord why? Why must it be this way?
I often say if it wasn't for my faith in God who is good, and all powerful and all knowing and everywhere present, who has a plan and a purpose in all things, I think I would crumble under the weight of it all. Life is not easy, but God says in His Word "Come to me all ye who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. (Matt. 11:28) He also says, "I have told you these things so that you may have peace... in this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world" (John 16:33) So we are warned of days like these and what we must do.
The promises in God's Word (the Bible) bring me so much comfort. If ever there was a time when we need the peace of God it is now. When things are happening that are evil, and ugly I know that God's Word stands true and that God will take what our enemy (satan) means for bad and make something good out of it even if I do not understand the why's or the how's and this gives me a peace that the world does not understand.
It is so important for women and men to come together and study God's Word, to encourage
and build one another up in the faith and pray so that when trials come, we will stand firm, united in Christ. God promises in His word that He will always be with us. Through the good times and through the bad. God has created us with freedom of choice. The choices we make have consequences but God offers forgiveness and a new beginning through Jesus Christ to anyone who will accept it. We must learn together how to respond to the problems we face in a way that pleases God so that we will have the blessing of God on our lives. Does this sound appealing to you?
If so won't you consider attending the Oaks Ladies Ministry class that is held every Tuesday evening, at 7:30PM at Media Church in Oxford. Women from all walks of life, come together to learn about Christ, His plans, His purposes for His church and for all people. What does it mean to be a Christian? What is it that we are called to do? In what manner should we be doing it?
We will begin a new study on 1 Corinthians on January 8th. This class is timely for the church today, both to instruct and to inspire. We are still powerfully influenced by our cultural environment, and most of the questions and problems that confronted the church at Corinth, and the problems in the world, are still very much with us. Problems like immaturity, instability, divisions, jealousy, and envy, lawsuits, marital difficulties, sexual immorality and misuse of spiritual gifts. The church has a message that will change the world, so when the church is not functioning properly, the world will suffer the consequences.
So if all this sounds interesting to you, please come check us out. No fees or registration or commitment required. Join us weekly or just come when you can. Bring a friend along. (If you have a spouse, or male friend, that would like to join you, there is a mens group that meets weekly on tuesday evenings in another part of the church.) Hope to see you soon!
2013: A New Year a New Beginning
Check us out at www.mmchurch.org Click under classes "Oaks Ladies Ministry"
Robin Martin
robinmartin3@hotmail.com if you have any questions.
As I begin to think about the New Year, I do wonder what God has in store for us? So many things are happening around the world, that cause much concern. As inflation rises, and people are unemployed, as I hear in the news about random shootings targeted at young and innocent people, my heart cries out why Lord why? Why must it be this way?
I often say if it wasn't for my faith in God who is good, and all powerful and all knowing and everywhere present, who has a plan and a purpose in all things, I think I would crumble under the weight of it all. Life is not easy, but God says in His Word "Come to me all ye who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. (Matt. 11:28) He also says, "I have told you these things so that you may have peace... in this world you will have trouble, but take heart I have overcome the world" (John 16:33) So we are warned of days like these and what we must do.
The promises in God's Word (the Bible) bring me so much comfort. If ever there was a time when we need the peace of God it is now. When things are happening that are evil, and ugly I know that God's Word stands true and that God will take what our enemy (satan) means for bad and make something good out of it even if I do not understand the why's or the how's and this gives me a peace that the world does not understand.
It is so important for women and men to come together and study God's Word, to encourage
and build one another up in the faith and pray so that when trials come, we will stand firm, united in Christ. God promises in His word that He will always be with us. Through the good times and through the bad. God has created us with freedom of choice. The choices we make have consequences but God offers forgiveness and a new beginning through Jesus Christ to anyone who will accept it. We must learn together how to respond to the problems we face in a way that pleases God so that we will have the blessing of God on our lives. Does this sound appealing to you?
If so won't you consider attending the Oaks Ladies Ministry class that is held every Tuesday evening, at 7:30PM at Media Church in Oxford. Women from all walks of life, come together to learn about Christ, His plans, His purposes for His church and for all people. What does it mean to be a Christian? What is it that we are called to do? In what manner should we be doing it?
We will begin a new study on 1 Corinthians on January 8th. This class is timely for the church today, both to instruct and to inspire. We are still powerfully influenced by our cultural environment, and most of the questions and problems that confronted the church at Corinth, and the problems in the world, are still very much with us. Problems like immaturity, instability, divisions, jealousy, and envy, lawsuits, marital difficulties, sexual immorality and misuse of spiritual gifts. The church has a message that will change the world, so when the church is not functioning properly, the world will suffer the consequences.
