Have you felt it?
That "my heart just beat a little faster" feeling? That "goosebumps up the arm" feeling? That "burning in your soul" feeling?
Yeah, we have all felt it at sometime or another, but have you felt it recently? And, no, I'm not talking about falling in love or getting the flu.
What is that one thing that gets your heart racing, gets your skin tingling and that you know, more than anything else, you were absolutely created to do? Take a minute to really think about it.
Paul writes in Ephesians 2:10 that "we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Wow. God created us for a purpose. Not only that, if you take a look a little earlier in the chapter, we are told that before we know Christ, we basically live life like the walking dead. Like zombie people. Living, but not really living. Doing, but not really doing. Being, but not really being. But hold the phones, that's not the end of the story:
Once we begin our relationship with God-our CREATOR- through Christ, we are MADE ALIVE. Made alive to live for what God created us for. Made alive with a purpose. His purpose.
So what in the world do we do with this new found living-the-real-life life?
LIVE IT.
Listen to the mind, heart and soul God has given you. Pay attention to what makes you excited, what makes your ears perk up, what takes your breath away. And then participate in it. do it. create it. become it...but all with a new purpose. To glorify our incredible, merciful, loving, relationship-with-you-wanting, new-life giving... Creator. God.
And in the midst of living your life while doing your passion, people will notice. They will notice excitement, enthusiasm, priority and joy for what you do. In how you live. And when the time comes to let them know why you are able to live the way you do, you let them know that once you were the walking dead, but you have been given life...and now you have a life worth living. And that is worth a skipping heartbeat.
Thursday, March 15, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Am I Committed
Taking up my cross everyday to follow Him...
Denying myself and my own wants...
Putting other people before myself...
Giving up things that distract me from the goal...
Did I know all of this before I signed up for the "Christian" life? Did I realize the sacrifice that it would take to follow Jesus? Is it supposed to be this hard at times? After knowing what I know now, am I still committed to being a follower of Christ?
Commitment is a scary word in society today. It's extremely hard to get people to commit to anything, let alone something that will change the way you live, think, act, and speak.
We all struggle with levels of commitment to certain things. We can commit to anything from our New Year's resolutions to the local PTA, but what determines that level of commitment is how hard it gets or what the results look like. One of the most common New Year's resolutions is weight loss. There is excitement and commitment at the beginning, but as time goes on it gets hard and the excitement runs out along with the commitment.
Following Christ has a similar pattern. We get saved and are excited about our new life in Christ. Life starts to get busy, we are hit with temptations and trials, and we are left wondering what happened. Our commitment to Christ doesn't mean that we are perfect, that we never mess up or fall flat on our face. What it does mean is that we keep our focus on Christ and that we try to live the life He calls us to and stay committed to Him.
Our military doesn't send one soldier to fight the war alone, and you shouldn't go into the fight alone either. When a soldier enlists, he really has no idea what lies ahead of him, but he is committed to the cause and he has a team around him. The body of Christ needs to work together as we all carry our cross with the our focus on the Savior. Even Christ allowed someone to help Him carry His cross. Don't be afraid to ask for help; surround yourself with people that will encourage you and help you up when you fall.
Denying myself and my own wants...
Putting other people before myself...
Giving up things that distract me from the goal...
Did I know all of this before I signed up for the "Christian" life? Did I realize the sacrifice that it would take to follow Jesus? Is it supposed to be this hard at times? After knowing what I know now, am I still committed to being a follower of Christ?
Commitment is a scary word in society today. It's extremely hard to get people to commit to anything, let alone something that will change the way you live, think, act, and speak.
We all struggle with levels of commitment to certain things. We can commit to anything from our New Year's resolutions to the local PTA, but what determines that level of commitment is how hard it gets or what the results look like. One of the most common New Year's resolutions is weight loss. There is excitement and commitment at the beginning, but as time goes on it gets hard and the excitement runs out along with the commitment.
Following Christ has a similar pattern. We get saved and are excited about our new life in Christ. Life starts to get busy, we are hit with temptations and trials, and we are left wondering what happened. Our commitment to Christ doesn't mean that we are perfect, that we never mess up or fall flat on our face. What it does mean is that we keep our focus on Christ and that we try to live the life He calls us to and stay committed to Him.
Our military doesn't send one soldier to fight the war alone, and you shouldn't go into the fight alone either. When a soldier enlists, he really has no idea what lies ahead of him, but he is committed to the cause and he has a team around him. The body of Christ needs to work together as we all carry our cross with the our focus on the Savior. Even Christ allowed someone to help Him carry His cross. Don't be afraid to ask for help; surround yourself with people that will encourage you and help you up when you fall.
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Savor - a Christmas family devotion
“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
Monday, March 15, 2010
Sunday, March 21, 2010
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
Day 20: Arts Ministry (Psalm 95:1-3; Psalm 22:3)
When I was a sophomore in college I felt God calling me to serve for a month in China on a mission trip. The problem was that I lacked the funds to go. The trip cost was over $3000.00, and I was paying my own way through school and working side jobs for spending money. $3000.00 was, literally, and impossible sum for me to raise on my own.
To make matters worse, my parents had just moved from Tennessee to Florida and I no longer had my church home to ask for support.
But I felt that God was calling me to go and I knew he would make a way. So I signed up and started praying.
I headed “home” to Florida for spring break and talked to my parents about the trip. They told me that they could offer no financial support, and that I should probably rethink going to China.
But I felt God calling me to go, and I knew he would make a way. So I looked for a summer job.
Just as school was ending, and like all other college students do, I got a credit card application in the mail. The limit was $1,500.00. Normally I would have just tossed the application in the trash with the countless others, but I thought about the cost of my plane ticket ($1,700.00) and the tips that I would be making soon at the “Happy Tomato Café” and decided to apply.
I felt God calling me to go, maybe this was how he was making a way.
I got my credit card in the mail, right as I was going home.
My first week at the “Happy Tomato Café” was definitely happy, but I didn’t make even close to the $3000.00 that I needed to get to China, and I was only going to be able to work about a month before I headed out of the country. I went home that Friday very discouraged, questioning if what I had felt and heard was really the call of God, or if it had simply been my wishful thinking.
On my drive home from work I devised a plan: when I got home I would call the travel agent and ask if I could pay for most of my ticket with my new credit card and then pay the rest by check in a few weeks.
I picked up the phone and called the travel agency. I reminded her of who I was and before I could tell her of my plan, she told me: “we received your full payment yesterday and your tickets are in the mail.”
“Excuse me?” I asked, sure that I had heard her wrong.
She repeated herself clearly. “We received your full payment yesterday and your tickets are in the mail.”
“So my tickets are paid-in-full?”
“That’s correct. Is there anything else that you need today?”
“No, thank you.” As I hung up the phone, I realized what had just happened: I had felt God calling me to go and he had made a way.
I had said that he would, I had told people that he would, but I hadn’t really believed that he would. But he did.
I had no idea then and I still do not know where the payment for my tickets came from. I do know that God understood my financial situation and I learned that when God calls us to do something he already knows how it’s going to work. How reassuring.
~Tirzah Turner
- Members would seek God each day in anticipation of leading worship
- Gifts are used for sole purpose of honoring God
- Growth of children's and preschool choirs
When I was a sophomore in college I felt God calling me to serve for a month in China on a mission trip. The problem was that I lacked the funds to go. The trip cost was over $3000.00, and I was paying my own way through school and working side jobs for spending money. $3000.00 was, literally, and impossible sum for me to raise on my own.
To make matters worse, my parents had just moved from Tennessee to Florida and I no longer had my church home to ask for support.
But I felt that God was calling me to go and I knew he would make a way. So I signed up and started praying.
I headed “home” to Florida for spring break and talked to my parents about the trip. They told me that they could offer no financial support, and that I should probably rethink going to China.
