Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Philippians 4:4-7 – Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
What is Thanksgiving? If you look at the definition of thanksgiving in the Merriam-Webster dictionary it gives three different definitions.
1: the act of giving thanks
2: a prayer expressing gratitude
3: a public acknowledgment or celebration of divine goodness
How profound these definitions are when we think about what our Lord has done for each and every one of us. We should, every day, thank our Lord for the sacrifice of His son and express our gratitude for our salvation through His son and be bold in our acknowledgement of Jesus Christ as our Lord. So many times over the last few months I have thought in amazement how my Lord has brought me to where I am. So many changes in one year can be completely overwhelming but when I think about these changes I am so thankful to God for his grace and mercy. I truly rest in the peace of God which transcends all understanding. There is no other way to describe this peace that is in my heart.
Sixteen years ago as I approached the Thanksgiving season I was ending a relationship that had become abusive and very destructive to my self confidence and my self worth. This man and I had never married, but we did have a 2 year old son. I was facing the prospect of raising this child on my own. By my own decisions I had ended up in this very dark unforgiving place, but God is faithful to His people, and He was calling me back to Him. The Lord in His infinite wisdom had brought my mother and me closer together during this time, and the Lord used our relationship to help draw me back to Him. I started attending church again with my mother and my son. Over the sixteen years from the breakup with my son’s father to now, the Lord led me down paths I never imagined for myself. Now after these long years of struggle, growth, and trust in the Lord, the Lord has not only restored me to where I was before but has given me more than I could ever have dreamed. First it was stability in the home, then it was the healing of my heart, and sixteen years later, as the Thanksgiving season approaches I am marrying a man who has Christ at the center of his life. I never thought I would ever marry, but my plans are not the Lord’s.
Yes, I am thankful to the Lord for sending me this man to love, but above all I am thankful for the Lord and His forgiveness. I trust the Lord to direct me in His path so that I can live my life for His glory, and nothing else on this earth is more important.
~Donna Derrick
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
I love Thanksgiving! It’s always been a favorite. My parents were both good cooks, and they used to start preparing for the “big day” way in advance. Mom would cut up the bread and season it all week long - adding sage and poultry seasoning daily. They would make oyster dressing, ordering fresh oysters weeks ahead, and sometimes Dad would shuck them himself, reserving the liquid for the dressing. There was a favorite jello salad that my aunt would make. It took forever to “chop” all the ingredients, and the dressing for that had to be made in a double boiler with fresh whipping cream added as the final ingredient. The turkey, dressing, sauerkraut, cranberries, pies, etc., would fill the house with a wonderful aroma. I can almost smell it now as I think about it. What a great time set aside for family to stop and give thanks for all our blessings.
Interestingly, the first verse that I remember memorizing as a child (other than John 3:16) was:
“Enter into his gates with Thanksgiving and into his courts with praise....be thankful unto him and bless his name.” Psalm 100:4
Two days before Tom had his stroke in 2003...I drove my grandson, Cameron, to his Sunday evening church group. On the way in the car, I was helping him memorize his memory verse. It was from that same passage...
“Know that the LORD is God...It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” Psalm 100:3
I memorized it with him and didn’t realize at the time that it was the LORD giving me a verse that I would hold onto for the next few days. Tom wasn’t expected to live through the night, and I remember saying over-and-over the words and acknowledging God’s power and sovereignty, knowing that Tom was in the best hands he could be. That was 6 years ago. Tom is great, and God continues to bless our lives. We have so much to be thankful for.
I love the way this story covers a period of time of over 50 years - that a passage God gave me when I was a young child and added to as an adult would provide as much meaning and comfort as it did. I love that it shows how God ties it all together, that He has the big picture, and that even when we don’t realize it He is planting seeds and laying the foundation for what is in store.
“For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:5
~Gwen Sunderly
Interestingly, the first verse that I remember memorizing as a child (other than John 3:16) was:
“Enter into his gates with Thanksgiving and into his courts with praise....be thankful unto him and bless his name.” Psalm 100:4
Two days before Tom had his stroke in 2003...I drove my grandson, Cameron, to his Sunday evening church group. On the way in the car, I was helping him memorize his memory verse. It was from that same passage...
“Know that the LORD is God...It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” Psalm 100:3
I memorized it with him and didn’t realize at the time that it was the LORD giving me a verse that I would hold onto for the next few days. Tom wasn’t expected to live through the night, and I remember saying over-and-over the words and acknowledging God’s power and sovereignty, knowing that Tom was in the best hands he could be. That was 6 years ago. Tom is great, and God continues to bless our lives. We have so much to be thankful for.
I love the way this story covers a period of time of over 50 years - that a passage God gave me when I was a young child and added to as an adult would provide as much meaning and comfort as it did. I love that it shows how God ties it all together, that He has the big picture, and that even when we don’t realize it He is planting seeds and laying the foundation for what is in store.
“For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:5
~Gwen Sunderly
Friday, November 20, 2009
Have you noticed that contentment, American style, denies our human limitations? When I pursue and achieve a notable but personal goal, then I am content, or am I? When I insulate my family from possible problems with money or otherwise ensure my family is self-sufficient, then I am content, or am I? As I seek contentment American style, my own limitations too often cause me to see (1) a world that gets in the way of reaching my goal, (2) a family that’s imperfect, and (3) friends and colleagues that don’t appreciate me – that’s not contentment!!
The Apostle Paul said “I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11). How can that be – Paul was in prison, in chains. He goes on to say that he gratefully accepted his dependence on God and the sharing of gifts offered by others. How does Paul accept his human limitations and express genuine contentment?
I’ve asked the same question as I marvel at the contentment that my 22-year old, brain injured son, Kevin, expresses daily. How does Kevin accomplish this? Here are a couple of observations that I’ve attributed to Kevin’s contentment: First, he is grateful for everything and everyone he encounters, with the exception of his twice daily medicine (and I couldn’t agree more on the medicine thing – YUK!). He enjoys the company of everyone he is with, and he thoroughly loves the routine of life – especially bath, bed, and prayer time. Finally, Kevin maintains a quiet center about him and isn’t interested in things of the past or concerned about things in the future. Contentment is Kevin’s natural wealth, and he doesn’t seek more because he is comfortable with his life’s position.
I’ve observed and pondered this demonstrated joy and contentment for over a decade, and I have offered plenty of rationalizations over the years as to why this could not apply to my busy life (or yours). In fact, nothing is further from the truth! Contentment is not the absence of suffering or favorable circumstances that are made beyond our control. Instead, contentment is found through my level of devotion to the worship and service to God and His Kingdom. For me, that usually means that I have to stay in the here and now – let go of past circumstances or turn off the possible worries of the future. Ecclesiastes 4:6 says “better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.” I can tame most any appetite, but my appetite for worries of the future and reacting to past hurts affect my devotion to Christ more than it should.
As I look towards Thanksgiving and the example of Paul and my son on contentment, I am invited to be joyous and content through something as simple as gratitude. When I acknowledge God’s grace in forgiving my sins or notice God’s mark of love that is all around me all the time, it’s easy to be thankful and hard to be judgmental of the world around me, because God is in the middle, not me. My daily choice is whether I will loosen my grip on life’s baggage and allow God to be my porter and driver.
While I learn and grow in Christ-like responses to my life’s rough edges, I am encouraged by 1 Timothy 6:6, “godliness with contentment is great gain.” Now I’m all for that!
~Jim Winter
The Apostle Paul said “I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11). How can that be – Paul was in prison, in chains. He goes on to say that he gratefully accepted his dependence on God and the sharing of gifts offered by others. How does Paul accept his human limitations and express genuine contentment?
I’ve asked the same question as I marvel at the contentment that my 22-year old, brain injured son, Kevin, expresses daily. How does Kevin accomplish this? Here are a couple of observations that I’ve attributed to Kevin’s contentment: First, he is grateful for everything and everyone he encounters, with the exception of his twice daily medicine (and I couldn’t agree more on the medicine thing – YUK!). He enjoys the company of everyone he is with, and he thoroughly loves the routine of life – especially bath, bed, and prayer time. Finally, Kevin maintains a quiet center about him and isn’t interested in things of the past or concerned about things in the future. Contentment is Kevin’s natural wealth, and he doesn’t seek more because he is comfortable with his life’s position.
