I'm sure you've noticed that the blog has been sad and lonely for the last couple of months. My computer decided to stop working during the holidays, so I wasn't able to post anything.
But I am currently typing on my brand new laptop (okay...my parents' brand new laptop), so posts will be coming soon! There is so much to catch up on...
I don't have time right now to do all the updating, but check back soon to see what's been going on with our church, WAC group and Upward Basketball and Cheerleading.
I am looking forward to blogging again! :) Check back soon!
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Friday, October 23, 2009
UPWARD Cheer Camp
Tomorrow morning, we will have 15 little cheerleaders at the FLC for our 2nd annual UPWARD Cheer Camp!
Please pray that we have a good attendance! The girls at camp will learn a cheer, a dance, some jumps, and will also have devotion time. Please pray for coaches and volunteers as we kick off our UPWARD season tomorrow!
For more information about the UPWARD program, click on the image above or visit http://www.upward.org/
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Wisdom from a Candy Wrapper
"Be a role model to someone."
That's what my Dove chocolate wrapper said today. "Be a role model..." Wow. That's a big responsibility.
It's something that I have tried to be in the past. I've had "little sisters" at school and/or church that I have tried to take under my wing. It's something that I am now as I'm watching my little brother grow up and teaching kids at church. I love the idea of being a mentor, because my mentors have made such a big impact on my life.
But that responsibility is not something that you can take lightly. I once had a younger friend's mother tell me that she was glad I was around as a positive influence on her daughter. Just having her mom tell me that really made me think about every decision I made. And, honestly, I think that if everyone had that kind of responsibility it would really do our community, state, country and world a lot of good.
Think about it - if you had someone holding you accountable for every move you made, wouldn't you think twice about all the things you do? If you had to consider the impact that you were making on your younger siblings, friends, peers, etc., wouldn't you be more careful about the way you act and the things you say?
The biggest problem is that we all DO have someone holding us accountable. You may not know it, but someone, somewhere IS watching you. There's a little kid out there that thinks you are the coolest person they know. There's a younger friend, a younger brother or a cousin that wants to be just like you.
Do you realize how big of a responsibility you have? Do you realize that every move you make is making a difference in someones life and that it's up to you to decide if you are going to be a good influence or a bad one? Do you understand the weight of your decisions on the lives of people you care about?
I wish that we all knew how much the little things mattered. If we were able to see past ourselves and see the long term affects of our daily actions, we would all be so much more responsible and so much more respectable. Think about what a better place the world would be...
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid." Matthew 5:14
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Ephesians 4:29
"...be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12b
That's what my Dove chocolate wrapper said today. "Be a role model..." Wow. That's a big responsibility.
It's something that I have tried to be in the past. I've had "little sisters" at school and/or church that I have tried to take under my wing. It's something that I am now as I'm watching my little brother grow up and teaching kids at church. I love the idea of being a mentor, because my mentors have made such a big impact on my life.
But that responsibility is not something that you can take lightly. I once had a younger friend's mother tell me that she was glad I was around as a positive influence on her daughter. Just having her mom tell me that really made me think about every decision I made. And, honestly, I think that if everyone had that kind of responsibility it would really do our community, state, country and world a lot of good.
Think about it - if you had someone holding you accountable for every move you made, wouldn't you think twice about all the things you do? If you had to consider the impact that you were making on your younger siblings, friends, peers, etc., wouldn't you be more careful about the way you act and the things you say?
The biggest problem is that we all DO have someone holding us accountable. You may not know it, but someone, somewhere IS watching you. There's a little kid out there that thinks you are the coolest person they know. There's a younger friend, a younger brother or a cousin that wants to be just like you.
Do you realize how big of a responsibility you have? Do you realize that every move you make is making a difference in someones life and that it's up to you to decide if you are going to be a good influence or a bad one? Do you understand the weight of your decisions on the lives of people you care about?
I wish that we all knew how much the little things mattered. If we were able to see past ourselves and see the long term affects of our daily actions, we would all be so much more responsible and so much more respectable. Think about what a better place the world would be...
"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid." Matthew 5:14
"Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers." Ephesians 4:29
"...be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." 1 Timothy 4:12b
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Notes from Revival
Bro. Jeremy Overstreet from Macedonia FWB Church visited Sulphur Springs the last week of September for our Fall Revival. We had a great week of fellowship and heard some great messages. Here are some of my favorite quotes and notes from Bro. Overstreet's sermons that week:
- We get further by praying than we do by condemning. If you don't like the way someone is living, don't condemn them...pray for them!
- You should be more concerned with what God thinks of you than you are about what other people think of you.
- Our character affects our conduct. Who we are will always show up in what we do.
- Satan is our accuser, but Jesus is our advocate! If God is for us, who can be against us?
- Don't ever let Satan drag you down with your past sins. God has forgiven you and has moved your sins as far as the east is from the west. Only Satan remembers the sins of the past, and he will try to use them to drag you away from God.
The week was full of some great preaching and wisdom. I may post full sermon notes later, but these were just some of the high points.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Martha, Martha, Martha
"She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all." Proverbs 31:13-29
Ruby and I had a lunch date planned, but I have to admit that I really didn't want to go see her today. I especially didn't want to meet with her after I read her list of domestic accomplishments...
It was like having lunch with Martha Stewart. And the question that was on the forefront of my mind the entire time was "how does she do it all?"
How does she do it all?
She works with her hands, brings food to her family, makes sure her family is well fed and clothed, makes her own clothes (and they're really nice clothes), makes linen and sells it, is never idle, and is called blessed by her husband and children.
How do you measure up to that? I don't even come close.
But are Ruby's domestic accomplishments the most important things for us to strive towards? I don't think so. And neither does popular Christian author, Vicki Courtney. In her book The Virtuous Woman: Shattering the Superwoman Myth, she said this about the virtuous woman:
"Unfortunately, many Christian women shy away from this passage as they measure themselves up against her domestic resume. I recently plugged the term Proverbs 31 into an Internet search engine and was amazed at the number of references it identified. Many were home pages containing such things as recipes, gardening tips, sewing patterns, and parenting advice. Some were very enjoyable to read, while others were disturbing. One Internet site actually claimed that to be a virtuous woman you must cook, clean, sew, garden, and be a stay-at-home mother. Another made the point that you are out of God's will if you wear pants, short hair, or choose a method other than homeschooling to educate your children. If that were true, one, two, three strikes - I'm out! If the passage is to be taken literally, we're all in trouble. The Proverbs 31 woman didn't just sew; she made her own thread! ("She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands" [Prov. 31:13]). It is easy to come away assuming that the ideal woman in God's eyes is a Bible-toting Martha Stewart.
Does your definition of the ideal woman closely align with the outward actions of the Proverbs 31 woman? ...Don't be fooled into thinking virtue simply means a return to the kitchen. If you're like me, you come up woefully short when it comes to cooking, cleaning, gardening, and sewing. But the good news is that virtue runs much deeper than domestic abilities. Virtue must first begin in the heart. We desperately need to fill our hearts and minds with God's real standard to be a virtuous woman. I believe God intended the virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 for far more than to depress us. He wants us to explore who is woman was on the inside. What made her tick? What would she be like today?" The Virtuous Woman by Vicki Courtney, pages 17-18
Does that mean we have a free pass that says we don't have to cook, clean or help provide for our families? No. But it does mean that we don't have to be perfect.
God is more concerned with what's going on in our hearts than He is with how many dirty socks are on the bedroom floor. He created us with specific responsibilities when it comes to our families, and He expects us to try our best to fulfill His plan, but He knows that we can't do everything and be everywhere.
Even Ruby understood that all her domestic accomplishments were just an outward showing of a pure heart full of God's love.
Verse 15 says "She riseth also while it is yet night..." Ruby knew that her days were going to be packed. I have friends that have young children, and they all say that they have to either get up early or stay up late to get time alone with God. Ruby did, too. She had to get up early, while the rest of the house was quiet, and get that time alone with God to start her day.
Once her heart was in the right place, God guided her through her day and blessed the works of her hands.
So, what does Ruby have to say about being compared to Martha Stewart? She shakes her head and grins. "You have to remember that all of those things weren't done in one day. It took me a lifetime to get all those things done. And the verses didn't mention all the times I was ready to pull my hair out and call it quits." She sips her coffee and sighs. "You just have to take it one day at a time, and know that on the days when you burn the biscuits and the kids are screaming and the floor is
sticky...that God is still in control."
Sunday, October 11, 2009
What's in a name?
She walked into the cafe where we had planned to meet and smiled warmly at the waitress that greeted her. I watched her scan the crowd and waved when her eyes settled on me. She smiled and slid into the booth across from me.
I have to admit, I was a little nervous. When the waitress walked over to take our order, I breathed a sigh of relief and tried to gather my thoughts. I felt like I was about to interview a movie star or something.
Once we had our coffee and cake (yes, even Ruby has a weakness for chocolate, it seems...), we got down to business. I had so many questions for her. How did she become so wise? What was it that she had done to be so successful? Was being the "ideal woman" a goal of hers, or did it just kind of happen? And how did she get the name Ruby?
We had a lot to talk about, and she was gracious enough to give me a little insight into her world. Guess what? She's not that different from you and me...
"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." Proverbs 31:10
I read a story in a magazine once about a woman that got a very unique engagement ring. Instead of a diamond, which is expected, her fiance gave her a ruby. She was confused at first, but didn't want to ask him why he didn't get her a diamond because she wasn't sure how he would take the question. She loved her ring, diamond or not, and happily said "yes" and agreed to become his bride.
Later, when she got home, she was looking at the ring and realized that there was an inscription on the band. It said "Proverbs 31:10." Of course, she found her Bible and flipped to the passage. There she read "Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies." After reading the verse, she called her fiance and thanked him again for her extra special ring - a reminder of how much he loved and valued her.
I can't remember what magazine I was reading, but I have never forgotten the story. I love that this woman and her husband have such a special, godly connection. That's something I hope to find someday.
