Don’t Laugh At Me

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Marriage and Family

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Dewater 4

“Draw me after you and let us run together!” Song of Solomon 1:4a

Fun, Laughter, and Lightheartedness can go a long way in your marriage!

I started reading a book in the last week in effort to grow a weakness of mine. If you know me very well, you would know that I tend to be pretty serious. Seriousness can be a really good thing. Raising a family and following Jesus are such serious matters that the results will last for eternity.

I tend to be serious about everything; even myself. Don’t laugh at me, but thanks to some mentors in my life, I have come to realize that I need to be willing to laugh at myself along with work at being lighthearted. (Ok, you can laugh at me, just don’t point and laugh) This doesn’t mean that I can’t or shouldn’t be serious. Life is serious. God is serious. Marriage is serious. Life, God, and Marriage are also, fun!

Our spouse (and our kids) need us to be so serious about him/her that we are willing to work at being lighthearted and have fun with them. Adrian Gostick said, “It turns out that fun is serious business.”

Husbands and wives, working at being lighthearted and fun with each other will lead to a relationship as described in the verse above! People enjoy being around others who are so serious about life that they work at being lighthearted and fun!

My encouragement for us this week: Laugh at yourself and plan a fun outing that both you and your spouse will enjoy together!

Have a great week!

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Spam and Eggs

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Jesus Talk

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“And the word of God kept on spreading; and the number of the disciples continued to increase greatly…” Acts 6:7

What do these three things have in common? The gender of your first born, a death in the family, and the latest juicy gossip on the president…. News that travels faster than you can make a fried egg! (Ok, definitely faster than that, I just had fried eggs on my mind)

Today, as soon as we know a bit of news, we are able to text it, tweet it, snap it, or facebook it faster than you can eat Spam and a fried egg. (Ok, I’m done with fried eggs. I had one for breakfast with a piece of Spam…So Good!)

How about the Good News? I love what it says in the verse above regarding the early church spreading the Word of God. The results were that people got saved and became followers of Jesus Christ.

How can we spread the Word of God more? Can you imagine the impact we could have for God if every Christian were to come up with one more way to spread the Word of God more than they do right now?

If you have ideas on how to spread the Word of God more, please share.

My encouragement for us this week: Come up with a way to spread the Word of God and then do it!

Have a Great Week!

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“So he was reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and in the market place every day with those who happened to be present.” Acts 17:17

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Local Church Helping Your Family?

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Marriage and Family

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Dewater 4

“And they were continually devoting themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” Acts 2:42

Last evening consisted of a baseball game, a meeting at church, dinner, and medicine routine. To some this sounds like nothing compared to your schedule; to others it may sound hectic.

As I read the early account of the church, I get a sense of what was important to Christian families in their day. The verse above lays it out plainly; Bible teaching, fellowship, eating, and prayer. I have read this verse many times. I don’t know that I have read it thinking about how that impacted families lives in their day.

Were they less busy? Did they not play sports or have other extracurricular activities? Obviously, this was from a different time and a different culture. But one thing is true, they set their priorities for what was most important. Sometimes, it can be REALLY TOUGH to set these priorities.

What does this look like in your family? How do you set priorities for your family to be part of your local church? A better question may be, how does your local church help you live this out in your family?

My encouragement for us this week: Consider God’s priorities for your family and then start making any needed adjustments.

Have a Great Week Loving Your Family!

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One Night in Jail

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Jesus Talk

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“if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved.” Romans 10:9

I’m so glad for EASTER! I’m so glad my SAVIOR died for me! I’m so glad Jesus is ALIVE!

Last week I had the opportunity to speak with a young man in his early twenties at the park. He had just got out of jail after spending one night for a DUI. I asked him the question of the day and then went on to ask him about his thoughts about God. He shared that when he was growing up, Christianity was shoved down his throat; therefore, he didn’t want anything to do with it. I shared with Him that God came out of Heaven to die on a cross to pay for his sin so that he wouldn’t have to spend eternity in jail.

Christianity is not a religion to shove down people’s throats. The Christian life is all about growing in a relationship with Jesus Christ, the Creator and Savior of the world! Jesus came to conquer death so that you might have life forever more!

