“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
Thursday, October 29, 2009
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
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Day 29: Serve and Be Served
My mule lost his footing and fell off a twenty-five foot cliff, plummeting to the jungle floor below. Falling in two different directions, I landed on a bolder. Multiple injuries threw me into shock. Near the Guatemalan border in Oaxaca, Mexico, our medical team had no cell or satellite phones to call for help. Our hopes for serving these people were dashed. The majority of our team turned back, facing another four-hour trek to seek help.
That February day, my husband Jim and young son Billy bore the brunt of the horror of my grave situation. Earlier that morning we hiked from one village to the next so Jim could provide dental treatment to villagers deep in the tropical forest. Instead he sat with me for hours, unable to control the bleeding from my head. My back sustained the impact of the fall as my skin color bled shades of black and purple. Praying without ceasing, Jim wondered how I would survive such severe internal injuries.
A tiny Christian community responded in full to our team’s summons for help. Arriving at our location later that afternoon, they cut balsa wood and vines with their machetes to construct a stretcher. Carrying me over river crossings and mountain switchbacks to their village located four hours away, the 95-degree heat was oppressive. When my stretcher bowed, they lowered me to the ground to tighten the vines. During those moments, they prayed in their native tongue for their own physical strength and pleaded with Jesus to sustain me during the long journey ahead.
Our team had stayed in their village the previous night, enjoying their hospitality. Yet the poverty made my heart ache. There was no electricity and no running water. Hauling water from the Usila River was an endless chore. Every minute was in preparation for the next. They provided the best of everything for our team. A rare commodity, generous portions of rice and chicken left no doubt that some would be hungry for days to come. Christians in this village lived under constant persecution from the chief, who apparently felt threatened by their newfound joy in Jesus Christ – yet the believers remained undeterred in their faith.
One month later, at home, bedridden and facing a bleak prognosis, I questioned why. Why did I go with Jim? My plan was to help, and I ended up being the one in need. My life was now forever changed, and I accomplished nothing. My identity as wife and mom ceased. I felt stripped of my dignity. Priding myself on being self-sufficient, the kindness of family, friends and strangers made me uncomfortable, for I couldn’t take care of my most personal needs. Had I not heard the Holy Spirit’s prompting me to join Jim? Were my motives all wrong? I questioned myself, not God. The pain was excruciating – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Narcotics didn’t work. At my lowest, a letter arrived from the missionary in Mexico. Her words provided a soothing balm and a sweet clarity over my brokenness.
“You must understand how God has used you in the most powerful way. Karen, when these people receive medical care from Jim and other American doctors, they’re left feeling grateful, but embarrassed; unable to ‘give back’ in any substantial way. We returned last week to the village and were able to tell them of your survival. Their tears of gratitude gave me the certainty that God used you in a mightier way than you could have ever dreamed possible. Jesus took your obedience in leaving the comforts of home and instead of having you serve these people, He allowed a village to serve you. His ways are not our ways. During the coming months, while dependant on others and you feel like Peter pleading, ‘No, Jesus, you shall never wash my feet.’ Remember that your tragic accident allowed these faithful few to tell the next generation about the day they rescued and saved the life of a woman whose husband cared for them.
John 13:5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples feet, drying them with a towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
~Karen Rhea
That February day, my husband Jim and young son Billy bore the brunt of the horror of my grave situation. Earlier that morning we hiked from one village to the next so Jim could provide dental treatment to villagers deep in the tropical forest. Instead he sat with me for hours, unable to control the bleeding from my head. My back sustained the impact of the fall as my skin color bled shades of black and purple. Praying without ceasing, Jim wondered how I would survive such severe internal injuries.
A tiny Christian community responded in full to our team’s summons for help. Arriving at our location later that afternoon, they cut balsa wood and vines with their machetes to construct a stretcher. Carrying me over river crossings and mountain switchbacks to their village located four hours away, the 95-degree heat was oppressive. When my stretcher bowed, they lowered me to the ground to tighten the vines. During those moments, they prayed in their native tongue for their own physical strength and pleaded with Jesus to sustain me during the long journey ahead.
Our team had stayed in their village the previous night, enjoying their hospitality. Yet the poverty made my heart ache. There was no electricity and no running water. Hauling water from the Usila River was an endless chore. Every minute was in preparation for the next. They provided the best of everything for our team. A rare commodity, generous portions of rice and chicken left no doubt that some would be hungry for days to come. Christians in this village lived under constant persecution from the chief, who apparently felt threatened by their newfound joy in Jesus Christ – yet the believers remained undeterred in their faith.
One month later, at home, bedridden and facing a bleak prognosis, I questioned why. Why did I go with Jim? My plan was to help, and I ended up being the one in need. My life was now forever changed, and I accomplished nothing. My identity as wife and mom ceased. I felt stripped of my dignity. Priding myself on being self-sufficient, the kindness of family, friends and strangers made me uncomfortable, for I couldn’t take care of my most personal needs. Had I not heard the Holy Spirit’s prompting me to join Jim? Were my motives all wrong? I questioned myself, not God. The pain was excruciating – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Narcotics didn’t work. At my lowest, a letter arrived from the missionary in Mexico. Her words provided a soothing balm and a sweet clarity over my brokenness.
“You must understand how God has used you in the most powerful way. Karen, when these people receive medical care from Jim and other American doctors, they’re left feeling grateful, but embarrassed; unable to ‘give back’ in any substantial way. We returned last week to the village and were able to tell them of your survival. Their tears of gratitude gave me the certainty that God used you in a mightier way than you could have ever dreamed possible. Jesus took your obedience in leaving the comforts of home and instead of having you serve these people, He allowed a village to serve you. His ways are not our ways. During the coming months, while dependant on others and you feel like Peter pleading, ‘No, Jesus, you shall never wash my feet.’ Remember that your tragic accident allowed these faithful few to tell the next generation about the day they rescued and saved the life of a woman whose husband cared for them.
God used you to restore dignity to Indians in a little village in Oaxaca, Mexico.”
John 13:5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples feet, drying them with a towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”
~Karen Rhea
Day 28: LOVE
“If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:3
Oh this stop light again! You know the one coming off of Father Hurley Boulevard and onto 355? I hope I get the green light and can just wiz by. Every time I see that lady standing in the median strip I get this award unsettling feeling. “Homeless, out of work with three kids.” Is that true? If I give her money she’ll probably just use it for drugs! Maybe she is just a con artist or something!
The judgmental statements continue to rush through my mind, in hopes that I can justify what I am about to do... NOTHING. I just turn up my “Christian” music, lock the door, avoid eye contact and hit the gas as soon as possible to move away from this akward situation. Hey, I don’t know her!
I have done this many times. No doubt I am wrestling with this. I saw the movie, The Soloist, the other day, and it seemed like what the homeless person needed most was a friend. Okay, I’ll try something different this time. I’ll just say, “Hi.”
I pull up my car closer to her and roll down the window, still feeling uneasy about the whole situation – but then our eyes connect. All of my judgments come to a halt. Her glassy eyes, the lines on her face... each detail about her looked like it had been worn down, like life had just chiseled away and taken from her whatever chunk or piece it wanted.
I ask, “How are you doing?” A glimmer of hope sparkles in her eyes. The cup in her hand is right away released to her side. Money is not even mentioned. She quickly begins to share with me some of her story. Turns out she was more eager for me to just listen than she was concerned about how much change I could scrounge up. To be treated like a person rather than an object was more valuable to her than any amount of money in my wallet. She needed (needs) what most of us want and have – a friend.
“How are you doing?” Those four simple words might have been the most import words of my day! Then the verse in 1 Corinthians 13:3 hits me again, “If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.”
Love... it is not about material possessions, though supplying practical needs may be a piece of the fruit of it. It is not about pride or even having the right words. It is about being – being there for someone... seeing and responding to a person... not pretending they are invisible. The world will do that, but not our Jesus! He did not ignore the prostitute, the tax collector, the sick, the poor, the rich, the pure at heart or the complicated. He simply rushed to LOVE them.
I need to work on this area of loving people. I need to rush to LOVE the people God places in my life, or simply in my path. How about you?
~Wendy Mindte
Oh this stop light again! You know the one coming off of Father Hurley Boulevard and onto 355? I hope I get the green light and can just wiz by. Every time I see that lady standing in the median strip I get this award unsettling feeling. “Homeless, out of work with three kids.” Is that true? If I give her money she’ll probably just use it for drugs! Maybe she is just a con artist or something!
The judgmental statements continue to rush through my mind, in hopes that I can justify what I am about to do... NOTHING. I just turn up my “Christian” music, lock the door, avoid eye contact and hit the gas as soon as possible to move away from this akward situation. Hey, I don’t know her!
I have done this many times. No doubt I am wrestling with this. I saw the movie, The Soloist, the other day, and it seemed like what the homeless person needed most was a friend. Okay, I’ll try something different this time. I’ll just say, “Hi.”
I pull up my car closer to her and roll down the window, still feeling uneasy about the whole situation – but then our eyes connect. All of my judgments come to a halt. Her glassy eyes, the lines on her face... each detail about her looked like it had been worn down, like life had just chiseled away and taken from her whatever chunk or piece it wanted.
I ask, “How are you doing?” A glimmer of hope sparkles in her eyes. The cup in her hand is right away released to her side. Money is not even mentioned. She quickly begins to share with me some of her story. Turns out she was more eager for me to just listen than she was concerned about how much change I could scrounge up. To be treated like a person rather than an object was more valuable to her than any amount of money in my wallet. She needed (needs) what most of us want and have – a friend.
“How are you doing?” Those four simple words might have been the most import words of my day! Then the verse in 1 Corinthians 13:3 hits me again, “If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.”
Love... it is not about material possessions, though supplying practical needs may be a piece of the fruit of it. It is not about pride or even having the right words. It is about being – being there for someone... seeing and responding to a person... not pretending they are invisible. The world will do that, but not our Jesus! He did not ignore the prostitute, the tax collector, the sick, the poor, the rich, the pure at heart or the complicated. He simply rushed to LOVE them.
I need to work on this area of loving people. I need to rush to LOVE the people God places in my life, or simply in my path. How about you?
~Wendy Mindte
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Day 27: Remain in Him
I am enjoying the wonderful daily devotionals offered by so many of our Greenridge folks, and I would encourage us all to definitely “not stop meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another” (Heb. 10:25) to keep on connecting via this medium. All of these readings about improving our connections with each other and with God have caused me to focus on the primary relational connection in my life... the only one that can never be broken.
“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, your were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession - to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14
How easy it is to forget that we are inextricably connected to God by His grace and through our faith in the finished work of Jesus our Savior on an old rugged cross at Calvary, many years ago. In Romans 8:16-17 Paul reminds us that “the Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” Isn’t it the most wonderful, powerful reassuring feeling to KNOW that we are IN CHRIST, the one who “is the same, yesterday, today, and forever”? (Heb. 13:8) Our destiny is assured, and “our hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Rom. 5: 5). Brothers and sisters, this is our Standing in Grace as believers and followers of Christ, and it just doesn’t get any better than that on this side of Heaven! Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Now back to Ephesians 1:11-12: “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory." If you still doubt that God has a plan for your life that will bring glory to His name, turn to Titus 2:11-14 and discover in verse 14 the dual purposes of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice on the cross on our behalf. Go ahead... it will only take a minute and will give you something powerful to think about today. Are you ready to serve him now?
Jesus said in John 15:5 that “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit: apart from me you can do nothing.” As an intentional follower of Jesus, I can tell you that in my life there are no more potent words of truth than these, because they compel me to compare my standing in grace with the state of my union with Christ.
The Greek word for remain is a primary verb with all of these meanings:
1) To stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
2) To abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry for
Staying connected to Jesus and remaining in Him, then, is an act of the will that flows from the heart and the mind. And in my life, this is where it begins to break down from time to time, and requires intentional repair work on my part.
So then, is it possible to be eternally connected to a loving and merciful Savior and at the same time not to be in a productive personal relationship with Him that is contributing positively to His Mission and to the particular plan he has in mind for my life? Unfortunately, I know all too well that it is.
As a boy, I was a curious, mischievous, and rebellious child, with a reputation that preceded me all the way through High School. I earned that reputation and I lived up to it. My father was absent much of the time, serving as a Chief Engineer aboard ship in the US Merchant Marines, and there came a time in my High School years that he told me my behavior must improve or I would have to leave home. Because I did not improve, there came a day when he told me that upon graduation from High School I must leave home, and I did. So at age 17, I could no longer go “home,” and my fellowship with my immediate family was severed for a time. However, at no time during that separation did I cease to be my father’s son, and in time that fellowship returned and grew richer and deeper as my behavior changed. Many years later, Daddy spent his last years in my home as Alzheimer’s dementia slowly sapped his mental capacities. He died as my hero, and it is difficult to describe the depth and magnitude of my love for him.
And so it is with our personal relationship with Jesus. Someone once said “if you are feeling distant from God, who do you think moved?” For me the answer is clear; it is always me who has distanced myself from God. I am grateful every day that he won’t let me wander too far, because I belong to him. I have also learned that it takes intentional effort on my part to maintain a good working relationship with the Lord Jesus whom I want to serve and honor with my life, and the examples of faithful discipleship I am privileged to witness among the people at Greenridge are a constant encouragement to me to lay down my agenda and strive to be faithful to the mission to which Jesus has called me for His glory.
To the Phillipian church, Paul offered this instruction: “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed….not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence….continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Phil: 2:12). Let’s all take time to thank the Living God for His intervention and His purpose in our lives today.
