Combining the memory of the two birthdays of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln into one federal holiday was perhaps a move to cut back on too many holidays where people do not have to report for work in federal government offices. And so these birthdays are celebrated without too much fanfare for the most part. Suffice it to say that we are reminded of what these presidents did for our country.

Jesus himself told the Pharisees to give to Caesar (representing the Roman government) what belongs to Caesar, and to God the things that are God's. (Matthew 22:21)

Let's all remember Jesus Christ, the King of our lives, to give Him all the praise, honor, worship and glory that He deserves.

 

A "Lion's Den Lite" workshop/seminar happens every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month at the GLC offices, at 10:30 a.m.  Pastor Hansel leads this activity in a very matter-of-fact, down-to-earth way. Those who attend love it, and those who don't certainly miss something they don't have to!

Yesterday's session was about dumping "baggage" and taking on "luggage" in one's daily life, if one is to be faithful in ministering to others as Christ did. Doing this allows people to leave a mindset of unbelief and go to a mindset of faith. Pastor Hansel quoted Graham Cooke's idea about having a present-past versus a present-future way of thinking.

The present-past way of thinking says, "No matter what I do, nothing changes;" whereas, a present-future way of thinking is belief in what God says to be you in the future. Pastor Hansel pointed out that having faith means willing to take the risk. Why? Because God says so. When a person lets go of baggage he or she becomes a new person.

Among the important things learned at the workshop yesterday is that as one gets rid of baggage that clutters one's life, he or she must also take on "luggage" which are things "God tells you about you despite your own reality, facts or circumstances."

Yesterday's participants went through a "getting rid of baggage" exercise.  Everyone's load was much lighter after that, we're pretty sure!

The next workshop is on Sunday, February 24, at 10:30 a.m.

During Saturday afternoon services, the guest cards and offering envelopes will be inserted in the church bulletins given out at the foyer by the church greeters. Whether these are used or not, please return the guest cards and offering envelopes in the offering basket when your gifts and offerings are being received.

 

"He who loves money will not be satisfied with money, nor he who loves abundance with its income" (Ecclesiastes 5:10).

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A successful businessman once confided in another businessman known for his wisdom. "I've made a lot of money. I will soon be able to retire comfortably and do just about anything I want."

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"John," the wise businessman replied to the man, "I've noticed that every time someone thinks they've built a tree that is so tall it almost reaches heaven, God often decides to shake the tree."

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The minute we start trusting in riches, God will, in fact, "shake the tree" to demonstrate who is the source of wealth to turn us back to trusting Him completely. He did it in my life, and He'll do it in your life too because He loves us too much to allow us to continue down this destructive path.

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Money is mentioned more than 2,000 times in the scripture. Jesus used it many times in illustrating an important lesson to his disciples. He spoke often of being a good steward of the resources He entrusted to us. He wanted a return on His investment and He wanted us to stay away from making money an idol in our lives.

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Jesus understood that He was here on earth only to do the will of the Father. "I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing by himself; He can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does."

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As we look at our relationship to our heavenly Father and our use of money, it is clear that we, like Jesus, are here to do the will of the Father in all areas of life. This means seeking to live a life that is totally yielded to His purposes -even in the financial area.

Money, independence, and security are often the reasons many start their own businesses or change jobs. Check your motives today and see if your financial life can stand Jesus' scrutiny. Are you operating as a steward of the financial resources He has entrusted to you?   

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(Today God Is First (TGIF) devotional message, Copyright by Os Hillman, Marketplace Leaders.)

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thelionsden.glc@gmail.com 

Office Address:  1414 S. Azusa Ave., Suites 20-21, W. Covina, CA 91791

Church Address:  18901 E. Amar Rd., Walnut, CA 91789

MAILING ADDRESS:  436 Crestwood Lane, Walnut, CA 91789 

Telephone:  (626) 965-4300