- May it be led by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 3:20)
- Obedience to God's will (Acts 5:29)
- Faith in God's wisdom (James 1:5)
Monday, March 15, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Day 21: My Response to the Campaign
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Day 20: Arts Ministry (Psalm 95:1-3; Psalm 22:3)
When I was a sophomore in college I felt God calling me to serve for a month in China on a mission trip. The problem was that I lacked the funds to go. The trip cost was over $3000.00, and I was paying my own way through school and working side jobs for spending money. $3000.00 was, literally, and impossible sum for me to raise on my own.
To make matters worse, my parents had just moved from Tennessee to Florida and I no longer had my church home to ask for support.
But I felt that God was calling me to go and I knew he would make a way. So I signed up and started praying.
I headed “home” to Florida for spring break and talked to my parents about the trip. They told me that they could offer no financial support, and that I should probably rethink going to China.
But I felt God calling me to go, and I knew he would make a way. So I looked for a summer job.
Just as school was ending, and like all other college students do, I got a credit card application in the mail. The limit was $1,500.00. Normally I would have just tossed the application in the trash with the countless others, but I thought about the cost of my plane ticket ($1,700.00) and the tips that I would be making soon at the “Happy Tomato Café” and decided to apply.
I felt God calling me to go, maybe this was how he was making a way.
I got my credit card in the mail, right as I was going home.
My first week at the “Happy Tomato Café” was definitely happy, but I didn’t make even close to the $3000.00 that I needed to get to China, and I was only going to be able to work about a month before I headed out of the country. I went home that Friday very discouraged, questioning if what I had felt and heard was really the call of God, or if it had simply been my wishful thinking.
On my drive home from work I devised a plan: when I got home I would call the travel agent and ask if I could pay for most of my ticket with my new credit card and then pay the rest by check in a few weeks.
I picked up the phone and called the travel agency. I reminded her of who I was and before I could tell her of my plan, she told me: “we received your full payment yesterday and your tickets are in the mail.”
“Excuse me?” I asked, sure that I had heard her wrong.
She repeated herself clearly. “We received your full payment yesterday and your tickets are in the mail.”
“So my tickets are paid-in-full?”
“That’s correct. Is there anything else that you need today?”
“No, thank you.” As I hung up the phone, I realized what had just happened: I had felt God calling me to go and he had made a way.
I had said that he would, I had told people that he would, but I hadn’t really believed that he would. But he did.
I had no idea then and I still do not know where the payment for my tickets came from. I do know that God understood my financial situation and I learned that when God calls us to do something he already knows how it’s going to work. How reassuring.
~Tirzah Turner
- Members would seek God each day in anticipation of leading worship
- Gifts are used for sole purpose of honoring God
- Growth of children's and preschool choirs
When I was a sophomore in college I felt God calling me to serve for a month in China on a mission trip. The problem was that I lacked the funds to go. The trip cost was over $3000.00, and I was paying my own way through school and working side jobs for spending money. $3000.00 was, literally, and impossible sum for me to raise on my own.
To make matters worse, my parents had just moved from Tennessee to Florida and I no longer had my church home to ask for support.
But I felt that God was calling me to go and I knew he would make a way. So I signed up and started praying.
I headed “home” to Florida for spring break and talked to my parents about the trip. They told me that they could offer no financial support, and that I should probably rethink going to China.
But I felt God calling me to go, and I knew he would make a way. So I looked for a summer job.
Just as school was ending, and like all other college students do, I got a credit card application in the mail. The limit was $1,500.00. Normally I would have just tossed the application in the trash with the countless others, but I thought about the cost of my plane ticket ($1,700.00) and the tips that I would be making soon at the “Happy Tomato Café” and decided to apply.
I felt God calling me to go, maybe this was how he was making a way.
I got my credit card in the mail, right as I was going home.
My first week at the “Happy Tomato Café” was definitely happy, but I didn’t make even close to the $3000.00 that I needed to get to China, and I was only going to be able to work about a month before I headed out of the country. I went home that Friday very discouraged, questioning if what I had felt and heard was really the call of God, or if it had simply been my wishful thinking.
On my drive home from work I devised a plan: when I got home I would call the travel agent and ask if I could pay for most of my ticket with my new credit card and then pay the rest by check in a few weeks.
I picked up the phone and called the travel agency. I reminded her of who I was and before I could tell her of my plan, she told me: “we received your full payment yesterday and your tickets are in the mail.”
“Excuse me?” I asked, sure that I had heard her wrong.
She repeated herself clearly. “We received your full payment yesterday and your tickets are in the mail.”
“So my tickets are paid-in-full?”
“That’s correct. Is there anything else that you need today?”
“No, thank you.” As I hung up the phone, I realized what had just happened: I had felt God calling me to go and he had made a way.
I had said that he would, I had told people that he would, but I hadn’t really believed that he would. But he did.
I had no idea then and I still do not know where the payment for my tickets came from. I do know that God understood my financial situation and I learned that when God calls us to do something he already knows how it’s going to work. How reassuring.
~Tirzah Turner
Friday, March 19, 2010
Day 19: Child Development Center (Proverbs 22:6)
Faith with action – So last November I came to my normal Monday team meeting and for the first time read scripture and shared what God had lain on my heart. I told each of them that from that day forward we will not be working on real estate on Sunday and I was so convicted about it that if anyone worked it was grounds to be fired. I had to clarify this for the team because in Joshua they stoned and burned Achan and I could tell they were a little nervous (that firing doesn’t sound so bad now).
God steps in to encourage me immediately- my team sat there stunned but each of them smiled and said that they loved the idea and they were in full support of me and more importantly of God’s commandment. Since that Monday in November I have been tracking my business and it has grown year over year and month over month and we are doing more business in less time. More business allows me to glorify God to other members of my industry and to provide more financial resources to His kingdom.
By honoring God and giving Him what was already His he has blessed me, my team, their families and our clients. I am reminded in Matthew 6:33 of God’s promise – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
~Chris Dyer
- God's direction and guidance
- Staff and their families
- Increase in enrollment
Faith with action – So last November I came to my normal Monday team meeting and for the first time read scripture and shared what God had lain on my heart. I told each of them that from that day forward we will not be working on real estate on Sunday and I was so convicted about it that if anyone worked it was grounds to be fired. I had to clarify this for the team because in Joshua they stoned and burned Achan and I could tell they were a little nervous (that firing doesn’t sound so bad now).
God steps in to encourage me immediately- my team sat there stunned but each of them smiled and said that they loved the idea and they were in full support of me and more importantly of God’s commandment. Since that Monday in November I have been tracking my business and it has grown year over year and month over month and we are doing more business in less time. More business allows me to glorify God to other members of my industry and to provide more financial resources to His kingdom.
By honoring God and giving Him what was already His he has blessed me, my team, their families and our clients. I am reminded in Matthew 6:33 of God’s promise – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
~Chris Dyer
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Day 18: Benevolence Ministry (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
In August of 1990 we relocated our family from the New Orleans area back to Florida as a result of an opportunity with Mike's job. We were enjoying life as a family with three young children and being involved in the church where we grew up and were married. Mike was working at the Kennedy Space Center and had been there for just over a year when the company he was with announced “cut backs”. Being the “new kid on the block” and surrounded by men who had years of seniority, Mike became the one that would be looking for a new job. We were very perplexed by this development since we had earnestly prayed about the move and the Lord opening those doors for us to move back to Florida. It was not only a good career opportunity it also allowed our children to be close to both sets of grandparents. We prayed for God to provide a new job during the two weeks notice Mike worked. On day 13 Mike received a call from the HR person from the same company and was offered a job that was similar to a summer job he worked while in college. It was half the salary he had been making and was less than challenging. During that time we trimmed our budget and evaluated what were “needs” and what were “wants”. We cut out all unnecessary expenses and watched how God met our every need and even some of our “wants”. He was FAITHFUL! During that time we continued to tithe knowing that He was in control of our situation. We continued to pray for a new job opportunity as Mike applied for every job he was qualified for. About 3 1/2 months had passed and I received a call at home from a man who had seen some of the work Mike did while in New Orleans. He had been trying to locate him for a month and had finally obtained our home number! Mike contacted him and an interview was set up. About the same time Mike received an interview call with a competitor company. He received offers from both companies! We knew that this was God's hand at work! After much prayer, he chose the company that had the best opportunity for growth over the one with the higher salary offer. Part of our prayer had been that God would provide a job that he would truly enjoy...and that He did. The Lord has allowed us to have many “job related” adventures since then to include three more moves. With each move we witnessed events that are truly only attributed to “God at work”...no other explanation is possible!
These verses have meant so much to me through the years and were a comfort when moving...there are so many unknowns..."Where will we live? Where will we go to church? Where will the kids go to school? Will we be able to make strong Christian friendships?"
Matthew 6:25 – 34: 25 For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing? 26 "Look" at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27 "And which of you being anxious can add a single cubit to his life's span?" 28 "And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, 29 yet, I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these." 30 "But if God so arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith? 31 Do not be anxious then, saying, "What shall we eat' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'With what shall we clothe ourselves?" 32 "For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you." 34 "Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day is enough trouble of its own."