And for the Thessalonian church, Paul offered this prayer: “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. Friends, I believe with all of my heart that because “my hope is based on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness” that He will indeed do that. Do you?
~George Brown
“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, your were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession - to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14
How easy it is to forget that we are inextricably connected to God by His grace and through our faith in the finished work of Jesus our Savior on an old rugged cross at Calvary, many years ago. In Romans 8:16-17 Paul reminds us that “the Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” Isn’t it the most wonderful, powerful reassuring feeling to KNOW that we are IN CHRIST, the one who “is the same, yesterday, today, and forever”? (Heb. 13:8) Our destiny is assured, and “our hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Rom. 5: 5). Brothers and sisters, this is our Standing in Grace as believers and followers of Christ, and it just doesn’t get any better than that on this side of Heaven! Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Now back to Ephesians 1:11-12: “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory." If you still doubt that God has a plan for your life that will bring glory to His name, turn to Titus 2:11-14 and discover in verse 14 the dual purposes of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice on the cross on our behalf. Go ahead... it will only take a minute and will give you something powerful to think about today. Are you ready to serve him now?
Jesus said in John 15:5 that “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit: apart from me you can do nothing.” As an intentional follower of Jesus, I can tell you that in my life there are no more potent words of truth than these, because they compel me to compare my standing in grace with the state of my union with Christ.
The Greek word for remain is a primary verb with all of these meanings:
1) To stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
2) To abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry for
Staying connected to Jesus and remaining in Him, then, is an act of the will that flows from the heart and the mind. And in my life, this is where it begins to break down from time to time, and requires intentional repair work on my part.
So then, is it possible to be eternally connected to a loving and merciful Savior and at the same time not to be in a productive personal relationship with Him that is contributing positively to His Mission and to the particular plan he has in mind for my life? Unfortunately, I know all too well that it is.
As a boy, I was a curious, mischievous, and rebellious child, with a reputation that preceded me all the way through High School. I earned that reputation and I lived up to it. My father was absent much of the time, serving as a Chief Engineer aboard ship in the US Merchant Marines, and there came a time in my High School years that he told me my behavior must improve or I would have to leave home. Because I did not improve, there came a day when he told me that upon graduation from High School I must leave home, and I did. So at age 17, I could no longer go “home,” and my fellowship with my immediate family was severed for a time. However, at no time during that separation did I cease to be my father’s son, and in time that fellowship returned and grew richer and deeper as my behavior changed. Many years later, Daddy spent his last years in my home as Alzheimer’s dementia slowly sapped his mental capacities. He died as my hero, and it is difficult to describe the depth and magnitude of my love for him.
And so it is with our personal relationship with Jesus. Someone once said “if you are feeling distant from God, who do you think moved?” For me the answer is clear; it is always me who has distanced myself from God. I am grateful every day that he won’t let me wander too far, because I belong to him. I have also learned that it takes intentional effort on my part to maintain a good working relationship with the Lord Jesus whom I want to serve and honor with my life, and the examples of faithful discipleship I am privileged to witness among the people at Greenridge are a constant encouragement to me to lay down my agenda and strive to be faithful to the mission to which Jesus has called me for His glory.
To the Phillipian church, Paul offered this instruction: “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed….not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence….continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Phil: 2:12). Let’s all take time to thank the Living God for His intervention and His purpose in our lives today.
And for the Thessalonian church, Paul offered this prayer: “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. Friends, I believe with all of my heart that because “my hope is based on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness” that He will indeed do that. Do you?
~George Brown
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Day 26: Just Follow
Does God call each one of us to commit to reach the world? Surely God didn’t mean me….Or did He?
Let me share briefly with you about a journey God took me on that started about a year ago. I can remember the moment I felt the tug of God at my heart…I left the church service, walked up to Jim and Ralph, and discussed briefly the possibility of joining them on the next Mission trip to the Amazon River Basin. Before I walked away with the information folder that they had given me, I remember Jim saying, “Oh you’re taking the folder! That means you’re definitely going. God will work out the details.” I thought to myself, “Really, these guys do not realize the details that would have to be worked out for me to go.” But I took the folder home and began praying and asking for God if this was a place He wanted me to serve. I had to admit, the thought of traveling to Brazil to bring medical care to the needy and the good news of God’s love to all certainly sounded like a “no brainer” – those are things that I love to do. But after thinking about all of the details…the MONEY, leaving my FAMILY, my DIABETES… I gradually put aside the folder and figured it just was not the right time for me to go… that God must not be calling me. That was in September/October 2008.
But God did not let me “off the hook” that easily. In December, the Director of FCA spoke here at GBC. He talked about sharing God’s love with others, specifically around the world. But the part I remember the most is when he said, “What is it that is keeping you from obeying God’s call?” During that service I felt the undeniable voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to my heart. I did not question it at all. I knew without a doubt that God was calling me to commit to reach the world. And so I did. I was reassured by fellow brothers and sisters in Christ that God would provide everything I needed to make this happen.
And provide He did!!! The money, the time off work, the support of my family and the courage to follow where He was leading me – on a trip far away, with a group of people I barely knew, to share His love with people that did not even speak the same language. And then He did what He loves to do… He blessed me beyond measure! My relationship with God grew as I trusted God with my family (He loves them more than I do!) and as I trusted Him as the Great Physician (He kept my diabetes in perfect control!). I grew as I connected with the team and developed new friendships. My faith grew as I saw God answer prayers on my behalf. I grew as God gave me a special love for others around the world. And I grew deeper in love with my Father, my Savior, my Friend.
Yes friend, God calls each one of us to commit to reach the world (Matthew 28:16-20). Maybe He is calling you to physically go, or to give of your treasures to send someone else, or partner in prayer for those who are going. However God leads – just follow. You will be forever changed!
~Candi Melott
Let me share briefly with you about a journey God took me on that started about a year ago. I can remember the moment I felt the tug of God at my heart…I left the church service, walked up to Jim and Ralph, and discussed briefly the possibility of joining them on the next Mission trip to the Amazon River Basin. Before I walked away with the information folder that they had given me, I remember Jim saying, “Oh you’re taking the folder! That means you’re definitely going. God will work out the details.” I thought to myself, “Really, these guys do not realize the details that would have to be worked out for me to go.” But I took the folder home and began praying and asking for God if this was a place He wanted me to serve. I had to admit, the thought of traveling to Brazil to bring medical care to the needy and the good news of God’s love to all certainly sounded like a “no brainer” – those are things that I love to do. But after thinking about all of the details…the MONEY, leaving my FAMILY, my DIABETES… I gradually put aside the folder and figured it just was not the right time for me to go… that God must not be calling me. That was in September/October 2008.
But God did not let me “off the hook” that easily. In December, the Director of FCA spoke here at GBC. He talked about sharing God’s love with others, specifically around the world. But the part I remember the most is when he said, “What is it that is keeping you from obeying God’s call?” During that service I felt the undeniable voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to my heart. I did not question it at all. I knew without a doubt that God was calling me to commit to reach the world. And so I did. I was reassured by fellow brothers and sisters in Christ that God would provide everything I needed to make this happen.
And provide He did!!! The money, the time off work, the support of my family and the courage to follow where He was leading me – on a trip far away, with a group of people I barely knew, to share His love with people that did not even speak the same language. And then He did what He loves to do… He blessed me beyond measure! My relationship with God grew as I trusted God with my family (He loves them more than I do!) and as I trusted Him as the Great Physician (He kept my diabetes in perfect control!). I grew as I connected with the team and developed new friendships. My faith grew as I saw God answer prayers on my behalf. I grew as God gave me a special love for others around the world. And I grew deeper in love with my Father, my Savior, my Friend.
Yes friend, God calls each one of us to commit to reach the world (Matthew 28:16-20). Maybe He is calling you to physically go, or to give of your treasures to send someone else, or partner in prayer for those who are going. However God leads – just follow. You will be forever changed!
~Candi Melott
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Day 25: God Will Supply All Your Needs
In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul encourages his readers to be generous in their giving because it will result in thanksgiving to God and men will praise Him for the obedience that accompanies their confession of the gospel of Christ.
Read Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 9:11-15 (NIV) - “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”
Before turning my life over to Christ, I remember that my giving was from what was left after paying the bills for the month, or limited by my thought that the leadership was not making the choices I would make for the use of the money. After I came to understand that my life and my money are not mine but belong to the Lord, I started giving to Him first, without conditions, and paying bills next. I suspect, like me, that many folks did not grow up in a home that taught tithing, and as a result did not develop an understanding of what blessings come from giving with a cheerful heart. I also did not develop a trust early in life that God would meet all of our needs if we first trusted him.
Tithing is basically an Old Testament guideline. As I have learned as I grow in my knowledge of Him, God does not need “my” money – He needs my heart. If you are unsure whether you can make ends meet by returning a small portion (10%) to the Lord’s work first, then I suggest starting by cheerfully giving 3-4%. Watch Him supply all your needs as you gradually increase your giving to the Old Testament guideline. More importantly, remember that whatever you decide to give will result in praise and thanksgiving to God.
~Gerry Schrader
Read Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 9:11-15 (NIV) - “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”
Before turning my life over to Christ, I remember that my giving was from what was left after paying the bills for the month, or limited by my thought that the leadership was not making the choices I would make for the use of the money. After I came to understand that my life and my money are not mine but belong to the Lord, I started giving to Him first, without conditions, and paying bills next. I suspect, like me, that many folks did not grow up in a home that taught tithing, and as a result did not develop an understanding of what blessings come from giving with a cheerful heart. I also did not develop a trust early in life that God would meet all of our needs if we first trusted him.
Tithing is basically an Old Testament guideline. As I have learned as I grow in my knowledge of Him, God does not need “my” money – He needs my heart. If you are unsure whether you can make ends meet by returning a small portion (10%) to the Lord’s work first, then I suggest starting by cheerfully giving 3-4%. Watch Him supply all your needs as you gradually increase your giving to the Old Testament guideline. More importantly, remember that whatever you decide to give will result in praise and thanksgiving to God.
~Gerry Schrader
Friday, October 23, 2009
Day 24: Talk to Him
Praying daily has been an interesting, exciting, and at times a difficult experience. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior in 1981. I knew nothing of personal prayer and learned little about it for several years. A little over 20 years ago I wanted to know more about what the Bible said than I was getting at church once a week, and so I began a daily journey of reading the Bible that continues today. I am not sure when I began praying daily, but I know my decision was influenced by the Holy Spirit and by my Bible reading. No specific verse or story.
I began clumsily, with short prayers of only a couple of minutes. I am an introvert by nature and starting a conversation with someone I do not know very well is always difficult. The Creator of Heaven and Earth was no exception. In time though, I began to notice that my time in prayers was getting longer, the conversation was getting deeper, the questions were more probing.
I began to notice changes in me that were both exciting and a little scary. Scary, because I recognized that my world view was changing; at the time, I had not realized it needed changing. God knew, and that was exciting. As He continued His work of molding and shaping me, I began seeking Him more.
Praying daily has its up and downs; sometimes I am just going through the motions, or there are life changes that interrupt my schedule (Deni described this dilemma so well in an earlier devotion). Sometimes I am distracted or just not listening (my wife would affirm this). But I have learned that God is always present, and He always hears. He may be silent for a while, but He always hears. I appreciate that about Him.
One of my favorite inspirations for prayer comes from an unusual character in the Bible - not someone we look to very often. Nehemiah was neither a king nor a priest. He was more of a common man, who rose to be a cup bearer to a Persian king, and as such became a confidant to the king, who appointed him as Governor over Jerusalem and Judah at a crucial time in the history of that city, because he was a man of integrity. His integrity was grounded in his relationship with God. Nehemiah never says he prayed daily, but as I looked at how he prayed (Neh. 1:5-11) and when he prayed (Neh. 2:4, 6:9), it is clear he had an on going relationship with God; the kind of relationship that is built on regular, daily prayer.
There is much about prayer in the Bible and many prayers to look to for a road map or beginning point. But God really is not looking for model prayers from us. He is just waiting for us to be willing to talk to Him.
~Dick Tatton
I began clumsily, with short prayers of only a couple of minutes. I am an introvert by nature and starting a conversation with someone I do not know very well is always difficult. The Creator of Heaven and Earth was no exception. In time though, I began to notice that my time in prayers was getting longer, the conversation was getting deeper, the questions were more probing.
I began to notice changes in me that were both exciting and a little scary. Scary, because I recognized that my world view was changing; at the time, I had not realized it needed changing. God knew, and that was exciting. As He continued His work of molding and shaping me, I began seeking Him more.
Praying daily has its up and downs; sometimes I am just going through the motions, or there are life changes that interrupt my schedule (Deni described this dilemma so well in an earlier devotion). Sometimes I am distracted or just not listening (my wife would affirm this). But I have learned that God is always present, and He always hears. He may be silent for a while, but He always hears. I appreciate that about Him.
One of my favorite inspirations for prayer comes from an unusual character in the Bible - not someone we look to very often. Nehemiah was neither a king nor a priest. He was more of a common man, who rose to be a cup bearer to a Persian king, and as such became a confidant to the king, who appointed him as Governor over Jerusalem and Judah at a crucial time in the history of that city, because he was a man of integrity. His integrity was grounded in his relationship with God. Nehemiah never says he prayed daily, but as I looked at how he prayed (Neh. 1:5-11) and when he prayed (Neh. 2:4, 6:9), it is clear he had an on going relationship with God; the kind of relationship that is built on regular, daily prayer.