So if all this sounds interesting to you, please come check us out. No fees or registration or commitment required. Join us weekly or just come when you can. Bring a friend along. (If you have a spouse, or male friend, that would like to join you, there is a mens group that meets weekly on tuesday evenings in another part of the church.) Hope to see you soon!
2013: A New Year a New Beginning
Check us out at www.mmchurch.org Click under classes "Oaks Ladies Ministry"
Robin Martin
robinmartin3@hotmail.com if you have any questions.
Friday, June 29, 2012
Oaks Class at Media Church
Would you like to attend a Christian Womens Fellowship that is designed to challenge you to go deeper in your relationship with Christ..then this is the group for you. This group is made up of women all ages and stages in life. Any denomination or any religious background are welcome. We meet together every Tuesday evening at 7:30PM at Media Church in Oxford. www.mmchurch.org .
We recently finished a study on the Lord's Prayer.. I have recited the Lord's Prayer many times in the past, and to be quite frank with you, didn't really appreciate it like I should. It seemed to "religious" to me. I would much rather pray my words from my heart so what a surprise when I decided to do a study on Prayer and sensed God telling me to begin with the Lord's Prayer. When God speaks...I listen and I'm so glad I did!
The Lord's Prayer is a prayer given by God to God's Son (Jesus Christ) for us when the disciples asked him to teach them how to pray. (Luke 11:1) The Lord's Prayer is also recorded in Matthew 6:9-13 as an example of how we are to pray. So don't you think we should take it seriously? It is the perfect prayer which covers all area's of prayer. When we pray this prayer from our hearts, it pleases our heavenly Father, and He takes note of it.
I know I will never be able to say this specific prayer as I have in the past....just reciting what I memorized from my head not really giving any real thought to what I am saying....it was nothing but vain repetition. (Matthew 6:7 kjv) The reason I wasn't connecting, was not the prayer, it was me.
Have you been connecting with God in prayer lately? If not why not? Are you experiencing life to the full as Jesus talked about? (John 10:10) If not why not? Is somthing missing in your life? Together we may be able to discover exactly what that is and things will begin to change for you.
The purpose of our Oaks Class is to come together and learn what it means to be a woman of faith, to study God's word and discuss how it applies to our lives today. What is it that we are doing right, and what is it that we are doing wrong? Together we encourage and pray for one another.
So come join our class. I would love to meet you! You can contact me at robinmartin3@hotmail.com for more info.
Joyfully Serving Jesus
Robin Martin
We recently finished a study on the Lord's Prayer.. I have recited the Lord's Prayer many times in the past, and to be quite frank with you, didn't really appreciate it like I should. It seemed to "religious" to me. I would much rather pray my words from my heart so what a surprise when I decided to do a study on Prayer and sensed God telling me to begin with the Lord's Prayer. When God speaks...I listen and I'm so glad I did!
The Lord's Prayer is a prayer given by God to God's Son (Jesus Christ) for us when the disciples asked him to teach them how to pray. (Luke 11:1) The Lord's Prayer is also recorded in Matthew 6:9-13 as an example of how we are to pray. So don't you think we should take it seriously? It is the perfect prayer which covers all area's of prayer. When we pray this prayer from our hearts, it pleases our heavenly Father, and He takes note of it.
I know I will never be able to say this specific prayer as I have in the past....just reciting what I memorized from my head not really giving any real thought to what I am saying....it was nothing but vain repetition. (Matthew 6:7 kjv) The reason I wasn't connecting, was not the prayer, it was me.
Have you been connecting with God in prayer lately? If not why not? Are you experiencing life to the full as Jesus talked about? (John 10:10) If not why not? Is somthing missing in your life? Together we may be able to discover exactly what that is and things will begin to change for you.
The purpose of our Oaks Class is to come together and learn what it means to be a woman of faith, to study God's word and discuss how it applies to our lives today. What is it that we are doing right, and what is it that we are doing wrong? Together we encourage and pray for one another.
So come join our class. I would love to meet you! You can contact me at robinmartin3@hotmail.com for more info.
Joyfully Serving Jesus
Robin Martin
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Whats Love Got To Do? A Second Hand Emotion??? NOT!
Last week on Valentines Day our Oaks class discussed God and the Church. I opened up the meeting by Reading 1 Corinthians 13, better known as the Love Chapter.. "Love is patient, Love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered. It keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, and always perseveres. Love never fails..."
How have you been showing God's LOVE to the world around you. One thing I did this past week was to buy a heart shaped box of chocolates to share with the women in OAKS class. Our class also surprised the men who meet separately downstairs with a surprise delivery from Pats Pizzeria, a large fully loaded pizza, along with a Valentines Day card from the Oaks Class telling them we love and respect them. Boy did it get noisy downstairs when that pizza was delivered!! Remember Valentines day isn't the only day to share love with others. This is something we can do everyday...it is so much fun to bless others in the name of LOVE!!! Expressing LOVE doesn't have to involve money. Time, a listening ear, words of encouragement are ways to express LOVE. Get creative and spread some love around in the name of JESUS!!