God has been, God is and God will ALWAYS be FAITHFUL! As His children when we trust Him with the unknown and then see His Mighty Hand of Provision we have great confidence that when faced with the next challenge we can TRUST Him to provide what we need and to guide us!
~The Creightons
- Wisdom and discernment when responding to requests
- Families and individuals ministered to
In August of 1990 we relocated our family from the New Orleans area back to Florida as a result of an opportunity with Mike's job. We were enjoying life as a family with three young children and being involved in the church where we grew up and were married. Mike was working at the Kennedy Space Center and had been there for just over a year when the company he was with announced “cut backs”. Being the “new kid on the block” and surrounded by men who had years of seniority, Mike became the one that would be looking for a new job. We were very perplexed by this development since we had earnestly prayed about the move and the Lord opening those doors for us to move back to Florida. It was not only a good career opportunity it also allowed our children to be close to both sets of grandparents. We prayed for God to provide a new job during the two weeks notice Mike worked. On day 13 Mike received a call from the HR person from the same company and was offered a job that was similar to a summer job he worked while in college. It was half the salary he had been making and was less than challenging. During that time we trimmed our budget and evaluated what were “needs” and what were “wants”. We cut out all unnecessary expenses and watched how God met our every need and even some of our “wants”. He was FAITHFUL! During that time we continued to tithe knowing that He was in control of our situation. We continued to pray for a new job opportunity as Mike applied for every job he was qualified for. About 3 1/2 months had passed and I received a call at home from a man who had seen some of the work Mike did while in New Orleans. He had been trying to locate him for a month and had finally obtained our home number! Mike contacted him and an interview was set up. About the same time Mike received an interview call with a competitor company. He received offers from both companies! We knew that this was God's hand at work! After much prayer, he chose the company that had the best opportunity for growth over the one with the higher salary offer. Part of our prayer had been that God would provide a job that he would truly enjoy...and that He did. The Lord has allowed us to have many “job related” adventures since then to include three more moves. With each move we witnessed events that are truly only attributed to “God at work”...no other explanation is possible!
These verses have meant so much to me through the years and were a comfort when moving...there are so many unknowns..."Where will we live? Where will we go to church? Where will the kids go to school? Will we be able to make strong Christian friendships?"
Matthew 6:25 – 34: 25 For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing? 26 "Look" at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27 "And which of you being anxious can add a single cubit to his life's span?" 28 "And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, 29 yet, I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these." 30 "But if God so arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith? 31 Do not be anxious then, saying, "What shall we eat' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'With what shall we clothe ourselves?" 32 "For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you." 34 "Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day is enough trouble of its own."
God has been, God is and God will ALWAYS be FAITHFUL! As His children when we trust Him with the unknown and then see His Mighty Hand of Provision we have great confidence that when faced with the next challenge we can TRUST Him to provide what we need and to guide us!
~The Creightons
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Day 17: Mission Partners (Matthew 25:39-40)
One day, my son Tom called me and asked “mom, are you paying your bills?” I told him yes and asked him why he was asking. He seemed to think I had too much money in my bank account and asked where it came from. I told him “there’s a reason for that.”
One day shortly after, my daughter Patty asked me where I got all the money I had. I gave the same answer – “there’s a reason for that.”
See, I am very frugal and don’t spend a lot; consequently, I am out of debt. What a wonderful feeling that is. I was determined to get out of debt and didn’t want to die in debt. And that could certainly be one reason. But I knew what the real reason was. Several years ago I was thinking about tithing and feeling I should start. That’s the magic word “start.” Just start so you have a reason to finish. I had been considering how tithing would impact my life and knew God would approve so I asked Him if I could afford to tithe. His answer was “give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11). I realized then that I could trust God to provide for me. All I really need is my daily bread. So I started tithing – giving 10% of my income to the church. Since I began doing that, my bank account has been overflowing. And now my children are seeing the blessings I receive by tithing.
So I encourage you to just start, and imagine what the Spirit can do!
Phil. 4:13: “I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me.”
~Rita Royster
- Faith Connections, Frederick Rescue Mission, Life Connection Mission, Lee Street Baptist Church, Open Door Baltimore, Shady Grove Pregnancy Center, Katrina relief projects (New Orleans), Germantown Help, and FCA Sports Camp
- Workers and volunteers, funds, responsiveness of those helped
One day, my son Tom called me and asked “mom, are you paying your bills?” I told him yes and asked him why he was asking. He seemed to think I had too much money in my bank account and asked where it came from. I told him “there’s a reason for that.”
One day shortly after, my daughter Patty asked me where I got all the money I had. I gave the same answer – “there’s a reason for that.”
See, I am very frugal and don’t spend a lot; consequently, I am out of debt. What a wonderful feeling that is. I was determined to get out of debt and didn’t want to die in debt. And that could certainly be one reason. But I knew what the real reason was. Several years ago I was thinking about tithing and feeling I should start. That’s the magic word “start.” Just start so you have a reason to finish. I had been considering how tithing would impact my life and knew God would approve so I asked Him if I could afford to tithe. His answer was “give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11). I realized then that I could trust God to provide for me. All I really need is my daily bread. So I started tithing – giving 10% of my income to the church. Since I began doing that, my bank account has been overflowing. And now my children are seeing the blessings I receive by tithing.
So I encourage you to just start, and imagine what the Spirit can do!
Phil. 4:13: “I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me.”
~Rita Royster
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Day 16: High Seas Expedition (VBS 7/19 - 7/23)
Commitment to God and generous giving are closely related... Ex. 35:21
Well doesn’t that in its self speak volumes?
“and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments.”
Commentary Notes:
Those whose hearts were stirred gave cheerfully to the Tent of Meeting (also called the tabernacle). With great enthusiasm they gave because they knew how important their giving was to the completion of God’s house. Airline pilots and computer operators can push test buttons to see if their equipment is functioning properly. God has a quick test button he can push to see the level of our commitment – our pocketbooks. Generous people aren’t necessarily faithful to God. But faithful people are always generous.
Personal Story:
It says “everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the LORD.” In December my heart was moved on several occasions to give, three separate instances were brought to my attention and the Holy Spirit prompted me to give, generously. In each case I used a single bill, sometimes one sometimes more than one. Keep in mind this is Christmas time right, well the amount of money I gave on these three occasions significantly reduced my Christmas budget. But that is ok…. I felt solid about what the Holy Spirit was prompting me to do. Well wouldn’t you know, for Christmas in a card I received the exact amount back that I had given, in the exact number of bills I used. I just LOVE it when God speaks so directly to us, gives us strokes of encouragement and affirmation – which increases our faith. The commentary states “Generous people aren’t necessarily faithful to God. But faithful people are always generous.” We should not forget who the author of our faith is, who increases it and who guides it.
Money is just one small area of our lives that we should trust God and allow him to build our faith.
*Reference taken from my Bible’s index.
~Melissa Dyer
- Children reached for Christ (Ps. 119)
- God's Word is true (v151), comforting (v50), surprising (v18), life-changing (v37), for everyone (v90)
- Leadership team and volunteers
Commitment to God and generous giving are closely related... Ex. 35:21
Well doesn’t that in its self speak volumes?
“and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments.”
Commentary Notes:
Those whose hearts were stirred gave cheerfully to the Tent of Meeting (also called the tabernacle). With great enthusiasm they gave because they knew how important their giving was to the completion of God’s house. Airline pilots and computer operators can push test buttons to see if their equipment is functioning properly. God has a quick test button he can push to see the level of our commitment – our pocketbooks. Generous people aren’t necessarily faithful to God. But faithful people are always generous.
Personal Story:
It says “everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the LORD.” In December my heart was moved on several occasions to give, three separate instances were brought to my attention and the Holy Spirit prompted me to give, generously. In each case I used a single bill, sometimes one sometimes more than one. Keep in mind this is Christmas time right, well the amount of money I gave on these three occasions significantly reduced my Christmas budget. But that is ok…. I felt solid about what the Holy Spirit was prompting me to do. Well wouldn’t you know, for Christmas in a card I received the exact amount back that I had given, in the exact number of bills I used. I just LOVE it when God speaks so directly to us, gives us strokes of encouragement and affirmation – which increases our faith. The commentary states “Generous people aren’t necessarily faithful to God. But faithful people are always generous.” We should not forget who the author of our faith is, who increases it and who guides it.
Money is just one small area of our lives that we should trust God and allow him to build our faith.
*Reference taken from my Bible’s index.
~Melissa Dyer
Monday, March 15, 2010
Day 15: Praise the Holy Spirit
“A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.’” Mark 4:37-39 (NIV)
Mighty Lord, master of unexpected waves and storms, remind me of what you did for us that night. And as you do, may I continue to depend on your power for what I will need today.