I’ve observed and pondered this demonstrated joy and contentment for over a decade, and I have offered plenty of rationalizations over the years as to why this could not apply to my busy life (or yours). In fact, nothing is further from the truth! Contentment is not the absence of suffering or favorable circumstances that are made beyond our control. Instead, contentment is found through my level of devotion to the worship and service to God and His Kingdom. For me, that usually means that I have to stay in the here and now – let go of past circumstances or turn off the possible worries of the future. Ecclesiastes 4:6 says “better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.” I can tame most any appetite, but my appetite for worries of the future and reacting to past hurts affect my devotion to Christ more than it should.
As I look towards Thanksgiving and the example of Paul and my son on contentment, I am invited to be joyous and content through something as simple as gratitude. When I acknowledge God’s grace in forgiving my sins or notice God’s mark of love that is all around me all the time, it’s easy to be thankful and hard to be judgmental of the world around me, because God is in the middle, not me. My daily choice is whether I will loosen my grip on life’s baggage and allow God to be my porter and driver.
While I learn and grow in Christ-like responses to my life’s rough edges, I am encouraged by 1 Timothy 6:6, “godliness with contentment is great gain.” Now I’m all for that!
~Jim Winter
Thursday, November 19, 2009
He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Luke 10:2
Are the workers few at Greenridge?
I would like to take the time to walk through one of the many accounts that I am most thankful for this Thanksgiving season.
Six years ago my husband and I brought our infant daughter to Greenridge, where she was dedicated. During this ceremony the church body affirms that they will work alongside of us, the parents, in nurturing the spiritual development of the children we dedicate. So here is an account of that good work.
There have been six years of regularly attending Sunday worship services, which included childcare/worship/Bible study for our daughter: that is more than 300 Sundays; in at least 5 different classrooms with at least 2 workers in each classroom… that’s the work of 1,200 hands over 6 years. In addition to that, there was 3 years of attending the CDC at Greenridge, 9 months a year, 5 days a week, 3 classrooms each with at least 2 workers… that’s the work of at least another 700+ hands. If that were not enough, there were 2 years of Half Notes Choir, 24 weeks of meeting, at least 2 workers… almost another 100 hands and on top of that VBS for 2 years and 1 year of Covenant Christian Elementary Education, supported by members of Greenridge, both of which are impossible for me to count the number of hands who work in these two ministries. So… Are the workers few at Greenridge? Not by my account.
How is this relevant? And for what am I thankful? I am thankful that on November 4, 2009 my daughter asked Jesus to come live in her heart and she has a new inheritance in Christ. A new inheritance, not the one she was born into, but the one she was intended for. My husband and I were saved as adults, which comes with its own difficulties – difficulties that our 6 year old daughter will hopefully never experience as a result of her new inheritance, and for that I will be forever thankful. The workers at Greenridge surely had many hands sowing that process.
“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” Luke 8:11-15
I brought my little seed, and it fell upon the good soil at Greenridge. I am thankful to all the workers who persevered, and I am most thankful to my God who shows us his harvest so that we know we labor not in vain.
As the song goes… “a little is much when God’s in it HE changes the world with the seeds we sow.”
Be encouraged to continue HIS work Greenridge. His harvest is coming in!
~Melissa Dyer
Are the workers few at Greenridge?
I would like to take the time to walk through one of the many accounts that I am most thankful for this Thanksgiving season.
Six years ago my husband and I brought our infant daughter to Greenridge, where she was dedicated. During this ceremony the church body affirms that they will work alongside of us, the parents, in nurturing the spiritual development of the children we dedicate. So here is an account of that good work.
There have been six years of regularly attending Sunday worship services, which included childcare/worship/Bible study for our daughter: that is more than 300 Sundays; in at least 5 different classrooms with at least 2 workers in each classroom… that’s the work of 1,200 hands over 6 years. In addition to that, there was 3 years of attending the CDC at Greenridge, 9 months a year, 5 days a week, 3 classrooms each with at least 2 workers… that’s the work of at least another 700+ hands. If that were not enough, there were 2 years of Half Notes Choir, 24 weeks of meeting, at least 2 workers… almost another 100 hands and on top of that VBS for 2 years and 1 year of Covenant Christian Elementary Education, supported by members of Greenridge, both of which are impossible for me to count the number of hands who work in these two ministries. So… Are the workers few at Greenridge? Not by my account.
How is this relevant? And for what am I thankful? I am thankful that on November 4, 2009 my daughter asked Jesus to come live in her heart and she has a new inheritance in Christ. A new inheritance, not the one she was born into, but the one she was intended for. My husband and I were saved as adults, which comes with its own difficulties – difficulties that our 6 year old daughter will hopefully never experience as a result of her new inheritance, and for that I will be forever thankful. The workers at Greenridge surely had many hands sowing that process.
“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” Luke 8:11-15
I brought my little seed, and it fell upon the good soil at Greenridge. I am thankful to all the workers who persevered, and I am most thankful to my God who shows us his harvest so that we know we labor not in vain.
As the song goes… “a little is much when God’s in it HE changes the world with the seeds we sow.”
Be encouraged to continue HIS work Greenridge. His harvest is coming in!
~Melissa Dyer
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
One day after school, my 5 year old was trying to explain to me (with tears in his eyes) why he had gotten a slip for talking too much in class. I said, “Why would you do that when you know Miss Webster needs you to listen? You’re being disobedient. You can’t learn what you need to learn if you’re talking out. It makes God sad when we’re disobedient.”
He then proceeds to stammer out, “Well, it’s just that sometimes I want to be good, and sometimes I’m bad.”
As I stood there with my mouth hanging open, I replied, “Well, my son, you better be coming over to ‘the good side’ REAL QUICK if you like to sit on that behind of yours!”
After I took a “mommy time-out” to get my thoughts together, I realized …that was a 5 year old’s honest interpretation or battle with his own sinful nature. I knew if I could make my son understand how much Miss Webby does for him and how much she cares for him, he would be so much more grateful! He has a huge heart for a little guy, so I knew if I could get him to see that he needs to be obedient out of respect for her, he would try harder.
It was then that I had this “AAH-HA” moment. If we were ALL more thankful to God for his INDESCRIBABLE GIFT (2 Cor. 9:15), we would all make better choices.
When we are tempted to sin, what if we chased that temptation away with a heart overflowing with thanks! For example, when we are tempted to say or think:
-Why can’t I have that car, that house, that bank account? We refute this by graciously thanking a God who richly provides everything we need and more (1 Tim. 6:17).
THANKS BE TO GOD FOR PROVIDING FOR MY EVERY NEED!
-Why can’t my life be less stressful? I feel like I’m running myself into the ground! We can dwell on the fact that God is our rock, our comforter, our PRINCE OF PEACE.
THANKS BE TO GOD FOR BEING MY HIDING PLACE!!
-Why can’t I fix this relationship, problem, addiction, heartache, or this anger I have? We can KNOW that we can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us!
THANKS BE TO GOD FOR BEING MY HEALER AND REDEEMER!!!
-Why can’t I (or my loved one) be well again? I can know that God has a plan. I can know that God desires for me to be thankful in all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:16-18) even when I do not understand.
THANKS BE TO GOD FOR BEING MY SAVIOR WITH WHOM I WILL LIVE FOREVER!!!
As God reminded me to be more thankful through disciplining my son, we are trying as a family to refute our bad choices with hearts of thankfulness instead.
As we begin this wonderful season of Thanksgiving and celebration, my prayer is that we would continue to try and do what pleases God. When we are TRULY THANKFUL, we can’t help but conquer some of the doubts and sins that plague us.
Let us graciously embrace, “GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD FOR HE IS GOOD, HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER.” Psalms 107:1
~Stephanie Finch
He then proceeds to stammer out, “Well, it’s just that sometimes I want to be good, and sometimes I’m bad.”
As I stood there with my mouth hanging open, I replied, “Well, my son, you better be coming over to ‘the good side’ REAL QUICK if you like to sit on that behind of yours!”
After I took a “mommy time-out” to get my thoughts together, I realized …that was a 5 year old’s honest interpretation or battle with his own sinful nature. I knew if I could make my son understand how much Miss Webby does for him and how much she cares for him, he would be so much more grateful! He has a huge heart for a little guy, so I knew if I could get him to see that he needs to be obedient out of respect for her, he would try harder.
It was then that I had this “AAH-HA” moment. If we were ALL more thankful to God for his INDESCRIBABLE GIFT (2 Cor. 9:15), we would all make better choices.
When we are tempted to sin, what if we chased that temptation away with a heart overflowing with thanks! For example, when we are tempted to say or think:
-Why can’t I have that car, that house, that bank account? We refute this by graciously thanking a God who richly provides everything we need and more (1 Tim. 6:17).
THANKS BE TO GOD FOR PROVIDING FOR MY EVERY NEED!
