THE PRICE OF SUCCESS…..

What is it that brings one person success in life, and mediocrity or failure to others? It can’t be mental capacity. There is not the difference in our mental abilities that is indicated by the difference in our performance. The answer is, some succeed because they cheerfully pay the price of success while others, though they claim ambition and desire to succeed, are unwilling to pay that price.

THE PRICE OF SUCCESS IS….
1. To use all your courage to force yourself to concentrate on the problem in hand; to think of it deeply and constantly; to study it from all angles; and plan ahead.

2. To have a high and sustained determination to achieve what you plan to accomplish, not only when conditions are favorable to its accomplishment, but in spite of all adverse circumstances that may arise.

3. To refuse to believe that there are circumstances sufficiently strong to defeat you in the accomplishment of your purpose. Hard? Of course it is! That’s why so many never reach for success, they yield instead to the siren call of the rut and remain on the beaten path that is for beaten people. Nothing of note has ever been achieved without constant endeavor, some pain, and ceaseless application of the lash of ambition.
THAT’S THE PRICE OF SUCCESS… Everyone should ask themselves: Shall I accept the uneasy and inadequate contentment that comes with mediocrity? Or am I willing to endure the pain of this struggle for the rewards and glory that come with achievement? Author unknown.

Pastor Randy

Beware of the Crowd…

A group of frogs got together and arranged a running competition. The goal? To reach the top of a very high tower! A big crowd had gathered around the tower to see the race and cheer the contestants. When the race began, no one in the crowd really believed the tiny frogs would reach the top of the tower. You heard them saying, “Oh, WAY too difficult!” “They will NEVER make it to the top,” and, “Not a chance that they will succeed. The tower is too high!” The frogs began to collapse, but a few were able to keep climbing higher and higher. But that crowd continued to yell, “It’s so difficult! No one will make it!” More frogs got tired and gave up, but ONE continued higher and higher…this one wouldn’t give up! At the end of the race all of the frogs had given up climbing the tower – except for that one determined frog who after a big effort, was the only one to reach the top! Naturally all the other frogs wanted to know how this one managed to do it? How had he, against all the odds found the strength to succeed and reach the goal? It turned out, the winning frog was DEAF! He couldn’t hear the crowd working to bring down his confidence with all their negative talk. Never listen to other people’s negativity or pessimism. They will take your most wonderful dreams and wishes away from you – the ones you have in your heart! Words are powerful – everything you hear and read will affect your actions! Therefore ALWAYS be POSITIVE! And above all be DEAF to those who tell you that you cannot fulfill your dreams!

Pastor Randy

Pentecost – What’s That?

The day of Pentecost was observed in Jerusalem 50 days after the celebration of the Passover, which commemorated Israel’s deliverance out of Egypt. It is significant that this day was chosen by the Lord to begin the fulfillment of Joel 2:28 “I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh…” The Spirit came upon the waiting, praying disciples in an overwhelming manner. Their complete commitment to Christ and His commission evoked a mighty baptism of God’s power. This was evidenced initially by their speaking in tongues [Acts 2:4]. The Spirit was resident in their lives from that moment. The Spirit-filled early church witnessed many outstanding miraculous happenings [Acts 3:1-7; 4:31]. They were able to lead victorious lives as a result of their Pentecostal experience. Two baptisms were disclosed on the day of Pentecost. There was a baptism in the Holy Spirit, and in the Apostle Peter’s message that followed, water baptism in the name if Jesus Christ was commanded [Acts 2:38]. This outward, physical baptism mysteriously merges with that of the Spirit, and is the “one baptism” of Ephesians 4:5. This is what Jesus referred to as being “born again” in John 3:3-7 and how wonderful to be born into the family of God-changed, transformed, and made a “new creature in Christ Jesus”. Pentecost is not a denomination. It is a new birth experience. It is primitive Christianity made relevant to today’s world. The people referred to as Pentecostal simply believe, teach, and receive all that transpired on that birthday of the church…Pentecost, 33A.D. New Life is a church that embraces these basic Christian truths and experiences, and is intentionally inclusive of ALL people. We believe you can experience your own personal Pentecost. “For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” [Acts2:39]

Pastor Randy

From The Pastor’s Desk…

We were privileged to attend Spirit Fest 2009 in Nashville, TN this past week. We gathered with other ministers and saints from across the country who were celebrating just as we do at MSQ. The theme was “Dare To Be Different.” It was a time of refreshing and re-focusing for us. The battle does wear us down – even in the ministry. We received new direction and encouragement. The Lord spoke directly to us that “He has everything in His control and in His eyesight.” It is important that we have these assurances from time to time to give us the courage and hope that our labor is not in vain. We are the people that God has called to deliver the message of hope to a community that mainline churches seem to overlook and ignore. But, God is using us—little ministries that are beginning to dot the globe. There is a shaking going on just like the earthquake that hit the Roman jail that loosed the chains that were binding Paul and Silas. The enemy may try to bind us and chain us—mentally, physically, financially, emotionally or spiritually. However, we must not contribute to his works. We must cooperate with God’s plan to get the job done before He returns. If we aren’t trusting God with all we’ve been given, we will give an account for the lack of action on our part. So, let’s get busy. Let us ALL do the Lord’s work. We are part of God’s kingdom on earth and Heaven.

