I am sitting in the Volkswagen service department waiting room as I type this. No, nothing’s wrong with my car. I’m here for a check-up. You see, when we bought the Jetta it came with something that Volkswagen calls “Carefree Maintenance.” And, no, I’m not doing a commercial spot for VW, I have a point…so please hang in there with me, okay? With Carefree Maintenance, each big checkup and tune-up is already paid for. Done. My signature is all they need. That seems carefree to me. Volkswagen sends me a little note when the Jetta’s due for its maintenance. I make a call, set up an appointment, and voila! It’s done. Again, fairly carefree. Someone’s looking out for me and my car. I love that.
God got me thinking this morning as I lay in bed about just what He wanted to say in this devotional. I had planned on writing my devotion as I was sitting here in this very service department waiting room. And God…as He so often does…brought to mind the “everyday stuff” and tied it into His kingdom: carefree maintenance.
Wouldn’t it be lovely if someone sent you a note every so often (at just the moment you needed it) that reminded you that you need a check-up of sorts? Perhaps the note would say, “I’ve noticed you’ve been running without a break for several months now. Come on in and take a rest,” or maybe the note would read, “You seem a bit deflated. Stop by for a checkup today…it’s on the house.” Maybe the note would be a bit more urgent, “Are you crazy? You’ve been coasting on fumes far too long. Stop by as soon as possible!” Hmmm…I think I’d like that. It seems to me that we, as God’s kids, already get those little “notes.” It’s easy to miss those maintenance reminders when we’re flying through our days at breakneck speeds, isn’t it? Yep. That’s the case for me, and I’d venture to guess that it’s the same for you.
Stop for a moment and breathe. No, not a teenie little “gotta-keep-breathing-to-keep-going” breath. I’m talking about a good, deep cleansing breath. It’s in these quiet moments that we can sometimes hear the Holy Spirit’s leading more loudly. It would be very easy to race right through December and, thus, through Christmas, wouldn’t it? You and I could even justify our fast pace when we look at our to-do list, couldn’t we? The kids’ concerts, the holiday parties, the big project at work, the anxiety over an impending family gathering…it’s a lot. But when we slow down enough to take a deep breath, I think it’s clear what God’s plan is for us this Christmas. He wants us to savor the moments He places us in. To fully experience where we find ourselves. To dance and sing and smile and laugh. He wants us to grow and be challenged and taste victory. He wants all this and so much more for us this Christmas.
Easier said than done, right? Let’s take a look at a story from the New Testament that rings loudly in my ears, if I have the ears to hear it. It’s the story of the sisters Mary and Martha that we find in Luke 10:38-42. You know it, don’t you? Jesus came to the house of his dear friends Mary and Martha for a visit. Mary stopped and sat and listened to Him. Martha, bless her sweet heart, did not. You see, a guest was in the house, and she had things to do. I bet if an outside observer looked closely into Martha’s eyes, they’d see a squirrely look in them. A crazed “I-have-so-much-to-do-and-not-enough-time-to-do-it!” look. Maybe she was even muttering under her breath about that sister of hers, and how she wished Mary knew all that she did to keep the house running. Perhaps she even slammed a pot or two before she could finally take it no more. She waltzed right out to the front room (with her hands on her hips I’m sure) and declared, “Master, don’t you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand.” Hold on! Time out! Did she just say that? Yep, she did. And how many times have I done the same? Many. Too many, in fact. Stop and hear…savor…Jesus’ response to Martha. “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it - it’s the main course, and it won’t be taken from her.” Mary was doing the right thing by stopping. By listening. By savoring Jesus’ presence. She was squeezing everything she could out of the moment the Father had placed her in, and Jesus used the teachable moment to give Martha a maintenance reminder.
So, about your December calendar and your Christmas to-do list…let’s treat God’s Word as the maintenance reminder that it is. Do you need to stop by and sit at Jesus’ feet for a while? There’s no better check-up than that. Do you need to stop and re-read the Christmas account in Luke chapter 2 and savor in a fresh way the story of The Word made flesh? How about your family’s schedule over the next couple of weeks? Hmm…
The service team should be done soon with the Jetta, and I will be off to run errands…Christmas ones, in fact. This Christmas, in the midst of all the busy-ness, I want to heed God’s reminders…and take advantage of the carefree maintenance He provides me.
Merry Christmas!
~Deni Sunderly
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Ever since I can remember, I have always looked at the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas as something magical. I grew up in Watkins Glen, New York, a small village on the end of Seneca Lake. It was quite common to have snow in December, so it really was my winter wonderland. I loved everything about Christmas. It was so much fun for the whole family to go to the Christmas tree farm and find that “perfect tree.” My very favorite thing about Christmas is the music – I don’t care what it is. I could listen to it year round. There were the concerts at school and programs at church, and it just wasn’t Christmas if we didn’t go caroling and end up back at the church for hot chocolate. I could feel the excitement building inside of me for the “big day.”
My mom had traditions she carried out every year, i.e. baking hundreds of fancy cookies, fruitcakes, making fudge and decorating the house for the “big day” when my Dad’s extended family would gather at Mom and Dad’s house for Christmas dinner and exchange gifts. Later on, my brother had 3 sons, and then I added 2 daughters and 1 son.
I’ll always cherish those memories of Christmas growing up.
Now I’m a grandmother of 3. The oldest is about to turn 13 in a month. Where did all the time go? I’ve always tried to make Christmas special for my children and grandchildren – no matter what circumstances we may have been going through that year. There have been some really difficult times, but we got through it.
I thought last Christmas was difficult, but this year is going to be just as hard to get through. It actually started on Dec. 18, 1992 when my Mom passed away. Tom and I had only been married 3 months, but I couldn’t have asked for someone stronger to support me through that time. Mom had a very rapid progressing case of Alzheimer’s, and even though it was painful to lose her, it was a blessing to not have to see her suffer through that horrible disease anymore. By the time we had gone through the viewing, funeral, and services at the cemetery, there was only a couple of days until Christmas. No one was in the mood to celebrate that year. We were still in shock over Mom’s death.
Last Christmas, my Dad had been in a nursing home for 2 years. We went up the day after Christmas to visit. My brother had arranged for a private room in a restaurant so Dad would be able to see all his family together. Dad had taken a turn for the worse before we got there. He didn’t make it to the party. I watched my Dad die a little more each day, until he took his last breath on January 9th of this year. When he was at the point where he could barely do anything other than hold your hand or say just a couple of words, I was trying to think of things to say to him when it came to me I should sing to him. I started singing “Jesus Loves Me” softly to him. I asked him if he liked that, and he nodded “yes” with his head. I sang a couple more hymns, and then my sister came back from lunch. We would sing a hymn, and he would say, “more”. We did that for over a half hour. That was a very special time for the three of us.
Anyone who is close to me knows that music plays a huge role in my life. I know this is a gift from God. If I’m angry, stressed out, depressed, or upset, I can sit down at the piano, get lost in the notes and words, and go off to another place. Things that seemed so overwhelming begin to be lifted from me, and a peace comes over me. With God, I can handle things just a little bit longer – just like I was able to when I was singing to my Dad.
God, thank you for being with me in both the good times and the times of anguish. Help me to reach for you and cling to you when the pain is overwhelming. Help me to hear your voice in my pain and rest in your arms when I feel like I’m falling apart. I also ask that you be with all the people who, like me, are grieving over the loss of loved ones this Christmas.
~Mary Lou McKinney
Taken from iWorship Daily Devotional Bible (NLT) – March 18
My mom had traditions she carried out every year, i.e. baking hundreds of fancy cookies, fruitcakes, making fudge and decorating the house for the “big day” when my Dad’s extended family would gather at Mom and Dad’s house for Christmas dinner and exchange gifts. Later on, my brother had 3 sons, and then I added 2 daughters and 1 son.
I’ll always cherish those memories of Christmas growing up.
Now I’m a grandmother of 3. The oldest is about to turn 13 in a month. Where did all the time go? I’ve always tried to make Christmas special for my children and grandchildren – no matter what circumstances we may have been going through that year. There have been some really difficult times, but we got through it.
I thought last Christmas was difficult, but this year is going to be just as hard to get through. It actually started on Dec. 18, 1992 when my Mom passed away. Tom and I had only been married 3 months, but I couldn’t have asked for someone stronger to support me through that time. Mom had a very rapid progressing case of Alzheimer’s, and even though it was painful to lose her, it was a blessing to not have to see her suffer through that horrible disease anymore. By the time we had gone through the viewing, funeral, and services at the cemetery, there was only a couple of days until Christmas. No one was in the mood to celebrate that year. We were still in shock over Mom’s death.
Last Christmas, my Dad had been in a nursing home for 2 years. We went up the day after Christmas to visit. My brother had arranged for a private room in a restaurant so Dad would be able to see all his family together. Dad had taken a turn for the worse before we got there. He didn’t make it to the party. I watched my Dad die a little more each day, until he took his last breath on January 9th of this year. When he was at the point where he could barely do anything other than hold your hand or say just a couple of words, I was trying to think of things to say to him when it came to me I should sing to him. I started singing “Jesus Loves Me” softly to him. I asked him if he liked that, and he nodded “yes” with his head. I sang a couple more hymns, and then my sister came back from lunch. We would sing a hymn, and he would say, “more”. We did that for over a half hour. That was a very special time for the three of us.
Anyone who is close to me knows that music plays a huge role in my life. I know this is a gift from God. If I’m angry, stressed out, depressed, or upset, I can sit down at the piano, get lost in the notes and words, and go off to another place. Things that seemed so overwhelming begin to be lifted from me, and a peace comes over me. With God, I can handle things just a little bit longer – just like I was able to when I was singing to my Dad.
God, thank you for being with me in both the good times and the times of anguish. Help me to reach for you and cling to you when the pain is overwhelming. Help me to hear your voice in my pain and rest in your arms when I feel like I’m falling apart. I also ask that you be with all the people who, like me, are grieving over the loss of loved ones this Christmas.
~Mary Lou McKinney
Taken from iWorship Daily Devotional Bible (NLT) – March 18
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
“I am the Lords servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Luke 1:38 (NIV)
Throughout the Bible, God chooses and uses the most unlikely people in the most extraordinary ways to fulfill His timing and perfect will…Mary, the mother of Jesus, is no exception.
Mary’s story is well known. I’ve read it many times through past Christmas seasons, but this year God revealed to me “with new freshness” the importance of Mary’s willing spirit and trust in God.
Mary was a humble young woman willing to say yes to God, no matter what the cost, so that HIS plans and purpose could come to pass…
I’m sure Mary didn’t realize what she had signed up for—perceived scandal, ridicule, potential death by stoning, and ultimately a mother’s shattered heart at the loss of her precious child. None the less, she gave God her willing spirit and trust…“one Yes at a time”.
A key lesson we should learn and remember from Mary’s life is that great things always begin with someone saying Yes to God, and then moving along one yes at a time. The road may be bumpy, but we must remember God’s intention is to bless us.
A second lesson is to trust God. Mary trusted God from the start. She simply asked Gabriel, “How will this be?” Her question was an innocent inquiry of how God would make it come to pass. She didn’t doubt or ask for proof like Zachariah did when the angel told him that Elizabeth was to conceive in her old age…
“For nothing is impossible with God.”
“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land.” Isaiah 1:19
Please Lord; help me to say “Yes” to you without asking why, where, and how. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10) …a trusting, obedient, and willing spirit.
Merry Christmas,
~Jeannie Porterfield
This devotion was revealed and adapted from the book: Having a Mary Spirit—Allowing God to Change us from the Inside by Joanna Weaver.
Throughout the Bible, God chooses and uses the most unlikely people in the most extraordinary ways to fulfill His timing and perfect will…Mary, the mother of Jesus, is no exception.
Mary’s story is well known. I’ve read it many times through past Christmas seasons, but this year God revealed to me “with new freshness” the importance of Mary’s willing spirit and trust in God.
Mary was a humble young woman willing to say yes to God, no matter what the cost, so that HIS plans and purpose could come to pass…
I’m sure Mary didn’t realize what she had signed up for—perceived scandal, ridicule, potential death by stoning, and ultimately a mother’s shattered heart at the loss of her precious child. None the less, she gave God her willing spirit and trust…“one Yes at a time”.
A key lesson we should learn and remember from Mary’s life is that great things always begin with someone saying Yes to God, and then moving along one yes at a time. The road may be bumpy, but we must remember God’s intention is to bless us.
A second lesson is to trust God. Mary trusted God from the start. She simply asked Gabriel, “How will this be?” Her question was an innocent inquiry of how God would make it come to pass. She didn’t doubt or ask for proof like Zachariah did when the angel told him that Elizabeth was to conceive in her old age…
“For nothing is impossible with God.”
“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land.” Isaiah 1:19
Please Lord; help me to say “Yes” to you without asking why, where, and how. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10) …a trusting, obedient, and willing spirit.
Merry Christmas,
~Jeannie Porterfield
This devotion was revealed and adapted from the book: Having a Mary Spirit—Allowing God to Change us from the Inside by Joanna Weaver.
Monday, December 21, 2009
The shopping. The parties. The food. The hustle and bustle. It’s a wonder that we are able to keep up with the pace of everything that occurs between Thanksgiving and Christmas. But somewhere in all of that busyness, my heart wonders does any of this really matter? Which activities keep the focus on the true meaning of Christmas?
I love the Christmas song – "Give This Christmas Away" by Matthew West and Amy Grant. It may be unfamiliar to you, but it’s a great song that brings home the message that, throughout all of the craziness that the season brings, there are things we can do that can bring hope to those around us.
Christmas is the time of year that we remember the baby that was born in a manger - when God came down in human form to dwell among us. This fact should motivate us to be different - not just at Christmas - but every day of the year. That baby came so that every day of the year could be different for us.
Let us not miss any opportunities to share this baby with those around us. At this time of the year, people seem to be a bit more open to Jesus than at other times of the year. Have you noticed that some people seem a little bit friendlier? And that there seem to be more opportunities at this time of the year to reach out to your coworkers, friends, and neighbors? No other time of the year presents the numerous opportunities that are happening now. Invite someone to the Christmas Eve Service. Invite a teen to the youth lock-in. Take Christmas cookies to your neighbors. Invite a widow for Christmas dinner. Give a grocery gift card to the person on the corner (right down the street from GBC) holding a sign saying he’s lost his job and asking for help. Let’s not waste these opportunities that are all around us.
God gives us these moments of choice everyday – will we listen to what He’s saying to us in our hearts and obey? OR will we ignore Him by distracting ourselves with the many activities going on or by rationalizing why we can’t do what He’s asking of us?
We mustn’t be too busy that we don’t have time to listen to what God is saying to us. We may think that we’re doing the right things by running around and trying to find that perfect gift for our kids or spouse or by agreeing to host the annual Christmas party for the 10th year in a row, but see what God is saying to you. We need times of quiet and stillness with our Lord during this busy season to know how to spend the hours of our day and how to spend the money in our bank accounts.
Have you asked the Lord that recently? Have you asked Him to give you wisdom about how to spend your time and your money so that the choices you make this Christmas season have eternal significance? Make this Christmas mean something for eternity!!! Don’t miss the opportunities God gives to us every day to make a difference in the lives of those around us.
God bless you as you seek him each day and Merry Christmas!!!
~Angela Sutsakhan
I love the Christmas song – "Give This Christmas Away" by Matthew West and Amy Grant. It may be unfamiliar to you, but it’s a great song that brings home the message that, throughout all of the craziness that the season brings, there are things we can do that can bring hope to those around us.
Christmas is the time of year that we remember the baby that was born in a manger - when God came down in human form to dwell among us. This fact should motivate us to be different - not just at Christmas - but every day of the year. That baby came so that every day of the year could be different for us.
Let us not miss any opportunities to share this baby with those around us. At this time of the year, people seem to be a bit more open to Jesus than at other times of the year. Have you noticed that some people seem a little bit friendlier? And that there seem to be more opportunities at this time of the year to reach out to your coworkers, friends, and neighbors? No other time of the year presents the numerous opportunities that are happening now. Invite someone to the Christmas Eve Service. Invite a teen to the youth lock-in. Take Christmas cookies to your neighbors. Invite a widow for Christmas dinner. Give a grocery gift card to the person on the corner (right down the street from GBC) holding a sign saying he’s lost his job and asking for help. Let’s not waste these opportunities that are all around us.
God gives us these moments of choice everyday – will we listen to what He’s saying to us in our hearts and obey? OR will we ignore Him by distracting ourselves with the many activities going on or by rationalizing why we can’t do what He’s asking of us?
