The Power of Relationships
God loves relationships! He values the relationship that He has with us and celebrates the ones that we develop in our families, at work, church and in our communities. God even placed an emphasis on the importance of relationships in Genesis 2:18 – The Lord God said, "It is not good for man to be alone." God never intended for us to walk through this life alone and that's why we strongly encourage you to get planted in a small group here at Shoreline. We need each other's support and the love that God brings through friends.
There is so much joy to be experienced as we develop healthy interactions with the people in our world. Relationships, however, are not always easy but they are always worth the risk. It takes a special set of skills to grow, manage, and reconcile all the friendships that impact our lives. That's what "Risky Business", a new sermon series and small group study is all about. I will be sharing some of the wonderful benefits that come from friendships such as joy, wisdom, encouragement and healing as well as how God can connect you to your destiny through relationships.
So join me to discover God's perspective and the wisdom needed to develop life-giving relationships and drink deeply of the abundant life that God has promised. Come on, take the risk, relationships are worth it!
Click here to join or host a small group
© 2011 by Kelly Mata. All rights reserved.
 Kelly Mata is an Executive Pastor at Shoreline Church where she has been in full time ministry for 20+ years. Her enthusiasm for encouraging people to reach their potential is contagious. She thrives on helping people find wholeness and is passionate about getting people involved using their unique gifts and talents to serve the local church and the community. Kelly serves alongside her husband Sam and their 2 amazing teenage sons, James and Robert.
Tongue Twister
Have you ever been in a situation where you said something to someone that you regret saying? Or something came out of your mouth that changed the whole environment that you were around? How did you feel after saying those words? The tongue can be a very powerful tool; it can be used for the good or for the bad.
In James 3:5 it says "Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark."
James talks about how the very small part of the body is able to set the whole course of a person's life a certain way. Sometimes the outcome may be positive or negative. In James 3:8, he tells us that no one can tame the tongue. It is a deadly poison. It is something that we cannot control so we have to do our best to watch what we say. Finally, he shares that we have a choice; we can either bring forth praises or curses. Since we are made in God's image, we need to choose to only say praises because you wouldn't want to say evil and curses to God would you?
Think of a time in your life where one minute you were bragging on God or sharing the gospel and with the next breath you were complaining about what was going on in your life or even cussing and using negative language. We all have the opportunity to influence people in a positive or a negative way, whether they are a small child, young adult, or an older individual. As you can see, the tongue is a very important part of your life.
© 2011 by James Mata. All rights reserved.
 James Mata is a mature 16 year old young man. He loves Jesus and his family. He enjoys time with his friends and excels in athletics and theatre. His younger brother Robert looks up to him and his parents, Pastors Sam and Kelly, are very proud of him. Luke 2:52 is his favorite scripture.
Monthly Devotional
The Source of All Power or a Resource at an Appointed Hour
"To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his". Job 12:13 (NIV)
"One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: 'Power belongs to you, God,'" Psalm 62:11 (NIV)
Webster's dictionary defines source as that from which something comes into existence, develops or derives. A resource is something that that lies ready for use or that can be drawn upon to aid or take care of a need. In our time of need are we putting our faith in a supernatural source or our natural resources. We've failed at many attempts to change, and the reason why is simple; we cannot do it on our own; we do not have the power.
Lord, give me the power to walk away
The power to resist temptation each and every day
Power to forgive and change my selfless ways
Power to exchange my perpetual doubts for your glorious praise
The power to despise the despicable and hate unabated sin
Power not to lust after lies and the perverse doctrine of men
The power to live without fear and regret
The power to always remember your love and never forget
Help me not shop for other gods, especially those that are on sale
Remind me that you get what you pay for, lest I remit that detail
Help me turn on the light when I am in the dark, lest I stumble and fall
Help awake my sleeping heart, stir my sprit when you call
Let your peace flow from inside of me, let not my heart be troubled
May your grace rest upon me and the anointing in my life be doubled
I need your power to live this abundant life I seek
Lord, you are my strength when I am exhausted and weak
Lord, give me the power to walk away
The power to resist temptation each and every day
Power to forgive and change my selfless ways
Power to exchange my perpetual doubts for your glorious praise
Reflection: You cannot have power without a source. For your home it's the local electric company, for your car it's the engine, and for your natural body it may be your heart. But for your spiritual life it is the holy spirit through Jesus the Christ.
Prayer: Lord, we need your power to walk in your ways, to love the way you love, to live the life you desire us to live. Our resources may fail, but you are the source of all power and you will never fail for your love endureth forever.
Additional Scriptures: 1 Chronicles 29:11, Job 30:18, Acts 1:8 (NIV)
Click here to read Shoreline's statement of faith
© 2011 by E.B. Staples. All rights reserved.
 E. B. Staples has been attending Shoreline for about 10 years with his wife Sharon; a Author and Poet, he recently published his second book entitled "The Mighty Storm – A Book of Poems". A strong and powerful collection of poems that will surely stir your soul. This book can be purchased at local book stores or at www.authorhouse.com.
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