Connect.Grow.Serve.

Savor - a Christmas family devotion

2011-12-22T17:36:00.000-05:00

“Savor” is one of my favorite words. Of ALL time. It speaks to me in colors and pictures and feelings. During my sabbatical, God spoke to me about my favorite words. About writing about them. The list begins with a handful of words that, regardless of time of year and circumstance, I love. The word “savor” is at the top of the list.

“Savor” reminds me to stop. One of the definitions that freedictionary.com attributes to “savor” is: “To appreciate fully; enjoy or relish”. It’s hard to really savor something if you’re in a hurry. Savor is a word naturally related to eating and food...two of my favorite things. One does not savor something quickly...savoring at its very core must be done rather slowly. It is an event. A happening.

The choice to savor something has to be a conscious one. Even if you didn’t know ahead of time that the moment to savor something was approaching, you acknowledge it when it arrives and decide to ingest whatever it is slowly. It could be a favorite song or a special scent. It could be a moment of quiet or a moment of sheer “dance like no one’s watching” joy. Whatever it is, to truly savor it, you must stop the other things you are currently doing or carrying or busying yourself with, and give in to the savoring.

When was the last time you gave in to a moment? When was the last time that the schedule or the ever-present “to-do” list gave way to a special happening that needed to be savored? This is especially hard to do this time of year. You would hope that it wouldn’t be it (it being Christmas and all), but it is. There are parties and gatherings to be attended or prepared for. There are bathrooms to be cleaned, shopping to be done. There are parking spots to be fought for, and sales to be be taken advantage of. I believe God’s advice to us in this moment- and all of them really- is to savor the stuff that really counts. Our kids (no matter their age or current attitude) need to be savored. The minutes of peace and quiet that God gives us need to be savored. The sound of kids in the neighborhood. The smell of cookies or Christmas trees or those crazy cinnamon scented pinecones in Michael’s Arts and Crafts (I have some of those crazy pinecones currently in my house). They all need to be savored. The prayers of friends. The chance to intervene in prayer on the behalf of someone in need. Jesus coming to earth to rescue us. The Father’s heart that He loves us that much. All of these and so many more need to be savored.

What will you and I do today to make sure that we don’t miss a moment that God wants us to savor?

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. Psalm 118:24

Talk about it...

*What are you and your family members looking forward to savoring this Christmas Day? Take a few moments for each family member to share.

Read Luke chapter 2. Talk with family and friends about any “a-ha” moments that you had while reading chapter 2. God always has new things to teach us when we read His Word (it’s a living and breathing thing remember).

Take a really close look at verse 19. What do you find Mary doing in this verse? Yep, she’s savoring the moment that God has placed her in. Amazing, isn’t it? She’s got a million things going on at the moment (recovering from childbirth, a long journey, neighborhood shepherds stopping by), but she stops. She looks around and takes in the scene. The Baby’s teeny fingers, the look of awe on Joseph’s face, the silence of the night. She savors the moment. Isn’t that amazing?

*What moments have you had today that you have truly savored?

*Who has God placed in your life that you can savor a moment with today?

Don’t forget to take time in prayer to savor Jesus’ presence. He is Emmanuel. God with us. Messy us. Busy us. Distracted us. He came with grace, mercy, and peace for us. Let’s savor that today.

Pray about it...

Gracious King, thank You for coming to rescue us. Thank You for the special moments that You have already given us today. We ask that You would give us the eyes, the ears, and the heart to notice the moments that You want us to stop and savor. Most of all Jesus, please help us to stop and savor You. Your love. Your goodness. Your grace.

In Your name we pray, amen.

On behalf of the entire Greenridge Staff, I wish you the merriest Christmas yet. We love you dearly.

-Deni Sunderly

Sunday, March 21, 2010

2010-03-15T14:14:00.003-04:00

Day 21: My Response to the Campaign

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)

Saturday, March 20, 2010

2010-03-15T14:14:00.000-04:00

Day 20: Arts Ministry (Psalm 95:1-3; Psalm 22:3)

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 God calls, He provides!

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

2010-03-15T14:10:00.000-04:00

Day 19: Child Development Center (Proverbs 22:6)

God's direction and guidance
Staff and their families
Increase in enrollment

We each have things that are difficult for us to trust God in. We are not perfect in our faith and dependence on God. I like to share with you a current testimony of how God is working on one of my weak areas. Now I struggle in many areas but God has really been dealing with me in my business lately. In particular with the compromise that I have been making with myself every Sunday since I was saved 4 years ago. Sunday, the Sabbath is a working day for people who sell real estate- which is what I do for a living. The Holy Spirit has been stirring inside of me about trusting God and obeying the Sabbath and not letting the world dictate this as a working day for me. To be fair other Christians have shared with me over the years that the New Testament allows us to have a day different from Sunday to honor God and obey as the Sabbath but I don’t think that is what God has in store for me. My business is real estate and people expect me to be available on Sundays for appointments, showings and open houses. Many Sundays I would find myself going to church and during worship starting to wonder away from God and start thinking about my appointments. After much prayer and confession God laid on my heart through scripture the story of Joshua and Achan. To summarize Joshua chapter 6 and 7 it boils down to how the sin of one man affected the entire nation of Israel. Achan had sinned and it says in Joshua 7:1 that “the Lord’s anger burned against Israel.” What became clear to me was God wants to bless me but when I continually and deliberately disobey one of His commandments His anger will be directed towards me and the people that I lead. I also believe that God wants to bless me and my team so that we may glorify God and show others in our industry that we can honor and obey God and have a successful business.

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

2010-03-15T14:07:00.000-04:00

Day 18: Benevolence Ministry (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)

Wisdom and discernment when responding to requests
Families and individuals ministered to

God has been, God is, and God will always be faithful!

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

2010-03-15T14:05:00.000-04:00

Day 17: Mission Partners (Matthew 25:39-40)

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

“There’s A Reason For That”

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

2010-03-15T14:02:00.000-04:00

Day 16: High Seas Expedition (VBS 7/19 - 7/23)

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

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

2010-03-15T13:43:00.000-04:00

Day 15: Praise the Holy Spirit

Our Greatest Prayer Warrior! (Rom. 8:26)
Our prayer life (Psalm 42)
The Prayer Ministry (Eph. 6:18)

As our airplane raced down the runway at the small international airport in Paraguay I reached for Carol’s hand and whispered a brief prayer. When I opened my eyes and looked out my window, I saw a flash in the engine. The next thing we knew the plane slowed down and came to a stop. During the next thirty minutes a couple of men brought ladders to the engine to take a look. I asked one of the flight attendants if it was a big problem or a little problem. She assured me in a mix of Spanish and English that we had nothing to worry about. It wasn’t long before our flight home to Miami was underway. You guessed it: we REALLY prayed this time. We were not confident that the engine was fixed. We were not comfortable with flying overnight across Brazil and the Caribbean on this airplane. And to be really transparent, we were anxious about flying on a South American airline. All of which intensified my prayer. I can’t remember the exact words, but I know I poured out my heart to God. Fear will do that for you. I was truly afraid that the engine to my left would fail somewhere over the Amazon River. My second prayer of the evening was more intense, more desperate: “Lord, we are completely in your hands tonight. We want to get home to see our boys. We have seen you do great things during the mission trip in Brazil this week. But we are scared that this plane is no longer safe. O God, remind us that you are fully capable of taking care of us and that you are stronger than any of our fears. Help us, protect us, in Jesus’ name. Amen.” I have never forgotten that sense of fear and the realization that His power keeps planes in the air and our lives in his hands.

“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

Sunday, March 14, 2010

2010-03-09T10:22:00.000-05:00

Day 14: C.A.R.E. Ministry (1 John 3:18; Mark 12:29-31)

Give thanks for volunteers
Pray for families and individuals served
Continuing opportunities to share Christ's love with our neighbors

When I woke up on April 16th, 2007, it felt like any other day. I woke up, hopped out of bed, got ready and headed to class. A psychology major with no major responsibilities, I saw the end of the school year in sight and I was looking forward to a summer in Maracaibo, Venezuela. Sitting in class watching a video about the sterilization of the disabled in Lynchburg, Virginia, I wondered, “How many more classes do I have before the end of the year? Maybe 15? I think I can do that.”

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

2010-03-09T10:19:00.000-05:00

Day 13: International Missions (2 Tim 4:5; Matt. 28:18-20)

Amazon Missions Trip (3/21 - 4/1)
Team's provision/safety; fruitful in winning souls
Haitian people and relief efforts

Proverbs 16:3 - “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”

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

2010-03-09T10:15:00.000-05:00

Day 12: International Ministry (Rev. 5:9; John 4:35)

Relationships between students and church family
More conversation partners
For positive ways to communicate the gospel to the students

When Tirzah and I moved back to Maryland after seminary we came as CBF missionaries focused on being "advocates to the invisible poor" in the Washington DC/Baltimore corridor. Money was tight but the ministry was very rewarding - each day Tirzah would drive into the city to work first hand with men and women who desperately needed someone to love them in the name of Christ; to pray with them, to feed them, to clothe them, etc. One of the things we would do together was "church training" and many of our weekends were filled with driving to various sites to help other believers understand what it was they could do to help.

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

2010-03-09T10:13:00.000-05:00

Day 11: Friends Unlimited (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Reach people for Christ and enable them to share Christ with others
Shleter for sweet fellowship

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
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

2010-03-09T09:56:00.000-05:00

Day 10: Children's Ministry (Provers 22:6)

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

On February 2, the Tuesday before the BIG snow storm, it was snowing. I made and ate my dinner, then cleaned the kitchen. Having finished all my evening chores, I set the Security system on instant, and settled down at the computer to check E-mails. Since it was still early evening, I started a computer game. Suddenly the alarm system went off - full force - loud and blaring. I was terrified. I reluctantly went to the back door and peeked out through the blinds. All looked okay. I decided I should call the Police Department, but my shaking hands and befuddled brain presented a problem. Instead of dialing 911 - I repeatedly dialed 919 (a N.C. area code).

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

2010-03-09T09:53:00.000-05:00

Day 9: Student Ministry (1 Timothy 4:12)

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

Prayer is a form of communication, a way of talking to God, a spoken or unspoken address or petition to God, a spiritual communion as in supplication, thanksgiving, adoration, or confession.

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

2010-03-09T09:48:00.000-05:00

Day 8: Praise to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for

Releasing us from our sins (Rev. 1:5)
His gift of peace (John 14:27)
Praying for all believers (John 17:20-23)

Years ago, my Dad became ill and was hospitalized for 6 weeks. He lived with my bachelor brother, Robert, in Alabama. My brother traveled for the Union he represented and his working hours were irregular, so I went down to help take care of my Dad. Cherry was 18 months old and Doralee was 4 years old and I took them with me.

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

Sunday, March 7, 2010

2010-03-01T14:51:00.000-05:00

Senior's Ministry (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)

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

The following events seemed to flow so naturally, I didn’t even realize I had a special story that could challenge others. Faith in God and His control of my daily life was a habit and taken for granted. I didn’t realize just how unusual these events were until my pastor, Bob Moore, asked me if he could use my story. I blinked and said, “of course,” and then mentally reviewed what had happened.

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

2010-03-01T13:37:00.000-05:00

Day 6: Women's Ministry (J.E.W.E.L.)

Romans 12:10-13
Upcoming mentoring program
For women to connect with God and other women through ministry programs

An important aspect of prayer is establishing the daily practice of time alone with Jesus - a time each day when we connect with Him, clear out our mental daily task list, and enter into quiet fellowship with Him through prayer.

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

2010-03-01T13:25:00.000-05:00

Day 5: Men's Ministry (Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11-13)

Men will grow in their service to the gospel
Faithful to their families
Programs will be fruitful as outreach to the community

Truth in Prayer

“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

Thursday, March 4, 2010

2010-03-01T13:19:00.000-05:00

Life Group Ministry (Philippians 2:1-5)

Life Group leaders - strength and perseverance
Groups will be warm and welcoming to visitors
Need new leader(s) for single adult ministry

MOUNTAINS OF BLESSINGS

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

2010-03-01T13:10:00.000-05:00

Campaign Leadership Teams (Eph. 3:20-21)

Leaders will seek God's guidance and wisdom
Each team's effort will be fruitful, honoring, and pleasing to God

In our close to 24 years of married life, we have moved several times due to jobs. Like many of you, we have always asked God for guidance in our moves. I can honestly say He has always made it very clear He was in control of our moves. Things like house contracts coming in for the exact amount we had prayed about, opening doors for job opportunities, etc. Our move to this area was no different, although I did have to wonder why we were moving far away from our support system of family and friends. We were moving for my job, and Kirk was going to start working a business from the home.

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

2010-03-01T13:03:00.000-05:00

Day 2: Pastors and Staff

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)

“Imagine What The Spirit Can Do” as we pray

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

2010-03-01T12:51:00.001-05:00

Day 1: Praise Our Heavenly Father

Psalm 145 - A Song of God's Majesty and Love
Talk with Him as David did

YOU WANT ME TO DO WHAT?

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

Thursday, December 24, 2009

2009-12-23T15:43:00.000-05:00

I am sitting in the Volkswagen service department waiting room as I type this. No, nothing’s wrong with my car. I’m here for a check-up. You see, when we bought the Jetta it came with something that Volkswagen calls “Carefree Maintenance.” And, no, I’m not doing a commercial spot for VW, I have a point…so please hang in there with me, okay? With Carefree Maintenance, each big checkup and tune-up is already paid for. Done. My signature is all they need. That seems carefree to me. Volkswagen sends me a little note when the Jetta’s due for its maintenance. I make a call, set up an appointment, and voila! It’s done. Again, fairly carefree. Someone’s looking out for me and my car. I love that.

God got me thinking this morning as I lay in bed about just what He wanted to say in this devotional. I had planned on writing my devotion as I was sitting here in this very service department waiting room. And God…as He so often does…brought to mind the “everyday stuff” and tied it into His kingdom: carefree maintenance.

Wouldn’t it be lovely if someone sent you a note every so often (at just the moment you needed it) that reminded you that you need a check-up of sorts? Perhaps the note would say, “I’ve noticed you’ve been running without a break for several months now. Come on in and take a rest,” or maybe the note would read, “You seem a bit deflated. Stop by for a checkup today…it’s on the house.” Maybe the note would be a bit more urgent, “Are you crazy? You’ve been coasting on fumes far too long. Stop by as soon as possible!” Hmmm…I think I’d like that. It seems to me that we, as God’s kids, already get those little “notes.” It’s easy to miss those maintenance reminders when we’re flying through our days at breakneck speeds, isn’t it? Yep. That’s the case for me, and I’d venture to guess that it’s the same for you.

Stop for a moment and breathe. No, not a teenie little “gotta-keep-breathing-to-keep-going” breath. I’m talking about a good, deep cleansing breath. It’s in these quiet moments that we can sometimes hear the Holy Spirit’s leading more loudly. It would be very easy to race right through December and, thus, through Christmas, wouldn’t it? You and I could even justify our fast pace when we look at our to-do list, couldn’t we? The kids’ concerts, the holiday parties, the big project at work, the anxiety over an impending family gathering…it’s a lot. But when we slow down enough to take a deep breath, I think it’s clear what God’s plan is for us this Christmas. He wants us to savor the moments He places us in. To fully experience where we find ourselves. To dance and sing and smile and laugh. He wants us to grow and be challenged and taste victory. He wants all this and so much more for us this Christmas.

Easier said than done, right? Let’s take a look at a story from the New Testament that rings loudly in my ears, if I have the ears to hear it. It’s the story of the sisters Mary and Martha that we find in Luke 10:38-42. You know it, don’t you? Jesus came to the house of his dear friends Mary and Martha for a visit. Mary stopped and sat and listened to Him. Martha, bless her sweet heart, did not. You see, a guest was in the house, and she had things to do. I bet if an outside observer looked closely into Martha’s eyes, they’d see a squirrely look in them. A crazed “I-have-so-much-to-do-and-not-enough-time-to-do-it!” look. Maybe she was even muttering under her breath about that sister of hers, and how she wished Mary knew all that she did to keep the house running. Perhaps she even slammed a pot or two before she could finally take it no more. She waltzed right out to the front room (with her hands on her hips I’m sure) and declared, “Master, don’t you care that my sister has abandoned the kitchen to me? Tell her to lend me a hand.” Hold on! Time out! Did she just say that? Yep, she did. And how many times have I done the same? Many. Too many, in fact. Stop and hear…savor…Jesus’ response to Martha. “Martha, dear Martha, you’re fussing far too much and getting yourself worked up over nothing. One thing only is essential, and Mary has chosen it - it’s the main course, and it won’t be taken from her.” Mary was doing the right thing by stopping. By listening. By savoring Jesus’ presence. She was squeezing everything she could out of the moment the Father had placed her in, and Jesus used the teachable moment to give Martha a maintenance reminder.

So, about your December calendar and your Christmas to-do list…let’s treat God’s Word as the maintenance reminder that it is. Do you need to stop by and sit at Jesus’ feet for a while? There’s no better check-up than that. Do you need to stop and re-read the Christmas account in Luke chapter 2 and savor in a fresh way the story of The Word made flesh? How about your family’s schedule over the next couple of weeks? Hmm…

The service team should be done soon with the Jetta, and I will be off to run errands…Christmas ones, in fact. This Christmas, in the midst of all the busy-ness, I want to heed God’s reminders…and take advantage of the carefree maintenance He provides me.

Merry Christmas!

~Deni Sunderly

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

2009-12-23T15:42:00.000-05:00

Ever since I can remember, I have always looked at the time between Thanksgiving and Christmas as something magical. I grew up in Watkins Glen, New York, a small village on the end of Seneca Lake. It was quite common to have snow in December, so it really was my winter wonderland. I loved everything about Christmas. It was so much fun for the whole family to go to the Christmas tree farm and find that “perfect tree.” My very favorite thing about Christmas is the music – I don’t care what it is. I could listen to it year round. There were the concerts at school and programs at church, and it just wasn’t Christmas if we didn’t go caroling and end up back at the church for hot chocolate. I could feel the excitement building inside of me for the “big day.”

My mom had traditions she carried out every year, i.e. baking hundreds of fancy cookies, fruitcakes, making fudge and decorating the house for the “big day” when my Dad’s extended family would gather at Mom and Dad’s house for Christmas dinner and exchange gifts. Later on, my brother had 3 sons, and then I added 2 daughters and 1 son.

I’ll always cherish those memories of Christmas growing up.

Now I’m a grandmother of 3. The oldest is about to turn 13 in a month. Where did all the time go? I’ve always tried to make Christmas special for my children and grandchildren – no matter what circumstances we may have been going through that year. There have been some really difficult times, but we got through it.