My encouragement for us this week: Confess Jesus as Lord and help people believe in their hearts that He is alive!

Have a Great Week!

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“So he was reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and in the market place every day with those who happened to be present.” Acts 17:17

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Your Biggest Fear

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Marriage and Family

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Dewater 4

“And Jesus uttered a loud cry, and breathed His last.” Mark 15:47

Yesterday I went to the park to talk to people about Jesus. The question of the day was, “What is your biggest fear?” One lady said, “Not going to Heaven”; another person said, “death”; yet another said, “losing those I love”. One person asked me what mine was…that’s what I get for asking others… My biggest fear is failing at being a husband and a father.

This week represents the week that Jesus entered Jerusalem on a Sunday nearly 2,000 years ago as He was preparing to give Himself as the perfect sacrifice to pay for my sins and yours. This coming Friday, Good Friday, represents the day that He was crucified. Jesus loves me so much that He gave His life for me! Jesus loves you so much that He gave His life for you!

This morning, I had an interaction with my wife that I’m not proud of. I have apologized and she has forgiven me, but as I reflect on what Jesus did for me; I’m reminded of what Paul told the Ephesians about how husbands are supposed to love their wives. “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her” (Ephesians 5:25). I messed that one up this morning!!

Sometimes, it’s so hard to do the right thing; especially when your feelings don’t match up. I’m so thankful that Jesus did not act according to His feelings, but He resolved Himself to go to the cross for you and for me! I’m also thankful for a wife that has resolved to forgive me because of what Jesus has done for her! And there is the key! When we keep the cross before us, we are able to live beyond our mess-ups along with forgive those who hurt us. Thank You Jesus!

Let’s be people that resolve to think on Jesus so that we can live like Him!

My encouragement for us this week: Think on the Cross; Think on the Empty Tomb. And, go love your spouse the way God told you to!

Have a Great Easter Celebrating JESUS IS RISEN!

#CoffeewithRandy    #JesusLover   #JesusIsRisen

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A Big Deal

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Jesus Talk

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“Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord; Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David; Hosanna in the highest!” Mark 11:9b-10

Yesterday, I shared a message about preparing the way for our King. Those who lined the path placing palm branches and clothing in the road before Jesus on His way into Jerusalem nearly 2,000 years ago, whether they knew it or not, were preparing the way for the king. As Jesus was passing by, they were yelling out the words above.

Hosanna has a twofold meaning. One is, “Lord, save we pray”. The other is a praise of adoration, recognizing that He is the One Who saves.

To prepare the way for our King also has a two-fold meaning. First, we need to prepare the way for our King in our own hearts; second, in the hearts and lives of those around us. Both have to do with relationship. The first is our personal relationship with God. To prepare the way for Jesus in our own hearts is to daily recognize our need for Him. The second has to do with relationship with others. Jesus is a BIG DEAL and therefore, Christians have the responsibility to make a BIG DEAL about Jesus!

My encouragement for us this week: Reflect on the BIG DEAL about Jesus, then go share it with at least 5 people.

Have a Great Week making a BIG DEAL about Jesus!

Ways to Recognize Your Need for Jesus Everyday:

  • Think About a Passage of Scripture Everyday
  • Thank Him for Your Life Everyday
  • Sing a Praise to Him Everyday
    • Example of a Praise Psalm to sing based on Psalm 51:10:

                              “Create in me a clean heart, O God

                               And renew a right spirit within me

                              Create in me a clean heart, O God

                              And renew a right spirit within me

 

                              Cast me not away from Thy presence, O Lord

                             Take not Thy Holy Spirit from me

                             Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation

                            And renew a right spirit within me”

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“So he was reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and in the market place every day with those who happened to be present.” Acts 17:17

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Gifts From God

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Marriage and Family

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Dewater 4

“Behold, children are a gift of the LORD; the fruit of the womb is a reward.” Psalm 127:3

Spring Break! Yahoo! …Oh, wait! I have a job…

Yes, this week is Washington’s Spring Break (at least in Vancouver). My boys love being out of school. I can’t blame them, I didn’t care for it myself.