I was reminded of Tina Turners song..."Whats love got to do, got to do, got to do...whats love but a second hand emotion...whats love got to do..." Most of you know the song, its got a great beat but the message....stinks!! LOVE is not an emotion. LOVE is an action. A gift from God and it all started in the New Testament church with the birth of JESUS CHRIST, Gods Son, the Savior of the World.
"For God so LOVED the world that He gave His only begotton Son (Jesus Christ). That whosoever believes in Him (Jesus Christ) should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). The NT commandments that replaced the OT commandments are to "LOVE the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and to LOVE your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-39). That brings us to the Church, the Body of Christ. I'm not talking about a building, I am talking about a people. Those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior, have repented (turned) from their sins and have been baptized into the Body of Christ. What does it look like when we gather together in His Name? The church then becomes your "neighbor".
Acts 2:42 says "And they (the church) devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayers."
Are we devoted to our church gatherings? I had to look up the word devoted. It means: zealous, full of passion, strongly attached, enthusiam, strong affection for. Is this how you feel about your church gatherings? Why or why not? What can we do about it?
Did you know that the church is a "living body, created by Christ? (Matt. 16:18) And the head of the Church is Christ. (Col. 1:18) Its through the church body that God intends to extend His kingdom throughout the earth, therefore it is very important that every Christian is a active part of a church family.
How should we act toward each other in this body? The Bible teaches we are to accept one another and not to argue over disputable matters (Rom 14:1, 12-13), It also teaches that we are to not just seek our own good but the good of others (1 Cor. 10:24), We are to speak the truth, in LOVE, and only speak what is good for building one another up in the faith (Eph. 4:25-29), We are told to submit to one another (Eph. 5:21), We are to accept one another and forgive each other....and above all we are to put on LOVE ...the perfect bond of unity. (Col. 3:13-14) Scripture tells us that when one part suffers we all suffer and when one part rejoices we all rejoice. We are all connected, united in Christ. The bible also tells us that the world will know we are Christians (followers of Jesus Christ) by the LOVE we have for one another. This LOVE its powerful stuff, and in my opinion, LOVE without action, like faith is dead.
Too many folks today go to church for what they can get out of it, not for what they can contribute. Meeting together with God's people is an opportunity to join God in His work there. Often we go sit in the church, listen to the message, listen to the music and leave. Have you ever prayed and asked God to reveal to you by the power of HIS Spirit, someone who is hurting who needs encouragement. Someone who may think no one cares so that you can reach out to them and share the LOVE of Christ.
Our churches should be a place where we are taught and live the Truth according to God's Word and where God's people come together to Pray, and commune together. Jesus Christ himself said that "my church shall be called a house of prayer" (Matt. 21:13) Would your church be called a house of prayer. Or would it be called a house of preaching, a house of entertainment, a house of bickering and complaining? Jesus words were my house should be called a "house of prayer". Something to think about!
I hope this blog helps you to examine your church, your heart, and your part in your church. What is it that God is calling you to do? How can you make your church better? How can you reach out to your church family in a way that pleases God? So to answer Tina Turners question, Whats LOVE got to do with it? I hope after reading this blog that you will realize that LOVE'S got everything to do with it...and its not a "second hand emotion". It is so much more. It is a gift from God that HE gives to HIS people. He fills our hearts with LOVE overflowing so we can go share HIS LOVE with others beginning with His family the church, the Body of Christ.
If you are looking for a loving church family to be devoted to, I would recommend that you check out Media Church in Oxford. We are not perfect, no one is, but you will Experience God in our church. We are a place where the Lost get Found and the Found go Deeper. Check us out on the web at http://www.mmchurch.org/
I would also like to invite you to our Oaks class. This ministry is open to all ladies any church affiliation or no church affiliation. Here you will experience the LOVE of Christ and the Love of His people. Women gather together every Tuesday evening at 7:15 at Media Church to study the Word of God, for Christian Fellowship, for Prayer and to Worship. Its a warm, comfortable place that I think you would enjoy...I know I do!!! I guess you would say I am DEVOTED!! I hope you are too!!!!
