Last Sunday was a really different day for me. We didn't have church at NewSpring. As I was debating about what to do, where to go, I thought about watching something on the web or TV but decided I wanted to go to church and worship with other people.
I thought about First Baptist Spartanburg and their Genesis service. I've heard good things about it but it's in the Hangar and there are no seats, only concrete bleachers. Since I have back problems occasionally, I quickly nixed that idea.
Then I thought about Sea Coast Church. I looked them up on the web and pondered it a little but nixed it too.
So I ended up at the 10:30 service at Brookwood Church in Simpsonville. I had not been there in about 2 1/2 or 3 years. It turned out to be a pretty traditional service. They had an acoustic set for the worship time and an older man - the missions pastor - preaching. The music was good and the auditorium was full. The service lasted about 63 minutes from beginning to end.
The one thing that was different was communion. The communion juice and wafer were prepackaged and picked up at the door with the bulletin and a pen as you entered the auditorium. The commercially produced product had a little wafer about the size of a nickel and about as thin as a dime. It was sealed on top of the juice which was in a little round container the size you'd get cream for your coffee in at a restaurant.
Since it was still early in the day when Brookwood let out, I decided to go check out Redemption World Outreach Center. That service was at noon and lasted until about 2:15. It was loud and jumping and shouting and all sorts of commotion. There were dancers on stage and in the aisles. People stood and talked out loud during the message - talking to the pastor, agreeing with what he said. They probably had about 3500 or so people there.
Both pastors were preaching on the prodigal son - which is what Perry preached about at our Christmas Eve services. Hearing 3 different views on this same passage was interesting. But I have to say going to other churches helps to reinforce in my heart that I am right where God wants me to be!!
Monday, December 28, 2009
Friday, December 25, 2009
Merry Christmas
We took a special Christmas offering this year at NewSpring Church. When Perry first announced it an amount of money came into my head. That amount was more than I would have thought of on my own but I said OK, Lord, I will give that.
THEN, my washing machine broke and had to have a new computer board put it - not cheap! (Coulda bought a new cheap washer for the price of the board and installation.) THEN, I developed a leak in my roof. The roofer says my 20-25 year old shingles need to be replaced. THEN, I thought about the money I'd agreed with God to give to NewSpring. I told God none of this would deter me. I would not lessen the amount I would give. So I wrote my check and mailed it in about 2 weeks ago.
On Wednesday, my boss handed out pay checks because we were closed Thursday and Friday. When I opened the envelope I had a NICE Christmas bonus. I had absolutely NO expectation of receiving a bonus and would never have imagined getting one of this amount.
On Wednesday I thought, wow, how generous of my employer. On Thursday night as I drove home from our Christmas Eve services it clicked in my brain that this was the same amount I had given to the Christmas offering. I thought, how great is our God that He would replace the money I gave to Him. My heart was so full of His love and care for me that I wept as I drove toward home. God continues to amaze me!!
THEN, my washing machine broke and had to have a new computer board put it - not cheap! (Coulda bought a new cheap washer for the price of the board and installation.) THEN, I developed a leak in my roof. The roofer says my 20-25 year old shingles need to be replaced. THEN, I thought about the money I'd agreed with God to give to NewSpring. I told God none of this would deter me. I would not lessen the amount I would give. So I wrote my check and mailed it in about 2 weeks ago.
On Wednesday, my boss handed out pay checks because we were closed Thursday and Friday. When I opened the envelope I had a NICE Christmas bonus. I had absolutely NO expectation of receiving a bonus and would never have imagined getting one of this amount.
On Wednesday I thought, wow, how generous of my employer. On Thursday night as I drove home from our Christmas Eve services it clicked in my brain that this was the same amount I had given to the Christmas offering. I thought, how great is our God that He would replace the money I gave to Him. My heart was so full of His love and care for me that I wept as I drove toward home. God continues to amaze me!!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Gripped by the Greatness of God
As this year winds down and a new year begins, I am focusing on all that God has done that shows His greatness, His awesomeness. Not just to me personally but in the world; not just this year but in years past.
One of the first things that came to mind was the taking down of the Berlin wall. Although President Reagan got a lot of credit for that, it was really a God thing. After all the years of hatred, fear, and distrust, the "fall of the wall" was - in my mind - all God.
Even earlier than that I believe our putting men on the moon was a God thing so that we could really see and understand how tiny we are in the whole scheme of the universe.
More personally, in the 17 years I wandered in the wilderness God never took His hand of protection from me even as He let me get to the very brink of destruction.
My business closing was a God thing because I had to rely on Him and trust Him as I never had before. God showed up in a BIG way financially through it all.