Since Rebecca is back in school (last term!) and I am working, my boys are spending time with their Nana and Papa. On Monday as I worked in my office, I looked out the window and saw a young man playing basketball. It put a pit in my stomach, I missed my boys!  So, I texted Nana: “Please tell the boys that I love them and I’m proud of them”.

It’s easy for me to allow myself to take for granted having my boys around. And then when I don’t get to see them for a day or more, I miss having them around. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE having time just me and my wife. There’s just something missing when my boys are gone.

My encouragement for us today: Tell your kids how much you love them and that you are proud of them.

And remember: Your kids “are a gift of the LORD”!

Have a Great Week!

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_divider admin_label=”Divider” color=”#ffffff” show_divider=”on” height=”10″ divider_style=”solid” divider_position=”top” hide_on_mobile=”on” /][et_pb_divider admin_label=”Divider” color=”#ffffff” show_divider=”off” height=”20″ divider_style=”solid” divider_position=”top” hide_on_mobile=”on” /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_blurb admin_label=”Blurb” title=”Marriage Scripture” url_new_window=”off” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”%%254%%” icon_color=”#c6b04d” use_circle=”off” circle_color=”#4c9cc4″ use_circle_border=”off” circle_border_color=”#4c9cc4″ icon_placement=”top” animation=”top” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”center” use_icon_font_size=”off” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Ephesians 5:22-33 [/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_blurb admin_label=”Blurb” title=”Marriage Tools” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”%%173%%” icon_color=”#4c9cc4″ use_circle=”off” circle_color=”#4c9cc4″ use_circle_border=”off” circle_border_color=”#4c9cc4″ icon_placement=”top” animation=”top” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”center” use_icon_font_size=”off” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” url=”http://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage” /][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_blurb admin_label=”Blurb” title=”Discovering Your Spouse” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”%%176%%” icon_color=”#c94e7f” use_circle=”off” circle_color=”#4c9cc4″ use_circle_border=”off” circle_border_color=”#4c9cc4″ icon_placement=”top” animation=”top” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”center” use_icon_font_size=”off” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” url=”http://www.flagpage.com/” /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]



I Predict…

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Jesus Talk

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“then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles;” 1 Corinthians 15:7

I predict…nah…have you read about what God says about what should happen to a prophet if what he says doesn’t come true? Not pleasant!

Jesus appeared to many people after He rose from the dead.

The implications of Jesus rising from the dead are incredible. Not only did He rise, but he predicted that He would. The events that Jesus predicted came true. Therefore, He must be Who He said He was.

How many people have you told?

My encouragement for us this week: Tell people about the eyewitness testimonies that confirm that Jesus is alive!

Have a Great Week!

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“So he was reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and in the market place every day with those who happened to be present.” Acts 17:17

[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_blurb title=”Jesus Talk Over Coffee” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”%%154%%” icon_color=”#4c9cc4″ use_circle=”off” circle_color=”#4c9cc4″ use_circle_border=”off” circle_border_color=”#4c9cc4″ icon_placement=”top” animation=”top” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”center” use_icon_font_size=”off” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” url=”https://www.eastvancouvercommunitychurch.com/pastor-randy-dewater/” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]

[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_blurb title=”Jesus Talk Help Videos” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”%%107%%” icon_color=”#c94e7f” use_circle=”off” circle_color=”#4c9cc4″ use_circle_border=”off” circle_border_color=”#4c9cc4″ icon_placement=”top” animation=”top” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”center” use_icon_font_size=”off” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” url=”http://www.fullyfreefilms.com/” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial” /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]



I Tend to Be Lazy

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Marriage and Family

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Dewater 4

“A slothful man does not roast his prey, but the precious possession of a man is diligence.” Proverbs 12:27

I’m into week 5 of a new routine for my workouts. I’m getting up 15 minutes earlier so that I have plenty of time for my Bible reading and then I’m off to the gym. I’m pretty sure the elliptical machine that I use knows Jesus by now; I’m spending my time on it in prayer. I have found that I have a tendency to be lazy, therefore I need to work all the more to be diligent.