Joyfully Serving Jesus
Robin
robinmartin3@hotmail.com
How have you been showing God's LOVE to the world around you. One thing I did this past week was to buy a heart shaped box of chocolates to share with the women in OAKS class. Our class also surprised the men who meet separately downstairs with a surprise delivery from Pats Pizzeria, a large fully loaded pizza, along with a Valentines Day card from the Oaks Class telling them we love and respect them. Boy did it get noisy downstairs when that pizza was delivered!! Remember Valentines day isn't the only day to share love with others. This is something we can do everyday...it is so much fun to bless others in the name of LOVE!!! Expressing LOVE doesn't have to involve money. Time, a listening ear, words of encouragement are ways to express LOVE. Get creative and spread some love around in the name of JESUS!!
I was reminded of Tina Turners song..."Whats love got to do, got to do, got to do...whats love but a second hand emotion...whats love got to do..." Most of you know the song, its got a great beat but the message....stinks!! LOVE is not an emotion. LOVE is an action. A gift from God and it all started in the New Testament church with the birth of JESUS CHRIST, Gods Son, the Savior of the World.
"For God so LOVED the world that He gave His only begotton Son (Jesus Christ). That whosoever believes in Him (Jesus Christ) should not perish but have everlasting life (John 3:16). The NT commandments that replaced the OT commandments are to "LOVE the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and to LOVE your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-39). That brings us to the Church, the Body of Christ. I'm not talking about a building, I am talking about a people. Those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior, have repented (turned) from their sins and have been baptized into the Body of Christ. What does it look like when we gather together in His Name? The church then becomes your "neighbor".
Acts 2:42 says "And they (the church) devoted themselves to the apostles teaching, to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayers."
Are we devoted to our church gatherings? I had to look up the word devoted. It means: zealous, full of passion, strongly attached, enthusiam, strong affection for. Is this how you feel about your church gatherings? Why or why not? What can we do about it?
Did you know that the church is a "living body, created by Christ? (Matt. 16:18) And the head of the Church is Christ. (Col. 1:18) Its through the church body that God intends to extend His kingdom throughout the earth, therefore it is very important that every Christian is a active part of a church family.
How should we act toward each other in this body? The Bible teaches we are to accept one another and not to argue over disputable matters (Rom 14:1, 12-13), It also teaches that we are to not just seek our own good but the good of others (1 Cor. 10:24), We are to speak the truth, in LOVE, and only speak what is good for building one another up in the faith (Eph. 4:25-29), We are told to submit to one another (Eph. 5:21), We are to accept one another and forgive each other....and above all we are to put on LOVE ...the perfect bond of unity. (Col. 3:13-14) Scripture tells us that when one part suffers we all suffer and when one part rejoices we all rejoice. We are all connected, united in Christ. The bible also tells us that the world will know we are Christians (followers of Jesus Christ) by the LOVE we have for one another. This LOVE its powerful stuff, and in my opinion, LOVE without action, like faith is dead.
Too many folks today go to church for what they can get out of it, not for what they can contribute. Meeting together with God's people is an opportunity to join God in His work there. Often we go sit in the church, listen to the message, listen to the music and leave. Have you ever prayed and asked God to reveal to you by the power of HIS Spirit, someone who is hurting who needs encouragement. Someone who may think no one cares so that you can reach out to them and share the LOVE of Christ.
Our churches should be a place where we are taught and live the Truth according to God's Word and where God's people come together to Pray, and commune together. Jesus Christ himself said that "my church shall be called a house of prayer" (Matt. 21:13) Would your church be called a house of prayer. Or would it be called a house of preaching, a house of entertainment, a house of bickering and complaining? Jesus words were my house should be called a "house of prayer". Something to think about!
I hope this blog helps you to examine your church, your heart, and your part in your church. What is it that God is calling you to do? How can you make your church better? How can you reach out to your church family in a way that pleases God? So to answer Tina Turners question, Whats LOVE got to do with it? I hope after reading this blog that you will realize that LOVE'S got everything to do with it...and its not a "second hand emotion". It is so much more. It is a gift from God that HE gives to HIS people. He fills our hearts with LOVE overflowing so we can go share HIS LOVE with others beginning with His family the church, the Body of Christ.
If you are looking for a loving church family to be devoted to, I would recommend that you check out Media Church in Oxford. We are not perfect, no one is, but you will Experience God in our church. We are a place where the Lost get Found and the Found go Deeper. Check us out on the web at http://www.mmchurch.org/
I would also like to invite you to our Oaks class. This ministry is open to all ladies any church affiliation or no church affiliation. Here you will experience the LOVE of Christ and the Love of His people. Women gather together every Tuesday evening at 7:15 at Media Church to study the Word of God, for Christian Fellowship, for Prayer and to Worship. Its a warm, comfortable place that I think you would enjoy...I know I do!!! I guess you would say I am DEVOTED!! I hope you are too!!!!
