BTCC Connections

APRIL 2008

... from the Pastor's heart

(continued from home page)

“WISE INVESTING”

 
For the past couple of months in our Friday night small group we've been learning about handling our money wisely.

 
This Friday's topic in our “Financial Peace University” study is “Of Mice and Mutual Funds”. It's a lesson on wise investing for the future – financially speaking. But I believe that proper thought and preparation regarding one's “life portfolio” is easily more important than any other investment decision. Here's some timely advice for wise investing in 2008:

(adapted)

 
Spiritual Disciplines:  By developing and strengthening spiritual disciplines, we make ourselves available to hear and obey God's leading. What would you like to change in the areas of prayer, Bible study and worship? Are you slowing down enough to listen to God's voice? Write down specific daily goals and a practical plan for establishing them as habits over the next few months.

 
Family Relationships: I believe we're most successful when those closest to us – in other words, our families – love and respect us the most. And that can only happen when we are intentional about spending time with them. Goethe said, “Things that matter most must never be at the mercy of things that matter most. Examine your family relationships. How can you improve them?

Success Begins on Sunday: Since the church was founded, Christians have gathered on the first day of the week for worship, communion, preaching and mutual encouragement. I believe that the most important foundational habit in building a successful life is to begin each week in community with God and other believers. The Bible says, “Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another ...” (Hebrews 10:25).

As you assess your spiritual disciplines, maybe the starting point for you will be as simple as forming the habit of attending church every Sunday. Spiritual growth does not happen without discipline – and Sunday morning is the starting point. Not only will this accelerate spiritual growth, it will strengthen your family and home life. Kids and parents alike need regular reinforcement when it comes to achieving success God's way.

 Here's a simple plan I've used for years to help me stay on track spiritually:

 1. Give God the first hour of every day: I find that the quietest part of my day is in the early morning. This is time that I spend in prayer with God and reflecting on Scripture. Most importantly, it affords me the opportunity to listen for his guidance and direction for the day ahead.

2. Give God the first day of every week: I need to step back from the frantic pace of life each week to acknowledge and worship my Creator. Assembling weekly at church keeps my spiritual batteries charged. The experience benefits me, honors God, and encourages other believers.

3. Give God the first consideration in every decision: Too often people wait until there's an emergency before they seek God's counsel. In my own life I can say that I've never regretted any decision made after first consulting the Lord and following His counsel. That doesn't mean that every decision has had the outcome I desired. But it does mean they've had the outcome God desired. And that's what matters.

4. Give God the first portion of all your income: When I was a “baby” Christian I used to “pay myself first” and then give God the leftovers. I've learned that when I have trusted God and put Him first in all things, He has never let me down. 

 
I would like to encourage you to make it your goal to give God first place in all areas of your life this year. That's one investment that will pay steady dividends – guaranteed!

 
Investing for eternity ...

 I love you – Pastor Mike

R.E.A.L. WOMEN

• Girls’ Walk at Lake Tomahawk starts April 21^st – Every Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 to 6:30 pm (cancelled for inclement weather)

• Bunko & BonBon Night – April 19^th from 7 to 9 pm

• Bible Study on Tuesday evenings will begin again soon – watch your bulletins and emails for more details. 

“Leading women, in every season, to a life changing connection with Jesus Christ!”

BEE TREE CHRISTIAN
Connect Groups

Discover the Joy of being in Biblical Community

The life of following Christ was never meant to be solitary. Early Christians pursued it in small groups not much larger than today’s average small group, meeting in homes for the first 200 years or so of the movement. By meeting in a small group, you are following a time-tested format for growth in your spiritual life.

People join small groups for all sorts of reasons: to know a few people well, to be cared for, to learn, or to grow spiritually. While there are many helpful things one can do alone or in a large group, a small group offers many advantages. Among other things, group members can:

· Encourage one another in good times and bad

· Listen to God together and ask thoughtful questions when a member has a decision to make

· Learn how to pray with and for each other

· Benefit from each other’s insights into Scripture

· Acquire a habit of reading the Bible on a regular basis

· Learn to communicate effectively

· Experience the pleasure of helping another person grow

Get connected in 2008 – our small groups are a vital part of our discipleship strategy here at BTCC.

BAND OF BROTHERS

* FAITH – growing thru Bible Study, encouragement and prayer

 * FAMILY – learning how to serve and protect my Family, my church and my community

* FRIENDS – deepening friendships with other men to gain perspective in life and to be held accountable for my life impact

Tuesdays, 7 PM at FIRST @ Ridge Crest