-Why can’t my life be less stressful? I feel like I’m running myself into the ground! We can dwell on the fact that God is our rock, our comforter, our PRINCE OF PEACE.
THANKS BE TO GOD FOR BEING MY HIDING PLACE!!
-Why can’t I fix this relationship, problem, addiction, heartache, or this anger I have? We can KNOW that we can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us!
THANKS BE TO GOD FOR BEING MY HEALER AND REDEEMER!!!
-Why can’t I (or my loved one) be well again? I can know that God has a plan. I can know that God desires for me to be thankful in all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:16-18) even when I do not understand.
THANKS BE TO GOD FOR BEING MY SAVIOR WITH WHOM I WILL LIVE FOREVER!!!
As God reminded me to be more thankful through disciplining my son, we are trying as a family to refute our bad choices with hearts of thankfulness instead.
As we begin this wonderful season of Thanksgiving and celebration, my prayer is that we would continue to try and do what pleases God. When we are TRULY THANKFUL, we can’t help but conquer some of the doubts and sins that plague us.
Let us graciously embrace, “GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD FOR HE IS GOOD, HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER.” Psalms 107:1
~Stephanie Finch
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
This is the time of year where we all focus on things for which we are most thankful. I’m thankful for so much, but mostly for forgiveness.
I just returned from a girl’s beach getaway and had some time for rest, relaxation, fun and reflection. It was just me and my lifelong best friend, Debbi. I’m sure that our relationship is special. We were born 9 days apart and were together in the church nursery since we were babies. Even when my family moved out of state for 6 years, when we returned, our families just picked up where we had left off. Debbi and I attended Sunday school, GA’s, and later went on youth retreats, attended the same high school, and at one point even dated best friends. By our late teens things began to change. Debbi had a serious boyfriend and got engaged. We had a falling out, and frankly, not so much in common anymore. Regrettably, I didn’t attend my best friend’s wedding.
Some years later, I made contact, and we visited with each other. We now each had a child who was the same age. We were still living in very different worlds – but it wasn’t so much our circumstances that distanced us as it was unresolved business – or in Christian vernacular, unresolved forgiveness. We caused each other some hurt and never took the time to ask each other for forgiveness. I tried to gloss things over and be friendly and welcoming, and she really had a lot going on in her life of which I was unaware.
Flash forward a few more years. I called Debbi and asked if I could come for a visit. I went to her home, apologized, and asked her forgiveness for things I’d said and done in the past that had hurt her. She too apologized and asked my forgiveness, and we hugged and sobbed for a long time. If we had just done that earlier, we wouldn’t have missed so much in each other’s lives. She hadn’t attended my wedding either. My BFF and I (if you are over 40, that’s “best friend forever” *smile*) were not present for one of our most important days. We’ve moved past that, and though are lives our still very different, we keep in touch, see each other when we can, and always tell each other we love each other whether on the phone or in person.
As believers, we are commanded to forgive. There are more than 120 references in the Bible where forgiveness is mentioned. Christ forgave us while we were still sinners. How can we not show the same love and ask for forgiveness? I’m so thankful that Christ had mercy on me, a sinner, and forgave me of each and every sin. Receiving forgiveness is easy – asking for forgiveness is easy, when we remember that Christ so easily forgave us.
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14
~Suzie Cook
I just returned from a girl’s beach getaway and had some time for rest, relaxation, fun and reflection. It was just me and my lifelong best friend, Debbi. I’m sure that our relationship is special. We were born 9 days apart and were together in the church nursery since we were babies. Even when my family moved out of state for 6 years, when we returned, our families just picked up where we had left off. Debbi and I attended Sunday school, GA’s, and later went on youth retreats, attended the same high school, and at one point even dated best friends. By our late teens things began to change. Debbi had a serious boyfriend and got engaged. We had a falling out, and frankly, not so much in common anymore. Regrettably, I didn’t attend my best friend’s wedding.
Some years later, I made contact, and we visited with each other. We now each had a child who was the same age. We were still living in very different worlds – but it wasn’t so much our circumstances that distanced us as it was unresolved business – or in Christian vernacular, unresolved forgiveness. We caused each other some hurt and never took the time to ask each other for forgiveness. I tried to gloss things over and be friendly and welcoming, and she really had a lot going on in her life of which I was unaware.
Flash forward a few more years. I called Debbi and asked if I could come for a visit. I went to her home, apologized, and asked her forgiveness for things I’d said and done in the past that had hurt her. She too apologized and asked my forgiveness, and we hugged and sobbed for a long time. If we had just done that earlier, we wouldn’t have missed so much in each other’s lives. She hadn’t attended my wedding either. My BFF and I (if you are over 40, that’s “best friend forever” *smile*) were not present for one of our most important days. We’ve moved past that, and though are lives our still very different, we keep in touch, see each other when we can, and always tell each other we love each other whether on the phone or in person.
As believers, we are commanded to forgive. There are more than 120 references in the Bible where forgiveness is mentioned. Christ forgave us while we were still sinners. How can we not show the same love and ask for forgiveness? I’m so thankful that Christ had mercy on me, a sinner, and forgave me of each and every sin. Receiving forgiveness is easy – asking for forgiveness is easy, when we remember that Christ so easily forgave us.
Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14
~Suzie Cook
Monday, November 16, 2009
It’s all relative isn’t it? It’s no wonder we are confused!
I step out of my house, walk half a mile southeast to the newly developed neighborhoods who have brand new everything: granite countertops, new furniture, luscious space, and decorations.
I step out of my office at Open Door in East Baltimore. I see homeless people laying on heat vents to try to stay warm and digging through someone else’s trash to find something to eat.
I have less than some, more than others.
I pass someone at the store that struggles with obesity. To them I would have a slender physique.
I watch the rock solid bodies of the young ladies at my daughter’s gymnastic class and I am suddenly very aware of the fact that there is a physical battle going on with the lower half of my body to keep it from turning into mashed potatoes. (In keeping with the Thanksgiving theme!)
I have less than some, more than others.
Perhaps I am gauging what I have or do not have to be “thankful for” through the wrong type of lens. If I leave my thankful pendulum up to this ever swaying mental game, my heart and attitude will always be teetering back and forth, totally conducive to my circumstance, surroundings and appearance. Sounds like a lot of conditions on thankfulness doesn’t it?! God does not want my (our) thankfulness to be conducive to the current trends, conditions, material possessions, and/or my appearance. At a moment’s notice any one of these things could change. I know how the world would react, but how would I react? Would it look different? It should!
In Philippians 4:11-13 Paul says, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
May the Lord defog the areas of our thankfulness that are fickle! And may He reveal in us a true genuine unconditional THANKFUL heart this Thanksgiving season and every season!
~Wendy Mindte
I step out of my house, walk half a mile southeast to the newly developed neighborhoods who have brand new everything: granite countertops, new furniture, luscious space, and decorations.
I step out of my office at Open Door in East Baltimore. I see homeless people laying on heat vents to try to stay warm and digging through someone else’s trash to find something to eat.
I have less than some, more than others.
I pass someone at the store that struggles with obesity. To them I would have a slender physique.
I watch the rock solid bodies of the young ladies at my daughter’s gymnastic class and I am suddenly very aware of the fact that there is a physical battle going on with the lower half of my body to keep it from turning into mashed potatoes. (In keeping with the Thanksgiving theme!)
I have less than some, more than others.
Perhaps I am gauging what I have or do not have to be “thankful for” through the wrong type of lens. If I leave my thankful pendulum up to this ever swaying mental game, my heart and attitude will always be teetering back and forth, totally conducive to my circumstance, surroundings and appearance. Sounds like a lot of conditions on thankfulness doesn’t it?! God does not want my (our) thankfulness to be conducive to the current trends, conditions, material possessions, and/or my appearance. At a moment’s notice any one of these things could change. I know how the world would react, but how would I react? Would it look different? It should!
In Philippians 4:11-13 Paul says, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”
May the Lord defog the areas of our thankfulness that are fickle! And may He reveal in us a true genuine unconditional THANKFUL heart this Thanksgiving season and every season!
~Wendy Mindte
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Day 40: The REAL Servant
"And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. 1 Chronicles 28:9
I hustled in the rain. Not only was I soaked through, I was freezing, and it was still early. The sun was just peaking over the shabby buildings in the Anacostia parking lot. My fellow volunteer and I hurried to empty the van of heavy tables, large coffee pots, food heaters and too-old-to-sell muffins from Costco. I had just been cussed out by one of our more…how shall I put it….difficult clients. And although this was a normal occurrence, and usually I would have shrugged it off and given Mr. David an extra muffin and wished him well, today was just different. I didn’t really want to be there, in the rain, in the cold. I wanted a little gratitude, honestly. Did these people know what I had gone through to get them their pathetic little breakfast? I had gotten up before the crack of dawn, braved the traffic and the metro, and dealt with the kitchen Nazis just to get them a cooler full of water and some weak coffee. And this was the thanks I got?