There is much about prayer in the Bible and many prayers to look to for a road map or beginning point. But God really is not looking for model prayers from us. He is just waiting for us to be willing to talk to Him.
~Dick Tatton
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Day 23: Are You Ready for the War?
This devotional is the first of two written by students from our GBC 412 Student Ministry.
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'" Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" Again the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give to you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" Then the devil left him, and the angels came and attended him. Matthew 4:1-11
In my 17 years of life I have lived two very different lives. The first 16 years of my life, I was defeated by sin. I gave into sin and did what ever Satan wanted me or tempted me to do. If I was in Jesus' place in the passage I would have crumbled and given in. I did not know how to fight back, and frankly, I did not want to. But about a year ago something changed. While at a youth conference in Ocean City, I was broken before God and refused to lose another battle to sin. Now I face sin every day, but with God by my side, I defeat it.
As I grew stronger in Christ the temptations continued to grow, as well. These temptations were very nice things and fun stuff. Jesus was tempted with all the kingdoms of the world (verses 8-9), but He turned to the Word to counter the temptation. I try to go back to the Word but I am not that familiar with the Bible to come up with a Biblical counter for everything. I get a lot of my "weapons" from the music I listen to. Bill and Sarah Rodriguez got me hooked to a group of guys who are Christian rappers. The things they say in their music, spiritual and based on Scripture, became my "weapons" when faced with temptation, along with prayer and reading the Bible. It does not matter what you use as a spiritual "weapon," the point is that you have one to fight back with.
We will be faced with sin every day of our lives. It is unavoidable, but if we look to God for guidance, if we read the Bible, if we pray, if we surround ourselves with Christian friends, than we have already won the first battle. Satan is going to find every way he can to make sure we do not do these things. Every morning I wake up and read my Bible. But some mornings all I want to do is just go back to bed. But I fight and open my eyes and read. I do not allow Satan to control me.
The second battle is we need to act. Prayer, the Bible, and God will give us the answers, but we need to act on them. Jesus acted. Verses 4, 7, and 10 say that Jesus turned to the Word. He repeatedly says, "It is written..." Jesus chose a "weapon" and used it to defeat sin. Whether we turn to the Word, turn to music, or just run away we need to act. We cannot allow sin to persist. We need to stop the temptations, stop the lies, stop the ridicule, stop the sexual sin, stop the evil thoughts. We need to have a victory over sin.
Sin is all around us. It is in every store we enter. It is at every school we attend. It is on every street we drive. Sin is everywhere. The hardest thing we will ever have to do in this world is to defeat sin. The best weapon we have against sin is our faith. Constantly praying and reading the Bible is the best way to prepare ourselves for the on-coming battle, but we have to act. We have to make the choices. Reading and praying can help our decision making. It can give us the answers, but we make the decision of whether to sin or not. We need to defeat sin, and if we do we will grow closer to God and grow stronger in our faith. So I ask you… Are you ready for the war?
~Tim Minnick
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'" Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" Again the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give to you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" Then the devil left him, and the angels came and attended him. Matthew 4:1-11
In my 17 years of life I have lived two very different lives. The first 16 years of my life, I was defeated by sin. I gave into sin and did what ever Satan wanted me or tempted me to do. If I was in Jesus' place in the passage I would have crumbled and given in. I did not know how to fight back, and frankly, I did not want to. But about a year ago something changed. While at a youth conference in Ocean City, I was broken before God and refused to lose another battle to sin. Now I face sin every day, but with God by my side, I defeat it.
As I grew stronger in Christ the temptations continued to grow, as well. These temptations were very nice things and fun stuff. Jesus was tempted with all the kingdoms of the world (verses 8-9), but He turned to the Word to counter the temptation. I try to go back to the Word but I am not that familiar with the Bible to come up with a Biblical counter for everything. I get a lot of my "weapons" from the music I listen to. Bill and Sarah Rodriguez got me hooked to a group of guys who are Christian rappers. The things they say in their music, spiritual and based on Scripture, became my "weapons" when faced with temptation, along with prayer and reading the Bible. It does not matter what you use as a spiritual "weapon," the point is that you have one to fight back with.
We will be faced with sin every day of our lives. It is unavoidable, but if we look to God for guidance, if we read the Bible, if we pray, if we surround ourselves with Christian friends, than we have already won the first battle. Satan is going to find every way he can to make sure we do not do these things. Every morning I wake up and read my Bible. But some mornings all I want to do is just go back to bed. But I fight and open my eyes and read. I do not allow Satan to control me.
The second battle is we need to act. Prayer, the Bible, and God will give us the answers, but we need to act on them. Jesus acted. Verses 4, 7, and 10 say that Jesus turned to the Word. He repeatedly says, "It is written..." Jesus chose a "weapon" and used it to defeat sin. Whether we turn to the Word, turn to music, or just run away we need to act. We cannot allow sin to persist. We need to stop the temptations, stop the lies, stop the ridicule, stop the sexual sin, stop the evil thoughts. We need to have a victory over sin.
Sin is all around us. It is in every store we enter. It is at every school we attend. It is on every street we drive. Sin is everywhere. The hardest thing we will ever have to do in this world is to defeat sin. The best weapon we have against sin is our faith. Constantly praying and reading the Bible is the best way to prepare ourselves for the on-coming battle, but we have to act. We have to make the choices. Reading and praying can help our decision making. It can give us the answers, but we make the decision of whether to sin or not. We need to defeat sin, and if we do we will grow closer to God and grow stronger in our faith. So I ask you… Are you ready for the war?
~Tim Minnick
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Day 22: "Seek Peace and Prosperity"
“Why care? The world is sinking into a swamp of sin and decay. People and cultures are choosing death over life. Sexual sin is rampant. Children are treated as punishment not gifts. Why shouldn’t the church give up? Why not retreat to little enclaves where we will await the return of Christ?”
In the early sixth century BC, many Jews had been carried off into captivity by Babylon. They longed for a return to their home in Jerusalem. Some people, calling themselves prophets, were saying that a return was imminent. God laid upon his servant Jeremiah the responsibility of sending a letter to those in exile to tell them the truth. There would be no delivery for seventy years [v.10]. But God had more than a message of waiting.
Jeremiah 29:4-7 4 This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 "Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper."
As Christians, our true citizenship is in heaven; our true home is with the Lord. But until the Lord calls us home, or comes for His church, we are here, in exile. It is an interesting point that the seventy years mentioned in Jeremiah’s letter is the same length of time Psalm 90:10 gives for a man’s life – three score and ten. What should we do with our lifetime in exile? Isn’t it likely that we should do what the earlier exiles were charged to do? To get on with the affairs of life – to marry and see our sons and daughters married. To build and grow – to increase, not decrease. To seek the peace and prosperity of this land where God has placed us; surely that should be our goal as well.
To seek the peace and prosperity of America, we must engage with life – not hide from it. It is as we go about such engagement that we intersect the lives of our neighbors and co-workers, customers and clients, teachers and students. In each and every one of these relations we have the chance to further the peace and prosperity of the land in which God has placed us. For it isn’t just a matter of material peace and prosperity. It’s also a matter of truth spoken amidst a cacophony of lies. Of piercing light in a world veiled in the shadows of the enemy. Surely this is our charge, one we cannot fulfill by hiding in some sought after obscurity, vainly hoping that the wicked world will pass by our door.
We must seek the peace and prosperity of our land boldly and openly, not because we are great, but because He is. Not because we are better than those around us, but because we know who we are – sinners saved by grace. And finally, we must pray for this land, for as it prospers, so will we. And when our days here are complete, we may hope that the same promise will apply to us, namely:
10 This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. 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.”
Our hope is in the Lord, and our future home is with Him. We await the fulfillment of His promise, but we must not wait idly. We must seek the peace and prosperity of our temporary home.
~Randall Hill
In the early sixth century BC, many Jews had been carried off into captivity by Babylon. They longed for a return to their home in Jerusalem. Some people, calling themselves prophets, were saying that a return was imminent. God laid upon his servant Jeremiah the responsibility of sending a letter to those in exile to tell them the truth. There would be no delivery for seventy years [v.10]. But God had more than a message of waiting.
Jeremiah 29:4-7 4 This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 "Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper."
As Christians, our true citizenship is in heaven; our true home is with the Lord. But until the Lord calls us home, or comes for His church, we are here, in exile. It is an interesting point that the seventy years mentioned in Jeremiah’s letter is the same length of time Psalm 90:10 gives for a man’s life – three score and ten. What should we do with our lifetime in exile? Isn’t it likely that we should do what the earlier exiles were charged to do? To get on with the affairs of life – to marry and see our sons and daughters married. To build and grow – to increase, not decrease. To seek the peace and prosperity of this land where God has placed us; surely that should be our goal as well.
To seek the peace and prosperity of America, we must engage with life – not hide from it. It is as we go about such engagement that we intersect the lives of our neighbors and co-workers, customers and clients, teachers and students. In each and every one of these relations we have the chance to further the peace and prosperity of the land in which God has placed us. For it isn’t just a matter of material peace and prosperity. It’s also a matter of truth spoken amidst a cacophony of lies. Of piercing light in a world veiled in the shadows of the enemy. Surely this is our charge, one we cannot fulfill by hiding in some sought after obscurity, vainly hoping that the wicked world will pass by our door.
We must seek the peace and prosperity of our land boldly and openly, not because we are great, but because He is. Not because we are better than those around us, but because we know who we are – sinners saved by grace. And finally, we must pray for this land, for as it prospers, so will we. And when our days here are complete, we may hope that the same promise will apply to us, namely:
10 This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. 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.”
Our hope is in the Lord, and our future home is with Him. We await the fulfillment of His promise, but we must not wait idly. We must seek the peace and prosperity of our temporary home.
~Randall Hill
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Day 21: Morality vs. Holiness
Which, as a Christian, ought we to seek first—morality or holiness? Holiness, of course, but what is the difference?
Morality requires us to live by a set of rules or to aim for specific virtues. The problem of morality is that it depends on time, culture, and location. The morals of Republican Rome differ markedly from those of Victorian England, which in turn contrast with morality in twenty-first century Maryland. Even if morality were consistent, being a moral person who follows rules is not what distinguishes a believer from a non-believer. The rich young man of Matthew 19 illustrates this fact clearly when he admits that, although he lives by ideal morals, he cannot join the band of believers who follow Christ.
What, then, is holiness, and why must we seek it? Many know that this word implies being “set apart” from non-believers but struggle to apply this concept to their Christian walks. “Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy” is the Lord's command in Leviticus 19:2 to his chosen people, who are to set themselves apart from surrounding pagan people groups. Like the Israelites, we believers in Christ are called to holiness (cf. I Peter 1:15-16). In seeking holiness, we seek to reflect the divine in all parts of our lives. Pursuing holiness sets us apart as believers in Christ.
If you read Leviticus 19, you will notice that the chapter is a set of rules for Israel; it is a guide to morality for that chosen people. Notice, however, that the list of morals is prefaced by this call to holiness. A life devoted to the pursuit of holiness yields adherence to scriptural morality. As the second verse of William D. Longstaff's hymn says, “Take time to be holy, / The world rushes on; / spend much time in secret with Jesus alone: / By looking to Jesus / Like Him thou shalt be; / Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.” Stop aiming for morality and take time to be holy this week.
~Elease Layman
Morality requires us to live by a set of rules or to aim for specific virtues. The problem of morality is that it depends on time, culture, and location. The morals of Republican Rome differ markedly from those of Victorian England, which in turn contrast with morality in twenty-first century Maryland. Even if morality were consistent, being a moral person who follows rules is not what distinguishes a believer from a non-believer. The rich young man of Matthew 19 illustrates this fact clearly when he admits that, although he lives by ideal morals, he cannot join the band of believers who follow Christ.
What, then, is holiness, and why must we seek it? Many know that this word implies being “set apart” from non-believers but struggle to apply this concept to their Christian walks. “Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy” is the Lord's command in Leviticus 19:2 to his chosen people, who are to set themselves apart from surrounding pagan people groups. Like the Israelites, we believers in Christ are called to holiness (cf. I Peter 1:15-16). In seeking holiness, we seek to reflect the divine in all parts of our lives. Pursuing holiness sets us apart as believers in Christ.
If you read Leviticus 19, you will notice that the chapter is a set of rules for Israel; it is a guide to morality for that chosen people. Notice, however, that the list of morals is prefaced by this call to holiness. A life devoted to the pursuit of holiness yields adherence to scriptural morality. As the second verse of William D. Longstaff's hymn says, “Take time to be holy, / The world rushes on; / spend much time in secret with Jesus alone: / By looking to Jesus / Like Him thou shalt be; / Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.” Stop aiming for morality and take time to be holy this week.
~Elease Layman
Day 20: He's Been Faithful
“But this I say, He who soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he who soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Everyman according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (KJV)
The worst culture shock I ever experienced was not when my family and I moved to Austria, Germany, or Japan. It was when we moved from rural Pennsylvania to Northern Virginia. My husband Rick had just gotten a job with the federal government. Our biggest shock was how expensive everything was in this area compared to what we had been used to. At that time, one paycheck a month paid our rent, and we struggled to live off the other. Also, I was a brand new stay-at-home mom with a 3 month old, and I was not bringing in any income.
Having faithfully given to our church our 10% tithe up to that point, we soon decided that we needed that money more than God did and stopped. The ironic thing was we did not have any more money than we did before. It took us 6 months to realize that this was not going to work the way we had hoped. We were beginning to see that maybe we should start trusting God for our needs, so we once again began to tithe.
