Shoreline Ladies

“Pay It Forward” is a two-part series on February 17 and 24. Come find out if YOU are the answer!

Today’s message was obviously one that people wanted to hear. We had a record-breaking 535 in attendance this morning! So, what do you think of the things Pastor Eric had to say? Please share your opinions by posting comments below. Seriously, leave a comment! Surely you all have some sort of reaction to this one! (If you missed the message, it should be available online by tomorrow… http://www.shorelinechurch.net/audio.html)

Boundaries is one of the most thought-provoking series to date and asks “Where do YOU draw the line?”  Here’s what to expect in the next few weeks…

Jan. 6th – Alcohol: What Would Jesus Drink?
Jan. 13th – Sex: When to Say Yes
Jan. 20th – Children: Bringing Up the Best
Jan. 27th – Friends: Friends Are Friends Forever, Aren’t They?
Feb. 3rd – Personal: No, and I Don’t Feel Bad About It

For more detailed descriptions of each message, visit http://www.sexandbooze.com/

During yesterday’s message, we learned that Shoreline Church’s stand on alcohol is that we are “moderationists,” meaning that we believe drinking is not a sin and that a Christian conscience must guide each person.  Pastor Eric sited four Biblical references… Ephesians 5:18, 1 Corinthians 8:9, Romans 14:3-4, and 1 Corinthians 6:12.  He also provided six filter questions.

1. What does this add to my life?
2. What does it take away from my life?
3. What value am I or my family receiving from this?
4. What does this add to those around me?
5. What is the long-term advantage or disadvantage of this activity?
6. Will the activity help me achieve my goals?

If you missed yesterday, you can download the message off our web site:  http://shorelinechurch.net/audio.html

So, any thoughts?  Were you surprised by Shoreline’s stand on this controversial topic?  Relieved?  Disappointed?  Please share your thoughts.

Also, don’t miss next week – “Sex: When To Say Yes.”

Merry Christmas, y’all! Yesterday was Shoreline’s Christmas service. If you missed it, be sure to catch it on our web site: http://shorelinechurch.net/audio.html

In January, Shoreline Church will begin a series on BOUNDARIES. We’ll kick off with “What Would Jesus Drink?” on January 6th and “Sex: When To Say Yes” on January 13th. You might be surprised by what Pastor Eric has to say. Invite your friends! This is a series you definitely don’t want to miss!

If you say “what a boring weekend” on Monday, December 3rd, then shame on you! There are fun events planned both Friday and Saturday.

Friday night is GAME NIGHT at 7:00 PM. If you plan on attending, don’t forget about the white elephant gift swap! Also, the location has changed this month. Call Judy for more info (974-3309).

Saturday morning is the SHINE brunch at 9:30 AM. As most of you know, this life group is for ladies who volunteer at Shoreline Church. We’ll be watching part 3 of Christine Caine’s “Stop Acting Like a Christian, Just Be One” DVD and eating a lot of home-baked goodies. Speaking of which, I think I might bring the chicken/broccoli dish I brought in November. Maybe this time Darlene will actually get to try it before it’s gone! Also, I’m sure she’ll send an email with all the details later this week. In the meantime, you may call her (502-1099) or me (217-9495) with any questions.

Saturday afternoon is the PICNIC @ THE BEACH. We’ll be meeting at the Destin Crab Trap at 4:00 PM for a pot luck meal. This life group is a great way to meet people who attend Shoreline. The weather forecast looks good, but you know it cools off a lot once the sun starts to go down. Don’t forget to bring a jacket or blanket! Call Heather if you have any questions (621-3017).

Sunday morning Pastor Eric will finish the RETROFIT series. I can’t wait to see Angela do another workout video! Ha ha!

So, what do you ladies think about the 90-day challenge? I love it. From personal experience, I know it’s hard to make that initial step to give, especially if money is already tight. Believe me, I’ve been there (read my blog dated Nov 2). The 90-day challenge gives you an opportunity to see God’s power in your life. If tithing hasn’t been part of your life, I encourage you to visit http://www.richtowardgod.com/ and take the challenge. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Hey, ladies!  What do you think of this current series on finances?  I feel that finances are one of the most tangible ways to see God’s faithfulness.  I know a lot of people are experiencing financial hardship right now, but let me share my story as an illustration.

Early in our marriage, money was tight.  We had our daughter and our first home.  My husband and I were both working.  We were never big spenders.  Our only debt was our home and one vehicle.  Yet, the money was always tight.  We thought it was because we didn’t “make enough.”  We didn’t know how we would ever get ahead.  We were members of a church, but didn’t tithe.  Honestly, we didn’t feel we could afford to.  We were actually annoyed when we heard about giving from the pulpit.  How could the church ask us for money?  Shouldn’t they be helping us out, since we needed the money more than they did? 

Then we read Luke 16:10, “Unless you are faithful in small matters, you won’t be faithful in large ones.  If you cheat even a little, you won’t be honest with greater responsibilities.”  Wow.  That really convicted us.  Then we read Luke 6:38, “If you give, you will receive.  Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over.  Whatever measure you use in giving – large or small - it will be used to measure what is given back to you.”  That verse really spoke to our hearts.  It had never occurred to us that it was possible for us to receive back what we had given.  The church didn’t want our money – God wanted our hearts so He could bless us in return!

My husband and I made a commitment, right then, to start tithing.  Our finances hadn’t changed, but our hearts had changed.  We didn’t feel we had the money to give, but we wanted to trust God with all areas of our life.  How could we do that without showing Him we trusted Him?  So, we started giving 10% of our net income (for starters).  To our amazement, our cash flow actually increased even though we didn’t receive raises at work!

The following year, we began tithing 10% of our gross income (“first fruits”).  We were not surprised when our bank account continued to increase even more rapidly than the year before.  Proverbs 3:9 says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the best part of everything your land produces.  Then He will fill your barns with grain, and your vats will overflow with the finest wine.”

If I could leave you with one verse that impacted us greatly, it’s 2 Corinthians 9:8, “God will generously provide all you need.  Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others… Yes, you will be enriched so that you can give even more generously.”

If you’re not already doing so, I challenge you to show God you trust Him with your finances.  His faithfulness will amaze you!