And it made her question why a diamond is the accepted gem chosen for engagement rings instead of rubies...
What's so special about a ruby anyway? Why would the writer of this proverb compare a virtuous woman to that particular gem? Well, I did a little research (www.middletownchurch.org/homefam/prov31.htm) and found out that in Bible times, a ruby may have actually been a rare pink pearl. Pink pearls were only found in clams in the Red Sea and they were extremely rare. Anyone that had one valued it greatly.
Proverbs 31 was written as a guide for young men to help them know how to find a good wife. The writer wanted to stress to them that a good wife is hard to find, and that once you find one, you should value her as you would a precious jewel.
So what does that mean for women like us today? Well, think about the way you live. Are you living a virtuous life? Are you walking in a way that makes your Heavenly Father proud? Can He look at your life and smile and say that you are as precious as a ruby?
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell
as sweet." Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare (Act 2, Scene 2, Lines 1-2)Ruby stirred some sugar into her coffee and smiled. "I love my name," she said. "It reminds me how special and unique God made me. And I wouldn't want to be called anything else."
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Coffee with Ruby
She's very intimidating. She has it all together and she makes a normal gal like me look like a slacker. She's the kind of woman that you would love to hate, but she's just so sweet and kind that you can't make yourself dislike her.
She's the ideal wife and mother, a good business woman, a good boss, and even a kind and thoughtful friend. Her talents are endless - she's a great cook (she even grows some of her own food - talk about organic), she has a knack for crafts and even makes some money off her sewing hobby, and she can help you solve almost any problem. If she can't help you, her husband can, because he is one of the most influential men in town.
And did I mention that her husband loves her dearly? That's right. He treats her like a queen. And her kids think she's the coolest and even tell their little friends how much they love their awesome mother.
She's got some life, doesn't she?
But you know all about that, right? You do know her, don't you?
No, she's not from Stepford or Wisteria Lane. She's not from a fairy tale, but you might say that she's as rare as Cinderella's glass slipper.
So, "Who is she?" you ask.
King Lemuel's mother introduced her to me, but she never told me her name. I think I've heard someone call her "Ruby" a time or two, but I'm not really sure why...
But I'm sure that we'll find out soon. After all, we're going to be spending a lot of time with her over the next few days. I can't wait to hear all her tips and secrets for what makes her so successful. I know that you're probably wondering what they are just as much as I am.
So grab a cup of coffee and settle in for a chat with Ruby and me. We're going to see how she does it all, and Who helps her along the way. After all, she wasn't born a virtuous woman...
Join me during the rest of this month as I get to know the Proverbs 31 woman. Check back tomorrow for our first chat with Ruby and we'll find out how she got her nickname and what it means... See you then!
She's the ideal wife and mother, a good business woman, a good boss, and even a kind and thoughtful friend. Her talents are endless - she's a great cook (she even grows some of her own food - talk about organic), she has a knack for crafts and even makes some money off her sewing hobby, and she can help you solve almost any problem. If she can't help you, her husband can, because he is one of the most influential men in town.
And did I mention that her husband loves her dearly? That's right. He treats her like a queen. And her kids think she's the coolest and even tell their little friends how much they love their awesome mother.
She's got some life, doesn't she?
But you know all about that, right? You do know her, don't you?
No, she's not from Stepford or Wisteria Lane. She's not from a fairy tale, but you might say that she's as rare as Cinderella's glass slipper.
So, "Who is she?" you ask.
King Lemuel's mother introduced her to me, but she never told me her name. I think I've heard someone call her "Ruby" a time or two, but I'm not really sure why...
But I'm sure that we'll find out soon. After all, we're going to be spending a lot of time with her over the next few days. I can't wait to hear all her tips and secrets for what makes her so successful. I know that you're probably wondering what they are just as much as I am.
So grab a cup of coffee and settle in for a chat with Ruby and me. We're going to see how she does it all, and Who helps her along the way. After all, she wasn't born a virtuous woman...
Join me during the rest of this month as I get to know the Proverbs 31 woman. Check back tomorrow for our first chat with Ruby and we'll find out how she got her nickname and what it means... See you then!
Thursday, October 8, 2009
"Be merciful unto me, O God; for man would swallow me up, O thou most High. What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee. In God I will praise his word, in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do unto me." Psalm 56:1-4
Do you remember the story about David and Goliath? David was a young shepherd boy and his father sent him to the army camp to take his brothers some food. When David got to the camp, he found tents full of soldiers that were scared. They were hiding. Why? Because a giant was parading in the battlefield, calling for someone to come fight him. He was big. He was bad. He was a bully. And not one soldier wanted to fight him.
But David did.
Are you as brave as David?
You may not be in an army camp, but if you're a Christian, each day is a battle. And Satan has his giant warriors parading in and out of your home, school, office and even your church. His warriors are big. His warriors are bad. His warriors are bullies. And they're calling you into battle.
What warriors? They're more familiar to you than you would think. They have names like Stress, Worry, Fear, Failure, Jealousy, and Bitterness. They roam all over your life. They stake their claim to every part of you that they can get. They get in between you and God. They stand up, tall and looming, in front of you and try to distract you from how big and mighty your God is.
See, the problem with the soldiers that were hiding in their tents is that they knew all about Goliath. They knew how big he was. They knew what size sandal he wore, what size sword he carried and how big around his biceps were. They had looked at him for so long that they couldn't see anything else but him. They had become consumed with thoughts about how big Goliath was.
David, on the other hand, was more focused on how big God was. David never saw Goliath before he decided to fight him. But he knew that his God was bigger than any giant that was roaming around looking for a fight.
So how do we defeat our giants? We have to do what David did. We have to focus on God.
I just finished reading Max Lucado's book Facing Your Giants (I read the teen edition because I am teaching parts of the book to my Wednesday night youth class, but he also has an adult edition available).
One of my favorite quotes from the book is:
Do you feel like giants are trampling all over your life? Are they so big and so scary that you can't see around them? Try looking at God for a change. He's bigger than any giant that you'll ever face, and He's waiting to show you what He can do - if you'll let Him.
Do you remember the story about David and Goliath? David was a young shepherd boy and his father sent him to the army camp to take his brothers some food. When David got to the camp, he found tents full of soldiers that were scared. They were hiding. Why? Because a giant was parading in the battlefield, calling for someone to come fight him. He was big. He was bad. He was a bully. And not one soldier wanted to fight him.
But David did.
Are you as brave as David?
You may not be in an army camp, but if you're a Christian, each day is a battle. And Satan has his giant warriors parading in and out of your home, school, office and even your church. His warriors are big. His warriors are bad. His warriors are bullies. And they're calling you into battle.
What warriors? They're more familiar to you than you would think. They have names like Stress, Worry, Fear, Failure, Jealousy, and Bitterness. They roam all over your life. They stake their claim to every part of you that they can get. They get in between you and God. They stand up, tall and looming, in front of you and try to distract you from how big and mighty your God is.
See, the problem with the soldiers that were hiding in their tents is that they knew all about Goliath. They knew how big he was. They knew what size sandal he wore, what size sword he carried and how big around his biceps were. They had looked at him for so long that they couldn't see anything else but him. They had become consumed with thoughts about how big Goliath was.
David, on the other hand, was more focused on how big God was. David never saw Goliath before he decided to fight him. But he knew that his God was bigger than any giant that was roaming around looking for a fight.
So how do we defeat our giants? We have to do what David did. We have to focus on God.
I just finished reading Max Lucado's book Facing Your Giants (I read the teen edition because I am teaching parts of the book to my Wednesday night youth class, but he also has an adult edition available).
One of my favorite quotes from the book is:
"Focus on giants - you stumble. Focus on God - your giants tumble."
Do you feel like giants are trampling all over your life? Are they so big and so scary that you can't see around them? Try looking at God for a change. He's bigger than any giant that you'll ever face, and He's waiting to show you what He can do - if you'll let Him.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Church Reminders
- This week (September 21-24th) is our Fall Revival. Join us each night at 7:00 to hear Bro. Jeremy Overstreet from Macedonia FWB Church.
- Youth Fundraiser - Hot Dog Supper - Wednesday, September 23rd at 5:30
- Saturday, September 26th - Mt. Moriah Association WAC fall meeting at Ruby Tuesday in Northport at 10:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, September 30th - FUN in the SON Celebration Night! (See your child's Wednesday night teacher about helping with refreshments. Teachers are: Toddlers/Preschool - Mrs. Janet, Kindergarten/1st Grade - Mrs. April, 2nd Grade/3rd Grade - Mrs. Amanda, 4th/5th/6th Grade - Christina.)
- Early Upward Registration (Church members only) - October 5th
- SamanthaFest (Walker Elementary School) - October 8th
- Upward Evaluations - October 12th and October 15th
- Upward Cheerleader Camp - October 24th from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. ($10.00 per child - includes lunch and a t-shirt)
- Fall Festival for 6th grade and under - Wednesday, October 28th at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Fall Meeting 2009
Wow! It's hard to believe that it's been almost a month since my last update. Time just seems to be flying faster and faster than ever!
I just wanted to remind all of you ladies about our upcoming Mt. Moriah Association WAC Meeting on Saturday, September 26th at 10:30 a.m. at Ruby Tuesday in Northport. We will have a speaker, special music, and will hear a devotion from one of our members.
I know that we will have a great time as we fellowship together. I hope to see you there! :)
I just wanted to remind all of you ladies about our upcoming Mt. Moriah Association WAC Meeting on Saturday, September 26th at 10:30 a.m. at Ruby Tuesday in Northport. We will have a speaker, special music, and will hear a devotion from one of our members.
I know that we will have a great time as we fellowship together. I hope to see you there! :)
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Upcoming Events
Saturday, August 22nd - Junior Youth Group Kick-off Party @ Family Life Center 6:30 p.m. (This is for all kids in 4th, 5th or 6th grade and their families.)