Joyfully Serving Jesus
Robin
robinmartin3@hotmail.com
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Returning To God
AND let us be concerned about one another in order to promote love and good works, not staying away from our meeting, as some habitually do, but encouraging each other, and all the more as you see the day drawing near. (Hebrews 10:24-25)
As I read and meditate on this verse, I am reminded of the many people that have walked with God, and for some reason have turned and walked away. I hear Him calling them back to Him. For the time of His return is drawing near as mentioned in the above verse. I received this email today from a woman who attended a womans conference with our class this past weekend. Listen to her story and see if you can relate.
Dear Robin:
"This is the testimony that I have since my return from Sandy Cove. God reminded me of His Great Love. I am back in the word, and hungry for more. You have helped me to see my sin, and have encouraged me to turn away. I know it is a process. I shared with Allen. He is supportive. I have a mature Christian prayer partner and we will meet once a week to pray specifically for each others lives. I am looking up churches on line and have a plan to visit a couple locally. I have already noticed a difference in my attitude as I drive down the road. I am listening to Christian music now and my spirit is uplifted. You are welcome to share this with the ladies. As I do my "Jesus Calling" (Sarah Young) I have a photo of the group and I pray for each of you. I love you and thank you for your obedience to our Lord." Have a blessed day. (and she continued with)
"My Morality is sin. In that I gave my self physically to many men. Thinking and desiring to fulfill the desires of the flesh. I wanted to be loved unconditionally and so complete. I wanted a man to sweep me off my feet everyday of my life. After 12 years of backsliding I have found no man can do that for me. I left my true love looking for that prince charming.
In my captivity, I connected with a man and thought He is my soul mate. I have waited on him to make the holy convenant with me. I really wanted to be his helpmate. In my sin I have destroyed that possibility. I have made myself unworthy of his love. This man is just a man and not my true love Jesus. I have gone astray and I have opened doors to the enemy of my savior.
I must rush back to his arms and turn from my worldly deeds. I will wait upon the Lord for I know he is good and faithful. I am sorry Lord that I have not trusted in you. Forgive me.
I have been playing house. I have been so disappointed, so often in the past 8 years. We seemed to fit perfectly in each others arms. Now I know I must let go. I have done all I can to try and please him. I have used my own power, and every time I fail, I seem to fall deeper into a pit of darkness.
In my end, I wanted to die. Please Lord I cried how much longer do I have to live with no purpose? God strategically placed the right people in my life, to show me this: I am very precious in his sight, He hears my pleas for help. He provides the way. Just trust and obey He tells me. Do what you know, that I have taught you by my spirit. I will remember your sins no more. I will remind you of what I taught you. I will give you direction and remind you that my enemy is a defeated foe.
I love you....You know how to pray and together we can mend those broken fences of 12 years, we can kick those squatters' out, and put on a fresh coat of paint. Remember you are washed clean by the blood of the lamb. You are as white as snow. My angels are ministering to you. I love you."
Can you relate to this story? I am hear to remind you that God loves you very much and has not forgotten you. He wants to restore your broken relationship with HIM. The following steps will tell you how to do that.
1. God's mission is to redeem a world that does not know Him and is lost in sin. (Rom. 5:8)
2. Because of sin in our lives, we are separated from God. (Jeremiah 3:20-22)
3. When we stray from God he disciplines us in increasing measure until we return. (Heb.12:5-11)
4. We cry out to God in our distress and return to Him. (1 John 1:9) Confession and repentance go together. We you repent of sin, you turn away from that sin and return to God.
5. When we return to God, he returns to us in a fresh way and begins again to fulfill His purposes for us. (James 4:8) The joy of your salvation, the power of God and His holy cleansing of your life will not occur until you sincerely return to God.
We all at times have walked away from God. Some of the ways we do that is through worldly distractions (we take our eyes of Jesus and slowly drift away), by being careless with our spiritual lives (we get so occupied with other things that we no longer go to church, pray or spend time in God's word) and sometimes we make a deliberate choice to walk away from God (to pursue a worldly lifestyle, refuse to obey God's commandments) Because of sin in our lives we lose our joy, we no longer hear God's voice and our lives do not produce spiritual fruit (Gal. 5:22-23). To prevent this from happening we must surround ourselves with folks who will hold us accountable, and seek to love God with all our heart, mind and soul and make it a practice to immediately obey whatever God tells you.
Where are you at in this picture? Have you strayed away from God and the church? Is the enemy whispering in your ear that you will never fit in and you have strayed to far? I want to remind you that HE is a liar and no truth is found in him. (John 8:44) So won't you come home running for His arms are open wide... His name is Jesus.... yes He's the One...He is the answer.... you 've been looking for.... so come home running.... just as you are.......Is He calling you ....can you hear His voice? (John 10:3-5)
At Media Church in Oxford our mission is that the lost get found and the found go deeper. I invite you to join us on any given sunday. Check us out on the web at http://www.mmchurch.org/
I also invite you to Media Church on Tuesday evenings at 7:15PM. I would love to meet you and together we will grow so we don't groan.