I believe my mama's stroke 6 weeks before my daddy died was God's hand on her life. It was His way of protecting her from the hurt of losing her partner of 70+ years. It prevented her from finding him dead, from having to make choices about moving out of the house, from loneliness and fear.
My brother living 15 years longer than the doctors said was God working in all our lives, teaching us faith, giving us hope.
My son's marriage and his children are the beginning of a work I believe God is going to do in my son's life.
My being at NewSpring Church is definitely God's doing. He said "I'm doing a new thing!" and "Look and see" . I have been amazed at all that He is doing!!
In 2009 God has supplied me with an incredible peace about the future. As I contemplate retirement, as I think about new ways to serve Him, as I seek to fulfill my purpose to glorify God I am confident that I am His and that nothing can snatch me from His hand.
I can't wait to see what God is going to do in 2010!
One of the first things that came to mind was the taking down of the Berlin wall. Although President Reagan got a lot of credit for that, it was really a God thing. After all the years of hatred, fear, and distrust, the "fall of the wall" was - in my mind - all God.
Even earlier than that I believe our putting men on the moon was a God thing so that we could really see and understand how tiny we are in the whole scheme of the universe.
More personally, in the 17 years I wandered in the wilderness God never took His hand of protection from me even as He let me get to the very brink of destruction.
My business closing was a God thing because I had to rely on Him and trust Him as I never had before. God showed up in a BIG way financially through it all.
I believe my mama's stroke 6 weeks before my daddy died was God's hand on her life. It was His way of protecting her from the hurt of losing her partner of 70+ years. It prevented her from finding him dead, from having to make choices about moving out of the house, from loneliness and fear.
My brother living 15 years longer than the doctors said was God working in all our lives, teaching us faith, giving us hope.
My son's marriage and his children are the beginning of a work I believe God is going to do in my son's life.
My being at NewSpring Church is definitely God's doing. He said "I'm doing a new thing!" and "Look and see" . I have been amazed at all that He is doing!!
In 2009 God has supplied me with an incredible peace about the future. As I contemplate retirement, as I think about new ways to serve Him, as I seek to fulfill my purpose to glorify God I am confident that I am His and that nothing can snatch me from His hand.
I can't wait to see what God is going to do in 2010!
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Thank You, God!
Every time I read a post from Perry about people who surrendered their lives to Jesus; every time I hear about the shoe give aways in all 4 cities; every time I read the NewSpring blog about lives that are changed because of the web service I am so grateful to God for bringing me into the family of NewSpring Church.
I just wish I had listened earlier. I was so comfortable and satisfied where I was that I did not want to go anywhere else. But God was insistent. When I wasn't responding, He allowed the circumstances of my life get to a point where I HAD to listen. I HAD to make a decision.
This is not the first time God has let me get into those situations. You'd think I'd learn to just do it because delayed obedience is disobedience and is a sin and that creates all sorts of problems. It's a lack of total surrender to God's way in my life...me still wanting to be in control. I should know by now that NEVER works out!
I just wish I had listened earlier. I was so comfortable and satisfied where I was that I did not want to go anywhere else. But God was insistent. When I wasn't responding, He allowed the circumstances of my life get to a point where I HAD to listen. I HAD to make a decision.
This is not the first time God has let me get into those situations. You'd think I'd learn to just do it because delayed obedience is disobedience and is a sin and that creates all sorts of problems. It's a lack of total surrender to God's way in my life...me still wanting to be in control. I should know by now that NEVER works out!
Friday, December 18, 2009
Marks of the True Christian
I've been reading through the Bible this year but have gotten a little behind. Instead of being in Revelation I have just finished Romans. But that is OK. The purpose is not to finish in a year but to read with fresh eyes the Book I have read so many times.
My Bible has those little subtitles in each chapter. When I came to this one for Romans 12:9-21 I knew God was about to tear at my heart and my sinful nature. As I read this passage and then read it again and again I was convicted of how far short I fall. Which causes me to fall on my face in gratitude for the grace of God that forgives my sin and gives me another chance.
Even if I don't seek vengeance when I have been wronged, do I mentally and in my heart wish for it? Do I abhor evil? (Abhor is a STRONG word!) Do I bless those who persecute me? Am I even vocal enough in my stand for Christ to BE persecuted? Am I patient in tribulation? Am I constant in prayer?
Lord God, You still have so much work to do in me to conform me to Your Son. You are the Potter and I am the clay...help me to submit willingly to Your molding.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
I Am Still Overwhelmed
As I was listening to Perry today as he preached at NewSpring I was once again overwhelmed with God's grace and mercy on my life.
I really thought about where I was and where I am and how differently my life would be if God had not pursued me and I had not said, "Yes!" when I knew I was hearing his voice.