~Pastor Tim Simpson
- Our Greatest Prayer Warrior! (Rom. 8:26)
- Our prayer life (Psalm 42)
- The Prayer Ministry (Eph. 6:18)
“A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.’” Mark 4:37-39 (NIV)
Mighty Lord, master of unexpected waves and storms, remind me of what you did for us that night. And as you do, may I continue to depend on your power for what I will need today.
~Pastor Tim Simpson
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Day 14: C.A.R.E. Ministry (1 John 3:18; Mark 12:29-31)
Who would have thought that the next 15 minutes would change my life forever. “Stay away from the windows and doors,” shouted my advisor from down the hallway. “Is this really happening?” I thought. In denial, I couldn’t keep the words, “Everything is fine,” from coming out of my mouth. The chaos and confusion enveloped the campus as dorms and academic buildings were locked down. Without any understanding or direction, most of the university sat waiting for the outcome of these few minutes in Norris Hall.
What do you even do in a situation like this? How do you cope? How do you seek understanding? I have never relied on prayer like I did that snowy April day. As all the campus ministries met together that night at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry house about half a mile from the crime scene, I witnessed something I had never seen before. Unity, compassion and love transformed many lives through prayer. The community amongst Christians was unparalleled. I saw Christians from all denominations come together to recognize the evil that is in this world and claim Christ’s power over it. I saw Christians embrace each other with hugs of desperation and comfort. There were no “outsiders” or “loners”, only believers who longed for the day that Jesus returns to take us home.
I truly believe this community was created because of the prayers that were sent up from all around the world. In the weeks after this tragedy, we received letter upon letter of encouragement and love from people who were continually praying for the Virginia Tech community. It was almost as if prayers that were sent up to God were immediately rained down as blessings and comfort to us Hokies.
I know this situation is extreme, but we do not need to wait for tragedy to experience the community explained in Acts 2:42-47. It’s available to those who humble themselves before our Lord and others and seek the face of Jesus as a community. If you are going through a trial right now, which I’m sure many of you are, I would encourage you to find someone within the Greenridge community to share your struggle with and have them pray for you. There is nothing like the bond between believers that comes from seeing prayer answered.
Acts 2:42 - “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
~Julie Harrison
- Give thanks for volunteers
- Pray for families and individuals served
- Continuing opportunities to share Christ's love with our neighbors
Who would have thought that the next 15 minutes would change my life forever. “Stay away from the windows and doors,” shouted my advisor from down the hallway. “Is this really happening?” I thought. In denial, I couldn’t keep the words, “Everything is fine,” from coming out of my mouth. The chaos and confusion enveloped the campus as dorms and academic buildings were locked down. Without any understanding or direction, most of the university sat waiting for the outcome of these few minutes in Norris Hall.
What do you even do in a situation like this? How do you cope? How do you seek understanding? I have never relied on prayer like I did that snowy April day. As all the campus ministries met together that night at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry house about half a mile from the crime scene, I witnessed something I had never seen before. Unity, compassion and love transformed many lives through prayer. The community amongst Christians was unparalleled. I saw Christians from all denominations come together to recognize the evil that is in this world and claim Christ’s power over it. I saw Christians embrace each other with hugs of desperation and comfort. There were no “outsiders” or “loners”, only believers who longed for the day that Jesus returns to take us home.
I truly believe this community was created because of the prayers that were sent up from all around the world. In the weeks after this tragedy, we received letter upon letter of encouragement and love from people who were continually praying for the Virginia Tech community. It was almost as if prayers that were sent up to God were immediately rained down as blessings and comfort to us Hokies.
I know this situation is extreme, but we do not need to wait for tragedy to experience the community explained in Acts 2:42-47. It’s available to those who humble themselves before our Lord and others and seek the face of Jesus as a community. If you are going through a trial right now, which I’m sure many of you are, I would encourage you to find someone within the Greenridge community to share your struggle with and have them pray for you. There is nothing like the bond between believers that comes from seeing prayer answered.
Acts 2:42 - “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
~Julie Harrison
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Day 13: International Missions (2 Tim 4:5; Matt. 28:18-20)
Sometimes life doesn’t feel that way. I trust fully that God is sovereign and that He has a perfect plan for me with perfect timing. I’ve quickly been reminded of this fact lately as my husband and I begin the process of buying a house.
I tend to worry about things before I ever need to and so as you can imagine, I began worrying about all the details of this process that I really knew nothing about! Are we going to find a house we really like and not be forced to settle? Can we really afford a mortgage payment!? Will we find a house in time for the tax credit offer? What if someone else beats us to buying the house we want? Worry! The bible is very clear about us humans worrying about anything, yet I still do.
As my thoughts began to get completely overwhelmed with these questions, God loudly reminded me of all the times that He had everything under control and He did something completely unexpected that was above and beyond my worries. He has always trumped my fears with His perfect timing and perfect plan.
And so my thoughts began to change. God has a plan for us. He planned this out for us before the world was in motion. The creator of the universe put the desire in our hearts to begin this process and has lead us to this point. He’s not going to leave us stranded now. God already has our perfect house picked out. He knows about the time crunch in this process (although I still “remind” him sometimes…). He will not lead us into a situation that will cause us financial hardship.
I read Proverbs 16 just a few days after we decided to get this process going. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” How often I forget to commit WHATEVER I do to the Lord. Although I started praying right when we thought about a house, I immediately saw the big picture for this situation. I must in every day life, but in particular with this huge step in life, commit this to the Lord. My prayer changed. “Father, if we do not commit this decision to you and allow you to completely lead us in this process, may we fail. May nothing go through if we do not commit it to You wholeheartedly.”
This verse didn’t make me change my mindset because it says “and your plans will succeed”. Although I know with God, they will, it is so much more than that. God’s design for my life and my husband’s life and my family’s life is so much bigger than I can ever imagine. I want to experience life the way God designed it because I know it’s better than my own desires. His plan is best and he is always more than enough! We commit whatever we do to the Lord because His way is always best.
~Tia Ryan
- Amazon Missions Trip (3/21 - 4/1)
- Team's provision/safety; fruitful in winning souls
- Haitian people and relief efforts
Sometimes life doesn’t feel that way. I trust fully that God is sovereign and that He has a perfect plan for me with perfect timing. I’ve quickly been reminded of this fact lately as my husband and I begin the process of buying a house.
I tend to worry about things before I ever need to and so as you can imagine, I began worrying about all the details of this process that I really knew nothing about! Are we going to find a house we really like and not be forced to settle? Can we really afford a mortgage payment!? Will we find a house in time for the tax credit offer? What if someone else beats us to buying the house we want? Worry! The bible is very clear about us humans worrying about anything, yet I still do.
As my thoughts began to get completely overwhelmed with these questions, God loudly reminded me of all the times that He had everything under control and He did something completely unexpected that was above and beyond my worries. He has always trumped my fears with His perfect timing and perfect plan.
And so my thoughts began to change. God has a plan for us. He planned this out for us before the world was in motion. The creator of the universe put the desire in our hearts to begin this process and has lead us to this point. He’s not going to leave us stranded now. God already has our perfect house picked out. He knows about the time crunch in this process (although I still “remind” him sometimes…). He will not lead us into a situation that will cause us financial hardship.
I read Proverbs 16 just a few days after we decided to get this process going. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” How often I forget to commit WHATEVER I do to the Lord. Although I started praying right when we thought about a house, I immediately saw the big picture for this situation. I must in every day life, but in particular with this huge step in life, commit this to the Lord. My prayer changed. “Father, if we do not commit this decision to you and allow you to completely lead us in this process, may we fail. May nothing go through if we do not commit it to You wholeheartedly.”
This verse didn’t make me change my mindset because it says “and your plans will succeed”. Although I know with God, they will, it is so much more than that. God’s design for my life and my husband’s life and my family’s life is so much bigger than I can ever imagine. I want to experience life the way God designed it because I know it’s better than my own desires. His plan is best and he is always more than enough! We commit whatever we do to the Lord because His way is always best.
~Tia Ryan
Friday, March 12, 2010
Day 12: International Ministry (Rev. 5:9; John 4:35)
Before leaving on a trip to VA while balancing our budget I discovered that we basically had enough money to (a) pay our monthly bills or (b) go on/pay for the weekend retreat. We talked about our options, prayed together, and felt that we ought to still go away to speak at the missions retreat. I sent away our bill payments and right before leaving for VA Tirzah checked our mailbox only to discover a letter with a check from an old friend. A quick calculation showed that the check covered every bit of the "extra" that we needed to fund our missions trip with 4.00 left over. I jokingly told God that he had forgotten to "carry the one" in his own heavenly check book spreadsheet and that "getting the amount within 4.00 wasn't too bad."
Well, the joke ended up being on us…right outside of the missions retreat center we had to drive for a few miles on a toll road…the total cost? 2.00 each way.
God is good, and God has continually shown us that he is faithful. However, there is danger in the mentality that if you tithe you "get more back"…the bible and history rejects such narrow thinking. Tithing is personal, is complicated, and is required, but it never should be viewed as an option that gets a better return than the local bank offers. We should never give to get. We give because in doing so it reminds us that what is "ours" really isn't.