We mustn’t be too busy that we don’t have time to listen to what God is saying to us. We may think that we’re doing the right things by running around and trying to find that perfect gift for our kids or spouse or by agreeing to host the annual Christmas party for the 10th year in a row, but see what God is saying to you. We need times of quiet and stillness with our Lord during this busy season to know how to spend the hours of our day and how to spend the money in our bank accounts.
Have you asked the Lord that recently? Have you asked Him to give you wisdom about how to spend your time and your money so that the choices you make this Christmas season have eternal significance? Make this Christmas mean something for eternity!!! Don’t miss the opportunities God gives to us every day to make a difference in the lives of those around us.
God bless you as you seek him each day and Merry Christmas!!!
~Angela Sutsakhan
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
“…and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” Luke 2:18-20
Do you ever wonder what that night was like? The night Jesus was born? I think it was probably pretty ordinary. Everyone was grumbling because they had traveled a long time to get to their hometowns just so Rome could get more taxes from them. Mary, 9 months pregnant, had traveled about 80 miles on foot (and probably donkey), then found herself with nowhere to stay, alone and in a barn during her labor and delivery. I bet she had questions. Sure, the angel had spoken to her about the big picture, but not the details, and that “angel conversation” had been months ago. I bet she had lots of questions.
“Did I really see an angel? Maybe I was dreaming.”
“What have I gotten myself into?
“Maybe mom was right…”
“Is this baby really who I think he is?”
“Maybe I’m crazy like everyone says!”
But imagine when the shepherds showed up out of nowhere. They claimed they had been invited by angels to one of the biggest days EVER on earth! The day that God came to earth…in a diaper. Wow.
And the text tells us that “Mary treasured these things…and pondered them in her heart.” I’m sure the moment the shepherds showed up telling their stories of a heavenly choir and looking for God-Come-To-Earth (aka her baby Jesus), Mary felt a new kind of peace. I bet she was reminded that she was a child of the God who keeps His promises, even the hard-to-believe ones. I’m sure she thought about all she had been through the past 9 months and was thankful that she hadn’t given up when it got really hard. And I bet she pondered how in the world she became such a huge part of God’s plan. And I bet she smiled at her little baby - God, in a diaper.
So, what do we have to ponder this Christmas? Like Mary, we are children of the God who keeps His promises. We are a part of His big plan. And we can partake in the peace that came down on Christmas night. The peace brought by God came down as a baby. God come down to be a part of our lives, because He doesn’t want to live without us. Wow. What a Christmas present!
~Tirzah Turner
Do you ever wonder what that night was like? The night Jesus was born? I think it was probably pretty ordinary. Everyone was grumbling because they had traveled a long time to get to their hometowns just so Rome could get more taxes from them. Mary, 9 months pregnant, had traveled about 80 miles on foot (and probably donkey), then found herself with nowhere to stay, alone and in a barn during her labor and delivery. I bet she had questions. Sure, the angel had spoken to her about the big picture, but not the details, and that “angel conversation” had been months ago. I bet she had lots of questions.
“Did I really see an angel? Maybe I was dreaming.”
“What have I gotten myself into?
“Maybe mom was right…”
“Is this baby really who I think he is?”
“Maybe I’m crazy like everyone says!”
But imagine when the shepherds showed up out of nowhere. They claimed they had been invited by angels to one of the biggest days EVER on earth! The day that God came to earth…in a diaper. Wow.
And the text tells us that “Mary treasured these things…and pondered them in her heart.” I’m sure the moment the shepherds showed up telling their stories of a heavenly choir and looking for God-Come-To-Earth (aka her baby Jesus), Mary felt a new kind of peace. I bet she was reminded that she was a child of the God who keeps His promises, even the hard-to-believe ones. I’m sure she thought about all she had been through the past 9 months and was thankful that she hadn’t given up when it got really hard. And I bet she pondered how in the world she became such a huge part of God’s plan. And I bet she smiled at her little baby - God, in a diaper.
So, what do we have to ponder this Christmas? Like Mary, we are children of the God who keeps His promises. We are a part of His big plan. And we can partake in the peace that came down on Christmas night. The peace brought by God came down as a baby. God come down to be a part of our lives, because He doesn’t want to live without us. Wow. What a Christmas present!
~Tirzah Turner
Saturday, December 19, 2009
As I sit and think of my long past childhood, I remember being surrounded by women most of the time. Now this is not a bad thing at all, but it puzzled me at the time why we had 5 aunts and only one uncle (whom we seldom saw). The imbalance just didn’t make sense to an eight year old.
My Dad had three sisters who lived down in Virginia, so we didn’t see them too often. Mom, however, had two sisters (Lil and Marge) who lived close by. Lil was a nurse and seemed to work all the time. Marge was always available for babysitting and visiting, as her children were grown and gone. So, of course she became the favorite, or “Super Aunt.”
Aunt Marge was a chubby and happy person who always laughed and had time on her hands. She had no problem showing lots of love to her niece and nephews. She always seemed to have candy and cookies. She would take me (siblings were too young) to the beach and sometimes places Mom did not approve of. My mother did not approve of movies in those days… “Devil’s playhouse.”
My favorite time with Marge was always Christmas. She was skilled at always getting the perfect present, just what a kid would want. Very often it was considered the best present we got that year. It never mattered how late it was on Christmas night; no one was going to bed until Aunt Marge arrived. Great anxiety filled the house; Christmas was incomplete without her.
Marge passed away in 1958 and is sorely missed by all of us. My mother spoke of her big sister often and lamented how sorry she was that Marge had such terrible luck and had lived in poverty most of her life. How could this be when she was so kind and generous?
Years later, after Mom passed away, I talked with Dad about this and mentioned that I never knew about Marge’s financial state and recalled all of the wonderful things she had done for me, my brother, and sister. Only then did he tell me that he had secretly provided the money necessary for her to do the things she did.
It was then that I realized how Marge always had the perfect present for Christmas and birthdays. My father had shown his love for her and for us by this act of his grace.
Our Heavenly Father also showed His love and grace through someone else – His only Son. God continues to bless us through others, our families, our Christian friends, our Pastors and leaders, but most of all as Christ lives in our hearts. We must remember that God wants to show His love to our fellow man. He wants to work through us to accomplish that. And you know that He gave us the Perfect Gift to talk about this Christmas!
~Howard Clemons
My Dad had three sisters who lived down in Virginia, so we didn’t see them too often. Mom, however, had two sisters (Lil and Marge) who lived close by. Lil was a nurse and seemed to work all the time. Marge was always available for babysitting and visiting, as her children were grown and gone. So, of course she became the favorite, or “Super Aunt.”
Aunt Marge was a chubby and happy person who always laughed and had time on her hands. She had no problem showing lots of love to her niece and nephews. She always seemed to have candy and cookies. She would take me (siblings were too young) to the beach and sometimes places Mom did not approve of. My mother did not approve of movies in those days… “Devil’s playhouse.”
My favorite time with Marge was always Christmas. She was skilled at always getting the perfect present, just what a kid would want. Very often it was considered the best present we got that year. It never mattered how late it was on Christmas night; no one was going to bed until Aunt Marge arrived. Great anxiety filled the house; Christmas was incomplete without her.
Marge passed away in 1958 and is sorely missed by all of us. My mother spoke of her big sister often and lamented how sorry she was that Marge had such terrible luck and had lived in poverty most of her life. How could this be when she was so kind and generous?
Years later, after Mom passed away, I talked with Dad about this and mentioned that I never knew about Marge’s financial state and recalled all of the wonderful things she had done for me, my brother, and sister. Only then did he tell me that he had secretly provided the money necessary for her to do the things she did.
It was then that I realized how Marge always had the perfect present for Christmas and birthdays. My father had shown his love for her and for us by this act of his grace.
Our Heavenly Father also showed His love and grace through someone else – His only Son. God continues to bless us through others, our families, our Christian friends, our Pastors and leaders, but most of all as Christ lives in our hearts. We must remember that God wants to show His love to our fellow man. He wants to work through us to accomplish that. And you know that He gave us the Perfect Gift to talk about this Christmas!
~Howard Clemons
Friday, December 18, 2009
It takes faith to be used by God in a mighty way.
There are many examples in the Bible of the great things that God did when people left their fate to their faith in God. Joseph went from being sold into slavery to saving many people (including his family) from starvation. Daniel made it through a night in a den of hungry lions. His friends spent some time in a fiery furnace unharmed. Moses led the Israelites out of captivity in Egypt. Peter walked on water and then went on to spread the good news of salvation, and on and on and on. There is one story of faith that is thought about more this time of year.
Mary was, by most accounts, a teenager when the angel Gabriel appeared to her. Gabriel told her that she had found favor with God, that she would conceive a son, and he would be called Jesus. She only had one question, “How can that happen?” When Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and she would conceive a child that would be holy, the Son of God, the Bible doesn’t say she hesitated. She didn’t want to talk it over with her parents or her friends. She didn’t want to know what people would think or how she would explain it. In those days, an unwed mother could be turned away from her people or even stoned, but she had faith that God would work all that out. Mary simply said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” Wow! To be that young and have that much faith in God and trust that He has your best interest in mind. God used that small woman of faith to raise His son and be the woman with the most influence in shaping his young life. What an awesome responsibility to entrust to such a young woman, but God knew her heart, just like He knows your heart.
What is God asking you to do for Him? There is no telling what could happen if we only would say with all our heart, “I am the Lord’s servant” and let Him take it from there.
~Linda Colbert
There are many examples in the Bible of the great things that God did when people left their fate to their faith in God. Joseph went from being sold into slavery to saving many people (including his family) from starvation. Daniel made it through a night in a den of hungry lions. His friends spent some time in a fiery furnace unharmed. Moses led the Israelites out of captivity in Egypt. Peter walked on water and then went on to spread the good news of salvation, and on and on and on. There is one story of faith that is thought about more this time of year.
Mary was, by most accounts, a teenager when the angel Gabriel appeared to her. Gabriel told her that she had found favor with God, that she would conceive a son, and he would be called Jesus. She only had one question, “How can that happen?” When Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and she would conceive a child that would be holy, the Son of God, the Bible doesn’t say she hesitated. She didn’t want to talk it over with her parents or her friends. She didn’t want to know what people would think or how she would explain it. In those days, an unwed mother could be turned away from her people or even stoned, but she had faith that God would work all that out. Mary simply said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” Wow! To be that young and have that much faith in God and trust that He has your best interest in mind. God used that small woman of faith to raise His son and be the woman with the most influence in shaping his young life. What an awesome responsibility to entrust to such a young woman, but God knew her heart, just like He knows your heart.
What is God asking you to do for Him? There is no telling what could happen if we only would say with all our heart, “I am the Lord’s servant” and let Him take it from there.
~Linda Colbert
Thursday, December 17, 2009
One of my favorite movies to watch as Christmas approaches to get my thoughts on the true meaning of the season is the Nativity Story. Personally I think the movie is fantastic and I especially like the way the movie brings insight into each of the Christmas story characters.
Often during the Christmas season we focus on the significance of baby Jesus and Mary’s virgin birth. These are obviously, for good reason, a major focus during this time of year, but how often do we consider the importance and the character of Joseph and his role in the Christmas story. I think the movie does a great job providing us with a model of a Godly man who lived his life with humility, integrity, and obedience.
Humility
I Cor. 1:27 - Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. (NLT)
From the very beginning of the movie you can see Joseph is a hard worker. This was not a man who was born into a wealthy family or a man who things came easily to him. He was a common man who worked hard for a living and found joy in living his life to please God.
Application – Don’t believe for a moment that God can’t use you right now where you are for His honor and glory. If God can use a lowly humble carpenter, he can use a lowly you and me.
Integrity
Matthew 5:8 – God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. (NLT)
When Mary returns from visiting Elizabeth, Joseph is stunned to find that Mary is pregnant. Think about how Joseph must have felt, how his heart must have sunk. There is a great scene in the movie where Joseph explains to Mary why he loves her. You can hear the pain in his voice and how distraught he is over this.
Application – We can take confidence in the fact that God holds us close in His care when we live our lives with integrity and remain faithful to him.
Obedience
Philipians 2:8 – He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. (NLT)
After Joseph is told not to be afraid and take Mary as his wife, Joseph is obedient to do so. One of my favorite scenes in the movie is when Mary and Joseph are traveling, and Joseph’s feet are bruised and sore from all the walking that the trip has taken on his feet over rough terrain.
Application – Sometimes obedience may require pain and sacrifice.
If you haven’t seen the Nativity Story I highly recommend it. In fact, go out and buy it and make watching it a regular part of your Christmas holiday traditions.
Have a wonderful Christmas,
~Dave Porterfield
Often during the Christmas season we focus on the significance of baby Jesus and Mary’s virgin birth. These are obviously, for good reason, a major focus during this time of year, but how often do we consider the importance and the character of Joseph and his role in the Christmas story. I think the movie does a great job providing us with a model of a Godly man who lived his life with humility, integrity, and obedience.
Humility
I Cor. 1:27 - Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. (NLT)
From the very beginning of the movie you can see Joseph is a hard worker. This was not a man who was born into a wealthy family or a man who things came easily to him. He was a common man who worked hard for a living and found joy in living his life to please God.
Application – Don’t believe for a moment that God can’t use you right now where you are for His honor and glory. If God can use a lowly humble carpenter, he can use a lowly you and me.
Integrity
Matthew 5:8 – God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. (NLT)
When Mary returns from visiting Elizabeth, Joseph is stunned to find that Mary is pregnant. Think about how Joseph must have felt, how his heart must have sunk. There is a great scene in the movie where Joseph explains to Mary why he loves her. You can hear the pain in his voice and how distraught he is over this.
Application – We can take confidence in the fact that God holds us close in His care when we live our lives with integrity and remain faithful to him.
Obedience
Philipians 2:8 – He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. (NLT)
After Joseph is told not to be afraid and take Mary as his wife, Joseph is obedient to do so. One of my favorite scenes in the movie is when Mary and Joseph are traveling, and Joseph’s feet are bruised and sore from all the walking that the trip has taken on his feet over rough terrain.
Application – Sometimes obedience may require pain and sacrifice.
If you haven’t seen the Nativity Story I highly recommend it. In fact, go out and buy it and make watching it a regular part of your Christmas holiday traditions.
Have a wonderful Christmas,
~Dave Porterfield
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
The word “Christmas” brings up so many memories…
Anticipation: The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas seemed soooo long.
Visit to Santa: He could be found at Newberry’s on the second floor. He listened to my wishes and gave me a coloring book and a candy cane.
Obedience: My brother and I tried so hard to be “good” but never reached perfection.
Church: A special Christmas program was performed by the combined choirs (adult and children). The nativity story was read from the book of Luke. I can still repeat this story from memory.
Carolers: A group of singers would come through the neighborhood, pausing at each home. When we became old enough, my brother and I joined them.
Christmas Eve: As a young child, I knew the difference between Jesus and Santa. One Christmas Eve, I slipped away from my family, stood at the end of the porch, looking at the stars, and sang softly “Away In A Manger.”
Christmas Morn: As soon as possible, the kids in the neighborhood spilled out onto the sidewalks laughing, showing each other our gifts and enjoying the day.
Purpose of Jesus: “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness… for I did not come to judge the world, but to save it.” John 12:46-47
PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!!!
~Doris Brannon
Anticipation: The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas seemed soooo long.
Visit to Santa: He could be found at Newberry’s on the second floor. He listened to my wishes and gave me a coloring book and a candy cane.
Obedience: My brother and I tried so hard to be “good” but never reached perfection.
Church: A special Christmas program was performed by the combined choirs (adult and children). The nativity story was read from the book of Luke. I can still repeat this story from memory.
Carolers: A group of singers would come through the neighborhood, pausing at each home. When we became old enough, my brother and I joined them.
Christmas Eve: As a young child, I knew the difference between Jesus and Santa. One Christmas Eve, I slipped away from my family, stood at the end of the porch, looking at the stars, and sang softly “Away In A Manger.”
Christmas Morn: As soon as possible, the kids in the neighborhood spilled out onto the sidewalks laughing, showing each other our gifts and enjoying the day.
Purpose of Jesus: “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness… for I did not come to judge the world, but to save it.” John 12:46-47
PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!!!
~Doris Brannon
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
In everything I did, I showed that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35
What does God want for Christmas?
For those who are seeking to know our Lord and Savior, God wants you to trust Him and open His gift of eternal life. He wants you to come to the saving grace of what was done for us on Calvary two thousand years ago.