Sometimes His voice is not as noticeable as it has been at other times. Part of the reason for that is the busyness of life. Perry challenged us last week to turn off the noise - at least occasionally - to be able to hear Him. Christmas is the perfect time for that. I don't want to be so caught up in the hustle and bustle and the what to buy and what to cook that I forget that most wonderful miracle when God became a man and walked among us because God loves us. Not just "us" or "the world" but ME! God loves ME. God died for ME.
That's not a selfish statement but a recognition that God is personally involved in my life, my hopes and dreams, successes and failures, good times and bad. In all of it God is watching over me, guiding, encouraging, aiding, strengthening. He provides me with contentment and peace and fills my heart with joy!
For me this season is not about "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" but "THANK YOU FOR SAVING MY SOUL!"
I really thought about where I was and where I am and how differently my life would be if God had not pursued me and I had not said, "Yes!" when I knew I was hearing his voice.
Sometimes His voice is not as noticeable as it has been at other times. Part of the reason for that is the busyness of life. Perry challenged us last week to turn off the noise - at least occasionally - to be able to hear Him. Christmas is the perfect time for that. I don't want to be so caught up in the hustle and bustle and the what to buy and what to cook that I forget that most wonderful miracle when God became a man and walked among us because God loves us. Not just "us" or "the world" but ME! God loves ME. God died for ME.
That's not a selfish statement but a recognition that God is personally involved in my life, my hopes and dreams, successes and failures, good times and bad. In all of it God is watching over me, guiding, encouraging, aiding, strengthening. He provides me with contentment and peace and fills my heart with joy!
For me this season is not about "Merry Christmas" or "Happy Holidays" but "THANK YOU FOR SAVING MY SOUL!"
Friday, December 11, 2009
My Christmas Challenge
I have been thinking about how self-centered I often am in my prayer life. From now until Christmas, I am not going to ask God for anything except for the requests that come through the church.
For me, personally, I am going to pray only prayers of thanksgiving and praise. I am going to thank God for something different everyday and praise Him just because He is worthy of my praise.
I am not going to ask for anything for me or my family - no "me/mine" prayers - not that there is anything wrong with that. I just want to change my focus. This Christmas I want to focus on all that has already been given to me by the Most High God. And not just the visible stuff but the air I breathe and my heart that beats and ears that hear. I want my Christmas to be immersed in thankfulness.
I believe as I focus more on Him, He will be able to speak more clearly to my heart about the direction my life should take in the new year.
For me, personally, I am going to pray only prayers of thanksgiving and praise. I am going to thank God for something different everyday and praise Him just because He is worthy of my praise.
I am not going to ask for anything for me or my family - no "me/mine" prayers - not that there is anything wrong with that. I just want to change my focus. This Christmas I want to focus on all that has already been given to me by the Most High God. And not just the visible stuff but the air I breathe and my heart that beats and ears that hear. I want my Christmas to be immersed in thankfulness.
I believe as I focus more on Him, He will be able to speak more clearly to my heart about the direction my life should take in the new year.
Persecution
I was reading a story posted today on Fox News http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,579979,00.html about the government going into the compound of a mega church in China, arresting the pastors, damaging the church and trying to scatter the believers. It amazes me, though, that as persecution comes, the church grows. The people may be in hiding but they still spread the gospel.
In America my faith costs me so little yet I have been given so much. I don't have to worry about the police storming the doors of my church or throwing me in jail or beating me up yet at times I refuse to speak the name of Jesus. Am I afraid of someone shunning me or laughing at me or not liking me any more if I am so "radical" that I take Jesus into the workplace or my neighborhood.
I've just finished reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Part of his challenge is to really seek God and what He would have me do with the abundance I have been given. One of the things he did was downsize his house so he would have less house payment and more money to give away. His church in California is giving away 58% of all they take in financially.
And it's not JUST money he talks about giving away. He also talks about time and energy and giftedness. I get so comfortable in my own little world that I often forget about the "least of these" that Jesus challenges me to help. Reading this made me think of Matt Beasley and his LOT project in Anderson. Matt is a college student who was burdened for the kids from the projects and decided to do something to help and the L.O.T. (least of these) project was born. http://thelotproject.com/The_Lot_Project/The_Lot_Project_Anderson_SC_Homepage.html
As I celebrate Christmas and the God who gave His best, His only Son, I am challenged to give my best, to even give until it hurts. Especially since I don't face any persecution or hardship in my walk with Jesus.