It was at this point that God showed Himself faithful to us. Not long after this we received some money from a tax refund. At the same time, our church was asking the congregation to donate to a new organ. We decided to give to that fund. Two months later God led us to a house here in Montgomery County for first time homebuyers – just when we were looking to buy. God provided for our needs in a way we never expected. That was the beginning of an incredible journey for my family that has continued to this day.
Please understand, I am not saying that if you give to the church/God you will have that wish list supplied. But in our life, I have seen God provide college tuition when there was none. I have seen God provide when bills came in so that we always paid in full and on time. I have also seen God provide health and protection for my family. He has done many of these things in unusual ways such as overseas tours for us as a family and for Rick individually in Afghanistan. I am no theologian, but it seems to me that there is a correlation here.
God has always been faithful toward us as we have been faithful in our giving. We never won the lottery or received a million dollars out of the blue. However, God has always been there and provided for us. This I know because this is what I have seen in my life.
If you are not tithing because you think (like we did) that you cannot afford it or you need the extra money, I challenge you to begin and see what God will do. I am sure it will be exciting, as well as a blessing for you as it has been for us. Thanks be to God.
~Jeanne Minnick
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (KJV)
The worst culture shock I ever experienced was not when my family and I moved to Austria, Germany, or Japan. It was when we moved from rural Pennsylvania to Northern Virginia. My husband Rick had just gotten a job with the federal government. Our biggest shock was how expensive everything was in this area compared to what we had been used to. At that time, one paycheck a month paid our rent, and we struggled to live off the other. Also, I was a brand new stay-at-home mom with a 3 month old, and I was not bringing in any income.
Having faithfully given to our church our 10% tithe up to that point, we soon decided that we needed that money more than God did and stopped. The ironic thing was we did not have any more money than we did before. It took us 6 months to realize that this was not going to work the way we had hoped. We were beginning to see that maybe we should start trusting God for our needs, so we once again began to tithe.
It was at this point that God showed Himself faithful to us. Not long after this we received some money from a tax refund. At the same time, our church was asking the congregation to donate to a new organ. We decided to give to that fund. Two months later God led us to a house here in Montgomery County for first time homebuyers – just when we were looking to buy. God provided for our needs in a way we never expected. That was the beginning of an incredible journey for my family that has continued to this day.
Please understand, I am not saying that if you give to the church/God you will have that wish list supplied. But in our life, I have seen God provide college tuition when there was none. I have seen God provide when bills came in so that we always paid in full and on time. I have also seen God provide health and protection for my family. He has done many of these things in unusual ways such as overseas tours for us as a family and for Rick individually in Afghanistan. I am no theologian, but it seems to me that there is a correlation here.
God has always been faithful toward us as we have been faithful in our giving. We never won the lottery or received a million dollars out of the blue. However, God has always been there and provided for us. This I know because this is what I have seen in my life.
If you are not tithing because you think (like we did) that you cannot afford it or you need the extra money, I challenge you to begin and see what God will do. I am sure it will be exciting, as well as a blessing for you as it has been for us. Thanks be to God.
~Jeanne Minnick
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Day 19: Love - It's a Command
One Sunday a male visitor showed up at church, and as I was watching him I noticed that he seemed restless. He kept wandering around instead of sitting down like everyone else. He never took his hat off or stood like everyone else during praise and worship. He did join everyone in taking communion and seemed very interested in Jeff’s message that morning. He appeared to be confused. Then he left. Hmmm who is this guy? Should I have asked him if he would like to sit with us? The reactions of other members after the service were interesting. One woman told me that he did not appear to have a gun, so he must be okay. Another young woman came up to me and asked me if I had seen him and said she was afraid he was going to sit next to her. She said he gave her the creeps. One of the Deacons said he was told that the man was supposed to meet his mother at church and had been asked by a staff member to take him to a Life Group in hopes of finding her there; she was not. Apparently the man left the building alone without his mother. Did you see this man? Were you afraid? What did you do? Like me, did you just observe and let him go quietly away without even a “Good Morning, I’m glad you chose to worship with us today.”
Too often we pass judgment on people and situations we know little about. We know from experience that when we judge in ignorance we can make terrible mistakes, but we also know that we are to be discerning. So how do we balance these two supposedly truths? Scripture tells us in Mark 12:30-31 that the first and most important commandment is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength,” and the second commandment is to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” So what does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself? Does it mean to treat others as you would have them treat you? And then there is Hebrews 13:1-2: “Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Did most of us miss an opportunity to minister to this man? I think so, and maybe next time we will come out of our comfort zone and exhibit Christian love to a fellow sinner. I know I will.
Father, forgive us when we fail, give us courage to approach those you place in our paths, and most of all give us a boldness to love our fellow man in order be Your witnesses. We pray in the name of Jesus our Lord and Savior. Amen.
~Elaine Schrader
Too often we pass judgment on people and situations we know little about. We know from experience that when we judge in ignorance we can make terrible mistakes, but we also know that we are to be discerning. So how do we balance these two supposedly truths? Scripture tells us in Mark 12:30-31 that the first and most important commandment is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength,” and the second commandment is to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” So what does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself? Does it mean to treat others as you would have them treat you? And then there is Hebrews 13:1-2: “Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Did most of us miss an opportunity to minister to this man? I think so, and maybe next time we will come out of our comfort zone and exhibit Christian love to a fellow sinner. I know I will.
Father, forgive us when we fail, give us courage to approach those you place in our paths, and most of all give us a boldness to love our fellow man in order be Your witnesses. We pray in the name of Jesus our Lord and Savior. Amen.
~Elaine Schrader
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Day 18: Forgiveness
“Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” Hebrews 10:17
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13
Each evening when I put my kids to bed, we say our prayers and do a heart check. I ask each of them how their heart is doing, and I ask two questions: (1) Do they need to ask forgiveness from anyone that they mistreated or disobeyed or if they broke any of God’s Ten Commandments? and (2) Do they need to give forgiveness to anyone that wronged or upset them. You can imagine that what they say can lead to some great opportunities to take the conversation to Jesus on the cross at Calvary.
A popular phrase that I have heard is “Forgive but don’t forget.” But when you truly forgive someone, you are forgetting what that person has done against you. You are saying that it is in the past, and it does not exist anymore. You are putting it out of your mind and heart. When God forgives He puts the wrong in a place to be forgotten – never to be visited again.
Many Christians say they have forgiven someone, yet find themselves bringing up the transgression later (me). You cannot forgive someone and still be angry at them for what they have done. God tells us to forgive each other as He has forgiven us. He instructs us not to judge them for their actions, after we have pardoned them. He tells us not to hold a grudge against them, but rather forgive them in our hearts (Matthew 18:35).
~Chris Dyer
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13
Each evening when I put my kids to bed, we say our prayers and do a heart check. I ask each of them how their heart is doing, and I ask two questions: (1) Do they need to ask forgiveness from anyone that they mistreated or disobeyed or if they broke any of God’s Ten Commandments? and (2) Do they need to give forgiveness to anyone that wronged or upset them. You can imagine that what they say can lead to some great opportunities to take the conversation to Jesus on the cross at Calvary.
A popular phrase that I have heard is “Forgive but don’t forget.” But when you truly forgive someone, you are forgetting what that person has done against you. You are saying that it is in the past, and it does not exist anymore. You are putting it out of your mind and heart. When God forgives He puts the wrong in a place to be forgotten – never to be visited again.
Many Christians say they have forgiven someone, yet find themselves bringing up the transgression later (me). You cannot forgive someone and still be angry at them for what they have done. God tells us to forgive each other as He has forgiven us. He instructs us not to judge them for their actions, after we have pardoned them. He tells us not to hold a grudge against them, but rather forgive them in our hearts (Matthew 18:35).
~Chris Dyer
Day 17: Expect Miracles
My lover is mine, and I am his,
Nightly he strolls in our garden,
Delighting in the flowers
Until dawn breathes its light and night slips away.
~Song of Solomon 2:16
From my heart as inspired by the Holy Spirit:
“My Lord”
There is beauty in the eyes of my Beloved.
There is salve in the tenderness of His call.
There is joy beyond measure in His presence.
He is my all in all.
My longing to be with Him grows deeper
With the dawn of each passing day.
My heart cries: Love, do not tarry
Close beside me I bid You to stay.
In that closeness our spirits engage
In conversation meant only for two.
His words so incredibly stirring
From His love so pure and true.
To breathe in the scent of His being
Enveloped inside His embrace.
An ecstasy no one can fathom
Is to meet Jesus, my Lord, face to face.
His response:
Believe in my word. Trust in my character.
Rest in my presence. Expect miracles!
~Ann Duffy
Nightly he strolls in our garden,
Delighting in the flowers
Until dawn breathes its light and night slips away.
~Song of Solomon 2:16
From my heart as inspired by the Holy Spirit:
“My Lord”
There is beauty in the eyes of my Beloved.
There is salve in the tenderness of His call.
There is joy beyond measure in His presence.
He is my all in all.
My longing to be with Him grows deeper
With the dawn of each passing day.
My heart cries: Love, do not tarry
Close beside me I bid You to stay.
In that closeness our spirits engage
In conversation meant only for two.
His words so incredibly stirring
From His love so pure and true.
To breathe in the scent of His being
Enveloped inside His embrace.
An ecstasy no one can fathom
Is to meet Jesus, my Lord, face to face.
His response:
Believe in my word. Trust in my character.
Rest in my presence. Expect miracles!
~Ann Duffy
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Day 16: "Passionate Love for Christ"
Our Bibles are full of examples of men and women who loved and defended God with a passion. Let’s take time to think of a few of them today.
Read I Samuel 17:26-45. David, at the time just a young man, was indignant that Goliath, an uncircumcised Philistine, was being allowed to defy Israel and the armies of the Living God. Though he was small, he had experienced God’s power in defeating a lion and a bear. He loved and trusted God and was willing to take on a much larger opponent. In verse 45, he says to Goliath: “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” Because of his passionate love for God, he was not afraid to face his enemy.
Read Daniel 3:16-18. Even in the face of the blazing furnace, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship the image of gold. Can you imagine standing at the mouth of that hot furnace and making these comments, “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” That is passionate love for God.
Read Acts 5:38-42. After having been given orders by the high priest and the Sanhedrin not to teach in the name of Jesus, the apostles continued. Now the same authorities are seeking the death of the apostles, but a Pharisee persuades them against it. So after being imprisoned, threatened with death, and flogged, “The apostles left the Sanhedrin rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name (of Jesus). Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.” That is passionate love for God.
I met a man from our generation, maybe in his thirties now, with the same kind of passionate love for God. As a matter of fact the last time I talked with him, he was living in the Washington, D.C. as an advocate for persecuted Christians and advisor on United Nations foreign policy. This man, Joseph, grew up in Egypt where his Christian parents ran an orphanage and attended a high school with both Christians and Muslims. Every day at the school there was a reading from the Koran, and he was allowed to read from the Bible. On one particular day, he read a scripture where Jesus warned of the false prophets who would come after him. At that point, the Muslims said he had insulted Mohammed, and he became fair game for any Muslim to kill with no consequences. After school, some Muslims came after Joseph with guns, threw him to the ground, and threatened to kill him unless he prayed their prayer claiming Allah as his God and Mohammed as his prophet. He was terrified and admits contemplating their request, but ultimately, asked God to give him strength. He refused their request thinking that he would be shot as he prayed. Then God performed a miracle as he did for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The young Muslims tried to shoot him, and the guns would not fire. After this experience, some of these Muslims became Christians, and Joseph said since that moment, he has never doubted God or His power. That is passionate love for God – and only as a high school student.
When I think of these men and the love they had and have for God, I wonder what I would do if put in their situations. Probably, I could never know the answer to that unless there, but I do know I am called to love God with all my heart and all my soul and all my strength and all my mind, and I know though I want to, I fall short of Jesus’ command. So I guess more than this being a devotion with all the answers, it is one with a question. How passionately do we love Christ? In the United States, we may never be called on to die for Him, but how does our love measure up? The Egyptian that I referred to in the story above said that every day the Christians in his country pray for the Christians in the Untied States that we will not be complacent. God help us to seek to love you with all of our heart and all of our soul and all of our strength and all of our mind. If we could do that, all of our other problems would surely fall into place. God bless you as you grow more in love with our Savior. Remember the battle belongs to the Lord.
~Carol Genua
Read I Samuel 17:26-45. David, at the time just a young man, was indignant that Goliath, an uncircumcised Philistine, was being allowed to defy Israel and the armies of the Living God. Though he was small, he had experienced God’s power in defeating a lion and a bear. He loved and trusted God and was willing to take on a much larger opponent. In verse 45, he says to Goliath: “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” Because of his passionate love for God, he was not afraid to face his enemy.
Read Daniel 3:16-18. Even in the face of the blazing furnace, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship the image of gold. Can you imagine standing at the mouth of that hot furnace and making these comments, “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” That is passionate love for God.
Read Acts 5:38-42. After having been given orders by the high priest and the Sanhedrin not to teach in the name of Jesus, the apostles continued. Now the same authorities are seeking the death of the apostles, but a Pharisee persuades them against it. So after being imprisoned, threatened with death, and flogged, “The apostles left the Sanhedrin rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name (of Jesus). Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.” That is passionate love for God.