I was recently at the Family Christian bookstore with my kids looking over books for my co-workers. Every year I get them a book that encourages them in their life, and this year I wanted to get each of them a book to encourage their faith. Bringing the kids with me was a favor to my wife to give her some free time. I knew it would be challenging - picking up books to read about and having the kids wanting me to buy them something or wanting to leave the moment they get bored. I sent them into the toy section to buy myself some time and went straight to my mission of the day. Before long I had what I needed for gifts, so I went to check on the kids. They had lots of toys they wanted me to buy them, so I began looking through them to narrow it down. As I was looking through what they had picked, I came to a kid’s nativity game. The title was simple but a question that stumped me at first glance. The game was a nativity set that asked this question: What does God want for Christmas? My first thought was naïve in that I thought – what does God not have? As I picked up the nativity for a closer look I found myself looking into a mirror that had me in it. As I looked at this simple game with a tear coming down my cheek, I felt God speaking to me about what I could give Him. I have already asked Jesus into my heart, and I accepted him privately and publicly as my Lord and Savior four years ago. What I felt God saying to me was, what will I give to Him – sacrificially?
So if you are already saved what can you give Him? I think each of us can give to God in ways that are sacrificial towards Him. I love the phrase “being rich towards God.” That doesn’t only mean in our tithes but in our time and service in His kingdom on earth. I know God has been nudging me in many areas of my life since I was saved. I believe He is doing to same for you. Maybe God wants you to forgive someone who has caused you deep pain. Maybe he wants you to adopt a child in a global mission to share the Gospel. Maybe He is asking you to stop working on His Sabbath. Some give-ups are easy for us, while others are sacrifices. Whatever you feel God saying to you, make His gift your most important gift of Christmas. Take time this Christmas season and allow God to speak to you about what you can do to be rich to Him.
Heavenly Father, I pray this Christmas season that we can be rich to You.
~Chris Dyer
What does God want for Christmas?
For those who are seeking to know our Lord and Savior, God wants you to trust Him and open His gift of eternal life. He wants you to come to the saving grace of what was done for us on Calvary two thousand years ago.
I was recently at the Family Christian bookstore with my kids looking over books for my co-workers. Every year I get them a book that encourages them in their life, and this year I wanted to get each of them a book to encourage their faith. Bringing the kids with me was a favor to my wife to give her some free time. I knew it would be challenging - picking up books to read about and having the kids wanting me to buy them something or wanting to leave the moment they get bored. I sent them into the toy section to buy myself some time and went straight to my mission of the day. Before long I had what I needed for gifts, so I went to check on the kids. They had lots of toys they wanted me to buy them, so I began looking through them to narrow it down. As I was looking through what they had picked, I came to a kid’s nativity game. The title was simple but a question that stumped me at first glance. The game was a nativity set that asked this question: What does God want for Christmas? My first thought was naïve in that I thought – what does God not have? As I picked up the nativity for a closer look I found myself looking into a mirror that had me in it. As I looked at this simple game with a tear coming down my cheek, I felt God speaking to me about what I could give Him. I have already asked Jesus into my heart, and I accepted him privately and publicly as my Lord and Savior four years ago. What I felt God saying to me was, what will I give to Him – sacrificially?
So if you are already saved what can you give Him? I think each of us can give to God in ways that are sacrificial towards Him. I love the phrase “being rich towards God.” That doesn’t only mean in our tithes but in our time and service in His kingdom on earth. I know God has been nudging me in many areas of my life since I was saved. I believe He is doing to same for you. Maybe God wants you to forgive someone who has caused you deep pain. Maybe he wants you to adopt a child in a global mission to share the Gospel. Maybe He is asking you to stop working on His Sabbath. Some give-ups are easy for us, while others are sacrifices. Whatever you feel God saying to you, make His gift your most important gift of Christmas. Take time this Christmas season and allow God to speak to you about what you can do to be rich to Him.
Heavenly Father, I pray this Christmas season that we can be rich to You.
~Chris Dyer
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
It tends to be very easy to fall into the commercialism of this time of year. All of the lights, music, decorations, festivities, and presents are almost addicting. Everyone is happy and friendly, buying gifts for loved ones and sharing special memories.
I am one of those people that others tend to consider a “Christmas Freak.” Starting the day after Halloween (and sometimes before) I have the Christmas music playing, and it takes everything in my power not to bust out the decorations before Thanksgiving (I do usually wait for that)! I love how happy everyone is and that it can bring so many families together. Even if it is just this one day a year… families come together to share laughter and fond memories that last a lifetime.
One of my favorite Christmas memories is the year we got my sister a singing farm keyboard. It played this song that I can still sing to this day. My sister was about 3 years old, and she played this song over and over and over and over and over… You get the point. It drove my family absolutely crazy! But everyone tolerated it because it was Christmas, and it meant that we were all together having a great time.
This year is going to be a much different one for me. This is my first year as an official firefighter’s wife, and lucky for me, my husband is on shift. Starting at 6:00am that morning through 6:00am the next, he will be working for Montgomery County, saving the lives of its people. This is one of the most upsetting pieces of news to me. A holiday that I love so dearly, that I love to share with those who are most important to me is going to be missing the main part – my husband.
The more I think about that last part, the more I realize perhaps this is actually a good thing. Over the last few months the Lord has really been tugging on my heart, asking me to get more involved with church and to focus more on my relationship with Him. My husband is not the most important part of Christmas, neither are the lights, the music and the presents, even my family and friends. The most important part of CHRISTmas is Christ. For so many years Jesus has sat on the backburner during Christmas. Sure, I would think about the fact that he was born into the world and thank God for all that He has done and for that promise, but it was a momentary thought: Christmas, to me, was everything I listed above.
So let me challenge you, along with myself, this Christmas season to think of who or what is the main focus of our minds and hearts when it comes to Christmas. Is it the colorful lights, the merry music, and the giving and receiving of presents, or is it the real reason for Christmas? That tiny baby in a manger, our Savior, Lord and King!
~Megan Schoolfield
I am one of those people that others tend to consider a “Christmas Freak.” Starting the day after Halloween (and sometimes before) I have the Christmas music playing, and it takes everything in my power not to bust out the decorations before Thanksgiving (I do usually wait for that)! I love how happy everyone is and that it can bring so many families together. Even if it is just this one day a year… families come together to share laughter and fond memories that last a lifetime.
One of my favorite Christmas memories is the year we got my sister a singing farm keyboard. It played this song that I can still sing to this day. My sister was about 3 years old, and she played this song over and over and over and over and over… You get the point. It drove my family absolutely crazy! But everyone tolerated it because it was Christmas, and it meant that we were all together having a great time.
This year is going to be a much different one for me. This is my first year as an official firefighter’s wife, and lucky for me, my husband is on shift. Starting at 6:00am that morning through 6:00am the next, he will be working for Montgomery County, saving the lives of its people. This is one of the most upsetting pieces of news to me. A holiday that I love so dearly, that I love to share with those who are most important to me is going to be missing the main part – my husband.
The more I think about that last part, the more I realize perhaps this is actually a good thing. Over the last few months the Lord has really been tugging on my heart, asking me to get more involved with church and to focus more on my relationship with Him. My husband is not the most important part of Christmas, neither are the lights, the music and the presents, even my family and friends. The most important part of CHRISTmas is Christ. For so many years Jesus has sat on the backburner during Christmas. Sure, I would think about the fact that he was born into the world and thank God for all that He has done and for that promise, but it was a momentary thought: Christmas, to me, was everything I listed above.
So let me challenge you, along with myself, this Christmas season to think of who or what is the main focus of our minds and hearts when it comes to Christmas. Is it the colorful lights, the merry music, and the giving and receiving of presents, or is it the real reason for Christmas? That tiny baby in a manger, our Savior, Lord and King!
~Megan Schoolfield
Sunday, December 13, 2009
“From the Manger to the Cross”
From the manger to the cross, Jesus came to save the lost.
The King of Kings abandoned His throne.
Leaving heaven above, He came to earth, a gift of love
In His birth and His death, He stood alone.
The life He led and the blood that He shed
Brought hope and established the way
That all who believe, and all who receive
Would share in His kingdom one day.
A response is due, from me and from you
When we awaken on this Christmas morn
Let our first thoughts be to fall on our knees
And worship the Child who was born.
~Ann Duffy (written in 2008)
From the manger to the cross, Jesus came to save the lost.
The King of Kings abandoned His throne.
Leaving heaven above, He came to earth, a gift of love
In His birth and His death, He stood alone.
The life He led and the blood that He shed
Brought hope and established the way
That all who believe, and all who receive
Would share in His kingdom one day.
A response is due, from me and from you
When we awaken on this Christmas morn
Let our first thoughts be to fall on our knees
And worship the Child who was born.
~Ann Duffy (written in 2008)
Saturday, December 12, 2009
And He called a child to Himself and stood him in their midst, and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:2-4 NASV
On the first Wednesday in November I asked a group of 3rd-5th grade boys to write "Thank You" notes to God. Their notes warmed my heart. I hope they warm yours, as well. Here is what they wrote:
Dear God, I am thankful for family, friends, food and Hannah. Bailey (labeled drawing of each family member including Hannah the dog, two friends food and clothing)
Dear God, I am thankful for family, dad, Reagan, Hayden, food, friends, water, clothes, and God. Caleb (labeled pictures of each)
Dear God, Thank you for my brother. I know me and Jon fight, but without my brother I would be alone and sad. Love, Chandler (picture of him and his brother on a playset)
Dear God, Thank you for my family and friends, water, food and all the other wonderful things you made. Thank you for the holidays and seasons and other stuff. Grant (picture of his family and friends)
Dear God, I am thankful for my friends [Ranger] John McCallum and Caleb. John D. (picture of each)
Dear God, Thank you for family, friends, for just being alive. I just thank you for mankind. Love Keith (drawing of a tree)
Dear God, I am thankful for a family, food, juice, water and punch. Thank you for school and work. I am also thankful for a ring and it is cool. Sincerely, Owula (picture of himself with a ring on his hand)
Dear God, I am thankful for my DSI. I really don't need it, but I am glad I have it. Praise (with picture of the game)
Dear God, Thank you for your love and kindness. We love you so much. You are holy. You are the best God. From Ryan D. (picture of tree, birds and grass)
Dear God, Thank you for water, church, family, food and shelter. Ryan O. (picture of each item)
Dear God, I am thankful for my family, shelter and everything. Tyler (picture of God on the throne of his heart with the words "God in my heart. I will try.")
Dear God, Thank you for Ryan and Keith and me and Ryan 2. Xavier (picture of each boy)
Dear God, Thank you for homes, money, You, friends, family, food, water, nteligents, safety, air and clothes. (unsigned, but the drawing was Jesus on the throne of his heart)
Dear God, Thank you for my family, friends, food, house, water and nature. (unsigned)
Our Father, forgive me for my sense of self importance and my preoccupation with things like money, status and power. Help me to see with the eyes of a child the wonders of this world that You have created. Thank You for the blessings of food, water, shelter and work and the wonderful gifts you have given me that are my family and friends. Take Your throne in my heart Lord Jesus. Amen
~Ben Overbey
On the first Wednesday in November I asked a group of 3rd-5th grade boys to write "Thank You" notes to God. Their notes warmed my heart. I hope they warm yours, as well. Here is what they wrote:
Dear God, I am thankful for family, friends, food and Hannah. Bailey (labeled drawing of each family member including Hannah the dog, two friends food and clothing)
Dear God, I am thankful for family, dad, Reagan, Hayden, food, friends, water, clothes, and God. Caleb (labeled pictures of each)
Dear God, Thank you for my brother. I know me and Jon fight, but without my brother I would be alone and sad. Love, Chandler (picture of him and his brother on a playset)
Dear God, Thank you for my family and friends, water, food and all the other wonderful things you made. Thank you for the holidays and seasons and other stuff. Grant (picture of his family and friends)
Dear God, I am thankful for my friends [Ranger] John McCallum and Caleb. John D. (picture of each)
Dear God, Thank you for family, friends, for just being alive. I just thank you for mankind. Love Keith (drawing of a tree)
Dear God, I am thankful for a family, food, juice, water and punch. Thank you for school and work. I am also thankful for a ring and it is cool. Sincerely, Owula (picture of himself with a ring on his hand)
Dear God, I am thankful for my DSI. I really don't need it, but I am glad I have it. Praise (with picture of the game)
Dear God, Thank you for your love and kindness. We love you so much. You are holy. You are the best God. From Ryan D. (picture of tree, birds and grass)
Dear God, Thank you for water, church, family, food and shelter. Ryan O. (picture of each item)
Dear God, I am thankful for my family, shelter and everything. Tyler (picture of God on the throne of his heart with the words "God in my heart. I will try.")
Dear God, Thank you for Ryan and Keith and me and Ryan 2. Xavier (picture of each boy)
Dear God, Thank you for homes, money, You, friends, family, food, water, nteligents, safety, air and clothes. (unsigned, but the drawing was Jesus on the throne of his heart)
Dear God, Thank you for my family, friends, food, house, water and nature. (unsigned)
Our Father, forgive me for my sense of self importance and my preoccupation with things like money, status and power. Help me to see with the eyes of a child the wonders of this world that You have created. Thank You for the blessings of food, water, shelter and work and the wonderful gifts you have given me that are my family and friends. Take Your throne in my heart Lord Jesus. Amen
~Ben Overbey
Friday, December 11, 2009
Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 6-7
What do these verses really mean? I have a wooden plaque in my home that reminds me of these verses daily. The plaque says “in everything give thanks,” but it’s missing the rest of the story. Life has its hurts sometimes, and it’s just hard to give thanks in the midst of them. The scripture says by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God, and pray without ceasing. That’s how we can give thanks in the midst of our pain. The Pilgrims suffered great losses the first winter. 102 people were aboard the Mayflower, but only 54 survived that first winter, and 21 of them were children under the age of 14. The first course served on the second thanksgiving was five kernels of corn on plates. It was a visual reminder of the hardships experienced by the Pilgrims that first winter when their rations had been so depleted that every person was given only five kernels of corn daily to eat. They were remembering God’s faithfulness in the midst of pain and suffering. We use the five kernels of corn at our own Thanksgiving table to remind us of the hardship suffered by those celebrating that early Thanksgiving, and also to remind us of the blessings in our own lives for which we need to be thankful, even in the midst of our own hardships.
Prayer: Lord, help us to remember to give thanks for our blessings, even when we’re hurting.
~Toni and Jim Kelley
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 6-7
What do these verses really mean? I have a wooden plaque in my home that reminds me of these verses daily. The plaque says “in everything give thanks,” but it’s missing the rest of the story. Life has its hurts sometimes, and it’s just hard to give thanks in the midst of them. The scripture says by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God, and pray without ceasing. That’s how we can give thanks in the midst of our pain. The Pilgrims suffered great losses the first winter. 102 people were aboard the Mayflower, but only 54 survived that first winter, and 21 of them were children under the age of 14. The first course served on the second thanksgiving was five kernels of corn on plates. It was a visual reminder of the hardships experienced by the Pilgrims that first winter when their rations had been so depleted that every person was given only five kernels of corn daily to eat. They were remembering God’s faithfulness in the midst of pain and suffering. We use the five kernels of corn at our own Thanksgiving table to remind us of the hardship suffered by those celebrating that early Thanksgiving, and also to remind us of the blessings in our own lives for which we need to be thankful, even in the midst of our own hardships.
Prayer: Lord, help us to remember to give thanks for our blessings, even when we’re hurting.
~Toni and Jim Kelley
Thursday, December 10, 2009
"Hallmark holiday" commercials show families and friends sitting around beautifully decorated tables, laughing, smiling, and sharing. Everything seems "perfect," but holidays in the "real" world aren't always like that. Holidays remind us of loved ones that are no longer at our tables. We live far away from our relatives and close friends, and there are many strained relationships that seem to become worse around the holidays for some reason. Some of us feel like we're not really wanted at anyone's table, and we wonder if we're going to be invited somewhere this year, and if so, who will sit next to us?
One of my favorite Christian books is The Sacred Romance by Brent Curtis and John Eldridge. Here is a quote from the book - one that deals with some of these issues and brings tears to my eyes almost every time I read it: "On the other hand, there is the joy of having someone save a place for us. We walk into a crowded room at church, or at a dinner party, and someone across the way waves us over, pointing to a chair he's held on to especially for us. For a moment we feel a sense of relief, a taste of being on the inside. Now consider Jesus' words in John 14:2 – ‘I am going... to prepare a place for you.’ Christ promises that He is saving a place in heaven especially for each of us. When we walk into the crowded excitement of the wedding feast of the Lamb with the sound of a thousand conversations, laughter and music, the clinking of glasses, and one more time our heart leaps with the hope that we might be let into the sacred circle. We will not be disappointed; we'll be welcomed to the table by our Lover himself. No one will have to scramble to find another chair to make room for us at the end of the table, or rustle up a place setting. There will be a seat with our name on it, held open at Jesus' command for us and no other."