The bigger danger comes when we forget who it is that truly provides. My Wachovia savings account and my Guidestone IRA have nothing, in the grand scheme of things, to do with my security. I, like most of you, am only one medical or personal disaster away from financial ruin. It is God who gives life, God who holds life, and God who takes life. Giving my stuff away - my money, my time, my very life - helps me remember this truth a bit more clearly.
If our God truly owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Ps 50.10), and if he is concerned with the birds in the fields (Matt 10.29), then we can trust him to take care of us. It is, after all, all about God…and thank God for that.
~Brandon Turner
- Relationships between students and church family
- More conversation partners
- For positive ways to communicate the gospel to the students
Before leaving on a trip to VA while balancing our budget I discovered that we basically had enough money to (a) pay our monthly bills or (b) go on/pay for the weekend retreat. We talked about our options, prayed together, and felt that we ought to still go away to speak at the missions retreat. I sent away our bill payments and right before leaving for VA Tirzah checked our mailbox only to discover a letter with a check from an old friend. A quick calculation showed that the check covered every bit of the "extra" that we needed to fund our missions trip with 4.00 left over. I jokingly told God that he had forgotten to "carry the one" in his own heavenly check book spreadsheet and that "getting the amount within 4.00 wasn't too bad."
Well, the joke ended up being on us…right outside of the missions retreat center we had to drive for a few miles on a toll road…the total cost? 2.00 each way.
God is good, and God has continually shown us that he is faithful. However, there is danger in the mentality that if you tithe you "get more back"…the bible and history rejects such narrow thinking. Tithing is personal, is complicated, and is required, but it never should be viewed as an option that gets a better return than the local bank offers. We should never give to get. We give because in doing so it reminds us that what is "ours" really isn't.
The bigger danger comes when we forget who it is that truly provides. My Wachovia savings account and my Guidestone IRA have nothing, in the grand scheme of things, to do with my security. I, like most of you, am only one medical or personal disaster away from financial ruin. It is God who gives life, God who holds life, and God who takes life. Giving my stuff away - my money, my time, my very life - helps me remember this truth a bit more clearly.
If our God truly owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Ps 50.10), and if he is concerned with the birds in the fields (Matt 10.29), then we can trust him to take care of us. It is, after all, all about God…and thank God for that.
~Brandon Turner
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Day 11: Friends Unlimited (2 Corinthians 12:9)
9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
In the summer of 2008 I attended a “Women of Faith” conference, during which one of the speakers challenged all in attendance to go home and pray with our husbands for 40 days. She told us that prayer between a husband and wife was one of the most intimate things a couple can do. After hearing her plea to try this for just 40 days to “see what happens” -- I knew that, although the Lord may have been speaking to many women in the arena, He was definitely speaking to me.
It may seem surprising to some that a Christian couple, nearing their 25th wedding anniversary, did not already have in place the discipline of regular prayer together. It wasn’t that we weren’t praying – we both prayed over meals, we prayed over our children, and we prayed with our friends. We prayed out loud, we prayed silently, and we prayed corporately -- but we did not pray together. We talked about praying together from time to time and how we needed to do it -- but we never got around to making it a regular part of our prayer life.
When I came home from the conference I asked Pat if he would be willing to try praying together for 40 days to see what would happen. He agreed it was long overdue and we began praying together the very next morning. We stuck with it after the 40-day mark and now, a year and a half later, it has become a daily discipline and something we look forward to before we go to work each day.
We have learned firsthand the benefits of praying together as a couple. It is in fact a very intimate act because we are listening to each other open our hearts to God. It has ignited something new in our relationship that is deep and meaningful for both of us. It involves trust on both sides as we are vulnerable about our concerns, fears and needs.
We have celebrated together in prayer over what God has done for us. In fact, we have been celebrating in prayer a lot lately as we thank Him for seeing us through our transition from our former church to our new Greenridge church home. We are thanking God for all of you!
We have prayed through job changes, for dear friends, scary medical tests, aging parent issues, a son’s broken heart, major decisions, and financial struggles. It has not only brought us closer together but it has changed us. We are on the same page. When we pray over a decision, we are more than likely in agreement over God’s direction.
It is easy to go day to day and never know what your spouse is really going through. We pass each other and have so little time to connect with the heart. Through prayer we are open and honest about where we are at and what we are concerned with for the day and beyond. When I pray over Pat for his work day it draws me into his world in ways that I would not know otherwise. The same happens for him when he prays for me. We are able to support each other in specific rather than general ways.
If you are a young couple, please do not wait 25 years to begin praying together! If you are already praying together, then you are way ahead of the game! If this is new to you, as it was to us, then I urge you to take the 40-day challenge!
One of the most precious benefits of a couple praying together is when their children happen to see them holding hands and talking to the Lord. Some of you reading this grew up with this experience and some did not. Pat and I did not, but we want to leave that legacy for our sons. There have been times when they have asked us to pray for them -- especially if there is a big decision looming in some area of their life. Nothing warms our hearts more than to have one of our sons ask us to pray for them.
If I haven’t convinced you yet to try the 40-day challenge for yourself, let me pass on to you statistics I came across recently. Baylor University’s sociology department performed a research study on couples who pray together for about 5 minutes per day versus couples who do not. The results of this study (later matched nearly exactly by a secular Gallup poll) found that when married couples pray together they see an increase in happiness, intimacy, and confidence in the stability of their marriages. The fear of divorce plummets to nearly zero! It is very hard to hold a grudge or keep a wall up for very long when you are praying together!
Can we all agree that one of the greatest gifts we can give our children, our church, and our society is a happy, healthy marriage? We have found (after waiting way too long) that prayer is one of the foundations of health and stability between a husband and wife. While it won’t necessarily make a perfect union, it certainly helps us strive before God to place Him first in all aspects of the relationship. Our marriages can reach the goal that is stated in the scripture above: “A cord of three strands (Pat, me and Jesus) is not quickly broken.”
Give it a try for 40 days…and see what happens!
~Laura (and Pat) Acuña
- Reach people for Christ and enable them to share Christ with others
- Shleter for sweet fellowship
9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
In the summer of 2008 I attended a “Women of Faith” conference, during which one of the speakers challenged all in attendance to go home and pray with our husbands for 40 days. She told us that prayer between a husband and wife was one of the most intimate things a couple can do. After hearing her plea to try this for just 40 days to “see what happens” -- I knew that, although the Lord may have been speaking to many women in the arena, He was definitely speaking to me.
It may seem surprising to some that a Christian couple, nearing their 25th wedding anniversary, did not already have in place the discipline of regular prayer together. It wasn’t that we weren’t praying – we both prayed over meals, we prayed over our children, and we prayed with our friends. We prayed out loud, we prayed silently, and we prayed corporately -- but we did not pray together. We talked about praying together from time to time and how we needed to do it -- but we never got around to making it a regular part of our prayer life.
When I came home from the conference I asked Pat if he would be willing to try praying together for 40 days to see what would happen. He agreed it was long overdue and we began praying together the very next morning. We stuck with it after the 40-day mark and now, a year and a half later, it has become a daily discipline and something we look forward to before we go to work each day.
We have learned firsthand the benefits of praying together as a couple. It is in fact a very intimate act because we are listening to each other open our hearts to God. It has ignited something new in our relationship that is deep and meaningful for both of us. It involves trust on both sides as we are vulnerable about our concerns, fears and needs.
We have celebrated together in prayer over what God has done for us. In fact, we have been celebrating in prayer a lot lately as we thank Him for seeing us through our transition from our former church to our new Greenridge church home. We are thanking God for all of you!
We have prayed through job changes, for dear friends, scary medical tests, aging parent issues, a son’s broken heart, major decisions, and financial struggles. It has not only brought us closer together but it has changed us. We are on the same page. When we pray over a decision, we are more than likely in agreement over God’s direction.
It is easy to go day to day and never know what your spouse is really going through. We pass each other and have so little time to connect with the heart. Through prayer we are open and honest about where we are at and what we are concerned with for the day and beyond. When I pray over Pat for his work day it draws me into his world in ways that I would not know otherwise. The same happens for him when he prays for me. We are able to support each other in specific rather than general ways.
If you are a young couple, please do not wait 25 years to begin praying together! If you are already praying together, then you are way ahead of the game! If this is new to you, as it was to us, then I urge you to take the 40-day challenge!
One of the most precious benefits of a couple praying together is when their children happen to see them holding hands and talking to the Lord. Some of you reading this grew up with this experience and some did not. Pat and I did not, but we want to leave that legacy for our sons. There have been times when they have asked us to pray for them -- especially if there is a big decision looming in some area of their life. Nothing warms our hearts more than to have one of our sons ask us to pray for them.