I met a man from our generation, maybe in his thirties now, with the same kind of passionate love for God. As a matter of fact the last time I talked with him, he was living in the Washington, D.C. as an advocate for persecuted Christians and advisor on United Nations foreign policy. This man, Joseph, grew up in Egypt where his Christian parents ran an orphanage and attended a high school with both Christians and Muslims. Every day at the school there was a reading from the Koran, and he was allowed to read from the Bible. On one particular day, he read a scripture where Jesus warned of the false prophets who would come after him. At that point, the Muslims said he had insulted Mohammed, and he became fair game for any Muslim to kill with no consequences. After school, some Muslims came after Joseph with guns, threw him to the ground, and threatened to kill him unless he prayed their prayer claiming Allah as his God and Mohammed as his prophet. He was terrified and admits contemplating their request, but ultimately, asked God to give him strength. He refused their request thinking that he would be shot as he prayed. Then God performed a miracle as he did for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The young Muslims tried to shoot him, and the guns would not fire. After this experience, some of these Muslims became Christians, and Joseph said since that moment, he has never doubted God or His power. That is passionate love for God – and only as a high school student.
When I think of these men and the love they had and have for God, I wonder what I would do if put in their situations. Probably, I could never know the answer to that unless there, but I do know I am called to love God with all my heart and all my soul and all my strength and all my mind, and I know though I want to, I fall short of Jesus’ command. So I guess more than this being a devotion with all the answers, it is one with a question. How passionately do we love Christ? In the United States, we may never be called on to die for Him, but how does our love measure up? The Egyptian that I referred to in the story above said that every day the Christians in his country pray for the Christians in the Untied States that we will not be complacent. God help us to seek to love you with all of our heart and all of our soul and all of our strength and all of our mind. If we could do that, all of our other problems would surely fall into place. God bless you as you grow more in love with our Savior. Remember the battle belongs to the Lord.
~Carol Genua
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Day 15: "Bear Some Fruit"
“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.” John 15:5
Fruit is not limited to soul winning. In this chapter of John, answered prayer, joy and love are all mentioned as fruit. In the following verses in Galatians fruit is also mentioned.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control; against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified him there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Sprit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.” Galatians 5:22-25
To be effective Christians we must bear fruit. We need to remain in Christ if we are to allow Him to work through us. In order to remain in Him we must (1) believe that He is God’s son (I John 4:15); (2) receive Him as our Savior and Lord (John 1:12); (3) do what God says (1 John 3:24); (4) continue to believe the Good News; and (5) relate in love to the community of believers, Christ’s body (John 15:12).
Each of us has our own story to tell. Some of us have had struggles along the way and perhaps had some times when we have had troubles. It is during those struggles that we need to exhibit our faithfulness to Him for others to observe.
If we live by our spiritual nature, then our lives need to conform to our spiritual nature. That is the expectation Christ has for us. We are to claim Him and live our lives showing others through our fruit – kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control – that we are Christ-followers.
Much can be said about fruit. Most fruit grows in warm or hot climates. In the same way, Christians bear more spiritual fruit if they have a warm relationship with Jesus.
Fruit is nutritious and builds healthy bodies. Just as natural fruit produces healthy bodies, so the fruit of the Spirit creates a pleasant atmosphere and brings happy results. The body of Christ, the church, is stronger because of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.
Fruit grows on trees, bushes, and vines. Not all fruit-bearing plants look alike, nor do they bear identical fruit. Each of us is special. We bear the fruit of the Spirit according to our individual relationships to the Lord. The "product" is the same – beautiful and joyful.
Fruit trees and vines should be pruned regularly to produce the best fruit. The Word of God trims the excesses from our lives so that we can produce quality fruit. It is important that we each pray and read His Word regularly to receive guidance.
In what area of your life are you having the most trouble “remaining in Him?”
Which fruit will help you to bear witness in the coming week? Ask for God’s help in winning the battle so that you can be successful.
~Marcia Tivoli
Fruit is not limited to soul winning. In this chapter of John, answered prayer, joy and love are all mentioned as fruit. In the following verses in Galatians fruit is also mentioned.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control; against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified him there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Sprit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.” Galatians 5:22-25
To be effective Christians we must bear fruit. We need to remain in Christ if we are to allow Him to work through us. In order to remain in Him we must (1) believe that He is God’s son (I John 4:15); (2) receive Him as our Savior and Lord (John 1:12); (3) do what God says (1 John 3:24); (4) continue to believe the Good News; and (5) relate in love to the community of believers, Christ’s body (John 15:12).
Each of us has our own story to tell. Some of us have had struggles along the way and perhaps had some times when we have had troubles. It is during those struggles that we need to exhibit our faithfulness to Him for others to observe.
If we live by our spiritual nature, then our lives need to conform to our spiritual nature. That is the expectation Christ has for us. We are to claim Him and live our lives showing others through our fruit – kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control – that we are Christ-followers.
Much can be said about fruit. Most fruit grows in warm or hot climates. In the same way, Christians bear more spiritual fruit if they have a warm relationship with Jesus.
Fruit is nutritious and builds healthy bodies. Just as natural fruit produces healthy bodies, so the fruit of the Spirit creates a pleasant atmosphere and brings happy results. The body of Christ, the church, is stronger because of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.
Fruit grows on trees, bushes, and vines. Not all fruit-bearing plants look alike, nor do they bear identical fruit. Each of us is special. We bear the fruit of the Spirit according to our individual relationships to the Lord. The "product" is the same – beautiful and joyful.
Fruit trees and vines should be pruned regularly to produce the best fruit. The Word of God trims the excesses from our lives so that we can produce quality fruit. It is important that we each pray and read His Word regularly to receive guidance.
In what area of your life are you having the most trouble “remaining in Him?”
Which fruit will help you to bear witness in the coming week? Ask for God’s help in winning the battle so that you can be successful.
~Marcia Tivoli
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Day 14: "Trust Him"
There is a truth I have found in my walk with God that is so important, and I want to share it with everyone. It is a truth that took me a long time to learn, but once learned, it changed my life significantly.
We are taught in the third chapter of Malachi that God says we are robbing Him if we do not tithe. I often wondered, robbing Him of what? Since everything is His anyhow, He obviously doesn’t need my stuff. In verse 10, God actually invites us to test Him, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”
As I began to understand this, I realized that God would not invite me to test Him if He did not intend to be faithful. Eventually, I came to the realization that what I was robbing God of was the freedom to bless me abundantly. His guideline was simple – Ginny, you tithe, and I will open the floodgates. Because I would not trust Him… because of my disobedience… I was actually preventing the floodgates of heaven from opening for me.
That is what I want to testify to. It is actually our choice whether or not we will allow those gates to open. Oh, how I wish I would have understood this many years ago!
Not trusting God completely was my real downfall, especially in the area of tithing. Would I trust Him in this? Did I believe that God is always faithful to His promises or not? A layperson in our former church gave a sermon on tithing, and God convicted my heart. It was as if He was saying to me, do you or don’t you trust Me? Honestly, I didn’t know.
My faith was not strong enough to just start tithing. It took a period of time of increasing my giving and noticing that I did not miss the money until I was able to do it. Amazingly enough, neither Ralph nor I have ever missed the money. Even after we both retired and our incomes were significantly reduced, we still have never missed the money.
What we have noticed is that the floodgates are open. The blessings simply cannot be missed, and my walk with God is much closer. His peace and joy live in both of our hearts. We both know that the blessings have nothing to do with who we are and everything to do with who God is. All we did was allow the floodgates to open.
God has taught me to trust Him, and trust Him I do. If I could have the money back, multiplied 10,000 times over, I would not be the least bit interested. I believe God is having a wonderful time blessing us, and I would not rob Him of that for anything.
~Ginny Dixon
We are taught in the third chapter of Malachi that God says we are robbing Him if we do not tithe. I often wondered, robbing Him of what? Since everything is His anyhow, He obviously doesn’t need my stuff. In verse 10, God actually invites us to test Him, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”
As I began to understand this, I realized that God would not invite me to test Him if He did not intend to be faithful. Eventually, I came to the realization that what I was robbing God of was the freedom to bless me abundantly. His guideline was simple – Ginny, you tithe, and I will open the floodgates. Because I would not trust Him… because of my disobedience… I was actually preventing the floodgates of heaven from opening for me.
That is what I want to testify to. It is actually our choice whether or not we will allow those gates to open. Oh, how I wish I would have understood this many years ago!
Not trusting God completely was my real downfall, especially in the area of tithing. Would I trust Him in this? Did I believe that God is always faithful to His promises or not? A layperson in our former church gave a sermon on tithing, and God convicted my heart. It was as if He was saying to me, do you or don’t you trust Me? Honestly, I didn’t know.
My faith was not strong enough to just start tithing. It took a period of time of increasing my giving and noticing that I did not miss the money until I was able to do it. Amazingly enough, neither Ralph nor I have ever missed the money. Even after we both retired and our incomes were significantly reduced, we still have never missed the money.
What we have noticed is that the floodgates are open. The blessings simply cannot be missed, and my walk with God is much closer. His peace and joy live in both of our hearts. We both know that the blessings have nothing to do with who we are and everything to do with who God is. All we did was allow the floodgates to open.
God has taught me to trust Him, and trust Him I do. If I could have the money back, multiplied 10,000 times over, I would not be the least bit interested. I believe God is having a wonderful time blessing us, and I would not rob Him of that for anything.
~Ginny Dixon
Monday, October 12, 2009
Day 13: "Connecting with Spiritual Mentors"
Before we move on to the topic of grow, let’s consider this verse as we look at our last day on this topic of connect:
“Make this your common practice: confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed.” James 5:16 (The Message)
Why is it so hard for us to think about confessing our sins to one another? Why is it that we run from being completely honest with others about our struggles and our sins? We know the Christian faith is based on what Jesus has done about our sin, and that it is because of our weakness we see our need for him. We know that if we had it all together, we would not need God; we could do it on our own. But we know that we cannot do it on our own. Each of us has a sin problem that we need God’s help to overcome, and many times, God uses our connections with other believers to do this.
God calls us to do life together, and this includes confessing our sins to one other, encouraging one another, and praying for one another. We need to connect to other believers by pursuing deep, Christ-centered relationships.
About 5 years ago, I began to feel like something was missing in my friendships. I sensed most conversations were superficial, and I longed for deeper connections with my Christian friends through genuine, meaningful spiritual conversations. I wanted someone I could discuss my struggles with and someone to pray with me. So I asked God for a spiritual mentor. It took a few years, but God answered my prayers. My spiritual mentor has helped me deal with my stuff. She is someone who holds me accountable, checks in with me, prays for me, and encourages me. I have grown tremendously in my walk with the Lord during this time.
Spiritual mentors are not perfect people who have got the whole Christian life thing figured out. They are people who are willing to love, support, encourage, and pray for others. They are willing to share their successes as well as their mistakes, and are willing to be transparent and open in order to help another person along in their Christian walk.
In August, the women of our church had the opportunity to learn from 5 of our “seasoned saints” at the women’s tea. These ladies shared their life experiences with us: good times and difficult times, how God brought them through, and what God had taught them. It was an amazing time of connection. We all walked away feeling different and wanting more time to learn from these women.
Our blog will now turn to the topic of growing in our relationships with Christ. Transparent, authentic connections with other believers are essential. We need this connection in order to grow. Connecting with other believers helps you to connect to Christ, and when you get closer to Christ, you will grow. It is inevitable.
~Angela Sutsakhan
“Make this your common practice: confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed.” James 5:16 (The Message)
Why is it so hard for us to think about confessing our sins to one another? Why is it that we run from being completely honest with others about our struggles and our sins? We know the Christian faith is based on what Jesus has done about our sin, and that it is because of our weakness we see our need for him. We know that if we had it all together, we would not need God; we could do it on our own. But we know that we cannot do it on our own. Each of us has a sin problem that we need God’s help to overcome, and many times, God uses our connections with other believers to do this.
God calls us to do life together, and this includes confessing our sins to one other, encouraging one another, and praying for one another. We need to connect to other believers by pursuing deep, Christ-centered relationships.
About 5 years ago, I began to feel like something was missing in my friendships. I sensed most conversations were superficial, and I longed for deeper connections with my Christian friends through genuine, meaningful spiritual conversations. I wanted someone I could discuss my struggles with and someone to pray with me. So I asked God for a spiritual mentor. It took a few years, but God answered my prayers. My spiritual mentor has helped me deal with my stuff. She is someone who holds me accountable, checks in with me, prays for me, and encourages me. I have grown tremendously in my walk with the Lord during this time.
Spiritual mentors are not perfect people who have got the whole Christian life thing figured out. They are people who are willing to love, support, encourage, and pray for others. They are willing to share their successes as well as their mistakes, and are willing to be transparent and open in order to help another person along in their Christian walk.
In August, the women of our church had the opportunity to learn from 5 of our “seasoned saints” at the women’s tea. These ladies shared their life experiences with us: good times and difficult times, how God brought them through, and what God had taught them. It was an amazing time of connection. We all walked away feeling different and wanting more time to learn from these women.
Our blog will now turn to the topic of growing in our relationships with Christ. Transparent, authentic connections with other believers are essential. We need this connection in order to grow. Connecting with other believers helps you to connect to Christ, and when you get closer to Christ, you will grow. It is inevitable.
~Angela Sutsakhan
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Day 12: "What Is Your Identity?"
One August morning in 2006, students from Damascus, Watkins Mill, and Seneca Valley High Schools found themselves mixed together with a new shared identity: Clarksburg Coyotes. For most, this was an unwanted label that they were stuck with no matter how much they objected. Over time, some students adjusted better than others. The younger students seemed to adapt most quickly since they didn’t have as much invested in their previous identity. As the years passed, they learned to support and encourage each other as they shared new experiences. Although it wasn’t easy to merge such diverse backgrounds, the students adapted and accepted their new identity.