I thought last Christmas was difficult, but this year is going to be just as hard to get through. It actually started on Dec. 18, 1992 when my Mom passed away. Tom and I had only been married 3 months, but I couldn’t have asked for someone stronger to support me through that time. Mom had a very rapid progressing case of Alzheimer’s, and even though it was painful to lose her, it was a blessing to not have to see her suffer through that horrible disease anymore. By the time we had gone through the viewing, funeral, and services at the cemetery, there was only a couple of days until Christmas. No one was in the mood to celebrate that year. We were still in shock over Mom’s death.

Last Christmas, my Dad had been in a nursing home for 2 years. We went up the day after Christmas to visit. My brother had arranged for a private room in a restaurant so Dad would be able to see all his family together. Dad had taken a turn for the worse before we got there. He didn’t make it to the party. I watched my Dad die a little more each day, until he took his last breath on January 9th of this year. When he was at the point where he could barely do anything other than hold your hand or say just a couple of words, I was trying to think of things to say to him when it came to me I should sing to him. I started singing “Jesus Loves Me” softly to him. I asked him if he liked that, and he nodded “yes” with his head. I sang a couple more hymns, and then my sister came back from lunch. We would sing a hymn, and he would say, “more”. We did that for over a half hour. That was a very special time for the three of us.

Anyone who is close to me knows that music plays a huge role in my life. I know this is a gift from God. If I’m angry, stressed out, depressed, or upset, I can sit down at the piano, get lost in the notes and words, and go off to another place. Things that seemed so overwhelming begin to be lifted from me, and a peace comes over me. With God, I can handle things just a little bit longer – just like I was able to when I was singing to my Dad.

God, thank you for being with me in both the good times and the times of anguish. Help me to reach for you and cling to you when the pain is overwhelming. Help me to hear your voice in my pain and rest in your arms when I feel like I’m falling apart. I also ask that you be with all the people who, like me, are grieving over the loss of loved ones this Christmas.

~Mary Lou McKinney

Taken from iWorship Daily Devotional Bible (NLT) – March 18

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

2009-12-23T15:39:00.000-05:00

“I am the Lords servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Luke 1:38 (NIV)

Throughout the Bible, God chooses and uses the most unlikely people in the most extraordinary ways to fulfill His timing and perfect will…Mary, the mother of Jesus, is no exception.

Mary’s story is well known. I’ve read it many times through past Christmas seasons, but this year God revealed to me “with new freshness” the importance of Mary’s willing spirit and trust in God.

Mary was a humble young woman willing to say yes to God, no matter what the cost, so that HIS plans and purpose could come to pass…

I’m sure Mary didn’t realize what she had signed up for—perceived scandal, ridicule, potential death by stoning, and ultimately a mother’s shattered heart at the loss of her precious child. None the less, she gave God her willing spirit and trust…“one Yes at a time”.

A key lesson we should learn and remember from Mary’s life is that great things always begin with someone saying Yes to God, and then moving along one yes at a time. The road may be bumpy, but we must remember God’s intention is to bless us.

A second lesson is to trust God. Mary trusted God from the start. She simply asked Gabriel, “How will this be?” Her question was an innocent inquiry of how God would make it come to pass. She didn’t doubt or ask for proof like Zachariah did when the angel told him that Elizabeth was to conceive in her old age…

“For nothing is impossible with God.”

“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best from the land.” Isaiah 1:19

Please Lord; help me to say “Yes” to you without asking why, where, and how. “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10) …a trusting, obedient, and willing spirit.

Merry Christmas,

~Jeannie Porterfield

This devotion was revealed and adapted from the book: Having a Mary Spirit—Allowing God to Change us from the Inside by Joanna Weaver.

Monday, December 21, 2009

2009-12-23T15:35:00.000-05:00

The shopping. The parties. The food. The hustle and bustle. It’s a wonder that we are able to keep up with the pace of everything that occurs between Thanksgiving and Christmas. But somewhere in all of that busyness, my heart wonders does any of this really matter? Which activities keep the focus on the true meaning of Christmas?

I love the Christmas song – "Give This Christmas Away" by Matthew West and Amy Grant. It may be unfamiliar to you, but it’s a great song that brings home the message that, throughout all of the craziness that the season brings, there are things we can do that can bring hope to those around us.

Christmas is the time of year that we remember the baby that was born in a manger - when God came down in human form to dwell among us. This fact should motivate us to be different - not just at Christmas - but every day of the year. That baby came so that every day of the year could be different for us.

Let us not miss any opportunities to share this baby with those around us. At this time of the year, people seem to be a bit more open to Jesus than at other times of the year. Have you noticed that some people seem a little bit friendlier? And that there seem to be more opportunities at this time of the year to reach out to your coworkers, friends, and neighbors? No other time of the year presents the numerous opportunities that are happening now. Invite someone to the Christmas Eve Service. Invite a teen to the youth lock-in. Take Christmas cookies to your neighbors. Invite a widow for Christmas dinner. Give a grocery gift card to the person on the corner (right down the street from GBC) holding a sign saying he’s lost his job and asking for help. Let’s not waste these opportunities that are all around us.

God gives us these moments of choice everyday – will we listen to what He’s saying to us in our hearts and obey? OR will we ignore Him by distracting ourselves with the many activities going on or by rationalizing why we can’t do what He’s asking of us?

We mustn’t be too busy that we don’t have time to listen to what God is saying to us. We may think that we’re doing the right things by running around and trying to find that perfect gift for our kids or spouse or by agreeing to host the annual Christmas party for the 10th year in a row, but see what God is saying to you. We need times of quiet and stillness with our Lord during this busy season to know how to spend the hours of our day and how to spend the money in our bank accounts.

Have you asked the Lord that recently? Have you asked Him to give you wisdom about how to spend your time and your money so that the choices you make this Christmas season have eternal significance? Make this Christmas mean something for eternity!!! Don’t miss the opportunities God gives to us every day to make a difference in the lives of those around us.

God bless you as you seek him each day and Merry Christmas!!!

~Angela Sutsakhan

Sunday, December 20, 2009

2009-12-17T16:23:00.000-05:00

“…and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” Luke 2:18-20

Do you ever wonder what that night was like? The night Jesus was born? I think it was probably pretty ordinary. Everyone was grumbling because they had traveled a long time to get to their hometowns just so Rome could get more taxes from them. Mary, 9 months pregnant, had traveled about 80 miles on foot (and probably donkey), then found herself with nowhere to stay, alone and in a barn during her labor and delivery. I bet she had questions. Sure, the angel had spoken to her about the big picture, but not the details, and that “angel conversation” had been months ago. I bet she had lots of questions.

“Did I really see an angel? Maybe I was dreaming.”
“What have I gotten myself into?
“Maybe mom was right…”
“Is this baby really who I think he is?”
“Maybe I’m crazy like everyone says!”

But imagine when the shepherds showed up out of nowhere. They claimed they had been invited by angels to one of the biggest days EVER on earth! The day that God came to earth…in a diaper. Wow.

And the text tells us that “Mary treasured these things…and pondered them in her heart.” I’m sure the moment the shepherds showed up telling their stories of a heavenly choir and looking for God-Come-To-Earth (aka her baby Jesus), Mary felt a new kind of peace. I bet she was reminded that she was a child of the God who keeps His promises, even the hard-to-believe ones. I’m sure she thought about all she had been through the past 9 months and was thankful that she hadn’t given up when it got really hard. And I bet she pondered how in the world she became such a huge part of God’s plan. And I bet she smiled at her little baby - God, in a diaper.

So, what do we have to ponder this Christmas? Like Mary, we are children of the God who keeps His promises. We are a part of His big plan. And we can partake in the peace that came down on Christmas night. The peace brought by God came down as a baby. God come down to be a part of our lives, because He doesn’t want to live without us. Wow. What a Christmas present!

~Tirzah Turner

Saturday, December 19, 2009

2009-12-17T16:20:00.002-05:00

As I sit and think of my long past childhood, I remember being surrounded by women most of the time. Now this is not a bad thing at all, but it puzzled me at the time why we had 5 aunts and only one uncle (whom we seldom saw). The imbalance just didn’t make sense to an eight year old.

My Dad had three sisters who lived down in Virginia, so we didn’t see them too often. Mom, however, had two sisters (Lil and Marge) who lived close by. Lil was a nurse and seemed to work all the time. Marge was always available for babysitting and visiting, as her children were grown and gone. So, of course she became the favorite, or “Super Aunt.”

Aunt Marge was a chubby and happy person who always laughed and had time on her hands. She had no problem showing lots of love to her niece and nephews. She always seemed to have candy and cookies. She would take me (siblings were too young) to the beach and sometimes places Mom did not approve of. My mother did not approve of movies in those days… “Devil’s playhouse.”

My favorite time with Marge was always Christmas. She was skilled at always getting the perfect present, just what a kid would want. Very often it was considered the best present we got that year. It never mattered how late it was on Christmas night; no one was going to bed until Aunt Marge arrived. Great anxiety filled the house; Christmas was incomplete without her.

Marge passed away in 1958 and is sorely missed by all of us. My mother spoke of her big sister often and lamented how sorry she was that Marge had such terrible luck and had lived in poverty most of her life. How could this be when she was so kind and generous?

Years later, after Mom passed away, I talked with Dad about this and mentioned that I never knew about Marge’s financial state and recalled all of the wonderful things she had done for me, my brother, and sister. Only then did he tell me that he had secretly provided the money necessary for her to do the things she did.

It was then that I realized how Marge always had the perfect present for Christmas and birthdays. My father had shown his love for her and for us by this act of his grace.

Our Heavenly Father also showed His love and grace through someone else – His only Son. God continues to bless us through others, our families, our Christian friends, our Pastors and leaders, but most of all as Christ lives in our hearts. We must remember that God wants to show His love to our fellow man. He wants to work through us to accomplish that. And you know that He gave us the Perfect Gift to talk about this Christmas!

~Howard Clemons

Friday, December 18, 2009

2009-12-17T16:19:00.002-05:00

It takes faith to be used by God in a mighty way.

There are many examples in the Bible of the great things that God did when people left their fate to their faith in God. Joseph went from being sold into slavery to saving many people (including his family) from starvation. Daniel made it through a night in a den of hungry lions. His friends spent some time in a fiery furnace unharmed. Moses led the Israelites out of captivity in Egypt. Peter walked on water and then went on to spread the good news of salvation, and on and on and on. There is one story of faith that is thought about more this time of year.

Mary was, by most accounts, a teenager when the angel Gabriel appeared to her. Gabriel told her that she had found favor with God, that she would conceive a son, and he would be called Jesus. She only had one question, “How can that happen?” When Gabriel explained that the Holy Spirit would come upon her, and she would conceive a child that would be holy, the Son of God, the Bible doesn’t say she hesitated. She didn’t want to talk it over with her parents or her friends. She didn’t want to know what people would think or how she would explain it. In those days, an unwed mother could be turned away from her people or even stoned, but she had faith that God would work all that out. Mary simply said, “I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.” Wow! To be that young and have that much faith in God and trust that He has your best interest in mind. God used that small woman of faith to raise His son and be the woman with the most influence in shaping his young life. What an awesome responsibility to entrust to such a young woman, but God knew her heart, just like He knows your heart.

What is God asking you to do for Him? There is no telling what could happen if we only would say with all our heart, “I am the Lord’s servant” and let Him take it from there.

~Linda Colbert

Thursday, December 17, 2009

2009-12-17T16:18:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite movies to watch as Christmas approaches to get my thoughts on the true meaning of the season is the Nativity Story. Personally I think the movie is fantastic and I especially like the way the movie brings insight into each of the Christmas story characters.

Often during the Christmas season we focus on the significance of baby Jesus and Mary’s virgin birth. These are obviously, for good reason, a major focus during this time of year, but how often do we consider the importance and the character of Joseph and his role in the Christmas story. I think the movie does a great job providing us with a model of a Godly man who lived his life with humility, integrity, and obedience.

Humility
I Cor. 1:27 - Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. (NLT)

From the very beginning of the movie you can see Joseph is a hard worker. This was not a man who was born into a wealthy family or a man who things came easily to him. He was a common man who worked hard for a living and found joy in living his life to please God.

Application – Don’t believe for a moment that God can’t use you right now where you are for His honor and glory. If God can use a lowly humble carpenter, he can use a lowly you and me.

Integrity
Matthew 5:8 – God blesses those whose hearts are pure, for they will see God. (NLT)

When Mary returns from visiting Elizabeth, Joseph is stunned to find that Mary is pregnant. Think about how Joseph must have felt, how his heart must have sunk. There is a great scene in the movie where Joseph explains to Mary why he loves her. You can hear the pain in his voice and how distraught he is over this.

Application – We can take confidence in the fact that God holds us close in His care when we live our lives with integrity and remain faithful to him.

Obedience
Philipians 2:8 – He humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross. (NLT)

After Joseph is told not to be afraid and take Mary as his wife, Joseph is obedient to do so. One of my favorite scenes in the movie is when Mary and Joseph are traveling, and Joseph’s feet are bruised and sore from all the walking that the trip has taken on his feet over rough terrain.

Application – Sometimes obedience may require pain and sacrifice.

If you haven’t seen the Nativity Story I highly recommend it. In fact, go out and buy it and make watching it a regular part of your Christmas holiday traditions.

Have a wonderful Christmas,

~Dave Porterfield

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

2009-12-17T16:15:00.000-05:00

The word “Christmas” brings up so many memories…

Anticipation: The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas seemed soooo long.

Visit to Santa: He could be found at Newberry’s on the second floor. He listened to my wishes and gave me a coloring book and a candy cane.

Obedience: My brother and I tried so hard to be “good” but never reached perfection.

Church: A special Christmas program was performed by the combined choirs (adult and children). The nativity story was read from the book of Luke. I can still repeat this story from memory.

Carolers: A group of singers would come through the neighborhood, pausing at each home. When we became old enough, my brother and I joined them.

Christmas Eve: As a young child, I knew the difference between Jesus and Santa. One Christmas Eve, I slipped away from my family, stood at the end of the porch, looking at the stars, and sang softly “Away In A Manger.”

Christmas Morn: As soon as possible, the kids in the neighborhood spilled out onto the sidewalks laughing, showing each other our gifts and enjoying the day.

Purpose of Jesus: “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness… for I did not come to judge the world, but to save it.” John 12:46-47

PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME!!!

~Doris Brannon

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

2009-12-17T16:12:00.000-05:00

In everything I did, I showed that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35

What does God want for Christmas?

For those who are seeking to know our Lord and Savior, God wants you to trust Him and open His gift of eternal life. He wants you to come to the saving grace of what was done for us on Calvary two thousand years ago.

I was recently at the Family Christian bookstore with my kids looking over books for my co-workers. Every year I get them a book that encourages them in their life, and this year I wanted to get each of them a book to encourage their faith. Bringing the kids with me was a favor to my wife to give her some free time. I knew it would be challenging - picking up books to read about and having the kids wanting me to buy them something or wanting to leave the moment they get bored. I sent them into the toy section to buy myself some time and went straight to my mission of the day. Before long I had what I needed for gifts, so I went to check on the kids. They had lots of toys they wanted me to buy them, so I began looking through them to narrow it down. As I was looking through what they had picked, I came to a kid’s nativity game. The title was simple but a question that stumped me at first glance. The game was a nativity set that asked this question: What does God want for Christmas? My first thought was naïve in that I thought – what does God not have? As I picked up the nativity for a closer look I found myself looking into a mirror that had me in it. As I looked at this simple game with a tear coming down my cheek, I felt God speaking to me about what I could give Him. I have already asked Jesus into my heart, and I accepted him privately and publicly as my Lord and Savior four years ago. What I felt God saying to me was, what will I give to Him – sacrificially?

So if you are already saved what can you give Him? I think each of us can give to God in ways that are sacrificial towards Him. I love the phrase “being rich towards God.” That doesn’t only mean in our tithes but in our time and service in His kingdom on earth. I know God has been nudging me in many areas of my life since I was saved. I believe He is doing to same for you. Maybe God wants you to forgive someone who has caused you deep pain. Maybe he wants you to adopt a child in a global mission to share the Gospel. Maybe He is asking you to stop working on His Sabbath. Some give-ups are easy for us, while others are sacrifices. Whatever you feel God saying to you, make His gift your most important gift of Christmas. Take time this Christmas season and allow God to speak to you about what you can do to be rich to Him.

Heavenly Father, I pray this Christmas season that we can be rich to You.

~Chris Dyer

Monday, December 14, 2009

2009-12-10T13:49:00.000-05:00

It tends to be very easy to fall into the commercialism of this time of year. All of the lights, music, decorations, festivities, and presents are almost addicting. Everyone is happy and friendly, buying gifts for loved ones and sharing special memories.

I am one of those people that others tend to consider a “Christmas Freak.” Starting the day after Halloween (and sometimes before) I have the Christmas music playing, and it takes everything in my power not to bust out the decorations before Thanksgiving (I do usually wait for that)! I love how happy everyone is and that it can bring so many families together. Even if it is just this one day a year… families come together to share laughter and fond memories that last a lifetime.

One of my favorite Christmas memories is the year we got my sister a singing farm keyboard. It played this song that I can still sing to this day. My sister was about 3 years old, and she played this song over and over and over and over and over… You get the point. It drove my family absolutely crazy! But everyone tolerated it because it was Christmas, and it meant that we were all together having a great time.

This year is going to be a much different one for me. This is my first year as an official firefighter’s wife, and lucky for me, my husband is on shift. Starting at 6:00am that morning through 6:00am the next, he will be working for Montgomery County, saving the lives of its people. This is one of the most upsetting pieces of news to me. A holiday that I love so dearly, that I love to share with those who are most important to me is going to be missing the main part – my husband.

The more I think about that last part, the more I realize perhaps this is actually a good thing. Over the last few months the Lord has really been tugging on my heart, asking me to get more involved with church and to focus more on my relationship with Him. My husband is not the most important part of Christmas, neither are the lights, the music and the presents, even my family and friends. The most important part of CHRISTmas is Christ. For so many years Jesus has sat on the backburner during Christmas. Sure, I would think about the fact that he was born into the world and thank God for all that He has done and for that promise, but it was a momentary thought: Christmas, to me, was everything I listed above.

So let me challenge you, along with myself, this Christmas season to think of who or what is the main focus of our minds and hearts when it comes to Christmas. Is it the colorful lights, the merry music, and the giving and receiving of presents, or is it the real reason for Christmas? That tiny baby in a manger, our Savior, Lord and King!

~Megan Schoolfield

Sunday, December 13, 2009

2009-12-10T13:48:00.000-05:00

“From the Manger to the Cross”

From the manger to the cross, Jesus came to save the lost.
The King of Kings abandoned His throne.
Leaving heaven above, He came to earth, a gift of love
In His birth and His death, He stood alone.