Sunday, August 23rd - Youth Night! We will have the drama group BLESSED from Berry, AL as our special guests.
Sunday, August 30th - Associational Youth Rally at Carolwood Free Will Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 30th - Kevin Derryberry will be performing at New Hope Baptist Church at 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 2nd - New Wednesday Night Classes and Junior Youth Group Classes begin at Family Life Center
Sunday, September 6th - New Sunday School Classes Begin
Sunday, August 23rd - Youth Night! We will have the drama group BLESSED from Berry, AL as our special guests.
Sunday, August 30th - Associational Youth Rally at Carolwood Free Will Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m.
Sunday, August 30th - Kevin Derryberry will be performing at New Hope Baptist Church at 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, September 2nd - New Wednesday Night Classes and Junior Youth Group Classes begin at Family Life Center
Sunday, September 6th - New Sunday School Classes Begin
Never Too Busy
These past few months of summer have been packed with special events and gatherings, and the church calendar for this fall is already filling up as well. We've been blessed and have experienced a lot of growth over the last year. With that growth comes great responsibility to be a shining light in our community.
We all seem to be busier than ever with school, work and extra-curricular activities. But I would like to challenge everyone (including myself) not to get so busy that we overlook ministry opportunities that God places in our paths.
On Sunday night (8-16-09), Bro. Rick preached about not missing ministry opportunities. He read from 1 Kings 17:1-16 (about Elijah and the widow woman). We can learn a lot from Elijah's actions in this passage:
We all seem to be busier than ever with school, work and extra-curricular activities. But I would like to challenge everyone (including myself) not to get so busy that we overlook ministry opportunities that God places in our paths.
On Sunday night (8-16-09), Bro. Rick preached about not missing ministry opportunities. He read from 1 Kings 17:1-16 (about Elijah and the widow woman). We can learn a lot from Elijah's actions in this passage:
- If God is leading you to do something, He will provide for your needs. In 1 Kings 17, we read about Elijah delivering an unpopular message from God to His people. After Elijah told the people that there would be a drought, God told him to go hide because the people wanted to kill him. Elijah obeyed, and God provided for his needs by sending ravens to bring him food.
- God brings people into our lives to help us and for us to help them. In this story, God sent Elijah to a widow woman so that she could help Elijah. But God also sent Elijah there because the widow needed help as well.
- God places inside of us what we need to help others. Because Elijah had seen God provide his needs in the past, he was able to assure this widow woman that God's word is true and that she could believe in God's promises. Everything that we go through gives us each a unique testimony that can help us witness to our peers and bring others to Christ. Remember, you're not the only one to go through struggles, and God uses our experiences to reach others for Him.
- We should never be too busy to see the brokenness around us to be there for someone that has a need. Even when we're trying to minister, we can get too wrapped up in the to-do lists, numbers, statistics, etc. We always have to be aware of the hurting that's going on around us and be willing to help others. Elijah saw the widow's need and gave her a promise from God. We also have a promise from God to share - the promise of SALVATION! It's a promise that's for everyone we meet, and we need to share it!
We have to be obedient to God's calling on our lives and we can not miss the ministry opportunities that He places in our paths.
Friday, August 7, 2009
What is God teaching you?
I am so thankful that we serve such a gracious and loving God!
Have you ever noticed that God will put the same messages in front of you over and over until you finally get what He's trying to tell you? And did you know that my God is big enough that He can use ANYTHING to speak to me (and to you)?
Here's an example:
Apparently, God wants me to be more faithful, because lately that's the message I've been getting over and over. It all started when I was watching the movie Facing the Giants. I love the part where the old man comes into Coach Taylor's office and reads Revelation 3:7-8. Coach Taylor follows him out into the hall and the old man tells him a story about two farmers that prayed for rain. Both farmers prayed, but only one went out and prepared his fields to receive the rain. So, the man asks, which farmer had the most faith? Of course, Coach Taylor answers that the farmer that prepared his fields had the most faith. The old man nods and asks Coach Taylor, "Which one are you?"
In the past two weeks, I have watched that movie about three times (because TV has been really crappy the last few weeks, and because I love it and I'm ready for football season). Anyway, I have also heard my pastor use that movie and that illustration in a sermon. I have heard my pastor's wife and friend use that illustration in a Children's Ministry Group Meeting. I have even seen an episode of Law and Order where a character on the show talked about the same thing (See what I mean about God being able to use anything? How many times does Law and Order speak to you about your faith?)
So I'm thinking, God must want me to have more faith. I need to prepare my fields for the rain.
And then I realize that I have no idea what my field is.
I have also been running into messages and studies about God's vision for our lives. I have been trying for an entire year to find what God's vision for my life is. And here I am, praying to God and saying - Why won't you give me a vision? I'm ready. I'm willing. Just show me what to do! Show me where to serve! Show me and I will go!
Well, guess what? I have been talking to God an awful lot, but I haven't been listening very well. (Does that ever happen to you, or is it just me?)
I realized when I watched Facing the Giants for the 100th time last night, that before God started really working in Grant Taylor's life, Grant Taylor totally surrendered EVERYTHING to God. He gave God his hopes and his dreams. He gave God his fears and his failures. He gave God EVERYTHING!
I haven't done that yet. (I know - shocker. Who would have ever thought that I would want to be in control? That's totally unlike me, right? Right?) You are allowed to laugh at the previous statement, by the way. But I'm not just being funny. I'm being serious. I have yet to give God my hopes and my dreams. I'm still limiting God and His vision for my life because I'm trying to put God into my life. I want it all in a neat little package where God's plans go perfectly with mine and we're all just hunky-dorey and kumbya.
But that's not how this works.
You can't say "God, give me a vision for my life, as long as the vision is this..."
You can't say, "God, I surrender my life to you. Except for my personal life. I think I'll just find a husband on my own, and you can have the rest."
You can't say, "God, I'm totally willing to do whatever you want, but I'm really wanting to do this specific thing..."
And, you can't say, "God, I'm waiting on you to show me what you want me to do and I'm not budging or moving or doing anything until you show me and I've decided that I'm happy with what you want me to do."
Have you ever heard the song "While I'm Waiting" by John Waller? It was in the movie Fireproof. If you've never heard it, buy it on i-tunes. It's worth it. It talks about what it feels like to wait on God. Because God sends us the "rain" on His time, not ours. And it can be hard to wait. But what I love about the song the most is the message about HOW to wait. It says:
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait
I will move ahead,
bold and confident
Taking every step
in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait
Did you catch that? While we're waiting on God to show us His grand vision and plan (which we may never know, because some things are just not for us to know), we're supposed to worship. We're supposed to serve. We're supposed to obey God. We're supposed to run the race.
We're to (I know you were waiting for me to put this quote in here since I put it in everything...here you go!) BLOOM WHERE GOD HAS PLANTED US!
So maybe I don't know yet what God wants me to do with my life. Yes, it's hard not to know. It's annoying sometimes. It's confusing and painful and sometimes it's just downright awful. But guess what? I know that God is in control. And if I'm walking with Him "taking every step in obedience", like the song says, then I know that I will end up in the right place.
God didn't place us on earth to just wander around aimlessly. He placed us here with a purpose. And even if I don't know what my specific purpose is yet, I know that He has called us all into the ministry - He wants us all to worship Him and to obey Him and to have a relationship with Him and to TELL OTHERS ABOUT HIM!
God is always teaching us something. And if we would just wake up and take notice, we'd see Him at work everywhere.
So, I guess that I've been learning to be faithful, to SURRENDER my ENTIRE life to God, to serve God while I'm waiting, and to LISTEN to God instead of just talking at Him all the time. What is God teaching you?
Have you ever noticed that God will put the same messages in front of you over and over until you finally get what He's trying to tell you? And did you know that my God is big enough that He can use ANYTHING to speak to me (and to you)?
Here's an example:
Apparently, God wants me to be more faithful, because lately that's the message I've been getting over and over. It all started when I was watching the movie Facing the Giants. I love the part where the old man comes into Coach Taylor's office and reads Revelation 3:7-8. Coach Taylor follows him out into the hall and the old man tells him a story about two farmers that prayed for rain. Both farmers prayed, but only one went out and prepared his fields to receive the rain. So, the man asks, which farmer had the most faith? Of course, Coach Taylor answers that the farmer that prepared his fields had the most faith. The old man nods and asks Coach Taylor, "Which one are you?"
In the past two weeks, I have watched that movie about three times (because TV has been really crappy the last few weeks, and because I love it and I'm ready for football season). Anyway, I have also heard my pastor use that movie and that illustration in a sermon. I have heard my pastor's wife and friend use that illustration in a Children's Ministry Group Meeting. I have even seen an episode of Law and Order where a character on the show talked about the same thing (See what I mean about God being able to use anything? How many times does Law and Order speak to you about your faith?)
So I'm thinking, God must want me to have more faith. I need to prepare my fields for the rain.
And then I realize that I have no idea what my field is.
I have also been running into messages and studies about God's vision for our lives. I have been trying for an entire year to find what God's vision for my life is. And here I am, praying to God and saying - Why won't you give me a vision? I'm ready. I'm willing. Just show me what to do! Show me where to serve! Show me and I will go!
Well, guess what? I have been talking to God an awful lot, but I haven't been listening very well. (Does that ever happen to you, or is it just me?)
I realized when I watched Facing the Giants for the 100th time last night, that before God started really working in Grant Taylor's life, Grant Taylor totally surrendered EVERYTHING to God. He gave God his hopes and his dreams. He gave God his fears and his failures. He gave God EVERYTHING!
I haven't done that yet. (I know - shocker. Who would have ever thought that I would want to be in control? That's totally unlike me, right? Right?) You are allowed to laugh at the previous statement, by the way. But I'm not just being funny. I'm being serious. I have yet to give God my hopes and my dreams. I'm still limiting God and His vision for my life because I'm trying to put God into my life. I want it all in a neat little package where God's plans go perfectly with mine and we're all just hunky-dorey and kumbya.