God Bless You,
Pastor Randy

Pass This Along Today…

New Life Family:

There was a lady driving from the South Texas Retreat that tool place a few weeks ago. She saw a man walking down the road. The Lord told her to stop and pick him up. She hesitated because of the world that we live in, and the dangers in picking up strangers. The Lord spoke to her again, and told her to stop and pick up that man. She did. The man climbed in and sat on the back seat of her car. The first words out of his mouth were, “Gabriel has the trumpet to his lips. The Lord’s coming is soon!”

The lady was so overcome with excitement as they both conversed about the coming of the Lord, so much so…that she was speeding unknowingly. An officer came up behind her and pulled her over. She began to tell hem that she didn’t realize that she was speeding, but she and the man in the back seat were talking about the coming of the Lord, and she became so excited that she lost track of how fast she was going. The officer looked in the back seat, and no one was there. No door had been opened. The man had simply disappeared.

The lady then told the officer, “I promise you…someone was in that back seat, and we were having a conversation!” He replied, “I believe you, ma’am. You are the eighth person who has repeated this story, so I know that it has to be true.” The lady went home all excited. The LORD is speaking to His people.

I’m passing this on just as it came to me. I am just the messenger…take it and do with this info what God, in prayer, would have you to do! We know He will return someday. Could it be sooner than we think? WRD

From The Pastor’s Heart…

New Life Family:

“The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, But the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. The LORD is far from the wicked, But He hears the prayer of the righteous. Bright eyes gladden the heart; Good news puts fat on the bones. He whose ear listens to the life-giving reproof Will dwell among the wise.” Proverbs 15:28-31

The King James Version says it like this, “A good report maketh the bones fat.” I do have a good report regarding the turnout of our fundraiser via Holy Macaroni Cafe.

First let me say “thank you again” to everyone that helped clean, prep and assist Pastor Dan in getting everything ready for the event. This includes the following people: Mike S., Sandy & Carol, Elders Halligan & Michele, Joe and Todd, Bret, Bill & Matt. Then the staff that came in to work the back of the house included: Daniel V., James K., Joe & Todd, Bill & Matt, Elders Michele & Halligan, & Al. Front of the house included: Chrissy, Chris, Greg, August, & Bret. (Also LaToya S. for helping us out on Friday night with bussing and assisting the waiters.)

What a crew! What hard workers. We joined hands and prayed each evening before we opened the doors. The teamwork was phenomenal and unity did abound. Again, it was amazing and made your pastors very proud of all of you. It was a success in so many ways.

(Dollar amounts omitted)

So, as you can see, our efforts were rewarded. The people came. They stayed. They ate. And, they enjoyed it all. Most everyone were quick to say how happy they were to see Holy Macaroni open again. Then, they were saddened to find out that was not the case. However, all promised to support any further fundraising efforts the church decided to put on as long as the food stayed the same.

So, here it comes! Our next NLCCH/Holy Mac Fundraiser will be the last Friday and Saturday of April. The dates will be April 24 & 25. So, let’s get the word out. We were advised to be consistent with our fundraiser dates, so the consensus seems to be that we will plan to do these fundraisers the last Friday and Saturday of the month through the summer up until Midwest SpiritQuest.

This fundraiser, along with our tithes and offerings, should definitely allow us to get caught up on past due bills, get ahead financially, and be able to raise our budget for MSQ 2009. I personally can’t think of an easier way to do what we’ve always struggled to do with our fundraising efforts. This is a well greased operation thanks to Pastor Dan and our volunteer staff.

The reputation of good food and good service along with a smoke free, friendly environment has followed us. Now God has made a way for us to help ourselves out of the financial stresses we’ve been under for awhile.

Let’s keep up the good work, saints of God. Let us continue to labor together in unity and love as we refocus our attention on evangelism and kingdom building.

May the Lord Jesus bless each and everyone one of our NLCCH Family & supporters!

I hope to see everyone at church this Sunday as we prepare for Easter services on Sunday, April 12.