If you are not interested in church at this time but would like to talk about life issues. I offer biblical counseling free of charge... contact me at robinmartin3@hotmail.com to set up an appointment.
* Some of the info on this blog is taken from "Experiencing God" Henry and Richard Blackaby and Claude King. In class we will discuss in next 3 weeks how to Experience God in the Church, the Workplace and in His Kingdom. I covet your prayers for me as I lead these sessions. Thanks :-)
Joyfully Serving Jesus
Robin
As I read and meditate on this verse, I am reminded of the many people that have walked with God, and for some reason have turned and walked away. I hear Him calling them back to Him. For the time of His return is drawing near as mentioned in the above verse. I received this email today from a woman who attended a womans conference with our class this past weekend. Listen to her story and see if you can relate.
Dear Robin:
"This is the testimony that I have since my return from Sandy Cove. God reminded me of His Great Love. I am back in the word, and hungry for more. You have helped me to see my sin, and have encouraged me to turn away. I know it is a process. I shared with Allen. He is supportive. I have a mature Christian prayer partner and we will meet once a week to pray specifically for each others lives. I am looking up churches on line and have a plan to visit a couple locally. I have already noticed a difference in my attitude as I drive down the road. I am listening to Christian music now and my spirit is uplifted. You are welcome to share this with the ladies. As I do my "Jesus Calling" (Sarah Young) I have a photo of the group and I pray for each of you. I love you and thank you for your obedience to our Lord." Have a blessed day. (and she continued with)
"My Morality is sin. In that I gave my self physically to many men. Thinking and desiring to fulfill the desires of the flesh. I wanted to be loved unconditionally and so complete. I wanted a man to sweep me off my feet everyday of my life. After 12 years of backsliding I have found no man can do that for me. I left my true love looking for that prince charming.
In my captivity, I connected with a man and thought He is my soul mate. I have waited on him to make the holy convenant with me. I really wanted to be his helpmate. In my sin I have destroyed that possibility. I have made myself unworthy of his love. This man is just a man and not my true love Jesus. I have gone astray and I have opened doors to the enemy of my savior.
I must rush back to his arms and turn from my worldly deeds. I will wait upon the Lord for I know he is good and faithful. I am sorry Lord that I have not trusted in you. Forgive me.
I have been playing house. I have been so disappointed, so often in the past 8 years. We seemed to fit perfectly in each others arms. Now I know I must let go. I have done all I can to try and please him. I have used my own power, and every time I fail, I seem to fall deeper into a pit of darkness.
In my end, I wanted to die. Please Lord I cried how much longer do I have to live with no purpose? God strategically placed the right people in my life, to show me this: I am very precious in his sight, He hears my pleas for help. He provides the way. Just trust and obey He tells me. Do what you know, that I have taught you by my spirit. I will remember your sins no more. I will remind you of what I taught you. I will give you direction and remind you that my enemy is a defeated foe.
I love you....You know how to pray and together we can mend those broken fences of 12 years, we can kick those squatters' out, and put on a fresh coat of paint. Remember you are washed clean by the blood of the lamb. You are as white as snow. My angels are ministering to you. I love you."
Can you relate to this story? I am hear to remind you that God loves you very much and has not forgotten you. He wants to restore your broken relationship with HIM. The following steps will tell you how to do that.
1. God's mission is to redeem a world that does not know Him and is lost in sin. (Rom. 5:8)
2. Because of sin in our lives, we are separated from God. (Jeremiah 3:20-22)
3. When we stray from God he disciplines us in increasing measure until we return. (Heb.12:5-11)
4. We cry out to God in our distress and return to Him. (1 John 1:9) Confession and repentance go together. We you repent of sin, you turn away from that sin and return to God.
5. When we return to God, he returns to us in a fresh way and begins again to fulfill His purposes for us. (James 4:8) The joy of your salvation, the power of God and His holy cleansing of your life will not occur until you sincerely return to God.
We all at times have walked away from God. Some of the ways we do that is through worldly distractions (we take our eyes of Jesus and slowly drift away), by being careless with our spiritual lives (we get so occupied with other things that we no longer go to church, pray or spend time in God's word) and sometimes we make a deliberate choice to walk away from God (to pursue a worldly lifestyle, refuse to obey God's commandments) Because of sin in our lives we lose our joy, we no longer hear God's voice and our lives do not produce spiritual fruit (Gal. 5:22-23). To prevent this from happening we must surround ourselves with folks who will hold us accountable, and seek to love God with all our heart, mind and soul and make it a practice to immediately obey whatever God tells you.