But that's not how this works.
You can't say "God, give me a vision for my life, as long as the vision is this..."
You can't say, "God, I surrender my life to you. Except for my personal life. I think I'll just find a husband on my own, and you can have the rest."
You can't say, "God, I'm totally willing to do whatever you want, but I'm really wanting to do this specific thing..."
And, you can't say, "God, I'm waiting on you to show me what you want me to do and I'm not budging or moving or doing anything until you show me and I've decided that I'm happy with what you want me to do."
Have you ever heard the song "While I'm Waiting" by John Waller? It was in the movie Fireproof. If you've never heard it, buy it on i-tunes. It's worth it. It talks about what it feels like to wait on God. Because God sends us the "rain" on His time, not ours. And it can be hard to wait. But what I love about the song the most is the message about HOW to wait. It says:
I'm waiting
I'm waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I'm waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait
I will move ahead,
bold and confident
Taking every step
in obedience
While I'm waiting
I will serve You
While I'm waiting
I will worship
While I'm waiting
I will not faint
I'll be running the race
Even while I wait
Did you catch that? While we're waiting on God to show us His grand vision and plan (which we may never know, because some things are just not for us to know), we're supposed to worship. We're supposed to serve. We're supposed to obey God. We're supposed to run the race.
We're to (I know you were waiting for me to put this quote in here since I put it in everything...here you go!) BLOOM WHERE GOD HAS PLANTED US!
So maybe I don't know yet what God wants me to do with my life. Yes, it's hard not to know. It's annoying sometimes. It's confusing and painful and sometimes it's just downright awful. But guess what? I know that God is in control. And if I'm walking with Him "taking every step in obedience", like the song says, then I know that I will end up in the right place.
God didn't place us on earth to just wander around aimlessly. He placed us here with a purpose. And even if I don't know what my specific purpose is yet, I know that He has called us all into the ministry - He wants us all to worship Him and to obey Him and to have a relationship with Him and to TELL OTHERS ABOUT HIM!
God is always teaching us something. And if we would just wake up and take notice, we'd see Him at work everywhere.
So, I guess that I've been learning to be faithful, to SURRENDER my ENTIRE life to God, to serve God while I'm waiting, and to LISTEN to God instead of just talking at Him all the time. What is God teaching you?
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Wisdom from Facing the Giants
I am a huge sports fan and I especially love to watch football, so it's no surprise that I love the movie Facing the Giants. In the movie, football coach Grant Taylor is at the end of his rope. He is coaching a loosing team and is worried about keeping his job, his car breaks down constantly because he can't afford to get a new one, and he feels like he can't provide for his wife. Grant is facing the giants of failure and fear. When he finally decides to give his struggles to God, he never could have imagined what God would do with his life. Because of the obedience of one man, an entire football team, school and community is changed. Below, I've listed some of my favorite quotes and lessons from the movie:"Stay humble but confident." - Grant Taylor
"Bloom where God has planted you." - Mr. B
"You can't judge your father by his actions and yourself by your intentions. It just doesn't work that way." - Grant Taylor
"What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name" Revelation 3:7-8
Monday, August 3, 2009
Desire the Vision
Sermon by Bro. Rick Taylor
8/2/09
Proverbs 29:18 "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."
Vision is direction from God - it is God telling His people what He wants them to do.
1. How can I be a part of God's vision?
8/2/09
Proverbs 29:18 "Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he."
Vision is direction from God - it is God telling His people what He wants them to do.
1. How can I be a part of God's vision?
- You've got to be saved - If you want to be used in God's kingdom, you have to be a part of God's kingdom! Are you ready to do what God wants you to do?
- You've got to be sure - Are you sure that you're saved? What are the visible signs of your salvation? What kind of fruit are you producing in your life? You have to DO AWAY WITH DOUBT! (Matthew 13:5-6) When trials come, trust in the Lord.
- Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."
2. How does God's vision affect me?
- Seek God - God calls us for a reason, but we often miss what He has in store for us because we have a "just looking" mentality. For example - how many times do you tell a salesperson that you're "just looking" to avoid having to work with them? That salesperson is there to help and serve you, but you just want to wander by yourself. That's how we sometimes treat God. He has the map and wants to tell us where to go. He wants to give us a vision for the future, but we tell Him that we're "just looking" and continue to wander.
- Submit to God - God's ways are not always our ways. His plans for us don't always coincide with our plans for ourselves. But God has a role for us and He wants us to obey Him. Think about John the Baptist. He was the forerunner for Christ. He had to humble himself and tell people that Christ was coming after him. He was even beheaded for teaching about Christ. I doubt that was his plan for his life when he was growing up, but that's what God called him to. We have to humble ourselves and submit to God's will for our lives because it's not about us - it's about GOD!
3. How can I know God's vision?
- PRAYER - We have a direct line to God. We can pray to Him 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. Pray for your church and your fellow believers. Pray for the Holy Spirit to reveal your role to you.
- Remember this - if you are here, you have a purpose. God's vision is SO MUCH BIGGER than us! Do you desire to know God's vision for your life?
Sunday, August 2, 2009
What's Your Focus?
Our church has been blessed to be able to participate in Upward Basketball and Cheerleading for the past two years. Upward is a sports ministry program designed to help the church reach out into the community and introduce Jesus to children and their families through sports. This weekend, I was able to go to an Upward Leadership Conference with a group of people from my church.
It was such an incredible weekend! On Friday night, we heard a message from Upward's founder, Caz McCaslin. He has an incredible testimony and is a wonderful speaker. He told us about Upward's history and about how God has worked through this wonderful organization. One of the main points in his message on Friday night was that we are the tools that God uses to reach a lost world.
We all have a role to fill and we all have a circle of people that we influence. What is your role in the eternal influence of the people you come in contact with?
In today's society, we love excuses. We don't like to take the blame for anything, and we like to point at circumstances or other people as excuses for why we don't step up and fulfill the roles God has planned for us. Caz listed five main reasons that people don't step up and don't fill those roles:
1. They say, "I'm not worthy." This one is easy to understand and identify with. We've all felt unworthy at times. And we ARE unworthy - because we're sinners. But by the grace of God, we are saved from our sin and adopted into God's family. And when God asks us to do something, He really just wants us to be obedient. If we obey, He will work through us and His power will make us worthy.
2. They say, "I'm scared." We've all felt that way. I can't even tell you how many butterflies land in my stomach right before I speak to a group of ladies or sing at church - and yet, at the same time, I feel so close to God when I obey Him and share my testimony or song. Sometimes what God asks us to do is scary, but remember this verse: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7 God can erase your fears, if you let Him.
3. They say, "If I do this, I'll be criticized." We all know what it's like to have someone oppose what we're doing. Even if you've never been persecuted for your faith, you've probably been persecuted for something. That's a hard thing to deal with. But think about what Jesus went through for you. He was criticized, ridiculed, arrested, beaten and crucified. He knows what it means to suffer, and He will never leave you to suffer alone. He thought that you were worth His suffering - do you think the same of Him that He thought of you?
4. They say, "I don't have time for this." I know that we all try to squeeze 30 hours of stuff into a 24 hour day. We're busy. That's just a fact. But it's still one of my Aunt Wanda's pet peeves for someone to say "I don't have time" or "You have more time than I do." She always says that we all have the same amount of time - it just comes down to what we DO with our time. She is so right! How do you use your time? Could you sacrifice an hour a week to be a prayer warrior for your church? What about ten minutes to make a phone call to that friend that God has placed on your heart? Or five minutes for an email to your pastor to tell him that you appreciate his hard work and dedication to your church? A lot of us have packed schedules, but there is always something that you can do if you just take advantage of the free time you do have.
5. They say, "I can't do this by myself." A lot of us are just afraid of volunteering because we don't think we can handle the obligation of the position. Some people are just afraid of commitment. Some people just prefer to be a follower instead of a leader. But volunteering your time doesn't always mean that you have to the the person in charge. God calls some of us to be leaders and some of us to work behind the scenes. But no matter where you're called, you're NOT by yourself. Jesus said, "and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (Matthew 28:20b) He is ALWAYS with you, and your church family is there for support too. You're not expected to do it alone. God designed the church to be like a machine. All the parts have little jobs that they have to do in order for the machine to run properly and they have to work together in order to accomplish their goals.
Notice the excuses people make. What word do you see in common?
"I"
Every excuse is about me, me, me. We have a ME MENTALITY. But guess what? It's not about you.
Galatians 2:20 says, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." (KJV, emphasis added)
It's all about CHRIST!
So here's the question Caz asked us: Are you looking into mirrors or windows?
When we look in the mirror, all we see is ourselves. We see what WE want, and what WE like, and what WE need. But when we look out the window, we can see the lost and dying world that's all around us. Look at your neighbors, your friends, your co-workers, your family - how many of those people don't know Christ? Do you realize that it is your responsibility as a Christian and a follower of Christ to try your BEST to introduce those around you to Him?
Today at church, Brother Rick preached about God's Vision for us individually and as a church. We tend to get so focused on ourselves and the things that we need to get done that we lose our vision.
We get so wrapped up in our daily lives and the things that we have to do and want to do that we forget to look at the big picture. We lose focus on what's really important. We forget WHY Jesus came to the world in the first place. He didn't come so we could just profess to believe in Him and live mediocre lives where we just barely scrape the surface of His plans for us. He came that we could have life, and that we could live ABUNDANTLY! (John 10:10) And He came so that WE could learn how to teach others how to have abundant lives as well!
If you feel God calling you into a position or a ministry, don't look in the mirror for your answer. Look out the windows and see the fields that are ripe and ready for harvest.
What's your focus? Mirrors or windows?
*For more information about the Upward organization, visit http://www.upward.org/.
It was such an incredible weekend! On Friday night, we heard a message from Upward's founder, Caz McCaslin. He has an incredible testimony and is a wonderful speaker. He told us about Upward's history and about how God has worked through this wonderful organization. One of the main points in his message on Friday night was that we are the tools that God uses to reach a lost world.