The life He led and the blood that He shed
Brought hope and established the way
That all who believe, and all who receive
Would share in His kingdom one day.

A response is due, from me and from you
When we awaken on this Christmas morn
Let our first thoughts be to fall on our knees
And worship the Child who was born.

~Ann Duffy (written in 2008)

Saturday, December 12, 2009

2009-12-10T13:47:00.000-05:00

And He called a child to Himself and stood him in their midst, and said, "Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you shall not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 18:2-4 NASV

On the first Wednesday in November I asked a group of 3rd-5th grade boys to write "Thank You" notes to God. Their notes warmed my heart. I hope they warm yours, as well. Here is what they wrote:

Dear God, I am thankful for family, friends, food and Hannah. Bailey (labeled drawing of each family member including Hannah the dog, two friends food and clothing)

Dear God, I am thankful for family, dad, Reagan, Hayden, food, friends, water, clothes, and God. Caleb (labeled pictures of each)

Dear God, Thank you for my brother. I know me and Jon fight, but without my brother I would be alone and sad. Love, Chandler (picture of him and his brother on a playset)

Dear God, Thank you for my family and friends, water, food and all the other wonderful things you made. Thank you for the holidays and seasons and other stuff. Grant (picture of his family and friends)

Dear God, I am thankful for my friends [Ranger] John McCallum and Caleb. John D. (picture of each)

Dear God, Thank you for family, friends, for just being alive. I just thank you for mankind. Love Keith (drawing of a tree)

Dear God, I am thankful for a family, food, juice, water and punch. Thank you for school and work. I am also thankful for a ring and it is cool. Sincerely, Owula (picture of himself with a ring on his hand)

Dear God, I am thankful for my DSI. I really don't need it, but I am glad I have it. Praise (with picture of the game)

Dear God, Thank you for your love and kindness. We love you so much. You are holy. You are the best God. From Ryan D. (picture of tree, birds and grass)

Dear God, Thank you for water, church, family, food and shelter. Ryan O. (picture of each item)

Dear God, I am thankful for my family, shelter and everything. Tyler (picture of God on the throne of his heart with the words "God in my heart. I will try.")

Dear God, Thank you for Ryan and Keith and me and Ryan 2. Xavier (picture of each boy)

Dear God, Thank you for homes, money, You, friends, family, food, water, nteligents, safety, air and clothes. (unsigned, but the drawing was Jesus on the throne of his heart)

Dear God, Thank you for my family, friends, food, house, water and nature. (unsigned)

Our Father, forgive me for my sense of self importance and my preoccupation with things like money, status and power. Help me to see with the eyes of a child the wonders of this world that You have created. Thank You for the blessings of food, water, shelter and work and the wonderful gifts you have given me that are my family and friends. Take Your throne in my heart Lord Jesus. Amen

~Ben Overbey

Friday, December 11, 2009

2009-12-10T13:45:00.000-05:00

Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4: 6-7

What do these verses really mean? I have a wooden plaque in my home that reminds me of these verses daily. The plaque says “in everything give thanks,” but it’s missing the rest of the story. Life has its hurts sometimes, and it’s just hard to give thanks in the midst of them. The scripture says by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God, and pray without ceasing. That’s how we can give thanks in the midst of our pain. The Pilgrims suffered great losses the first winter. 102 people were aboard the Mayflower, but only 54 survived that first winter, and 21 of them were children under the age of 14. The first course served on the second thanksgiving was five kernels of corn on plates. It was a visual reminder of the hardships experienced by the Pilgrims that first winter when their rations had been so depleted that every person was given only five kernels of corn daily to eat. They were remembering God’s faithfulness in the midst of pain and suffering. We use the five kernels of corn at our own Thanksgiving table to remind us of the hardship suffered by those celebrating that early Thanksgiving, and also to remind us of the blessings in our own lives for which we need to be thankful, even in the midst of our own hardships.

Prayer: Lord, help us to remember to give thanks for our blessings, even when we’re hurting.

~Toni and Jim Kelley

Thursday, December 10, 2009

2009-12-10T13:44:00.000-05:00

"Hallmark holiday" commercials show families and friends sitting around beautifully decorated tables, laughing, smiling, and sharing. Everything seems "perfect," but holidays in the "real" world aren't always like that. Holidays remind us of loved ones that are no longer at our tables. We live far away from our relatives and close friends, and there are many strained relationships that seem to become worse around the holidays for some reason. Some of us feel like we're not really wanted at anyone's table, and we wonder if we're going to be invited somewhere this year, and if so, who will sit next to us?

One of my favorite Christian books is The Sacred Romance by Brent Curtis and John Eldridge. Here is a quote from the book - one that deals with some of these issues and brings tears to my eyes almost every time I read it: "On the other hand, there is the joy of having someone save a place for us. We walk into a crowded room at church, or at a dinner party, and someone across the way waves us over, pointing to a chair he's held on to especially for us. For a moment we feel a sense of relief, a taste of being on the inside. Now consider Jesus' words in John 14:2 – ‘I am going... to prepare a place for you.’ Christ promises that He is saving a place in heaven especially for each of us. When we walk into the crowded excitement of the wedding feast of the Lamb with the sound of a thousand conversations, laughter and music, the clinking of glasses, and one more time our heart leaps with the hope that we might be let into the sacred circle. We will not be disappointed; we'll be welcomed to the table by our Lover himself. No one will have to scramble to find another chair to make room for us at the end of the table, or rustle up a place setting. There will be a seat with our name on it, held open at Jesus' command for us and no other."

No matter what has happened as part of our life in this sinful world to make us feel unworthy, unwanted, unacceptable, we are going to be invited to be part of the best feast that will ever be served with the "perfect" host who created us and had a plan for our life (Psalm 139:13-16). Now this is something to be thankful for this holiday season! And while we're being thankful, let's not forget to invite someone to experience a taste of the "excitement" of being invited into our home, having a special place set for them, eating all the special food and to have the feeling that we REALLY want them to be there. Is there someone that God would have you invite to join you?

~Karen Janes

Sunday, November 22, 2009

2009-11-18T15:23:00.002-05:00

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Philippians 4:4-7 – Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

What is Thanksgiving? If you look at the definition of thanksgiving in the Merriam-Webster dictionary it gives three different definitions.

1: the act of giving thanks
2: a prayer expressing gratitude
3: a public acknowledgment or celebration of divine goodness

How profound these definitions are when we think about what our Lord has done for each and every one of us. We should, every day, thank our Lord for the sacrifice of His son and express our gratitude for our salvation through His son and be bold in our acknowledgement of Jesus Christ as our Lord. So many times over the last few months I have thought in amazement how my Lord has brought me to where I am. So many changes in one year can be completely overwhelming but when I think about these changes I am so thankful to God for his grace and mercy. I truly rest in the peace of God which transcends all understanding. There is no other way to describe this peace that is in my heart.

Sixteen years ago as I approached the Thanksgiving season I was ending a relationship that had become abusive and very destructive to my self confidence and my self worth. This man and I had never married, but we did have a 2 year old son. I was facing the prospect of raising this child on my own. By my own decisions I had ended up in this very dark unforgiving place, but God is faithful to His people, and He was calling me back to Him. The Lord in His infinite wisdom had brought my mother and me closer together during this time, and the Lord used our relationship to help draw me back to Him. I started attending church again with my mother and my son. Over the sixteen years from the breakup with my son’s father to now, the Lord led me down paths I never imagined for myself. Now after these long years of struggle, growth, and trust in the Lord, the Lord has not only restored me to where I was before but has given me more than I could ever have dreamed. First it was stability in the home, then it was the healing of my heart, and sixteen years later, as the Thanksgiving season approaches I am marrying a man who has Christ at the center of his life. I never thought I would ever marry, but my plans are not the Lord’s.

Yes, I am thankful to the Lord for sending me this man to love, but above all I am thankful for the Lord and His forgiveness. I trust the Lord to direct me in His path so that I can live my life for His glory, and nothing else on this earth is more important.

~Donna Derrick

Saturday, November 21, 2009

2009-11-18T15:22:00.000-05:00

I love Thanksgiving! It’s always been a favorite. My parents were both good cooks, and they used to start preparing for the “big day” way in advance. Mom would cut up the bread and season it all week long - adding sage and poultry seasoning daily. They would make oyster dressing, ordering fresh oysters weeks ahead, and sometimes Dad would shuck them himself, reserving the liquid for the dressing. There was a favorite jello salad that my aunt would make. It took forever to “chop” all the ingredients, and the dressing for that had to be made in a double boiler with fresh whipping cream added as the final ingredient. The turkey, dressing, sauerkraut, cranberries, pies, etc., would fill the house with a wonderful aroma. I can almost smell it now as I think about it. What a great time set aside for family to stop and give thanks for all our blessings.

Interestingly, the first verse that I remember memorizing as a child (other than John 3:16) was:

“Enter into his gates with Thanksgiving and into his courts with praise....be thankful unto him and bless his name.” Psalm 100:4

Two days before Tom had his stroke in 2003...I drove my grandson, Cameron, to his Sunday evening church group. On the way in the car, I was helping him memorize his memory verse. It was from that same passage...

“Know that the LORD is God...It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.” Psalm 100:3

I memorized it with him and didn’t realize at the time that it was the LORD giving me a verse that I would hold onto for the next few days. Tom wasn’t expected to live through the night, and I remember saying over-and-over the words and acknowledging God’s power and sovereignty, knowing that Tom was in the best hands he could be. That was 6 years ago. Tom is great, and God continues to bless our lives. We have so much to be thankful for.

I love the way this story covers a period of time of over 50 years - that a passage God gave me when I was a young child and added to as an adult would provide as much meaning and comfort as it did. I love that it shows how God ties it all together, that He has the big picture, and that even when we don’t realize it He is planting seeds and laying the foundation for what is in store.

“For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Psalm 100:5

~Gwen Sunderly

Friday, November 20, 2009

2009-11-18T15:19:00.000-05:00

Have you noticed that contentment, American style, denies our human limitations? When I pursue and achieve a notable but personal goal, then I am content, or am I? When I insulate my family from possible problems with money or otherwise ensure my family is self-sufficient, then I am content, or am I? As I seek contentment American style, my own limitations too often cause me to see (1) a world that gets in the way of reaching my goal, (2) a family that’s imperfect, and (3) friends and colleagues that don’t appreciate me – that’s not contentment!!

The Apostle Paul said “I have learned to be content, whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11). How can that be – Paul was in prison, in chains. He goes on to say that he gratefully accepted his dependence on God and the sharing of gifts offered by others. How does Paul accept his human limitations and express genuine contentment?

I’ve asked the same question as I marvel at the contentment that my 22-year old, brain injured son, Kevin, expresses daily. How does Kevin accomplish this? Here are a couple of observations that I’ve attributed to Kevin’s contentment: First, he is grateful for everything and everyone he encounters, with the exception of his twice daily medicine (and I couldn’t agree more on the medicine thing – YUK!). He enjoys the company of everyone he is with, and he thoroughly loves the routine of life – especially bath, bed, and prayer time. Finally, Kevin maintains a quiet center about him and isn’t interested in things of the past or concerned about things in the future. Contentment is Kevin’s natural wealth, and he doesn’t seek more because he is comfortable with his life’s position.

I’ve observed and pondered this demonstrated joy and contentment for over a decade, and I have offered plenty of rationalizations over the years as to why this could not apply to my busy life (or yours). In fact, nothing is further from the truth! Contentment is not the absence of suffering or favorable circumstances that are made beyond our control. Instead, contentment is found through my level of devotion to the worship and service to God and His Kingdom. For me, that usually means that I have to stay in the here and now – let go of past circumstances or turn off the possible worries of the future. Ecclesiastes 4:6 says “better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and chasing after the wind.” I can tame most any appetite, but my appetite for worries of the future and reacting to past hurts affect my devotion to Christ more than it should.

As I look towards Thanksgiving and the example of Paul and my son on contentment, I am invited to be joyous and content through something as simple as gratitude. When I acknowledge God’s grace in forgiving my sins or notice God’s mark of love that is all around me all the time, it’s easy to be thankful and hard to be judgmental of the world around me, because God is in the middle, not me. My daily choice is whether I will loosen my grip on life’s baggage and allow God to be my porter and driver.

While I learn and grow in Christ-like responses to my life’s rough edges, I am encouraged by 1 Timothy 6:6, “godliness with contentment is great gain.” Now I’m all for that!

~Jim Winter

Thursday, November 19, 2009

2009-11-18T15:16:00.000-05:00

He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Luke 10:2

Are the workers few at Greenridge?

I would like to take the time to walk through one of the many accounts that I am most thankful for this Thanksgiving season.

Six years ago my husband and I brought our infant daughter to Greenridge, where she was dedicated. During this ceremony the church body affirms that they will work alongside of us, the parents, in nurturing the spiritual development of the children we dedicate. So here is an account of that good work.

There have been six years of regularly attending Sunday worship services, which included childcare/worship/Bible study for our daughter: that is more than 300 Sundays; in at least 5 different classrooms with at least 2 workers in each classroom… that’s the work of 1,200 hands over 6 years. In addition to that, there was 3 years of attending the CDC at Greenridge, 9 months a year, 5 days a week, 3 classrooms each with at least 2 workers… that’s the work of at least another 700+ hands. If that were not enough, there were 2 years of Half Notes Choir, 24 weeks of meeting, at least 2 workers… almost another 100 hands and on top of that VBS for 2 years and 1 year of Covenant Christian Elementary Education, supported by members of Greenridge, both of which are impossible for me to count the number of hands who work in these two ministries. So… Are the workers few at Greenridge? Not by my account.

How is this relevant? And for what am I thankful? I am thankful that on November 4, 2009 my daughter asked Jesus to come live in her heart and she has a new inheritance in Christ. A new inheritance, not the one she was born into, but the one she was intended for. My husband and I were saved as adults, which comes with its own difficulties – difficulties that our 6 year old daughter will hopefully never experience as a result of her new inheritance, and for that I will be forever thankful. The workers at Greenridge surely had many hands sowing that process.

“But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce a crop.” Luke 8:11-15

I brought my little seed, and it fell upon the good soil at Greenridge. I am thankful to all the workers who persevered, and I am most thankful to my God who shows us his harvest so that we know we labor not in vain.

As the song goes… “a little is much when God’s in it HE changes the world with the seeds we sow.”

Be encouraged to continue HIS work Greenridge. His harvest is coming in!

~Melissa Dyer

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

2009-11-18T12:39:00.000-05:00

One day after school, my 5 year old was trying to explain to me (with tears in his eyes) why he had gotten a slip for talking too much in class. I said, “Why would you do that when you know Miss Webster needs you to listen? You’re being disobedient. You can’t learn what you need to learn if you’re talking out. It makes God sad when we’re disobedient.”

He then proceeds to stammer out, “Well, it’s just that sometimes I want to be good, and sometimes I’m bad.”

As I stood there with my mouth hanging open, I replied, “Well, my son, you better be coming over to ‘the good side’ REAL QUICK if you like to sit on that behind of yours!”

After I took a “mommy time-out” to get my thoughts together, I realized …that was a 5 year old’s honest interpretation or battle with his own sinful nature. I knew if I could make my son understand how much Miss Webby does for him and how much she cares for him, he would be so much more grateful! He has a huge heart for a little guy, so I knew if I could get him to see that he needs to be obedient out of respect for her, he would try harder.

It was then that I had this “AAH-HA” moment. If we were ALL more thankful to God for his INDESCRIBABLE GIFT (2 Cor. 9:15), we would all make better choices.

When we are tempted to sin, what if we chased that temptation away with a heart overflowing with thanks! For example, when we are tempted to say or think:

-Why can’t I have that car, that house, that bank account? We refute this by graciously thanking a God who richly provides everything we need and more (1 Tim. 6:17).

THANKS BE TO GOD FOR PROVIDING FOR MY EVERY NEED!

-Why can’t my life be less stressful? I feel like I’m running myself into the ground! We can dwell on the fact that God is our rock, our comforter, our PRINCE OF PEACE.

THANKS BE TO GOD FOR BEING MY HIDING PLACE!!

-Why can’t I fix this relationship, problem, addiction, heartache, or this anger I have? We can KNOW that we can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens us!

THANKS BE TO GOD FOR BEING MY HEALER AND REDEEMER!!!

-Why can’t I (or my loved one) be well again? I can know that God has a plan. I can know that God desires for me to be thankful in all circumstances (1 Thess. 5:16-18) even when I do not understand.

THANKS BE TO GOD FOR BEING MY SAVIOR WITH WHOM I WILL LIVE FOREVER!!!

As God reminded me to be more thankful through disciplining my son, we are trying as a family to refute our bad choices with hearts of thankfulness instead.

As we begin this wonderful season of Thanksgiving and celebration, my prayer is that we would continue to try and do what pleases God. When we are TRULY THANKFUL, we can’t help but conquer some of the doubts and sins that plague us.

Let us graciously embrace, “GIVE THANKS TO THE LORD FOR HE IS GOOD, HIS LOVE ENDURES FOREVER.” Psalms 107:1

~Stephanie Finch

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

2009-11-18T12:33:00.000-05:00

This is the time of year where we all focus on things for which we are most thankful. I’m thankful for so much, but mostly for forgiveness.

I just returned from a girl’s beach getaway and had some time for rest, relaxation, fun and reflection. It was just me and my lifelong best friend, Debbi. I’m sure that our relationship is special. We were born 9 days apart and were together in the church nursery since we were babies. Even when my family moved out of state for 6 years, when we returned, our families just picked up where we had left off. Debbi and I attended Sunday school, GA’s, and later went on youth retreats, attended the same high school, and at one point even dated best friends. By our late teens things began to change. Debbi had a serious boyfriend and got engaged. We had a falling out, and frankly, not so much in common anymore. Regrettably, I didn’t attend my best friend’s wedding.

Some years later, I made contact, and we visited with each other. We now each had a child who was the same age. We were still living in very different worlds – but it wasn’t so much our circumstances that distanced us as it was unresolved business – or in Christian vernacular, unresolved forgiveness. We caused each other some hurt and never took the time to ask each other for forgiveness. I tried to gloss things over and be friendly and welcoming, and she really had a lot going on in her life of which I was unaware.

Flash forward a few more years. I called Debbi and asked if I could come for a visit. I went to her home, apologized, and asked her forgiveness for things I’d said and done in the past that had hurt her. She too apologized and asked my forgiveness, and we hugged and sobbed for a long time. If we had just done that earlier, we wouldn’t have missed so much in each other’s lives. She hadn’t attended my wedding either. My BFF and I (if you are over 40, that’s “best friend forever” *smile*) were not present for one of our most important days. We’ve moved past that, and though are lives our still very different, we keep in touch, see each other when we can, and always tell each other we love each other whether on the phone or in person.

