True satisfaction here on earth will always carry with it an element of dissatisfaction. Have you come to terms with that truth?

Or are you still trying to find that ‘magic bullet’ that will fully satisfy you this side of heaven?

If you heard my recent sermon, then you know that biblical contentment brings anticipation not satiation. True, biblical contentment does not mean our desires are satiated (satisfied to excess). Rather, biblical contentment brings JOY, and with that JOY an anticipation of even more JOY in the days ahead. Biblical contentment propels us ‘further up and further in’ to our relationship with the infinite, matchless God whose goodness cannot be exhausted.

But, as C.S. Lewis wrote, we are “half-hearted creatures, fooling around with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum  because he cannot imagine what is meant by a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” [Click here to read Lewis' entire essay on this topic]

We need habits that turn our hearts away from contentment dead-ends - status, duty and addiction - and back toward our infinite God. One such habit is called “detachment.” Click here to download a brief introduction to this important spiritual habit. Put it into practice…and get on the pathway to SATISFACTION!

May your heart find true satisfaction in God’s goodness.

Peace,
Shane

Please click below to download the study guide which accompanies the sermon preached on November 29th. The study guides are beneficial for personal use but primarily designed for use within our Community Groups.

Satisfied Study Guide

To learn more about our Community Groups please visit: westportchurch.org/information/groups

Please click below to download the study guide which accompanies the sermon preached on November 22nd. The study guides are beneficial for personal use but primarily designed for use within our Community Groups.

Satisfied Study Guide

To learn more about our Community Groups please visit: westportchurch.org/information/groups

Please click below to download either the kids version or adult version of the study guide which accompanies the sermon preached on November 15th. The study guides are beneficial for personal use but primarily designed for use within our Community Groups.

Kids Version - Great Commission

Great Commission Study Guide

To learn more about our Community Groups please visit: westportchurch.org/information/groups

Anyone who’s been around Westport on a Sunday morning knows that we’re in the middle of a BABY BOOM! By the end of December, we will have had around 20 babies born to Westport families in 2009. And I know of at least 5 already pending for the first half of 2010!

I remember well the excitement of new babies. I also remember the exhaustion and frustration. Where’s the instruction manual?!

I just came across a FREE on-line resource for parents of young children talking specifically to issues of how to train and discipline toddlers. This is a high quality resource from a trustworthy organization, FamilyLife (where Aimee and I worked for 10 years). Now that I’m on the other side of going through the toddler stage with 4 kids (in 5 years!), I can say with all earnestness: what you will hear in these videos is absolutely critical to getting a good start in your parenting years.

Don’t miss this. Make it part of a series of date nights. Drink coffee if you are still trying to survive the sleepless nights. Use toothpicks to prop your eyelids open. Talk it through. Try it out. Hang in there. You won’t regret it!

You can find the resource here.

Shane

Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me ~ Jesus. (John 15:4)

To remain in Jesus means to remain in his love. To bear fruit means to love others as Jesus has loved us. In other words: People who know they are deeply loved, love people deeply. This is one of the simplest yet most profound truths of the Scriptures. God loves you deeply; and he wants to pour out his love through you into the lives of people around you. If you missed the sermon on this topic, listen here.

For those who did catch the sermon and are here looking for more, here are two opportunities to explore:

First, if you want to learn more about Lori, her story, and the ministry she’s devoting herself to, then email her at workverve {@} yahoo.com. Learn more about the ministry to men and women dealing with post-abortive trauma, by clicking here.

If you are looking for help with healthy spiritual habits to help you remain in Jesus’ love, a great starting point is Richard Foster’s book Celebration of Discipline. I have several other books on my shelf that I would love to share. I would also enjoy the opportunity to meet with anyone exploring this topic.

May you indeed know that you are deeply loved by your Heavenly Father. May knowing this, really knowing it, transform your life. And may you know the joy that only comes through pouring that love into the lives of others around you and celebrating the transformation it brings.

Peace,
Shane

We’re excited to have our first ever CHURCH-WIDE SURVEY.  Check out this video from Paul explaining the survey.  Your feedback is so important, please take a couple minutes to answer 9 simple questions.

To access the survey please CLICK HERE.