If I haven’t convinced you yet to try the 40-day challenge for yourself, let me pass on to you statistics I came across recently. Baylor University’s sociology department performed a research study on couples who pray together for about 5 minutes per day versus couples who do not. The results of this study (later matched nearly exactly by a secular Gallup poll) found that when married couples pray together they see an increase in happiness, intimacy, and confidence in the stability of their marriages. The fear of divorce plummets to nearly zero! It is very hard to hold a grudge or keep a wall up for very long when you are praying together!
Can we all agree that one of the greatest gifts we can give our children, our church, and our society is a happy, healthy marriage? We have found (after waiting way too long) that prayer is one of the foundations of health and stability between a husband and wife. While it won’t necessarily make a perfect union, it certainly helps us strive before God to place Him first in all aspects of the relationship. Our marriages can reach the goal that is stated in the scripture above: “A cord of three strands (Pat, me and Jesus) is not quickly broken.”
Give it a try for 40 days…and see what happens!
~Laura (and Pat) Acuña
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Day 10: Children's Ministry (Provers 22:6)
A short time after the alarm system went off, the security company called to see if I was all right. I was so frightened I could hardly talk. She called the police and requested they send some one out. She assured me she would stay on the phone with me until the police arrive. She asked if I had family near and suggested that I put her on hold and call someone. Of course, the first ones I think of are Rebecca and Bob. The minute Rebecca heard my voice she knew things were not right. Being Sue, the minute I heard her voice I burst into tears. After talking to me calmly for a bit she said Ryan wished to talk to me, which I did not think was a good idea. I didn't want to upset him, but he was insistent, so I agreed. My precious grandson said "Mima, do you want me to pray for you?" I answered “Sweetheart I need that more than anything in the world right now.” So Ryan holding his Mom's hand, with Brady and Patrick standing near, prayed:
"Lord, keep Mima safe and don't let her be afraid."
The police arrived after a longer than usual time - due to snow covered roads. The house was checked inside and out. All was safe. The problem was caused by a sensor (not the technical term) had popped off, which I was told is the same as a door being opened.
I was certain I would be unable to sleep that night, but after Ryan's prayer for me and knowing our Lord would hear and answer -- I slept like a baby.
~Sue Andrews
- Understanding debt - that kids will learn that God can do the biggest of things with even the smallest amount
- They will continue to grow in their sense of ownership about what happens at Greenridge, our area, and around the world
A short time after the alarm system went off, the security company called to see if I was all right. I was so frightened I could hardly talk. She called the police and requested they send some one out. She assured me she would stay on the phone with me until the police arrive. She asked if I had family near and suggested that I put her on hold and call someone. Of course, the first ones I think of are Rebecca and Bob. The minute Rebecca heard my voice she knew things were not right. Being Sue, the minute I heard her voice I burst into tears. After talking to me calmly for a bit she said Ryan wished to talk to me, which I did not think was a good idea. I didn't want to upset him, but he was insistent, so I agreed. My precious grandson said "Mima, do you want me to pray for you?" I answered “Sweetheart I need that more than anything in the world right now.” So Ryan holding his Mom's hand, with Brady and Patrick standing near, prayed:
"Lord, keep Mima safe and don't let her be afraid."
The police arrived after a longer than usual time - due to snow covered roads. The house was checked inside and out. All was safe. The problem was caused by a sensor (not the technical term) had popped off, which I was told is the same as a door being opened.
I was certain I would be unable to sleep that night, but after Ryan's prayer for me and knowing our Lord would hear and answer -- I slept like a baby.
~Sue Andrews
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Day 9: Student Ministry (1 Timothy 4:12)
The word “prayer” can have an effect on people from fear to joy. Why is that? I think it can be for several reasons, but mainly an inability to know how to pray; an inability to use big words, flowery language or quote Scripture; and/or a fear of praying in front of people.
I grew up in a Christian home that prayed together as a family and individually. My parents held key positions in the church and my dad was active in the Montgomery Baptist Association as well as working with many involved in the Southern Baptist Convention. People thought that because of my “background”, I would naturally be comfortable being called on to pray and take leadership roles. I did both at an early age; however, praying in front of others was not in my comfort zone.
In my head, I knew that praying was just talking to God. But I thought being called on to pray aloud meant I had to sound like my teachers and leaders in the church and I couldn’t do that. During a women’s prayer retreat as a young wife and mother, the Spirit filled my heart and I just poured my heart to God. Later, my mentor and a wonderful prayer warrior, told me she was so blessed by my prayer. I was embarrassed that someone paid close attention to my praying, but she said I was genuine and conversational with Him and it touched her.
Since that time, I’m still out of my comfort zone praying aloud, but I’ve learned some very important things about praying. First, we need to be genuine and honest in our conversations with God. He doesn’t care that we don’t use big fancy words or "church-eze." He wants to know what’s on our hearts and minds, and honestly pour it out to Him. He doesn’t want us to pray what we think He wants to hear. He wants us to talk to him like we would talk to a friend. Do you have a special friend who knows you inside and out? I have a best friend who lives in another state. We are so in tune with each other, we can finish each other’s sentences and thoughts. God’s that way, too. He knows us that well. He’s our Best Friend – our Forever Friend – as Deni teaches the kids.
And that’s the other end of the spectrum from fear to joy in praying. It’s a joy to talk to our Best Friend and tell Him what’s on our hearts – the good, bad, and needs. He doesn’t judge us. He listens and He always answers. The answer may not always be yes (the way we want), but that just means “not now”. He knows the right time to provide for our needs (and our wants).
Imagine what the Spirit can do when we share with Him from our hearts every day! Our church has a need and it requires the help from all of us together to meet that financial goal.
Pray – TALK - to God from your heart. Thank Him for what He’s already given you and done in your life. Listen and watch as He guides you in what you will commit to give for the need. Then have faith. Whatever you give, God will replenish. In different times of my life when I’ve obeyed and given even when I felt I couldn’t, He honored that, and provided and blessed me with more than I could have imagined.
In The Message, Philippians 4:19 reads, “You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, His generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. YES!” When we do our part, He’ll do His in multiplying what we offer, and blessing us and Greenridge Baptist Church in awesome ways.
~Ada Miller
- God would continue to raise up student leaders
- Protection over our students as they try to live Godly lives in an ungodly world
- Adult leaders to have great passion for God's Word and for our students
The word “prayer” can have an effect on people from fear to joy. Why is that? I think it can be for several reasons, but mainly an inability to know how to pray; an inability to use big words, flowery language or quote Scripture; and/or a fear of praying in front of people.
I grew up in a Christian home that prayed together as a family and individually. My parents held key positions in the church and my dad was active in the Montgomery Baptist Association as well as working with many involved in the Southern Baptist Convention. People thought that because of my “background”, I would naturally be comfortable being called on to pray and take leadership roles. I did both at an early age; however, praying in front of others was not in my comfort zone.
In my head, I knew that praying was just talking to God. But I thought being called on to pray aloud meant I had to sound like my teachers and leaders in the church and I couldn’t do that. During a women’s prayer retreat as a young wife and mother, the Spirit filled my heart and I just poured my heart to God. Later, my mentor and a wonderful prayer warrior, told me she was so blessed by my prayer. I was embarrassed that someone paid close attention to my praying, but she said I was genuine and conversational with Him and it touched her.
Since that time, I’m still out of my comfort zone praying aloud, but I’ve learned some very important things about praying. First, we need to be genuine and honest in our conversations with God. He doesn’t care that we don’t use big fancy words or "church-eze." He wants to know what’s on our hearts and minds, and honestly pour it out to Him. He doesn’t want us to pray what we think He wants to hear. He wants us to talk to him like we would talk to a friend. Do you have a special friend who knows you inside and out? I have a best friend who lives in another state. We are so in tune with each other, we can finish each other’s sentences and thoughts. God’s that way, too. He knows us that well. He’s our Best Friend – our Forever Friend – as Deni teaches the kids.
And that’s the other end of the spectrum from fear to joy in praying. It’s a joy to talk to our Best Friend and tell Him what’s on our hearts – the good, bad, and needs. He doesn’t judge us. He listens and He always answers. The answer may not always be yes (the way we want), but that just means “not now”. He knows the right time to provide for our needs (and our wants).
Imagine what the Spirit can do when we share with Him from our hearts every day! Our church has a need and it requires the help from all of us together to meet that financial goal.
Pray – TALK - to God from your heart. Thank Him for what He’s already given you and done in your life. Listen and watch as He guides you in what you will commit to give for the need. Then have faith. Whatever you give, God will replenish. In different times of my life when I’ve obeyed and given even when I felt I couldn’t, He honored that, and provided and blessed me with more than I could have imagined.
In The Message, Philippians 4:19 reads, “You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, His generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. YES!” When we do our part, He’ll do His in multiplying what we offer, and blessing us and Greenridge Baptist Church in awesome ways.