As believers, we are commanded to forgive. There are more than 120 references in the Bible where forgiveness is mentioned. Christ forgave us while we were still sinners. How can we not show the same love and ask for forgiveness? I’m so thankful that Christ had mercy on me, a sinner, and forgave me of each and every sin. Receiving forgiveness is easy – asking for forgiveness is easy, when we remember that Christ so easily forgave us.

Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. Colossians 3:12-14

~Suzie Cook

Monday, November 16, 2009

2009-11-18T12:31:00.000-05:00

It’s all relative isn’t it? It’s no wonder we are confused!

I step out of my house, walk half a mile southeast to the newly developed neighborhoods who have brand new everything: granite countertops, new furniture, luscious space, and decorations.

I step out of my office at Open Door in East Baltimore. I see homeless people laying on heat vents to try to stay warm and digging through someone else’s trash to find something to eat.

I have less than some, more than others.

I pass someone at the store that struggles with obesity. To them I would have a slender physique.

I watch the rock solid bodies of the young ladies at my daughter’s gymnastic class and I am suddenly very aware of the fact that there is a physical battle going on with the lower half of my body to keep it from turning into mashed potatoes. (In keeping with the Thanksgiving theme!)

I have less than some, more than others.

Perhaps I am gauging what I have or do not have to be “thankful for” through the wrong type of lens. If I leave my thankful pendulum up to this ever swaying mental game, my heart and attitude will always be teetering back and forth, totally conducive to my circumstance, surroundings and appearance. Sounds like a lot of conditions on thankfulness doesn’t it?! God does not want my (our) thankfulness to be conducive to the current trends, conditions, material possessions, and/or my appearance. At a moment’s notice any one of these things could change. I know how the world would react, but how would I react? Would it look different? It should!

In Philippians 4:11-13 Paul says, “I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

May the Lord defog the areas of our thankfulness that are fickle! And may He reveal in us a true genuine unconditional THANKFUL heart this Thanksgiving season and every season!

~Wendy Mindte

Day 40: The REAL Servant

2009-11-10T15:59:00.000-05:00

"And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. 1 Chronicles 28:9

I hustled in the rain. Not only was I soaked through, I was freezing, and it was still early. The sun was just peaking over the shabby buildings in the Anacostia parking lot. My fellow volunteer and I hurried to empty the van of heavy tables, large coffee pots, food heaters and too-old-to-sell muffins from Costco. I had just been cussed out by one of our more…how shall I put it….difficult clients. And although this was a normal occurrence, and usually I would have shrugged it off and given Mr. David an extra muffin and wished him well, today was just different. I didn’t really want to be there, in the rain, in the cold. I wanted a little gratitude, honestly. Did these people know what I had gone through to get them their pathetic little breakfast? I had gotten up before the crack of dawn, braved the traffic and the metro, and dealt with the kitchen Nazis just to get them a cooler full of water and some weak coffee. And this was the thanks I got?

We continued to unload… the line for breakfast, and the mumbling, getting louder. We just couldn’t move fast enough. Why didn’t they go wait under an awning or something until we were ready? Did 5 extra minutes in line make that big of a difference? Seriously? I couldn’t wait to get home. I was making some pancakes and hot coffee and watching CNN until I could feel my fingers again.

“Here, let me help.” The voice broke into my thoughts.

“Huh?” I looked up.

It was Walter. 30 years homeless. My guess was he was about 60 or 65, although life on the streets often ages a person. He wasn’t an alcoholic or drug addict or mentally ill. He worked when and where he could and lived in various little DC wooded areas (what was left of them) and under his favorite bridges. He didn’t trust the shelters, “too many druggies” he’d tell us. He was a breakfast regular. He loved to talk Redskins and Maryland basketball. He also loved Costco chocolate-chocolate chip muffins. We got them about once-a-month and they were literally a highlight of his life. Today happened to be one of the few days we had them.

The van still held tables and the coffee pots. Walter smiled and grabbed the coffee, definitely the worse of the 2 to get out of the van. The large pots had a tendency to spill. I usually ended up smelling like coffee before the morning was done. Walter rarely had anywhere to shower. He would spend the day and probably several after it, with a dirtier-than-usual shirt because of his insistence on helping me.

Walter grabbed the sugar and creamer packets and set them out. He stood next to me for the next hour in the pouring rain helping pass out warm breakfast, hot coffee, and muffins.

I watched as the muffins slowly disappeared, the chocolate-chocolate chips were the first to go. Yet Walter never wavered. He greeted everyone with a smile as I watched his rag-tag jacket and boots fill with water and soak him to the bone. Even if the rain stopped soon, he would be wet for days. Not once did he complain. He never asked us to save him his favorite muffin (it was against policy), although who knew when he would have the chance to get another one. When breakfast was done, he helped load the truck for our next stop. And then, he did something that made me shiver inside, and not because of the cold.

He thanked me.

He thanked me for breakfast and for letting him help out. What a selfish, ungrateful person I was. I hadn’t served anyone that morning, especially not my God. I’m sure He had been disappointed in my attitude and lack of efforts

Walter was the real servant. He sacrificed something precious to him so he could meet the needs of others. He had served willingly and with a smile. His service cost him something; I had simply been doing a duty.

As Christ followers we know we are supposed to serve. Sometimes though, we get caught up in the supposed to and forget what service actually is. Serving others isn’t always convenient. It doesn’t always fit into our schedule or our comfort zones, and when that happens, it’s hard to keep a heart of service. Service like Christ isn’t about getting recognized or about our points in heaven. It is about being Christ to others. It can be done with or without words. No tracts or evangelism training needed. We simply wake up each day, zip on our “Jesus suit” and act as much like Christ as we can each day (easier said than done).

Service is never about us. It is always about Him, the One who taught us to serve. Our service, with or without words, should always point toward the Loving Servant. It may be that our service only points us toward being more like Christ. Serving may cost us nothing, or it may cost us everything. Either way, it is our heart that matters.

~Tirzah Turner

Day 39: God Inspired Servanthood

2009-11-09T15:41:00.000-05:00

To Serve:
• to render obedience or homage to God
• to be useful or of service
• to provide with a regular or continuous supply of something
• to act as a host or hostess in offering (a person) a portion of food or drink
• to gratify
• to go through a term of service; do duty as a soldier, sailor, senator, juror, etc.

When I was a kid, I remember our family always being the last ones to leave an event at church. The reason for that is because our family was always there to put away the tables and chairs. For a kid this is a lot of fun because you get to see parts of a building that you never would see normally, and everyone who was left to "serve" was in a good mood, relaxed, and joking around to make the work easier. Even more importantly there was a lot of discussion about the message of the event, and I listened to the adults sharing their feelings and personal experiences related to the topic. They are still very vivid memories that I have today of those times. This started the formation of what it meant to serve – it was a willingness to do what needed to be done and sharing it with friends.

As I grew older, that willingness never left me; it just became fine tuned. I would watch other Christian men and women step out in faith and "be there" when it was needed. I learned what my "passion" was and what made my heart swell when I was involved with it.

Greenridge taught me about my "spiritual gifts" in the 401 class, and this allowed me to make wise decisions in the events or positions that I volunteered for. This class also allowed me to see that other people can serve me… I don't have to do it all.

Serving brings people together and keeps relationships growing. I always watch for the "God" inspired moments when I serve, it is a true pleasure to wait and be in the moment when they arrive. I write these down on a list in my Bible so that when I am unable to lift my eyes, I can be reminded of when God was directly involved in my life.

Start with prayer and communication with God before you decide where he would like you to serve. However, watch out for Satan and his desire to "mess" with your service work. The excuses are quick and swift and easy to listen to: I don't have time. It is too much work. I feel inadequate. You want me to do WHAT? That is why I start with prayer and ask for guidance and bring God into it. For me, the ultimate goal is to honor him so that people can see the hands and feet of Jesus. How can serving fail when God is in the middle of it.

I may not be an author, but I have a lot of "God" stories about my service work. Go ahead and start your list to look at and share.

~Carolyn Corazza

Day 38: Discover Your Spiritual Gift

2009-11-07T17:21:00.001-05:00

Cheryl and I have had the opportunity to travel to New Orleans several times to serve, assist and minister to some of the victims of Hurricane Katrina. To us this ministry is not a burden; we love to do it; it really “jazzes us” to serve our Lord in this way by using our God-given spiritual gifts.

Cheryl has the gift of mercy. She can detect hurt and empathize with those who are suffering by providing compassionate and cheerful support to those who are experiencing distress, crisis and/or pain.

Ron has the gift of service (or helps). He enjoys working along side gifted craftsmen like Pete Schoolfield and Hank Calisti and providing practical, hands-on assistance in repairing or rebuilding homes quickly and cheerfully.

God calls each of us to serve Him in our giftedness. In 1 Corinthians 12, we read that “there are different kinds of gifts, but the same spirit” (v.4). “To each one the evidence of the Spirit within us is given for the common good” (v.7). “The (church) body is one unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body” (v. 12).

So what is your “part” in the overall ministry at Greenridge?

Do you have a gift that communicates God’s Word (e.g. preaching, evangelism, missions or starting new churches)?

Do you have a gift to educate God’s people (e.g. teaching, encouragement, wisdom, discernment or knowledge)?

Do you have a gift that demonstrates God’s love (e.g. service, mercy, hospitality, shepherding or giving)?

Do you have a gift that celebrates God’s presence (e.g. music, or arts and crafts), or a prayer-related gift (e.g. intercession or healing)?

Or do you have a gift that supports one of the five purposes of Greenridge (e.g. leadership, administration or faith)?

Too many of us think we have nothing to give to the body of believers. Instead of comparing ourselves to one another, we should use our different God-given gifts together, to serve our Lord Jesus Christ, serve others, enhance the spiritual growth of the body of believers and spread the Good News of Salvation. If we don’t, the body of believers at Greenridge will be less effective.

We encourage each of you as members to discover your “S.H.A.P.E.”, your spiritual gifts, your heart or passion, your abilities, natural talents and skills, your personality and your spiritual experiences. Greenridge has access to this spiritual gifts test. Feel free to email Sarah Rodriguez to get a copy so that you, too, can discover your spiritual gift(s)!

Pray that our spiritual gifts are yielded to the Lordship of Jesus and fully empowered by the Holy Spirit to minister in the Body of Christ at Greenridge.

~Ron & Cheryl Welke

Day 37: Serving the Hard-to-Serve

2009-11-07T17:16:00.000-05:00

“When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ he asked them. ‘You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you….Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.’” John 13:12-15,17

I honestly think that sometimes we can find serving others, dare I say, easy. Think about it, there will always be people that we need to serve, and they need all that we can offer them. The poor, the homeless, the sick, the widowed, the lost. But I truly believe that serving them can sometimes be easy. We know they need help, we are willing to jump in because their options are so limited (or even nothing), and, the majority of the time, they accept all that we can give with an open and thankful heart.

But Jesus calls us to go one step further. What about those that just have a hard heart? They aren’t as thankful for help or even open to receiving it, but yet, they need it. They may never show appreciation, but yet we are called to serve them.

My mother-in-law, Ruth Weigle, is an amazing example to me of a humble servant. She very quietly does what is needed, cares for those who are hurting, and provides anything she can to those who are lacking. She serves her own family cheerfully without end. But I have never heard of someone serving another with such a hard heart, until I learned of this story. See Ruth never, ever says an unkind word about anyone. But if anyone ever earned that right, it was her. One day, she told me of her own mother-in-law, Kathryn, Neil’s grandmother (aka Big Grandma). And for the first time ever, I heard Ruth say, “she was a horrible woman, just mean and awful.” I actually thought she was kidding. But then she continued in describing Big Grandma. Ruth told me about when Kathryn would call her at different times and just begin to yell at her, to tell Ruth that she was a horrible wife, mom and person, Kathryn would lash out with deeply hurting words. Ruth told me that she finally got to a point where she would put the phone down and walk away because her words were so hurtful. As time went on, Ruth’s children grew up, got married, and had children of their own, Kathryn developed Alzheimer’s and soon ended up in a nursing home. Her heart only grew harder, her words only more harsh. But yet, Ruth would visit her regularly to show her care, to help bathe her, feed her, wash her long hair and carefully put it in her prayer cap, change her clothes, to serve her. I believe this is serving at its best and hardest. Kathryn, who passed away in 2003 would never show any level of thankfulness towards Ruth, never a tender heart. But Ruth never stopped showing her the love of Jesus. She never stopped serving the same way that Jesus would, a trait I have seen passed on to her son.

We all know someone in life who has a hard heart, who doesn’t think he or she needs help or needs to be served. We all know unkind and hurtful people. Isn’t it our job to imitate the actions of Jesus and show them love? Wasn’t it Jesus who washed the feet of the man that would soon betray him?

~Katie Weigle

Day 36: Serve While You Wait

2009-11-05T14:09:00.000-05:00

The year was 1988. The city and time – Innsbruck, Austria in August. Peter and I were leading a travelling team of the Covenant Players, an international Christian drama ministry that was solely dependent on income from performances to support the work. We went to Innsbruck following our printed itinerary, but had no opportunities for ministry scheduled on the calendar. Thus, we were short on funds. We stayed with a host family a couple of evenings before moving on to staying in a Baptist church which met above a restaurant. These hosts had an apple tree, and they told us to help ourselves to apples before leaving. The bag we filled sustained us for the days ahead. Our team member Natasha, from Denmark, used a lot of ingenuity and the spices she could find in the Baptist church's kitchen. We had savory apples, applesauce, fried apples, raw apples, and apple stew. Schools were closed, and churches seemed to also be on vacation. All the while we were making contacts at hotels and corporate offices seeking out unique opportunities to serve. Down to almost nothing, we asked the Lord, “Why are we here?” The apples were running low, and we had little gas in the van.

One night, we heard a knock on the church door. This church was very hard to find, since it was over a restaurant—there was not a big sign out or anything. At the door was a Spanish woman who asked in broken German, “Is this the Mormon church?” We told her where she was, and we asked her why she was looking for the Mormon church. She seemed heavy-laden. We took her in (memory fades, but I hope we offered her an apple!). I do know that with our limited common vocabulary and whatever gestures and sign language we could muster, we started communicating with her.

We tried to explain who we were and did a short play for her. It was one we did almost everyday to introduce ourselves to pastors, titled, “The Search.” After watching it, she started crying and saying, "That is me, that is me. I lie in bed praying to God and wondering where He is. I am searching." We were able to pray with her and (again, I hope) we had a Bible to give her. She said that she was on vacation with a tour bus and that they were leaving this evening. She needed to get back to the bus – we drove her on our little gas and thankfully she made it, saying that we were angels.

We finally knew why we were stuck in Innsbruck, and we were filled with gratitude. The next day, a pastor (who was actually a British missionary) whom we had called for an appointment came to see us. We explained our ministry and performed “The Search” once again. He did not know anything about our current situation. He said he could not book anything at this time, but said he wanted to give us something toward our ministry. It was enough Austrian Schillings to fill our gas tank and get us out of town.

We had a pre-conceived notion of how we were supposed to serve—by performing Christian drama in worship services, for the most part. We were waiting for the opportunity to serve in that way, and when it didn’t come, we got frustrated—even with God. But we may have been learning a bigger lesson about serving. While we were waiting to serve, we were learning from how others were serving us. They served us by giving us hospitality; by giving us food (even one large, versatile bag of apples); by a colleague who shared her cooking gifts; and by a faith-supported missionary who himself sacrificed to give us just the money we needed. And the Lord, in His grace, even gave us the opportunity to serve—by performing for an audience of one, and witnessing about His love to a stranger who was “searching.”

There’s a wonderful Christian song you may have heard on the radio—“I’m waiting on You, Lord,” by John Waller. He sings, “I’m waiting on You, Lord, though it is painful, but patiently I will wait.” And in the chorus, he repeats, “I will serve You while I'm waiting. I will worship while I'm waiting.”

Since leaving Covenant Players, we’ve had the opportunity ourselves to serve by giving hospitality, by giving food, by giving money, by sharing our testimony—and even, occasionally, by doing Christian drama! But even when we may be waiting for God to do something in our lives, we try to keep this promise, and tell the Lord, “I will serve you while I’m waiting.”

~Peter & Kristin Sprigg

Day 35: Blessed to be a Blessing

2009-11-04T11:05:00.000-05:00

Take a moment to make a list of all the ways that God has blessed you (spiritually, financially, physically, relationally, etc.) Ready? Go.

Now think about this question: Why has God blessed you?

In Genesis 12:1-3, God blesses Abraham for a specific purpose.

“The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.’”

God blesses Abraham to be a blessing. Specifically, God blesses Abraham to be a blessing to all nations. David understood this and also sung his own version of “God Bless America”... or... uh Israel.

“May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among nations.” Psalm 67:1-2

David knew that blessing from God is a means to an end. The end is God’s glory among all nations. When God blesses people, He never intends it to end with them.

Galatians 3:14 says, “He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.”

The blessing is the gospel. If the blessing had stopped with Abraham, you and I would not have received salvation by faith or the gift of the Holy Spirit.

To those who are blessed, God gives the responsibility to be a blessing to others. The hope of the gospel is that those who aren’t blessed will be blessed by the people who are. We have been given the ministry of reconciliation. We are the agents of the blessing of the gospel.

“For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, ‘Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’ How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’" Romans 10:12-15

As Americans, we have been blessed to be a blessing to all nations. What are we doing with this blessing? Are we using it to bless ourselves even more? Or are we extending this blessing to the nations? They can’t hear unless someone preaches. They can’t preach unless they are sent.

16,334 people groups occupy planet earth. 6,639 of them have little to no access to the gospel. An unsaved person has access to the gospel. These are your friends and neighbors. But billions have no access. They couldn’t hear about Jesus even if they wanted to. And yet we receive more blessings and “spiritual information” in a week than many people groups have experienced throughout the duration of their civilization. WE ARE SO BLESSED! But God never intended us to be blessed without extending that blessing. No, that would be too small of a thing for God to do.

“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6

You have been blessed to be a blessing to all nations. Don’t let the blessing stop with you. Don’t let the blessing stop here in your neighborhood, your state, even your country. Let it extend to the world. Our God is a global God with global purposes. The living God is a missionary God. Let’s not lose sight of the mission that God set before us in Genesis 12 and brings to completion in Revelation 7:9 (Read it!).

It is too small a thing for you to live your life and be content with God’s blessings. You are blessed to be a blessing. Fulfill the purpose for which you were created. Be a blessing…to all nations!

How can you be a blessing?
1. Go. Be a missionary.
2. Send. Support a missionary financially.
3. Pray. Pray for unreached peoples to hear the good news.
4. Welcome. Befriend internationals in your schools and communities.