No matter what has happened as part of our life in this sinful world to make us feel unworthy, unwanted, unacceptable, we are going to be invited to be part of the best feast that will ever be served with the "perfect" host who created us and had a plan for our life (Psalm 139:13-16). Now this is something to be thankful for this holiday season! And while we're being thankful, let's not forget to invite someone to experience a taste of the "excitement" of being invited into our home, having a special place set for them, eating all the special food and to have the feeling that we REALLY want them to be there. Is there someone that God would have you invite to join you?
~Karen Janes
One of my favorite Christian books is The Sacred Romance by Brent Curtis and John Eldridge. Here is a quote from the book - one that deals with some of these issues and brings tears to my eyes almost every time I read it: "On the other hand, there is the joy of having someone save a place for us. We walk into a crowded room at church, or at a dinner party, and someone across the way waves us over, pointing to a chair he's held on to especially for us. For a moment we feel a sense of relief, a taste of being on the inside. Now consider Jesus' words in John 14:2 – ‘I am going... to prepare a place for you.’ Christ promises that He is saving a place in heaven especially for each of us. When we walk into the crowded excitement of the wedding feast of the Lamb with the sound of a thousand conversations, laughter and music, the clinking of glasses, and one more time our heart leaps with the hope that we might be let into the sacred circle. We will not be disappointed; we'll be welcomed to the table by our Lover himself. No one will have to scramble to find another chair to make room for us at the end of the table, or rustle up a place setting. There will be a seat with our name on it, held open at Jesus' command for us and no other."
No matter what has happened as part of our life in this sinful world to make us feel unworthy, unwanted, unacceptable, we are going to be invited to be part of the best feast that will ever be served with the "perfect" host who created us and had a plan for our life (Psalm 139:13-16). Now this is something to be thankful for this holiday season! And while we're being thankful, let's not forget to invite someone to experience a taste of the "excitement" of being invited into our home, having a special place set for them, eating all the special food and to have the feeling that we REALLY want them to be there. Is there someone that God would have you invite to join you?
~Karen Janes
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Philippians 4:4-7 – Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
What is Thanksgiving? If you look at the definition of thanksgiving in the Merriam-Webster dictionary it gives three different definitions.
1: the act of giving thanks
2: a prayer expressing gratitude
3: a public acknowledgment or celebration of divine goodness
How profound these definitions are when we think about what our Lord has done for each and every one of us. We should, every day, thank our Lord for the sacrifice of His son and express our gratitude for our salvation through His son and be bold in our acknowledgement of Jesus Christ as our Lord. So many times over the last few months I have thought in amazement how my Lord has brought me to where I am. So many changes in one year can be completely overwhelming but when I think about these changes I am so thankful to God for his grace and mercy. I truly rest in the peace of God which transcends all understanding. There is no other way to describe this peace that is in my heart.
Sixteen years ago as I approached the Thanksgiving season I was ending a relationship that had become abusive and very destructive to my self confidence and my self worth. This man and I had never married, but we did have a 2 year old son. I was facing the prospect of raising this child on my own. By my own decisions I had ended up in this very dark unforgiving place, but God is faithful to His people, and He was calling me back to Him. The Lord in His infinite wisdom had brought my mother and me closer together during this time, and the Lord used our relationship to help draw me back to Him. I started attending church again with my mother and my son. Over the sixteen years from the breakup with my son’s father to now, the Lord led me down paths I never imagined for myself. Now after these long years of struggle, growth, and trust in the Lord, the Lord has not only restored me to where I was before but has given me more than I could ever have dreamed. First it was stability in the home, then it was the healing of my heart, and sixteen years later, as the Thanksgiving season approaches I am marrying a man who has Christ at the center of his life. I never thought I would ever marry, but my plans are not the Lord’s.
Yes, I am thankful to the Lord for sending me this man to love, but above all I am thankful for the Lord and His forgiveness. I trust the Lord to direct me in His path so that I can live my life for His glory, and nothing else on this earth is more important.
~Donna Derrick
Philippians 4:4-7 – Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
What is Thanksgiving? If you look at the definition of thanksgiving in the Merriam-Webster dictionary it gives three different definitions.
1: the act of giving thanks
2: a prayer expressing gratitude
3: a public acknowledgment or celebration of divine goodness
How profound these definitions are when we think about what our Lord has done for each and every one of us. We should, every day, thank our Lord for the sacrifice of His son and express our gratitude for our salvation through His son and be bold in our acknowledgement of Jesus Christ as our Lord. So many times over the last few months I have thought in amazement how my Lord has brought me to where I am. So many changes in one year can be completely overwhelming but when I think about these changes I am so thankful to God for his grace and mercy. I truly rest in the peace of God which transcends all understanding. There is no other way to describe this peace that is in my heart.
Sixteen years ago as I approached the Thanksgiving season I was ending a relationship that had become abusive and very destructive to my self confidence and my self worth. This man and I had never married, but we did have a 2 year old son. I was facing the prospect of raising this child on my own. By my own decisions I had ended up in this very dark unforgiving place, but God is faithful to His people, and He was calling me back to Him. The Lord in His infinite wisdom had brought my mother and me closer together during this time, and the Lord used our relationship to help draw me back to Him. I started attending church again with my mother and my son. Over the sixteen years from the breakup with my son’s father to now, the Lord led me down paths I never imagined for myself. Now after these long years of struggle, growth, and trust in the Lord, the Lord has not only restored me to where I was before but has given me more than I could ever have dreamed. First it was stability in the home, then it was the healing of my heart, and sixteen years later, as the Thanksgiving season approaches I am marrying a man who has Christ at the center of his life. I never thought I would ever marry, but my plans are not the Lord’s.
Yes, I am thankful to the Lord for sending me this man to love, but above all I am thankful for the Lord and His forgiveness. I trust the Lord to direct me in His path so that I can live my life for His glory, and nothing else on this earth is more important.
~Donna Derrick
Saturday, November 21, 2009
I love Thanksgiving! It’s always been a favorite. My parents were both good cooks, and they used to start preparing for the “big day” way in advance. Mom would cut up the bread and season it all week long - adding sage and poultry seasoning daily. They would make oyster dressing, ordering fresh oysters weeks ahead, and sometimes Dad would shuck them himself, reserving the liquid for the dressing. There was a favorite jello salad that my aunt would make. It took forever to “chop” all the ingredients, and the dressing for that had to be made in a double boiler with fresh whipping cream added as the final ingredient. The turkey, dressing, sauerkraut, cranberries, pies, etc., would fill the house with a wonderful aroma. I can almost smell it now as I think about it. What a great time set aside for family to stop and give thanks for all our blessings.
Interestingly, the first verse that I remember memorizing as a child (other than John 3:16) was:
“Enter into his gates with Thanksgiving and into his courts with praise....be thankful unto him and bless his name.” Psalm 100:4
Two days before Tom had his stroke in 2003...I drove my grandson, Cameron, to his Sunday evening church group. On the way in the car, I was helping him memorize his memory verse. It was from that same passage...
“Know that the LORD is God...It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” Psalm 100:3
I memorized it with him and didn’t realize at the time that it was the LORD giving me a verse that I would hold onto for the next few days. Tom wasn’t expected to live through the night, and I remember saying over-and-over the words and acknowledging God’s power and sovereignty, knowing that Tom was in the best hands he could be. That was 6 years ago. Tom is great, and God continues to bless our lives. We have so much to be thankful for.
I love the way this story covers a period of time of over 50 years - that a passage God gave me when I was a young child and added to as an adult would provide as much meaning and comfort as it did. I love that it shows how God ties it all together, that He has the big picture, and that even when we don’t realize it He is planting seeds and laying the foundation for what is in store.
“For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:5
~Gwen Sunderly
Interestingly, the first verse that I remember memorizing as a child (other than John 3:16) was:
“Enter into his gates with Thanksgiving and into his courts with praise....be thankful unto him and bless his name.” Psalm 100:4
Two days before Tom had his stroke in 2003...I drove my grandson, Cameron, to his Sunday evening church group. On the way in the car, I was helping him memorize his memory verse. It was from that same passage...
“Know that the LORD is God...It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” Psalm 100:3
I memorized it with him and didn’t realize at the time that it was the LORD giving me a verse that I would hold onto for the next few days. Tom wasn’t expected to live through the night, and I remember saying over-and-over the words and acknowledging God’s power and sovereignty, knowing that Tom was in the best hands he could be. That was 6 years ago. Tom is great, and God continues to bless our lives. We have so much to be thankful for.
I love the way this story covers a period of time of over 50 years - that a passage God gave me when I was a young child and added to as an adult would provide as much meaning and comfort as it did. I love that it shows how God ties it all together, that He has the big picture, and that even when we don’t realize it He is planting seeds and laying the foundation for what is in store.
“For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:5
~Gwen Sunderly
Friday, November 20, 2009
Have you noticed that contentment, American style, denies our human limitations? When I pursue and achieve a notable but personal goal, then I am content, or am I? When I insulate my family from possible problems with money or otherwise ensure my family is self-sufficient, then I am content, or am I? As I seek contentment American style, my own limitations too often cause me to see (1) a world that gets in the way of reaching my goal, (2) a family that’s imperfect, and (3) friends and colleagues that don’t appreciate me – that’s not contentment!!
The Apostle Paul said “I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11). How can that be – Paul was in prison, in chains. He goes on to say that he gratefully accepted his dependence on God and the sharing of gifts offered by others. How does Paul accept his human limitations and express genuine contentment?
I’ve asked the same question as I marvel at the contentment that my 22-year old, brain injured son, Kevin, expresses daily. How does Kevin accomplish this? Here are a couple of observations that I’ve attributed to Kevin’s contentment: First, he is grateful for everything and everyone he encounters, with the exception of his twice daily medicine (and I couldn’t agree more on the medicine thing – YUK!). He enjoys the company of everyone he is with, and he thoroughly loves the routine of life – especially bath, bed, and prayer time. Finally, Kevin maintains a quiet center about him and isn’t interested in things of the past or concerned about things in the future. Contentment is Kevin’s natural wealth, and he doesn’t seek more because he is comfortable with his life’s position.
I’ve observed and pondered this demonstrated joy and contentment for over a decade, and I have offered plenty of rationalizations over the years as to why this could not apply to my busy life (or yours). In fact, nothing is further from the truth! Contentment is not the absence of suffering or favorable circumstances that are made beyond our control. Instead, contentment is found through my level of devotion to the worship and service to God and His Kingdom. For me, that usually means that I have to stay in the here and now – let go of past circumstances or turn off the possible worries of the future. Ecclesiastes 4:6 says “better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.” I can tame most any appetite, but my appetite for worries of the future and reacting to past hurts affect my devotion to Christ more than it should.
As I look towards Thanksgiving and the example of Paul and my son on contentment, I am invited to be joyous and content through something as simple as gratitude. When I acknowledge God’s grace in forgiving my sins or notice God’s mark of love that is all around me all the time, it’s easy to be thankful and hard to be judgmental of the world around me, because God is in the middle, not me. My daily choice is whether I will loosen my grip on life’s baggage and allow God to be my porter and driver.
While I learn and grow in Christ-like responses to my life’s rough edges, I am encouraged by 1 Timothy 6:6, “godliness with contentment is great gain.” Now I’m all for that!
~Jim Winter
The Apostle Paul said “I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11). How can that be – Paul was in prison, in chains. He goes on to say that he gratefully accepted his dependence on God and the sharing of gifts offered by others. How does Paul accept his human limitations and express genuine contentment?
I’ve asked the same question as I marvel at the contentment that my 22-year old, brain injured son, Kevin, expresses daily. How does Kevin accomplish this? Here are a couple of observations that I’ve attributed to Kevin’s contentment: First, he is grateful for everything and everyone he encounters, with the exception of his twice daily medicine (and I couldn’t agree more on the medicine thing – YUK!). He enjoys the company of everyone he is with, and he thoroughly loves the routine of life – especially bath, bed, and prayer time. Finally, Kevin maintains a quiet center about him and isn’t interested in things of the past or concerned about things in the future. Contentment is Kevin’s natural wealth, and he doesn’t seek more because he is comfortable with his life’s position.
I’ve observed and pondered this demonstrated joy and contentment for over a decade, and I have offered plenty of rationalizations over the years as to why this could not apply to my busy life (or yours). In fact, nothing is further from the truth! Contentment is not the absence of suffering or favorable circumstances that are made beyond our control. Instead, contentment is found through my level of devotion to the worship and service to God and His Kingdom. For me, that usually means that I have to stay in the here and now – let go of past circumstances or turn off the possible worries of the future. Ecclesiastes 4:6 says “better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.” I can tame most any appetite, but my appetite for worries of the future and reacting to past hurts affect my devotion to Christ more than it should.
As I look towards Thanksgiving and the example of Paul and my son on contentment, I am invited to be joyous and content through something as simple as gratitude. When I acknowledge God’s grace in forgiving my sins or notice God’s mark of love that is all around me all the time, it’s easy to be thankful and hard to be judgmental of the world around me, because God is in the middle, not me. My daily choice is whether I will loosen my grip on life’s baggage and allow God to be my porter and driver.
While I learn and grow in Christ-like responses to my life’s rough edges, I am encouraged by 1 Timothy 6:6, “godliness with contentment is great gain.” Now I’m all for that!
~Jim Winter
Thursday, November 19, 2009
He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Luke 10:2
Are the workers few at Greenridge?
I would like to take the time to walk through one of the many accounts that I am most thankful for this Thanksgiving season.
Six years ago my husband and I brought our infant daughter to Greenridge, where she was dedicated. During this ceremony the church body affirms that they will work alongside of us, the parents, in nurturing the spiritual development of the children we dedicate. So here is an account of that good work.
There have been six years of regularly attending Sunday worship services, which included childcare/worship/Bible study for our daughter: that is more than 300 Sundays; in at least 5 different classrooms with at least 2 workers in each classroom… that’s the work of 1,200 hands over 6 years. In addition to that, there was 3 years of attending the CDC at Greenridge, 9 months a year, 5 days a week, 3 classrooms each with at least 2 workers… that’s the work of at least another 700+ hands. If that were not enough, there were 2 years of Half Notes Choir, 24 weeks of meeting, at least 2 workers… almost another 100 hands and on top of that VBS for 2 years and 1 year of Covenant Christian Elementary Education, supported by members of Greenridge, both of which are impossible for me to count the number of hands who work in these two ministries. So… Are the workers few at Greenridge? Not by my account.
How is this relevant? And for what am I thankful? I am thankful that on November 4, 2009 my daughter asked Jesus to come live in her heart and she has a new inheritance in Christ. A new inheritance, not the one she was born into, but the one she was intended for. My husband and I were saved as adults, which comes with its own difficulties – difficulties that our 6 year old daughter will hopefully never experience as a result of her new inheritance, and for that I will be forever thankful. The workers at Greenridge surely had many hands sowing that process.
“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” Luke 8:11-15
I brought my little seed, and it fell upon the good soil at Greenridge. I am thankful to all the workers who persevered, and I am most thankful to my God who shows us his harvest so that we know we labor not in vain.
As the song goes… “a little is much when God’s in it HE changes the world with the seeds we sow.”
Be encouraged to continue HIS work Greenridge. His harvest is coming in!
~Melissa Dyer
Are the workers few at Greenridge?
I would like to take the time to walk through one of the many accounts that I am most thankful for this Thanksgiving season.
Six years ago my husband and I brought our infant daughter to Greenridge, where she was dedicated. During this ceremony the church body affirms that they will work alongside of us, the parents, in nurturing the spiritual development of the children we dedicate. So here is an account of that good work.
There have been six years of regularly attending Sunday worship services, which included childcare/worship/Bible study for our daughter: that is more than 300 Sundays; in at least 5 different classrooms with at least 2 workers in each classroom… that’s the work of 1,200 hands over 6 years. In addition to that, there was 3 years of attending the CDC at Greenridge, 9 months a year, 5 days a week, 3 classrooms each with at least 2 workers… that’s the work of at least another 700+ hands. If that were not enough, there were 2 years of Half Notes Choir, 24 weeks of meeting, at least 2 workers… almost another 100 hands and on top of that VBS for 2 years and 1 year of Covenant Christian Elementary Education, supported by members of Greenridge, both of which are impossible for me to count the number of hands who work in these two ministries. So… Are the workers few at Greenridge? Not by my account.