When Jesus was ready to create a special group of disciples, he faced a similar challenge. He called together a couple sets of brothers, several fisherman, a Zealot, a hated tax collector, and of course, a future traitor. They struggled to connect with each other as Jesus challenged them to accept a single identity: Christ Follower. At times they looked out for themselves, they argued over the meanings behind Jesus’ parables, they quarreled about who was the greatest in the kingdom, and wrestled with the idea of fairness when Jesus told them they might have to suffer for their faith. Needless to say, learning to live as a connected unit took time, patience, sacrifice, and lots of mutual trust.
Matthew tells us that on the night before he was crucified, “Jesus sat down at the table with the twelve disciples. While they were eating, he said, ‘The truth is, one of you will betray me.’ Greatly distressed, one by one they began to ask him, ‘I’m not the one, am I Lord?’” (Matthew 24:20-22)
After three years, these individuals had become a unified group: The 12 Disciples, Christ Followers. This identity connected them at the deepest level. They couldn’t bear the thought of betraying the One who had labeled them as such. With the exception of one, these men could not imagine anything that would cause them to turn their back on their shared identity.
In the days that followed, these men would depend on each other to survive some very difficult trials. Individuals, left to fend for themselves, likely would have fallen away from Jesus when facing their circumstances; however, this unified group of men persevered with the support of each other and the One who connected them.
August 31, 2009 was a new day at Clarksburg High School. Each of the 1700 students across four grades have only known one identity: Clarksburg Coyote. The seniors, graduating class of 2010, were the freshmen at Clarksburg on that August morning in 2006. They, along with the rest of the student body, are Coyotes. They share a pride in their identity that goes with them all over town.
So, what is your identity? With whom do you share this identity? If you’re not sure how to answer that question, why not decide today to identify yourself as a Christ Follower, then find a group who shares that identity, to connect with.
~Brian Sunderly
When Jesus was ready to create a special group of disciples, he faced a similar challenge. He called together a couple sets of brothers, several fisherman, a Zealot, a hated tax collector, and of course, a future traitor. They struggled to connect with each other as Jesus challenged them to accept a single identity: Christ Follower. At times they looked out for themselves, they argued over the meanings behind Jesus’ parables, they quarreled about who was the greatest in the kingdom, and wrestled with the idea of fairness when Jesus told them they might have to suffer for their faith. Needless to say, learning to live as a connected unit took time, patience, sacrifice, and lots of mutual trust.
Matthew tells us that on the night before he was crucified, “Jesus sat down at the table with the twelve disciples. While they were eating, he said, ‘The truth is, one of you will betray me.’ Greatly distressed, one by one they began to ask him, ‘I’m not the one, am I Lord?’” (Matthew 24:20-22)
After three years, these individuals had become a unified group: The 12 Disciples, Christ Followers. This identity connected them at the deepest level. They couldn’t bear the thought of betraying the One who had labeled them as such. With the exception of one, these men could not imagine anything that would cause them to turn their back on their shared identity.
In the days that followed, these men would depend on each other to survive some very difficult trials. Individuals, left to fend for themselves, likely would have fallen away from Jesus when facing their circumstances; however, this unified group of men persevered with the support of each other and the One who connected them.
August 31, 2009 was a new day at Clarksburg High School. Each of the 1700 students across four grades have only known one identity: Clarksburg Coyote. The seniors, graduating class of 2010, were the freshmen at Clarksburg on that August morning in 2006. They, along with the rest of the student body, are Coyotes. They share a pride in their identity that goes with them all over town.
So, what is your identity? With whom do you share this identity? If you’re not sure how to answer that question, why not decide today to identify yourself as a Christ Follower, then find a group who shares that identity, to connect with.
~Brian Sunderly
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Day 11: "Connect with the Holy Spirit"
About a month ago my alarm went off at 5am like it does every morning, signaling the start a new work day. I got up, showered and went down to our office to spend some time with my God before grabbing a quick bite and running off to work. Little did I know God was about to bless me with practical insight on listening to His voice that would change my relationship with Him for the rest of my life.
Lying on my side of our desk was a book my wife had been reading Having a Mary Spirit: Allowing God To Change Us From the Inside Out by Joanna Weaver. I did not know if my wife had left it on my side of the desk on purpose, but I thought I would not disappoint her if she had. So I picked it up and turned to the page where a folded paper had been placed.
At the bottom of the page was a grey section titled “Being Led.” The title caught my eye, and the grey section appeared as a summary of important information. Since I am all about getting and assimilating facts quickly (I guess it’s my Sports Center mentality), I began to read.
In this section, 7 points were listed on how to listen to the Holy Spirit’s leading. These points had such an influence on me that when I heard about the 40 day prayer and devotional time, I felt God prodding me to share them with you. So here I am putting into practice what you are about to read below. Here are the seven points:
1) Tune Your Heart to His voice – God’s spirit speaks in a still small voice. Often times He uses our own thoughts to direct us. The more we practice listening for him, the more likely we are to recognize His leading.
2) Mind the Checks – When we feel a strong doubt whether a particular course is right, we should simply wait. Direction from God will strengthen with time. Direction not from God will fade and disappear.
3) Test the Message – We must check any inner direction we receive against scripture. If the message aligns, then godly advice, providential circumstances, and common sense can also be helpful.
4) Watch for Repetition – God’s message is often confirmed through sermons, other people, and miraculous provision. If you do not listen the first time God will repeat His message.
5) Take the Next Step – Although God gives direction, He almost never lays out a road map. He intends our life to be a walk of faith. As we obey one step at a time, the next step becomes clearer in view.
6) Beware of the Spirit’s Withdrawal – Our disobedience hinders the Holy Spirit’s work. If He is insistent that you obey, do it - or you will feel a lack of the Spirit’s presence.
7) Ask for and Expect Wisdom – Do not rule out God’s help with the small details of life. Ask God to lead you and look for the answers in faith knowing He is eager to help.
A Prayer: God help me and my GBC brothers and sisters to hear Your voice and be led by your Spirit.
~Dave Porterfield
Lying on my side of our desk was a book my wife had been reading Having a Mary Spirit: Allowing God To Change Us From the Inside Out by Joanna Weaver. I did not know if my wife had left it on my side of the desk on purpose, but I thought I would not disappoint her if she had. So I picked it up and turned to the page where a folded paper had been placed.
At the bottom of the page was a grey section titled “Being Led.” The title caught my eye, and the grey section appeared as a summary of important information. Since I am all about getting and assimilating facts quickly (I guess it’s my Sports Center mentality), I began to read.
In this section, 7 points were listed on how to listen to the Holy Spirit’s leading. These points had such an influence on me that when I heard about the 40 day prayer and devotional time, I felt God prodding me to share them with you. So here I am putting into practice what you are about to read below. Here are the seven points:
1) Tune Your Heart to His voice – God’s spirit speaks in a still small voice. Often times He uses our own thoughts to direct us. The more we practice listening for him, the more likely we are to recognize His leading.
2) Mind the Checks – When we feel a strong doubt whether a particular course is right, we should simply wait. Direction from God will strengthen with time. Direction not from God will fade and disappear.
3) Test the Message – We must check any inner direction we receive against scripture. If the message aligns, then godly advice, providential circumstances, and common sense can also be helpful.
4) Watch for Repetition – God’s message is often confirmed through sermons, other people, and miraculous provision. If you do not listen the first time God will repeat His message.
5) Take the Next Step – Although God gives direction, He almost never lays out a road map. He intends our life to be a walk of faith. As we obey one step at a time, the next step becomes clearer in view.
6) Beware of the Spirit’s Withdrawal – Our disobedience hinders the Holy Spirit’s work. If He is insistent that you obey, do it - or you will feel a lack of the Spirit’s presence.
7) Ask for and Expect Wisdom – Do not rule out God’s help with the small details of life. Ask God to lead you and look for the answers in faith knowing He is eager to help.
A Prayer: God help me and my GBC brothers and sisters to hear Your voice and be led by your Spirit.
~Dave Porterfield
Day 10: "God Connects in Many Ways"
I have recently been challenged in the area of “connecting” with God, as I have shared with the congregation several times during worship. Recently, I had some issues with my vocal chords that left me confused and frustrated. Since I came to know Christ I have always used my gifts and passion for music to connect with Him. A large portion of my personal time with Him each day is spent either singing, playing and instrument, or listening to music that inspires me. My favorite of which is singing.
After experiencing discomfort while singing for several weeks, my doctor advised me to rest my voice by limiting myself to speaking only – no singing. This advice really caused me great sadness and brought into question how my worship leading duties would be affected. I spoke with several experts in this area, and they agreed that I should rest for a while (about 6 weeks).
I tried to remain positive but inside I was incredibly discouraged and frustrated. Why would this gift and passion that God has obviously given me be taken away? I honestly was not as worried about the professional implications of this; I really knew that God would work that out. But this was the primary way in which I communicate, I CONNECT, with God. Why, if God wants to connect with me, would he take away the primary means by which I do that?
The answer came after HONESTLY seeking the answer. I capitalize honestly because it is the focus word of that sentence. See, I think that sometimes we come to God asking questions that we have already answered, and we are simply looking for him to bless or validate what we think we know to be true. I “thought” that the primary way that I connect with God was through music. And I firmly believe that if I had come to Him with that pre-conceived notion, looking for answers, that I would still be struggling with my vocal problems today. But I finally got to the point (it took some time for God to open my eyes) where I said, “You know what God? Maybe that is not the way YOU want to connect with me, at least not the ONLY way.” So I transitioned my thinking into looking for various ways to connect with God. And you know, as He always does when we seek Him, He connected with me in ways that I never thought possible, or at least thought likely.
Proverbs chapter 3 encompasses much of my thought process through that time of questioning and growth in my life. The entire chapter speaks volumes to trusting in God and seeking to gain His wisdom. But verses 5 and 6, which many of us were taught in Sunday School or VBS but seldom really understand until we are in a crisis situation, took on a new meaning to me during the last 12 weeks with which I will end:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will make your paths straight.
~Bryan Mindte
After experiencing discomfort while singing for several weeks, my doctor advised me to rest my voice by limiting myself to speaking only – no singing. This advice really caused me great sadness and brought into question how my worship leading duties would be affected. I spoke with several experts in this area, and they agreed that I should rest for a while (about 6 weeks).
I tried to remain positive but inside I was incredibly discouraged and frustrated. Why would this gift and passion that God has obviously given me be taken away? I honestly was not as worried about the professional implications of this; I really knew that God would work that out. But this was the primary way in which I communicate, I CONNECT, with God. Why, if God wants to connect with me, would he take away the primary means by which I do that?
The answer came after HONESTLY seeking the answer. I capitalize honestly because it is the focus word of that sentence. See, I think that sometimes we come to God asking questions that we have already answered, and we are simply looking for him to bless or validate what we think we know to be true. I “thought” that the primary way that I connect with God was through music. And I firmly believe that if I had come to Him with that pre-conceived notion, looking for answers, that I would still be struggling with my vocal problems today. But I finally got to the point (it took some time for God to open my eyes) where I said, “You know what God? Maybe that is not the way YOU want to connect with me, at least not the ONLY way.” So I transitioned my thinking into looking for various ways to connect with God. And you know, as He always does when we seek Him, He connected with me in ways that I never thought possible, or at least thought likely.
Proverbs chapter 3 encompasses much of my thought process through that time of questioning and growth in my life. The entire chapter speaks volumes to trusting in God and seeking to gain His wisdom. But verses 5 and 6, which many of us were taught in Sunday School or VBS but seldom really understand until we are in a crisis situation, took on a new meaning to me during the last 12 weeks with which I will end:
and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will make your paths straight.
~Bryan Mindte
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Day 9: "Get Connected!"
"And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it, if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now then you are Christ's body, and individually members of it." 1 Corinthians 12:26-27
"…let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more, as you see the day drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25
Disconnected I die. Without Jesus I have no love, no joy, no zest for life. Since I have known Him, life has been full. But to truly know Jesus, I must be connected to the "body of Christ" which ministers to me and with me, the way He would. I would stray away without: the preaching of Pastor Tim, the worship led by Pastor Bryan, the music of the praise team, the praying with Tom Cupps, the fellowship and friends in my Life Group, and my Boys Brigade partners, Tim and Ben. I cannot make it alone. I need the love and spiritual gifts of all of the members of Greenridge.
Connected I thrive! My highest priority is to stay connected to Jesus and the members of His body. I am so grateful for the "body of Christ" at Greenridge. Thank you! I encourage each of you to check your connectedness. If you are missing worship, not in a Life Group, or not serving in some capacity, you are missing a great blessing. And we are missing a blessing only you can give. Get connected!
~Roy Mattson
"…let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more, as you see the day drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25
Disconnected I die. Without Jesus I have no love, no joy, no zest for life. Since I have known Him, life has been full. But to truly know Jesus, I must be connected to the "body of Christ" which ministers to me and with me, the way He would. I would stray away without: the preaching of Pastor Tim, the worship led by Pastor Bryan, the music of the praise team, the praying with Tom Cupps, the fellowship and friends in my Life Group, and my Boys Brigade partners, Tim and Ben. I cannot make it alone. I need the love and spiritual gifts of all of the members of Greenridge.