Where are you at in this picture? Have you strayed away from God and the church? Is the enemy whispering in your ear that you will never fit in and you have strayed to far? I want to remind you that HE is a liar and no truth is found in him. (John 8:44) So won't you come home running for His arms are open wide... His name is Jesus.... yes He's the One...He is the answer.... you 've been looking for.... so come home running.... just as you are.......Is He calling you ....can you hear His voice? (John 10:3-5)
At Media Church in Oxford our mission is that the lost get found and the found go deeper. I invite you to join us on any given sunday. Check us out on the web at http://www.mmchurch.org/
I also invite you to Media Church on Tuesday evenings at 7:15PM. I would love to meet you and together we will grow so we don't groan.
If you are not interested in church at this time but would like to talk about life issues. I offer biblical counseling free of charge... contact me at robinmartin3@hotmail.com to set up an appointment.
* Some of the info on this blog is taken from "Experiencing God" Henry and Richard Blackaby and Claude King. In class we will discuss in next 3 weeks how to Experience God in the Church, the Workplace and in His Kingdom. I covet your prayers for me as I lead these sessions. Thanks :-)
Joyfully Serving Jesus
Robin
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Seven Realties of Experiencing God
In our Oaks Class we have been studying the book "Experiencing God" by Henry & Richard Blackaby and Claude King. This has been one of the best studies I have ever lead in all the years I've been teaching class. I personally have been challenged to go deeper much deeper in my relationship with God and I hope that this blog will give you a taste of what I am experiencing and create a desire within you for more of God in your life.
We have discovered that there are 7 Realities of Experiencing God that we must take to heart if we are going to go deeper with Him.
Reality 1: God Is Always At Work All Around You - God did not create the world and then abandon it to function on its own. He is at work all around us, but often we don't notice.
Reality 2: God Pursues A Continuing Love Relationship With You That is Real And Personal - The key word here is a "continuing". To think that the creator of the universe and mankind is "chasing after" us...He is in "hot" pursuit of us because of His great love for us. It is His desire that we return that love in a real and personal way.
Reality 3: God Invites You To Become Involved With Him In His Work. Often we ask God what is your will for my life? That is the wrong question to ask.(its too self-centered) The question we should ask is "What is God's Will"? You will find that answer in Matthew 22:37-40 and Matthew 28:18-20.
This is often referred to as the two greatest commandments and the great commission. You will discover that God's will is for mankind to be reconciled to Himself.
Reality 4: God Speaks by The Holy Spirit Through The Bible, Prayer, Circumstances, and the Church to Reveal Himself, His Purposes, and His Ways. Do you believe that God speaks to us today? Well He does. We cannot get to know God personally if we don't listen to His voice or learn to recognize His voice. In John 10:2-4 God says that his children recognize His voice and follow Him. Do you hear the voice of God calling you? If not, why not?
Reality 5: God's Invitation For You To Work With Him Always Leads You To A Crisis of Belief That Requires Faith And Action. To follow God you have to walk by Faith because without Faith it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6) Often times when God asks us to do something we will think that we cannot do it. God delights in taking weak vessels like us and displaying His power through us. Then He gets the glory He deserves. Folks will say "Whats that"? Wow!! Its God!!!!
Reality 6: You Must Make Major Adjustments In Your Life To Join God In What He is Doing? These adjustments may relate to your thinking, circumstances, relationships, commitments, actions, and beliefs. You can't stay where you are and go with God at the same time. We need to be moldable and be at God's disposal to be used as God chooses.
Reality 7: You Come To Know God By Experience As You Obey Him And He Accomplishes His Work Through You. When you come to Know God is is essential that you obey Him. The more you walk in obedience the more God will reveal Himself to you.
In our Oaks class we are now discussing ways in which God speaks to us. Last Tuesday November 2nd we discussed how God speaks through His written Word the Bible. We had an awesome experience practicing this principle. I wrote 20 different scriptures on a slip of paper and passed them out. Before each person choose a slip of paper we prayed that God would give the write scripture to the right person for whom He wanted to speak through His Word. We separated for 10 minutes and mediatated on the scriptures chosen before we came back and shared as a group.
It was amazing the women that received a message from God. The scripture they had chosen was perfect for the situation they were in. One lady shared that she has been worrying too much lately and God revealed to her even before she chose her verse that it would be one on worry and it was! Another lady was struggling with being a good example at school. Her heart is that others will know that she is different because of her faith. Her verse was "let your light shine before men so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven". Another lady who is going through some health issues got the verse "outwardly you are wasting away but inwardly you are being renewed day by day". A reminder to keep her focus on that inward renewal and that the troubles she is facing are light and momentary. Time and Time again when heard testimonies of how the verse chosen was perfect for the situation. Ladies I am here to tell you that God cares about everything you are going through and wants to help you through it.