~Ada Miller
Monday, March 8, 2010
Day 8: Praise to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for
Before my Dad became ill, he had ordered a new mattress from a local furniture store. We postponed the delivery until he was released from the hospital. The owner of the store delivered the mattress on a Sunday afternoon and stayed to visit with my Dad. We learned that he was a member of the Christian Business Men's Organization. As they chatted, he began to talk to my Dad about his salvation. My Dad listened intently and I sensed his peace. He did not verbally respond but he did thank the man for coming. At that moment, I knew my Dad had accepted the Good News presented by a man who cared. I had prayed for my Dad's salvation for many years. God was in charge and sent the right witness at a time when my Dad's mind and heart were ready to receive the truth.
Fast forward 12 years. My Dad's health was failing and he was not taking care of himself. My brother's work took him away from home often. After talking to my Dad's doctor, it was decided that my Dad should come live with my family. Doralee and Cherry were delighted. They loved their PawPaw. He lived with us for the remaining years of his life. During that time, Doralee finished college and married. Cherry also finished college and was working locally.
My Dad became terminally ill and was in the hospital several times. The last time he was in the hospital, Bill and I and Doralee and Cherry were visiting him. The television in his room was on a sports program about the upcoming baseball season. Cherry said to her PawPaw, "Baseball season is almost here." Her PawPaw was a big baseball fan and he replied, "Honey, I won't make baseball this year. God needs a good gardener in heaven and I'm a good gardener. So I'm going to help Him out." His granddaughters needed to hear this. They had often prayed for him even though I told them about his salvation experience when they were very young. God answers our prayers in His time and at the moment we need to hear from Him.
Three weeks later, I was sitting by Dad's bedside and he told me he was going to sleep, and he awoke in heaven. That night, our home was filled with the Peace that passes all understanding. We're looking forward to a reunion in God's Eternal Garden.
~Doris Brannon
- Releasing us from our sins (Rev. 1:5)
- His gift of peace (John 14:27)
- Praying for all believers (John 17:20-23)
Before my Dad became ill, he had ordered a new mattress from a local furniture store. We postponed the delivery until he was released from the hospital. The owner of the store delivered the mattress on a Sunday afternoon and stayed to visit with my Dad. We learned that he was a member of the Christian Business Men's Organization. As they chatted, he began to talk to my Dad about his salvation. My Dad listened intently and I sensed his peace. He did not verbally respond but he did thank the man for coming. At that moment, I knew my Dad had accepted the Good News presented by a man who cared. I had prayed for my Dad's salvation for many years. God was in charge and sent the right witness at a time when my Dad's mind and heart were ready to receive the truth.
Fast forward 12 years. My Dad's health was failing and he was not taking care of himself. My brother's work took him away from home often. After talking to my Dad's doctor, it was decided that my Dad should come live with my family. Doralee and Cherry were delighted. They loved their PawPaw. He lived with us for the remaining years of his life. During that time, Doralee finished college and married. Cherry also finished college and was working locally.
My Dad became terminally ill and was in the hospital several times. The last time he was in the hospital, Bill and I and Doralee and Cherry were visiting him. The television in his room was on a sports program about the upcoming baseball season. Cherry said to her PawPaw, "Baseball season is almost here." Her PawPaw was a big baseball fan and he replied, "Honey, I won't make baseball this year. God needs a good gardener in heaven and I'm a good gardener. So I'm going to help Him out." His granddaughters needed to hear this. They had often prayed for him even though I told them about his salvation experience when they were very young. God answers our prayers in His time and at the moment we need to hear from Him.
Three weeks later, I was sitting by Dad's bedside and he told me he was going to sleep, and he awoke in heaven. That night, our home was filled with the Peace that passes all understanding. We're looking forward to a reunion in God's Eternal Garden.
~Doris Brannon
Monday, March 1, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Senior's Ministry (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
It was 1978. My husband, the first pastor of Greenridge, had died four years earlier. Greenridge was growing, and we were eager to build the second unit of our church. As we entered the phase of planning the finances, I became quite depressed. I didn’t see any way I could contribute to this building. Al and I had borrowed from the bank to buy bonds which were used to finance our first building. My two dress shops weren’t doing well. I eventually had to go to work at IBM to pay these bills. I finally closed the business.
If Al were alive, he would have found a way. I felt it was important to his memory for us to have a share in this project. I finally accepted the fact that humanly speaking, there was no way I could give. One Tuesday evening, a realtor friend called me at my store. “Norrie,” she said. “Have you ever thought about selling your house?” Of course not, I thought. I still had two young girls to raise. She continued, “I have a young couple here who are looking for a home and they are describing your house! Let me show it to them.” I told her “NO.” I was not at all interested. In fact, I was preparing to move my Damascus store to the Damascus Shopping Center. All of my time and energy was involved with that. No way would I even consider it. She said, “Let ME show it to them tonight. If they aren’t interested, I’ll drop it.” I told her, “Absolutely not. There are dirty dishes in the sink, Heidi’s room is a disaster, and I am alone in the store and can’t leave. Forget it!” She finally persuaded me that there was nothing lost if they looked. After all, she knew my house, and she would take care of everything. Finally I gave in.
Later that night, she showed up at my store with a contract and a deposit. She had sold it “as is” so I didn’t have to do anything, and sold it for more money than I would have dared to ask. I couldn’t believe it! I still wasn’t interested because when would I ever find time to look for another house? She told me she would take care of that . . . and she did. The final result was I moved into a house two miles closer to my store. I put in new carpeting, storm windows, shutters, and papered and painted the entire house. One condition was that I would only consider a house with place for a senior friend from Greenridge who lived with me. I was able to finish half of the double garage into a room and bath with a private entrance for her. Also, I now had central air conditioning. Best of all, I NOW WAS ABLE TO GIVE A SIGNIFICANT SUM TO THE BUILDING FUND.
Pastor Moore said all of this happened because I wanted to have a part in building this church. I got everything I needed and more. Should you sell your house to be involved in our current campaign? Probably not. But if you want to do something that will bring others into the Kingdom of God……..brace yourself. He will honor your desire. IMAGINE WHAT THE SPIRIT WILL DO THROUGH YOU!!!
~Norrie Gill
- God would continue to raise up leaders
- Seniors will use their gifts, talents, and creativity to make this ministry all that God wants it to be
- Mentoring Program Leader
It was 1978. My husband, the first pastor of Greenridge, had died four years earlier. Greenridge was growing, and we were eager to build the second unit of our church. As we entered the phase of planning the finances, I became quite depressed. I didn’t see any way I could contribute to this building. Al and I had borrowed from the bank to buy bonds which were used to finance our first building. My two dress shops weren’t doing well. I eventually had to go to work at IBM to pay these bills. I finally closed the business.
If Al were alive, he would have found a way. I felt it was important to his memory for us to have a share in this project. I finally accepted the fact that humanly speaking, there was no way I could give. One Tuesday evening, a realtor friend called me at my store. “Norrie,” she said. “Have you ever thought about selling your house?” Of course not, I thought. I still had two young girls to raise. She continued, “I have a young couple here who are looking for a home and they are describing your house! Let me show it to them.” I told her “NO.” I was not at all interested. In fact, I was preparing to move my Damascus store to the Damascus Shopping Center. All of my time and energy was involved with that. No way would I even consider it. She said, “Let ME show it to them tonight. If they aren’t interested, I’ll drop it.” I told her, “Absolutely not. There are dirty dishes in the sink, Heidi’s room is a disaster, and I am alone in the store and can’t leave. Forget it!” She finally persuaded me that there was nothing lost if they looked. After all, she knew my house, and she would take care of everything. Finally I gave in.
Later that night, she showed up at my store with a contract and a deposit. She had sold it “as is” so I didn’t have to do anything, and sold it for more money than I would have dared to ask. I couldn’t believe it! I still wasn’t interested because when would I ever find time to look for another house? She told me she would take care of that . . . and she did. The final result was I moved into a house two miles closer to my store. I put in new carpeting, storm windows, shutters, and papered and painted the entire house. One condition was that I would only consider a house with place for a senior friend from Greenridge who lived with me. I was able to finish half of the double garage into a room and bath with a private entrance for her. Also, I now had central air conditioning. Best of all, I NOW WAS ABLE TO GIVE A SIGNIFICANT SUM TO THE BUILDING FUND.
Pastor Moore said all of this happened because I wanted to have a part in building this church. I got everything I needed and more. Should you sell your house to be involved in our current campaign? Probably not. But if you want to do something that will bring others into the Kingdom of God……..brace yourself. He will honor your desire. IMAGINE WHAT THE SPIRIT WILL DO THROUGH YOU!!!
~Norrie Gill
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Day 6: Women's Ministry (J.E.W.E.L.)
Jesus Himself diligently maintained the practice of prayer to His Father. Mark 1:35 tells us: Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Many find the morning the best time to be alone with the Lord. A missionary to China once said of his morning time with Jesus: “The time to tune the instruments is before the concert begins.”
Whatever works best in your schedule, the point is to spend a few minutes in quiet conversation with your Savior each day!
Basically there are five essential aspects of prayer:
Confession - Agreeing with God about my sin
1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Petition - Asking God for my needs
Philippians 4:6-7 - 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.