But I felt God calling me to go, and I knew he would make a way. So I looked for a summer job.
Just as school was ending, and like all other college students do, I got a credit card application in the mail. The limit was $1,500.00. Normally I would have just tossed the application in the trash with the countless others, but I thought about the cost of my plane ticket ($1,700.00) and the tips that I would be making soon at the “Happy Tomato Café” and decided to apply.
I felt God calling me to go, maybe this was how he was making a way.
I got my credit card in the mail, right as I was going home.
My first week at the “Happy Tomato Café” was definitely happy, but I didn’t make even close to the $3000.00 that I needed to get to China, and I was only going to be able to work about a month before I headed out of the country. I went home that Friday very discouraged, questioning if what I had felt and heard was really the call of God, or if it had simply been my wishful thinking.
On my drive home from work I devised a plan: when I got home I would call the travel agent and ask if I could pay for most of my ticket with my new credit card and then pay the rest by check in a few weeks.
I picked up the phone and called the travel agency. I reminded her of who I was and before I could tell her of my plan, she told me: “we received your full payment yesterday and your tickets are in the mail.”
“Excuse me?” I asked, sure that I had heard her wrong.
She repeated herself clearly. “We received your full payment yesterday and your tickets are in the mail.”
“So my tickets are paid-in-full?”
“That’s correct. Is there anything else that you need today?”
“No, thank you.” As I hung up the phone, I realized what had just happened: I had felt God calling me to go and he had made a way.
I had said that he would, I had told people that he would, but I hadn’t really believed that he would. But he did.
I had no idea then and I still do not know where the payment for my tickets came from. I do know that God understood my financial situation and I learned that when God calls us to do something he already knows how it’s going to work. How reassuring.
~Tirzah Turner
Friday, March 19, 2010
Day 19: Child Development Center (Proverbs 22:6)
Faith with action – So last November I came to my normal Monday team meeting and for the first time read scripture and shared what God had lain on my heart. I told each of them that from that day forward we will not be working on real estate on Sunday and I was so convicted about it that if anyone worked it was grounds to be fired. I had to clarify this for the team because in Joshua they stoned and burned Achan and I could tell they were a little nervous (that firing doesn’t sound so bad now).
God steps in to encourage me immediately- my team sat there stunned but each of them smiled and said that they loved the idea and they were in full support of me and more importantly of God’s commandment. Since that Monday in November I have been tracking my business and it has grown year over year and month over month and we are doing more business in less time. More business allows me to glorify God to other members of my industry and to provide more financial resources to His kingdom.
By honoring God and giving Him what was already His he has blessed me, my team, their families and our clients. I am reminded in Matthew 6:33 of God’s promise – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
~Chris Dyer
- God's direction and guidance
- Staff and their families
- Increase in enrollment
Faith with action – So last November I came to my normal Monday team meeting and for the first time read scripture and shared what God had lain on my heart. I told each of them that from that day forward we will not be working on real estate on Sunday and I was so convicted about it that if anyone worked it was grounds to be fired. I had to clarify this for the team because in Joshua they stoned and burned Achan and I could tell they were a little nervous (that firing doesn’t sound so bad now).
God steps in to encourage me immediately- my team sat there stunned but each of them smiled and said that they loved the idea and they were in full support of me and more importantly of God’s commandment. Since that Monday in November I have been tracking my business and it has grown year over year and month over month and we are doing more business in less time. More business allows me to glorify God to other members of my industry and to provide more financial resources to His kingdom.
By honoring God and giving Him what was already His he has blessed me, my team, their families and our clients. I am reminded in Matthew 6:33 of God’s promise – “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
~Chris Dyer
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Day 18: Benevolence Ministry (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
In August of 1990 we relocated our family from the New Orleans area back to Florida as a result of an opportunity with Mike's job. We were enjoying life as a family with three young children and being involved in the church where we grew up and were married. Mike was working at the Kennedy Space Center and had been there for just over a year when the company he was with announced “cut backs”. Being the “new kid on the block” and surrounded by men who had years of seniority, Mike became the one that would be looking for a new job. We were very perplexed by this development since we had earnestly prayed about the move and the Lord opening those doors for us to move back to Florida. It was not only a good career opportunity it also allowed our children to be close to both sets of grandparents. We prayed for God to provide a new job during the two weeks notice Mike worked. On day 13 Mike received a call from the HR person from the same company and was offered a job that was similar to a summer job he worked while in college. It was half the salary he had been making and was less than challenging. During that time we trimmed our budget and evaluated what were “needs” and what were “wants”. We cut out all unnecessary expenses and watched how God met our every need and even some of our “wants”. He was FAITHFUL! During that time we continued to tithe knowing that He was in control of our situation. We continued to pray for a new job opportunity as Mike applied for every job he was qualified for. About 3 1/2 months had passed and I received a call at home from a man who had seen some of the work Mike did while in New Orleans. He had been trying to locate him for a month and had finally obtained our home number! Mike contacted him and an interview was set up. About the same time Mike received an interview call with a competitor company. He received offers from both companies! We knew that this was God's hand at work! After much prayer, he chose the company that had the best opportunity for growth over the one with the higher salary offer. Part of our prayer had been that God would provide a job that he would truly enjoy...and that He did. The Lord has allowed us to have many “job related” adventures since then to include three more moves. With each move we witnessed events that are truly only attributed to “God at work”...no other explanation is possible!
These verses have meant so much to me through the years and were a comfort when moving...there are so many unknowns..."Where will we live? Where will we go to church? Where will the kids go to school? Will we be able to make strong Christian friendships?"
Matthew 6:25 – 34: 25 For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing? 26 "Look" at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27 "And which of you being anxious can add a single cubit to his life's span?" 28 "And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, 29 yet, I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these." 30 "But if God so arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith? 31 Do not be anxious then, saying, "What shall we eat' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'With what shall we clothe ourselves?" 32 "For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you." 34 "Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day is enough trouble of its own."
God has been, God is and God will ALWAYS be FAITHFUL! As His children when we trust Him with the unknown and then see His Mighty Hand of Provision we have great confidence that when faced with the next challenge we can TRUST Him to provide what we need and to guide us!
~The Creightons
- Wisdom and discernment when responding to requests
- Families and individuals ministered to
In August of 1990 we relocated our family from the New Orleans area back to Florida as a result of an opportunity with Mike's job. We were enjoying life as a family with three young children and being involved in the church where we grew up and were married. Mike was working at the Kennedy Space Center and had been there for just over a year when the company he was with announced “cut backs”. Being the “new kid on the block” and surrounded by men who had years of seniority, Mike became the one that would be looking for a new job. We were very perplexed by this development since we had earnestly prayed about the move and the Lord opening those doors for us to move back to Florida. It was not only a good career opportunity it also allowed our children to be close to both sets of grandparents. We prayed for God to provide a new job during the two weeks notice Mike worked. On day 13 Mike received a call from the HR person from the same company and was offered a job that was similar to a summer job he worked while in college. It was half the salary he had been making and was less than challenging. During that time we trimmed our budget and evaluated what were “needs” and what were “wants”. We cut out all unnecessary expenses and watched how God met our every need and even some of our “wants”. He was FAITHFUL! During that time we continued to tithe knowing that He was in control of our situation. We continued to pray for a new job opportunity as Mike applied for every job he was qualified for. About 3 1/2 months had passed and I received a call at home from a man who had seen some of the work Mike did while in New Orleans. He had been trying to locate him for a month and had finally obtained our home number! Mike contacted him and an interview was set up. About the same time Mike received an interview call with a competitor company. He received offers from both companies! We knew that this was God's hand at work! After much prayer, he chose the company that had the best opportunity for growth over the one with the higher salary offer. Part of our prayer had been that God would provide a job that he would truly enjoy...and that He did. The Lord has allowed us to have many “job related” adventures since then to include three more moves. With each move we witnessed events that are truly only attributed to “God at work”...no other explanation is possible!