We all have a role to fill and we all have a circle of people that we influence. What is your role in the eternal influence of the people you come in contact with?
In today's society, we love excuses. We don't like to take the blame for anything, and we like to point at circumstances or other people as excuses for why we don't step up and fulfill the roles God has planned for us. Caz listed five main reasons that people don't step up and don't fill those roles:
1. They say, "I'm not worthy." This one is easy to understand and identify with. We've all felt unworthy at times. And we ARE unworthy - because we're sinners. But by the grace of God, we are saved from our sin and adopted into God's family. And when God asks us to do something, He really just wants us to be obedient. If we obey, He will work through us and His power will make us worthy.
2. They say, "I'm scared." We've all felt that way. I can't even tell you how many butterflies land in my stomach right before I speak to a group of ladies or sing at church - and yet, at the same time, I feel so close to God when I obey Him and share my testimony or song. Sometimes what God asks us to do is scary, but remember this verse: "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind." 2 Timothy 1:7 God can erase your fears, if you let Him.
3. They say, "If I do this, I'll be criticized." We all know what it's like to have someone oppose what we're doing. Even if you've never been persecuted for your faith, you've probably been persecuted for something. That's a hard thing to deal with. But think about what Jesus went through for you. He was criticized, ridiculed, arrested, beaten and crucified. He knows what it means to suffer, and He will never leave you to suffer alone. He thought that you were worth His suffering - do you think the same of Him that He thought of you?
4. They say, "I don't have time for this." I know that we all try to squeeze 30 hours of stuff into a 24 hour day. We're busy. That's just a fact. But it's still one of my Aunt Wanda's pet peeves for someone to say "I don't have time" or "You have more time than I do." She always says that we all have the same amount of time - it just comes down to what we DO with our time. She is so right! How do you use your time? Could you sacrifice an hour a week to be a prayer warrior for your church? What about ten minutes to make a phone call to that friend that God has placed on your heart? Or five minutes for an email to your pastor to tell him that you appreciate his hard work and dedication to your church? A lot of us have packed schedules, but there is always something that you can do if you just take advantage of the free time you do have.
5. They say, "I can't do this by myself." A lot of us are just afraid of volunteering because we don't think we can handle the obligation of the position. Some people are just afraid of commitment. Some people just prefer to be a follower instead of a leader. But volunteering your time doesn't always mean that you have to the the person in charge. God calls some of us to be leaders and some of us to work behind the scenes. But no matter where you're called, you're NOT by yourself. Jesus said, "and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (Matthew 28:20b) He is ALWAYS with you, and your church family is there for support too. You're not expected to do it alone. God designed the church to be like a machine. All the parts have little jobs that they have to do in order for the machine to run properly and they have to work together in order to accomplish their goals.
Notice the excuses people make. What word do you see in common?
"I"
Every excuse is about me, me, me. We have a ME MENTALITY. But guess what? It's not about you.
Galatians 2:20 says, "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me." (KJV, emphasis added)
It's all about CHRIST!
So here's the question Caz asked us: Are you looking into mirrors or windows?
When we look in the mirror, all we see is ourselves. We see what WE want, and what WE like, and what WE need. But when we look out the window, we can see the lost and dying world that's all around us. Look at your neighbors, your friends, your co-workers, your family - how many of those people don't know Christ? Do you realize that it is your responsibility as a Christian and a follower of Christ to try your BEST to introduce those around you to Him?
Today at church, Brother Rick preached about God's Vision for us individually and as a church. We tend to get so focused on ourselves and the things that we need to get done that we lose our vision.
We get so wrapped up in our daily lives and the things that we have to do and want to do that we forget to look at the big picture. We lose focus on what's really important. We forget WHY Jesus came to the world in the first place. He didn't come so we could just profess to believe in Him and live mediocre lives where we just barely scrape the surface of His plans for us. He came that we could have life, and that we could live ABUNDANTLY! (John 10:10) And He came so that WE could learn how to teach others how to have abundant lives as well!
If you feel God calling you into a position or a ministry, don't look in the mirror for your answer. Look out the windows and see the fields that are ripe and ready for harvest.
What's your focus? Mirrors or windows?
*For more information about the Upward organization, visit http://www.upward.org/.
Missionary Family of the Month
The Long family is currently trying to raise enough support to go to the mission field in the Denver, Colorado area. They are originally from Alabama and currently live in Georgia.
Barry and Jessica and their children are excited about traveling to raise support and getting to meet so many wonderful believers. They have currently raised almost 50% of their necessary support.
Last month at our VBS, we supported the Long family with our nightly offering. The kids raised over $700 for the Long family that week.
During this month, please keep the Long family in your prayers. They have the following requests:
- Pray that they will be able to sell their house in Georgia. This will be a huge burden lifted off their shoulders. It has been on the market since January without an offer, but they are trusting God will provide.
- Pray for Barry to recover from his recent sinus surgery. He is doing well, but will be out of commission for a few weeks while he recovers and will not be able to travel during that time to raise support.
- Pray for the Long children as they adjust to home school. They are beginning a home school program in order to be able to travel with their parents to raise support so they can get onto the mission field.
- Pray for the mission field that the Longs will be going to. The Denver area is growing and ripe for harvest. Pray that the Lord will begin to prepare the hearts of the people that the Longs will come in contact with in their ministry.
Thank you so much for your prayer support for our missionaries and our missions programs! Please continue in prayer for these wonderful people and their willingness to follow God's call.
Friday, July 31, 2009
School Supplies Needed for Eldridge Children's Home
The Free Will Baptist Children's Home in Eldridge, AL is in need of the following supplies for the upcoming school year:
1 1/2" binders
nylon pencil pouches(fit 3 ring binder)
clear plastic backpacks
dividers w/ tabs
colored pencils
basic function calculators
3x5 index cards
plastic folders w/ bottom pockets (red, green,yellow,blue,purple)
If you would like to help, you can bring your donations to our meeting on Sunday or you can contact the Children's Home directly by calling (205) 924-9751 or by visiting their website at http://www.fwbhome.org/.
1 1/2" binders
nylon pencil pouches(fit 3 ring binder)
clear plastic backpacks
dividers w/ tabs
colored pencils
basic function calculators
3x5 index cards
plastic folders w/ bottom pockets (red, green,yellow,blue,purple)
If you would like to help, you can bring your donations to our meeting on Sunday or you can contact the Children's Home directly by calling (205) 924-9751 or by visiting their website at http://www.fwbhome.org/.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Some thoughts on prayer
Do you ever feel like you're just praying to your ceiling? Like your prayers aren't going anywhere? I've felt that way at times. I think a lot of us have.
And I wonder why - why is it that we think God isn't there? We know that He is. He's promised us that. I know that He hears my prayers, so why do I sometimes feel like I'm just talking to thin air?
I think it's because we don't expect God to show up anymore. We get so caught up in the ritual of prayer that we forget Who we're praying to. Our prayer life should never become a ritual. It should never be habit.
I think another reason we don't feel like God is there is because we don't invite Him to come to us. We say our prayers, but they're just empty words - just comfortable, normal bedtime rituals. We talk at God instead of talking to Him. And we don't listen for His reply.
God wants a relationship with us and relationships require communication. We can't know God if we don't talk to Him, and we can't learn from Him if we don't listen to Him.
So the next time you feel like you're just praying to your ceiling, pray harder. Say what you mean and mean what you say. God just might show up and blow your socks off.
And I wonder why - why is it that we think God isn't there? We know that He is. He's promised us that. I know that He hears my prayers, so why do I sometimes feel like I'm just talking to thin air?
I think it's because we don't expect God to show up anymore. We get so caught up in the ritual of prayer that we forget Who we're praying to. Our prayer life should never become a ritual. It should never be habit.
I think another reason we don't feel like God is there is because we don't invite Him to come to us. We say our prayers, but they're just empty words - just comfortable, normal bedtime rituals. We talk at God instead of talking to Him. And we don't listen for His reply.
God wants a relationship with us and relationships require communication. We can't know God if we don't talk to Him, and we can't learn from Him if we don't listen to Him.
So the next time you feel like you're just praying to your ceiling, pray harder. Say what you mean and mean what you say. God just might show up and blow your socks off.
SSFWB in Cincinnati
I want to thank everyone that prayed for us while we were gone to the Free Will Baptist National Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio last week. It was a week of revival for most of us - a chance to meet people from around the nation that share our faith and our passion for doing God's will and seeing His word carried to all nations.
Our group - ready to leave Tuscaloosa early Saturday morning
The Duke Energy Center in downtown Cincinnati where most of the conference was held
Joe, Shelby, Aiden, Allee, Dylan and Jacob waiting for us to unload the bus and check into the hotel on Saturday afternoon
On our way to the Cincinnati Reds game on Sunday afternoon
The Great American Ballpark - Reds vs. Brewers
Jacob waiting for a home run ball
They let the kids run the bases after the game
Hunter and Caleb at the Great American Ballpark
Bible Tic-Tac-Toe Team: Caleb, Tiffany, Joseph, Hunter and Coach Tina
Bro. Tim and Bro. Adam helped the Tic-Tac-Toe Team study between matches
Hunter, Tiffany and Joseph between Tic-Tac-Toe games
Marissa during her competition
Jacob playing the bells during his competition
Dinner on Wednesday night before the service
Dylan and Tannah at dinner
Ice Cream!
Our kids did a great job in their competitions. Joseph tied for first place in the keyboard competition for grades 7-9. Jacob won first place in the pitched percussion competition for grades 1-3. Marissa competed in the vocal solo competition for grades 10-12.
Our Bible Tic-Tac-Toe team made it through four rounds before they were eliminated from the competition. They did a great job and are looking forward to competing again next year.
Friday, July 24, 2009
Camp E.D.G.E. 2009
Camp E.D.G.E. ~ Our decorations were awesome this year! Thanks to Misty, April and Katie for all their hard work!