Love and prayers,
Pastor Randy and Dan

From The Pastor’s Desk…

New Life Family:

I want to honor our own NLCCH Family today. Since Wednesday, our Family has been busy about the Father’s business. It has really been exhilarating to watch ‘us’ as we worked, laughed, scrubbed, cleaned and prepared for the most intense fundraiser we’ve ever attempted. Please know how pleased and proud your pastor’s are today for everyone who volunteered time, energy, work, effort and endurance to see a smooth operation succeed these past two nights, in opening Holy Macaroni once again to the public. The response was quite satisfying. Friday afternoon, from 4:30 on, people began to come in and fill our restaurant to the brim. It never failed that almost everyone had to tell us “we’re so glad you’re back. Winter was so long and we’ve missed you so much.” Then, of course, we explained the situation and that this is not officially an opening, but a ‘test drive’ and a church operated fundraiser with all volunteer help. The people were astounded that all of the labor was donated. Different ones even wrote extra checks to donate to New Life. Isn’t that absolutely amazing? Personally, we were very pleased, if not somewhat overwhelmed, at the busy night we had friday. And, I thought it would be slower on Saturday due to the drop in temps and inclement weather. Wrong! Last night we had waits of up to 45 minutes. The business doubled! Needless to say, this fundraiser was a great success and we should consider doing it monthly to help keep our budget in tact as well as please the community of supporters that we really do have. We have to know that God will use this to bless our church and help us to remain on the course He has for us.

Thanks, NLCCH Family. You’re the best!
Pastor Randy & Dan

From the Pastor’s Desk…

New Life Family:

Spring is peaking around the corner and causing me to yearn for warmth and sun. When I lived in the South, I would already be planting a garden and getting ready for summer. We wait longer in the upper Midwest for gardens to produce crops and trees to bloom and turn green. But, when it finally happens, we love it and appreciate it. It seems we’ve waited a long time for the promise of a harvest of souls. However, we must realize that worldwide revival and harvest is in full swing. Just because it isn’t here yet, doesn’t mean it isn’t happening elsewhere. What must we do in the meantime? We must keep busy preparing for the harvest. We will seek the harvest giver and be ready for the day and time of its arrival. We must have the rows ready where the plants will be planted. Our tools for evangelism and discipleship must be cleaned up and already instilled. “Be ready” is often the directive by Jesus to his followers. This pertains to the harvest and to the final call that will be given for us to gather around His eternal throne. We must continue to be pliant and willing to align ourselves with the Husbandman, Jesus Christ.

God bless you today!
Pastor Randy

The He said to His disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Therefore beseech the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into His harvest.” Matthew 9:37-38

NLCCH Fundraiser Event

New Life Family:

As most of you are aware, we are planning a major fundraising event on Friday and Saturday evening, March 27 & 28. Basically, the church will be opening the restaurant (formerly Holy Macaroni Cafe) for business to the public on those two evenings from 4:30PM to 9:30PM CST. We will be serving the main items from the previous menu including pizzas, calzones, Italian Beef and Sausage Sandwiches, Soup, Salad, Bread Sticks, Lasagna, Spaghetti and a few of the popular dessert items.

We will be asking for donations to cover the food costs. We will need volunteers to serve, wash dishes, make pizza, bus tables and help with clean up. ALL proceeds will go into the general fund of New Life Church to help with our past and current liabilities (bills). This should be a very good money making fundraiser IF we get enough cooperation to keep the overhead to a bare minimum. We are currently advertising using the signage in front on the HM Marquee and word of mouth in the community. We plan to email former customers and do some calling around to businesses and former customers who we have contact info for.

Please respond to this email and let us know what you will be willing to do to help with this much needed fundraiser. This is a chance for you to show support for your church. If you have any friends that you can invite to come out and eat, that would be helpful. People dining in will be given the same service and atmosphere that Holy Mac always offered.

A response to this email will be appreciated will be appreciated before Sunday so we can take the results to the PAC Meeting as we sit down after church to plan the two day event.

Thank you for your cooperation in seeing our church survive the present economic crunch that has affected our budget and financial health.

God bless you all,
Pastor Randy

From The Pastor’s Desk…

New Life Family:

It is a privilege to be pastor of this flock of God’s sheep! In fact, there is no reason that someday this could be the greatest and most exciting church in NW Indiana as the people of New Life become committed to spreading this great gospel message to “whosoever will.” There is no reason to be selective to whom we share our testimony and message with. All people and all nations need to get in on this great salvation that you and I enjoy living and experiencing day by day. We are not a club or a social outlet. We are an assembly of the Church of the Lord Jesus Christ. The blood that Jesus shed was not in vain. More than ever before we must declare the glory of God to our world. Our brothers and sisters that have AIDS or cancer or that have succumbed to drug addictions need us and they need our message of deliverance. The homeless or those in mansions need salvation one and the same. And, it all starts right here. We come to church in obedience to the apostolic commandment to “not forsake the assembling of the saints.” However, we know that it is more than just a duty. We come to give and to receive what God has for us. Some have really caught the vision of this house. Others are starting to get it. Everyone needs to see it and know that God has sovereignly chosen us for such a time as this to be a beacon of light to our entire region and world. The harvest is ripe and the need for laborers is great. Who will volunteer to labor for Jesus? Who will enlist in this great army? Of believers for service that will pay in eternal benefits? As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

In His Service,
Pastor Randy