DAN GOULD

FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Author: dgould77

  • Facebook Challenge

    Last week one of our 8th graders posted a note on Facebook sharing his journey and how he came to know Christ.  Since he posted his story (testimony) others have done the same thing including myself.   It’s also posted on my blog if you want to read it just click the about tab at the top.

    So here is my challenge.  If you have Facebook, will you allow yourself to be vulnerable and transparent enough to write your story and post it on Facebook as a note so others can read?  The fact is, everyone has a story, and each story, no matter how similar, is different.  We never know how our story could impact someone else.  Will you take the challenge and allow God to use you in this way?

  • 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

    “And now the word of the Lord is ringing out from you to people everywhere, even beyond Macedonia and Achaia, for wherever we go we find people telling us about your faith in God.” v.8

    When you aren’t around, how would people describe you?  Would they say you were a person with strong faith and love for God or would their description include something else?  When Paul writes to the Thessalonians, he commends them on their faith.  In fact their faith was so strong that other people were beginning to hear about them.  How did this happen?

    Paul says that in the midst of severe suffering these people accepted the Gospel with Joy.  WOW!  Here is a lesson for us.  The way we respond to the Gospel is important.  In spite of their present surroundings or situations, the Thessalonians received the Gospel with joy. Because of this, they experienced God in new ways and God was using them to influence and inspire others for His Kingdom throughout a region.

    Wow, what would that look like today?  I can only speak for myself, but I so badly want to receive every-part of the Gospel with Joy.  I know that it will penetrate the deepest parts of me, changing me from the inside out.  When this happens, I become available for God to use in ways that I never thought possible.

    Today, will you join me in asking God to be that type of person.  A person that loves God with all my heart, and who has strong faith that inspires others for His Kingdom.  My prayer is that it starts right here with me, and that it starts right here with you.

  • Survivor 610 – starts this weekend in Fusion

    survivor1

    New Series starting Sunday, April 19th & ending Saturday, May 30th with CRUD WAR!

    Let’s face it, being a Christian isn’t always easy. In fact, sometimes it’s very difficult.  In this series, we are going to talk about how we can be Survivors in this thing called “The Christian Life”. Here is what we will talk about each week:

    Week 1 – The Battle                          Week 4 – Hanging on to your Head
    Week 2 – Staying on Your Feet         Week 5 – Battling with your Sword
    Week 3 – Fireproof Faith                   Week 6 – Battling with your Mouth

    Here are the details:

    • This is a battle of the Grades in which each of the students in small group lead the charge for their Grade.
    • Each Grade will compete for points that are awarded at the Weekend Worship Service. Points are awarded through attendance, bringing visitors, and donating canned goods.  The final challenge consists of each team competing in CRUD WAR.

    POINT SYSTEM

    • Personal Attendance Points – 100 points each time you are at the Service.
    • Visitor Attendance Points – 200 points for each visitor you bring every time they attend the Service! (yes, if they come more than once, that’s 200 points each time the attend for your team)
    • Canned Good – 50 points awarded for each canned good you bring to Service.
    • Game Points – 500 points will be awarded to the representative from your team that wins the game each week.
    • CRUD WAR – all of the points above apply to CRUD WAR with these two additional point values added.
      • Participation Points – 100 points given to each student participant in each game.
      • Leader Participation Points – 200 points given to each adult participant in the game.
        • Each team needs to wear their team color for CRUD WAR.

    We will keep track of points and update the Survivor Wall each week with the new scores.  We will announce the Survivor Winners at the Weekend Worship Service on May 31st.  Make sure you plan to attend and invite others to participate . . . It’s going to be dirty, but life changing!

    Team Colors for CRUD WAR
    6th grade team – Orange             9th grade team – Red
    7th grade team – Blue                 10th grade team – Pink
    8th grade team – Green              11th & 12th grade team – Purple

  • Stop and Stare – One Republic

    I am really digging this song.  I heard Saddlebacks HSM do this song to open their service a couple of weeks ago and since then I can’t get it out of my head. It’s a year old but seems so new to me right now.  Enjoy?

    What song is playing in your head?

  • Easter at Grace Community Church

    What a weekend!  It actually all started on Thursday with our Holy Thursday Service.  It was so fresh seeing the history played out with live Disciples and Jesus sharing the Last Supper, as Steve shared the connection and significance of this Last Supper during Passover.  It was an awesome way to kick off Easter weekend.

    On Saturday was the Family pic-nic.  So good to see families having fun together as the church.  We had a great turnout and gave away 3 family trips to Disney World.  So awesome!!!