These verses have meant so much to me through the years and were a comfort when moving...there are so many unknowns..."Where will we live? Where will we go to church? Where will the kids go to school? Will we be able to make strong Christian friendships?"
Matthew 6:25 – 34: 25 For this reason I say to you, do not be anxious for your life, as to what you shall eat, or what you shall drink; nor for your body, as to what you shall put on. Is not life more than food, and the body than clothing? 26 "Look" at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they? 27 "And which of you being anxious can add a single cubit to his life's span?" 28 "And why are you anxious about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, 29 yet, I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory did not clothe himself like one of these." 30 "But if God so arrays the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more do so for you, O men of little faith? 31 Do not be anxious then, saying, "What shall we eat' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'With what shall we clothe ourselves?" 32 "For all these things the Gentiles eagerly seek; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you." 34 "Therefore do not be anxious for tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day is enough trouble of its own."
God has been, God is and God will ALWAYS be FAITHFUL! As His children when we trust Him with the unknown and then see His Mighty Hand of Provision we have great confidence that when faced with the next challenge we can TRUST Him to provide what we need and to guide us!
~The Creightons
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Day 17: Mission Partners (Matthew 25:39-40)
One day, my son Tom called me and asked “mom, are you paying your bills?” I told him yes and asked him why he was asking. He seemed to think I had too much money in my bank account and asked where it came from. I told him “there’s a reason for that.”
One day shortly after, my daughter Patty asked me where I got all the money I had. I gave the same answer – “there’s a reason for that.”
See, I am very frugal and don’t spend a lot; consequently, I am out of debt. What a wonderful feeling that is. I was determined to get out of debt and didn’t want to die in debt. And that could certainly be one reason. But I knew what the real reason was. Several years ago I was thinking about tithing and feeling I should start. That’s the magic word “start.” Just start so you have a reason to finish. I had been considering how tithing would impact my life and knew God would approve so I asked Him if I could afford to tithe. His answer was “give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11). I realized then that I could trust God to provide for me. All I really need is my daily bread. So I started tithing – giving 10% of my income to the church. Since I began doing that, my bank account has been overflowing. And now my children are seeing the blessings I receive by tithing.
So I encourage you to just start, and imagine what the Spirit can do!
Phil. 4:13: “I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me.”
~Rita Royster
- Faith Connections, Frederick Rescue Mission, Life Connection Mission, Lee Street Baptist Church, Open Door Baltimore, Shady Grove Pregnancy Center, Katrina relief projects (New Orleans), Germantown Help, and FCA Sports Camp
- Workers and volunteers, funds, responsiveness of those helped
One day, my son Tom called me and asked “mom, are you paying your bills?” I told him yes and asked him why he was asking. He seemed to think I had too much money in my bank account and asked where it came from. I told him “there’s a reason for that.”
One day shortly after, my daughter Patty asked me where I got all the money I had. I gave the same answer – “there’s a reason for that.”
See, I am very frugal and don’t spend a lot; consequently, I am out of debt. What a wonderful feeling that is. I was determined to get out of debt and didn’t want to die in debt. And that could certainly be one reason. But I knew what the real reason was. Several years ago I was thinking about tithing and feeling I should start. That’s the magic word “start.” Just start so you have a reason to finish. I had been considering how tithing would impact my life and knew God would approve so I asked Him if I could afford to tithe. His answer was “give us this day our daily bread.” (Matthew 6:11). I realized then that I could trust God to provide for me. All I really need is my daily bread. So I started tithing – giving 10% of my income to the church. Since I began doing that, my bank account has been overflowing. And now my children are seeing the blessings I receive by tithing.
So I encourage you to just start, and imagine what the Spirit can do!
Phil. 4:13: “I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me.”
~Rita Royster
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Day 16: High Seas Expedition (VBS 7/19 - 7/23)
Commitment to God and generous giving are closely related... Ex. 35:21
Well doesn’t that in its self speak volumes?
“and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments.”
Commentary Notes:
Those whose hearts were stirred gave cheerfully to the Tent of Meeting (also called the tabernacle). With great enthusiasm they gave because they knew how important their giving was to the completion of God’s house. Airline pilots and computer operators can push test buttons to see if their equipment is functioning properly. God has a quick test button he can push to see the level of our commitment – our pocketbooks. Generous people aren’t necessarily faithful to God. But faithful people are always generous.
Personal Story:
It says “everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the LORD.” In December my heart was moved on several occasions to give, three separate instances were brought to my attention and the Holy Spirit prompted me to give, generously. In each case I used a single bill, sometimes one sometimes more than one. Keep in mind this is Christmas time right, well the amount of money I gave on these three occasions significantly reduced my Christmas budget. But that is ok…. I felt solid about what the Holy Spirit was prompting me to do. Well wouldn’t you know, for Christmas in a card I received the exact amount back that I had given, in the exact number of bills I used. I just LOVE it when God speaks so directly to us, gives us strokes of encouragement and affirmation – which increases our faith. The commentary states “Generous people aren’t necessarily faithful to God. But faithful people are always generous.” We should not forget who the author of our faith is, who increases it and who guides it.
Money is just one small area of our lives that we should trust God and allow him to build our faith.
*Reference taken from my Bible’s index.
~Melissa Dyer
- Children reached for Christ (Ps. 119)
- God's Word is true (v151), comforting (v50), surprising (v18), life-changing (v37), for everyone (v90)
- Leadership team and volunteers
Commitment to God and generous giving are closely related... Ex. 35:21
Well doesn’t that in its self speak volumes?
“and everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its service, and for the sacred garments.”
Commentary Notes:
Those whose hearts were stirred gave cheerfully to the Tent of Meeting (also called the tabernacle). With great enthusiasm they gave because they knew how important their giving was to the completion of God’s house. Airline pilots and computer operators can push test buttons to see if their equipment is functioning properly. God has a quick test button he can push to see the level of our commitment – our pocketbooks. Generous people aren’t necessarily faithful to God. But faithful people are always generous.
Personal Story:
It says “everyone who was willing and whose heart moved him came and brought an offering to the LORD.” In December my heart was moved on several occasions to give, three separate instances were brought to my attention and the Holy Spirit prompted me to give, generously. In each case I used a single bill, sometimes one sometimes more than one. Keep in mind this is Christmas time right, well the amount of money I gave on these three occasions significantly reduced my Christmas budget. But that is ok…. I felt solid about what the Holy Spirit was prompting me to do. Well wouldn’t you know, for Christmas in a card I received the exact amount back that I had given, in the exact number of bills I used. I just LOVE it when God speaks so directly to us, gives us strokes of encouragement and affirmation – which increases our faith. The commentary states “Generous people aren’t necessarily faithful to God. But faithful people are always generous.” We should not forget who the author of our faith is, who increases it and who guides it.
Money is just one small area of our lives that we should trust God and allow him to build our faith.
*Reference taken from my Bible’s index.
~Melissa Dyer
Monday, March 15, 2010
Day 15: Praise the Holy Spirit
“A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.’” Mark 4:37-39 (NIV)
Mighty Lord, master of unexpected waves and storms, remind me of what you did for us that night. And as you do, may I continue to depend on your power for what I will need today.
~Pastor Tim Simpson
- Our Greatest Prayer Warrior! (Rom. 8:26)
- Our prayer life (Psalm 42)
- The Prayer Ministry (Eph. 6:18)
“A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, ‘Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?’ He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, ‘Quiet! Be still!’ Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.’” Mark 4:37-39 (NIV)
Mighty Lord, master of unexpected waves and storms, remind me of what you did for us that night. And as you do, may I continue to depend on your power for what I will need today.