We continued to unload… the line for breakfast, and the mumbling, getting louder. We just couldn’t move fast enough. Why didn’t they go wait under an awning or something until we were ready? Did 5 extra minutes in line make that big of a difference? Seriously? I couldn’t wait to get home. I was making some pancakes and hot coffee and watching CNN until I could feel my fingers again.
“Here, let me help.” The voice broke into my thoughts.
“Huh?” I looked up.
It was Walter. 30 years homeless. My guess was he was about 60 or 65, although life on the streets often ages a person. He wasn’t an alcoholic or drug addict or mentally ill. He worked when and where he could and lived in various little DC wooded areas (what was left of them) and under his favorite bridges. He didn’t trust the shelters, “too many druggies” he’d tell us. He was a breakfast regular. He loved to talk Redskins and Maryland basketball. He also loved Costco chocolate-chocolate chip muffins. We got them about once-a-month and they were literally a highlight of his life. Today happened to be one of the few days we had them.
The van still held tables and the coffee pots. Walter smiled and grabbed the coffee, definitely the worse of the 2 to get out of the van. The large pots had a tendency to spill. I usually ended up smelling like coffee before the morning was done. Walter rarely had anywhere to shower. He would spend the day and probably several after it, with a dirtier-than-usual shirt because of his insistence on helping me.
Walter grabbed the sugar and creamer packets and set them out. He stood next to me for the next hour in the pouring rain helping pass out warm breakfast, hot coffee, and muffins.
I watched as the muffins slowly disappeared, the chocolate-chocolate chips were the first to go. Yet Walter never wavered. He greeted everyone with a smile as I watched his rag-tag jacket and boots fill with water and soak him to the bone. Even if the rain stopped soon, he would be wet for days. Not once did he complain. He never asked us to save him his favorite muffin (it was against policy), although who knew when he would have the chance to get another one. When breakfast was done, he helped load the truck for our next stop. And then, he did something that made me shiver inside, and not because of the cold.
He thanked me.
He thanked me for breakfast and for letting him help out. What a selfish, ungrateful person I was. I hadn’t served anyone that morning, especially not my God. I’m sure He had been disappointed in my attitude and lack of efforts
Walter was the real servant. He sacrificed something precious to him so he could meet the needs of others. He had served willingly and with a smile. His service cost him something; I had simply been doing a duty.
As Christ followers we know we are supposed to serve. Sometimes though, we get caught up in the supposed to and forget what service actually is. Serving others isn’t always convenient. It doesn’t always fit into our schedule or our comfort zones, and when that happens, it’s hard to keep a heart of service. Service like Christ isn’t about getting recognized or about our points in heaven. It is about being Christ to others. It can be done with or without words. No tracts or evangelism training needed. We simply wake up each day, zip on our “Jesus suit” and act as much like Christ as we can each day (easier said than done).
Service is never about us. It is always about Him, the One who taught us to serve. Our service, with or without words, should always point toward the Loving Servant. It may be that our service only points us toward being more like Christ. Serving may cost us nothing, or it may cost us everything. Either way, it is our heart that matters.
~Tirzah Turner
I hustled in the rain. Not only was I soaked through, I was freezing, and it was still early. The sun was just peaking over the shabby buildings in the Anacostia parking lot. My fellow volunteer and I hurried to empty the van of heavy tables, large coffee pots, food heaters and too-old-to-sell muffins from Costco. I had just been cussed out by one of our more…how shall I put it….difficult clients. And although this was a normal occurrence, and usually I would have shrugged it off and given Mr. David an extra muffin and wished him well, today was just different. I didn’t really want to be there, in the rain, in the cold. I wanted a little gratitude, honestly. Did these people know what I had gone through to get them their pathetic little breakfast? I had gotten up before the crack of dawn, braved the traffic and the metro, and dealt with the kitchen Nazis just to get them a cooler full of water and some weak coffee. And this was the thanks I got?
We continued to unload… the line for breakfast, and the mumbling, getting louder. We just couldn’t move fast enough. Why didn’t they go wait under an awning or something until we were ready? Did 5 extra minutes in line make that big of a difference? Seriously? I couldn’t wait to get home. I was making some pancakes and hot coffee and watching CNN until I could feel my fingers again.
“Here, let me help.” The voice broke into my thoughts.
“Huh?” I looked up.
It was Walter. 30 years homeless. My guess was he was about 60 or 65, although life on the streets often ages a person. He wasn’t an alcoholic or drug addict or mentally ill. He worked when and where he could and lived in various little DC wooded areas (what was left of them) and under his favorite bridges. He didn’t trust the shelters, “too many druggies” he’d tell us. He was a breakfast regular. He loved to talk Redskins and Maryland basketball. He also loved Costco chocolate-chocolate chip muffins. We got them about once-a-month and they were literally a highlight of his life. Today happened to be one of the few days we had them.
The van still held tables and the coffee pots. Walter smiled and grabbed the coffee, definitely the worse of the 2 to get out of the van. The large pots had a tendency to spill. I usually ended up smelling like coffee before the morning was done. Walter rarely had anywhere to shower. He would spend the day and probably several after it, with a dirtier-than-usual shirt because of his insistence on helping me.
Walter grabbed the sugar and creamer packets and set them out. He stood next to me for the next hour in the pouring rain helping pass out warm breakfast, hot coffee, and muffins.
I watched as the muffins slowly disappeared, the chocolate-chocolate chips were the first to go. Yet Walter never wavered. He greeted everyone with a smile as I watched his rag-tag jacket and boots fill with water and soak him to the bone. Even if the rain stopped soon, he would be wet for days. Not once did he complain. He never asked us to save him his favorite muffin (it was against policy), although who knew when he would have the chance to get another one. When breakfast was done, he helped load the truck for our next stop. And then, he did something that made me shiver inside, and not because of the cold.
He thanked me.
He thanked me for breakfast and for letting him help out. What a selfish, ungrateful person I was. I hadn’t served anyone that morning, especially not my God. I’m sure He had been disappointed in my attitude and lack of efforts
Walter was the real servant. He sacrificed something precious to him so he could meet the needs of others. He had served willingly and with a smile. His service cost him something; I had simply been doing a duty.
As Christ followers we know we are supposed to serve. Sometimes though, we get caught up in the supposed to and forget what service actually is. Serving others isn’t always convenient. It doesn’t always fit into our schedule or our comfort zones, and when that happens, it’s hard to keep a heart of service. Service like Christ isn’t about getting recognized or about our points in heaven. It is about being Christ to others. It can be done with or without words. No tracts or evangelism training needed. We simply wake up each day, zip on our “Jesus suit” and act as much like Christ as we can each day (easier said than done).
Service is never about us. It is always about Him, the One who taught us to serve. Our service, with or without words, should always point toward the Loving Servant. It may be that our service only points us toward being more like Christ. Serving may cost us nothing, or it may cost us everything. Either way, it is our heart that matters.
~Tirzah Turner
Monday, November 9, 2009
Day 39: God Inspired Servanthood
To Serve:
• to render obedience or homage to God
• to be useful or of service
• to provide with a regular or continuous supply of something
• to act as a host or hostess in offering (a person) a portion of food or drink
• to gratify
• to go through a term of service; do duty as a soldier, sailor, senator, juror, etc.
When I was a kid, I remember our family always being the last ones to leave an event at church. The reason for that is because our family was always there to put away the tables and chairs. For a kid this is a lot of fun because you get to see parts of a building that you never would see normally, and everyone who was left to "serve" was in a good mood, relaxed, and joking around to make the work easier. Even more importantly there was a lot of discussion about the message of the event, and I listened to the adults sharing their feelings and personal experiences related to the topic. They are still very vivid memories that I have today of those times. This started the formation of what it meant to serve – it was a willingness to do what needed to be done and sharing it with friends.
As I grew older, that willingness never left me; it just became fine tuned. I would watch other Christian men and women step out in faith and "be there" when it was needed. I learned what my "passion" was and what made my heart swell when I was involved with it.
Greenridge taught me about my "spiritual gifts" in the 401 class, and this allowed me to make wise decisions in the events or positions that I volunteered for. This class also allowed me to see that other people can serve me… I don't have to do it all.