~Jeff Simpson

Day 34: Who Are the Least of These?

2009-11-03T09:39:00.000-05:00

Matthew 25:40 “The king will reply, I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”

Over twenty years ago, I took my first dental mission to the highlands of Sierra Madre del Sol. Exhausted from interminable days of hard work, I plopped down on a cliff edge to rest and rejuvenate. The sun was just beginning to hide its head behind the soaring peaks; without natural light our primitive clinic had closed: no electricity. It did not matter; with the merciless heat, body aches, and lack of adequate resources I could not work another minute.

After days of treating impoverished villagers isolated from the modern world, I was ready to throw in the towel. Thankfully, there was a short break before dinner that night. Over-heated, discouraged, and frustrated I just wanted to be alone.

I can’t go on. And what difference does it make anyway? Am I really helping? My alone time was abruptly interrupted when a six or seven year old boy boldly sat down beside me. I gave him a cursory glance, but his eyes sparkled back as he smiled a crooked grin.

I remember him. Brave little guy; probably still numb. What’s his name? He had not fussed at all when his teeth were pulled, which was not unusual: all these folks were stoic. He began talking… in Chinentaco. I can sometimes follow a little Spanish but not the local dialect.

So much for quietly enjoying God’s majestic handiwork. He stood and reached out to take my hand. Reluctantly I followed suite, groaning to get up as my back cracked in protest. His tiny hand tugged on mine, and we began a tour of the terraced village. Huts were perched so close to the edge that they seemed to hover in midair. Pointing out things of interest, he laughed and talked nonstop. It was infectious. We strolled—I strolled, he skipped—from one glorious vista to another.

Getting into it, I told him how beautiful his village was. He giggled at the sound of my funny words: I could not help but laugh back. We were having a great time, jabbering away without knowing the words, yet somehow understanding each other.

That is when I looked more closely. His clothes were ragged and threadbare. No shoes. Just like all the other kids. There was a faded but nasty scar on his left cheek. He was clean and dirty at the same time – a fruitless attempt had been made at hygiene. I must have looked the same, having gone without a shower in over a week.

We approached a swinging bridge. I hate heights, and he laughed at my hesitation. That is where I took his picture. Looking through the viewfinder I realized he was about the same age as my son, Billy. My eyes watered… homesick, grateful, and sad, all at the same time. After crossing the chasm we went to meet his large family. They lived in a dingy, thatched-roof hut with a dirt floor. Before leaving, his mom insisted that I accept a hot tortilla, fresh from a stone oven – a small gift from a big heart.

That night the missionary projected the Jesus Film on a whitewashed, adobe wall. Most villagers had never seen electricity and were mesmerized by the moving pictures. But more than that, they were moved by the message; God loves us so much that He came to die as atonement for our sins and … He conquered death.

My little friend was among a number of people who came forward to accept Jesus as their Savior. Although the next day was just as hot, and there was the same endless line of people waiting for treatment, the workload somehow seemed lighter.

Several days later we left the village just before dawn. Riding a mule down the treacherous mountain trail, I turned for one last look, and there he was… a tiny figure standing in the mist, waving goodbye and smiling. That is all it took for me to be certain that God had called me to serve in this place and at this time.

Who are the least of these?
• Those who can’t pay the bills?
• People down on their luck?
• Folks lacking adequate shelter, food, or clothes?
• The drug addict, alcoholic, compulsive gambler, prisoner?
• People with little or no faith?
All of the above, and many more.

And where can they be found? Everywhere: next door and around the world. And lest we become complacent, peruse the end of the chapter:

Mathew 25:44-45 “Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you? He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’”

Lord, I pray that I will always listen for your prompting and be ready to serve where You would have me.

~Jim Rhea

Day 33: He Equips the Called

2009-11-03T09:33:00.000-05:00

God doesn’t call the equipped, He equips the called. How many times have you heard this one, or had someone quote Ephesians 10:2 to you? Usually it happens when someone is trying to convince you to “volunteer” to do something that you believe is not within your area of giftedness. We all know that we should only serve in those areas where God has gifted us, right?? Wrong!! Let me tell you how I learned that it is not impossible to serve effectively outside of the specific gifts God has given you IF you are willing to let Him put you in a place where you can learn how. I went to that place reluctantly, and God still blessed me in ways I could never have imagined.

About 22 years ago my family moved to Gaithersburg and began attending a small church close to our new home. We became very involved and were blessed to serve in several areas that were new to us, simply because the need was there and the numbers were few. At one point, my husband served as Sunday school director for both children and adults. One Sunday, when I had stayed home with a sick child, he returned with the sad news that the only teacher for the 1st – 3rd graders (no Child Protection policy in effect at that time!) had let him know that morning that he was going to have to stop teaching immediately because his wife had left him, and he did not feel that he should be teaching children under those circumstances. My husband had no idea who else could fill that spot on short notice because everyone who usually worked with children all ready had several jobs to do on Sunday mornings. Before he was even finished telling me about it, the words, “I can do it if Sherry (the 4th & 5th grade teacher) will show me how,” were out of my mouth. Where on earth did that come from? After all, I knew that my gifts are in the area of organization and administration, definitely not teaching children! While I loved my own children, I had never enjoyed my turn at “nursery duty” when they were preschoolers, and I had no idea how I would possibly survive an entire Sunday school hour with a group of elementary-aged kids. But once the words were out, I was committed. The very next Sunday I began observing a seasoned teacher, studying everything she did and said to keep the kids engaged and under control. With her patient guidance, it was not long before I was confidently and enthusiastically planning lessons and teaching with her, and we were soon back to having two children’s classes, with me as the teacher for the younger kids. Several years later the Lord led us to Greenridge, and within a few months I ended up back in a classroom, this time with a large group of energetic 1st and 2nd graders and my new friends, Mr. Don & Ms Linda.

The lesson here is this: yes, of course we should seek opportunities to serve in our areas of giftedness. But, with the Holy Spirit as our leader and someone to come along side as a mentor and guide, most of us can be taught how to serve outside these areas as well, and it can be an amazing, life-changing experience. To this day I still take what opportunities I have to learn how to work more effectively with children and, even though I still know that teaching children isn’t one of my primary gifts, I find that I am totally blessed every time I have a chance to be in a classroom filled with those little chairs.

~Sue Overbey

Day 32: Service vs. Spiritual Gift

2009-10-29T14:16:00.000-04:00

“Neglect not the gift that is in thee, which was given thee . . .” 1 Tim. 4:14.

For us, Sunday always came early. In fact, Sunday began on Saturday evening around 6. As such, whatever social event we were at had to be over by 4pm, or we left (except in very rare cases) – because Sunday began at 6. How, you may ask? It was because 6pm was when we met at our termite-infested, carpet-less, wooden chapel half the size of any one of GBC’s modular buildings. We met for Sunday School prep classes, but more importantly to sweep, dust, clean, and set up for Sunday services. Everyone chipped in, from toddlers to seniors, and there was enough for everyone to do; after all, we were a congregation of just about 15 people. We were highly motivated and enjoyed every bit of it. We were led by our multi-tasking pastor who was preacher, drummer, choirmaster and, yes, co-janitor. When that pastor left, we had a fill-in pastor who once remarked that he, as pastor, could not be expected to join us in cleaning the chapel. He was quickly reminded that it was his Father’s House, and he had better join in!

Is cleaning churches a spiritual service, or is cleaning a spiritual gift? Let me share the thoughts of the Psalmist with you: “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the House of my God . . .” Psalm 84:10b. See also his plans for the Temple in 2 Sam. 7:1-3. There is also the colloquial saying that “cleanliness is next to Godliness.” I submit that cleaning is a service and a spiritual gift - whether in the Church, at home, helping others out, or as a part of the CARE Ministry. It is bearing (good) fruit and doing what our Lord would do. It could even extend to helping others clear out emotional or spiritual garbage from their lives. And, it is rewarding. The most rewarding job I have held in recent years was being a church custodian - a happy doorkeeper in God’s House!

Each of us is equipped with at least one gift by our Father: let us use such for His glory. Should you be unaware of your particular gift, there are people and resources that can help you discover and nurture gifts. May God bless you as you serve: Amen. Let me close with these words from our Lord: “I cannot but do the work of Him who sent Me”; “My Father works, so I work”; “The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve and to give His life for many”; and, “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”

~Ayo Durojaiye

Day 31: Ability vs. Availability

2009-10-29T14:13:00.000-04:00

“God uses our availability as much as our ability.” I heard this statement at church when I was a teenager. Back then it gave me confidence that if an opportunity presented itself to serve God in an area that I didn’t really feel “qualified” that He would use my availability, my willingness to be used, as much as or more than the ability I felt I possessed. As an adult, I realize that we now refer to that type of feeling as “God stretching us!”

Almost 18 months ago Mike and I began to pray about a College/Career Ministry at Greenridge. We personally felt this need because we had a child that was living at home and attending college locally. No longer a high school student and beginning the path to adulthood…Where did she “fit in” at church? We knew there had to be others that were in this same situation. We knew that there would be more each year as students graduated high school and moved from the vibrant high school ministry that Bill and Sarah provide. So, we began to pray and talk about what our role might be and what the ministry might look like. Was this where God wanted us to serve at Greenridge? After a couple of weeks of prayer and discussion, Pastor Tim’s sermon, one Sunday morning, spoke directly to us. As the close of the service came, Mike and I confirmed with each other that God was telling us to move forward in this area. Did we feel qualified? Did we have the ability? Not completely. However, we were parents who longed for college aged young adults to have a place at Greenridge. Neither of us have the “gift” of teaching, but we both knew how to welcome them, get to know them, encourage them in their walk with the Lord, and we would try not to sound like their parents…we were available. We went forward that Sunday morning and told Tim that the Lord was leading us down this path…we were not sure what shape the ministry would take, but we were available.

That was in the spring of 2008. We were amazed to learn that there were 81 young adults between the age of 18 and 25 in our church database! Wow! We began contacting them to share the opportunity available at Greenridge to connect with other believers their age. Through the months, the group has grown, and God continues to bring new faces our way. It is sort of a revolving door type of ministry since young adults are in 50 different directions. Our desire is to encourage them to stand strong for who they are in Christ whether they are in the community working, locally attending college or away at school and to help them stay connected with the body of Christ during these transition years. We have been truly blessed by knowing these amazing young adults and are excited to see some of them serving and moving into leadership roles here at Greenridge and on college campuses. In recent weeks God has brought Nick and Tia Ryan to our group as the Bible study discussion leaders. Their love for the Lord is obvious, and they really have a heart for college aged young adults...it will be exciting to see what God has in store for this group!

Is God speaking to you about serving in an area that you feel you lack ability? I love these two verses:

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

“Now to Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly beyond all that we ask or think; according to the power that works within us.” Ephesians 3:20

Trust Him…you will be amazed at how God meets you right where you are and uses you in ways you did not think possible.

Are you available?

~Mike and Nancy Creighton

Day 30: Why Do We Serve God?

2009-10-29T14:09:00.001-04:00

The following devotion is written by another one of our student leaders in the youth group!

Serving God is not often an easy road. Serving God doesn't always mean doing what we want to do. It requires self-sacrifice and placing yourself in situations out of your comfort zone.

So why do we serve God? Why do we step out of our comfort zone? We do this because it is what God has commanded us to do. We serve God to show obedience to His commands. He has commanded us as Christians to deny our flesh and follow Him.

“Then Jesus called the crowd, along with his deciples, and said to them “If anyone wants to become my follower he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” Mark 8:34

We cannot call Jesus “Lord” or “God” and not do what He commands.

“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord’ and do not do what I say?” Luke 6:46

To call yourself a Christian and confess Jesus as Lord but not obey His commands, is to live as a hypocrite. You are saying one thing yet living another. You are calling him the Lord of your life, Almighty God, and Ruler over all, yet you are not doing what the Lord has commanded you to do.

“Instead you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will do this or that.’” James 4:15

God has called us to serve Him. Each of us does not serve God in the same way, but all of us are commanded to serve. Each of us has been called to serve God in a way that fits us best – whether it be teaching, preaching, being a missionary over seas, feeding the homeless, or helping a neighbor in need. There are endless ways to serve God, but in what way is he calling you to serve? What has God put in your path?

Serving God expresses your obedience to His commands. You just have to stop and find the way that God has commanded you to serve.

~James Bright

Day 29: Serve and Be Served

2009-10-28T23:51:00.000-04:00

My mule lost his footing and fell off a twenty-five foot cliff, plummeting to the jungle floor below. Falling in two different directions, I landed on a bolder. Multiple injuries threw me into shock. Near the Guatemalan border in Oaxaca, Mexico, our medical team had no cell or satellite phones to call for help. Our hopes for serving these people were dashed. The majority of our team turned back, facing another four-hour trek to seek help.

That February day, my husband Jim and young son Billy bore the brunt of the horror of my grave situation. Earlier that morning we hiked from one village to the next so Jim could provide dental treatment to villagers deep in the tropical forest. Instead he sat with me for hours, unable to control the bleeding from my head. My back sustained the impact of the fall as my skin color bled shades of black and purple. Praying without ceasing, Jim wondered how I would survive such severe internal injuries.

A tiny Christian community responded in full to our team’s summons for help. Arriving at our location later that afternoon, they cut balsa wood and vines with their machetes to construct a stretcher. Carrying me over river crossings and mountain switchbacks to their village located four hours away, the 95-degree heat was oppressive. When my stretcher bowed, they lowered me to the ground to tighten the vines. During those moments, they prayed in their native tongue for their own physical strength and pleaded with Jesus to sustain me during the long journey ahead.

Our team had stayed in their village the previous night, enjoying their hospitality. Yet the poverty made my heart ache. There was no electricity and no running water. Hauling water from the Usila River was an endless chore. Every minute was in preparation for the next. They provided the best of everything for our team. A rare commodity, generous portions of rice and chicken left no doubt that some would be hungry for days to come. Christians in this village lived under constant persecution from the chief, who apparently felt threatened by their newfound joy in Jesus Christ – yet the believers remained undeterred in their faith.

One month later, at home, bedridden and facing a bleak prognosis, I questioned why. Why did I go with Jim? My plan was to help, and I ended up being the one in need. My life was now forever changed, and I accomplished nothing. My identity as wife and mom ceased. I felt stripped of my dignity. Priding myself on being self-sufficient, the kindness of family, friends and strangers made me uncomfortable, for I couldn’t take care of my most personal needs. Had I not heard the Holy Spirit’s prompting me to join Jim? Were my motives all wrong? I questioned myself, not God. The pain was excruciating – physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Narcotics didn’t work. At my lowest, a letter arrived from the missionary in Mexico. Her words provided a soothing balm and a sweet clarity over my brokenness.

“You must understand how God has used you in the most powerful way. Karen, when these people receive medical care from Jim and other American doctors, they’re left feeling grateful, but embarrassed; unable to ‘give back’ in any substantial way. We returned last week to the village and were able to tell them of your survival. Their tears of gratitude gave me the certainty that God used you in a mightier way than you could have ever dreamed possible. Jesus took your obedience in leaving the comforts of home and instead of having you serve these people, He allowed a village to serve you. His ways are not our ways. During the coming months, while dependant on others and you feel like Peter pleading, ‘No, Jesus, you shall never wash my feet.’ Remember that your tragic accident allowed these faithful few to tell the next generation about the day they rescued and saved the life of a woman whose husband cared for them.

God used you to restore dignity to Indians in a little village in Oaxaca, Mexico.”

John 13:5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples feet, drying them with a towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

~Karen Rhea

Day 28: LOVE

2009-10-28T10:46:00.001-04:00

“If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:3

Oh this stop light again! You know the one coming off of Father Hurley Boulevard and onto 355? I hope I get the green light and can just wiz by. Every time I see that lady standing in the median strip I get this award unsettling feeling. “Homeless, out of work with three kids.” Is that true? If I give her money she’ll probably just use it for drugs! Maybe she is just a con artist or something!

The judgmental statements continue to rush through my mind, in hopes that I can justify what I am about to do... NOTHING. I just turn up my “Christian” music, lock the door, avoid eye contact and hit the gas as soon as possible to move away from this akward situation. Hey, I don’t know her!

I have done this many times. No doubt I am wrestling with this. I saw the movie, The Soloist, the other day, and it seemed like what the homeless person needed most was a friend. Okay, I’ll try something different this time. I’ll just say, “Hi.”

I pull up my car closer to her and roll down the window, still feeling uneasy about the whole situation – but then our eyes connect. All of my judgments come to a halt. Her glassy eyes, the lines on her face... each detail about her looked like it had been worn down, like life had just chiseled away and taken from her whatever chunk or piece it wanted.

I ask, “How are you doing?” A glimmer of hope sparkles in her eyes. The cup in her hand is right away released to her side. Money is not even mentioned. She quickly begins to share with me some of her story. Turns out she was more eager for me to just listen than she was concerned about how much change I could scrounge up. To be treated like a person rather than an object was more valuable to her than any amount of money in my wallet. She needed (needs) what most of us want and have – a friend.

“How are you doing?” Those four simple words might have been the most import words of my day! Then the verse in 1 Corinthians 13:3 hits me again, “If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.”

Love... it is not about material possessions, though supplying practical needs may be a piece of the fruit of it. It is not about pride or even having the right words. It is about being – being there for someone... seeing and responding to a person... not pretending they are invisible. The world will do that, but not our Jesus! He did not ignore the prostitute, the tax collector, the sick, the poor, the rich, the pure at heart or the complicated. He simply rushed to LOVE them.

I need to work on this area of loving people. I need to rush to LOVE the people God places in my life, or simply in my path. How about you?

~Wendy Mindte

Day 27: Remain in Him

2009-10-27T14:48:00.000-04:00

I am enjoying the wonderful daily devotionals offered by so many of our Greenridge folks, and I would encourage us all to definitely “not stop meeting together as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another” (Heb. 10:25) to keep on connecting via this medium. All of these readings about improving our connections with each other and with God have caused me to focus on the primary relational connection in my life... the only one that can never be broken.

“And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, your were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession - to the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:13-14

How easy it is to forget that we are inextricably connected to God by His grace and through our faith in the finished work of Jesus our Savior on an old rugged cross at Calvary, many years ago. In Romans 8:16-17 Paul reminds us that “the Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ.” Isn’t it the most wonderful, powerful reassuring feeling to KNOW that we are IN CHRIST, the one who “is the same, yesterday, today, and forever”? (Heb. 13:8) Our destiny is assured, and “our hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.” (Rom. 5: 5). Brothers and sisters, this is our Standing in Grace as believers and followers of Christ, and it just doesn’t get any better than that on this side of Heaven! Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Now back to Ephesians 1:11-12: “In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will, in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of his glory." If you still doubt that God has a plan for your life that will bring glory to His name, turn to Titus 2:11-14 and discover in verse 14 the dual purposes of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice on the cross on our behalf. Go ahead... it will only take a minute and will give you something powerful to think about today. Are you ready to serve him now?