Thanks so much to all of you that made our Vacation Bible School such a success this year! We had a great week where we learned about living on the E.D.G.E. (Experience and Discover God Everywhere)!
During the week, we averaged about 90 kids per night. This year, we supported the Long family (home missionaries to Colorado) with our offering. We always have a competition between the boys and the girls to see which group can bring the most money for the offering, and this year the boys were victorious, so Mrs. Amanda got a pie in the face on Friday night (sorry that I don't have a picture of that! I forgot my camera that night, although I'm sure Mrs. Amanda doesn't mind...). Together, the boys and girls raised over $700 for the Long family! Way to go, kids!
We were also blessed to have one little boy pray for Jesus to come into his heart at VBS this week. That's truly what it's all about - the studying, decorating, cooking... We can get so wrapped up in how busy we are and our to do lists for the week and forget why we're really here - to introduce Jesus to these kids and their families.
Once again, thanks to all of you that worked with us and prayed for us during the week. We are so excited about what God is doing at Sulphur Springs!
During the week, we averaged about 90 kids per night. This year, we supported the Long family (home missionaries to Colorado) with our offering. We always have a competition between the boys and the girls to see which group can bring the most money for the offering, and this year the boys were victorious, so Mrs. Amanda got a pie in the face on Friday night (sorry that I don't have a picture of that! I forgot my camera that night, although I'm sure Mrs. Amanda doesn't mind...). Together, the boys and girls raised over $700 for the Long family! Way to go, kids!
We were also blessed to have one little boy pray for Jesus to come into his heart at VBS this week. That's truly what it's all about - the studying, decorating, cooking... We can get so wrapped up in how busy we are and our to do lists for the week and forget why we're really here - to introduce Jesus to these kids and their families.
Once again, thanks to all of you that worked with us and prayed for us during the week. We are so excited about what God is doing at Sulphur Springs!
Crazy Hair Night
The Long Family - Missionaries to Colorado
Our kids supported the Long family with their offering during VBS. For more information about the Long family or Free Will Baptist Home Missions, visit www.homemissions.net
Monday, July 13, 2009
July Revival - Part Two
"Revive Us"
Sermon by Bro. Rick Taylor 7/12/09
Psalm 119:37 "Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way."
"A half-hearted approach to living for God will NEVER satisfy our souls." - Bro. Rick
Revival is a continual state of seeking God and His will. Revival begins when we INDIVIDUALLY seek God. We must all recognize our need for revival individually before we will see a revival in our churches and communities.
Revival will come when we SEEK it!
1. Revival comes when we prepare.
a. Concern "turn away mine eyes from vanity" (Psalm 119:37 a)
- Do we care enough about our spiritual condition to be concerned about revival?
- Do we recognize our own need for revival and our own sin?
- Jesus wants us to live in knowledge and spirit. He wants us to be able to recognize our sin and our need for revival and for us to seek Him.
b. Cry Out
- We need to pray for revival!
- You can't serve God without knowing God.
- Do we care enough to pray? Do we continue in prayer? (Acts 1:14)
c. Cost
- Revival comes with a cost: We need to let God purge our lives of the things that are hindering our relationship with Him.
- When God asks for a SACRIFICE, that is exactly what He wants from us! If we don't have to pay a cost of some sort, where is the sacrifice? (see 2 Samuel 24:24)
- What kind of price are you willing to pay for revival? Are you willing to give your time? Are you willing to pray? Are you willing to change?
2. Revival comes when we make it personal
a. Conviction
- Revival comes when we get ready for our personal walk with the Lord to improve and when we are ready to change. (Psalm 85:6)
- How do we measure up to God's standards...in holiness? in faithfulness? in devotion?
- We need to pray for God to show us HIS ways "quicken thou me in thy way." (Psalm 119:37)
b. Confession
- We must confess that Jesus is the ONLY way and that there is NONE OTHER by which we can be saved.
- So we seek ONLY GOD to fulfill the empty places of our hearts?
- We cannot fix our problems on our own, but GOD CAN!
- We must recognize and admit that God is the only one that can revive us - and that we cannot do this without Him!
c. Conversion
- "quicken thou me in THY way" God's way is always better than ours. We must change from going our way to following His way.
- If there is no change, then there is no salvation. If there is no change, then there is no re-dedication. If there is no change, then there is no conversion. If there is no change, then there is no revival.
- Jesus didn't come here to make us better people. He came to make us more like HIM!
- Jeremiah 29:12-13 "Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." You must seek revival with ALL of your HEART!
Sermon by Bro. Rick Taylor 7/12/09
Psalm 119:37 "Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way."
"A half-hearted approach to living for God will NEVER satisfy our souls." - Bro. Rick
Revival is a continual state of seeking God and His will. Revival begins when we INDIVIDUALLY seek God. We must all recognize our need for revival individually before we will see a revival in our churches and communities.
Revival will come when we SEEK it!
1. Revival comes when we prepare.
a. Concern "turn away mine eyes from vanity" (Psalm 119:37 a)
- Do we care enough about our spiritual condition to be concerned about revival?
- Do we recognize our own need for revival and our own sin?
- Jesus wants us to live in knowledge and spirit. He wants us to be able to recognize our sin and our need for revival and for us to seek Him.
b. Cry Out
- We need to pray for revival!
- You can't serve God without knowing God.
- Do we care enough to pray? Do we continue in prayer? (Acts 1:14)
c. Cost
- Revival comes with a cost: We need to let God purge our lives of the things that are hindering our relationship with Him.
- When God asks for a SACRIFICE, that is exactly what He wants from us! If we don't have to pay a cost of some sort, where is the sacrifice? (see 2 Samuel 24:24)
- What kind of price are you willing to pay for revival? Are you willing to give your time? Are you willing to pray? Are you willing to change?
2. Revival comes when we make it personal
a. Conviction
- Revival comes when we get ready for our personal walk with the Lord to improve and when we are ready to change. (Psalm 85:6)
- How do we measure up to God's standards...in holiness? in faithfulness? in devotion?
- We need to pray for God to show us HIS ways "quicken thou me in thy way." (Psalm 119:37)
b. Confession
- We must confess that Jesus is the ONLY way and that there is NONE OTHER by which we can be saved.
- So we seek ONLY GOD to fulfill the empty places of our hearts?
- We cannot fix our problems on our own, but GOD CAN!
- We must recognize and admit that God is the only one that can revive us - and that we cannot do this without Him!
c. Conversion
- "quicken thou me in THY way" God's way is always better than ours. We must change from going our way to following His way.
- If there is no change, then there is no salvation. If there is no change, then there is no re-dedication. If there is no change, then there is no conversion. If there is no change, then there is no revival.
- Jesus didn't come here to make us better people. He came to make us more like HIM!
- Jeremiah 29:12-13 "Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." You must seek revival with ALL of your HEART!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
July Revival - Part One
This month, we have been enjoying a great revival during our Sunday morning services. We would love for you to come join us during our services at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. and for Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. every Sunday morning!
Our first Revival speaker was Bro. Danny Williams (7/5/09). He serves as director of the Free Will Baptist Children's Home (check it out at http://www.fwbhome.org/).
2 Timothy 4:6-8
"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."
What gives Paul his confidence?
1. The Present - In verse 6, Paul says, "I am ready..."
a. Ready to be offered
Paul understood sacrifice (Philippians 2:7)
He knew what it meant to live for Christ (Romans 12:1-2)
b. Ready for his departure
Paul knew that he was ready for death because he had confidence in his relationship with Christ. Are you ready?
2. The Past - in verse 7, Paul says, "I have..."
a. I have fought a good fight
Paul was confident that he had fought for a worthwhile cause and that he had done his best.
Check out Ephesians 6:13-18 for the Armor of God that we all need to fight that good fight.
b. I have finished my course
Each of us has a course that God has planned for our lives. Every course is different, and we all have to learn to run the race with patience.
*There is no more noble way to die than to be running the course God has set for us.
c. I have kept the faith
We should always stay faithful ( 1Timothy 4:12 "...be thou an example unto the believers in faith...")
3. The Future - In verse 8, Paul awaited his rewards
a. There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness
Our crown is set aside just for us! Matthew 6:19-21 "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
We get to wear the VICTOR'S crown, not the ruler's crown, because only God is worthy of the ruler's crown.
b. The reward shall be given "at that day"
We will be rewarded at the day of the Lord's return
c. The reward will be given to "ALL of them also that love his appearing"
We all can earn a crown in heaven - but when we receive our crowns, it will not be for the things that WE did...it will be about the things that we allowed Jesus to do THROUGH us.
Our first Revival speaker was Bro. Danny Williams (7/5/09). He serves as director of the Free Will Baptist Children's Home (check it out at http://www.fwbhome.org/).
2 Timothy 4:6-8
"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."
What gives Paul his confidence?
1. The Present - In verse 6, Paul says, "I am ready..."
a. Ready to be offered
Paul understood sacrifice (Philippians 2:7)
He knew what it meant to live for Christ (Romans 12:1-2)
b. Ready for his departure
Paul knew that he was ready for death because he had confidence in his relationship with Christ. Are you ready?
2. The Past - in verse 7, Paul says, "I have..."
a. I have fought a good fight
Paul was confident that he had fought for a worthwhile cause and that he had done his best.
Check out Ephesians 6:13-18 for the Armor of God that we all need to fight that good fight.
b. I have finished my course
Each of us has a course that God has planned for our lives. Every course is different, and we all have to learn to run the race with patience.
*There is no more noble way to die than to be running the course God has set for us.
c. I have kept the faith
We should always stay faithful ( 1Timothy 4:12 "...be thou an example unto the believers in faith...")