    We held three Easter services this weekend.  The worship team consisted of two people involved in our Students Band.  They did awesome.  It was great connecting with families this weekend and being in the services with the adults.  I missed teaching in Fusion today, but I value families being able to be together on Easter Sunday.  Here is the outline from the Easter Message:

    What it means to follow Jesus?

    Follow His Example!
    -who are you following?
    -if you don’t decide someone will decide for you.
    — James 13:17
    — John 8:12
    — Matt 7:24

    -Two benefits of following Jesus:
    — clarity
    — stability

    Accept His Grace!
    – grace = god giving me what I need, instead of what I deserve
    — Romans 5:17
    — Romans 3:22
    — Mark 10:15

    Invest My Life in Him!
    — Romans 6:13
    — Matt 25:14-29

    Trust His Wisdom and Strength
    — Colossians 2:6
    — Romans 8:28
    — Philippians 4:13
    – when you start worrying you stop trusting.

    Hold on to His Promise!
    — Hebrews 6:18
    — Romans 8:38-39
    — John 11:25-26
    — 1 Peter 1:3-4
    — Psalm 90:12

    Hope you had a great Easter!  My family sure did.  We spent the day at friends house eating, laughing, playing guitar hero, jumping on the trampoline, and watching a little golf.  Fun weekend for sure and great way to remember and celebrate all that Jesus has dome for us.

  • The Pulse – wk 1 April 09

    This Weekend Announcements

    THE LORD’S SUPPER HAPPENS THIS WEEKEND

    We will explain and participate in the Lord’s Supper this weekend.  Should be an awesome time together! We hope to see you this Sunday!!
    MS – 9:15-10:30
    HS – 11:00012:15

    PAINTBALL
    On Saturday, April 4th from 1:00pm – 4:00pm at Fort Paintball     its on like Donkey Kong.  Make sure you’re there at 12:45pm to get your gear and turn in your forms (we will have them there and a parent must sign)!  Questions about directions visit – http://www.fortpaintball.com
    Cost – $30 per person and includes 500 paintball’s and gear
    Cost – $15 per person if you have your own gear

    BAPTISM
    On April 5th, Palm Sunday,     we will have a Baptism Service at 1:00.  If you want to be baptized sign up on our webpage gracefusion.com
    http://www.gracefusion.com/index.cfm/pageid/596/index.html
    Or you can check “I want to be Baptized” on the tear off and we will get you more info!

    HOLY THURSDAY SERVICE
    April 9th, in the Big House at 7pm.     We will sit as a group in the front center left section.  Hope you will join us!

    EASTER
    Easter weekend all Fusion Students will meet in the big house with the adults.  We encourage you to sit with your family or with the group in the front left side of the Worship Center.
    EACH ONE, BRING ONE – Invite someone to Easter Services
    Saturday, April 11th – Family Picnic, Service 6pm
    Sunday, April 12th  – Services at 9:15 and 11:00

    EASTER DONATIONS NEEDED
    We are in need of empty, plastic eggs, Wrapped candy, AND Hula hoops!
    Please drop off all donations at the labeled bins around campus

    WILD WEEK MANDATORY MEETING
    Everyone participating in Wild Week must attend the Mandatory Meeting on Sunday April 19th from 12:30-1:30 in the Student Center.     We will have important info and forms that have to be turned in at this meeting.  You can still register for camp online or at Seeds Book Store.
    Pre – $315 before March 15th with completed registration and $100 deposit.
    Reg – $335 after March 15th with completed registration and $100 deposit.
    Late – $365 after April 19th can only happen if space is available.

    MEXICO MISSION TRIP (Tentative)
    Happens June 13th – 20th register online or at Seeds Book Store
    Pre – $400 before April 5th with completed registration and $100 deposit.
    Reg – $415 after April 5th with completed registration and $100 deposit.
    Late – $425 after May 10th can only happen if space is available.