Serving brings people together and keeps relationships growing. I always watch for the "God" inspired moments when I serve, it is a true pleasure to wait and be in the moment when they arrive. I write these down on a list in my Bible so that when I am unable to lift my eyes, I can be reminded of when God was directly involved in my life.
Start with prayer and communication with God before you decide where he would like you to serve. However, watch out for Satan and his desire to "mess" with your service work. The excuses are quick and swift and easy to listen to: I don't have time. It is too much work. I feel inadequate. You want me to do WHAT? That is why I start with prayer and ask for guidance and bring God into it. For me, the ultimate goal is to honor him so that people can see the hands and feet of Jesus. How can serving fail when God is in the middle of it.
I may not be an author, but I have a lot of "God" stories about my service work. Go ahead and start your list to look at and share.
~Carolyn Corazza
• to render obedience or homage to God
• to be useful or of service
• to provide with a regular or continuous supply of something
• to act as a host or hostess in offering (a person) a portion of food or drink
• to gratify
• to go through a term of service; do duty as a soldier, sailor, senator, juror, etc.
When I was a kid, I remember our family always being the last ones to leave an event at church. The reason for that is because our family was always there to put away the tables and chairs. For a kid this is a lot of fun because you get to see parts of a building that you never would see normally, and everyone who was left to "serve" was in a good mood, relaxed, and joking around to make the work easier. Even more importantly there was a lot of discussion about the message of the event, and I listened to the adults sharing their feelings and personal experiences related to the topic. They are still very vivid memories that I have today of those times. This started the formation of what it meant to serve – it was a willingness to do what needed to be done and sharing it with friends.
As I grew older, that willingness never left me; it just became fine tuned. I would watch other Christian men and women step out in faith and "be there" when it was needed. I learned what my "passion" was and what made my heart swell when I was involved with it.
Greenridge taught me about my "spiritual gifts" in the 401 class, and this allowed me to make wise decisions in the events or positions that I volunteered for. This class also allowed me to see that other people can serve me… I don't have to do it all.
Serving brings people together and keeps relationships growing. I always watch for the "God" inspired moments when I serve, it is a true pleasure to wait and be in the moment when they arrive. I write these down on a list in my Bible so that when I am unable to lift my eyes, I can be reminded of when God was directly involved in my life.
Start with prayer and communication with God before you decide where he would like you to serve. However, watch out for Satan and his desire to "mess" with your service work. The excuses are quick and swift and easy to listen to: I don't have time. It is too much work. I feel inadequate. You want me to do WHAT? That is why I start with prayer and ask for guidance and bring God into it. For me, the ultimate goal is to honor him so that people can see the hands and feet of Jesus. How can serving fail when God is in the middle of it.
I may not be an author, but I have a lot of "God" stories about my service work. Go ahead and start your list to look at and share.
~Carolyn Corazza
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Day 38: Discover Your Spiritual Gift
Cheryl and I have had the opportunity to travel to New Orleans several times to serve, assist and minister to some of the victims of Hurricane Katrina. To us this ministry is not a burden; we love to do it; it really “jazzes us” to serve our Lord in this way by using our God-given spiritual gifts.
Cheryl has the gift of mercy. She can detect hurt and empathize with those who are suffering by providing compassionate and cheerful support to those who are experiencing distress, crisis and/or pain.
Ron has the gift of service (or helps). He enjoys working along side gifted craftsmen like Pete Schoolfield and Hank Calisti and providing practical, hands-on assistance in repairing or rebuilding homes quickly and cheerfully.
God calls each of us to serve Him in our giftedness. In 1 Corinthians 12, we read that “there are different kinds of gifts, but the same spirit” (v.4). “To each one the evidence of the Spirit within us is given for the common good” (v.7). “The (church) body is one unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body” (v. 12).
So what is your “part” in the overall ministry at Greenridge?
Do you have a gift that communicates God’s Word (e.g. preaching, evangelism, missions or starting new churches)?
Do you have a gift to educate God’s people (e.g. teaching, encouragement, wisdom, discernment or knowledge)?
Do you have a gift that demonstrates God’s love (e.g. service, mercy, hospitality, shepherding or giving)?
Do you have a gift that celebrates God’s presence (e.g. music, or arts and crafts), or a prayer-related gift (e.g. intercession or healing)?
Or do you have a gift that supports one of the five purposes of Greenridge (e.g. leadership, administration or faith)?
Too many of us think we have nothing to give to the body of believers. Instead of comparing ourselves to one another, we should use our different God-given gifts together, to serve our Lord Jesus Christ, serve others, enhance the spiritual growth of the body of believers and spread the Good News of Salvation. If we don’t, the body of believers at Greenridge will be less effective.
We encourage each of you as members to discover your “S.H.A.P.E.”, your spiritual gifts, your heart or passion, your abilities, natural talents and skills, your personality and your spiritual experiences. Greenridge has access to this spiritual gifts test. Feel free to email Sarah Rodriguez to get a copy so that you, too, can discover your spiritual gift(s)!
Pray that our spiritual gifts are yielded to the Lordship of Jesus and fully empowered by the Holy Spirit to minister in the Body of Christ at Greenridge.
~Ron & Cheryl Welke
Cheryl has the gift of mercy. She can detect hurt and empathize with those who are suffering by providing compassionate and cheerful support to those who are experiencing distress, crisis and/or pain.
Ron has the gift of service (or helps). He enjoys working along side gifted craftsmen like Pete Schoolfield and Hank Calisti and providing practical, hands-on assistance in repairing or rebuilding homes quickly and cheerfully.
God calls each of us to serve Him in our giftedness. In 1 Corinthians 12, we read that “there are different kinds of gifts, but the same spirit” (v.4). “To each one the evidence of the Spirit within us is given for the common good” (v.7). “The (church) body is one unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body” (v. 12).
So what is your “part” in the overall ministry at Greenridge?
Do you have a gift that communicates God’s Word (e.g. preaching, evangelism, missions or starting new churches)?
Do you have a gift to educate God’s people (e.g. teaching, encouragement, wisdom, discernment or knowledge)?
Do you have a gift that demonstrates God’s love (e.g. service, mercy, hospitality, shepherding or giving)?
Do you have a gift that celebrates God’s presence (e.g. music, or arts and crafts), or a prayer-related gift (e.g. intercession or healing)?
Or do you have a gift that supports one of the five purposes of Greenridge (e.g. leadership, administration or faith)?
Too many of us think we have nothing to give to the body of believers. Instead of comparing ourselves to one another, we should use our different God-given gifts together, to serve our Lord Jesus Christ, serve others, enhance the spiritual growth of the body of believers and spread the Good News of Salvation. If we don’t, the body of believers at Greenridge will be less effective.
We encourage each of you as members to discover your “S.H.A.P.E.”, your spiritual gifts, your heart or passion, your abilities, natural talents and skills, your personality and your spiritual experiences. Greenridge has access to this spiritual gifts test. Feel free to email Sarah Rodriguez to get a copy so that you, too, can discover your spiritual gift(s)!
Pray that our spiritual gifts are yielded to the Lordship of Jesus and fully empowered by the Holy Spirit to minister in the Body of Christ at Greenridge.
~Ron & Cheryl Welke
Day 37: Serving the Hard-to-Serve
“When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ he asked them. ‘You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you….Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.’” John 13:12-15,17
I honestly think that sometimes we can find serving others, dare I say, easy. Think about it, there will always be people that we need to serve, and they need all that we can offer them. The poor, the homeless, the sick, the widowed, the lost. But I truly believe that serving them can sometimes be easy. We know they need help, we are willing to jump in because their options are so limited (or even nothing), and, the majority of the time, they accept all that we can give with an open and thankful heart.
But Jesus calls us to go one step further. What about those that just have a hard heart? They aren’t as thankful for help or even open to receiving it, but yet, they need it. They may never show appreciation, but yet we are called to serve them.
My mother-in-law, Ruth Weigle, is an amazing example to me of a humble servant. She very quietly does what is needed, cares for those who are hurting, and provides anything she can to those who are lacking. She serves her own family cheerfully without end. But I have never heard of someone serving another with such a hard heart, until I learned of this story. See Ruth never, ever says an unkind word about anyone. But if anyone ever earned that right, it was her. One day, she told me of her own mother-in-law, Kathryn, Neil’s grandmother (aka Big Grandma). And for the first time ever, I heard Ruth say, “she was a horrible woman, just mean and awful.” I actually thought she was kidding. But then she continued in describing Big Grandma. Ruth told me about when Kathryn would call her at different times and just begin to yell at her, to tell Ruth that she was a horrible wife, mom and person, Kathryn would lash out with deeply hurting words. Ruth told me that she finally got to a point where she would put the phone down and walk away because her words were so hurtful. As time went on, Ruth’s children grew up, got married, and had children of their own, Kathryn developed Alzheimer’s and soon ended up in a nursing home. Her heart only grew harder, her words only more harsh. But yet, Ruth would visit her regularly to show her care, to help bathe her, feed her, wash her long hair and carefully put it in her prayer cap, change her clothes, to serve her. I believe this is serving at its best and hardest. Kathryn, who passed away in 2003 would never show any level of thankfulness towards Ruth, never a tender heart. But Ruth never stopped showing her the love of Jesus. She never stopped serving the same way that Jesus would, a trait I have seen passed on to her son.