Connected I thrive! My highest priority is to stay connected to Jesus and the members of His body. I am so grateful for the "body of Christ" at Greenridge. Thank you! I encourage each of you to check your connectedness. If you are missing worship, not in a Life Group, or not serving in some capacity, you are missing a great blessing. And we are missing a blessing only you can give. Get connected!
~Roy Mattson
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Day 8: "Give Him Control"
“Then God said, ‘Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.’” Genesis 22:2
As I ponder my life, I remember milestones in my Christian walk. One came when my son became critically ill. Being a military family stationed overseas, we were away from family support. I remember falling on my knees in fear, begging God to spare my only son’s life. During those intense moments of despair, God impressed upon me the story of Abraham and Isaac. Would I take my only son and give him to the Lord? Could I trust my Heavenly Father to do what was best for my son? Did I really believe that God loved my son more than I did? Could I put my son on the altar? As they wheeled Tim to the operating room, he looked at me and asked, “Mom, am I going to be okay?” A lump came into my throat (it still does), and I said, “yes my son.” I knew in my heart and mind that Tim was going to be okay whether he lived or died, because my God was in control.
God calls us to give our spouses, our children, our grandchildren, ourselves, our homes, our jobs, our finances, etc. to Him daily. Are we doing that?
Prayer: Lord, I want You to be Lord of my life. Help me to relinquish myself and my loved ones and stuff important to me to your control everyday beginning today.
~Toni Kelley
As I ponder my life, I remember milestones in my Christian walk. One came when my son became critically ill. Being a military family stationed overseas, we were away from family support. I remember falling on my knees in fear, begging God to spare my only son’s life. During those intense moments of despair, God impressed upon me the story of Abraham and Isaac. Would I take my only son and give him to the Lord? Could I trust my Heavenly Father to do what was best for my son? Did I really believe that God loved my son more than I did? Could I put my son on the altar? As they wheeled Tim to the operating room, he looked at me and asked, “Mom, am I going to be okay?” A lump came into my throat (it still does), and I said, “yes my son.” I knew in my heart and mind that Tim was going to be okay whether he lived or died, because my God was in control.
God calls us to give our spouses, our children, our grandchildren, ourselves, our homes, our jobs, our finances, etc. to Him daily. Are we doing that?
Prayer: Lord, I want You to be Lord of my life. Help me to relinquish myself and my loved ones and stuff important to me to your control everyday beginning today.
~Toni Kelley
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Day 7: "What Can I Be Doing Better?"
“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.” Proverbs 25:11
Relationships are difficult. Can I get an AMEN! Whether it is with a spouse, parent, child, co-worker – keeping a positive relationship is not an easy task! The key to a successful relationship is connecting with that person. In my marriage, Bill and I have to connect in order for our relationship to flourish. We do not have it “all together;” however, we learned a valuable lesson a few years back that helps us connect better on a daily basis.
Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages, led a marriage conference that Bill and I attended. The topic I remember most was “Communication and Conflict.” Chapman suggests that no frustration should go unmentioned. That doesn’t mean that you should tell your spouse what you are frustrated about, whenever you are frustrated about it. He encouraged us all to approach conflict when the atmosphere is not conflicted… approach it “in right circumstances.” Let me give you an example of what this statement does not suggest.
(I asked Bill if it was okay to disclose this before I posted… Just so you all know. ☺)
It bothers me to no end when Bill leaves the drawers of his dresser open or even just a little cracked. I had never mentioned this to Bill before, because I didn’t think Bill would understand my frustration. One day, I was walking from one side of our bedroom to the other side and BAM! My hip hit one of his slightly open drawers, and the pain was intense. Oh, I was so mad! I marched into our living room and shouted to Bill, “Could you PLEASE shut your drawers?!?! I’m sick of you leaving them open all the time!!!” This led into an argument because Bill was caught off guard, to say the least, and he responded out of frustration, as well.
Was this the right circumstance to bring up my frustration? Of course not! What Chapman actually suggests is that we should encourage people in our relationships to tell us their frustrations… when the atmosphere is free of conflict. Some may think, “Why would I want to bring up issues when things are going well.” I say, “TRY IT!”
Bill and I have been practicing this method for years now, and it has done wonders for our communication. Sometimes when we are enjoying each other’s company at dinner, or just riding in the car, I will ask him, “Bill, is there something that I am doing that frustrates you? What could I be doing better as a wife?” I open my ears and heart for Bill to tell me anything, and I am emotionally ready to handle it. Because there is no open argument or frustration in the air, Bill is able to effectively communicate some things that I, as his wife, can be doing better. It then encourages Bill to ask me the same question, and we have had some of our greatest communication experiences through these conversations. I believe that this time of communication is what Proverbs 25:11 is suggesting… “a word spoken in the right circumstances.”
Bill continued to leave drawers open after our argument that day; however, when we had one of our “non-conflicted conflict talks,” I brought up that his leaving drawers opened bothers me… since then, we have not had problems with the issue. ☺
Don’t you want to know what you can be doing better as a spouse, as a parent, as a child, as a co-worker? I encourage you, parent – ask your child what you could be doing better! If your child responds with, “It bothers me that you tell me not to curse, but you curse…” take it in, don’t snap back, and intentionally try to change! Child, if your parent responds with, “It bothers me when I have to tell you more than once to do something…” take it in, don’t snap back, and intentionally try to change!
To end my thoughts for today, I would like to challenge you to also ask God, “What can I be doing better to connect with You, Father? What sin is in my life that is disconnecting me from You?” Take it in, don’t snap back, and intentionally try to change!
~Sarah Rodriguez
Relationships are difficult. Can I get an AMEN! Whether it is with a spouse, parent, child, co-worker – keeping a positive relationship is not an easy task! The key to a successful relationship is connecting with that person. In my marriage, Bill and I have to connect in order for our relationship to flourish. We do not have it “all together;” however, we learned a valuable lesson a few years back that helps us connect better on a daily basis.
Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages, led a marriage conference that Bill and I attended. The topic I remember most was “Communication and Conflict.” Chapman suggests that no frustration should go unmentioned. That doesn’t mean that you should tell your spouse what you are frustrated about, whenever you are frustrated about it. He encouraged us all to approach conflict when the atmosphere is not conflicted… approach it “in right circumstances.” Let me give you an example of what this statement does not suggest.
(I asked Bill if it was okay to disclose this before I posted… Just so you all know. ☺)
It bothers me to no end when Bill leaves the drawers of his dresser open or even just a little cracked. I had never mentioned this to Bill before, because I didn’t think Bill would understand my frustration. One day, I was walking from one side of our bedroom to the other side and BAM! My hip hit one of his slightly open drawers, and the pain was intense. Oh, I was so mad! I marched into our living room and shouted to Bill, “Could you PLEASE shut your drawers?!?! I’m sick of you leaving them open all the time!!!” This led into an argument because Bill was caught off guard, to say the least, and he responded out of frustration, as well.
Was this the right circumstance to bring up my frustration? Of course not! What Chapman actually suggests is that we should encourage people in our relationships to tell us their frustrations… when the atmosphere is free of conflict. Some may think, “Why would I want to bring up issues when things are going well.” I say, “TRY IT!”
Bill and I have been practicing this method for years now, and it has done wonders for our communication. Sometimes when we are enjoying each other’s company at dinner, or just riding in the car, I will ask him, “Bill, is there something that I am doing that frustrates you? What could I be doing better as a wife?” I open my ears and heart for Bill to tell me anything, and I am emotionally ready to handle it. Because there is no open argument or frustration in the air, Bill is able to effectively communicate some things that I, as his wife, can be doing better. It then encourages Bill to ask me the same question, and we have had some of our greatest communication experiences through these conversations. I believe that this time of communication is what Proverbs 25:11 is suggesting… “a word spoken in the right circumstances.”
Bill continued to leave drawers open after our argument that day; however, when we had one of our “non-conflicted conflict talks,” I brought up that his leaving drawers opened bothers me… since then, we have not had problems with the issue. ☺
Don’t you want to know what you can be doing better as a spouse, as a parent, as a child, as a co-worker? I encourage you, parent – ask your child what you could be doing better! If your child responds with, “It bothers me that you tell me not to curse, but you curse…” take it in, don’t snap back, and intentionally try to change! Child, if your parent responds with, “It bothers me when I have to tell you more than once to do something…” take it in, don’t snap back, and intentionally try to change!
To end my thoughts for today, I would like to challenge you to also ask God, “What can I be doing better to connect with You, Father? What sin is in my life that is disconnecting me from You?” Take it in, don’t snap back, and intentionally try to change!
~Sarah Rodriguez
Monday, October 5, 2009
Day 6: "Precious Connection Moments"
It was early June 1999. A young mother was in a fitting room in Hecht’s department store with her almost four year old son, three week old daughter, and double stroller. She went in with the desire to try on a pair of pants. She left in tears.
That mother was me.
No, I wasn’t crying over not fitting into the pants (although that is, in my opinion, an occasion to shed a tear if you feel so inclined). I was crying because my schedule…my way of life…had changed. And I thought it would never be the same. My young son wasn’t the one causing my frustration that day…it was my newborn daughter. She didn’t really feel like letting mom try on anything that day. My son was fine playing and hanging out in the corner for a few minutes. My daughter had other plans…and I was mourning the loss of my routine with my son. I really thought that day that I’d never be able to go to the mall with my kids again.
Fast forward 10 years and 4 months. I am now the mother of a fourteen year old and a ten year old. And, once again, my daily routine has changed. My morning routine before Monday, August 31st was simple. Wake up, make the coffee, grab a cup (preferably in my favorite Minnie Mouse mug), sit on the floor of our living room, and talk with God. Simple. After my time with God, the kids got up and the day was off and running…but before and during my time with God, it was quiet and peaceful. I need that time with Him at the beginning of my day. I savored that time with Him at the beginning of my day. That is, until August 31st.
My son started high school on August 31st, and my morning routine hasn’t been the same since. Sigh. The birds aren’t up when he has to get up. The sun isn’t up. Very few things are up when he has to get up. I am a morning person but this is ridiculous. Let me just say, I have been finding my way here…trying to figure out how one who loves a good routine and needs her time with God navigates a change in that routine. I am no good that early…so what do I do?
My prayer time since August 31st has been different…it has been very different. It has been a morning with little, breathed prayers. Making the pancakes, pray. Hop in the shower, pray. Drive the car, pray. And you know what? God hears each and every teenie prayer I lift to Him just like He heard the peaceful, blissful all-at-once quiet time I used to have with Him.
Our journey with Jesus has seasons…things change. Sometimes we find ourselves in the position where a little extra creativity is required. And that’s a good thing.
No matter what your time with God looks like, God is listening. He wants to connect with you. He wants you to connect with Him. And just by taking the time to read this and think of Him, you’re on the right track. So, if you think a “sit-down-for-20-minutes-and-pray” devotional time is impossible…re-think your quiet time. Get creative. Small prayers at small times equal big moments of connection with the God who loves us more than we can ever know.
I did get back to the mall…and now my daughter has no qualms about clothes shopping. Maybe I’ll get back to my peace-and-quiet time with God. But for now, little precious connection moments will be just fine.
Dig deeper: Take a moment to read these Bible verses. Listen to God’s heart that longs for connection with us. What are the connecting words that we find in these verses? What does God actively do to connect with us? After you read, stop for a moment and connect with Him.
“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” Psalm 37:23 & 24
~Deni Sunderly
That mother was me.
No, I wasn’t crying over not fitting into the pants (although that is, in my opinion, an occasion to shed a tear if you feel so inclined). I was crying because my schedule…my way of life…had changed. And I thought it would never be the same. My young son wasn’t the one causing my frustration that day…it was my newborn daughter. She didn’t really feel like letting mom try on anything that day. My son was fine playing and hanging out in the corner for a few minutes. My daughter had other plans…and I was mourning the loss of my routine with my son. I really thought that day that I’d never be able to go to the mall with my kids again.
Fast forward 10 years and 4 months. I am now the mother of a fourteen year old and a ten year old. And, once again, my daily routine has changed. My morning routine before Monday, August 31st was simple. Wake up, make the coffee, grab a cup (preferably in my favorite Minnie Mouse mug), sit on the floor of our living room, and talk with God. Simple. After my time with God, the kids got up and the day was off and running…but before and during my time with God, it was quiet and peaceful. I need that time with Him at the beginning of my day. I savored that time with Him at the beginning of my day. That is, until August 31st.
My son started high school on August 31st, and my morning routine hasn’t been the same since. Sigh. The birds aren’t up when he has to get up. The sun isn’t up. Very few things are up when he has to get up. I am a morning person but this is ridiculous. Let me just say, I have been finding my way here…trying to figure out how one who loves a good routine and needs her time with God navigates a change in that routine. I am no good that early…so what do I do?
My prayer time since August 31st has been different…it has been very different. It has been a morning with little, breathed prayers. Making the pancakes, pray. Hop in the shower, pray. Drive the car, pray. And you know what? God hears each and every teenie prayer I lift to Him just like He heard the peaceful, blissful all-at-once quiet time I used to have with Him.
Our journey with Jesus has seasons…things change. Sometimes we find ourselves in the position where a little extra creativity is required. And that’s a good thing.
No matter what your time with God looks like, God is listening. He wants to connect with you. He wants you to connect with Him. And just by taking the time to read this and think of Him, you’re on the right track. So, if you think a “sit-down-for-20-minutes-and-pray” devotional time is impossible…re-think your quiet time. Get creative. Small prayers at small times equal big moments of connection with the God who loves us more than we can ever know.
