http://www.pastordanwalker.org Truth from Life Church St Louis Thu, 08 Dec 2011 23:02:10 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3 Truth from Life Church St Louis Pastor Dan's Blog no Truth from Life Church St Louis http://www.pastordanwalker.org/wp-content/plugins/powerpress/rss_default.jpg http://www.pastordanwalker.org/category/family http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/03/keeping-pure.htm http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/03/keeping-pure.htm#comments Sun, 27 Mar 2011 17:02:36 +0000 Pastor Dan http://www.pastordanwalker.org/?p=667

Understanding Life’s Sanctity

Increasing in Integrity

Keeping Your Life In Balance

]]> http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/03/keeping-pure.htm/feed 0 http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/03/understanding-lifes-sanctity.htm http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/03/understanding-lifes-sanctity.htm#comments Sun, 20 Mar 2011 16:40:14 +0000 Pastor Dan http://www.pastordanwalker.org/?p=663

Keeping Pure

Eliminating Idols

Learning To Rest

]]> http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/03/understanding-lifes-sanctity.htm/feed 0 http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/03/honoring-parents.htm http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/03/honoring-parents.htm#comments Sun, 13 Mar 2011 18:33:43 +0000 Pastor Dan http://www.pastordanwalker.org/?p=659

Questions Parents Should Ask

Respecting God

]]> http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/03/honoring-parents.htm/feed 0 http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/03/learning-to-rest.htm http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/03/learning-to-rest.htm#comments Sun, 06 Mar 2011 18:29:54 +0000 Pastor Dan http://www.pastordanwalker.org/?p=657

Keeping Pure

Learning To Be Thankful

Learning To Share Life

]]> http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/03/learning-to-rest.htm/feed 0 http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/02/respecting-god.htm http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/02/respecting-god.htm#comments Sun, 27 Feb 2011 17:55:45 +0000 Pastor Dan http://www.pastordanwalker.org/?p=653

Putting God First

Honoring Parents

Growing Together In A Life Group

]]> http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2011/02/respecting-god.htm/feed 0 http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2010/10/jesus-instructions-on-relationships.htm http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2010/10/jesus-instructions-on-relationships.htm#comments Sun, 17 Oct 2010 19:03:53 +0000 Pastor Dan http://www.pastordanwalker.org/?p=616

Why Relationships Are Important

How To Restore Broken Relationships

Character Qualities of a Disciple of Jesus

]]> http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2010/10/jesus-instructions-on-relationships.htm/feed 3 Jesus,message,relationships We’re going to be looking at what Jesus has to say about living out God’s plan for your relationships. In our current message series, 40 Days with Jesus, we’re going through Jesus’ famous teaching in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. (http://www.pastordanwalker.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/101017.jpg)We’re going to be looking at what Jesus has to say about living out God’s plan for your relationships. In our current message series, 40 Days with Jesus, we’re going through Jesus’ famous teaching in the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7. Relationships were invented by God. People were created so that we could have a relationship with God and with one another. Relationships bring much blessing into our lives, but also sometimes conflict and pain. How can your relationships be everything that God intends them to be? The answer is by understanding the principles of God’s Word and then applying them to your life with the help of the Holy Spirit. It is the Holy Spirit that illuminates God’s Word and shows us how to practically apply it to our lives. Matthew 5:19 (NIV) … whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. In order to teach God’s Word, you have to understand what it says. However, that’s not enough. God desires for each person to understand, teach and practice God’s Word. What did Jesus call those who understand and teach God’s Word, but don’t practice it? Hypocrites. We don’t want to be hypocrites but devoted followers of Jesus. Jesus goes on to say Matthew 5:20 (NIV) For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. You see the religious teachers of the day appeared to have it all together. They thought they understood God’s Word and they taught it to others. Yet, Jesus says here that these teachers weren’t even saved. Why? Because, as we’ll see, their so-called righteousness was only in outward appearances. In their hearts they were not right with God, they were hypocrites. The teachers did not practice what they taught. Managing outward appearances with no change of heart just doesn’t work. But isn’t there just a touch of the truth there? Don’t we sometimes say one thing, but think quite another in our hearts? What if the thoughts of our hearts came out, rather than the words we want others to hear? Let’s remember as we go through Jesus’ teaching that God wants our outward actions and words to reflect a pure and honest heart within. In this section of Matthew 5, we will see Jesus teach on 6 aspects of relationships. In each aspect, Jesus begins by saying, “You have heard … And I say to you.” What people had heard had to do with outward actions. Jesus deals with heart attitudes. Listen to my October 17, 2010 message "Jesus on Relationships." [flashvideo file=http://www.lifechurchstlouis.org/images/stories/video/101017.mp4 stretching=fill /] Pastor Dan's Blog no 32:39 http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2010/02/communication-essentials.htm http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2010/02/communication-essentials.htm#comments Sun, 28 Feb 2010 21:10:32 +0000 Pastor Dan http://www.pastordanwalker.org/?p=522