We all know someone in life who has a hard heart, who doesn’t think he or she needs help or needs to be served. We all know unkind and hurtful people. Isn’t it our job to imitate the actions of Jesus and show them love? Wasn’t it Jesus who washed the feet of the man that would soon betray him?
~Katie Weigle
I honestly think that sometimes we can find serving others, dare I say, easy. Think about it, there will always be people that we need to serve, and they need all that we can offer them. The poor, the homeless, the sick, the widowed, the lost. But I truly believe that serving them can sometimes be easy. We know they need help, we are willing to jump in because their options are so limited (or even nothing), and, the majority of the time, they accept all that we can give with an open and thankful heart.
But Jesus calls us to go one step further. What about those that just have a hard heart? They aren’t as thankful for help or even open to receiving it, but yet, they need it. They may never show appreciation, but yet we are called to serve them.
My mother-in-law, Ruth Weigle, is an amazing example to me of a humble servant. She very quietly does what is needed, cares for those who are hurting, and provides anything she can to those who are lacking. She serves her own family cheerfully without end. But I have never heard of someone serving another with such a hard heart, until I learned of this story. See Ruth never, ever says an unkind word about anyone. But if anyone ever earned that right, it was her. One day, she told me of her own mother-in-law, Kathryn, Neil’s grandmother (aka Big Grandma). And for the first time ever, I heard Ruth say, “she was a horrible woman, just mean and awful.” I actually thought she was kidding. But then she continued in describing Big Grandma. Ruth told me about when Kathryn would call her at different times and just begin to yell at her, to tell Ruth that she was a horrible wife, mom and person, Kathryn would lash out with deeply hurting words. Ruth told me that she finally got to a point where she would put the phone down and walk away because her words were so hurtful. As time went on, Ruth’s children grew up, got married, and had children of their own, Kathryn developed Alzheimer’s and soon ended up in a nursing home. Her heart only grew harder, her words only more harsh. But yet, Ruth would visit her regularly to show her care, to help bathe her, feed her, wash her long hair and carefully put it in her prayer cap, change her clothes, to serve her. I believe this is serving at its best and hardest. Kathryn, who passed away in 2003 would never show any level of thankfulness towards Ruth, never a tender heart. But Ruth never stopped showing her the love of Jesus. She never stopped serving the same way that Jesus would, a trait I have seen passed on to her son.
We all know someone in life who has a hard heart, who doesn’t think he or she needs help or needs to be served. We all know unkind and hurtful people. Isn’t it our job to imitate the actions of Jesus and show them love? Wasn’t it Jesus who washed the feet of the man that would soon betray him?
~Katie Weigle
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Day 36: Serve While You Wait
The year was 1988. The city and time – Innsbruck, Austria in August. Peter and I were leading a travelling team of the Covenant Players, an international Christian drama ministry that was solely dependent on income from performances to support the work. We went to Innsbruck following our printed itinerary, but had no opportunities for ministry scheduled on the calendar. Thus, we were short on funds. We stayed with a host family a couple of evenings before moving on to staying in a Baptist church which met above a restaurant. These hosts had an apple tree, and they told us to help ourselves to apples before leaving. The bag we filled sustained us for the days ahead. Our team member Natasha, from Denmark, used a lot of ingenuity and the spices she could find in the Baptist church's kitchen. We had savory apples, applesauce, fried apples, raw apples, and apple stew. Schools were closed, and churches seemed to also be on vacation. All the while we were making contacts at hotels and corporate offices seeking out unique opportunities to serve. Down to almost nothing, we asked the Lord, “Why are we here?” The apples were running low, and we had little gas in the van.
One night, we heard a knock on the church door. This church was very hard to find, since it was over a restaurant—there was not a big sign out or anything. At the door was a Spanish woman who asked in broken German, “Is this the Mormon church?” We told her where she was, and we asked her why she was looking for the Mormon church. She seemed heavy-laden. We took her in (memory fades, but I hope we offered her an apple!). I do know that with our limited common vocabulary and whatever gestures and sign language we could muster, we started communicating with her.
We tried to explain who we were and did a short play for her. It was one we did almost everyday to introduce ourselves to pastors, titled, “The Search.” After watching it, she started crying and saying, "That is me, that is me. I lie in bed praying to God and wondering where He is. I am searching." We were able to pray with her and (again, I hope) we had a Bible to give her. She said that she was on vacation with a tour bus and that they were leaving this evening. She needed to get back to the bus – we drove her on our little gas and thankfully she made it, saying that we were angels.
We finally knew why we were stuck in Innsbruck, and we were filled with gratitude. The next day, a pastor (who was actually a British missionary) whom we had called for an appointment came to see us. We explained our ministry and performed “The Search” once again. He did not know anything about our current situation. He said he could not book anything at this time, but said he wanted to give us something toward our ministry. It was enough Austrian Schillings to fill our gas tank and get us out of town.
We had a pre-conceived notion of how we were supposed to serve—by performing Christian drama in worship services, for the most part. We were waiting for the opportunity to serve in that way, and when it didn’t come, we got frustrated—even with God. But we may have been learning a bigger lesson about serving. While we were waiting to serve, we were learning from how others were serving us. They served us by giving us hospitality; by giving us food (even one large, versatile bag of apples); by a colleague who shared her cooking gifts; and by a faith-supported missionary who himself sacrificed to give us just the money we needed. And the Lord, in His grace, even gave us the opportunity to serve—by performing for an audience of one, and witnessing about His love to a stranger who was “searching.”
There’s a wonderful Christian song you may have heard on the radio—“I’m waiting on You, Lord,” by John Waller. He sings, “I’m waiting on You, Lord, though it is painful, but patiently I will wait.” And in the chorus, he repeats, “I will serve You while I'm waiting. I will worship while I'm waiting.”
Since leaving Covenant Players, we’ve had the opportunity ourselves to serve by giving hospitality, by giving food, by giving money, by sharing our testimony—and even, occasionally, by doing Christian drama! But even when we may be waiting for God to do something in our lives, we try to keep this promise, and tell the Lord, “I will serve you while I’m waiting.”
~Peter & Kristin Sprigg
One night, we heard a knock on the church door. This church was very hard to find, since it was over a restaurant—there was not a big sign out or anything. At the door was a Spanish woman who asked in broken German, “Is this the Mormon church?” We told her where she was, and we asked her why she was looking for the Mormon church. She seemed heavy-laden. We took her in (memory fades, but I hope we offered her an apple!). I do know that with our limited common vocabulary and whatever gestures and sign language we could muster, we started communicating with her.
We tried to explain who we were and did a short play for her. It was one we did almost everyday to introduce ourselves to pastors, titled, “The Search.” After watching it, she started crying and saying, "That is me, that is me. I lie in bed praying to God and wondering where He is. I am searching." We were able to pray with her and (again, I hope) we had a Bible to give her. She said that she was on vacation with a tour bus and that they were leaving this evening. She needed to get back to the bus – we drove her on our little gas and thankfully she made it, saying that we were angels.
We finally knew why we were stuck in Innsbruck, and we were filled with gratitude. The next day, a pastor (who was actually a British missionary) whom we had called for an appointment came to see us. We explained our ministry and performed “The Search” once again. He did not know anything about our current situation. He said he could not book anything at this time, but said he wanted to give us something toward our ministry. It was enough Austrian Schillings to fill our gas tank and get us out of town.
We had a pre-conceived notion of how we were supposed to serve—by performing Christian drama in worship services, for the most part. We were waiting for the opportunity to serve in that way, and when it didn’t come, we got frustrated—even with God. But we may have been learning a bigger lesson about serving. While we were waiting to serve, we were learning from how others were serving us. They served us by giving us hospitality; by giving us food (even one large, versatile bag of apples); by a colleague who shared her cooking gifts; and by a faith-supported missionary who himself sacrificed to give us just the money we needed. And the Lord, in His grace, even gave us the opportunity to serve—by performing for an audience of one, and witnessing about His love to a stranger who was “searching.”