I am so thankful to have a group of ladies to connect with on a weekly basis. I invite you to join us if you are interested in growing stronger in your faith. We meet weekly on Tuesday evenings at 7pm at Media Church in Oxford. http://www.mmchurch.org/ All women all ages and stages are welcome. The youngest that attends our class is 11 and the oldest is in her 60's. We accept everyone just where they are. Come and feel the Love and Christ and the love of the church. There are no fees or pre-registration required. Just show up..you'll be glad you did!
If you have any questions, please contact me at robinmartin3@hotmail.com
Robin
We have discovered that there are 7 Realities of Experiencing God that we must take to heart if we are going to go deeper with Him.
Reality 1: God Is Always At Work All Around You - God did not create the world and then abandon it to function on its own. He is at work all around us, but often we don't notice.
Reality 2: God Pursues A Continuing Love Relationship With You That is Real And Personal - The key word here is a "continuing". To think that the creator of the universe and mankind is "chasing after" us...He is in "hot" pursuit of us because of His great love for us. It is His desire that we return that love in a real and personal way.
Reality 3: God Invites You To Become Involved With Him In His Work. Often we ask God what is your will for my life? That is the wrong question to ask.(its too self-centered) The question we should ask is "What is God's Will"? You will find that answer in Matthew 22:37-40 and Matthew 28:18-20.
This is often referred to as the two greatest commandments and the great commission. You will discover that God's will is for mankind to be reconciled to Himself.
Reality 4: God Speaks by The Holy Spirit Through The Bible, Prayer, Circumstances, and the Church to Reveal Himself, His Purposes, and His Ways. Do you believe that God speaks to us today? Well He does. We cannot get to know God personally if we don't listen to His voice or learn to recognize His voice. In John 10:2-4 God says that his children recognize His voice and follow Him. Do you hear the voice of God calling you? If not, why not?
Reality 5: God's Invitation For You To Work With Him Always Leads You To A Crisis of Belief That Requires Faith And Action. To follow God you have to walk by Faith because without Faith it is impossible to please Him (Hebrews 11:6) Often times when God asks us to do something we will think that we cannot do it. God delights in taking weak vessels like us and displaying His power through us. Then He gets the glory He deserves. Folks will say "Whats that"? Wow!! Its God!!!!
Reality 6: You Must Make Major Adjustments In Your Life To Join God In What He is Doing? These adjustments may relate to your thinking, circumstances, relationships, commitments, actions, and beliefs. You can't stay where you are and go with God at the same time. We need to be moldable and be at God's disposal to be used as God chooses.
Reality 7: You Come To Know God By Experience As You Obey Him And He Accomplishes His Work Through You. When you come to Know God is is essential that you obey Him. The more you walk in obedience the more God will reveal Himself to you.
In our Oaks class we are now discussing ways in which God speaks to us. Last Tuesday November 2nd we discussed how God speaks through His written Word the Bible. We had an awesome experience practicing this principle. I wrote 20 different scriptures on a slip of paper and passed them out. Before each person choose a slip of paper we prayed that God would give the write scripture to the right person for whom He wanted to speak through His Word. We separated for 10 minutes and mediatated on the scriptures chosen before we came back and shared as a group.
It was amazing the women that received a message from God. The scripture they had chosen was perfect for the situation they were in. One lady shared that she has been worrying too much lately and God revealed to her even before she chose her verse that it would be one on worry and it was! Another lady was struggling with being a good example at school. Her heart is that others will know that she is different because of her faith. Her verse was "let your light shine before men so that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven". Another lady who is going through some health issues got the verse "outwardly you are wasting away but inwardly you are being renewed day by day". A reminder to keep her focus on that inward renewal and that the troubles she is facing are light and momentary. Time and Time again when heard testimonies of how the verse chosen was perfect for the situation. Ladies I am here to tell you that God cares about everything you are going through and wants to help you through it.
I am so thankful to have a group of ladies to connect with on a weekly basis. I invite you to join us if you are interested in growing stronger in your faith. We meet weekly on Tuesday evenings at 7pm at Media Church in Oxford. http://www.mmchurch.org/ All women all ages and stages are welcome. The youngest that attends our class is 11 and the oldest is in her 60's. We accept everyone just where they are. Come and feel the Love and Christ and the love of the church. There are no fees or pre-registration required. Just show up..you'll be glad you did!
If you have any questions, please contact me at robinmartin3@hotmail.com
Robin
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