~Pastor Tim Simpson
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Day 14: C.A.R.E. Ministry (1 John 3:18; Mark 12:29-31)
Who would have thought that the next 15 minutes would change my life forever. “Stay away from the windows and doors,” shouted my advisor from down the hallway. “Is this really happening?” I thought. In denial, I couldn’t keep the words, “Everything is fine,” from coming out of my mouth. The chaos and confusion enveloped the campus as dorms and academic buildings were locked down. Without any understanding or direction, most of the university sat waiting for the outcome of these few minutes in Norris Hall.
What do you even do in a situation like this? How do you cope? How do you seek understanding? I have never relied on prayer like I did that snowy April day. As all the campus ministries met together that night at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry house about half a mile from the crime scene, I witnessed something I had never seen before. Unity, compassion and love transformed many lives through prayer. The community amongst Christians was unparalleled. I saw Christians from all denominations come together to recognize the evil that is in this world and claim Christ’s power over it. I saw Christians embrace each other with hugs of desperation and comfort. There were no “outsiders” or “loners”, only believers who longed for the day that Jesus returns to take us home.
I truly believe this community was created because of the prayers that were sent up from all around the world. In the weeks after this tragedy, we received letter upon letter of encouragement and love from people who were continually praying for the Virginia Tech community. It was almost as if prayers that were sent up to God were immediately rained down as blessings and comfort to us Hokies.
I know this situation is extreme, but we do not need to wait for tragedy to experience the community explained in Acts 2:42-47. It’s available to those who humble themselves before our Lord and others and seek the face of Jesus as a community. If you are going through a trial right now, which I’m sure many of you are, I would encourage you to find someone within the Greenridge community to share your struggle with and have them pray for you. There is nothing like the bond between believers that comes from seeing prayer answered.
Acts 2:42 - “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
~Julie Harrison
- Give thanks for volunteers
- Pray for families and individuals served
- Continuing opportunities to share Christ's love with our neighbors
Who would have thought that the next 15 minutes would change my life forever. “Stay away from the windows and doors,” shouted my advisor from down the hallway. “Is this really happening?” I thought. In denial, I couldn’t keep the words, “Everything is fine,” from coming out of my mouth. The chaos and confusion enveloped the campus as dorms and academic buildings were locked down. Without any understanding or direction, most of the university sat waiting for the outcome of these few minutes in Norris Hall.
What do you even do in a situation like this? How do you cope? How do you seek understanding? I have never relied on prayer like I did that snowy April day. As all the campus ministries met together that night at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry house about half a mile from the crime scene, I witnessed something I had never seen before. Unity, compassion and love transformed many lives through prayer. The community amongst Christians was unparalleled. I saw Christians from all denominations come together to recognize the evil that is in this world and claim Christ’s power over it. I saw Christians embrace each other with hugs of desperation and comfort. There were no “outsiders” or “loners”, only believers who longed for the day that Jesus returns to take us home.
I truly believe this community was created because of the prayers that were sent up from all around the world. In the weeks after this tragedy, we received letter upon letter of encouragement and love from people who were continually praying for the Virginia Tech community. It was almost as if prayers that were sent up to God were immediately rained down as blessings and comfort to us Hokies.
I know this situation is extreme, but we do not need to wait for tragedy to experience the community explained in Acts 2:42-47. It’s available to those who humble themselves before our Lord and others and seek the face of Jesus as a community. If you are going through a trial right now, which I’m sure many of you are, I would encourage you to find someone within the Greenridge community to share your struggle with and have them pray for you. There is nothing like the bond between believers that comes from seeing prayer answered.
Acts 2:42 - “And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.”
~Julie Harrison
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Day 13: International Missions (2 Tim 4:5; Matt. 28:18-20)
Sometimes life doesn’t feel that way. I trust fully that God is sovereign and that He has a perfect plan for me with perfect timing. I’ve quickly been reminded of this fact lately as my husband and I begin the process of buying a house.
I tend to worry about things before I ever need to and so as you can imagine, I began worrying about all the details of this process that I really knew nothing about! Are we going to find a house we really like and not be forced to settle? Can we really afford a mortgage payment!? Will we find a house in time for the tax credit offer? What if someone else beats us to buying the house we want? Worry! The bible is very clear about us humans worrying about anything, yet I still do.
As my thoughts began to get completely overwhelmed with these questions, God loudly reminded me of all the times that He had everything under control and He did something completely unexpected that was above and beyond my worries. He has always trumped my fears with His perfect timing and perfect plan.
And so my thoughts began to change. God has a plan for us. He planned this out for us before the world was in motion. The creator of the universe put the desire in our hearts to begin this process and has lead us to this point. He’s not going to leave us stranded now. God already has our perfect house picked out. He knows about the time crunch in this process (although I still “remind” him sometimes…). He will not lead us into a situation that will cause us financial hardship.
I read Proverbs 16 just a few days after we decided to get this process going. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” How often I forget to commit WHATEVER I do to the Lord. Although I started praying right when we thought about a house, I immediately saw the big picture for this situation. I must in every day life, but in particular with this huge step in life, commit this to the Lord. My prayer changed. “Father, if we do not commit this decision to you and allow you to completely lead us in this process, may we fail. May nothing go through if we do not commit it to You wholeheartedly.”
This verse didn’t make me change my mindset because it says “and your plans will succeed”. Although I know with God, they will, it is so much more than that. God’s design for my life and my husband’s life and my family’s life is so much bigger than I can ever imagine. I want to experience life the way God designed it because I know it’s better than my own desires. His plan is best and he is always more than enough! We commit whatever we do to the Lord because His way is always best.
~Tia Ryan
- Amazon Missions Trip (3/21 - 4/1)
- Team's provision/safety; fruitful in winning souls
- Haitian people and relief efforts
Sometimes life doesn’t feel that way. I trust fully that God is sovereign and that He has a perfect plan for me with perfect timing. I’ve quickly been reminded of this fact lately as my husband and I begin the process of buying a house.
I tend to worry about things before I ever need to and so as you can imagine, I began worrying about all the details of this process that I really knew nothing about! Are we going to find a house we really like and not be forced to settle? Can we really afford a mortgage payment!? Will we find a house in time for the tax credit offer? What if someone else beats us to buying the house we want? Worry! The bible is very clear about us humans worrying about anything, yet I still do.
As my thoughts began to get completely overwhelmed with these questions, God loudly reminded me of all the times that He had everything under control and He did something completely unexpected that was above and beyond my worries. He has always trumped my fears with His perfect timing and perfect plan.
And so my thoughts began to change. God has a plan for us. He planned this out for us before the world was in motion. The creator of the universe put the desire in our hearts to begin this process and has lead us to this point. He’s not going to leave us stranded now. God already has our perfect house picked out. He knows about the time crunch in this process (although I still “remind” him sometimes…). He will not lead us into a situation that will cause us financial hardship.
I read Proverbs 16 just a few days after we decided to get this process going. “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.” How often I forget to commit WHATEVER I do to the Lord. Although I started praying right when we thought about a house, I immediately saw the big picture for this situation. I must in every day life, but in particular with this huge step in life, commit this to the Lord. My prayer changed. “Father, if we do not commit this decision to you and allow you to completely lead us in this process, may we fail. May nothing go through if we do not commit it to You wholeheartedly.”
This verse didn’t make me change my mindset because it says “and your plans will succeed”. Although I know with God, they will, it is so much more than that. God’s design for my life and my husband’s life and my family’s life is so much bigger than I can ever imagine. I want to experience life the way God designed it because I know it’s better than my own desires. His plan is best and he is always more than enough! We commit whatever we do to the Lord because His way is always best.