Why Relationships Are Important

Learning To Love

]]> http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2010/02/communication-essentials.htm/feed 0 relationships God has created us to relate to other people. Relationships bring the greatest joys and the deepest sorrows in life. As believers, God wants to help us learn to develop and grow great relationships. Great does not mean perfect. God has created us to relate to other people. Relationships bring the greatest joys and the deepest sorrows in life. As believers, God wants to help us learn to develop and grow great relationships. Great does not mean perfect. Perfect relationships are not possible. Why? James 3:2a (NIV) We all stumble in many ways. I stumble in many ways. You stumble in many ways. When two stumbling people get together, you don’t get perfection. When two stumbling people get together in a relationship, they need a miracle from God to grow a great relationship. But with God’s help, that is possible. Today my topic is “Improving Communication.” Communication is one of the important keys in every relationship. Communication occurs in all relationships, but effective communication is necessary for relationships to grow. James 3:2b (NIV) If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. Since James has just told us that everyone stumbles in many ways, many of stumbles will be in our speech, in our communication. In fact, God is telling us that as we improve our speech, as we minimize our faults when we talk, it will positively impact all areas of our lives. Communication is vital in all aspects of our lives these days. The usage of cell phones has exploded across the world. In 1999, there were about 500 million cell phone subscriptions. In 2010, it is estimated there will be 5 billion mobile phone subscriptions.The number of land lines has leveled off at about 1 billion. Cell phone communication has exploded because you can use them to communicate anytime, anywhere in multiple ways. However, cell phone communication is not perfect, is it? Sometimes you can get a lot of static in the communication and it’s hard to hear. Other times, if you’re too far from a cell tower and the power is low, you may get a dropped call. Still other times, there are simply places where the cell signal cannot penetrate and the phone won’t work. Engineers continue to work to improve cell phone communication. Today, God wants us to work at improving our speech communication, whether it’s face to face or on a cell phone. We’re going to take a look at three communication principles from the book of Ephesians. God wrote the book on communication and He has something to teach each one of us this morning. The principles we are going to learn can be used in every kind of relationship. Listen to my February 28, 2010 message "Improving Communication" ( (http://www.pastordanwalker.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/100103-message-notes.pdf)message-notes (http://www.pastordanwalker.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/100228-message-notes.pdf)). Pastor Dan's Blog no http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2009/07/the-importance-of-unity.htm http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2009/07/the-importance-of-unity.htm#comments Tue, 07 Jul 2009 21:18:15 +0000 Pastor Dan http://www.pastordanwalker.org/?p=430

Keeping Team Unity

The Importance Of Love

Growing Together In A Life Group

]]> http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2009/07/the-importance-of-unity.htm/feed 0 community,relationships Unity seems to be an elusive goal in our society. Marriages and families are disintegrating at an alarming rate. Infighting and division is common in many other groups, including businesses and churches. What is the cause of this breakdown in unity and... (http://www.pastordanwalker.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/090705-maintaining-unity.jpg)Unity seems to be an elusive goal in our society. Marriages and families are disintegrating at an alarming rate. Infighting and division is common in many other groups, including businesses and churches. What is the cause of this breakdown in unity and harmonius relationships? The cause is simply selfishness, seeking to obtain the greatest advantage from the group and giving back as little as possible. When there is no unity, when there is division, what is the result? Mark 3:25 (NIV) If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. When there is no unity in a group or relationship, that "house" is doomed to collapse. On the other hand, unity is a wonderful thing to be a part of. Psalm 133:1 (NIV) How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity! There is blessing, there is peace and joy when people in a group work together in unity. Generally, groups and relationships begin with unity. However, over time, inevitable forces work to sow seeds of division into a group. Unity is something that must actively be maintained, whether in a relationship or in a group. Ephesians 4:3 (NIV) Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. This verse is speaking specifially about the unity of the Spirit in a church family. Notice that every member must make every effort in order to keep the unity. Of course, unity and peace go hand in hand. So, whatever church, group or relationship that you are a part of, ask yourself some questions. * Am I taking advantage of others in the group or relationship? * Am I doing less than my fair share in the work of the group? * Am I doing less than my fair share in contributing to the group? * If my behavior is not conducive to keeping the unity, what will I ask God to help me change in my behavior? Listen to my July 5, 2009 message "Maintaining Unity" based on Nehemiah 5, to learn the principles of maintaining unity in your life (message notes (http://www.pastordanwalker.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/090705-message-notes.pdf)). Pastor Dan's Blog no http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2009/06/gods-plan-for-fathers.htm http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2009/06/gods-plan-for-fathers.htm#comments Wed, 24 Jun 2009 18:52:46 +0000 Pastor Dan http://www.pastordanwalker.org/?p=420