3. The Future - In verse 8, Paul awaited his rewards
a. There is laid up for me a crown of righteousness
Our crown is set aside just for us! Matthew 6:19-21 "Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
We get to wear the VICTOR'S crown, not the ruler's crown, because only God is worthy of the ruler's crown.
b. The reward shall be given "at that day"
We will be rewarded at the day of the Lord's return
c. The reward will be given to "ALL of them also that love his appearing"
We all can earn a crown in heaven - but when we receive our crowns, it will not be for the things that WE did...it will be about the things that we allowed Jesus to do THROUGH us.
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Vacation Bible School
You're invited to join us forCamp E.D.G.E.
Vacation Bible School!
Monday, July 13 - Friday, July 17
from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.
Each night the kids will take a "truth treck" to Bible days for their lesson, have craft and game time, enjoy snacks and music time.
We hope to see you there!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
"Lead Me To The Cross" by Hillsong United
Savior I come
Quiet my soul, remember
Redemption's hill
Where Your blood was spilled
For my ransom
Everything I once held dear
I count it all as loss
Lead me to the cross
Where your love poured out
Bring me to my knees
Lord, I lay me down
Rid me of myself
I belong to You
Lead me, Lead me to the cross
You were as I
Tempted and tried, Human
The Word became flesh
Bore my pain and death
Now You're risen
Everything I once held dear
I count it all as loss
Lead me to the cross
Where Your love poured out
Bring me to my knees
Lord, I lay me down
Rid me of myself
I belong to You
Lead me, Lead me to the cross...
"And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name." Acts 5:41 (KJV, emphasis added)
The disciples understood what it meant to be persecuted for their beliefs. They truly understood the sacrifice that Jesus had made for them. They knew what it meant to take up their crosses and follow Christ - and they were thankful to be able to do so.
My Sunday school lesson this week is about persecution. Last night's devotion was "We must trust God more than we fear men." (Acts 5:17-42)
The above verse (Acts 5:41), really spoke to me. The disciples had been arrested, thrown in jail, had to stand before the council and were badly beaten. And what did they do?
They REJOICED!
They didn't cry out to God with complaints. They didn't whine and pout. They didn't give up and give in to the demands of the council. They were THANKFUL that they had even been considered worthy to suffer for Christ!
Do we understand what it means to suffer today? Do we really know what it means to take up our crosses and stand out and be different in the name of the Lord?
I'm afraid that we have become controlled by fear. We don't want to look like one of those "Jesus Freaks." We're afraid that if anything seems out of place, people will judge us. We're afraid that if things aren't perfect, people will wonder what we did to deserve punishment. We're afraid that if we freely worship God and raise our hands to Him in praise that people will think we're weird. We definitely don't consider it an honor to suffer for Christ.
But that's exactly how the disciples felt. See, they had witnessed the Savior be beaten and die on the cross. They had seen Him die, they had seen Him after He rose from the dead, and they believed in Him.
They didn't care what men thought about them. They didn't care what traditions and rituals they broke ("...We ought to obey God rather than men." - Acts 5:29) They had life-changing news to share and if they had to share it while they were being beaten and stoned, so be it.
They suffered joyfully. (See 1 Peter 4:12-19)
But what does that mean for us today? We don't have to fear being stoned to death for our beliefs, but our fears are just as real. We fear being ostracized by friends, having to miss out on certain activities, or not getting that promotion if we stand up for what's right. But take heart!
We were promised that we would suffer in this world. "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." 2 Timothy 3:12
But Jesus also promised us that we would be rewarded for our faithfulness and perseverance. "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets that were before you." Matthew 5:11-12
So if you're struggling, rejoice in the Lord.
Remember how Jesus suffered for you, and remember that He is still with you always. Consider it an honor to suffer for Christ. He considered it an honor to die for you.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
30 Days with Jesus - Days 21-30
These last ten days of our month of devotions are beginning to repeat a lot of the same teachings that we have already covered.
Have you ever wondered why there are four books of the Bible that are dedicated to the life and teachings of Jesus? Now days, most of us are more familiar with the New Testament than we are with the Old Testament. We teach more lessons from the New Testament and find more ways to apply the New Testament to our lives, but the New Testament is very short. And the first four books of the New Testament are basically the same (they tell many of the same stories, each from a different point of view).
Why did God think it was necessary to repeat the stories about Jesus and His teachings four times? I think it was because we are so stubborn.
Think about how many times in these 30 days that we have read the Gospel message of salvation. Jesus gave out His wisdom in little stories so that people could understand things that are not of this world. And He repeated Himself a lot because we needed to hear it over and over for it to make a dent in our thick heads.
For the last ten of these devotions, I would love for you to leave a comment about what you have learned in the past 30 days with Jesus.
Thanks for reading!
Have you ever wondered why there are four books of the Bible that are dedicated to the life and teachings of Jesus? Now days, most of us are more familiar with the New Testament than we are with the Old Testament. We teach more lessons from the New Testament and find more ways to apply the New Testament to our lives, but the New Testament is very short. And the first four books of the New Testament are basically the same (they tell many of the same stories, each from a different point of view).
Why did God think it was necessary to repeat the stories about Jesus and His teachings four times? I think it was because we are so stubborn.
Think about how many times in these 30 days that we have read the Gospel message of salvation. Jesus gave out His wisdom in little stories so that people could understand things that are not of this world. And He repeated Himself a lot because we needed to hear it over and over for it to make a dent in our thick heads.
For the last ten of these devotions, I would love for you to leave a comment about what you have learned in the past 30 days with Jesus.
Thanks for reading!
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Mission Kids Summer Schedule
Mission Kids is our Wednesday Night Class for Pre-school through 5th Grade. We meet in the Family Life Center from 6:45 - 8:00 on Wednesday nights. We would love to have your kids in our classes!
Hello Mission Kids Parents!
We've been doing great with our Treasures of the Nile theme on Wednesday nights these past few weeks. Thank you so much to all of you that have volunteered and helped with the kids. The help is greatly appreciated!
We will wrap up Treasures of the Nile a few weeks early (tonight will be our last lesson in the series), and will be spending the month of July celebrating summer! We have lined up a ton of fun and exciting events for our kids. Check out this summer's schedule below:
Wednesday, July 1st - 4th of July Fun Night
We will learn about the armor of God and will celebrate our country. We will have hot dogs strawberry and grape slush drinks for snack. Donations of food/drinks will be appreciated.
Wednesday, July 8th - Open Gym Night
We will host the Mission Kids Games! Each class will learn about teamwork as they work together to complete an obstacle course and other fun games. Please make sure that your child wears appropriate shoes for the night's events. We will also have slush drinks (orange and grape), and you are welcome to send your child Gatorade. We will be in the gym, and it will be hot, but we will have water breaks and will have the fans on.
Wednesday, July 15th - Vacation Bible School! Camp Edge
Wednesday, July 22nd - Movie Night
We will try to beat the heat and get out of the gym tonight. We've been studying Moses in Treasures of the Nile, so we will be watching a cartoon movie about Moses. We will have popcorn and slush drinks. Again, donations will be appreciated.
Wednesday, July 29th - Puppet Show
We will have special guests, Puppets on the Rock, here to teach and entertain the kids.
We're really excited about all the fun activities we have planned for this summer. I will be posting photos of our events, so please get those photo release forms to me if you have not already. Thanks!
Hello Mission Kids Parents!
We've been doing great with our Treasures of the Nile theme on Wednesday nights these past few weeks. Thank you so much to all of you that have volunteered and helped with the kids. The help is greatly appreciated!
We will wrap up Treasures of the Nile a few weeks early (tonight will be our last lesson in the series), and will be spending the month of July celebrating summer! We have lined up a ton of fun and exciting events for our kids. Check out this summer's schedule below:
Wednesday, July 1st - 4th of July Fun Night
We will learn about the armor of God and will celebrate our country. We will have hot dogs strawberry and grape slush drinks for snack. Donations of food/drinks will be appreciated.
Wednesday, July 8th - Open Gym Night
We will host the Mission Kids Games! Each class will learn about teamwork as they work together to complete an obstacle course and other fun games. Please make sure that your child wears appropriate shoes for the night's events. We will also have slush drinks (orange and grape), and you are welcome to send your child Gatorade. We will be in the gym, and it will be hot, but we will have water breaks and will have the fans on.
Wednesday, July 15th - Vacation Bible School! Camp Edge
Wednesday, July 22nd - Movie Night
We will try to beat the heat and get out of the gym tonight. We've been studying Moses in Treasures of the Nile, so we will be watching a cartoon movie about Moses. We will have popcorn and slush drinks. Again, donations will be appreciated.
Wednesday, July 29th - Puppet Show
We will have special guests, Puppets on the Rock, here to teach and entertain the kids.
We're really excited about all the fun activities we have planned for this summer. I will be posting photos of our events, so please get those photo release forms to me if you have not already. Thanks!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Happy Father's Day!
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!
"The Influence of a Father"
Sermon by Bro. Rick Taylor
Fathers have a profound influence on the family, therefore they have a profound influence on the church. And because they have a profound influence on the church, they have a profound influence on God's kingdom - as designed by God.
"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up." Deuteronomy 6:6-7
Joshua 24:14-24
Joshua's Instruction -
- Fear the Lord (verse 14) "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction." Proverbs 1:7
- Serve the Lord - Joshua instructed the people to serve God in sincerity and truth. In this verse, sincerity means entirely and wholly. Truth means faithful and stable. In other words, we should give God our all, ALL the time!
- Put away false gods - Here, Joshua was instructing the children of Israel to put away the Egyptian influence and to beware of the influences of the world. He knew that the people of the world were going to try to influence the children of Israel to stray from serving God, and he wanted to make sure that they didn't allow themselves to be easily influenced.
Joshua's Intentions -
"And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD." Joshua 24:15 (KJV, emphasis added)
Joshua was the leader of his household and he made sure that his home and family were in the right spiritual condition, just as a father should. He knew that he had taught his family how they should live. He was confident that his family knew God and would serve Him. Joshua understood the influence he had on his family as the spiritual leader of their home, and he did not take his position lightly.