There’s a wonderful Christian song you may have heard on the radio—“I’m waiting on You, Lord,” by John Waller. He sings, “I’m waiting on You, Lord, though it is painful, but patiently I will wait.” And in the chorus, he repeats, “I will serve You while I'm waiting. I will worship while I'm waiting.”
Since leaving Covenant Players, we’ve had the opportunity ourselves to serve by giving hospitality, by giving food, by giving money, by sharing our testimony—and even, occasionally, by doing Christian drama! But even when we may be waiting for God to do something in our lives, we try to keep this promise, and tell the Lord, “I will serve you while I’m waiting.”
~Peter & Kristin Sprigg
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Day 35: Blessed to be a Blessing
Take a moment to make a list of all the ways that God has blessed you (spiritually, financially, physically, relationally, etc.) Ready? Go.
Now think about this question: Why has God blessed you?
In Genesis 12:1-3, God blesses Abraham for a specific purpose.
“The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.’”
God blesses Abraham to be a blessing. Specifically, God blesses Abraham to be a blessing to all nations. David understood this and also sung his own version of “God Bless America”... or... uh Israel.
“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among nations.” Psalm 67:1-2
David knew that blessing from God is a means to an end. The end is God’s glory among all nations. When God blesses people, He never intends it to end with them.
Galatians 3:14 says, “He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.”
The blessing is the gospel. If the blessing had stopped with Abraham, you and I would not have received salvation by faith or the gift of the Holy Spirit.
To those who are blessed, God gives the responsibility to be a blessing to others. The hope of the gospel is that those who aren’t blessed will be blessed by the people who are. We have been given the ministry of reconciliation. We are the agents of the blessing of the gospel.
“For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’" Romans 10:12-15
As Americans, we have been blessed to be a blessing to all nations. What are we doing with this blessing? Are we using it to bless ourselves even more? Or are we extending this blessing to the nations? They can’t hear unless someone preaches. They can’t preach unless they are sent.
16,334 people groups occupy planet earth. 6,639 of them have little to no access to the gospel. An unsaved person has access to the gospel. These are your friends and neighbors. But billions have no access. They couldn’t hear about Jesus even if they wanted to. And yet we receive more blessings and “spiritual information” in a week than many people groups have experienced throughout the duration of their civilization. WE ARE SO BLESSED! But God never intended us to be blessed without extending that blessing. No, that would be too small of a thing for God to do.
“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6
You have been blessed to be a blessing to all nations. Don’t let the blessing stop with you. Don’t let the blessing stop here in your neighborhood, your state, even your country. Let it extend to the world. Our God is a global God with global purposes. The living God is a missionary God. Let’s not lose sight of the mission that God set before us in Genesis 12 and brings to completion in Revelation 7:9 (Read it!).
It is too small a thing for you to live your life and be content with God’s blessings. You are blessed to be a blessing. Fulfill the purpose for which you were created. Be a blessing…to all nations!
How can you be a blessing?
1. Go. Be a missionary.
2. Send. Support a missionary financially.
3. Pray. Pray for unreached peoples to hear the good news.
4. Welcome. Befriend internationals in your schools and communities.
~Jeff Simpson
Now think about this question: Why has God blessed you?
In Genesis 12:1-3, God blesses Abraham for a specific purpose.
“The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.’”
God blesses Abraham to be a blessing. Specifically, God blesses Abraham to be a blessing to all nations. David understood this and also sung his own version of “God Bless America”... or... uh Israel.
“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among nations.” Psalm 67:1-2
David knew that blessing from God is a means to an end. The end is God’s glory among all nations. When God blesses people, He never intends it to end with them.
Galatians 3:14 says, “He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.”
The blessing is the gospel. If the blessing had stopped with Abraham, you and I would not have received salvation by faith or the gift of the Holy Spirit.
To those who are blessed, God gives the responsibility to be a blessing to others. The hope of the gospel is that those who aren’t blessed will be blessed by the people who are. We have been given the ministry of reconciliation. We are the agents of the blessing of the gospel.
“For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’" Romans 10:12-15
As Americans, we have been blessed to be a blessing to all nations. What are we doing with this blessing? Are we using it to bless ourselves even more? Or are we extending this blessing to the nations? They can’t hear unless someone preaches. They can’t preach unless they are sent.
16,334 people groups occupy planet earth. 6,639 of them have little to no access to the gospel. An unsaved person has access to the gospel. These are your friends and neighbors. But billions have no access. They couldn’t hear about Jesus even if they wanted to. And yet we receive more blessings and “spiritual information” in a week than many people groups have experienced throughout the duration of their civilization. WE ARE SO BLESSED! But God never intended us to be blessed without extending that blessing. No, that would be too small of a thing for God to do.
“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6
You have been blessed to be a blessing to all nations. Don’t let the blessing stop with you. Don’t let the blessing stop here in your neighborhood, your state, even your country. Let it extend to the world. Our God is a global God with global purposes. The living God is a missionary God. Let’s not lose sight of the mission that God set before us in Genesis 12 and brings to completion in Revelation 7:9 (Read it!).
It is too small a thing for you to live your life and be content with God’s blessings. You are blessed to be a blessing. Fulfill the purpose for which you were created. Be a blessing…to all nations!
How can you be a blessing?
1. Go. Be a missionary.
2. Send. Support a missionary financially.
3. Pray. Pray for unreached peoples to hear the good news.
4. Welcome. Befriend internationals in your schools and communities.
~Jeff Simpson
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Day 34: Who Are the Least of These?
Matthew 25:40 “The king will reply, I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”
Over twenty years ago, I took my first dental mission to the highlands of Sierra Madre del Sol. Exhausted from interminable days of hard work, I plopped down on a cliff edge to rest and rejuvenate. The sun was just beginning to hide its head behind the soaring peaks; without natural light our primitive clinic had closed: no electricity. It did not matter; with the merciless heat, body aches, and lack of adequate resources I could not work another minute.
After days of treating impoverished villagers isolated from the modern world, I was ready to throw in the towel. Thankfully, there was a short break before dinner that night. Over-heated, discouraged, and frustrated I just wanted to be alone.
I can’t go on. And what difference does it make anyway? Am I really helping? My alone time was abruptly interrupted when a six or seven year old boy boldly sat down beside me. I gave him a cursory glance, but his eyes sparkled back as he smiled a crooked grin.
I remember him. Brave little guy; probably still numb. What’s his name? He had not fussed at all when his teeth were pulled, which was not unusual: all these folks were stoic. He began talking… in Chinentaco. I can sometimes follow a little Spanish but not the local dialect.
So much for quietly enjoying God’s majestic handiwork. He stood and reached out to take my hand. Reluctantly I followed suite, groaning to get up as my back cracked in protest. His tiny hand tugged on mine, and we began a tour of the terraced village. Huts were perched so close to the edge that they seemed to hover in midair. Pointing out things of interest, he laughed and talked nonstop. It was infectious. We strolled—I strolled, he skipped—from one glorious vista to another.
Getting into it, I told him how beautiful his village was. He giggled at the sound of my funny words: I could not help but laugh back. We were having a great time, jabbering away without knowing the words, yet somehow understanding each other.
That is when I looked more closely. His clothes were ragged and threadbare. No shoes. Just like all the other kids. There was a faded but nasty scar on his left cheek. He was clean and dirty at the same time – a fruitless attempt had been made at hygiene. I must have looked the same, having gone without a shower in over a week.
We approached a swinging bridge. I hate heights, and he laughed at my hesitation. That is where I took his picture. Looking through the viewfinder I realized he was about the same age as my son, Billy. My eyes watered… homesick, grateful, and sad, all at the same time. After crossing the chasm we went to meet his large family. They lived in a dingy, thatched-roof hut with a dirt floor. Before leaving, his mom insisted that I accept a hot tortilla, fresh from a stone oven – a small gift from a big heart.
That night the missionary projected the Jesus Film on a whitewashed, adobe wall. Most villagers had never seen electricity and were mesmerized by the moving pictures. But more than that, they were moved by the message; God loves us so much that He came to die as atonement for our sins and … He conquered death.
My little friend was among a number of people who came forward to accept Jesus as their Savior. Although the next day was just as hot, and there was the same endless line of people waiting for treatment, the workload somehow seemed lighter.
Several days later we left the village just before dawn. Riding a mule down the treacherous mountain trail, I turned for one last look, and there he was… a tiny figure standing in the mist, waving goodbye and smiling. That is all it took for me to be certain that God had called me to serve in this place and at this time.