How is this relevant? And for what am I thankful? I am thankful that on November 4, 2009 my daughter asked Jesus to come live in her heart and she has a new inheritance in Christ. A new inheritance, not the one she was born into, but the one she was intended for. My husband and I were saved as adults, which comes with its own difficulties – difficulties that our 6 year old daughter will hopefully never experience as a result of her new inheritance, and for that I will be forever thankful. The workers at Greenridge surely had many hands sowing that process.
“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” Luke 8:11-15
I brought my little seed, and it fell upon the good soil at Greenridge. I am thankful to all the workers who persevered, and I am most thankful to my God who shows us his harvest so that we know we labor not in vain.
As the song goes… “a little is much when God’s in it HE changes the world with the seeds we sow.”
Be encouraged to continue HIS work Greenridge. His harvest is coming in!
~Melissa Dyer
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
One day after school, my 5 year old was trying to explain to me (with tears in his eyes) why he had gotten a slip for talking too much in class. I said, “Why would you do that when you know Miss Webster needs you to listen? You’re being disobedient. You can’t learn what you need to learn if you’re talking out. It makes God sad when we’re disobedient.”
He then proceeds to stammer out, “Well, it’s just that sometimes I want to be good, and sometimes I’m bad.”
As I stood there with my mouth hanging open, I replied, “Well, my son, you better be coming over to ‘the good side’ REAL QUICK if you like to sit on that behind of yours!”
After I took a “mommy time-out” to get my thoughts together, I realized …that was a 5 year old’s honest interpretation or battle with his own sinful nature. I knew if I could make my son understand how much Miss Webby does for him and how much she cares for him, he would be so much more grateful! He has a huge heart for a little guy, so I knew if I could get him to see that he needs to be obedient out of respect for her, he would try harder.
It was then that I had this “AAH-HA” moment. If we were ALL more thankful to God for his INDESCRIBABLE GIFT (2 Cor. 9:15), we would all make better choices.
When we are tempted to sin, what if we chased that temptation away with a heart overflowing with thanks! For example, when we are tempted to say or think:
-Why can’t I have that car, that house, that bank account? We refute this by graciously thanking a God who richly provides everything we need and more (1 Tim. 6:17).
THANKS BE TO GOD FOR PROVIDING FOR MY EVERY NEED!
-Why can’t my life be less stressful? I feel like I’m running myself into the ground! We can dwell on the fact that God is our rock, our comforter, our PRINCE OF PEACE.
THANKS BE TO GOD FOR BEING MY HIDING PLACE!!
-Why can’t I fix this relationship, problem, addiction, heartache, or this anger I have? We can KNOW that we can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us!
THANKS BE TO GOD FOR BEING MY HEALER AND REDEEMER!!!
-Why can’t I (or my loved one) be well again? I can know that God has a plan. I can know that God desires for me to be thankful in all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:16-18) even when I do not understand.
THANKS BE TO GOD FOR BEING MY SAVIOR WITH WHOM I WILL LIVE FOREVER!!!
As God reminded me to be more thankful through disciplining my son, we are trying as a family to refute our bad choices with hearts of thankfulness instead.
As we begin this wonderful season of Thanksgiving and celebration, my prayer is that we would continue to try and do what pleases God. When we are TRULY THANKFUL, we can’t help but conquer some of the doubts and sins that plague us.
Let us graciously embrace, “GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD FOR HE IS GOOD, HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER.” Psalms 107:1
~Stephanie Finch
He then proceeds to stammer out, “Well, it’s just that sometimes I want to be good, and sometimes I’m bad.”
As I stood there with my mouth hanging open, I replied, “Well, my son, you better be coming over to ‘the good side’ REAL QUICK if you like to sit on that behind of yours!”
After I took a “mommy time-out” to get my thoughts together, I realized …that was a 5 year old’s honest interpretation or battle with his own sinful nature. I knew if I could make my son understand how much Miss Webby does for him and how much she cares for him, he would be so much more grateful! He has a huge heart for a little guy, so I knew if I could get him to see that he needs to be obedient out of respect for her, he would try harder.
It was then that I had this “AAH-HA” moment. If we were ALL more thankful to God for his INDESCRIBABLE GIFT (2 Cor. 9:15), we would all make better choices.
When we are tempted to sin, what if we chased that temptation away with a heart overflowing with thanks! For example, when we are tempted to say or think:
-Why can’t I have that car, that house, that bank account? We refute this by graciously thanking a God who richly provides everything we need and more (1 Tim. 6:17).
THANKS BE TO GOD FOR PROVIDING FOR MY EVERY NEED!
-Why can’t my life be less stressful? I feel like I’m running myself into the ground! We can dwell on the fact that God is our rock, our comforter, our PRINCE OF PEACE.
THANKS BE TO GOD FOR BEING MY HIDING PLACE!!
-Why can’t I fix this relationship, problem, addiction, heartache, or this anger I have? We can KNOW that we can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us!
THANKS BE TO GOD FOR BEING MY HEALER AND REDEEMER!!!
-Why can’t I (or my loved one) be well again? I can know that God has a plan. I can know that God desires for me to be thankful in all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:16-18) even when I do not understand.
THANKS BE TO GOD FOR BEING MY SAVIOR WITH WHOM I WILL LIVE FOREVER!!!
As God reminded me to be more thankful through disciplining my son, we are trying as a family to refute our bad choices with hearts of thankfulness instead.
As we begin this wonderful season of Thanksgiving and celebration, my prayer is that we would continue to try and do what pleases God. When we are TRULY THANKFUL, we can’t help but conquer some of the doubts and sins that plague us.
Let us graciously embrace, “GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD FOR HE IS GOOD, HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER.” Psalms 107:1
~Stephanie Finch
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
This is the time of year where we all focus on things for which we are most thankful. I’m thankful for so much, but mostly for forgiveness.
I just returned from a girl’s beach getaway and had some time for rest, relaxation, fun and reflection. It was just me and my lifelong best friend, Debbi. I’m sure that our relationship is special. We were born 9 days apart and were together in the church nursery since we were babies. Even when my family moved out of state for 6 years, when we returned, our families just picked up where we had left off. Debbi and I attended Sunday school, GA’s, and later went on youth retreats, attended the same high school, and at one point even dated best friends. By our late teens things began to change. Debbi had a serious boyfriend and got engaged. We had a falling out, and frankly, not so much in common anymore. Regrettably, I didn’t attend my best friend’s wedding.
Some years later, I made contact, and we visited with each other. We now each had a child who was the same age. We were still living in very different worlds – but it wasn’t so much our circumstances that distanced us as it was unresolved business – or in Christian vernacular, unresolved forgiveness. We caused each other some hurt and never took the time to ask each other for forgiveness. I tried to gloss things over and be friendly and welcoming, and she really had a lot going on in her life of which I was unaware.
Flash forward a few more years. I called Debbi and asked if I could come for a visit. I went to her home, apologized, and asked her forgiveness for things I’d said and done in the past that had hurt her. She too apologized and asked my forgiveness, and we hugged and sobbed for a long time. If we had just done that earlier, we wouldn’t have missed so much in each other’s lives. She hadn’t attended my wedding either. My BFF and I (if you are over 40, that’s “best friend forever” *smile*) were not present for one of our most important days. We’ve moved past that, and though are lives our still very different, we keep in touch, see each other when we can, and always tell each other we love each other whether on the phone or in person.
As believers, we are commanded to forgive. There are more than 120 references in the Bible where forgiveness is mentioned. Christ forgave us while we were still sinners. How can we not show the same love and ask for forgiveness? I’m so thankful that Christ had mercy on me, a sinner, and forgave me of each and every sin. Receiving forgiveness is easy – asking for forgiveness is easy, when we remember that Christ so easily forgave us.
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14
~Suzie Cook
I just returned from a girl’s beach getaway and had some time for rest, relaxation, fun and reflection. It was just me and my lifelong best friend, Debbi. I’m sure that our relationship is special. We were born 9 days apart and were together in the church nursery since we were babies. Even when my family moved out of state for 6 years, when we returned, our families just picked up where we had left off. Debbi and I attended Sunday school, GA’s, and later went on youth retreats, attended the same high school, and at one point even dated best friends. By our late teens things began to change. Debbi had a serious boyfriend and got engaged. We had a falling out, and frankly, not so much in common anymore. Regrettably, I didn’t attend my best friend’s wedding.
Some years later, I made contact, and we visited with each other. We now each had a child who was the same age. We were still living in very different worlds – but it wasn’t so much our circumstances that distanced us as it was unresolved business – or in Christian vernacular, unresolved forgiveness. We caused each other some hurt and never took the time to ask each other for forgiveness. I tried to gloss things over and be friendly and welcoming, and she really had a lot going on in her life of which I was unaware.
Flash forward a few more years. I called Debbi and asked if I could come for a visit. I went to her home, apologized, and asked her forgiveness for things I’d said and done in the past that had hurt her. She too apologized and asked my forgiveness, and we hugged and sobbed for a long time. If we had just done that earlier, we wouldn’t have missed so much in each other’s lives. She hadn’t attended my wedding either. My BFF and I (if you are over 40, that’s “best friend forever” *smile*) were not present for one of our most important days. We’ve moved past that, and though are lives our still very different, we keep in touch, see each other when we can, and always tell each other we love each other whether on the phone or in person.
As believers, we are commanded to forgive. There are more than 120 references in the Bible where forgiveness is mentioned. Christ forgave us while we were still sinners. How can we not show the same love and ask for forgiveness? I’m so thankful that Christ had mercy on me, a sinner, and forgave me of each and every sin. Receiving forgiveness is easy – asking for forgiveness is easy, when we remember that Christ so easily forgave us.
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14
~Suzie Cook
Monday, November 16, 2009
It’s all relative isn’t it? It’s no wonder we are confused!
I step out of my house, walk half a mile southeast to the newly developed neighborhoods who have brand new everything: granite countertops, new furniture, luscious space, and decorations.
I step out of my office at Open Door in East Baltimore. I see homeless people laying on heat vents to try to stay warm and digging through someone else’s trash to find something to eat.
I have less than some, more than others.
I pass someone at the store that struggles with obesity. To them I would have a slender physique.
I watch the rock solid bodies of the young ladies at my daughter’s gymnastic class and I am suddenly very aware of the fact that there is a physical battle going on with the lower half of my body to keep it from turning into mashed potatoes. (In keeping with the Thanksgiving theme!)
I have less than some, more than others.
Perhaps I am gauging what I have or do not have to be “thankful for” through the wrong type of lens. If I leave my thankful pendulum up to this ever swaying mental game, my heart and attitude will always be teetering back and forth, totally conducive to my circumstance, surroundings and appearance. Sounds like a lot of conditions on thankfulness doesn’t it?! God does not want my (our) thankfulness to be conducive to the current trends, conditions, material possessions, and/or my appearance. At a moment’s notice any one of these things could change. I know how the world would react, but how would I react? Would it look different? It should!
In Philippians 4:11-13 Paul says, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
May the Lord defog the areas of our thankfulness that are fickle! And may He reveal in us a true genuine unconditional THANKFUL heart this Thanksgiving season and every season!
~Wendy Mindte
I step out of my house, walk half a mile southeast to the newly developed neighborhoods who have brand new everything: granite countertops, new furniture, luscious space, and decorations.
I step out of my office at Open Door in East Baltimore. I see homeless people laying on heat vents to try to stay warm and digging through someone else’s trash to find something to eat.
I have less than some, more than others.
I pass someone at the store that struggles with obesity. To them I would have a slender physique.
I watch the rock solid bodies of the young ladies at my daughter’s gymnastic class and I am suddenly very aware of the fact that there is a physical battle going on with the lower half of my body to keep it from turning into mashed potatoes. (In keeping with the Thanksgiving theme!)
I have less than some, more than others.
Perhaps I am gauging what I have or do not have to be “thankful for” through the wrong type of lens. If I leave my thankful pendulum up to this ever swaying mental game, my heart and attitude will always be teetering back and forth, totally conducive to my circumstance, surroundings and appearance. Sounds like a lot of conditions on thankfulness doesn’t it?! God does not want my (our) thankfulness to be conducive to the current trends, conditions, material possessions, and/or my appearance. At a moment’s notice any one of these things could change. I know how the world would react, but how would I react? Would it look different? It should!
In Philippians 4:11-13 Paul says, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
May the Lord defog the areas of our thankfulness that are fickle! And may He reveal in us a true genuine unconditional THANKFUL heart this Thanksgiving season and every season!
~Wendy Mindte
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Day 40: The REAL Servant
"And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. 1 Chronicles 28:9
I hustled in the rain. Not only was I soaked through, I was freezing, and it was still early. The sun was just peaking over the shabby buildings in the Anacostia parking lot. My fellow volunteer and I hurried to empty the van of heavy tables, large coffee pots, food heaters and too-old-to-sell muffins from Costco. I had just been cussed out by one of our more…how shall I put it….difficult clients. And although this was a normal occurrence, and usually I would have shrugged it off and given Mr. David an extra muffin and wished him well, today was just different. I didn’t really want to be there, in the rain, in the cold. I wanted a little gratitude, honestly. Did these people know what I had gone through to get them their pathetic little breakfast? I had gotten up before the crack of dawn, braved the traffic and the metro, and dealt with the kitchen Nazis just to get them a cooler full of water and some weak coffee. And this was the thanks I got?
We continued to unload… the line for breakfast, and the mumbling, getting louder. We just couldn’t move fast enough. Why didn’t they go wait under an awning or something until we were ready? Did 5 extra minutes in line make that big of a difference? Seriously? I couldn’t wait to get home. I was making some pancakes and hot coffee and watching CNN until I could feel my fingers again.
“Here, let me help.” The voice broke into my thoughts.
“Huh?” I looked up.
It was Walter. 30 years homeless. My guess was he was about 60 or 65, although life on the streets often ages a person. He wasn’t an alcoholic or drug addict or mentally ill. He worked when and where he could and lived in various little DC wooded areas (what was left of them) and under his favorite bridges. He didn’t trust the shelters, “too many druggies” he’d tell us. He was a breakfast regular. He loved to talk Redskins and Maryland basketball. He also loved Costco chocolate-chocolate chip muffins. We got them about once-a-month and they were literally a highlight of his life. Today happened to be one of the few days we had them.
The van still held tables and the coffee pots. Walter smiled and grabbed the coffee, definitely the worse of the 2 to get out of the van. The large pots had a tendency to spill. I usually ended up smelling like coffee before the morning was done. Walter rarely had anywhere to shower. He would spend the day and probably several after it, with a dirtier-than-usual shirt because of his insistence on helping me.
Walter grabbed the sugar and creamer packets and set them out. He stood next to me for the next hour in the pouring rain helping pass out warm breakfast, hot coffee, and muffins.
I watched as the muffins slowly disappeared, the chocolate-chocolate chips were the first to go. Yet Walter never wavered. He greeted everyone with a smile as I watched his rag-tag jacket and boots fill with water and soak him to the bone. Even if the rain stopped soon, he would be wet for days. Not once did he complain. He never asked us to save him his favorite muffin (it was against policy), although who knew when he would have the chance to get another one. When breakfast was done, he helped load the truck for our next stop. And then, he did something that made me shiver inside, and not because of the cold.
He thanked me.
He thanked me for breakfast and for letting him help out. What a selfish, ungrateful person I was. I hadn’t served anyone that morning, especially not my God. I’m sure He had been disappointed in my attitude and lack of efforts
Walter was the real servant. He sacrificed something precious to him so he could meet the needs of others. He had served willingly and with a smile. His service cost him something; I had simply been doing a duty.
As Christ followers we know we are supposed to serve. Sometimes though, we get caught up in the supposed to and forget what service actually is. Serving others isn’t always convenient. It doesn’t always fit into our schedule or our comfort zones, and when that happens, it’s hard to keep a heart of service. Service like Christ isn’t about getting recognized or about our points in heaven. It is about being Christ to others. It can be done with or without words. No tracts or evangelism training needed. We simply wake up each day, zip on our “Jesus suit” and act as much like Christ as we can each day (easier said than done).
Service is never about us. It is always about Him, the One who taught us to serve. Our service, with or without words, should always point toward the Loving Servant. It may be that our service only points us toward being more like Christ. Serving may cost us nothing, or it may cost us everything. Either way, it is our heart that matters.