Intercession - Praying for others
Ephesians 6:18 - And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Thanksgiving - Thanking God for what He has done for me
Ephesians 5:20 - Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
And finally, this aspect of prayer (praise) should permeate all of the bullets above...
Praise - Voicing my wonder about who God is
Psalm 146:1-2 - Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
~Laura Acuna
- Romans 12:10-13
- Upcoming mentoring program
- For women to connect with God and other women through ministry programs
Jesus Himself diligently maintained the practice of prayer to His Father. Mark 1:35 tells us: Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Many find the morning the best time to be alone with the Lord. A missionary to China once said of his morning time with Jesus: “The time to tune the instruments is before the concert begins.”
Whatever works best in your schedule, the point is to spend a few minutes in quiet conversation with your Savior each day!
Basically there are five essential aspects of prayer:
Confession - Agreeing with God about my sin
1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Petition - Asking God for my needs
Philippians 4:6-7 - 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.
Intercession - Praying for others
Ephesians 6:18 - And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Thanksgiving - Thanking God for what He has done for me
Ephesians 5:20 - Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
And finally, this aspect of prayer (praise) should permeate all of the bullets above...
Praise - Voicing my wonder about who God is
Psalm 146:1-2 - Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
~Laura Acuna
Friday, March 5, 2010
Day 5: Men's Ministry (Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11-13)
“We must lay before Him what is in us, not what ought to be in us.” C.S. Lewis
1. We cannot move forward in our prayer life until we accept God’s diagnosis of our present condition. If we need healing from an offense or hidden secret, we must deal with it. God already knows. He is waiting for us to come to the true knowledge of ourselves. God’s truth [Jesus] will set us free.
“So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
(John 8:32-32 NASB)
2. We need the Lord’s help to bring the truth about ourselves to the surface; to root out our hidden secrets and offenses. We must trust God with what God already knows about us.
“O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar…Behold, O Lord, You know it all. (Psalm 139:1, 2 & 4b NASB)
3. If we give voice to our secrets, the power our offenses have over us will melt away. We can unleash the power of the Holy Spirit through true contrition of the heart and humility before a gracious and merciful heavenly Father, and He will hear us.
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all of your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7 NASB)
~Gwyndolyn Ensley
- Men will grow in their service to the gospel
- Faithful to their families
- Programs will be fruitful as outreach to the community
1. We cannot move forward in our prayer life until we accept God’s diagnosis of our present condition. If we need healing from an offense or hidden secret, we must deal with it. God already knows. He is waiting for us to come to the true knowledge of ourselves. God’s truth [Jesus] will set us free.
“So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
(John 8:32-32 NASB)
2. We need the Lord’s help to bring the truth about ourselves to the surface; to root out our hidden secrets and offenses. We must trust God with what God already knows about us.
“O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar…Behold, O Lord, You know it all. (Psalm 139:1, 2 & 4b NASB)
3. If we give voice to our secrets, the power our offenses have over us will melt away. We can unleash the power of the Holy Spirit through true contrition of the heart and humility before a gracious and merciful heavenly Father, and He will hear us.
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all of your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7 NASB)
~Gwyndolyn Ensley
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Life Group Ministry (Philippians 2:1-5)
Romans 8:28 (NIV) - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
Suffering emotional pain, loss of a loved one filled my life with deep sorrow. This verse is my anchor in the storm. I know God didn't cause it to happen but allowed it for my good. Many, many blessings were restored.
Matthew 7:7-9 (NIV) - Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who ask receives, he who seeks finds and to him who knocks the door will be opened.
I remember when my mother passed on after dealing with Alzheimer's disease for ten years. The Lord let her live for ten years instead of taking her quickly, and I was blessed with her presence. I was able to visit with her, sing and even dance with her when she was up to it. The Lord blessed me to be with her on her last day of her life. My extended family in New Jersey supported me with the grace of God and showed me God's love through them.
2 Corinthians 8:6 (NIV) - Remember this; Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
So many times when my heart has opened the desire to give beyond my limit, I was blessed! God's goodness is so amazing. The C.A.R.E. Ministry, which I am a part of, rescued me with house repair and yard work. I remember coming home on my lunch hour and seeing a full team of people raking up my whole yard (one acre). With tears of joy I expressed my gratitude, as I didn't even sign up for help. Going on a mission trip to New Orleans I was equally blessed - learning new skills to help those in need and blessed by my teammates, as well.
Philippians 4:10 (NIV) - And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
When our largest snow storm arrived with about thirty inches, I wondered how I would ever be able to get out. Me shoveling was out of the question. My neighbor arrived with his snow blower, and I was free to get out of the driveway. The next snow storm came, and wasn't as much, but still a good bit. I went out just to shovel some and thought, “Dear God, if you want me to do this, please send help.” No sooner did those words leave me, two neighbors came to my rescue. God surely met my needs and more!
~Trish Higgins
- Life Group leaders - strength and perseverance
- Groups will be warm and welcoming to visitors
- Need new leader(s) for single adult ministry
Romans 8:28 (NIV) - And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
Suffering emotional pain, loss of a loved one filled my life with deep sorrow. This verse is my anchor in the storm. I know God didn't cause it to happen but allowed it for my good. Many, many blessings were restored.
Matthew 7:7-9 (NIV) - Ask and it will be given to you. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who ask receives, he who seeks finds and to him who knocks the door will be opened.
I remember when my mother passed on after dealing with Alzheimer's disease for ten years. The Lord let her live for ten years instead of taking her quickly, and I was blessed with her presence. I was able to visit with her, sing and even dance with her when she was up to it. The Lord blessed me to be with her on her last day of her life. My extended family in New Jersey supported me with the grace of God and showed me God's love through them.
2 Corinthians 8:6 (NIV) - Remember this; Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
So many times when my heart has opened the desire to give beyond my limit, I was blessed! God's goodness is so amazing. The C.A.R.E. Ministry, which I am a part of, rescued me with house repair and yard work. I remember coming home on my lunch hour and seeing a full team of people raking up my whole yard (one acre). With tears of joy I expressed my gratitude, as I didn't even sign up for help. Going on a mission trip to New Orleans I was equally blessed - learning new skills to help those in need and blessed by my teammates, as well.
Philippians 4:10 (NIV) - And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.
When our largest snow storm arrived with about thirty inches, I wondered how I would ever be able to get out. Me shoveling was out of the question. My neighbor arrived with his snow blower, and I was free to get out of the driveway. The next snow storm came, and wasn't as much, but still a good bit. I went out just to shovel some and thought, “Dear God, if you want me to do this, please send help.” No sooner did those words leave me, two neighbors came to my rescue. God surely met my needs and more!
~Trish Higgins
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Campaign Leadership Teams (Eph. 3:20-21)
Now, I have to go back about 5 years to Emily’s birth. When she was born in New Mexico, my sister was there for the delivery. When the nurses gave her to me, I did as any new mother would do, I checked her all over to see that she had five toes on each foot and five fingers on each hand. Then I was looking at her ears, and noticed that she did not have a left ear. I think I made the comment, “Oh look at her ear.” Of course, the nurses immediately whisked her away to do some tests. When they finally returned with her, we were told she was ok except her ear. All of her other organs were fine and functioning as they should. Being young parents we did not think anything of this, but my sister, who works with the hearing impaired, was deeply affected. She immediately began talking to us about resources and things we needed to do for Emily, to ensure her speech developed on schedule. We followed through on all of these things, and Emily went to a speech therapist around the age of 3 for a year. Her speech was developing normally, and no one could tell she could only hear out of one ear.
Fast forward to our move here; other than a good job, we were unaware of the reason for our move out East. This became abundantly clear when we started looking into plastic surgery for Emily. The top expert in this field of ear reconstructive surgery was right here in DC, at Children’s Hospital. He is a brilliant plastic surgeon, with a dry wit and a down to earth bedside manner. Over two hospital stays and a few other in-office procedures, he created an outer ear for Emily so she could look like other girls when she put her hair up. Of course, these procedures required an abundant amount of prayer, which God answered. He has truly been a part of Emily’s life from the beginning, and our prayer is He will continue to be a large part of her life as she continues to grow into an adult.
God does listen to our prayers all the time. We have to listen to Him, and we just may have to wait for the answer.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
~Nancy Mize
- Leaders will seek God's guidance and wisdom
- Each team's effort will be fruitful, honoring, and pleasing to God
Now, I have to go back about 5 years to Emily’s birth. When she was born in New Mexico, my sister was there for the delivery. When the nurses gave her to me, I did as any new mother would do, I checked her all over to see that she had five toes on each foot and five fingers on each hand. Then I was looking at her ears, and noticed that she did not have a left ear. I think I made the comment, “Oh look at her ear.” Of course, the nurses immediately whisked her away to do some tests. When they finally returned with her, we were told she was ok except her ear. All of her other organs were fine and functioning as they should. Being young parents we did not think anything of this, but my sister, who works with the hearing impaired, was deeply affected. She immediately began talking to us about resources and things we needed to do for Emily, to ensure her speech developed on schedule. We followed through on all of these things, and Emily went to a speech therapist around the age of 3 for a year. Her speech was developing normally, and no one could tell she could only hear out of one ear.