Influencing Your Children

Fulfilling God’s Purpose As A Father

A Father’s Importance For A Child’s Spirituality

]]> http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2009/06/gods-plan-for-fathers.htm/feed 3 purpose,relationships Fathers are an incredibly important part of God's plan. God has created fathers to be leaders and protectors in multiple spheres of responsibility. In the book of Nehemiah, the fathers helped to build the wall around Jerusalem. (http://www.pastordanwalker.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/090618-fathers-builders.jpg)Fathers are an incredibly important part of God's plan. God has created fathers to be leaders and protectors in multiple spheres of responsibility. In the book of Nehemiah, the fathers helped to build the wall around Jerusalem. The wall provided protection and security. Today's father must build three walls in order to be successful in God's purpose for their lives. 1. Build your personal wall The personal wall of a father involves your character. Your character is the kind of person you are when no one is looking. In order to build your personal wall of integrity, you must build your relationship with the Father, God Himself. 1 John 2:13a (NIV) I write to you, fathers, because you have known him who is from the beginning. Knowing God, your heavenly Father, is essential to becoming the father God created you to be. Your model of a father is God Himself. To grow in integrity, you must grow in prayer and understanding God's Word. Your personal walls must be strong to withstand temptation in today's world. Last week's revelation of the extra-marital affair of Senator John Ensign of Nevada  and today's revelation of an affair by Governor Mark Sanford of South Carolina show what can happen when your personal walls are in rubble. You'll make no progress in the other areas of your life unless you are building your life on the solid foundation of Jesus Christ. 2. Build your family wall A strong personal wall lays the groundwork to build a strong wall of protection around your family. The essence of a biblical family is the marriage relationship between one man and one woman. So, a father's first task in a family is to build his relationship with his wife. 1 Peter 3:7 (NIV) Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. This surprising verse reveals that if a husband has a poor relationship with his wife, his relationship with God and his prayers will be hindered. Also notice that for a strong family wall, both husband and wife must be believers and committed to the Lord. The second aspect of building the family wall is to train his children in God's way. Ephesians 6:4 (NIV) Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. The father has the chief responsibility in the family to train and instruct his children walking with God. Children must come to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and then grow in that relationship by learning from their father's example. All too many fathers fall short in this, either through not having strong personal walls or pushing off the training responsibility to their wives and church only. 3. Build your church wall The final wall of protection that a father needs to build for his family and others is the church wall. Contrary to popular belief that you can go to any or no church at your own pleasure, God has one church in your area that He has chosen you to be a part of. When you as a father faithfully participate in that church family, God will protect and bless your family greatly. 1 Peter 2:5 (NIV) you also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. To build your church wall, you must not only have a vertical relationship with Jesus, you must have a horizontal relationship with other believers in God's family in the church. You help build your church wall through participating in ministry, not just being a spectator. When you take responsibility as a member of the church family, your wife and children will follow. The church wall is a source of great protection in today's world and no believer should be without it. Unfortunately, Pastor Dan's Blog no http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2008/07/vacations-and-god.htm http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2008/07/vacations-and-god.htm#comments Thu, 31 Jul 2008 19:15:00 +0000 Pastor Dan http://192.168.1.105/wordpress/?p=7

Learning To Rest

]]> http://www.pastordanwalker.org/2008/07/vacations-and-god.htm/feed 1