I did get back to the mall…and now my daughter has no qualms about clothes shopping. Maybe I’ll get back to my peace-and-quiet time with God. But for now, little precious connection moments will be just fine.
Dig deeper: Take a moment to read these Bible verses. Listen to God’s heart that longs for connection with us. What are the connecting words that we find in these verses? What does God actively do to connect with us? After you read, stop for a moment and connect with Him.
“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” Psalm 37:23 & 24
~Deni Sunderly
Day 5: "Lose Your Life"
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20
This is one of my favorite verses in scripture. It is what I try to live by…sometimes it is easier than others. There is a misconception in our culture of exactly what this verse means and how it applies to us as Christians. Most of us were told that God loves us, and that He died for our sins, and without accepting him we can’t get to heaven. So we say a prayer or walk the aisle, get baptized and are satisfied, but God isn’t.
When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, there is more to the commitment that we are making. When I gave my life to Christ, I gave up my rights as well. No longer do I live for Bill Rodriguez. My old self is dead, and I have risen into a new life with Christ. He is now in control, and I do what He tells me. He is NOT my co-pilot, He is in the driver’s seat!
Somehow we forgot that being a Christian is a daily commitment. We have to connect with God everyday. We have to learn that there is a connection with being a Christian and the way we live it out.
Christian, it’s not your life anymore, but the life you now live is through Christ. “But I want this and I want to do that.” It doesn’t matter!!! You have committed your life to Him…or did you? You have to count the cost. Christ isn’t just a get out of jail free card. If you are still trying to control your life, where is the faith in that? And “without faith it is impossible to please God…” (Hebrews 12:6).
It’s time to LOSE YOU LIFE and let God have it all. Connect with Him everyday and let Him lead the way!!!
~Pastor Bill Rodriguez
This is one of my favorite verses in scripture. It is what I try to live by…sometimes it is easier than others. There is a misconception in our culture of exactly what this verse means and how it applies to us as Christians. Most of us were told that God loves us, and that He died for our sins, and without accepting him we can’t get to heaven. So we say a prayer or walk the aisle, get baptized and are satisfied, but God isn’t.
When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, there is more to the commitment that we are making. When I gave my life to Christ, I gave up my rights as well. No longer do I live for Bill Rodriguez. My old self is dead, and I have risen into a new life with Christ. He is now in control, and I do what He tells me. He is NOT my co-pilot, He is in the driver’s seat!
Somehow we forgot that being a Christian is a daily commitment. We have to connect with God everyday. We have to learn that there is a connection with being a Christian and the way we live it out.
Christian, it’s not your life anymore, but the life you now live is through Christ. “But I want this and I want to do that.” It doesn’t matter!!! You have committed your life to Him…or did you? You have to count the cost. Christ isn’t just a get out of jail free card. If you are still trying to control your life, where is the faith in that? And “without faith it is impossible to please God…” (Hebrews 12:6).
It’s time to LOSE YOU LIFE and let God have it all. Connect with Him everyday and let Him lead the way!!!
~Pastor Bill Rodriguez
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Day 4: "Do You Love Me?"
So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more then these? He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.”
He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.”
He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Tend My sheep.”
John 21:15-18 (NASB)
Do you know any passive believers? They are happy to sing the choruses and enjoy the sermon. They sit in the Sunday School classroom or Life Group living room and enjoy the pleasant company of fellow believers… but ask them to serve, and suddenly their life is far too complex and busy to allow them the time to prepare a lesson or change a diaper or clean some else’s house. There is no pretense that they are preparing to serve. They may give a little extra money towards the effort, but please take them off your contact list.
I wonder if they ever hear the Lord asking: “Do you love me?”
As I read the four gospels I am struck by how often Jesus, a Man of action, commands His disciples to action. He told the disciples to “Come, follow Me,” but He didn’t stop there. He called them, then taught them, then formed them into a team, and then He sent them out in pairs to bring the good news to others. Before He ascended into heaven He even commissioned them to “go into all the world and preach the Gospel.”
We serve a mighty, energetic God. He isn’t a couch potato waiting to be entertained. He is active in our lives and the lives of those around us. He wants us to follow His example by connecting with fellow believers as part of an active ministry team.
Are you listening? Can you hear Him asking, “Do you love me?”
“Tend My lambs.” Team Kid, KPW, Boy’s Brigade, GAs, Children’s Sunday School, or even a New Believer’s Class fit the bill. When we change a diaper, wipe a snotty nose, or tell a Bible story to eager young ears we tend His lambs.
“Shepherd My sheep.” Don’t just stand there – LEAD. Assuming an active role in Life Groups, Women’s Ministry, CARE, Men’s Ministry… these are just a few ways to practice shepherding God’s sheep.
“Tend My sheep.” Prayer Warriors, CARE, Hospitality Committee, and Frederick Rescue Mission are a few ways we can reach out and touch the lives of others – not only in our congregation, but in our community and beyond.
~Ben Overbey
He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.”
He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Tend My sheep.”
John 21:15-18 (NASB)
Do you know any passive believers? They are happy to sing the choruses and enjoy the sermon. They sit in the Sunday School classroom or Life Group living room and enjoy the pleasant company of fellow believers… but ask them to serve, and suddenly their life is far too complex and busy to allow them the time to prepare a lesson or change a diaper or clean some else’s house. There is no pretense that they are preparing to serve. They may give a little extra money towards the effort, but please take them off your contact list.
I wonder if they ever hear the Lord asking: “Do you love me?”
As I read the four gospels I am struck by how often Jesus, a Man of action, commands His disciples to action. He told the disciples to “Come, follow Me,” but He didn’t stop there. He called them, then taught them, then formed them into a team, and then He sent them out in pairs to bring the good news to others. Before He ascended into heaven He even commissioned them to “go into all the world and preach the Gospel.”
We serve a mighty, energetic God. He isn’t a couch potato waiting to be entertained. He is active in our lives and the lives of those around us. He wants us to follow His example by connecting with fellow believers as part of an active ministry team.
Are you listening? Can you hear Him asking, “Do you love me?”
“Tend My lambs.” Team Kid, KPW, Boy’s Brigade, GAs, Children’s Sunday School, or even a New Believer’s Class fit the bill. When we change a diaper, wipe a snotty nose, or tell a Bible story to eager young ears we tend His lambs.
“Shepherd My sheep.” Don’t just stand there – LEAD. Assuming an active role in Life Groups, Women’s Ministry, CARE, Men’s Ministry… these are just a few ways to practice shepherding God’s sheep.
“Tend My sheep.” Prayer Warriors, CARE, Hospitality Committee, and Frederick Rescue Mission are a few ways we can reach out and touch the lives of others – not only in our congregation, but in our community and beyond.
~Ben Overbey
Friday, October 2, 2009
Day 3: "Be Still and Know"
As we pray, how do we get to that point of being still so we can hear the Lord’s side of the conversation? Yes, actually stop talking and listen to HIM!
For me, spending time with the LORD in my quiet place, my den, sets my focus.
For me, worshipful music and the associated lyrics get my attention and settle me, like hearing Steven Curtis Chapman sing, “Be Still and Know.”
For me, God’s Word lights my way as I meditate on Scripture in various Bible translations.
For me, God’s Word invites me in… like when Jesus says, “Come to Me.”
For me, lyrics that model prayer, like “In the Calm,” open my mind and heart as the Holy Spirit reveals that it is not in my strength but in the calm of His presence that I am able to listen.
That’s how it is for me… how is it for you?
~Pat Matthews
For me, spending time with the LORD in my quiet place, my den, sets my focus.
For me, worshipful music and the associated lyrics get my attention and settle me, like hearing Steven Curtis Chapman sing, “Be Still and Know.”
For me, God’s Word lights my way as I meditate on Scripture in various Bible translations.
For me, God’s Word invites me in… like when Jesus says, “Come to Me.”
For me, lyrics that model prayer, like “In the Calm,” open my mind and heart as the Holy Spirit reveals that it is not in my strength but in the calm of His presence that I am able to listen.
That’s how it is for me… how is it for you?
“Be Still and Know”
Steven Curtis Chapman
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is holy
Be still oh restless soul of mine
Bow before the Prince of Peace
Let the noise and clamor cease
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is faithful
Consider all that He has done
Stand in awe and be amazed
And know that He will never change
Be still
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know that He is God
Be still
Be speechless
Be still and know that He is God
Be still and know He is our Father
Come rest your head upon His breast
Listen to the rhythm of
His unfailing heart of love
Beating for His little ones
Calling each of us to come
Be still
Be still
Psalm 46:10a in various Bible translations:
“Be still, and know that I am God;” - NKJV
“Cease striving and know that I am God;” - NASB
“Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God.” – Amplified Bible
"Stop [your fighting]—and know that I am God,” – HCSB
Zechariah 2:13a in various Bible translations:
“Be silent, all flesh, before the LORD” NKJV and NASB
“Be still, all flesh, before the Lord” – Amplified Bible
“Let all people be silent before the LORD” - HCSB
Matthew 11:28-30 in NKJV:
28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”
Prayer:
Father, “in the calm of Your presence, I am listening,
I am still, I am quiet, I am Yours.
In the calm of Your presence, I am listening, Lord
I am still, I am quiet, I am Yours.
Let Your Word speak to me, let Your Spirit draw near;
I will obey the truth that I hear.
In the calm of Your presence, I am listening, Lord;
I am still, I am quiet, I am Yours.
There’s a thirst in my soul for Your wisdom divine.
I long for the peace and life that I find.
In the calm of Your presence, I am listening, Lord;
I am still, I am quiet, I am Yours…”
Praying in Jesus’ Name and in the power of the Holy Spirit.
~Pat Matthews
Day 2: "Without Saying A Word"
Have you ever sat alone on a park bench and watched children play? A small girl runs by, trips and falls. Her cries were loud, and her tears were falling. A mother rushes to her, enfolds her into loving arms – without saying a word. The child’s cries ceased, and tears stopped… all because of a hug.
A small boy lost his toy, and he also cried loudly until his father hugged him without saying a word. The boy’s cries also ceased and were replaced with a smile.
I entered the sanctuary of our church one Sunday morning a few years ago and took my seat at the end of a pew where I usually sat. Somehow I felt lonely, and I began looking around at the people gathered there. I thought, “This is God’s house and God’s family. I wonder why they are all here?” Some were smiling, some were sad, and some were just sitting there (as I was) – just thinking. Why did we all assemble here this morning? We had served the Lord in various ways the past week. Perhaps some were just tired and needed a few peaceful moments. Some had reached the age where they could not serve as they had in the past.
The music began, we stood and sang songs of praise. Prayers were spoken, and the pastor began to speak. His message was “Serving by the Christian Touch.” People listened, and I’m sure some of them, if not all, vowed to remember his words, just as I did. I came home, and for some time the words he had said kept rushing through my mind. So one morning I sat down with paper and pen wrote the following poem:
“The Christian Touch”
When the day is dark and dreary
You are left at home alone,
The house is filled with memories,
Of your loved one God called home.
You feel the empty stillness,
But you know you’re not alone,
For God’s presence is there with you
And you can almost see the throne.
Then you wonder why you’re lonely
And the tears fall so much,
You know the answers to your longing,
It’s that you need that Christian Touch.
Perhaps you’ve never walked the path,
Your needs were not as such,
But to me it’s God’s way of healing
Broken hearts with sincere Christian Touch.
So look around you – God’s holy family,
Seeing the people whose tears fall afresh.
Put your loving arms around them.
Let them feel that wonderful Christian Touch.
Now that you’ve read the poem, may I say, “Try it; it works; I know. I’ve been there. I’ve felt the Christian Touch, and a word was never said.”
~Ruby Hill
A small boy lost his toy, and he also cried loudly until his father hugged him without saying a word. The boy’s cries also ceased and were replaced with a smile.
I entered the sanctuary of our church one Sunday morning a few years ago and took my seat at the end of a pew where I usually sat. Somehow I felt lonely, and I began looking around at the people gathered there. I thought, “This is God’s house and God’s family. I wonder why they are all here?” Some were smiling, some were sad, and some were just sitting there (as I was) – just thinking. Why did we all assemble here this morning? We had served the Lord in various ways the past week. Perhaps some were just tired and needed a few peaceful moments. Some had reached the age where they could not serve as they had in the past.
The music began, we stood and sang songs of praise. Prayers were spoken, and the pastor began to speak. His message was “Serving by the Christian Touch.” People listened, and I’m sure some of them, if not all, vowed to remember his words, just as I did. I came home, and for some time the words he had said kept rushing through my mind. So one morning I sat down with paper and pen wrote the following poem:
“The Christian Touch”
When the day is dark and dreary
You are left at home alone,
The house is filled with memories,
Of your loved one God called home.
You feel the empty stillness,
But you know you’re not alone,
For God’s presence is there with you
And you can almost see the throne.
Then you wonder why you’re lonely
And the tears fall so much,
You know the answers to your longing,
It’s that you need that Christian Touch.
Perhaps you’ve never walked the path,
Your needs were not as such,
But to me it’s God’s way of healing
Broken hearts with sincere Christian Touch.
So look around you – God’s holy family,
Seeing the people whose tears fall afresh.
Put your loving arms around them.
Let them feel that wonderful Christian Touch.
Now that you’ve read the poem, may I say, “Try it; it works; I know. I’ve been there. I’ve felt the Christian Touch, and a word was never said.”
~Ruby Hill
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
link at the bottom of the devotion you would like to send. You will then be prompted to enter the email address of the person you would like to receive the post.