Who are the least of these?
• Those who can’t pay the bills?
• People down on their luck?
• Folks lacking adequate shelter, food, or clothes?
• The drug addict, alcoholic, compulsive gambler, prisoner?
• People with little or no faith?
All of the above, and many more.
And where can they be found? Everywhere: next door and around the world. And lest we become complacent, peruse the end of the chapter:
Mathew 25:44-45 “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you? He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’”
Lord, I pray that I will always listen for your prompting and be ready to serve where You would have me.
~Jim Rhea
Over twenty years ago, I took my first dental mission to the highlands of Sierra Madre del Sol. Exhausted from interminable days of hard work, I plopped down on a cliff edge to rest and rejuvenate. The sun was just beginning to hide its head behind the soaring peaks; without natural light our primitive clinic had closed: no electricity. It did not matter; with the merciless heat, body aches, and lack of adequate resources I could not work another minute.
After days of treating impoverished villagers isolated from the modern world, I was ready to throw in the towel. Thankfully, there was a short break before dinner that night. Over-heated, discouraged, and frustrated I just wanted to be alone.
I can’t go on. And what difference does it make anyway? Am I really helping? My alone time was abruptly interrupted when a six or seven year old boy boldly sat down beside me. I gave him a cursory glance, but his eyes sparkled back as he smiled a crooked grin.
I remember him. Brave little guy; probably still numb. What’s his name? He had not fussed at all when his teeth were pulled, which was not unusual: all these folks were stoic. He began talking… in Chinentaco. I can sometimes follow a little Spanish but not the local dialect.
So much for quietly enjoying God’s majestic handiwork. He stood and reached out to take my hand. Reluctantly I followed suite, groaning to get up as my back cracked in protest. His tiny hand tugged on mine, and we began a tour of the terraced village. Huts were perched so close to the edge that they seemed to hover in midair. Pointing out things of interest, he laughed and talked nonstop. It was infectious. We strolled—I strolled, he skipped—from one glorious vista to another.
Getting into it, I told him how beautiful his village was. He giggled at the sound of my funny words: I could not help but laugh back. We were having a great time, jabbering away without knowing the words, yet somehow understanding each other.
That is when I looked more closely. His clothes were ragged and threadbare. No shoes. Just like all the other kids. There was a faded but nasty scar on his left cheek. He was clean and dirty at the same time – a fruitless attempt had been made at hygiene. I must have looked the same, having gone without a shower in over a week.
We approached a swinging bridge. I hate heights, and he laughed at my hesitation. That is where I took his picture. Looking through the viewfinder I realized he was about the same age as my son, Billy. My eyes watered… homesick, grateful, and sad, all at the same time. After crossing the chasm we went to meet his large family. They lived in a dingy, thatched-roof hut with a dirt floor. Before leaving, his mom insisted that I accept a hot tortilla, fresh from a stone oven – a small gift from a big heart.
That night the missionary projected the Jesus Film on a whitewashed, adobe wall. Most villagers had never seen electricity and were mesmerized by the moving pictures. But more than that, they were moved by the message; God loves us so much that He came to die as atonement for our sins and … He conquered death.
My little friend was among a number of people who came forward to accept Jesus as their Savior. Although the next day was just as hot, and there was the same endless line of people waiting for treatment, the workload somehow seemed lighter.
Several days later we left the village just before dawn. Riding a mule down the treacherous mountain trail, I turned for one last look, and there he was… a tiny figure standing in the mist, waving goodbye and smiling. That is all it took for me to be certain that God had called me to serve in this place and at this time.
Who are the least of these?
• Those who can’t pay the bills?
• People down on their luck?
• Folks lacking adequate shelter, food, or clothes?
• The drug addict, alcoholic, compulsive gambler, prisoner?
• People with little or no faith?
All of the above, and many more.
And where can they be found? Everywhere: next door and around the world. And lest we become complacent, peruse the end of the chapter:
Mathew 25:44-45 “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you? He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’”
Lord, I pray that I will always listen for your prompting and be ready to serve where You would have me.
~Jim Rhea
Day 33: He Equips the Called
God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called. How many times have you heard this one, or had someone quote Ephesians 10:2 to you? Usually it happens when someone is trying to convince you to “volunteer” to do something that you believe is not within your area of giftedness. We all know that we should only serve in those areas where God has gifted us, right?? Wrong!! Let me tell you how I learned that it is not impossible to serve effectively outside of the specific gifts God has given you IF you are willing to let Him put you in a place where you can learn how. I went to that place reluctantly, and God still blessed me in ways I could never have imagined.
About 22 years ago my family moved to Gaithersburg and began attending a small church close to our new home. We became very involved and were blessed to serve in several areas that were new to us, simply because the need was there and the numbers were few. At one point, my husband served as Sunday school director for both children and adults. One Sunday, when I had stayed home with a sick child, he returned with the sad news that the only teacher for the 1st – 3rd graders (no Child Protection policy in effect at that time!) had let him know that morning that he was going to have to stop teaching immediately because his wife had left him, and he did not feel that he should be teaching children under those circumstances. My husband had no idea who else could fill that spot on short notice because everyone who usually worked with children all ready had several jobs to do on Sunday mornings. Before he was even finished telling me about it, the words, “I can do it if Sherry (the 4th & 5th grade teacher) will show me how,” were out of my mouth. Where on earth did that come from? After all, I knew that my gifts are in the area of organization and administration, definitely not teaching children! While I loved my own children, I had never enjoyed my turn at “nursery duty” when they were preschoolers, and I had no idea how I would possibly survive an entire Sunday school hour with a group of elementary-aged kids. But once the words were out, I was committed. The very next Sunday I began observing a seasoned teacher, studying everything she did and said to keep the kids engaged and under control. With her patient guidance, it was not long before I was confidently and enthusiastically planning lessons and teaching with her, and we were soon back to having two children’s classes, with me as the teacher for the younger kids. Several years later the Lord led us to Greenridge, and within a few months I ended up back in a classroom, this time with a large group of energetic 1st and 2nd graders and my new friends, Mr. Don & Ms Linda.
The lesson here is this: yes, of course we should seek opportunities to serve in our areas of giftedness. But, with the Holy Spirit as our leader and someone to come along side as a mentor and guide, most of us can be taught how to serve outside these areas as well, and it can be an amazing, life-changing experience. To this day I still take what opportunities I have to learn how to work more effectively with children and, even though I still know that teaching children isn’t one of my primary gifts, I find that I am totally blessed every time I have a chance to be in a classroom filled with those little chairs.
~Sue Overbey
About 22 years ago my family moved to Gaithersburg and began attending a small church close to our new home. We became very involved and were blessed to serve in several areas that were new to us, simply because the need was there and the numbers were few. At one point, my husband served as Sunday school director for both children and adults. One Sunday, when I had stayed home with a sick child, he returned with the sad news that the only teacher for the 1st – 3rd graders (no Child Protection policy in effect at that time!) had let him know that morning that he was going to have to stop teaching immediately because his wife had left him, and he did not feel that he should be teaching children under those circumstances. My husband had no idea who else could fill that spot on short notice because everyone who usually worked with children all ready had several jobs to do on Sunday mornings. Before he was even finished telling me about it, the words, “I can do it if Sherry (the 4th & 5th grade teacher) will show me how,” were out of my mouth. Where on earth did that come from? After all, I knew that my gifts are in the area of organization and administration, definitely not teaching children! While I loved my own children, I had never enjoyed my turn at “nursery duty” when they were preschoolers, and I had no idea how I would possibly survive an entire Sunday school hour with a group of elementary-aged kids. But once the words were out, I was committed. The very next Sunday I began observing a seasoned teacher, studying everything she did and said to keep the kids engaged and under control. With her patient guidance, it was not long before I was confidently and enthusiastically planning lessons and teaching with her, and we were soon back to having two children’s classes, with me as the teacher for the younger kids. Several years later the Lord led us to Greenridge, and within a few months I ended up back in a classroom, this time with a large group of energetic 1st and 2nd graders and my new friends, Mr. Don & Ms Linda.
The lesson here is this: yes, of course we should seek opportunities to serve in our areas of giftedness. But, with the Holy Spirit as our leader and someone to come along side as a mentor and guide, most of us can be taught how to serve outside these areas as well, and it can be an amazing, life-changing experience. To this day I still take what opportunities I have to learn how to work more effectively with children and, even though I still know that teaching children isn’t one of my primary gifts, I find that I am totally blessed every time I have a chance to be in a classroom filled with those little chairs.
~Sue Overbey
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