    SMALL GROUPS
    Wednesdays 7-8:30pm for 6th- 10th grades
    Sundays 7-8:30 for 11th – 12th grades

  • The Pulse – version 3.3

    This Weekend Announcements

    TEMPTATION CONTINUES THIS WEEKEND

    This is the new series starting this weekend.  Should be a good one and we hope to see you this Sunday!!
    MS – 9:15-10:30
    HS – 11:00012:15

    ESL @ MEADOWS ELEMENTARY
    This Tuesday from 5-7 and Thursday from 5-8 is our last chance to hang out and impact the kids at Meadows while their parents learn English.  Let’s make a lasting impact on these kids.  Show up at Meadows Elementary at 4:45 and be prepared to have a blast! PAINTBALL
    On Saturday, April 4th from 1:00pm – 4:00pm at Fort Paintball     its on like Donkey Kong.  Make sure you’re there at 12:45pm to get your gear and turn in your forms (we will have them there and a parent must sign)!  Questions about directions visit – http://www.fortpaintball.com
    Cost – $30 per person and includes 500 paintball’s and gear
    Cost – $15 per person if you have your own gear

    BAPTISM
    On April 5th, Palm Sunday,     we will have a Baptism Service at 1:00.  If you want to be baptized sign up on our webpage gracefusion.com
    http://www.gracefusion.com/index.cfm/pageid/596/index.html
    Or you can check “I want to be Baptized” on the tear off and we will get you more info!

    WILD WEEK MANDATORY MEETING
    Everyone participating in Wild Week must attend the Mandatory Meeting on Sunday April 19th from 12:30-1:30 in the Student Center.     We will have important info and forms that have to be turned in at this meeting.  You can still register for camp online or at Seeds Book Store.
    Pre – $315 before March 15th with completed registration and $100 deposit.
    Reg – $335 after March 15th with completed registration and $100 deposit.
    Late – $365 after April 19th can only happen if space is available.

    MEXICO MISSION TRIP
    Happens June 13th – 20th register online or at Seeds Book Store
    Pre – $400 before April 5th with completed registration and $100 deposit.
    Reg – $415 after April 5th with completed registration and $100 deposit.
    Late – $425 after May 10th can only happen if space is available.

    SMALL GROUPS
    Wednesdays 7-8:30pm for 6th- 10th grades
    Sundays 7-8:30 for 11th – 12th grades

  • Announcement Video from Sunday

  • Colossians 3:1-17

    “Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your[a] life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.

    5 So put to death the sinful, earthly things lurking within you. Have nothing to do with sexual immorality, impurity, lust, and evil desires. Don’t be greedy, for a greedy person is an idolater, worshiping the things of this world. 6 Because of these sins, the anger of God is coming.[b] 7 You used to do these things when your life was still part of this world. 8 But now is the time to get rid of anger, rage, malicious behavior, slander, and dirty language. 9 Don’t lie to each other, for you have stripped off your old sinful nature and all its wicked deeds. 10 Put on your new nature, and be renewed as you learn to know your Creator and become like him. 11 In this new life, it doesn’t matter if you are a Jew or a Gentile,[c] circumcised or uncircumcised, barbaric, uncivilized,[d] slave, or free. Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

    12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 1415 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.

    16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.” v. 1-17 (NLT)

    What does it mean to put on the new nature?  It means that your conduct should match your faith.  If you are a Christian, you should act like it.  To be a Christian means more than just taking the right actions.  This is a straightforward step that is as simple as putting on your clothes.  You must rid yourself of all evil practices and immorality.  Then you can commit yourself to what Christ teaches.  If you have made such a commitment to Christ, are you remaining true to it?  What old clothes do you need to strip off?

    In this passage Paul offers a strategy to help us live for God:

    1. Imitate Christ’s compassionate forgiving attitude
    2. Let love guide your life
    3. Let the peace of Christ rule in your heart
    4. Always be thankful
    5. Keep Gods Word in you at all times
    6. Live as a representative of Jesus Christ

  • Colossians 2:1-15

    “And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. 7 Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness.

    8 Don’t let anyone capture you with empty philosophies and high-sounding nonsense that come from human thinking and from the spiritual powers[a] of this world, rather than from Christ. 9 For in Christ lives all the fullness of God in a human body.[b] 10 So you also are complete through your union with Christ, who is the head over every ruler and authority.” v. 4-10

    Nothing excites me more than seeing someone come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.  Their excitement and passion to see other experience what they have is so encouraging.  But sadly, many of them seem to lose that excitement after a little while.  Why does this happen?  That’s a great question and maybe something you have experienced also.

    In today’s passage, Paul addresses this very thing.  He says that with the same excitement and passion you accepted Jesus, you must use to continue to follow Him.  It’s not always going to be easy and it is going to take some work on your part, but the truth is, the more you spend time with God in His Word and through Prayer, the closer you will be to Him and the more excited you will stay about your relationship with Him.

    Personal Growth has to happen in-order for the things of God to stay fresh and exciting in your life.  Without personal growth, your faith will become weak, and God will seem distant.  Just like a plant needs soil and water to grow, we need the Word of God and Prayer in our lives to grow deeper in-love with God.