~Tia Ryan
Friday, March 12, 2010
Day 12: International Ministry (Rev. 5:9; John 4:35)
Before leaving on a trip to VA while balancing our budget I discovered that we basically had enough money to (a) pay our monthly bills or (b) go on/pay for the weekend retreat. We talked about our options, prayed together, and felt that we ought to still go away to speak at the missions retreat. I sent away our bill payments and right before leaving for VA Tirzah checked our mailbox only to discover a letter with a check from an old friend. A quick calculation showed that the check covered every bit of the "extra" that we needed to fund our missions trip with 4.00 left over. I jokingly told God that he had forgotten to "carry the one" in his own heavenly check book spreadsheet and that "getting the amount within 4.00 wasn't too bad."
Well, the joke ended up being on us…right outside of the missions retreat center we had to drive for a few miles on a toll road…the total cost? 2.00 each way.
God is good, and God has continually shown us that he is faithful. However, there is danger in the mentality that if you tithe you "get more back"…the bible and history rejects such narrow thinking. Tithing is personal, is complicated, and is required, but it never should be viewed as an option that gets a better return than the local bank offers. We should never give to get. We give because in doing so it reminds us that what is "ours" really isn't.
The bigger danger comes when we forget who it is that truly provides. My Wachovia savings account and my Guidestone IRA have nothing, in the grand scheme of things, to do with my security. I, like most of you, am only one medical or personal disaster away from financial ruin. It is God who gives life, God who holds life, and God who takes life. Giving my stuff away - my money, my time, my very life - helps me remember this truth a bit more clearly.
If our God truly owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Ps 50.10), and if he is concerned with the birds in the fields (Matt 10.29), then we can trust him to take care of us. It is, after all, all about God…and thank God for that.
~Brandon Turner
- Relationships between students and church family
- More conversation partners
- For positive ways to communicate the gospel to the students
Before leaving on a trip to VA while balancing our budget I discovered that we basically had enough money to (a) pay our monthly bills or (b) go on/pay for the weekend retreat. We talked about our options, prayed together, and felt that we ought to still go away to speak at the missions retreat. I sent away our bill payments and right before leaving for VA Tirzah checked our mailbox only to discover a letter with a check from an old friend. A quick calculation showed that the check covered every bit of the "extra" that we needed to fund our missions trip with 4.00 left over. I jokingly told God that he had forgotten to "carry the one" in his own heavenly check book spreadsheet and that "getting the amount within 4.00 wasn't too bad."
Well, the joke ended up being on us…right outside of the missions retreat center we had to drive for a few miles on a toll road…the total cost? 2.00 each way.
God is good, and God has continually shown us that he is faithful. However, there is danger in the mentality that if you tithe you "get more back"…the bible and history rejects such narrow thinking. Tithing is personal, is complicated, and is required, but it never should be viewed as an option that gets a better return than the local bank offers. We should never give to get. We give because in doing so it reminds us that what is "ours" really isn't.
The bigger danger comes when we forget who it is that truly provides. My Wachovia savings account and my Guidestone IRA have nothing, in the grand scheme of things, to do with my security. I, like most of you, am only one medical or personal disaster away from financial ruin. It is God who gives life, God who holds life, and God who takes life. Giving my stuff away - my money, my time, my very life - helps me remember this truth a bit more clearly.
If our God truly owns the cattle on a thousand hills (Ps 50.10), and if he is concerned with the birds in the fields (Matt 10.29), then we can trust him to take care of us. It is, after all, all about God…and thank God for that.
~Brandon Turner
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Day 11: Friends Unlimited (2 Corinthians 12:9)
9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
In the summer of 2008 I attended a “Women of Faith” conference, during which one of the speakers challenged all in attendance to go home and pray with our husbands for 40 days. She told us that prayer between a husband and wife was one of the most intimate things a couple can do. After hearing her plea to try this for just 40 days to “see what happens” -- I knew that, although the Lord may have been speaking to many women in the arena, He was definitely speaking to me.
It may seem surprising to some that a Christian couple, nearing their 25th wedding anniversary, did not already have in place the discipline of regular prayer together. It wasn’t that we weren’t praying – we both prayed over meals, we prayed over our children, and we prayed with our friends. We prayed out loud, we prayed silently, and we prayed corporately -- but we did not pray together. We talked about praying together from time to time and how we needed to do it -- but we never got around to making it a regular part of our prayer life.
When I came home from the conference I asked Pat if he would be willing to try praying together for 40 days to see what would happen. He agreed it was long overdue and we began praying together the very next morning. We stuck with it after the 40-day mark and now, a year and a half later, it has become a daily discipline and something we look forward to before we go to work each day.
We have learned firsthand the benefits of praying together as a couple. It is in fact a very intimate act because we are listening to each other open our hearts to God. It has ignited something new in our relationship that is deep and meaningful for both of us. It involves trust on both sides as we are vulnerable about our concerns, fears and needs.
We have celebrated together in prayer over what God has done for us. In fact, we have been celebrating in prayer a lot lately as we thank Him for seeing us through our transition from our former church to our new Greenridge church home. We are thanking God for all of you!
We have prayed through job changes, for dear friends, scary medical tests, aging parent issues, a son’s broken heart, major decisions, and financial struggles. It has not only brought us closer together but it has changed us. We are on the same page. When we pray over a decision, we are more than likely in agreement over God’s direction.
It is easy to go day to day and never know what your spouse is really going through. We pass each other and have so little time to connect with the heart. Through prayer we are open and honest about where we are at and what we are concerned with for the day and beyond. When I pray over Pat for his work day it draws me into his world in ways that I would not know otherwise. The same happens for him when he prays for me. We are able to support each other in specific rather than general ways.
If you are a young couple, please do not wait 25 years to begin praying together! If you are already praying together, then you are way ahead of the game! If this is new to you, as it was to us, then I urge you to take the 40-day challenge!
One of the most precious benefits of a couple praying together is when their children happen to see them holding hands and talking to the Lord. Some of you reading this grew up with this experience and some did not. Pat and I did not, but we want to leave that legacy for our sons. There have been times when they have asked us to pray for them -- especially if there is a big decision looming in some area of their life. Nothing warms our hearts more than to have one of our sons ask us to pray for them.
If I haven’t convinced you yet to try the 40-day challenge for yourself, let me pass on to you statistics I came across recently. Baylor University’s sociology department performed a research study on couples who pray together for about 5 minutes per day versus couples who do not. The results of this study (later matched nearly exactly by a secular Gallup poll) found that when married couples pray together they see an increase in happiness, intimacy, and confidence in the stability of their marriages. The fear of divorce plummets to nearly zero! It is very hard to hold a grudge or keep a wall up for very long when you are praying together!
Can we all agree that one of the greatest gifts we can give our children, our church, and our society is a happy, healthy marriage? We have found (after waiting way too long) that prayer is one of the foundations of health and stability between a husband and wife. While it won’t necessarily make a perfect union, it certainly helps us strive before God to place Him first in all aspects of the relationship. Our marriages can reach the goal that is stated in the scripture above: “A cord of three strands (Pat, me and Jesus) is not quickly broken.”
Give it a try for 40 days…and see what happens!
~Laura (and Pat) Acuña
- Reach people for Christ and enable them to share Christ with others
- Shleter for sweet fellowship
9 Two are better than one,
because they have a good return for their work:
10 If one falls down,
his friend can help him up.
But pity the man who falls
and has no one to help him up!
11 Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm.
But how can one keep warm alone?
12 Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
In the summer of 2008 I attended a “Women of Faith” conference, during which one of the speakers challenged all in attendance to go home and pray with our husbands for 40 days. She told us that prayer between a husband and wife was one of the most intimate things a couple can do. After hearing her plea to try this for just 40 days to “see what happens” -- I knew that, although the Lord may have been speaking to many women in the arena, He was definitely speaking to me.
It may seem surprising to some that a Christian couple, nearing their 25th wedding anniversary, did not already have in place the discipline of regular prayer together. It wasn’t that we weren’t praying – we both prayed over meals, we prayed over our children, and we prayed with our friends. We prayed out loud, we prayed silently, and we prayed corporately -- but we did not pray together. We talked about praying together from time to time and how we needed to do it -- but we never got around to making it a regular part of our prayer life.