~Tirzah Turner
I hustled in the rain. Not only was I soaked through, I was freezing, and it was still early. The sun was just peaking over the shabby buildings in the Anacostia parking lot. My fellow volunteer and I hurried to empty the van of heavy tables, large coffee pots, food heaters and too-old-to-sell muffins from Costco. I had just been cussed out by one of our more…how shall I put it….difficult clients. And although this was a normal occurrence, and usually I would have shrugged it off and given Mr. David an extra muffin and wished him well, today was just different. I didn’t really want to be there, in the rain, in the cold. I wanted a little gratitude, honestly. Did these people know what I had gone through to get them their pathetic little breakfast? I had gotten up before the crack of dawn, braved the traffic and the metro, and dealt with the kitchen Nazis just to get them a cooler full of water and some weak coffee. And this was the thanks I got?
We continued to unload… the line for breakfast, and the mumbling, getting louder. We just couldn’t move fast enough. Why didn’t they go wait under an awning or something until we were ready? Did 5 extra minutes in line make that big of a difference? Seriously? I couldn’t wait to get home. I was making some pancakes and hot coffee and watching CNN until I could feel my fingers again.
“Here, let me help.” The voice broke into my thoughts.
“Huh?” I looked up.
It was Walter. 30 years homeless. My guess was he was about 60 or 65, although life on the streets often ages a person. He wasn’t an alcoholic or drug addict or mentally ill. He worked when and where he could and lived in various little DC wooded areas (what was left of them) and under his favorite bridges. He didn’t trust the shelters, “too many druggies” he’d tell us. He was a breakfast regular. He loved to talk Redskins and Maryland basketball. He also loved Costco chocolate-chocolate chip muffins. We got them about once-a-month and they were literally a highlight of his life. Today happened to be one of the few days we had them.
The van still held tables and the coffee pots. Walter smiled and grabbed the coffee, definitely the worse of the 2 to get out of the van. The large pots had a tendency to spill. I usually ended up smelling like coffee before the morning was done. Walter rarely had anywhere to shower. He would spend the day and probably several after it, with a dirtier-than-usual shirt because of his insistence on helping me.
Walter grabbed the sugar and creamer packets and set them out. He stood next to me for the next hour in the pouring rain helping pass out warm breakfast, hot coffee, and muffins.
I watched as the muffins slowly disappeared, the chocolate-chocolate chips were the first to go. Yet Walter never wavered. He greeted everyone with a smile as I watched his rag-tag jacket and boots fill with water and soak him to the bone. Even if the rain stopped soon, he would be wet for days. Not once did he complain. He never asked us to save him his favorite muffin (it was against policy), although who knew when he would have the chance to get another one. When breakfast was done, he helped load the truck for our next stop. And then, he did something that made me shiver inside, and not because of the cold.
He thanked me.
He thanked me for breakfast and for letting him help out. What a selfish, ungrateful person I was. I hadn’t served anyone that morning, especially not my God. I’m sure He had been disappointed in my attitude and lack of efforts
Walter was the real servant. He sacrificed something precious to him so he could meet the needs of others. He had served willingly and with a smile. His service cost him something; I had simply been doing a duty.
As Christ followers we know we are supposed to serve. Sometimes though, we get caught up in the supposed to and forget what service actually is. Serving others isn’t always convenient. It doesn’t always fit into our schedule or our comfort zones, and when that happens, it’s hard to keep a heart of service. Service like Christ isn’t about getting recognized or about our points in heaven. It is about being Christ to others. It can be done with or without words. No tracts or evangelism training needed. We simply wake up each day, zip on our “Jesus suit” and act as much like Christ as we can each day (easier said than done).
Service is never about us. It is always about Him, the One who taught us to serve. Our service, with or without words, should always point toward the Loving Servant. It may be that our service only points us toward being more like Christ. Serving may cost us nothing, or it may cost us everything. Either way, it is our heart that matters.
~Tirzah Turner
Monday, November 9, 2009
Day 39: God Inspired Servanthood
To Serve:
• to render obedience or homage to God
• to be useful or of service
• to provide with a regular or continuous supply of something
• to act as a host or hostess in offering (a person) a portion of food or drink
• to gratify
• to go through a term of service; do duty as a soldier, sailor, senator, juror, etc.
When I was a kid, I remember our family always being the last ones to leave an event at church. The reason for that is because our family was always there to put away the tables and chairs. For a kid this is a lot of fun because you get to see parts of a building that you never would see normally, and everyone who was left to "serve" was in a good mood, relaxed, and joking around to make the work easier. Even more importantly there was a lot of discussion about the message of the event, and I listened to the adults sharing their feelings and personal experiences related to the topic. They are still very vivid memories that I have today of those times. This started the formation of what it meant to serve – it was a willingness to do what needed to be done and sharing it with friends.
As I grew older, that willingness never left me; it just became fine tuned. I would watch other Christian men and women step out in faith and "be there" when it was needed. I learned what my "passion" was and what made my heart swell when I was involved with it.
Greenridge taught me about my "spiritual gifts" in the 401 class, and this allowed me to make wise decisions in the events or positions that I volunteered for. This class also allowed me to see that other people can serve me… I don't have to do it all.
Serving brings people together and keeps relationships growing. I always watch for the "God" inspired moments when I serve, it is a true pleasure to wait and be in the moment when they arrive. I write these down on a list in my Bible so that when I am unable to lift my eyes, I can be reminded of when God was directly involved in my life.
Start with prayer and communication with God before you decide where he would like you to serve. However, watch out for Satan and his desire to "mess" with your service work. The excuses are quick and swift and easy to listen to: I don't have time. It is too much work. I feel inadequate. You want me to do WHAT? That is why I start with prayer and ask for guidance and bring God into it. For me, the ultimate goal is to honor him so that people can see the hands and feet of Jesus. How can serving fail when God is in the middle of it.
I may not be an author, but I have a lot of "God" stories about my service work. Go ahead and start your list to look at and share.
~Carolyn Corazza
• to render obedience or homage to God
• to be useful or of service
• to provide with a regular or continuous supply of something
• to act as a host or hostess in offering (a person) a portion of food or drink
• to gratify
• to go through a term of service; do duty as a soldier, sailor, senator, juror, etc.
When I was a kid, I remember our family always being the last ones to leave an event at church. The reason for that is because our family was always there to put away the tables and chairs. For a kid this is a lot of fun because you get to see parts of a building that you never would see normally, and everyone who was left to "serve" was in a good mood, relaxed, and joking around to make the work easier. Even more importantly there was a lot of discussion about the message of the event, and I listened to the adults sharing their feelings and personal experiences related to the topic. They are still very vivid memories that I have today of those times. This started the formation of what it meant to serve – it was a willingness to do what needed to be done and sharing it with friends.
As I grew older, that willingness never left me; it just became fine tuned. I would watch other Christian men and women step out in faith and "be there" when it was needed. I learned what my "passion" was and what made my heart swell when I was involved with it.
Greenridge taught me about my "spiritual gifts" in the 401 class, and this allowed me to make wise decisions in the events or positions that I volunteered for. This class also allowed me to see that other people can serve me… I don't have to do it all.
Serving brings people together and keeps relationships growing. I always watch for the "God" inspired moments when I serve, it is a true pleasure to wait and be in the moment when they arrive. I write these down on a list in my Bible so that when I am unable to lift my eyes, I can be reminded of when God was directly involved in my life.
Start with prayer and communication with God before you decide where he would like you to serve. However, watch out for Satan and his desire to "mess" with your service work. The excuses are quick and swift and easy to listen to: I don't have time. It is too much work. I feel inadequate. You want me to do WHAT? That is why I start with prayer and ask for guidance and bring God into it. For me, the ultimate goal is to honor him so that people can see the hands and feet of Jesus. How can serving fail when God is in the middle of it.
I may not be an author, but I have a lot of "God" stories about my service work. Go ahead and start your list to look at and share.
~Carolyn Corazza
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Day 38: Discover Your Spiritual Gift
Cheryl and I have had the opportunity to travel to New Orleans several times to serve, assist and minister to some of the victims of Hurricane Katrina. To us this ministry is not a burden; we love to do it; it really “jazzes us” to serve our Lord in this way by using our God-given spiritual gifts.
Cheryl has the gift of mercy. She can detect hurt and empathize with those who are suffering by providing compassionate and cheerful support to those who are experiencing distress, crisis and/or pain.
Ron has the gift of service (or helps). He enjoys working along side gifted craftsmen like Pete Schoolfield and Hank Calisti and providing practical, hands-on assistance in repairing or rebuilding homes quickly and cheerfully.
God calls each of us to serve Him in our giftedness. In 1 Corinthians 12, we read that “there are different kinds of gifts, but the same spirit” (v.4). “To each one the evidence of the Spirit within us is given for the common good” (v.7). “The (church) body is one unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body” (v. 12).
So what is your “part” in the overall ministry at Greenridge?
Do you have a gift that communicates God’s Word (e.g. preaching, evangelism, missions or starting new churches)?
Do you have a gift to educate God’s people (e.g. teaching, encouragement, wisdom, discernment or knowledge)?
Do you have a gift that demonstrates God’s love (e.g. service, mercy, hospitality, shepherding or giving)?
Do you have a gift that celebrates God’s presence (e.g. music, or arts and crafts), or a prayer-related gift (e.g. intercession or healing)?
Or do you have a gift that supports one of the five purposes of Greenridge (e.g. leadership, administration or faith)?
Too many of us think we have nothing to give to the body of believers. Instead of comparing ourselves to one another, we should use our different God-given gifts together, to serve our Lord Jesus Christ, serve others, enhance the spiritual growth of the body of believers and spread the Good News of Salvation. If we don’t, the body of believers at Greenridge will be less effective.
We encourage each of you as members to discover your “S.H.A.P.E.”, your spiritual gifts, your heart or passion, your abilities, natural talents and skills, your personality and your spiritual experiences. Greenridge has access to this spiritual gifts test. Feel free to email Sarah Rodriguez to get a copy so that you, too, can discover your spiritual gift(s)!
Pray that our spiritual gifts are yielded to the Lordship of Jesus and fully empowered by the Holy Spirit to minister in the Body of Christ at Greenridge.
~Ron & Cheryl Welke
Cheryl has the gift of mercy. She can detect hurt and empathize with those who are suffering by providing compassionate and cheerful support to those who are experiencing distress, crisis and/or pain.
Ron has the gift of service (or helps). He enjoys working along side gifted craftsmen like Pete Schoolfield and Hank Calisti and providing practical, hands-on assistance in repairing or rebuilding homes quickly and cheerfully.
God calls each of us to serve Him in our giftedness. In 1 Corinthians 12, we read that “there are different kinds of gifts, but the same spirit” (v.4). “To each one the evidence of the Spirit within us is given for the common good” (v.7). “The (church) body is one unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body” (v. 12).
So what is your “part” in the overall ministry at Greenridge?
Do you have a gift that communicates God’s Word (e.g. preaching, evangelism, missions or starting new churches)?
Do you have a gift to educate God’s people (e.g. teaching, encouragement, wisdom, discernment or knowledge)?
Do you have a gift that demonstrates God’s love (e.g. service, mercy, hospitality, shepherding or giving)?
Do you have a gift that celebrates God’s presence (e.g. music, or arts and crafts), or a prayer-related gift (e.g. intercession or healing)?
Or do you have a gift that supports one of the five purposes of Greenridge (e.g. leadership, administration or faith)?
Too many of us think we have nothing to give to the body of believers. Instead of comparing ourselves to one another, we should use our different God-given gifts together, to serve our Lord Jesus Christ, serve others, enhance the spiritual growth of the body of believers and spread the Good News of Salvation. If we don’t, the body of believers at Greenridge will be less effective.
We encourage each of you as members to discover your “S.H.A.P.E.”, your spiritual gifts, your heart or passion, your abilities, natural talents and skills, your personality and your spiritual experiences. Greenridge has access to this spiritual gifts test. Feel free to email Sarah Rodriguez to get a copy so that you, too, can discover your spiritual gift(s)!
Pray that our spiritual gifts are yielded to the Lordship of Jesus and fully empowered by the Holy Spirit to minister in the Body of Christ at Greenridge.
~Ron & Cheryl Welke
Day 37: Serving the Hard-to-Serve
“When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ he asked them. ‘You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you….Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.’” John 13:12-15,17
I honestly think that sometimes we can find serving others, dare I say, easy. Think about it, there will always be people that we need to serve, and they need all that we can offer them. The poor, the homeless, the sick, the widowed, the lost. But I truly believe that serving them can sometimes be easy. We know they need help, we are willing to jump in because their options are so limited (or even nothing), and, the majority of the time, they accept all that we can give with an open and thankful heart.
But Jesus calls us to go one step further. What about those that just have a hard heart? They aren’t as thankful for help or even open to receiving it, but yet, they need it. They may never show appreciation, but yet we are called to serve them.
My mother-in-law, Ruth Weigle, is an amazing example to me of a humble servant. She very quietly does what is needed, cares for those who are hurting, and provides anything she can to those who are lacking. She serves her own family cheerfully without end. But I have never heard of someone serving another with such a hard heart, until I learned of this story. See Ruth never, ever says an unkind word about anyone. But if anyone ever earned that right, it was her. One day, she told me of her own mother-in-law, Kathryn, Neil’s grandmother (aka Big Grandma). And for the first time ever, I heard Ruth say, “she was a horrible woman, just mean and awful.” I actually thought she was kidding. But then she continued in describing Big Grandma. Ruth told me about when Kathryn would call her at different times and just begin to yell at her, to tell Ruth that she was a horrible wife, mom and person, Kathryn would lash out with deeply hurting words. Ruth told me that she finally got to a point where she would put the phone down and walk away because her words were so hurtful. As time went on, Ruth’s children grew up, got married, and had children of their own, Kathryn developed Alzheimer’s and soon ended up in a nursing home. Her heart only grew harder, her words only more harsh. But yet, Ruth would visit her regularly to show her care, to help bathe her, feed her, wash her long hair and carefully put it in her prayer cap, change her clothes, to serve her. I believe this is serving at its best and hardest. Kathryn, who passed away in 2003 would never show any level of thankfulness towards Ruth, never a tender heart. But Ruth never stopped showing her the love of Jesus. She never stopped serving the same way that Jesus would, a trait I have seen passed on to her son.
We all know someone in life who has a hard heart, who doesn’t think he or she needs help or needs to be served. We all know unkind and hurtful people. Isn’t it our job to imitate the actions of Jesus and show them love? Wasn’t it Jesus who washed the feet of the man that would soon betray him?
~Katie Weigle
I honestly think that sometimes we can find serving others, dare I say, easy. Think about it, there will always be people that we need to serve, and they need all that we can offer them. The poor, the homeless, the sick, the widowed, the lost. But I truly believe that serving them can sometimes be easy. We know they need help, we are willing to jump in because their options are so limited (or even nothing), and, the majority of the time, they accept all that we can give with an open and thankful heart.
But Jesus calls us to go one step further. What about those that just have a hard heart? They aren’t as thankful for help or even open to receiving it, but yet, they need it. They may never show appreciation, but yet we are called to serve them.
My mother-in-law, Ruth Weigle, is an amazing example to me of a humble servant. She very quietly does what is needed, cares for those who are hurting, and provides anything she can to those who are lacking. She serves her own family cheerfully without end. But I have never heard of someone serving another with such a hard heart, until I learned of this story. See Ruth never, ever says an unkind word about anyone. But if anyone ever earned that right, it was her. One day, she told me of her own mother-in-law, Kathryn, Neil’s grandmother (aka Big Grandma). And for the first time ever, I heard Ruth say, “she was a horrible woman, just mean and awful.” I actually thought she was kidding. But then she continued in describing Big Grandma. Ruth told me about when Kathryn would call her at different times and just begin to yell at her, to tell Ruth that she was a horrible wife, mom and person, Kathryn would lash out with deeply hurting words. Ruth told me that she finally got to a point where she would put the phone down and walk away because her words were so hurtful. As time went on, Ruth’s children grew up, got married, and had children of their own, Kathryn developed Alzheimer’s and soon ended up in a nursing home. Her heart only grew harder, her words only more harsh. But yet, Ruth would visit her regularly to show her care, to help bathe her, feed her, wash her long hair and carefully put it in her prayer cap, change her clothes, to serve her. I believe this is serving at its best and hardest. Kathryn, who passed away in 2003 would never show any level of thankfulness towards Ruth, never a tender heart. But Ruth never stopped showing her the love of Jesus. She never stopped serving the same way that Jesus would, a trait I have seen passed on to her son.
We all know someone in life who has a hard heart, who doesn’t think he or she needs help or needs to be served. We all know unkind and hurtful people. Isn’t it our job to imitate the actions of Jesus and show them love? Wasn’t it Jesus who washed the feet of the man that would soon betray him?
