A Word from Pastor Bill...

Why Pray When You Can Worry

...Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and mind in Christ Jesus." (Phil 4:6-8)

What are you currently worried about? Do you have a tendency to worry about the problem or pray about it? I think one is supposed to take dominance over the other. If my guess is right, worry is winning the fight rather than prayer! I'm not quite sure why we do this but I have at least two practical, no-brainer thoughts:

• Worry is simply a habit that is hard to break.
• Worry is more our natural tendency and is (strangely enough) what we are more comfortable with.

The interesting thing about this passage is that it directly refers to a misunderstanding between two Godly women in the Church at Philippi. Paul isn't referring to the anxiety that happens when we worry about money, security, our health, the condition of our country or what the outcome of our relative's surgery will be.

Apparently there was a growing lack of peace and anxiety in the Church because this issue is growing and not going away. Paul is so concerned that he tells his leadership to "help these women who had labored by his side in the gospel" (Phil 4:3).

I actually think it is easier to pray and trust the Lord for finances, the right job, where we left our glasses, a great sermon, and our tasty meal than it is when we are hurt, angry and misunderstood by someone in the Body of Christ.

Apparently Euodia and Syntyche were stubbornly not in agreement over an issue and each of the women held their ground. I guess they could have felt that there was no need to pray because each was right in their own mind. So their stress and anxiety continued.

Thus Paul gives them two direct commands in order to resolve the issue:

1. Agree in the Lord - Have the same mind: In other words, do what you think Christ would want you to do in the situation. Agree with the Lord's counsel and teaching in the Word regarding anger, hurt, misunderstanding and forgiveness.

I remember an elderly couple in our last church that were always holding hands and obviously enjoying each other. They told me that they decided as a couple long ago that they would rather be happy than right. That's a rough paraphrase of "agree in the Lord".

1. Pray instead of worry: Be anxious for nothing, but pray about everything. In other words, Paul is suggesting that prayer is to take the place of anxiety. Worry and prayer cannot coexist very long together. One eventually will have to take flight. As a matter of fact Paul actually states that if we present all of our worries and concerns to the Lord in detail (my paraphrase) our restless, torn and anxious minds will experience the peace that passes understanding and His divine peace will actually guard our hearts and mind.

Hey friend, are you being torn up by unresolved conflict with someone that's also a believer? Do you find yourself avoiding them or growing in bitterness toward them? Do you sense a knot in your stomach every time you hear them mentioned in a discussion? Is there an underlying hum of anxiety about the whole disappointing situation? It's probably long overdue to ask the Lord to help us learn to pray instead of worry!

Pastor Bill

If you have questions or comments for Pastor Bill  

regarding this article, you are welcome to  

email him: billg@trail.org 

Mexico Outreach Update This Sunday 

2nd Wednesday Jam

CPR/Basic First Aid Class

for TCF Volunteers

Saturday, February 21, from 9:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Youth Center. Please sign up at the Information Counter using an Event Envelope, enclose $25 or sign up online by clicking: HERE. Bring a sack lunch, no child care. Class size is limited. Questions? Contact Debbie Conley: 878.3501 or debbie@trail.org 

Great Commission Festival, February 27 - March 1.  

Join us for dinner Friday, February 27 from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. followed by presentations from several of our cross cultural partners from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. with a dessert break. On Saturday, February 28, Z and T's care team will be hosting an update on North Africa in the Fireside room from 10:00-11:30 a.m. The GO Board will be hosting a light lunch which will be followed by a presentation on B4T (business for transformation). Our guest will share about the many ways a business can be used to transform people's lives and thinking about the Kingdom both here and abroad. On Sunday, March 1, our partners will be available in the foyer before and after service to share about what the Lord is doing in and through them. Please sign up for the dinner and the lunch at the Information Counter so we have enough food and seating for all our guests. Check there for full details. Questions? Call Kelly 541-878-3501 or outreach@trail.org 

Toddler 2 Teen Conference

Local professionals will provide helpful tips and input on marriage, parenting, drug abuse, special needs, legal issues and more.  Pastor Bill Gallagher will hold a personality workshop. Join us Saturday, February 28, 12:30-5:30 p.m. at Cascade Christian High School. Childcare for kiddos age 4-10. Go to: www.FamilyToolsForLife.org for more information and to register.

Clean out your closets and bring your gently used, clean clothes to the table behind the Info Counter on Sundays Feb. 8-March 1.  You can pick up a flyer there with all the details. 

Go "shopping" on Saturday, March 7 from 3:00-5:00 p.m. in the Fireside room. Women's, men's, teens, kids, baby clothes and accessories accepted (no shoes please). On shopping day: Monetary donations accepted (optional). 

Questions? Call Paige Harrison: 541.821.0459

Men's Retreat: April 17-19

Guys, mark your calendar! A fabulous weekend of fellowship, teaching, great food, and outdoor activities at Camp Lake Bradley are in the works for April 17-19, 2015. 

Details and registration information coming soon.
Questions? Pablito: (949) 246-9615 or pablito@trail.org

Dear TCF Family:  During this cold and flu season when we are often locked indoors much of the time, illnesses are spreading like wildfires. If you or your child is coughing, have a sore throat, a runny nose or a fever; for the sake of all others please remain home until your symptoms have passed. If you have questions, comments or concerns please feel free to call me.

In His Care, Debbie Conley

Director of Children's Ministry  

541-261-2605

If you want to be included in the 2015-2016 TCF phone directory, pick up a Directory form at the Information Counter, fill it out and drop it in the offering bag, at the Information Counter or the Church Office. You may also download the form (click HERE) and fill it out, turn it in or mail it. Previous years entries are not carried over. It takes a few months to compile this information, you can expect the new Directory to be available this summer. Questions? contact Jacki at jacki@trail.org or 541.878.3501