When I came home from the conference I asked Pat if he would be willing to try praying together for 40 days to see what would happen. He agreed it was long overdue and we began praying together the very next morning. We stuck with it after the 40-day mark and now, a year and a half later, it has become a daily discipline and something we look forward to before we go to work each day.
We have learned firsthand the benefits of praying together as a couple. It is in fact a very intimate act because we are listening to each other open our hearts to God. It has ignited something new in our relationship that is deep and meaningful for both of us. It involves trust on both sides as we are vulnerable about our concerns, fears and needs.
We have celebrated together in prayer over what God has done for us. In fact, we have been celebrating in prayer a lot lately as we thank Him for seeing us through our transition from our former church to our new Greenridge church home. We are thanking God for all of you!
We have prayed through job changes, for dear friends, scary medical tests, aging parent issues, a son’s broken heart, major decisions, and financial struggles. It has not only brought us closer together but it has changed us. We are on the same page. When we pray over a decision, we are more than likely in agreement over God’s direction.
It is easy to go day to day and never know what your spouse is really going through. We pass each other and have so little time to connect with the heart. Through prayer we are open and honest about where we are at and what we are concerned with for the day and beyond. When I pray over Pat for his work day it draws me into his world in ways that I would not know otherwise. The same happens for him when he prays for me. We are able to support each other in specific rather than general ways.
If you are a young couple, please do not wait 25 years to begin praying together! If you are already praying together, then you are way ahead of the game! If this is new to you, as it was to us, then I urge you to take the 40-day challenge!
One of the most precious benefits of a couple praying together is when their children happen to see them holding hands and talking to the Lord. Some of you reading this grew up with this experience and some did not. Pat and I did not, but we want to leave that legacy for our sons. There have been times when they have asked us to pray for them -- especially if there is a big decision looming in some area of their life. Nothing warms our hearts more than to have one of our sons ask us to pray for them.
If I haven’t convinced you yet to try the 40-day challenge for yourself, let me pass on to you statistics I came across recently. Baylor University’s sociology department performed a research study on couples who pray together for about 5 minutes per day versus couples who do not. The results of this study (later matched nearly exactly by a secular Gallup poll) found that when married couples pray together they see an increase in happiness, intimacy, and confidence in the stability of their marriages. The fear of divorce plummets to nearly zero! It is very hard to hold a grudge or keep a wall up for very long when you are praying together!
Can we all agree that one of the greatest gifts we can give our children, our church, and our society is a happy, healthy marriage? We have found (after waiting way too long) that prayer is one of the foundations of health and stability between a husband and wife. While it won’t necessarily make a perfect union, it certainly helps us strive before God to place Him first in all aspects of the relationship. Our marriages can reach the goal that is stated in the scripture above: “A cord of three strands (Pat, me and Jesus) is not quickly broken.”
Give it a try for 40 days…and see what happens!
~Laura (and Pat) Acuña
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Day 10: Children's Ministry (Provers 22:6)
A short time after the alarm system went off, the security company called to see if I was all right. I was so frightened I could hardly talk. She called the police and requested they send some one out. She assured me she would stay on the phone with me until the police arrive. She asked if I had family near and suggested that I put her on hold and call someone. Of course, the first ones I think of are Rebecca and Bob. The minute Rebecca heard my voice she knew things were not right. Being Sue, the minute I heard her voice I burst into tears. After talking to me calmly for a bit she said Ryan wished to talk to me, which I did not think was a good idea. I didn't want to upset him, but he was insistent, so I agreed. My precious grandson said "Mima, do you want me to pray for you?" I answered “Sweetheart I need that more than anything in the world right now.” So Ryan holding his Mom's hand, with Brady and Patrick standing near, prayed:
"Lord, keep Mima safe and don't let her be afraid."
The police arrived after a longer than usual time - due to snow covered roads. The house was checked inside and out. All was safe. The problem was caused by a sensor (not the technical term) had popped off, which I was told is the same as a door being opened.
I was certain I would be unable to sleep that night, but after Ryan's prayer for me and knowing our Lord would hear and answer -- I slept like a baby.
~Sue Andrews
- Understanding debt - that kids will learn that God can do the biggest of things with even the smallest amount
- They will continue to grow in their sense of ownership about what happens at Greenridge, our area, and around the world
A short time after the alarm system went off, the security company called to see if I was all right. I was so frightened I could hardly talk. She called the police and requested they send some one out. She assured me she would stay on the phone with me until the police arrive. She asked if I had family near and suggested that I put her on hold and call someone. Of course, the first ones I think of are Rebecca and Bob. The minute Rebecca heard my voice she knew things were not right. Being Sue, the minute I heard her voice I burst into tears. After talking to me calmly for a bit she said Ryan wished to talk to me, which I did not think was a good idea. I didn't want to upset him, but he was insistent, so I agreed. My precious grandson said "Mima, do you want me to pray for you?" I answered “Sweetheart I need that more than anything in the world right now.” So Ryan holding his Mom's hand, with Brady and Patrick standing near, prayed:
"Lord, keep Mima safe and don't let her be afraid."
The police arrived after a longer than usual time - due to snow covered roads. The house was checked inside and out. All was safe. The problem was caused by a sensor (not the technical term) had popped off, which I was told is the same as a door being opened.
I was certain I would be unable to sleep that night, but after Ryan's prayer for me and knowing our Lord would hear and answer -- I slept like a baby.
~Sue Andrews
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Day 9: Student Ministry (1 Timothy 4:12)
The word “prayer” can have an effect on people from fear to joy. Why is that? I think it can be for several reasons, but mainly an inability to know how to pray; an inability to use big words, flowery language or quote Scripture; and/or a fear of praying in front of people.
I grew up in a Christian home that prayed together as a family and individually. My parents held key positions in the church and my dad was active in the Montgomery Baptist Association as well as working with many involved in the Southern Baptist Convention. People thought that because of my “background”, I would naturally be comfortable being called on to pray and take leadership roles. I did both at an early age; however, praying in front of others was not in my comfort zone.
In my head, I knew that praying was just talking to God. But I thought being called on to pray aloud meant I had to sound like my teachers and leaders in the church and I couldn’t do that. During a women’s prayer retreat as a young wife and mother, the Spirit filled my heart and I just poured my heart to God. Later, my mentor and a wonderful prayer warrior, told me she was so blessed by my prayer. I was embarrassed that someone paid close attention to my praying, but she said I was genuine and conversational with Him and it touched her.
Since that time, I’m still out of my comfort zone praying aloud, but I’ve learned some very important things about praying. First, we need to be genuine and honest in our conversations with God. He doesn’t care that we don’t use big fancy words or "church-eze." He wants to know what’s on our hearts and minds, and honestly pour it out to Him. He doesn’t want us to pray what we think He wants to hear. He wants us to talk to him like we would talk to a friend. Do you have a special friend who knows you inside and out? I have a best friend who lives in another state. We are so in tune with each other, we can finish each other’s sentences and thoughts. God’s that way, too. He knows us that well. He’s our Best Friend – our Forever Friend – as Deni teaches the kids.
And that’s the other end of the spectrum from fear to joy in praying. It’s a joy to talk to our Best Friend and tell Him what’s on our hearts – the good, bad, and needs. He doesn’t judge us. He listens and He always answers. The answer may not always be yes (the way we want), but that just means “not now”. He knows the right time to provide for our needs (and our wants).
Imagine what the Spirit can do when we share with Him from our hearts every day! Our church has a need and it requires the help from all of us together to meet that financial goal.
Pray – TALK - to God from your heart. Thank Him for what He’s already given you and done in your life. Listen and watch as He guides you in what you will commit to give for the need. Then have faith. Whatever you give, God will replenish. In different times of my life when I’ve obeyed and given even when I felt I couldn’t, He honored that, and provided and blessed me with more than I could have imagined.
