Cypress Church

Studies show that 1 in 4 people of the world use social media. Many are addicted to it and there is even a condition called Facebook Depression. Now there are many great benefits and blessings of social media as well. What are a few you know of?

Livin’ the dream is Jesus as Lord and King of our lives. It is not having our political preference in power or in office. Too much we make an idol out of politics by putting the kind of hope in political leaders and policies than should be reserved for Jesus and His work. Jesus spoke to this in Matthew 22:15-22 giving us three-fold formula to Livin the dream in regards to political matters; Seek Integrity, Be Civically Responsible, Restore Jesus as King.

In the many dreams we can have they can become the ultimate thing, taking the place of Jesus in our lives. Even good things like family can take the place of really what Jesus should. We can obsesses over the lack of family or the  luster of family substituting this family dream for the joy, hope, belonging, security, acceptance, and love that can come from Jesus and His greater dream for us. In Mark 3:31-35 Jesus expresses His greater dream for us in that a Family is Centered on Jesus, Family is Inclusive, and Family is Living out God’s Will…and livin’ the dream is being part of this greater family.

This is the beginning of Holy Week or Passion Week, the week in history where Jesus walked through various ceremonies, interactions, and conversations that ultimately included His trial, physical suffering, crucifixion, death, burial, and resurrection. All these events were known to Him as this was the ‘hour’ that was to come (John 12:23), the hour meaning the reason He came.

Regardless of what state we are in revival is possible in Christ. His Spirit work in us as we get on mission, pray, serve, stand firm in opposition - working through difficult relationships, as we worship God, confess our sin, and as we dedicate our lives to Him. We are revived through the dedication of Presence: both physical and emotional, and through the dedication of Participation: both purposed action and sacrificial generosity. These lead to the joy of revival!

Love is the key quality of our Lord and should be the key quality we demonstrate as followers of Jesus. God has loved us with an everlasting, committed love Jeremiah 31:3, it is a love that protects and guides us into service Isaiah 41:9-10, it is a love that conquers and never lets go Romans 8:37-39. We are bask in this love, let this love permeate our lives, and radiate this love to all people including those who in ministry. Jesus was clear giving us three commands to love. In these commands the expectation is for us to Love God expressed in being Obedient, to Love Neighbors as we are Present with them, and to Love Each Other as we are Intentional in love actions…this is how we love on mission.

Love is the key quality of our Lord and should be the key quality we demonstrate as followers of Jesus. God has loved us with an everlasting, committed love Jeremiah 31:3, it is a love that protects and guides us into service Isaiah 41:9-10, it is a love that conquers and never lets go Romans 8:37-39. We are bask in this love, let this love permeate our lives, and radiate this love to all people including those who in ministry.

As we grasp The Lord in prayer we are changed to be more like Him and therefore are revived. As we pray we gain a heart for our city and are compelled to take action. Nehemiah gives us a guide to this reviving prayer; Praise, Trust, Confession, Reliance, Petition as we pray like this we are transformed, we love our city, we are moved to action.