Fast forward to our move here; other than a good job, we were unaware of the reason for our move out East. This became abundantly clear when we started looking into plastic surgery for Emily. The top expert in this field of ear reconstructive surgery was right here in DC, at Children’s Hospital. He is a brilliant plastic surgeon, with a dry wit and a down to earth bedside manner. Over two hospital stays and a few other in-office procedures, he created an outer ear for Emily so she could look like other girls when she put her hair up. Of course, these procedures required an abundant amount of prayer, which God answered. He has truly been a part of Emily’s life from the beginning, and our prayer is He will continue to be a large part of her life as she continues to grow into an adult.
God does listen to our prayers all the time. We have to listen to Him, and we just may have to wait for the answer.
Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) says, “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
~Nancy Mize
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Day 2: Pastors and Staff
Abba Father, asking You to open the floodgates of our hearts and minds to overflowing to imagine what the Spirit can do in and through us as we love You with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind, and with all our strength. Then that we love one another, as You have loved us. For it is written:
5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. [Deuteronomy 6:5 NKJV]
30 And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. [Mark 12:30 NKJV]
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. [John 13:34 NKJV]
18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. [1 John 3:18]
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. [Galatians 5:22-23]
Abba Father, help us to imagine what the Spirit can do as our faith perseveres through various trials that we will count it all joy, for through this testing of our faith You will bless us with patience and remind us of the peace we have with You. For it is written:
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. [James 1:2-3 NKJV Profiting from Trials]
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. [Romans 5:1-5 NKJV – Faith Triumphs in Trouble]
Abba Father, bring spiritual awakening and revival to our lives to enable us to imagine what the Spirit can do as we share our hope in Jesus Christ with others. Lord Jesus, you tell us in Your Word that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, you don’t say “maybe we are” you say, “we are.” Prepare our hearts and minds to be ready to explain the reason for our hope and let our light shine for You, that others may know You as their Lord & Savior as we share what You have done for us and as we serve others in Your name.
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. [John 3:16-17 NKJV]
13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. [Matthew 5:13-14 NKJV – Believers are Salt and light]
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; [1 Peter 3:15 NKJV]
5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. [Romans 5:5 NKJV]
13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. [Romans 15:13]
Abba Father, encourage us to imagine what the Spirit can do as we trust and obey His promptings. Father, in that process of recognizing the Holy Spirit’s promptings and acting on them, may we grow and mature in the giving of our time, our talents, our spiritual gifts, and our resources to advance Your Kingdom work and may all we give of ourselves individually and collectively bring You all the praise, all the honor and all the glory.
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. [2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NKJV – The Cheerful Giver]
4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. (1 Corinthians 12:4, 11 NKJV]
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. [Romans 12:3-8 NKJV – Serve God with Spiritual Gifts]
Abba Father, give us a thirst for Your Word that will challenge us to imagine what the Spirit can do as He reveals to us just what You want us to know. Then as we listen and talk with You, may our faith increase as we apply these truths to our lives. Yes Lord, let us imagine what the Spirit can do in and through us as You give us the grace to yield or surrender our will to Your will, so we can fulfill Your plan and purpose for our lives.
3 ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’ [Jeremiah 33:3 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.” [Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV]
26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. [John 14:26 NKJV]
13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. [John 16:13 NKJV]
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. [Jeremiah 29:11-12]
Praying in the Mighty and Compassionate Name of Jesus, Name above all names, and in the power of the Holy Spirit and to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Prayerfully – Just “Imagine What The Spirit Can Do!"
~Pat Matthews
- For a close relationship and fellowship with Jesus (John 15:5)
- For a committed prayer life (Col. 4:2)
- God's vision for our church (Prov. 29:18)
Abba Father, asking You to open the floodgates of our hearts and minds to overflowing to imagine what the Spirit can do in and through us as we love You with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind, and with all our strength. Then that we love one another, as You have loved us. For it is written:
5 You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. [Deuteronomy 6:5 NKJV]
30 And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. [Mark 12:30 NKJV]
34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. [John 13:34 NKJV]
18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth. [1 John 3:18]
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering (patience), kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. [Galatians 5:22-23]
Abba Father, help us to imagine what the Spirit can do as our faith perseveres through various trials that we will count it all joy, for through this testing of our faith You will bless us with patience and remind us of the peace we have with You. For it is written:
2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. [James 1:2-3 NKJV Profiting from Trials]
1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; 4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. [Romans 5:1-5 NKJV – Faith Triumphs in Trouble]
Abba Father, bring spiritual awakening and revival to our lives to enable us to imagine what the Spirit can do as we share our hope in Jesus Christ with others. Lord Jesus, you tell us in Your Word that we are the salt of the earth and the light of the world, you don’t say “maybe we are” you say, “we are.” Prepare our hearts and minds to be ready to explain the reason for our hope and let our light shine for You, that others may know You as their Lord & Savior as we share what You have done for us and as we serve others in Your name.
16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. [John 3:16-17 NKJV]
13 “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. [Matthew 5:13-14 NKJV – Believers are Salt and light]
15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; [1 Peter 3:15 NKJV]
5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. [Romans 5:5 NKJV]
13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. [Romans 15:13]
Abba Father, encourage us to imagine what the Spirit can do as we trust and obey His promptings. Father, in that process of recognizing the Holy Spirit’s promptings and acting on them, may we grow and mature in the giving of our time, our talents, our spiritual gifts, and our resources to advance Your Kingdom work and may all we give of ourselves individually and collectively bring You all the praise, all the honor and all the glory.
6 But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7 So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. [2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NKJV – The Cheerful Giver]
4 There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 11 But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills. (1 Corinthians 12:4, 11 NKJV]
3 For I say, through the grace given to me, to everyone who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, as God has dealt to each one a measure of faith. 4 For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. 6 Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us prophesy in proportion to our faith; 7 or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; he who teaches, in teaching; 8 he who exhorts, in exhortation; he who gives, with liberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. [Romans 12:3-8 NKJV – Serve God with Spiritual Gifts]
Abba Father, give us a thirst for Your Word that will challenge us to imagine what the Spirit can do as He reveals to us just what You want us to know. Then as we listen and talk with You, may our faith increase as we apply these truths to our lives. Yes Lord, let us imagine what the Spirit can do in and through us as You give us the grace to yield or surrender our will to Your will, so we can fulfill Your plan and purpose for our lives.
3 ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you, and show you great and mighty things, which you do not know.’ [Jeremiah 33:3 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.” [Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV]
26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. [John 14:26 NKJV]
13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come. [John 16:13 NKJV]
11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. [Jeremiah 29:11-12]
Praying in the Mighty and Compassionate Name of Jesus, Name above all names, and in the power of the Holy Spirit and to the glory of God the Father. Amen.
Prayerfully – Just “Imagine What The Spirit Can Do!"
~Pat Matthews
Monday, March 1, 2010
Day 1: Praise Our Heavenly Father
- Psalm 145 - A Song of God's Majesty and Love
- Talk with Him as David did
2 Corinthians 9:10-11 — “Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.”
I love to listen to WGTS 91.9. It’s the only radio station I listen to. Twice a year they hold a fundraiser and I usually give a little something. I like to give on-line because it’s fast and convenient.
Several years ago, I was driving to work listening to the fall fundraiser. I had already given on-line, so I was set. Or so I thought. At one point, the announcer made a suggestion of giving on behalf of a family member. I thought, that’s a cool idea. Suddenly, I had a very strong sense that I needed to give more – I needed to give $20 on behalf of my mother, brother, sister, and two daughters - $100. I tried to ignore the feeling, but it wouldn’t go away. Realizing it was God’s prompting, I tried to reason with Him. “But I already gave – wasn’t that enough?” “I don’t have that kind of money, I’m a single mom, what are you thinking?” But God kept telling me, “you need to give $100.” My heart began pounding as I realized I had to make a choice – be obedient or disobedient; step out in faith, or not trust Him. I was stuck in traffic at a red light – the perfect opportunity to make the call. So I did. Afterwards, I said, “Okay God, I did it. Now where’s the money going to come from?”
I went about my day at work and didn’t think about it again. When I got home from work, I stopped and got the mail. I hadn’t picked it up in a few days. As I was sorting through all the junk mail, I saw an envelope from my mortgage company. For a moment I was alarmed, frantically trying to remember if I had paid the mortgage. I thought, “oh no, what now!” I opened the envelope and there inside was a check for – can you guess? - $100 (and few cents), an overpayment of my escrow account.
God knew that check was in my mailbox. He knew I had the money. He had already provided before He even asked. He just wanted me to be obedient and have faith.
At the end of this 21-day spiritual journey, you will be asked to make a financial commitment to the Campaign. I pray that you will seek God’s will through daily, regular prayer. You may be asked to step out in faith – and I can’t wait to see what blessings the Lord has in store for you!
~Laura Wiggington
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