In The Message, Philippians 4:19 reads, “You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, His generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. YES!” When we do our part, He’ll do His in multiplying what we offer, and blessing us and Greenridge Baptist Church in awesome ways.
~Ada Miller
- God would continue to raise up student leaders
- Protection over our students as they try to live Godly lives in an ungodly world
- Adult leaders to have great passion for God's Word and for our students
The word “prayer” can have an effect on people from fear to joy. Why is that? I think it can be for several reasons, but mainly an inability to know how to pray; an inability to use big words, flowery language or quote Scripture; and/or a fear of praying in front of people.
I grew up in a Christian home that prayed together as a family and individually. My parents held key positions in the church and my dad was active in the Montgomery Baptist Association as well as working with many involved in the Southern Baptist Convention. People thought that because of my “background”, I would naturally be comfortable being called on to pray and take leadership roles. I did both at an early age; however, praying in front of others was not in my comfort zone.
In my head, I knew that praying was just talking to God. But I thought being called on to pray aloud meant I had to sound like my teachers and leaders in the church and I couldn’t do that. During a women’s prayer retreat as a young wife and mother, the Spirit filled my heart and I just poured my heart to God. Later, my mentor and a wonderful prayer warrior, told me she was so blessed by my prayer. I was embarrassed that someone paid close attention to my praying, but she said I was genuine and conversational with Him and it touched her.
Since that time, I’m still out of my comfort zone praying aloud, but I’ve learned some very important things about praying. First, we need to be genuine and honest in our conversations with God. He doesn’t care that we don’t use big fancy words or "church-eze." He wants to know what’s on our hearts and minds, and honestly pour it out to Him. He doesn’t want us to pray what we think He wants to hear. He wants us to talk to him like we would talk to a friend. Do you have a special friend who knows you inside and out? I have a best friend who lives in another state. We are so in tune with each other, we can finish each other’s sentences and thoughts. God’s that way, too. He knows us that well. He’s our Best Friend – our Forever Friend – as Deni teaches the kids.
And that’s the other end of the spectrum from fear to joy in praying. It’s a joy to talk to our Best Friend and tell Him what’s on our hearts – the good, bad, and needs. He doesn’t judge us. He listens and He always answers. The answer may not always be yes (the way we want), but that just means “not now”. He knows the right time to provide for our needs (and our wants).
Imagine what the Spirit can do when we share with Him from our hearts every day! Our church has a need and it requires the help from all of us together to meet that financial goal.
Pray – TALK - to God from your heart. Thank Him for what He’s already given you and done in your life. Listen and watch as He guides you in what you will commit to give for the need. Then have faith. Whatever you give, God will replenish. In different times of my life when I’ve obeyed and given even when I felt I couldn’t, He honored that, and provided and blessed me with more than I could have imagined.
In The Message, Philippians 4:19 reads, “You can be sure that God will take care of everything you need, His generosity exceeding even yours in the glory that pours from Jesus. Our God and Father abounds in glory that just pours out into eternity. YES!” When we do our part, He’ll do His in multiplying what we offer, and blessing us and Greenridge Baptist Church in awesome ways.
~Ada Miller
Monday, March 8, 2010
Day 8: Praise to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, for
Before my Dad became ill, he had ordered a new mattress from a local furniture store. We postponed the delivery until he was released from the hospital. The owner of the store delivered the mattress on a Sunday afternoon and stayed to visit with my Dad. We learned that he was a member of the Christian Business Men's Organization. As they chatted, he began to talk to my Dad about his salvation. My Dad listened intently and I sensed his peace. He did not verbally respond but he did thank the man for coming. At that moment, I knew my Dad had accepted the Good News presented by a man who cared. I had prayed for my Dad's salvation for many years. God was in charge and sent the right witness at a time when my Dad's mind and heart were ready to receive the truth.
Fast forward 12 years. My Dad's health was failing and he was not taking care of himself. My brother's work took him away from home often. After talking to my Dad's doctor, it was decided that my Dad should come live with my family. Doralee and Cherry were delighted. They loved their PawPaw. He lived with us for the remaining years of his life. During that time, Doralee finished college and married. Cherry also finished college and was working locally.
My Dad became terminally ill and was in the hospital several times. The last time he was in the hospital, Bill and I and Doralee and Cherry were visiting him. The television in his room was on a sports program about the upcoming baseball season. Cherry said to her PawPaw, "Baseball season is almost here." Her PawPaw was a big baseball fan and he replied, "Honey, I won't make baseball this year. God needs a good gardener in heaven and I'm a good gardener. So I'm going to help Him out." His granddaughters needed to hear this. They had often prayed for him even though I told them about his salvation experience when they were very young. God answers our prayers in His time and at the moment we need to hear from Him.
Three weeks later, I was sitting by Dad's bedside and he told me he was going to sleep, and he awoke in heaven. That night, our home was filled with the Peace that passes all understanding. We're looking forward to a reunion in God's Eternal Garden.
~Doris Brannon
- Releasing us from our sins (Rev. 1:5)
- His gift of peace (John 14:27)
- Praying for all believers (John 17:20-23)
Before my Dad became ill, he had ordered a new mattress from a local furniture store. We postponed the delivery until he was released from the hospital. The owner of the store delivered the mattress on a Sunday afternoon and stayed to visit with my Dad. We learned that he was a member of the Christian Business Men's Organization. As they chatted, he began to talk to my Dad about his salvation. My Dad listened intently and I sensed his peace. He did not verbally respond but he did thank the man for coming. At that moment, I knew my Dad had accepted the Good News presented by a man who cared. I had prayed for my Dad's salvation for many years. God was in charge and sent the right witness at a time when my Dad's mind and heart were ready to receive the truth.
Fast forward 12 years. My Dad's health was failing and he was not taking care of himself. My brother's work took him away from home often. After talking to my Dad's doctor, it was decided that my Dad should come live with my family. Doralee and Cherry were delighted. They loved their PawPaw. He lived with us for the remaining years of his life. During that time, Doralee finished college and married. Cherry also finished college and was working locally.
My Dad became terminally ill and was in the hospital several times. The last time he was in the hospital, Bill and I and Doralee and Cherry were visiting him. The television in his room was on a sports program about the upcoming baseball season. Cherry said to her PawPaw, "Baseball season is almost here." Her PawPaw was a big baseball fan and he replied, "Honey, I won't make baseball this year. God needs a good gardener in heaven and I'm a good gardener. So I'm going to help Him out." His granddaughters needed to hear this. They had often prayed for him even though I told them about his salvation experience when they were very young. God answers our prayers in His time and at the moment we need to hear from Him.
Three weeks later, I was sitting by Dad's bedside and he told me he was going to sleep, and he awoke in heaven. That night, our home was filled with the Peace that passes all understanding. We're looking forward to a reunion in God's Eternal Garden.
~Doris Brannon
Monday, March 1, 2010
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Senior's Ministry (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
It was 1978. My husband, the first pastor of Greenridge, had died four years earlier. Greenridge was growing, and we were eager to build the second unit of our church. As we entered the phase of planning the finances, I became quite depressed. I didn’t see any way I could contribute to this building. Al and I had borrowed from the bank to buy bonds which were used to finance our first building. My two dress shops weren’t doing well. I eventually had to go to work at IBM to pay these bills. I finally closed the business.
If Al were alive, he would have found a way. I felt it was important to his memory for us to have a share in this project. I finally accepted the fact that humanly speaking, there was no way I could give. One Tuesday evening, a realtor friend called me at my store. “Norrie,” she said. “Have you ever thought about selling your house?” Of course not, I thought. I still had two young girls to raise. She continued, “I have a young couple here who are looking for a home and they are describing your house! Let me show it to them.” I told her “NO.” I was not at all interested. In fact, I was preparing to move my Damascus store to the Damascus Shopping Center. All of my time and energy was involved with that. No way would I even consider it. She said, “Let ME show it to them tonight. If they aren’t interested, I’ll drop it.” I told her, “Absolutely not. There are dirty dishes in the sink, Heidi’s room is a disaster, and I am alone in the store and can’t leave. Forget it!” She finally persuaded me that there was nothing lost if they looked. After all, she knew my house, and she would take care of everything. Finally I gave in.