The People's Intentions -
- They intended to serve God - "And the people answered and said, God forbid that we should forsake the LORD, to serve other gods; For the LORD our God, he it is that brought us up and our fathers out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and which did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way wherein we went, and among all the people through whom we passed: And the LORD drave out from before us all the people, even the Amorites which dwelt in the land: therefore will we also serve the LORD; for he is our God... And the people said unto Joshua, The LORD our God will we serve, and his voice will we obey." Joshua 24:16-18, 24
- They forgot their good intentions - "And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel." Judges 2:10
Why did they turn from God? Because of the influence of their fathers:
Their fathers were disobedient
Check out Judges 1:21-36. God had instructed the children of Israel to go into the promised land and destroy all that lived there and take the land for their own. He did not want them to cohabitate with Canaanites because He did not want them to be influenced to sin against Him. But the Israelites did not obey God. They didn't drive the Canaanites out of the land and lived among them. In Judges 2:1-4, God sends the angel of the Lord to rebuke and warn the children of Israel -
"And an angel of the LORD came up from Gilgal to Bochim, and said, I made you to go up out of Egypt, and have brought you unto the land which I sware unto your fathers; and I said, I will never break my covenant with you. And ye shall make no league with the inhabitants of this land; ye shall throw down their altars: but ye have not obeyed my voice: why have ye done this? Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you. And it came to pass, when the angel of the LORD spake these words unto all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voice, and wept."
As a father (or mother, or big sister, or mentor), the decisions you make effect the future generations. How are you influencing the future?
Saturday, June 20, 2009
"Increase our faith" - 30 Days with Jesus - Day 20
Luke 17:1-37
"And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith." Luke 17:5
Has anyone ever told you to be careful what you pray for? I've heard all my life that you shouldn't pray for patience, because God will send you trials that will teach you to be more patient. But what if you really need patience?
The apostles knew that they needed faith, and they asked Jesus to increase their faith. To me, that sounds a little like praying for patience. If your faith is going to increase, it's going to have to be tested and proven. So that's a hard prayer to pray.
But the prayers we usually need to pray the most are the ones that are hard to pray - for example, if you are having a hard time in a relationship with a dear friend, do you pray for God to change her or do you pray for God to change you? We should pray, "Change ME, Lord." We should pray, "Increase MY faith, Lord." We should pray, "Fill ME, Lord."
Why don't we pray this way? Is it because we are afraid to change? Is it because we don't want to admit that we need to change? I think its both.
So I challenge you today - pray for God to increase your faith. He tells us in Luke 17:6 (and Matthew 17:20) that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed that nothing will be impossible to us. Do you know how big a mustard seed is? It's about the size of a pen point. Imagine what we could do if we really had faith! Imagine what we could do with a big faith!
Sure, prayers like that are hard because they usually require us to do some work, but I think the reward is worth the effort, don't you?
"And the apostles said unto the Lord, Increase our faith." Luke 17:5
Has anyone ever told you to be careful what you pray for? I've heard all my life that you shouldn't pray for patience, because God will send you trials that will teach you to be more patient. But what if you really need patience?
The apostles knew that they needed faith, and they asked Jesus to increase their faith. To me, that sounds a little like praying for patience. If your faith is going to increase, it's going to have to be tested and proven. So that's a hard prayer to pray.
But the prayers we usually need to pray the most are the ones that are hard to pray - for example, if you are having a hard time in a relationship with a dear friend, do you pray for God to change her or do you pray for God to change you? We should pray, "Change ME, Lord." We should pray, "Increase MY faith, Lord." We should pray, "Fill ME, Lord."
Why don't we pray this way? Is it because we are afraid to change? Is it because we don't want to admit that we need to change? I think its both.
So I challenge you today - pray for God to increase your faith. He tells us in Luke 17:6 (and Matthew 17:20) that if we have faith the size of a mustard seed that nothing will be impossible to us. Do you know how big a mustard seed is? It's about the size of a pen point. Imagine what we could do if we really had faith! Imagine what we could do with a big faith!
Sure, prayers like that are hard because they usually require us to do some work, but I think the reward is worth the effort, don't you?
Friday, June 19, 2009
Casting Stones - 30 Days with Jesus - Day 19
John 8:1-59
"Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:1-12 (KJV, emphasis added)
I'm sure that I've already told you that John is my favorite book of the Bible. I think Jesus' love for people shines through John's account more than the others. And I especially love the stories that John wrote about women that met Jesus. We've already studied the woman at the well (and if you want to study her story more in-depth, you really need to buy Paperdoll by Natalie Lloyd. It was a great book!), and today we're going to meet the woman caught in adultery.
We all have secrets. I'm sure you have some things that you would not want to have splashed across the front page of your hometown newspaper. We all have things that are private. And, unfortunately, some of those private things are sins.
This woman had a big secret. She was having an affair. I'm sure she didn't try to publicize it. After all, it was a totally different culture and age than the one we live in now. Instead of gossipping and bragging about her affair like women do on tv shows and Lifetime movies, she had to hide it from everyone. She was breaking the Law, and the sin she was committing was punishable by death.
Despite her efforts to keep her affair secret, word somehow got around and she was caught red-handed. Imagine how embarrassed and ashamed she must have felt! Then, to make matters worse, the men that caught her drug her to the Temple, yelling her sins out for all to hear. And of all people to take her to, they drug her up to Jesus, the teacher and miracle worker she'd been hearing about.
I'm sure she felt completely unworthy to look Him in the eye, especially after the men told Him what she was guilty of. He knew the Law, and she was sure that He would be the first to cast a stone at her as punishment for her sins.
But instead of picking up a stone, He just knelt and started writing on the ground. He looked at the men that had brought her there. "Which of you is without sin?" He asked. "Let him cast the first stone at her."
Slowly, all the men left. Not one could say he had never sinned. Her life was spared! I'm sure she breathed a sigh of relief.
But then, He looked at her. I bet she held her breath, afraid of what He was going to say. But all He did was ask her where all the men that had accused her had gone. "Hath no man condemned thee?" He asked.
She humbly looked into His compassionate face and shook her head. "No man, Lord," she said.
"Neither do I condemn thee," Jesus said. "Go, and sin no more."
Do you think that woman skipped home? I do. The Messiah had just spared her life, and He had forgiven her of her sins. He gave her a second chance!
Those men in the village had been quick to point fingers at her and judge her, but Jesus was just as quick to forgive her.
And He is just as quick to forgive us today.
After the woman left, Jesus turned to the people He had been teaching and told them that He was the light of the world. I know that woman felt His light shine in the dark places of her heart that day. She no longer had to be afraid. She was no longer bound by her sin and fear. She was forgiven and free, and He had told her to sin no more.
Whenever a person met Jesus, he or she went away changed. The greatest thing about that is that Jesus is still the same. He is still the light of the world. He still offers forgiveness and redemption. He still tells us that we are not condemned if we just believe in Him.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." John 3:16-17, emphasis added
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:1, emphasis added
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. " John 5:24, emphasis added
"Jesus went unto the mount of Olives.
And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them.
And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst,
They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act.
Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou?
This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not.
So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.
And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground.
And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst.
When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee?
She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more.
Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life." John 8:1-12 (KJV, emphasis added)
I'm sure that I've already told you that John is my favorite book of the Bible. I think Jesus' love for people shines through John's account more than the others. And I especially love the stories that John wrote about women that met Jesus. We've already studied the woman at the well (and if you want to study her story more in-depth, you really need to buy Paperdoll by Natalie Lloyd. It was a great book!), and today we're going to meet the woman caught in adultery.
We all have secrets. I'm sure you have some things that you would not want to have splashed across the front page of your hometown newspaper. We all have things that are private. And, unfortunately, some of those private things are sins.
This woman had a big secret. She was having an affair. I'm sure she didn't try to publicize it. After all, it was a totally different culture and age than the one we live in now. Instead of gossipping and bragging about her affair like women do on tv shows and Lifetime movies, she had to hide it from everyone. She was breaking the Law, and the sin she was committing was punishable by death.
Despite her efforts to keep her affair secret, word somehow got around and she was caught red-handed. Imagine how embarrassed and ashamed she must have felt! Then, to make matters worse, the men that caught her drug her to the Temple, yelling her sins out for all to hear. And of all people to take her to, they drug her up to Jesus, the teacher and miracle worker she'd been hearing about.
I'm sure she felt completely unworthy to look Him in the eye, especially after the men told Him what she was guilty of. He knew the Law, and she was sure that He would be the first to cast a stone at her as punishment for her sins.
But instead of picking up a stone, He just knelt and started writing on the ground. He looked at the men that had brought her there. "Which of you is without sin?" He asked. "Let him cast the first stone at her."
Slowly, all the men left. Not one could say he had never sinned. Her life was spared! I'm sure she breathed a sigh of relief.
But then, He looked at her. I bet she held her breath, afraid of what He was going to say. But all He did was ask her where all the men that had accused her had gone. "Hath no man condemned thee?" He asked.
She humbly looked into His compassionate face and shook her head. "No man, Lord," she said.
"Neither do I condemn thee," Jesus said. "Go, and sin no more."
Do you think that woman skipped home? I do. The Messiah had just spared her life, and He had forgiven her of her sins. He gave her a second chance!
Those men in the village had been quick to point fingers at her and judge her, but Jesus was just as quick to forgive her.
And He is just as quick to forgive us today.
After the woman left, Jesus turned to the people He had been teaching and told them that He was the light of the world. I know that woman felt His light shine in the dark places of her heart that day. She no longer had to be afraid. She was no longer bound by her sin and fear. She was forgiven and free, and He had told her to sin no more.
Whenever a person met Jesus, he or she went away changed. The greatest thing about that is that Jesus is still the same. He is still the light of the world. He still offers forgiveness and redemption. He still tells us that we are not condemned if we just believe in Him.
"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved." John 3:16-17, emphasis added
"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit." Romans 8:1, emphasis added
"Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. " John 5:24, emphasis added
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