As much as I am trying to be diligent in my workouts, there is another area in my life that I am trying to be diligent. My family needs me to be diligent to spend time with them. My family needs me to be diligent to spend time with the Lord. My family needs me to be diligent to love on them. My family needs me to be diligent to make right choices. My family needs me to be diligent in life.

Diligence goes hand in hand with righteousness. Slothfulness goes hand in hand with wickedness.

What areas of life do you need to be more diligent?

My encouragement for us this week: Be diligent for your family.

Have a Great Week!

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_divider admin_label=”Divider” color=”#ffffff” show_divider=”on” height=”10″ divider_style=”solid” divider_position=”top” hide_on_mobile=”on” /][et_pb_divider admin_label=”Divider” color=”#ffffff” show_divider=”off” height=”20″ divider_style=”solid” divider_position=”top” hide_on_mobile=”on” /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_blurb admin_label=”Blurb” title=”Marriage Scripture” url_new_window=”off” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”%%254%%” icon_color=”#c6b04d” use_circle=”off” circle_color=”#4c9cc4″ use_circle_border=”off” circle_border_color=”#4c9cc4″ icon_placement=”top” animation=”top” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”center” use_icon_font_size=”off” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”] Ephesians 5:22-33 [/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_blurb admin_label=”Blurb” title=”Marriage Tools” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”%%173%%” icon_color=”#4c9cc4″ use_circle=”off” circle_color=”#4c9cc4″ use_circle_border=”off” circle_border_color=”#4c9cc4″ icon_placement=”top” animation=”top” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”center” use_icon_font_size=”off” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” url=”http://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage” /][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_blurb admin_label=”Blurb” title=”Discovering Your Spouse” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”%%176%%” icon_color=”#c94e7f” use_circle=”off” circle_color=”#4c9cc4″ use_circle_border=”off” circle_border_color=”#4c9cc4″ icon_placement=”top” animation=”top” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”center” use_icon_font_size=”off” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” url=”http://www.flagpage.com/” /][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section][et_pb_section bb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]



Say No To Being King

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Jesus Talk

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“And David was prospering in all his ways for the LORD was with him.” 1 Samuel 18:14

I have been reading a book by Eric Metaxas about seven men who made a great impact during their lifetime. The first man that starts off his book is George Washington. It was inspiring to read about the strength and determination that he had. It was especially inspiring to read about when he had the opportunity to become king at the beginning of this great nation, but he refused. What incredible strength to be able to say no to such power.

Power can be really good and it can also be really bad. David, was a boy that knew where true power came from. When he faced Goliath, he recognized that the enemy’s power came from the weapons in their hands, the numbers of men on their side, and the size of their muscles. David also realized that his power came from the Lord. David knew that his God was with him and therefore he beat the enemy with a sling and a stone.

When it comes to talking to people about Jesus, it is so easy to forget that the Lord is with you. And yet, this is the most important thing to remember. He is with you when you are with Him! When you are afraid to talk to someone about Jesus; remember, He is with you! When you feel like you don’t know what to say; remember, He is with you! When you try and get rejected; remember, He is with you!

Knowing that Jesus is with you makes all the difference when you talk to people about Him!

My encouragement for us this week: 1. Say no to being king of your life. 2. Talk to people about King Jesus. 3. Remember, He is with you when you are with Him!

Have a Great Week!

If you are struggling to know whether He is with you, spend some time thinking about these couple scriptures and practice what they say: James 4:8 & 1 John 1:9.

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“So he was reasoning in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing Gentiles, and in the market place every day with those who happened to be present.” Acts 17:17

[/et_pb_blurb][/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″][et_pb_blurb title=”Jesus Talk Over Coffee” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”%%154%%” icon_color=”#4c9cc4″ use_circle=”off” circle_color=”#4c9cc4″ use_circle_border=”off” circle_border_color=”#4c9cc4″ icon_placement=”top” animation=”top” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”center” use_icon_font_size=”off” use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid” url=”https://www.eastvancouvercommunitychurch.com/pastor-randy-dewater/” background_position=”top_left” background_repeat=”repeat” background_size=”initial”]

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