~Katie Weigle
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Day 36: Serve While You Wait
The year was 1988. The city and time – Innsbruck, Austria in August. Peter and I were leading a travelling team of the Covenant Players, an international Christian drama ministry that was solely dependent on income from performances to support the work. We went to Innsbruck following our printed itinerary, but had no opportunities for ministry scheduled on the calendar. Thus, we were short on funds. We stayed with a host family a couple of evenings before moving on to staying in a Baptist church which met above a restaurant. These hosts had an apple tree, and they told us to help ourselves to apples before leaving. The bag we filled sustained us for the days ahead. Our team member Natasha, from Denmark, used a lot of ingenuity and the spices she could find in the Baptist church's kitchen. We had savory apples, applesauce, fried apples, raw apples, and apple stew. Schools were closed, and churches seemed to also be on vacation. All the while we were making contacts at hotels and corporate offices seeking out unique opportunities to serve. Down to almost nothing, we asked the Lord, “Why are we here?” The apples were running low, and we had little gas in the van.
One night, we heard a knock on the church door. This church was very hard to find, since it was over a restaurant—there was not a big sign out or anything. At the door was a Spanish woman who asked in broken German, “Is this the Mormon church?” We told her where she was, and we asked her why she was looking for the Mormon church. She seemed heavy-laden. We took her in (memory fades, but I hope we offered her an apple!). I do know that with our limited common vocabulary and whatever gestures and sign language we could muster, we started communicating with her.
We tried to explain who we were and did a short play for her. It was one we did almost everyday to introduce ourselves to pastors, titled, “The Search.” After watching it, she started crying and saying, "That is me, that is me. I lie in bed praying to God and wondering where He is. I am searching." We were able to pray with her and (again, I hope) we had a Bible to give her. She said that she was on vacation with a tour bus and that they were leaving this evening. She needed to get back to the bus – we drove her on our little gas and thankfully she made it, saying that we were angels.
We finally knew why we were stuck in Innsbruck, and we were filled with gratitude. The next day, a pastor (who was actually a British missionary) whom we had called for an appointment came to see us. We explained our ministry and performed “The Search” once again. He did not know anything about our current situation. He said he could not book anything at this time, but said he wanted to give us something toward our ministry. It was enough Austrian Schillings to fill our gas tank and get us out of town.
We had a pre-conceived notion of how we were supposed to serve—by performing Christian drama in worship services, for the most part. We were waiting for the opportunity to serve in that way, and when it didn’t come, we got frustrated—even with God. But we may have been learning a bigger lesson about serving. While we were waiting to serve, we were learning from how others were serving us. They served us by giving us hospitality; by giving us food (even one large, versatile bag of apples); by a colleague who shared her cooking gifts; and by a faith-supported missionary who himself sacrificed to give us just the money we needed. And the Lord, in His grace, even gave us the opportunity to serve—by performing for an audience of one, and witnessing about His love to a stranger who was “searching.”
There’s a wonderful Christian song you may have heard on the radio—“I’m waiting on You, Lord,” by John Waller. He sings, “I’m waiting on You, Lord, though it is painful, but patiently I will wait.” And in the chorus, he repeats, “I will serve You while I'm waiting. I will worship while I'm waiting.”
Since leaving Covenant Players, we’ve had the opportunity ourselves to serve by giving hospitality, by giving food, by giving money, by sharing our testimony—and even, occasionally, by doing Christian drama! But even when we may be waiting for God to do something in our lives, we try to keep this promise, and tell the Lord, “I will serve you while I’m waiting.”
~Peter & Kristin Sprigg
One night, we heard a knock on the church door. This church was very hard to find, since it was over a restaurant—there was not a big sign out or anything. At the door was a Spanish woman who asked in broken German, “Is this the Mormon church?” We told her where she was, and we asked her why she was looking for the Mormon church. She seemed heavy-laden. We took her in (memory fades, but I hope we offered her an apple!). I do know that with our limited common vocabulary and whatever gestures and sign language we could muster, we started communicating with her.
We tried to explain who we were and did a short play for her. It was one we did almost everyday to introduce ourselves to pastors, titled, “The Search.” After watching it, she started crying and saying, "That is me, that is me. I lie in bed praying to God and wondering where He is. I am searching." We were able to pray with her and (again, I hope) we had a Bible to give her. She said that she was on vacation with a tour bus and that they were leaving this evening. She needed to get back to the bus – we drove her on our little gas and thankfully she made it, saying that we were angels.
We finally knew why we were stuck in Innsbruck, and we were filled with gratitude. The next day, a pastor (who was actually a British missionary) whom we had called for an appointment came to see us. We explained our ministry and performed “The Search” once again. He did not know anything about our current situation. He said he could not book anything at this time, but said he wanted to give us something toward our ministry. It was enough Austrian Schillings to fill our gas tank and get us out of town.
We had a pre-conceived notion of how we were supposed to serve—by performing Christian drama in worship services, for the most part. We were waiting for the opportunity to serve in that way, and when it didn’t come, we got frustrated—even with God. But we may have been learning a bigger lesson about serving. While we were waiting to serve, we were learning from how others were serving us. They served us by giving us hospitality; by giving us food (even one large, versatile bag of apples); by a colleague who shared her cooking gifts; and by a faith-supported missionary who himself sacrificed to give us just the money we needed. And the Lord, in His grace, even gave us the opportunity to serve—by performing for an audience of one, and witnessing about His love to a stranger who was “searching.”
There’s a wonderful Christian song you may have heard on the radio—“I’m waiting on You, Lord,” by John Waller. He sings, “I’m waiting on You, Lord, though it is painful, but patiently I will wait.” And in the chorus, he repeats, “I will serve You while I'm waiting. I will worship while I'm waiting.”
Since leaving Covenant Players, we’ve had the opportunity ourselves to serve by giving hospitality, by giving food, by giving money, by sharing our testimony—and even, occasionally, by doing Christian drama! But even when we may be waiting for God to do something in our lives, we try to keep this promise, and tell the Lord, “I will serve you while I’m waiting.”
~Peter & Kristin Sprigg
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Day 35: Blessed to be a Blessing
Take a moment to make a list of all the ways that God has blessed you (spiritually, financially, physically, relationally, etc.) Ready? Go.
Now think about this question: Why has God blessed you?
In Genesis 12:1-3, God blesses Abraham for a specific purpose.
“The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.’”
God blesses Abraham to be a blessing. Specifically, God blesses Abraham to be a blessing to all nations. David understood this and also sung his own version of “God Bless America”... or... uh Israel.
“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among nations.” Psalm 67:1-2
David knew that blessing from God is a means to an end. The end is God’s glory among all nations. When God blesses people, He never intends it to end with them.
Galatians 3:14 says, “He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.”
The blessing is the gospel. If the blessing had stopped with Abraham, you and I would not have received salvation by faith or the gift of the Holy Spirit.
To those who are blessed, God gives the responsibility to be a blessing to others. The hope of the gospel is that those who aren’t blessed will be blessed by the people who are. We have been given the ministry of reconciliation. We are the agents of the blessing of the gospel.
“For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’" Romans 10:12-15
As Americans, we have been blessed to be a blessing to all nations. What are we doing with this blessing? Are we using it to bless ourselves even more? Or are we extending this blessing to the nations? They can’t hear unless someone preaches. They can’t preach unless they are sent.
16,334 people groups occupy planet earth. 6,639 of them have little to no access to the gospel. An unsaved person has access to the gospel. These are your friends and neighbors. But billions have no access. They couldn’t hear about Jesus even if they wanted to. And yet we receive more blessings and “spiritual information” in a week than many people groups have experienced throughout the duration of their civilization. WE ARE SO BLESSED! But God never intended us to be blessed without extending that blessing. No, that would be too small of a thing for God to do.
“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6
You have been blessed to be a blessing to all nations. Don’t let the blessing stop with you. Don’t let the blessing stop here in your neighborhood, your state, even your country. Let it extend to the world. Our God is a global God with global purposes. The living God is a missionary God. Let’s not lose sight of the mission that God set before us in Genesis 12 and brings to completion in Revelation 7:9 (Read it!).
It is too small a thing for you to live your life and be content with God’s blessings. You are blessed to be a blessing. Fulfill the purpose for which you were created. Be a blessing…to all nations!
How can you be a blessing?
1. Go. Be a missionary.
2. Send. Support a missionary financially.
3. Pray. Pray for unreached peoples to hear the good news.
4. Welcome. Befriend internationals in your schools and communities.
~Jeff Simpson
Now think about this question: Why has God blessed you?
In Genesis 12:1-3, God blesses Abraham for a specific purpose.
“The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.’”
God blesses Abraham to be a blessing. Specifically, God blesses Abraham to be a blessing to all nations. David understood this and also sung his own version of “God Bless America”... or... uh Israel.
“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among nations.” Psalm 67:1-2
David knew that blessing from God is a means to an end. The end is God’s glory among all nations. When God blesses people, He never intends it to end with them.
Galatians 3:14 says, “He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.”
The blessing is the gospel. If the blessing had stopped with Abraham, you and I would not have received salvation by faith or the gift of the Holy Spirit.
To those who are blessed, God gives the responsibility to be a blessing to others. The hope of the gospel is that those who aren’t blessed will be blessed by the people who are. We have been given the ministry of reconciliation. We are the agents of the blessing of the gospel.
“For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’" Romans 10:12-15
As Americans, we have been blessed to be a blessing to all nations. What are we doing with this blessing? Are we using it to bless ourselves even more? Or are we extending this blessing to the nations? They can’t hear unless someone preaches. They can’t preach unless they are sent.
16,334 people groups occupy planet earth. 6,639 of them have little to no access to the gospel. An unsaved person has access to the gospel. These are your friends and neighbors. But billions have no access. They couldn’t hear about Jesus even if they wanted to. And yet we receive more blessings and “spiritual information” in a week than many people groups have experienced throughout the duration of their civilization. WE ARE SO BLESSED! But God never intended us to be blessed without extending that blessing. No, that would be too small of a thing for God to do.
“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6
You have been blessed to be a blessing to all nations. Don’t let the blessing stop with you. Don’t let the blessing stop here in your neighborhood, your state, even your country. Let it extend to the world. Our God is a global God with global purposes. The living God is a missionary God. Let’s not lose sight of the mission that God set before us in Genesis 12 and brings to completion in Revelation 7:9 (Read it!).
It is too small a thing for you to live your life and be content with God’s blessings. You are blessed to be a blessing. Fulfill the purpose for which you were created. Be a blessing…to all nations!
How can you be a blessing?
1. Go. Be a missionary.
2. Send. Support a missionary financially.
3. Pray. Pray for unreached peoples to hear the good news.
4. Welcome. Befriend internationals in your schools and communities.
~Jeff Simpson
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Day 34: Who Are the Least of These?
Matthew 25:40 “The king will reply, I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Over twenty years ago, I took my first dental mission to the highlands of Sierra Madre del Sol. Exhausted from interminable days of hard work, I plopped down on a cliff edge to rest and rejuvenate. The sun was just beginning to hide its head behind the soaring peaks; without natural light our primitive clinic had closed: no electricity. It did not matter; with the merciless heat, body aches, and lack of adequate resources I could not work another minute.
After days of treating impoverished villagers isolated from the modern world, I was ready to throw in the towel. Thankfully, there was a short break before dinner that night. Over-heated, discouraged, and frustrated I just wanted to be alone.
I can’t go on. And what difference does it make anyway? Am I really helping? My alone time was abruptly interrupted when a six or seven year old boy boldly sat down beside me. I gave him a cursory glance, but his eyes sparkled back as he smiled a crooked grin.
I remember him. Brave little guy; probably still numb. What’s his name? He had not fussed at all when his teeth were pulled, which was not unusual: all these folks were stoic. He began talking… in Chinentaco. I can sometimes follow a little Spanish but not the local dialect.
So much for quietly enjoying God’s majestic handiwork. He stood and reached out to take my hand. Reluctantly I followed suite, groaning to get up as my back cracked in protest. His tiny hand tugged on mine, and we began a tour of the terraced village. Huts were perched so close to the edge that they seemed to hover in midair. Pointing out things of interest, he laughed and talked nonstop. It was infectious. We strolled—I strolled, he skipped—from one glorious vista to another.
Getting into it, I told him how beautiful his village was. He giggled at the sound of my funny words: I could not help but laugh back. We were having a great time, jabbering away without knowing the words, yet somehow understanding each other.
That is when I looked more closely. His clothes were ragged and threadbare. No shoes. Just like all the other kids. There was a faded but nasty scar on his left cheek. He was clean and dirty at the same time – a fruitless attempt had been made at hygiene. I must have looked the same, having gone without a shower in over a week.
We approached a swinging bridge. I hate heights, and he laughed at my hesitation. That is where I took his picture. Looking through the viewfinder I realized he was about the same age as my son, Billy. My eyes watered… homesick, grateful, and sad, all at the same time. After crossing the chasm we went to meet his large family. They lived in a dingy, thatched-roof hut with a dirt floor. Before leaving, his mom insisted that I accept a hot tortilla, fresh from a stone oven – a small gift from a big heart.
That night the missionary projected the Jesus Film on a whitewashed, adobe wall. Most villagers had never seen electricity and were mesmerized by the moving pictures. But more than that, they were moved by the message; God loves us so much that He came to die as atonement for our sins and … He conquered death.
My little friend was among a number of people who came forward to accept Jesus as their Savior. Although the next day was just as hot, and there was the same endless line of people waiting for treatment, the workload somehow seemed lighter.
Several days later we left the village just before dawn. Riding a mule down the treacherous mountain trail, I turned for one last look, and there he was… a tiny figure standing in the mist, waving goodbye and smiling. That is all it took for me to be certain that God had called me to serve in this place and at this time.
Who are the least of these?
• Those who can’t pay the bills?
• People down on their luck?
• Folks lacking adequate shelter, food, or clothes?
• The drug addict, alcoholic, compulsive gambler, prisoner?
• People with little or no faith?
All of the above, and many more.
And where can they be found? Everywhere: next door and around the world. And lest we become complacent, peruse the end of the chapter:
Mathew 25:44-45 “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you? He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’”
Lord, I pray that I will always listen for your prompting and be ready to serve where You would have me.
~Jim Rhea
Over twenty years ago, I took my first dental mission to the highlands of Sierra Madre del Sol. Exhausted from interminable days of hard work, I plopped down on a cliff edge to rest and rejuvenate. The sun was just beginning to hide its head behind the soaring peaks; without natural light our primitive clinic had closed: no electricity. It did not matter; with the merciless heat, body aches, and lack of adequate resources I could not work another minute.
After days of treating impoverished villagers isolated from the modern world, I was ready to throw in the towel. Thankfully, there was a short break before dinner that night. Over-heated, discouraged, and frustrated I just wanted to be alone.
I can’t go on. And what difference does it make anyway? Am I really helping? My alone time was abruptly interrupted when a six or seven year old boy boldly sat down beside me. I gave him a cursory glance, but his eyes sparkled back as he smiled a crooked grin.
I remember him. Brave little guy; probably still numb. What’s his name? He had not fussed at all when his teeth were pulled, which was not unusual: all these folks were stoic. He began talking… in Chinentaco. I can sometimes follow a little Spanish but not the local dialect.
So much for quietly enjoying God’s majestic handiwork. He stood and reached out to take my hand. Reluctantly I followed suite, groaning to get up as my back cracked in protest. His tiny hand tugged on mine, and we began a tour of the terraced village. Huts were perched so close to the edge that they seemed to hover in midair. Pointing out things of interest, he laughed and talked nonstop. It was infectious. We strolled—I strolled, he skipped—from one glorious vista to another.
Getting into it, I told him how beautiful his village was. He giggled at the sound of my funny words: I could not help but laugh back. We were having a great time, jabbering away without knowing the words, yet somehow understanding each other.
That is when I looked more closely. His clothes were ragged and threadbare. No shoes. Just like all the other kids. There was a faded but nasty scar on his left cheek. He was clean and dirty at the same time – a fruitless attempt had been made at hygiene. I must have looked the same, having gone without a shower in over a week.
We approached a swinging bridge. I hate heights, and he laughed at my hesitation. That is where I took his picture. Looking through the viewfinder I realized he was about the same age as my son, Billy. My eyes watered… homesick, grateful, and sad, all at the same time. After crossing the chasm we went to meet his large family. They lived in a dingy, thatched-roof hut with a dirt floor. Before leaving, his mom insisted that I accept a hot tortilla, fresh from a stone oven – a small gift from a big heart.