Jesus said in John 15:5 that “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit: apart from me you can do nothing.” As an intentional follower of Jesus, I can tell you that in my life there are no more potent words of truth than these, because they compel me to compare my standing in grace with the state of my union with Christ.

The Greek word for remain is a primary verb with all of these meanings:
1) To stay (in a given place, state, relation or expectancy)
2) To abide, continue, dwell, endure, be present, remain, stand, tarry for
Staying connected to Jesus and remaining in Him, then, is an act of the will that flows from the heart and the mind. And in my life, this is where it begins to break down from time to time, and requires intentional repair work on my part.

So then, is it possible to be eternally connected to a loving and merciful Savior and at the same time not to be in a productive personal relationship with Him that is contributing positively to His Mission and to the particular plan he has in mind for my life? Unfortunately, I know all too well that it is.

As a boy, I was a curious, mischievous, and rebellious child, with a reputation that preceded me all the way through High School. I earned that reputation and I lived up to it. My father was absent much of the time, serving as a Chief Engineer aboard ship in the US Merchant Marines, and there came a time in my High School years that he told me my behavior must improve or I would have to leave home. Because I did not improve, there came a day when he told me that upon graduation from High School I must leave home, and I did. So at age 17, I could no longer go “home,” and my fellowship with my immediate family was severed for a time. However, at no time during that separation did I cease to be my father’s son, and in time that fellowship returned and grew richer and deeper as my behavior changed. Many years later, Daddy spent his last years in my home as Alzheimer’s dementia slowly sapped his mental capacities. He died as my hero, and it is difficult to describe the depth and magnitude of my love for him.

And so it is with our personal relationship with Jesus. Someone once said “if you are feeling distant from God, who do you think moved?” For me the answer is clear; it is always me who has distanced myself from God. I am grateful every day that he won’t let me wander too far, because I belong to him. I have also learned that it takes intentional effort on my part to maintain a good working relationship with the Lord Jesus whom I want to serve and honor with my life, and the examples of faithful discipleship I am privileged to witness among the people at Greenridge are a constant encouragement to me to lay down my agenda and strive to be faithful to the mission to which Jesus has called me for His glory.

To the Phillipian church, Paul offered this instruction: “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed….not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence….continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose” (Phil: 2:12). Let’s all take time to thank the Living God for His intervention and His purpose in our lives today.

And for the Thessalonian church, Paul offered this prayer: “May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. Friends, I believe with all of my heart that because “my hope is based on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness” that He will indeed do that. Do you?

~George Brown

Day 26: Just Follow

2009-10-25T22:04:00.000-04:00

Does God call each one of us to commit to reach the world? Surely God didn’t mean me….Or did He?

Let me share briefly with you about a journey God took me on that started about a year ago. I can remember the moment I felt the tug of God at my heart…I left the church service, walked up to Jim and Ralph, and discussed briefly the possibility of joining them on the next Mission trip to the Amazon River Basin. Before I walked away with the information folder that they had given me, I remember Jim saying, “Oh you’re taking the folder! That means you’re definitely going. God will work out the details.” I thought to myself, “Really, these guys do not realize the details that would have to be worked out for me to go.” But I took the folder home and began praying and asking for God if this was a place He wanted me to serve. I had to admit, the thought of traveling to Brazil to bring medical care to the needy and the good news of God’s love to all certainly sounded like a “no brainer” – those are things that I love to do. But after thinking about all of the details…the MONEY, leaving my FAMILY, my DIABETES… I gradually put aside the folder and figured it just was not the right time for me to go… that God must not be calling me. That was in September/October 2008.

But God did not let me “off the hook” that easily. In December, the Director of FCA spoke here at GBC. He talked about sharing God’s love with others, specifically around the world. But the part I remember the most is when he said, “What is it that is keeping you from obeying God’s call?” During that service I felt the undeniable voice of the Holy Spirit speaking to my heart. I did not question it at all. I knew without a doubt that God was calling me to commit to reach the world. And so I did. I was reassured by fellow brothers and sisters in Christ that God would provide everything I needed to make this happen.

And provide He did!!! The money, the time off work, the support of my family and the courage to follow where He was leading me – on a trip far away, with a group of people I barely knew, to share His love with people that did not even speak the same language. And then He did what He loves to do… He blessed me beyond measure! My relationship with God grew as I trusted God with my family (He loves them more than I do!) and as I trusted Him as the Great Physician (He kept my diabetes in perfect control!). I grew as I connected with the team and developed new friendships. My faith grew as I saw God answer prayers on my behalf. I grew as God gave me a special love for others around the world. And I grew deeper in love with my Father, my Savior, my Friend.

Yes friend, God calls each one of us to commit to reach the world (Matthew 28:16-20). Maybe He is calling you to physically go, or to give of your treasures to send someone else, or partner in prayer for those who are going. However God leads – just follow. You will be forever changed!

~Candi Melott

Day 25: God Will Supply All Your Needs

2009-10-24T22:27:00.000-04:00

In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul encourages his readers to be generous in their giving because it will result in thanksgiving to God and men will praise Him for the obedience that accompanies their confession of the gospel of Christ.

Read Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 9:11-15 (NIV) - “You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!”

Before turning my life over to Christ, I remember that my giving was from what was left after paying the bills for the month, or limited by my thought that the leadership was not making the choices I would make for the use of the money. After I came to understand that my life and my money are not mine but belong to the Lord, I started giving to Him first, without conditions, and paying bills next. I suspect, like me, that many folks did not grow up in a home that taught tithing, and as a result did not develop an understanding of what blessings come from giving with a cheerful heart. I also did not develop a trust early in life that God would meet all of our needs if we first trusted him.

Tithing is basically an Old Testament guideline. As I have learned as I grow in my knowledge of Him, God does not need “my” money – He needs my heart. If you are unsure whether you can make ends meet by returning a small portion (10%) to the Lord’s work first, then I suggest starting by cheerfully giving 3-4%. Watch Him supply all your needs as you gradually increase your giving to the Old Testament guideline. More importantly, remember that whatever you decide to give will result in praise and thanksgiving to God.

~Gerry Schrader

Day 24: Talk to Him

2009-10-23T20:49:00.000-04:00

Praying daily has been an interesting, exciting, and at times a difficult experience. I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior in 1981. I knew nothing of personal prayer and learned little about it for several years. A little over 20 years ago I wanted to know more about what the Bible said than I was getting at church once a week, and so I began a daily journey of reading the Bible that continues today. I am not sure when I began praying daily, but I know my decision was influenced by the Holy Spirit and by my Bible reading. No specific verse or story.

I began clumsily, with short prayers of only a couple of minutes. I am an introvert by nature and starting a conversation with someone I do not know very well is always difficult. The Creator of Heaven and Earth was no exception. In time though, I began to notice that my time in prayers was getting longer, the conversation was getting deeper, the questions were more probing.

I began to notice changes in me that were both exciting and a little scary. Scary, because I recognized that my world view was changing; at the time, I had not realized it needed changing. God knew, and that was exciting. As He continued His work of molding and shaping me, I began seeking Him more.

Praying daily has its up and downs; sometimes I am just going through the motions, or there are life changes that interrupt my schedule (Deni described this dilemma so well in an earlier devotion). Sometimes I am distracted or just not listening (my wife would affirm this). But I have learned that God is always present, and He always hears. He may be silent for a while, but He always hears. I appreciate that about Him.

One of my favorite inspirations for prayer comes from an unusual character in the Bible - not someone we look to very often. Nehemiah was neither a king nor a priest. He was more of a common man, who rose to be a cup bearer to a Persian king, and as such became a confidant to the king, who appointed him as Governor over Jerusalem and Judah at a crucial time in the history of that city, because he was a man of integrity. His integrity was grounded in his relationship with God. Nehemiah never says he prayed daily, but as I looked at how he prayed (Neh. 1:5-11) and when he prayed (Neh. 2:4, 6:9), it is clear he had an on going relationship with God; the kind of relationship that is built on regular, daily prayer.

There is much about prayer in the Bible and many prayers to look to for a road map or beginning point. But God really is not looking for model prayers from us. He is just waiting for us to be willing to talk to Him.

~Dick Tatton

Day 23: Are You Ready for the War?

2009-10-22T23:25:00.003-04:00

This devotional is the first of two written by students from our GBC 412 Student Ministry.

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the desert to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. The tempter came to him and said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread." Jesus answered, "It is written: 'Man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: 'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'" Jesus answered him, "It is also written: 'Do not put the Lord your God to the test.'" Again the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor. "All this I will give to you," he said, "if you will bow down and worship me." Jesus said to him, "Away from me, Satan! For it is written: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'" Then the devil left him, and the angels came and attended him. Matthew 4:1-11

In my 17 years of life I have lived two very different lives. The first 16 years of my life, I was defeated by sin. I gave into sin and did what ever Satan wanted me or tempted me to do. If I was in Jesus' place in the passage I would have crumbled and given in. I did not know how to fight back, and frankly, I did not want to. But about a year ago something changed. While at a youth conference in Ocean City, I was broken before God and refused to lose another battle to sin. Now I face sin every day, but with God by my side, I defeat it.

As I grew stronger in Christ the temptations continued to grow, as well. These temptations were very nice things and fun stuff. Jesus was tempted with all the kingdoms of the world (verses 8-9), but He turned to the Word to counter the temptation. I try to go back to the Word but I am not that familiar with the Bible to come up with a Biblical counter for everything. I get a lot of my "weapons" from the music I listen to. Bill and Sarah Rodriguez got me hooked to a group of guys who are Christian rappers. The things they say in their music, spiritual and based on Scripture, became my "weapons" when faced with temptation, along with prayer and reading the Bible. It does not matter what you use as a spiritual "weapon," the point is that you have one to fight back with.

We will be faced with sin every day of our lives. It is unavoidable, but if we look to God for guidance, if we read the Bible, if we pray, if we surround ourselves with Christian friends, than we have already won the first battle. Satan is going to find every way he can to make sure we do not do these things. Every morning I wake up and read my Bible. But some mornings all I want to do is just go back to bed. But I fight and open my eyes and read. I do not allow Satan to control me.

The second battle is we need to act. Prayer, the Bible, and God will give us the answers, but we need to act on them. Jesus acted. Verses 4, 7, and 10 say that Jesus turned to the Word. He repeatedly says, "It is written..." Jesus chose a "weapon" and used it to defeat sin. Whether we turn to the Word, turn to music, or just run away we need to act. We cannot allow sin to persist. We need to stop the temptations, stop the lies, stop the ridicule, stop the sexual sin, stop the evil thoughts. We need to have a victory over sin.

Sin is all around us. It is in every store we enter. It is at every school we attend. It is on every street we drive. Sin is everywhere. The hardest thing we will ever have to do in this world is to defeat sin. The best weapon we have against sin is our faith. Constantly praying and reading the Bible is the best way to prepare ourselves for the on-coming battle, but we have to act. We have to make the choices. Reading and praying can help our decision making. It can give us the answers, but we make the decision of whether to sin or not. We need to defeat sin, and if we do we will grow closer to God and grow stronger in our faith. So I ask you… Are you ready for the war?

~Tim Minnick

Day 22: "Seek Peace and Prosperity"

2009-10-21T23:37:00.000-04:00

“Why care? The world is sinking into a swamp of sin and decay. People and cultures are choosing death over life. Sexual sin is rampant. Children are treated as punishment not gifts. Why shouldn’t the church give up? Why not retreat to little enclaves where we will await the return of Christ?”

In the early sixth century BC, many Jews had been carried off into captivity by Babylon. They longed for a return to their home in Jerusalem. Some people, calling themselves prophets, were saying that a return was imminent. God laid upon his servant Jeremiah the responsibility of sending a letter to those in exile to tell them the truth. There would be no delivery for seventy years [v.10]. But God had more than a message of waiting.

Jeremiah 29:4-7 4 This is what the LORD Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 "Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. 6 Marry and have sons and daughters; find wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Increase in number there; do not decrease. 7 Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper."

As Christians, our true citizenship is in heaven; our true home is with the Lord. But until the Lord calls us home, or comes for His church, we are here, in exile. It is an interesting point that the seventy years mentioned in Jeremiah’s letter is the same length of time Psalm 90:10 gives for a man’s life – three score and ten. What should we do with our lifetime in exile? Isn’t it likely that we should do what the earlier exiles were charged to do? To get on with the affairs of life – to marry and see our sons and daughters married. To build and grow – to increase, not decrease. To seek the peace and prosperity of this land where God has placed us; surely that should be our goal as well.

To seek the peace and prosperity of America, we must engage with life – not hide from it. It is as we go about such engagement that we intersect the lives of our neighbors and co-workers, customers and clients, teachers and students. In each and every one of these relations we have the chance to further the peace and prosperity of the land in which God has placed us. For it isn’t just a matter of material peace and prosperity. It’s also a matter of truth spoken amidst a cacophony of lies. Of piercing light in a world veiled in the shadows of the enemy. Surely this is our charge, one we cannot fulfill by hiding in some sought after obscurity, vainly hoping that the wicked world will pass by our door.

We must seek the peace and prosperity of our land boldly and openly, not because we are great, but because He is. Not because we are better than those around us, but because we know who we are – sinners saved by grace. And finally, we must pray for this land, for as it prospers, so will we. And when our days here are complete, we may hope that the same promise will apply to us, namely:

10 This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Our hope is in the Lord, and our future home is with Him. We await the fulfillment of His promise, but we must not wait idly. We must seek the peace and prosperity of our temporary home.

~Randall Hill

Day 21: Morality vs. Holiness

2009-10-20T22:46:00.000-04:00

Which, as a Christian, ought we to seek first—morality or holiness? Holiness, of course, but what is the difference?

Morality requires us to live by a set of rules or to aim for specific virtues. The problem of morality is that it depends on time, culture, and location. The morals of Republican Rome differ markedly from those of Victorian England, which in turn contrast with morality in twenty-first century Maryland. Even if morality were consistent, being a moral person who follows rules is not what distinguishes a believer from a non-believer. The rich young man of Matthew 19 illustrates this fact clearly when he admits that, although he lives by ideal morals, he cannot join the band of believers who follow Christ.

What, then, is holiness, and why must we seek it? Many know that this word implies being “set apart” from non-believers but struggle to apply this concept to their Christian walks. “Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy” is the Lord's command in Leviticus 19:2 to his chosen people, who are to set themselves apart from surrounding pagan people groups. Like the Israelites, we believers in Christ are called to holiness (cf. I Peter 1:15-16). In seeking holiness, we seek to reflect the divine in all parts of our lives. Pursuing holiness sets us apart as believers in Christ.

If you read Leviticus 19, you will notice that the chapter is a set of rules for Israel; it is a guide to morality for that chosen people. Notice, however, that the list of morals is prefaced by this call to holiness. A life devoted to the pursuit of holiness yields adherence to scriptural morality. As the second verse of William D. Longstaff's hymn says, “Take time to be holy, / The world rushes on; / spend much time in secret with Jesus alone: / By looking to Jesus / Like Him thou shalt be; / Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.” Stop aiming for morality and take time to be holy this week.

~Elease Layman

Day 20: He's Been Faithful

2009-10-20T09:53:00.000-04:00

“But this I say, He who soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he who soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully. Everyman according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give, not grudgingly, or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work.”
2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (KJV)

The worst culture shock I ever experienced was not when my family and I moved to Austria, Germany, or Japan. It was when we moved from rural Pennsylvania to Northern Virginia. My husband Rick had just gotten a job with the federal government. Our biggest shock was how expensive everything was in this area compared to what we had been used to. At that time, one paycheck a month paid our rent, and we struggled to live off the other. Also, I was a brand new stay-at-home mom with a 3 month old, and I was not bringing in any income.

Having faithfully given to our church our 10% tithe up to that point, we soon decided that we needed that money more than God did and stopped. The ironic thing was we did not have any more money than we did before. It took us 6 months to realize that this was not going to work the way we had hoped. We were beginning to see that maybe we should start trusting God for our needs, so we once again began to tithe.

It was at this point that God showed Himself faithful to us. Not long after this we received some money from a tax refund. At the same time, our church was asking the congregation to donate to a new organ. We decided to give to that fund. Two months later God led us to a house here in Montgomery County for first time homebuyers – just when we were looking to buy. God provided for our needs in a way we never expected. That was the beginning of an incredible journey for my family that has continued to this day.

Please understand, I am not saying that if you give to the church/God you will have that wish list supplied. But in our life, I have seen God provide college tuition when there was none. I have seen God provide when bills came in so that we always paid in full and on time. I have also seen God provide health and protection for my family. He has done many of these things in unusual ways such as overseas tours for us as a family and for Rick individually in Afghanistan. I am no theologian, but it seems to me that there is a correlation here.

God has always been faithful toward us as we have been faithful in our giving. We never won the lottery or received a million dollars out of the blue. However, God has always been there and provided for us. This I know because this is what I have seen in my life.

If you are not tithing because you think (like we did) that you cannot afford it or you need the extra money, I challenge you to begin and see what God will do. I am sure it will be exciting, as well as a blessing for you as it has been for us. Thanks be to God.

~Jeanne Minnick

Day 19: Love - It's a Command

2009-10-18T22:39:00.000-04:00

One Sunday a male visitor showed up at church, and as I was watching him I noticed that he seemed restless. He kept wandering around instead of sitting down like everyone else. He never took his hat off or stood like everyone else during praise and worship. He did join everyone in taking communion and seemed very interested in Jeff’s message that morning. He appeared to be confused. Then he left. Hmmm who is this guy? Should I have asked him if he would like to sit with us? The reactions of other members after the service were interesting. One woman told me that he did not appear to have a gun, so he must be okay. Another young woman came up to me and asked me if I had seen him and said she was afraid he was going to sit next to her. She said he gave her the creeps. One of the Deacons said he was told that the man was supposed to meet his mother at church and had been asked by a staff member to take him to a Life Group in hopes of finding her there; she was not. Apparently the man left the building alone without his mother. Did you see this man? Were you afraid? What did you do? Like me, did you just observe and let him go quietly away without even a “Good Morning, I’m glad you chose to worship with us today.”

Too often we pass judgment on people and situations we know little about. We know from experience that when we judge in ignorance we can make terrible mistakes, but we also know that we are to be discerning. So how do we balance these two supposedly truths? Scripture tells us in Mark 12:30-31 that the first and most important commandment is to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength,” and the second commandment is to “Love your neighbor as yourself.” So what does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself? Does it mean to treat others as you would have them treat you? And then there is Hebrews 13:1-2: “Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” Did most of us miss an opportunity to minister to this man? I think so, and maybe next time we will come out of our comfort zone and exhibit Christian love to a fellow sinner. I know I will.