In America my faith costs me so little yet I have been given so much. I don't have to worry about the police storming the doors of my church or throwing me in jail or beating me up yet at times I refuse to speak the name of Jesus. Am I afraid of someone shunning me or laughing at me or not liking me any more if I am so "radical" that I take Jesus into the workplace or my neighborhood.
I've just finished reading Crazy Love by Francis Chan. Part of his challenge is to really seek God and what He would have me do with the abundance I have been given. One of the things he did was downsize his house so he would have less house payment and more money to give away. His church in California is giving away 58% of all they take in financially.
And it's not JUST money he talks about giving away. He also talks about time and energy and giftedness. I get so comfortable in my own little world that I often forget about the "least of these" that Jesus challenges me to help. Reading this made me think of Matt Beasley and his LOT project in Anderson. Matt is a college student who was burdened for the kids from the projects and decided to do something to help and the L.O.T. (least of these) project was born. http://thelotproject.com/The_Lot_Project/The_Lot_Project_Anderson_SC_Homepage.html
As I celebrate Christmas and the God who gave His best, His only Son, I am challenged to give my best, to even give until it hurts. Especially since I don't face any persecution or hardship in my walk with Jesus.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Child-like Faith
Perry made a statement Sunday that I totally agree with. He said the Bible is the inerrant, infallible Word of God. I believe that with all my heart. Sometimes I read something and wonder why God allowed it to happen or why He allowed certain people to be killed, especially children. Sometimes I just don't understand but I accept it all as part of God's revelation of Himself to man.
We had a brief discussion last week at home group about whether the earth is relatively young or millions of years old. We also touched on the other people in Genesis when Cain left home and found a wife.
I've thought about that a lot over the last week. I've read that portion of Genesis any number of times but this week I came to the conclusion again that if the Bible says God created everything in 6 days, I believe it was 6 literal days. Not millions of years or even 1000's. And if the Bible says Eve is the mother of all the living, I believe it. And that the flood covered all the earth even to the mountain tops and all the people and animals not on the ark drowned, I believe that too. I won't argue with anyone about their views but I have concluded I believe what the Bible says.
I have struggled at times to have child-like faith, just to take God at His word. I believe He gave us the ability to think and to reason and to search the scriptures for His truth but not to question what He says.
I can't answer questions about the ice age or the dinosaurs or carbon dating or how long it takes a diamond to form. I can't explain light years or black holes or the expanding universe or if there are people on other planets. I don't understand famine and poverty and the struggles most of the world faces. There are lots and lots of things I just don't know.
But I do know that God created me and loves me and watches over me and takes delight in me and adopted me and will keep me His for all eternity. As I think about that it brings tears to my eyes - the awesomeness of it just about overwhelms me. Because I know He loves me, I know I can trust Him and trusting Him means I can believe Him - even about the things I don't understand.
We had a brief discussion last week at home group about whether the earth is relatively young or millions of years old. We also touched on the other people in Genesis when Cain left home and found a wife.
I've thought about that a lot over the last week. I've read that portion of Genesis any number of times but this week I came to the conclusion again that if the Bible says God created everything in 6 days, I believe it was 6 literal days. Not millions of years or even 1000's. And if the Bible says Eve is the mother of all the living, I believe it. And that the flood covered all the earth even to the mountain tops and all the people and animals not on the ark drowned, I believe that too. I won't argue with anyone about their views but I have concluded I believe what the Bible says.
I have struggled at times to have child-like faith, just to take God at His word. I believe He gave us the ability to think and to reason and to search the scriptures for His truth but not to question what He says.
I can't answer questions about the ice age or the dinosaurs or carbon dating or how long it takes a diamond to form. I can't explain light years or black holes or the expanding universe or if there are people on other planets. I don't understand famine and poverty and the struggles most of the world faces. There are lots and lots of things I just don't know.
But I do know that God created me and loves me and watches over me and takes delight in me and adopted me and will keep me His for all eternity. As I think about that it brings tears to my eyes - the awesomeness of it just about overwhelms me. Because I know He loves me, I know I can trust Him and trusting Him means I can believe Him - even about the things I don't understand.
Money, Money, Money
Money is going out the door around here faster than I would like but I am just grateful I have the money to go out the door.
So far this year I have repaired my AC - had to run a new line for the coolant because the old one was cracked; my washer - new computer board; and now my roof - got leaks and I still have the original roof (20+ years old). The price is quoted and the roof will be replaced as soon as the roofer can get to it which may be mid January.
And it's time for the Christmas offering which I had agreed with God on an amount BEFORE the washer and the roof went out. But that will not nullify or lessen the amount I believe God wants me to give.
He is soooo good to me! Family, friends, church, job, health, His love and patience with me and I just trust Him. He will provide - He always has and I have no reason to doubt Him now!
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