That night the missionary projected the Jesus Film on a whitewashed, adobe wall. Most villagers had never seen electricity and were mesmerized by the moving pictures. But more than that, they were moved by the message; God loves us so much that He came to die as atonement for our sins and … He conquered death.
My little friend was among a number of people who came forward to accept Jesus as their Savior. Although the next day was just as hot, and there was the same endless line of people waiting for treatment, the workload somehow seemed lighter.
Several days later we left the village just before dawn. Riding a mule down the treacherous mountain trail, I turned for one last look, and there he was… a tiny figure standing in the mist, waving goodbye and smiling. That is all it took for me to be certain that God had called me to serve in this place and at this time.
Who are the least of these?
• Those who can’t pay the bills?
• People down on their luck?
• Folks lacking adequate shelter, food, or clothes?
• The drug addict, alcoholic, compulsive gambler, prisoner?
• People with little or no faith?
All of the above, and many more.
And where can they be found? Everywhere: next door and around the world. And lest we become complacent, peruse the end of the chapter:
Mathew 25:44-45 “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you? He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’”
Lord, I pray that I will always listen for your prompting and be ready to serve where You would have me.
~Jim Rhea
Day 33: He Equips the Called
God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called. How many times have you heard this one, or had someone quote Ephesians 10:2 to you? Usually it happens when someone is trying to convince you to “volunteer” to do something that you believe is not within your area of giftedness. We all know that we should only serve in those areas where God has gifted us, right?? Wrong!! Let me tell you how I learned that it is not impossible to serve effectively outside of the specific gifts God has given you IF you are willing to let Him put you in a place where you can learn how. I went to that place reluctantly, and God still blessed me in ways I could never have imagined.
About 22 years ago my family moved to Gaithersburg and began attending a small church close to our new home. We became very involved and were blessed to serve in several areas that were new to us, simply because the need was there and the numbers were few. At one point, my husband served as Sunday school director for both children and adults. One Sunday, when I had stayed home with a sick child, he returned with the sad news that the only teacher for the 1st – 3rd graders (no Child Protection policy in effect at that time!) had let him know that morning that he was going to have to stop teaching immediately because his wife had left him, and he did not feel that he should be teaching children under those circumstances. My husband had no idea who else could fill that spot on short notice because everyone who usually worked with children all ready had several jobs to do on Sunday mornings. Before he was even finished telling me about it, the words, “I can do it if Sherry (the 4th & 5th grade teacher) will show me how,” were out of my mouth. Where on earth did that come from? After all, I knew that my gifts are in the area of organization and administration, definitely not teaching children! While I loved my own children, I had never enjoyed my turn at “nursery duty” when they were preschoolers, and I had no idea how I would possibly survive an entire Sunday school hour with a group of elementary-aged kids. But once the words were out, I was committed. The very next Sunday I began observing a seasoned teacher, studying everything she did and said to keep the kids engaged and under control. With her patient guidance, it was not long before I was confidently and enthusiastically planning lessons and teaching with her, and we were soon back to having two children’s classes, with me as the teacher for the younger kids. Several years later the Lord led us to Greenridge, and within a few months I ended up back in a classroom, this time with a large group of energetic 1st and 2nd graders and my new friends, Mr. Don & Ms Linda.
The lesson here is this: yes, of course we should seek opportunities to serve in our areas of giftedness. But, with the Holy Spirit as our leader and someone to come along side as a mentor and guide, most of us can be taught how to serve outside these areas as well, and it can be an amazing, life-changing experience. To this day I still take what opportunities I have to learn how to work more effectively with children and, even though I still know that teaching children isn’t one of my primary gifts, I find that I am totally blessed every time I have a chance to be in a classroom filled with those little chairs.
~Sue Overbey
About 22 years ago my family moved to Gaithersburg and began attending a small church close to our new home. We became very involved and were blessed to serve in several areas that were new to us, simply because the need was there and the numbers were few. At one point, my husband served as Sunday school director for both children and adults. One Sunday, when I had stayed home with a sick child, he returned with the sad news that the only teacher for the 1st – 3rd graders (no Child Protection policy in effect at that time!) had let him know that morning that he was going to have to stop teaching immediately because his wife had left him, and he did not feel that he should be teaching children under those circumstances. My husband had no idea who else could fill that spot on short notice because everyone who usually worked with children all ready had several jobs to do on Sunday mornings. Before he was even finished telling me about it, the words, “I can do it if Sherry (the 4th & 5th grade teacher) will show me how,” were out of my mouth. Where on earth did that come from? After all, I knew that my gifts are in the area of organization and administration, definitely not teaching children! While I loved my own children, I had never enjoyed my turn at “nursery duty” when they were preschoolers, and I had no idea how I would possibly survive an entire Sunday school hour with a group of elementary-aged kids. But once the words were out, I was committed. The very next Sunday I began observing a seasoned teacher, studying everything she did and said to keep the kids engaged and under control. With her patient guidance, it was not long before I was confidently and enthusiastically planning lessons and teaching with her, and we were soon back to having two children’s classes, with me as the teacher for the younger kids. Several years later the Lord led us to Greenridge, and within a few months I ended up back in a classroom, this time with a large group of energetic 1st and 2nd graders and my new friends, Mr. Don & Ms Linda.
The lesson here is this: yes, of course we should seek opportunities to serve in our areas of giftedness. But, with the Holy Spirit as our leader and someone to come along side as a mentor and guide, most of us can be taught how to serve outside these areas as well, and it can be an amazing, life-changing experience. To this day I still take what opportunities I have to learn how to work more effectively with children and, even though I still know that teaching children isn’t one of my primary gifts, I find that I am totally blessed every time I have a chance to be in a classroom filled with those little chairs.
~Sue Overbey
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Day 32: Service vs. Spiritual Gift
“Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee . . .” 1 Tim. 4:14.
For us, Sunday always came early. In fact, Sunday began on Saturday evening around 6. As such, whatever social event we were at had to be over by 4pm, or we left (except in very rare cases) – because Sunday began at 6. How, you may ask? It was because 6pm was when we met at our termite-infested, carpet-less, wooden chapel half the size of any one of GBC’s modular buildings. We met for Sunday School prep classes, but more importantly to sweep, dust, clean, and set up for Sunday services. Everyone chipped in, from toddlers to seniors, and there was enough for everyone to do; after all, we were a congregation of just about 15 people. We were highly motivated and enjoyed every bit of it. We were led by our multi-tasking pastor who was preacher, drummer, choirmaster and, yes, co-janitor. When that pastor left, we had a fill-in pastor who once remarked that he, as pastor, could not be expected to join us in cleaning the chapel. He was quickly reminded that it was his Father’s House, and he had better join in!
Is cleaning churches a spiritual service, or is cleaning a spiritual gift? Let me share the thoughts of the Psalmist with you: “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the House of my God . . .” Psalm 84:10b. See also his plans for the Temple in 2 Sam. 7:1-3. There is also the colloquial saying that “cleanliness is next to Godliness.” I submit that cleaning is a service and a spiritual gift - whether in the Church, at home, helping others out, or as a part of the CARE Ministry. It is bearing (good) fruit and doing what our Lord would do. It could even extend to helping others clear out emotional or spiritual garbage from their lives. And, it is rewarding. The most rewarding job I have held in recent years was being a church custodian - a happy doorkeeper in God’s House!
Each of us is equipped with at least one gift by our Father: let us use such for His glory. Should you be unaware of your particular gift, there are people and resources that can help you discover and nurture gifts. May God bless you as you serve: Amen. Let me close with these words from our Lord: “I cannot but do the work of Him who sent Me”; “My Father works, so I work”; “The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life for many”; and, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”
~Ayo Durojaiye
For us, Sunday always came early. In fact, Sunday began on Saturday evening around 6. As such, whatever social event we were at had to be over by 4pm, or we left (except in very rare cases) – because Sunday began at 6. How, you may ask? It was because 6pm was when we met at our termite-infested, carpet-less, wooden chapel half the size of any one of GBC’s modular buildings. We met for Sunday School prep classes, but more importantly to sweep, dust, clean, and set up for Sunday services. Everyone chipped in, from toddlers to seniors, and there was enough for everyone to do; after all, we were a congregation of just about 15 people. We were highly motivated and enjoyed every bit of it. We were led by our multi-tasking pastor who was preacher, drummer, choirmaster and, yes, co-janitor. When that pastor left, we had a fill-in pastor who once remarked that he, as pastor, could not be expected to join us in cleaning the chapel. He was quickly reminded that it was his Father’s House, and he had better join in!
Is cleaning churches a spiritual service, or is cleaning a spiritual gift? Let me share the thoughts of the Psalmist with you: “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the House of my God . . .” Psalm 84:10b. See also his plans for the Temple in 2 Sam. 7:1-3. There is also the colloquial saying that “cleanliness is next to Godliness.” I submit that cleaning is a service and a spiritual gift - whether in the Church, at home, helping others out, or as a part of the CARE Ministry. It is bearing (good) fruit and doing what our Lord would do. It could even extend to helping others clear out emotional or spiritual garbage from their lives. And, it is rewarding. The most rewarding job I have held in recent years was being a church custodian - a happy doorkeeper in God’s House!
Each of us is equipped with at least one gift by our Father: let us use such for His glory. Should you be unaware of your particular gift, there are people and resources that can help you discover and nurture gifts. May God bless you as you serve: Amen. Let me close with these words from our Lord: “I cannot but do the work of Him who sent Me”; “My Father works, so I work”; “The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life for many”; and, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”
~Ayo Durojaiye
Day 31: Ability vs. Availability
“God uses our availability as much as our ability.” I heard this statement at church when I was a teenager. Back then it gave me confidence that if an opportunity presented itself to serve God in an area that I didn’t really feel “qualified” that He would use my availability, my willingness to be used, as much as or more than the ability I felt I possessed. As an adult, I realize that we now refer to that type of feeling as “God stretching us!”
Almost 18 months ago Mike and I began to pray about a College/Career Ministry at Greenridge. We personally felt this need because we had a child that was living at home and attending college locally. No longer a high school student and beginning the path to adulthood…Where did she “fit in” at church? We knew there had to be others that were in this same situation. We knew that there would be more each year as students graduated high school and moved from the vibrant high school ministry that Bill and Sarah provide. So, we began to pray and talk about what our role might be and what the ministry might look like. Was this where God wanted us to serve at Greenridge? After a couple of weeks of prayer and discussion, Pastor Tim’s sermon, one Sunday morning, spoke directly to us. As the close of the service came, Mike and I confirmed with each other that God was telling us to move forward in this area. Did we feel qualified? Did we have the ability? Not completely. However, we were parents who longed for college aged young adults to have a place at Greenridge. Neither of us have the “gift” of teaching, but we both knew how to welcome them, get to know them, encourage them in their walk with the Lord, and we would try not to sound like their parents…we were available. We went forward that Sunday morning and told Tim that the Lord was leading us down this path…we were not sure what shape the ministry would take, but we were available.
That was in the spring of 2008. We were amazed to learn that there were 81 young adults between the age of 18 and 25 in our church database! Wow! We began contacting them to share the opportunity available at Greenridge to connect with other believers their age. Through the months, the group has grown, and God continues to bring new faces our way. It is sort of a revolving door type of ministry since young adults are in 50 different directions. Our desire is to encourage them to stand strong for who they are in Christ whether they are in the community working, locally attending college or away at school and to help them stay connected with the body of Christ during these transition years. We have been truly blessed by knowing these amazing young adults and are excited to see some of them serving and moving into leadership roles here at Greenridge and on college campuses. In recent weeks God has brought Nick and Tia Ryan to our group as the Bible study discussion leaders. Their love for the Lord is obvious, and they really have a heart for college aged young adults...it will be exciting to see what God has in store for this group!
Is God speaking to you about serving in an area that you feel you lack ability? I love these two verses:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think; according to the power that works within us.” Ephesians 3:20
Trust Him…you will be amazed at how God meets you right where you are and uses you in ways you did not think possible.
Are you available?
~Mike and Nancy Creighton
Almost 18 months ago Mike and I began to pray about a College/Career Ministry at Greenridge. We personally felt this need because we had a child that was living at home and attending college locally. No longer a high school student and beginning the path to adulthood…Where did she “fit in” at church? We knew there had to be others that were in this same situation. We knew that there would be more each year as students graduated high school and moved from the vibrant high school ministry that Bill and Sarah provide. So, we began to pray and talk about what our role might be and what the ministry might look like. Was this where God wanted us to serve at Greenridge? After a couple of weeks of prayer and discussion, Pastor Tim’s sermon, one Sunday morning, spoke directly to us. As the close of the service came, Mike and I confirmed with each other that God was telling us to move forward in this area. Did we feel qualified? Did we have the ability? Not completely. However, we were parents who longed for college aged young adults to have a place at Greenridge. Neither of us have the “gift” of teaching, but we both knew how to welcome them, get to know them, encourage them in their walk with the Lord, and we would try not to sound like their parents…we were available. We went forward that Sunday morning and told Tim that the Lord was leading us down this path…we were not sure what shape the ministry would take, but we were available.
That was in the spring of 2008. We were amazed to learn that there were 81 young adults between the age of 18 and 25 in our church database! Wow! We began contacting them to share the opportunity available at Greenridge to connect with other believers their age. Through the months, the group has grown, and God continues to bring new faces our way. It is sort of a revolving door type of ministry since young adults are in 50 different directions. Our desire is to encourage them to stand strong for who they are in Christ whether they are in the community working, locally attending college or away at school and to help them stay connected with the body of Christ during these transition years. We have been truly blessed by knowing these amazing young adults and are excited to see some of them serving and moving into leadership roles here at Greenridge and on college campuses. In recent weeks God has brought Nick and Tia Ryan to our group as the Bible study discussion leaders. Their love for the Lord is obvious, and they really have a heart for college aged young adults...it will be exciting to see what God has in store for this group!
Is God speaking to you about serving in an area that you feel you lack ability? I love these two verses:
“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think; according to the power that works within us.” Ephesians 3:20
Trust Him…you will be amazed at how God meets you right where you are and uses you in ways you did not think possible.
Are you available?
~Mike and Nancy Creighton
Day 30: Why Do We Serve God?
The following devotion is written by another one of our student leaders in the youth group!
Serving God is not often an easy road. Serving God doesn't always mean doing what we want to do. It requires self-sacrifice and placing yourself in situations out of your comfort zone.
So why do we serve God? Why do we step out of our comfort zone? We do this because it is what God has commanded us to do. We serve God to show obedience to His commands. He has commanded us as Christians to deny our flesh and follow Him.
“Then Jesus called the crowd, along with his deciples, and said to them “If anyone wants to become my follower he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34
We cannot call Jesus “Lord” or “God” and not do what He commands.
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I say?” Luke 6:46
To call yourself a Christian and confess Jesus as Lord but not obey His commands, is to live as a hypocrite. You are saying one thing yet living another. You are calling him the Lord of your life, Almighty God, and Ruler over all, yet you are not doing what the Lord has commanded you to do.
“Instead you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will do this or that.’” James 4:15
God has called us to serve Him. Each of us does not serve God in the same way, but all of us are commanded to serve. Each of us has been called to serve God in a way that fits us best – whether it be teaching, preaching, being a missionary over seas, feeding the homeless, or helping a neighbor in need. There are endless ways to serve God, but in what way is he calling you to serve? What has God put in your path?
Serving God expresses your obedience to His commands. You just have to stop and find the way that God has commanded you to serve.
~James Bright
Serving God is not often an easy road. Serving God doesn't always mean doing what we want to do. It requires self-sacrifice and placing yourself in situations out of your comfort zone.
So why do we serve God? Why do we step out of our comfort zone? We do this because it is what God has commanded us to do. We serve God to show obedience to His commands. He has commanded us as Christians to deny our flesh and follow Him.
“Then Jesus called the crowd, along with his deciples, and said to them “If anyone wants to become my follower he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34
We cannot call Jesus “Lord” or “God” and not do what He commands.
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I say?” Luke 6:46
To call yourself a Christian and confess Jesus as Lord but not obey His commands, is to live as a hypocrite. You are saying one thing yet living another. You are calling him the Lord of your life, Almighty God, and Ruler over all, yet you are not doing what the Lord has commanded you to do.
“Instead you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will do this or that.’” James 4:15
God has called us to serve Him. Each of us does not serve God in the same way, but all of us are commanded to serve. Each of us has been called to serve God in a way that fits us best – whether it be teaching, preaching, being a missionary over seas, feeding the homeless, or helping a neighbor in need. There are endless ways to serve God, but in what way is he calling you to serve? What has God put in your path?
Serving God expresses your obedience to His commands. You just have to stop and find the way that God has commanded you to serve.
~James Bright
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