Father, forgive us when we fail, give us courage to approach those you place in our paths, and most of all give us a boldness to love our fellow man in order be Your witnesses. We pray in the name of Jesus our Lord and Savior. Amen.

~Elaine Schrader

Day 18: Forgiveness

2009-10-17T22:12:00.000-04:00

“Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.” Hebrews 10:17

“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13

Each evening when I put my kids to bed, we say our prayers and do a heart check. I ask each of them how their heart is doing, and I ask two questions: (1) Do they need to ask forgiveness from anyone that they mistreated or disobeyed or if they broke any of God’s Ten Commandments? and (2) Do they need to give forgiveness to anyone that wronged or upset them. You can imagine that what they say can lead to some great opportunities to take the conversation to Jesus on the cross at Calvary.

A popular phrase that I have heard is “Forgive but don’t forget.” But when you truly forgive someone, you are forgetting what that person has done against you. You are saying that it is in the past, and it does not exist anymore. You are putting it out of your mind and heart. When God forgives He puts the wrong in a place to be forgotten – never to be visited again.

Many Christians say they have forgiven someone, yet find themselves bringing up the transgression later (me). You cannot forgive someone and still be angry at them for what they have done. God tells us to forgive each other as He has forgiven us. He instructs us not to judge them for their actions, after we have pardoned them. He tells us not to hold a grudge against them, but rather forgive them in our hearts (Matthew 18:35).

~Chris Dyer

Day 17: Expect Miracles

2009-10-17T00:07:00.000-04:00

My lover is mine, and I am his,
Nightly he strolls in our garden,
Delighting in the flowers
Until dawn breathes its light and night slips away.
~Song of Solomon 2:16

From my heart as inspired by the Holy Spirit:

“My Lord”

There is beauty in the eyes of my Beloved.
There is salve in the tenderness of His call.
There is joy beyond measure in His presence.
He is my all in all.

My longing to be with Him grows deeper
With the dawn of each passing day.
My heart cries: Love, do not tarry
Close beside me I bid You to stay.

In that closeness our spirits engage
In conversation meant only for two.
His words so incredibly stirring
From His love so pure and true.

To breathe in the scent of His being
Enveloped inside His embrace.
An ecstasy no one can fathom
Is to meet Jesus, my Lord, face to face.

His response:
Believe in my word. Trust in my character.
Rest in my presence. Expect miracles!

~Ann Duffy

Day 16: "Passionate Love for Christ"

2009-10-15T23:30:00.000-04:00

Our Bibles are full of examples of men and women who loved and defended God with a passion. Let’s take time to think of a few of them today.

Read I Samuel 17:26-45. David, at the time just a young man, was indignant that Goliath, an uncircumcised Philistine, was being allowed to defy Israel and the armies of the Living God. Though he was small, he had experienced God’s power in defeating a lion and a bear. He loved and trusted God and was willing to take on a much larger opponent. In verse 45, he says to Goliath: “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied.” Because of his passionate love for God, he was not afraid to face his enemy.

Read Daniel 3:16-18. Even in the face of the blazing furnace, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refused to worship the image of gold. Can you imagine standing at the mouth of that hot furnace and making these comments, “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” That is passionate love for God.

Read Acts 5:38-42. After having been given orders by the high priest and the Sanhedrin not to teach in the name of Jesus, the apostles continued. Now the same authorities are seeking the death of the apostles, but a Pharisee persuades them against it. So after being imprisoned, threatened with death, and flogged, “The apostles left the Sanhedrin rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name (of Jesus). Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.” That is passionate love for God.

I met a man from our generation, maybe in his thirties now, with the same kind of passionate love for God. As a matter of fact the last time I talked with him, he was living in the Washington, D.C. as an advocate for persecuted Christians and advisor on United Nations foreign policy. This man, Joseph, grew up in Egypt where his Christian parents ran an orphanage and attended a high school with both Christians and Muslims. Every day at the school there was a reading from the Koran, and he was allowed to read from the Bible. On one particular day, he read a scripture where Jesus warned of the false prophets who would come after him. At that point, the Muslims said he had insulted Mohammed, and he became fair game for any Muslim to kill with no consequences. After school, some Muslims came after Joseph with guns, threw him to the ground, and threatened to kill him unless he prayed their prayer claiming Allah as his God and Mohammed as his prophet. He was terrified and admits contemplating their request, but ultimately, asked God to give him strength. He refused their request thinking that he would be shot as he prayed. Then God performed a miracle as he did for Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The young Muslims tried to shoot him, and the guns would not fire. After this experience, some of these Muslims became Christians, and Joseph said since that moment, he has never doubted God or His power. That is passionate love for God – and only as a high school student.

When I think of these men and the love they had and have for God, I wonder what I would do if put in their situations. Probably, I could never know the answer to that unless there, but I do know I am called to love God with all my heart and all my soul and all my strength and all my mind, and I know though I want to, I fall short of Jesus’ command. So I guess more than this being a devotion with all the answers, it is one with a question. How passionately do we love Christ? In the United States, we may never be called on to die for Him, but how does our love measure up? The Egyptian that I referred to in the story above said that every day the Christians in his country pray for the Christians in the Untied States that we will not be complacent. God help us to seek to love you with all of our heart and all of our soul and all of our strength and all of our mind. If we could do that, all of our other problems would surely fall into place. God bless you as you grow more in love with our Savior. Remember the battle belongs to the Lord.

~Carol Genua

Day 15: "Bear Some Fruit"

2009-10-14T23:15:00.000-04:00

“I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in Me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without Me.” John 15:5

Fruit is not limited to soul winning. In this chapter of John, answered prayer, joy and love are all mentioned as fruit. In the following verses in Galatians fruit is also mentioned.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control; against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified him there. Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Sprit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another.” Galatians 5:22-25

To be effective Christians we must bear fruit. We need to remain in Christ if we are to allow Him to work through us. In order to remain in Him we must (1) believe that He is God’s son (I John 4:15); (2) receive Him as our Savior and Lord (John 1:12); (3) do what God says (1 John 3:24); (4) continue to believe the Good News; and (5) relate in love to the community of believers, Christ’s body (John 15:12).

Each of us has our own story to tell. Some of us have had struggles along the way and perhaps had some times when we have had troubles. It is during those struggles that we need to exhibit our faithfulness to Him for others to observe.

If we live by our spiritual nature, then our lives need to conform to our spiritual nature. That is the expectation Christ has for us. We are to claim Him and live our lives showing others through our fruit – kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control – that we are Christ-followers.

Much can be said about fruit. Most fruit grows in warm or hot climates. In the same way, Christians bear more spiritual fruit if they have a warm relationship with Jesus.

Fruit is nutritious and builds healthy bodies. Just as natural fruit produces healthy bodies, so the fruit of the Spirit creates a pleasant atmosphere and brings happy results. The body of Christ, the church, is stronger because of the fruit of the Spirit in our lives.

Fruit grows on trees, bushes, and vines. Not all fruit-bearing plants look alike, nor do they bear identical fruit. Each of us is special. We bear the fruit of the Spirit according to our individual relationships to the Lord. The "product" is the same – beautiful and joyful.

Fruit trees and vines should be pruned regularly to produce the best fruit. The Word of God trims the excesses from our lives so that we can produce quality fruit. It is important that we each pray and read His Word regularly to receive guidance.

In what area of your life are you having the most trouble “remaining in Him?”

Which fruit will help you to bear witness in the coming week? Ask for God’s help in winning the battle so that you can be successful.

~Marcia Tivoli

Day 14: "Trust Him"

2009-10-13T21:55:00.000-04:00

There is a truth I have found in my walk with God that is so important, and I want to share it with everyone. It is a truth that took me a long time to learn, but once learned, it changed my life significantly.

We are taught in the third chapter of Malachi that God says we are robbing Him if we do not tithe. I often wondered, robbing Him of what? Since everything is His anyhow, He obviously doesn’t need my stuff. In verse 10, God actually invites us to test Him, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.”

As I began to understand this, I realized that God would not invite me to test Him if He did not intend to be faithful. Eventually, I came to the realization that what I was robbing God of was the freedom to bless me abundantly. His guideline was simple – Ginny, you tithe, and I will open the floodgates. Because I would not trust Him… because of my disobedience… I was actually preventing the floodgates of heaven from opening for me.

That is what I want to testify to. It is actually our choice whether or not we will allow those gates to open. Oh, how I wish I would have understood this many years ago!

Not trusting God completely was my real downfall, especially in the area of tithing. Would I trust Him in this? Did I believe that God is always faithful to His promises or not? A layperson in our former church gave a sermon on tithing, and God convicted my heart. It was as if He was saying to me, do you or don’t you trust Me? Honestly, I didn’t know.

My faith was not strong enough to just start tithing. It took a period of time of increasing my giving and noticing that I did not miss the money until I was able to do it. Amazingly enough, neither Ralph nor I have ever missed the money. Even after we both retired and our incomes were significantly reduced, we still have never missed the money.

What we have noticed is that the floodgates are open. The blessings simply cannot be missed, and my walk with God is much closer. His peace and joy live in both of our hearts. We both know that the blessings have nothing to do with who we are and everything to do with who God is. All we did was allow the floodgates to open.

God has taught me to trust Him, and trust Him I do. If I could have the money back, multiplied 10,000 times over, I would not be the least bit interested. I believe God is having a wonderful time blessing us, and I would not rob Him of that for anything.

~Ginny Dixon

Day 13: "Connecting with Spiritual Mentors"

2009-10-12T22:02:00.000-04:00

Before we move on to the topic of grow, let’s consider this verse as we look at our last day on this topic of connect:

“Make this your common practice: confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you can live together whole and healed.” James 5:16 (The Message)

Why is it so hard for us to think about confessing our sins to one another? Why is it that we run from being completely honest with others about our struggles and our sins? We know the Christian faith is based on what Jesus has done about our sin, and that it is because of our weakness we see our need for him. We know that if we had it all together, we would not need God; we could do it on our own. But we know that we cannot do it on our own. Each of us has a sin problem that we need God’s help to overcome, and many times, God uses our connections with other believers to do this.

God calls us to do life together, and this includes confessing our sins to one other, encouraging one another, and praying for one another. We need to connect to other believers by pursuing deep, Christ-centered relationships.

About 5 years ago, I began to feel like something was missing in my friendships. I sensed most conversations were superficial, and I longed for deeper connections with my Christian friends through genuine, meaningful spiritual conversations. I wanted someone I could discuss my struggles with and someone to pray with me. So I asked God for a spiritual mentor. It took a few years, but God answered my prayers. My spiritual mentor has helped me deal with my stuff. She is someone who holds me accountable, checks in with me, prays for me, and encourages me. I have grown tremendously in my walk with the Lord during this time.

Spiritual mentors are not perfect people who have got the whole Christian life thing figured out. They are people who are willing to love, support, encourage, and pray for others. They are willing to share their successes as well as their mistakes, and are willing to be transparent and open in order to help another person along in their Christian walk.

In August, the women of our church had the opportunity to learn from 5 of our “seasoned saints” at the women’s tea. These ladies shared their life experiences with us: good times and difficult times, how God brought them through, and what God had taught them. It was an amazing time of connection. We all walked away feeling different and wanting more time to learn from these women.

Our blog will now turn to the topic of growing in our relationships with Christ. Transparent, authentic connections with other believers are essential. We need this connection in order to grow. Connecting with other believers helps you to connect to Christ, and when you get closer to Christ, you will grow. It is inevitable.

~Angela Sutsakhan

Day 12: "What Is Your Identity?"

2009-10-11T22:31:00.000-04:00

One August morning in 2006, students from Damascus, Watkins Mill, and Seneca Valley High Schools found themselves mixed together with a new shared identity: Clarksburg Coyotes. For most, this was an unwanted label that they were stuck with no matter how much they objected. Over time, some students adjusted better than others. The younger students seemed to adapt most quickly since they didn’t have as much invested in their previous identity. As the years passed, they learned to support and encourage each other as they shared new experiences. Although it wasn’t easy to merge such diverse backgrounds, the students adapted and accepted their new identity.

When Jesus was ready to create a special group of disciples, he faced a similar challenge. He called together a couple sets of brothers, several fisherman, a Zealot, a hated tax collector, and of course, a future traitor. They struggled to connect with each other as Jesus challenged them to accept a single identity: Christ Follower. At times they looked out for themselves, they argued over the meanings behind Jesus’ parables, they quarreled about who was the greatest in the kingdom, and wrestled with the idea of fairness when Jesus told them they might have to suffer for their faith. Needless to say, learning to live as a connected unit took time, patience, sacrifice, and lots of mutual trust.

Matthew tells us that on the night before he was crucified, “Jesus sat down at the table with the twelve disciples. While they were eating, he said, ‘The truth is, one of you will betray me.’ Greatly distressed, one by one they began to ask him, ‘I’m not the one, am I Lord?’” (Matthew 24:20-22)

After three years, these individuals had become a unified group: The 12 Disciples, Christ Followers. This identity connected them at the deepest level. They couldn’t bear the thought of betraying the One who had labeled them as such. With the exception of one, these men could not imagine anything that would cause them to turn their back on their shared identity.

In the days that followed, these men would depend on each other to survive some very difficult trials. Individuals, left to fend for themselves, likely would have fallen away from Jesus when facing their circumstances; however, this unified group of men persevered with the support of each other and the One who connected them.

August 31, 2009 was a new day at Clarksburg High School. Each of the 1700 students across four grades have only known one identity: Clarksburg Coyote. The seniors, graduating class of 2010, were the freshmen at Clarksburg on that August morning in 2006. They, along with the rest of the student body, are Coyotes. They share a pride in their identity that goes with them all over town.

So, what is your identity? With whom do you share this identity? If you’re not sure how to answer that question, why not decide today to identify yourself as a Christ Follower, then find a group who shares that identity, to connect with.

~Brian Sunderly

Day 11: "Connect with the Holy Spirit"

2009-10-10T22:47:00.000-04:00

About a month ago my alarm went off at 5am like it does every morning, signaling the start a new work day. I got up, showered and went down to our office to spend some time with my God before grabbing a quick bite and running off to work. Little did I know God was about to bless me with practical insight on listening to His voice that would change my relationship with Him for the rest of my life.

Lying on my side of our desk was a book my wife had been reading Having a Mary Spirit: Allowing God To Change Us From the Inside Out by Joanna Weaver. I did not know if my wife had left it on my side of the desk on purpose, but I thought I would not disappoint her if she had. So I picked it up and turned to the page where a folded paper had been placed.

At the bottom of the page was a grey section titled “Being Led.” The title caught my eye, and the grey section appeared as a summary of important information. Since I am all about getting and assimilating facts quickly (I guess it’s my Sports Center mentality), I began to read.

In this section, 7 points were listed on how to listen to the Holy Spirit’s leading. These points had such an influence on me that when I heard about the 40 day prayer and devotional time, I felt God prodding me to share them with you. So here I am putting into practice what you are about to read below. Here are the seven points:

1) Tune Your Heart to His voice – God’s spirit speaks in a still small voice. Often times He uses our own thoughts to direct us. The more we practice listening for him, the more likely we are to recognize His leading.
2) Mind the Checks – When we feel a strong doubt whether a particular course is right, we should simply wait. Direction from God will strengthen with time. Direction not from God will fade and disappear.
3) Test the Message – We must check any inner direction we receive against scripture. If the message aligns, then godly advice, providential circumstances, and common sense can also be helpful.
4) Watch for Repetition – God’s message is often confirmed through sermons, other people, and miraculous provision. If you do not listen the first time God will repeat His message.
5) Take the Next Step – Although God gives direction, He almost never lays out a road map. He intends our life to be a walk of faith. As we obey one step at a time, the next step becomes clearer in view.
6) Beware of the Spirit’s Withdrawal – Our disobedience hinders the Holy Spirit’s work. If He is insistent that you obey, do it - or you will feel a lack of the Spirit’s presence.
7) Ask for and Expect Wisdom – Do not rule out God’s help with the small details of life. Ask God to lead you and look for the answers in faith knowing He is eager to help.

A Prayer: God help me and my GBC brothers and sisters to hear Your voice and be led by your Spirit.

~Dave Porterfield

Day 10: "God Connects in Many Ways"

2009-10-10T09:12:00.000-04:00

I have recently been challenged in the area of “connecting” with God, as I have shared with the congregation several times during worship. Recently, I had some issues with my vocal chords that left me confused and frustrated. Since I came to know Christ I have always used my gifts and passion for music to connect with Him. A large portion of my personal time with Him each day is spent either singing, playing and instrument, or listening to music that inspires me. My favorite of which is singing.

After experiencing discomfort while singing for several weeks, my doctor advised me to rest my voice by limiting myself to speaking only – no singing. This advice really caused me great sadness and brought into question how my worship leading duties would be affected. I spoke with several experts in this area, and they agreed that I should rest for a while (about 6 weeks).

I tried to remain positive but inside I was incredibly discouraged and frustrated. Why would this gift and passion that God has obviously given me be taken away? I honestly was not as worried about the professional implications of this; I really knew that God would work that out. But this was the primary way in which I communicate, I CONNECT, with God. Why, if God wants to connect with me, would he take away the primary means by which I do that?

The answer came after HONESTLY seeking the answer. I capitalize honestly because it is the focus word of that sentence. See, I think that sometimes we come to God asking questions that we have already answered, and we are simply looking for him to bless or validate what we think we know to be true. I “thought” that the primary way that I connect with God was through music. And I firmly believe that if I had come to Him with that pre-conceived notion, looking for answers, that I would still be struggling with my vocal problems today. But I finally got to the point (it took some time for God to open my eyes) where I said, “You know what God? Maybe that is not the way YOU want to connect with me, at least not the ONLY way.” So I transitioned my thinking into looking for various ways to connect with God. And you know, as He always does when we seek Him, He connected with me in ways that I never thought possible, or at least thought likely.

Proverbs chapter 3 encompasses much of my thought process through that time of questioning and growth in my life. The entire chapter speaks volumes to trusting in God and seeking to gain His wisdom. But verses 5 and 6, which many of us were taught in Sunday School or VBS but seldom really understand until we are in a crisis situation, took on a new meaning to me during the last 12 weeks with which I will end:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
and He will make your paths straight.

~Bryan Mindte

Day 9: "Get Connected!"