Later that night, she showed up at my store with a contract and a deposit. She had sold it “as is” so I didn’t have to do anything, and sold it for more money than I would have dared to ask. I couldn’t believe it! I still wasn’t interested because when would I ever find time to look for another house? She told me she would take care of that . . . and she did. The final result was I moved into a house two miles closer to my store. I put in new carpeting, storm windows, shutters, and papered and painted the entire house. One condition was that I would only consider a house with place for a senior friend from Greenridge who lived with me. I was able to finish half of the double garage into a room and bath with a private entrance for her. Also, I now had central air conditioning. Best of all, I NOW WAS ABLE TO GIVE A SIGNIFICANT SUM TO THE BUILDING FUND.
Pastor Moore said all of this happened because I wanted to have a part in building this church. I got everything I needed and more. Should you sell your house to be involved in our current campaign? Probably not. But if you want to do something that will bring others into the Kingdom of God……..brace yourself. He will honor your desire. IMAGINE WHAT THE SPIRIT WILL DO THROUGH YOU!!!
~Norrie Gill
- God would continue to raise up leaders
- Seniors will use their gifts, talents, and creativity to make this ministry all that God wants it to be
- Mentoring Program Leader
It was 1978. My husband, the first pastor of Greenridge, had died four years earlier. Greenridge was growing, and we were eager to build the second unit of our church. As we entered the phase of planning the finances, I became quite depressed. I didn’t see any way I could contribute to this building. Al and I had borrowed from the bank to buy bonds which were used to finance our first building. My two dress shops weren’t doing well. I eventually had to go to work at IBM to pay these bills. I finally closed the business.
If Al were alive, he would have found a way. I felt it was important to his memory for us to have a share in this project. I finally accepted the fact that humanly speaking, there was no way I could give. One Tuesday evening, a realtor friend called me at my store. “Norrie,” she said. “Have you ever thought about selling your house?” Of course not, I thought. I still had two young girls to raise. She continued, “I have a young couple here who are looking for a home and they are describing your house! Let me show it to them.” I told her “NO.” I was not at all interested. In fact, I was preparing to move my Damascus store to the Damascus Shopping Center. All of my time and energy was involved with that. No way would I even consider it. She said, “Let ME show it to them tonight. If they aren’t interested, I’ll drop it.” I told her, “Absolutely not. There are dirty dishes in the sink, Heidi’s room is a disaster, and I am alone in the store and can’t leave. Forget it!” She finally persuaded me that there was nothing lost if they looked. After all, she knew my house, and she would take care of everything. Finally I gave in.
Later that night, she showed up at my store with a contract and a deposit. She had sold it “as is” so I didn’t have to do anything, and sold it for more money than I would have dared to ask. I couldn’t believe it! I still wasn’t interested because when would I ever find time to look for another house? She told me she would take care of that . . . and she did. The final result was I moved into a house two miles closer to my store. I put in new carpeting, storm windows, shutters, and papered and painted the entire house. One condition was that I would only consider a house with place for a senior friend from Greenridge who lived with me. I was able to finish half of the double garage into a room and bath with a private entrance for her. Also, I now had central air conditioning. Best of all, I NOW WAS ABLE TO GIVE A SIGNIFICANT SUM TO THE BUILDING FUND.
Pastor Moore said all of this happened because I wanted to have a part in building this church. I got everything I needed and more. Should you sell your house to be involved in our current campaign? Probably not. But if you want to do something that will bring others into the Kingdom of God……..brace yourself. He will honor your desire. IMAGINE WHAT THE SPIRIT WILL DO THROUGH YOU!!!
~Norrie Gill
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Day 6: Women's Ministry (J.E.W.E.L.)
Jesus Himself diligently maintained the practice of prayer to His Father. Mark 1:35 tells us: Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Many find the morning the best time to be alone with the Lord. A missionary to China once said of his morning time with Jesus: “The time to tune the instruments is before the concert begins.”
Whatever works best in your schedule, the point is to spend a few minutes in quiet conversation with your Savior each day!
Basically there are five essential aspects of prayer:
Confession - Agreeing with God about my sin
1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Petition - Asking God for my needs
Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Intercession - Praying for others
Ephesians 6:18 - And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Thanksgiving - Thanking God for what He has done for me
Ephesians 5:20 - Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
And finally, this aspect of prayer (praise) should permeate all of the bullets above...
Praise - Voicing my wonder about who God is
Psalm 146:1-2 - Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
~Laura Acuna
- Romans 12:10-13
- Upcoming mentoring program
- For women to connect with God and other women through ministry programs
Jesus Himself diligently maintained the practice of prayer to His Father. Mark 1:35 tells us: Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.
Many find the morning the best time to be alone with the Lord. A missionary to China once said of his morning time with Jesus: “The time to tune the instruments is before the concert begins.”
Whatever works best in your schedule, the point is to spend a few minutes in quiet conversation with your Savior each day!
Basically there are five essential aspects of prayer:
Confession - Agreeing with God about my sin
1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Petition - Asking God for my needs
Philippians 4:6-7 - Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Intercession - Praying for others
Ephesians 6:18 - And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints.
Thanksgiving - Thanking God for what He has done for me
Ephesians 5:20 - Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
And finally, this aspect of prayer (praise) should permeate all of the bullets above...
Praise - Voicing my wonder about who God is
Psalm 146:1-2 - Praise the LORD. Praise the LORD, O my soul. I will praise the LORD all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.
~Laura Acuna
Friday, March 5, 2010
Day 5: Men's Ministry (Romans 12:6-8; Ephesians 4:11-13)
“We must lay before Him what is in us, not what ought to be in us.” C.S. Lewis
1. We cannot move forward in our prayer life until we accept God’s diagnosis of our present condition. If we need healing from an offense or hidden secret, we must deal with it. God already knows. He is waiting for us to come to the true knowledge of ourselves. God’s truth [Jesus] will set us free.
“So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
(John 8:32-32 NASB)
2. We need the Lord’s help to bring the truth about ourselves to the surface; to root out our hidden secrets and offenses. We must trust God with what God already knows about us.
“O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar…Behold, O Lord, You know it all. (Psalm 139:1, 2 & 4b NASB)
3. If we give voice to our secrets, the power our offenses have over us will melt away. We can unleash the power of the Holy Spirit through true contrition of the heart and humility before a gracious and merciful heavenly Father, and He will hear us.
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all of your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7 NASB)
~Gwyndolyn Ensley
- Men will grow in their service to the gospel
- Faithful to their families
- Programs will be fruitful as outreach to the community
1. We cannot move forward in our prayer life until we accept God’s diagnosis of our present condition. If we need healing from an offense or hidden secret, we must deal with it. God already knows. He is waiting for us to come to the true knowledge of ourselves. God’s truth [Jesus] will set us free.
“So Jesus was saying to those Jews who had believed Him, ‘If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine; and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”
(John 8:32-32 NASB)
2. We need the Lord’s help to bring the truth about ourselves to the surface; to root out our hidden secrets and offenses. We must trust God with what God already knows about us.
“O Lord, You have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar…Behold, O Lord, You know it all. (Psalm 139:1, 2 & 4b NASB)
3. If we give voice to our secrets, the power our offenses have over us will melt away. We can unleash the power of the Holy Spirit through true contrition of the heart and humility before a gracious and merciful heavenly Father, and He will hear us.
“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, casting all of your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7 NASB)
~Gwyndolyn Ensley
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