2009-10-08T22:36:00.002-04:00

"And if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it, if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it. Now then you are Christ's body, and individually members of it." 1 Corinthians 12:26-27

"…let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more, as you see the day drawing near." Hebrews 10:24-25

Disconnected I die. Without Jesus I have no love, no joy, no zest for life. Since I have known Him, life has been full. But to truly know Jesus, I must be connected to the "body of Christ" which ministers to me and with me, the way He would. I would stray away without: the preaching of Pastor Tim, the worship led by Pastor Bryan, the music of the praise team, the praying with Tom Cupps, the fellowship and friends in my Life Group, and my Boys Brigade partners, Tim and Ben. I cannot make it alone. I need the love and spiritual gifts of all of the members of Greenridge.

Connected I thrive! My highest priority is to stay connected to Jesus and the members of His body. I am so grateful for the "body of Christ" at Greenridge. Thank you! I encourage each of you to check your connectedness. If you are missing worship, not in a Life Group, or not serving in some capacity, you are missing a great blessing. And we are missing a blessing only you can give. Get connected!

~Roy Mattson

Day 8: "Give Him Control"

2009-10-07T22:36:00.001-04:00

“Then God said, ‘Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.’” Genesis 22:2

As I ponder my life, I remember milestones in my Christian walk. One came when my son became critically ill. Being a military family stationed overseas, we were away from family support. I remember falling on my knees in fear, begging God to spare my only son’s life. During those intense moments of despair, God impressed upon me the story of Abraham and Isaac. Would I take my only son and give him to the Lord? Could I trust my Heavenly Father to do what was best for my son? Did I really believe that God loved my son more than I did? Could I put my son on the altar? As they wheeled Tim to the operating room, he looked at me and asked, “Mom, am I going to be okay?” A lump came into my throat (it still does), and I said, “yes my son.” I knew in my heart and mind that Tim was going to be okay whether he lived or died, because my God was in control.

God calls us to give our spouses, our children, our grandchildren, ourselves, our homes, our jobs, our finances, etc. to Him daily. Are we doing that?

Prayer: Lord, I want You to be Lord of my life. Help me to relinquish myself and my loved ones and stuff important to me to your control everyday beginning today.

~Toni Kelley

Day 7: "What Can I Be Doing Better?"

2009-10-06T21:51:00.000-04:00

“Like apples of gold in settings of silver is a word spoken in right circumstances.” Proverbs 25:11

Relationships are difficult. Can I get an AMEN! Whether it is with a spouse, parent, child, co-worker – keeping a positive relationship is not an easy task! The key to a successful relationship is connecting with that person. In my marriage, Bill and I have to connect in order for our relationship to flourish. We do not have it “all together;” however, we learned a valuable lesson a few years back that helps us connect better on a daily basis.

Gary Chapman, author of The Five Love Languages, led a marriage conference that Bill and I attended. The topic I remember most was “Communication and Conflict.” Chapman suggests that no frustration should go unmentioned. That doesn’t mean that you should tell your spouse what you are frustrated about, whenever you are frustrated about it. He encouraged us all to approach conflict when the atmosphere is not conflicted… approach it “in right circumstances.” Let me give you an example of what this statement does not suggest.

(I asked Bill if it was okay to disclose this before I posted… Just so you all know. ☺)

It bothers me to no end when Bill leaves the drawers of his dresser open or even just a little cracked. I had never mentioned this to Bill before, because I didn’t think Bill would understand my frustration. One day, I was walking from one side of our bedroom to the other side and BAM! My hip hit one of his slightly open drawers, and the pain was intense. Oh, I was so mad! I marched into our living room and shouted to Bill, “Could you PLEASE shut your drawers?!?! I’m sick of you leaving them open all the time!!!” This led into an argument because Bill was caught off guard, to say the least, and he responded out of frustration, as well.

Was this the right circumstance to bring up my frustration? Of course not! What Chapman actually suggests is that we should encourage people in our relationships to tell us their frustrations… when the atmosphere is free of conflict. Some may think, “Why would I want to bring up issues when things are going well.” I say, “TRY IT!”

Bill and I have been practicing this method for years now, and it has done wonders for our communication. Sometimes when we are enjoying each other’s company at dinner, or just riding in the car, I will ask him, “Bill, is there something that I am doing that frustrates you? What could I be doing better as a wife?” I open my ears and heart for Bill to tell me anything, and I am emotionally ready to handle it. Because there is no open argument or frustration in the air, Bill is able to effectively communicate some things that I, as his wife, can be doing better. It then encourages Bill to ask me the same question, and we have had some of our greatest communication experiences through these conversations. I believe that this time of communication is what Proverbs 25:11 is suggesting… “a word spoken in the right circumstances.”

Bill continued to leave drawers open after our argument that day; however, when we had one of our “non-conflicted conflict talks,” I brought up that his leaving drawers opened bothers me… since then, we have not had problems with the issue. ☺

Don’t you want to know what you can be doing better as a spouse, as a parent, as a child, as a co-worker? I encourage you, parent – ask your child what you could be doing better! If your child responds with, “It bothers me that you tell me not to curse, but you curse…” take it in, don’t snap back, and intentionally try to change! Child, if your parent responds with, “It bothers me when I have to tell you more than once to do something…” take it in, don’t snap back, and intentionally try to change!

To end my thoughts for today, I would like to challenge you to also ask God, “What can I be doing better to connect with You, Father? What sin is in my life that is disconnecting me from You?” Take it in, don’t snap back, and intentionally try to change!

~Sarah Rodriguez

Day 6: "Precious Connection Moments"

2009-10-05T23:35:00.000-04:00

It was early June 1999. A young mother was in a fitting room in Hecht’s department store with her almost four year old son, three week old daughter, and double stroller. She went in with the desire to try on a pair of pants. She left in tears.

That mother was me.

No, I wasn’t crying over not fitting into the pants (although that is, in my opinion, an occasion to shed a tear if you feel so inclined). I was crying because my schedule…my way of life…had changed. And I thought it would never be the same. My young son wasn’t the one causing my frustration that day…it was my newborn daughter. She didn’t really feel like letting mom try on anything that day. My son was fine playing and hanging out in the corner for a few minutes. My daughter had other plans…and I was mourning the loss of my routine with my son. I really thought that day that I’d never be able to go to the mall with my kids again.

Fast forward 10 years and 4 months. I am now the mother of a fourteen year old and a ten year old. And, once again, my daily routine has changed. My morning routine before Monday, August 31st was simple. Wake up, make the coffee, grab a cup (preferably in my favorite Minnie Mouse mug), sit on the floor of our living room, and talk with God. Simple. After my time with God, the kids got up and the day was off and running…but before and during my time with God, it was quiet and peaceful. I need that time with Him at the beginning of my day. I savored that time with Him at the beginning of my day. That is, until August 31st.

My son started high school on August 31st, and my morning routine hasn’t been the same since. Sigh. The birds aren’t up when he has to get up. The sun isn’t up. Very few things are up when he has to get up. I am a morning person but this is ridiculous. Let me just say, I have been finding my way here…trying to figure out how one who loves a good routine and needs her time with God navigates a change in that routine. I am no good that early…so what do I do?

My prayer time since August 31st has been different…it has been very different. It has been a morning with little, breathed prayers. Making the pancakes, pray. Hop in the shower, pray. Drive the car, pray. And you know what? God hears each and every teenie prayer I lift to Him just like He heard the peaceful, blissful all-at-once quiet time I used to have with Him.

Our journey with Jesus has seasons…things change. Sometimes we find ourselves in the position where a little extra creativity is required. And that’s a good thing.

No matter what your time with God looks like, God is listening. He wants to connect with you. He wants you to connect with Him. And just by taking the time to read this and think of Him, you’re on the right track. So, if you think a “sit-down-for-20-minutes-and-pray” devotional time is impossible…re-think your quiet time. Get creative. Small prayers at small times equal big moments of connection with the God who loves us more than we can ever know.

I did get back to the mall…and now my daughter has no qualms about clothes shopping. Maybe I’ll get back to my peace-and-quiet time with God. But for now, little precious connection moments will be just fine.

Dig deeper: Take a moment to read these Bible verses. Listen to God’s heart that longs for connection with us. What are the connecting words that we find in these verses? What does God actively do to connect with us? After you read, stop for a moment and connect with Him.

“The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand.” Psalm 37:23 & 24

~Deni Sunderly

Day 5: "Lose Your Life"

2009-10-05T00:46:00.000-04:00

“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Galatians 2:20

This is one of my favorite verses in scripture. It is what I try to live by…sometimes it is easier than others. There is a misconception in our culture of exactly what this verse means and how it applies to us as Christians. Most of us were told that God loves us, and that He died for our sins, and without accepting him we can’t get to heaven. So we say a prayer or walk the aisle, get baptized and are satisfied, but God isn’t.

When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, there is more to the commitment that we are making. When I gave my life to Christ, I gave up my rights as well. No longer do I live for Bill Rodriguez. My old self is dead, and I have risen into a new life with Christ. He is now in control, and I do what He tells me. He is NOT my co-pilot, He is in the driver’s seat!

Somehow we forgot that being a Christian is a daily commitment. We have to connect with God everyday. We have to learn that there is a connection with being a Christian and the way we live it out.

Christian, it’s not your life anymore, but the life you now live is through Christ. “But I want this and I want to do that.” It doesn’t matter!!! You have committed your life to Him…or did you? You have to count the cost. Christ isn’t just a get out of jail free card. If you are still trying to control your life, where is the faith in that? And “without faith it is impossible to please God…” (Hebrews 12:6).

It’s time to LOSE YOU LIFE and let God have it all. Connect with Him everyday and let Him lead the way!!!

~Pastor Bill Rodriguez

Day 4: "Do You Love Me?"

2009-10-03T21:23:00.001-04:00

So when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more then these? He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Tend My lambs.”

He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Shepherd My sheep.”

He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of John, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Tend My sheep.”

John 21:15-18 (NASB)

Do you know any passive believers? They are happy to sing the choruses and enjoy the sermon. They sit in the Sunday School classroom or Life Group living room and enjoy the pleasant company of fellow believers… but ask them to serve, and suddenly their life is far too complex and busy to allow them the time to prepare a lesson or change a diaper or clean some else’s house. There is no pretense that they are preparing to serve. They may give a little extra money towards the effort, but please take them off your contact list.

I wonder if they ever hear the Lord asking: “Do you love me?”

As I read the four gospels I am struck by how often Jesus, a Man of action, commands His disciples to action. He told the disciples to “Come, follow Me,” but He didn’t stop there. He called them, then taught them, then formed them into a team, and then He sent them out in pairs to bring the good news to others. Before He ascended into heaven He even commissioned them to “go into all the world and preach the Gospel.”

We serve a mighty, energetic God. He isn’t a couch potato waiting to be entertained. He is active in our lives and the lives of those around us. He wants us to follow His example by connecting with fellow believers as part of an active ministry team.

Are you listening? Can you hear Him asking, “Do you love me?”

“Tend My lambs.” Team Kid, KPW, Boy’s Brigade, GAs, Children’s Sunday School, or even a New Believer’s Class fit the bill. When we change a diaper, wipe a snotty nose, or tell a Bible story to eager young ears we tend His lambs.

“Shepherd My sheep.” Don’t just stand there – LEAD. Assuming an active role in Life Groups, Women’s Ministry, CARE, Men’s Ministry… these are just a few ways to practice shepherding God’s sheep.

“Tend My sheep.” Prayer Warriors, CARE, Hospitality Committee, and Frederick Rescue Mission are a few ways we can reach out and touch the lives of others – not only in our congregation, but in our community and beyond.

~Ben Overbey

Day 3: "Be Still and Know"

2009-10-02T22:36:00.001-04:00

As we pray, how do we get to that point of being still so we can hear the Lord’s side of the conversation? Yes, actually stop talking and listen to HIM!

For me, spending time with the LORD in my quiet place, my den, sets my focus.

For me, worshipful music and the associated lyrics get my attention and settle me, like hearing Steven Curtis Chapman sing, “Be Still and Know.”

For me, God’s Word lights my way as I meditate on Scripture in various Bible translations.

For me, God’s Word invites me in… like when Jesus says, “Come to Me.”

For me, lyrics that model prayer, like “In the Calm,” open my mind and heart as the Holy Spirit reveals that it is not in my strength but in the calm of His presence that I am able to listen.

That’s how it is for me… how is it for you?

“Be Still and Know”

Steven Curtis Chapman

Be still and know that He is God

Be still and know that He is holy

Be still oh restless soul of mine

Bow before the Prince of Peace

Let the noise and clamor cease

Be still and know that He is God

Be still and know that He is faithful

Consider all that He has done

Stand in awe and be amazed

And know that He will never change

Be still

Be still and know that He is God

Be still

Be speechless

Be still and know that He is God

Be still and know He is our Father

Come rest your head upon His breast

Listen to the rhythm of

His unfailing heart of love

Beating for His little ones

Calling each of us to come

Be still

Psalm 46:10a in various Bible translations:

“Be still, and know that I am God;” - NKJV

“Cease striving and know that I am God;” - NASB

“Let be and be still, and know (recognize and understand) that I am God.” – Amplified Bible

"Stop [your fighting]—and know that I am God,” – HCSB

Zechariah 2:13a in various Bible translations:

“Be silent, all flesh, before the LORD” NKJV and NASB

“Be still, all flesh, before the Lord” – Amplified Bible

“Let all people be silent before the LORD” - HCSB

Matthew 11:28-30 in NKJV:

28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Prayer:

Father, “in the calm of Your presence, I am listening,

I am still, I am quiet, I am Yours.

In the calm of Your presence, I am listening, Lord

I am still, I am quiet, I am Yours.

Let Your Word speak to me, let Your Spirit draw near;

I will obey the truth that I hear.

In the calm of Your presence, I am listening, Lord;

I am still, I am quiet, I am Yours.

There’s a thirst in my soul for Your wisdom divine.

I long for the peace and life that I find.

In the calm of Your presence, I am listening, Lord;

I am still, I am quiet, I am Yours…”

Praying in Jesus’ Name and in the power of the Holy Spirit.

~Pat Matthews

Day 2: "Without Saying A Word"

2009-10-02T00:53:00.000-04:00

Have you ever sat alone on a park bench and watched children play? A small girl runs by, trips and falls. Her cries were loud, and her tears were falling. A mother rushes to her, enfolds her into loving arms – without saying a word. The child’s cries ceased, and tears stopped… all because of a hug.

A small boy lost his toy, and he also cried loudly until his father hugged him without saying a word. The boy’s cries also ceased and were replaced with a smile.

I entered the sanctuary of our church one Sunday morning a few years ago and took my seat at the end of a pew where I usually sat. Somehow I felt lonely, and I began looking around at the people gathered there. I thought, “This is God’s house and God’s family. I wonder why they are all here?” Some were smiling, some were sad, and some were just sitting there (as I was) – just thinking. Why did we all assemble here this morning? We had served the Lord in various ways the past week. Perhaps some were just tired and needed a few peaceful moments. Some had reached the age where they could not serve as they had in the past.

The music began, we stood and sang songs of praise. Prayers were spoken, and the pastor began to speak. His message was “Serving by the Christian Touch.” People listened, and I’m sure some of them, if not all, vowed to remember his words, just as I did. I came home, and for some time the words he had said kept rushing through my mind. So one morning I sat down with paper and pen wrote the following poem:

“The Christian Touch”

When the day is dark and dreary
   You are left at home alone,
The house is filled with memories,
   Of your loved one God called home.

You feel the empty stillness,
   But you know you’re not alone,
For God’s presence is there with you
   And you can almost see the throne.

Then you wonder why you’re lonely
   And the tears fall so much,
You know the answers to your longing,
   It’s that you need that Christian Touch.

Perhaps you’ve never walked the path,
   Your needs were not as such,
But to me it’s God’s way of healing
   Broken hearts with sincere Christian Touch.

So look around you – God’s holy family,
   Seeing the people whose tears fall afresh.
Put your loving arms around them.
   Let them feel that wonderful Christian Touch.

Now that you’ve read the poem, may I say, “Try it; it works; I know. I’ve been there. I’ve felt the Christian Touch, and a word was never said.”

~Ruby Hill

Day 1: "And He did it all for me..."

2009-09-30T21:43:00.001-04:00

In our Sunday Ladies Life Group class, we went through an exercise that involved reading Genesis 1:1-8. These scriptures covered the first two days of creation. The exercise included a discussion on what we thought the scriptures were saying to us personally. The discussion was vibrant, inspiring, and uplifting in detailing the wonder of God’s magnificent creation. As the discussion continued, one member of the class brought it all into perspective when she said, “And He did it all for me.” I believe that statement was a defining moment for the class – “And He did it all for me.” Yes, the Lord Jesus did it all for us……………….

Creation of the universe, wide, vast, powerful and beautiful… “And He did it all for me…”

Created man and woman in His own image… “And He did it all for me…”

Gave up His throne, royalty and became a man, humble and poor… “And He did it all for me…”

Was led to the cross like a sheep for slaughter; nailed to a cross; took on all of our sins so we could be saved… “And He did it all for me…”

Rose again, sat as a mediator for us; sent the Holy Spirit so we would not be left on our own… “And He did it all for me…”

Is coming again to take us to live with Him and see the heavenly Father… “And He did it all for me…”

Covers us with grace upon grace upon grace upon grace with love so infinite… “And He did it all for me…”

Therefore, beloved, be still and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10) and offer thanksgiving and praise believing that “He did it all for me.”

Grow in His grace; Live in His love; Pray in His power; Stand in His strength!

~Gwyn Ensley

You Are Invited...

2009-09-23T16:02:00.000-04:00

You are invited to join us in a transforming journey that leads to a life fully devoted to Jesus, every day! Join us these next 40 days as we face lifestyle issues of sin and complacency, as we spend more time in prayer and Bible reading, as we engage in authentic worship. You are invited to be intentional... intentional about a season of prayer and spiritual awakening.

"Connect. Grow. Serve." We believe these three actions begin to describe what an intentional Christ follower looks like. The goal for personal renewal and spiritual awakening is a life that is fully engaged in the mission of Jesus. He gave His life in exchange for the broken and sinful lives of the whole world. His resurrection from the dead guaranteed that we are eternal people sent to share that good news with every person. When we are sincerely connected, growing and serving, we are participating in His command to make disciples. If one of the three actions is missing in our lives, we are out of balance and not fully engaged. To say it another way: life is too short and too precious for us to waste a single day, a single conversation.

The rush of daily life interrupts our spiritual focus. Many of us lack a simple plan to bow our heads and hearts each morning or evening. We hope that this 40 day devotional will be used as a tool to help initiate a plan... a spiritual renewal in our heads, in our hearts, in our church. The goal is for us to be encouraged by the thoughts and insights of our brothers and sisters who share our desire to have more intimacy with Christ.

Our challenge to you is that you would take advantage of the morning, the evening, or lunch time to read the devotion of the day. Pick a time that fits your schedule and be intentional about your spiritual connection to Jesus.

Let's do this together! Join us as we take these steps toward a deeper relationship with our Creator!