I sometimes read things in the Bible and think that was pretty harsh. As I read about Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 and their instantaneous death because they lied about what they were giving to God, it makes me shudder.
Peter tells them this land was yours to keep or sell. After you sold it the money was yours to keep or give. But you come traipsing into church, wanting everyone to think how generous you are as you give your money, but you are a liar. Why didn't you just say I'm going to keep some and give some? Why did you want everyone to think you were making such a big sacrifice when you knew what you were giving was not what you really got for he land? Boom! Dead! Both of them.
Acts 5:11 says "And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things." It puts a little fear in me too when I remember times I've said God if you will just...then I will... Maybe I did and maybe I didn't uphold my vow. But then I also remember that "there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1)
No condemnation brings great comfort and peace but the big word in that sentence is not condemnation but IN. You must be IN Christ to get the benefits. Too many people in churches today are relying on their good looking clothes and pretending everything is great and doing lots of stuff to justify them before God rather than knowing Jesus.
When Samuel annointed David king, God told Samuel, "...man looks on the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7). Jesus says that on "that day", the day of judgement, many will be cast out. Even though they did lots of stuff, even in Jesus' name, Jesus will say, "I never knew you." (Matthew 7:21-23, Matthew 25:31-46).
Knowing Jesus is more than the things we do or the place we go on Sunday or how we dress. Jesus showed us how to serve, how to love, how to give. As His followers we should do the things He did. But being IN Christ is about being "a new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17, Galations 6:15). And that new creation comes when one is "born again...of the Spirit..." (John 3:3-8)
Showing posts with label service. Show all posts
Showing posts with label service. Show all posts
Friday, May 31, 2013
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Next Steps
Sometimes I think at this stage of my life I should be able to sort of coast through life. I've paid my dues in work and volunteering and service. Some days I just get tired. Some days I just want to have responsibility for only me. But the Bible teaches that is not the way to live a life pleasing to God. I am always to be looking for the next step God wants me to take.
God gave next steps to Abraham and Moses when they were in their 70s and 80s, old by today's standards but maybe not so old when people lived well into their 100s. Nevertheless, God doesn't shut me down just because I get a little age on me. The key is to not get so comfortable doing what I'm doing that I don't hear or listen to the voice of God.
I am about to take a next step in my volunteer life at NewSpring Church. I have served with Sunday production/media for almost 20 years. This has always been so exciting as I've run cameras or operated computers or did whatever was necessary, including live TV at my previous church, to make the presentation of the Sunday service available to those in attendance. Although I believe this is a "front lines" effort in the presentation of the Gospel, the people who serve are generally out of sight behind doors and curtains and rather isolated from the rest of the Church in attendance.
Now God is moving me out of my passion for the last 17-20 years and sending me in a new direction. This Sunday will be my first with Guest Services, starting as a Greeter. I don't know what God is up to in my life or how new responsibilities will develop in this area but I do know this is definitely not a behind the scenes area of ministry.
For the past 10 months I have been caring for the Production Team without any weekly hands on responsibility. I have been responsible for scheduling, 1st serves, training, and generally encouraging the team. At first I was not sure I wanted to give up sitting in a chair and making things happen but I see now how God was using that time to prepare me for this transition to Guest Services.
I may be caring for a team there as well but more than that I may be caring for first time visitors. That is becoming my new passion; helping new people connect with NewSpring and know that we really are glad they are with us for the day. Another passion that is growing is actually being part of the 6pm service each week. Last Sunday night I got to do that and had the opportunity to pray with Linda who stood when the guest preacher asked for those struggling through a time of silence from God to stand and then asked those nearby to go pray for them.
I don't always know what God is up to in my life but I do know that I want to be obedient to every next step He puts before me.
God gave next steps to Abraham and Moses when they were in their 70s and 80s, old by today's standards but maybe not so old when people lived well into their 100s. Nevertheless, God doesn't shut me down just because I get a little age on me. The key is to not get so comfortable doing what I'm doing that I don't hear or listen to the voice of God.
I am about to take a next step in my volunteer life at NewSpring Church. I have served with Sunday production/media for almost 20 years. This has always been so exciting as I've run cameras or operated computers or did whatever was necessary, including live TV at my previous church, to make the presentation of the Sunday service available to those in attendance. Although I believe this is a "front lines" effort in the presentation of the Gospel, the people who serve are generally out of sight behind doors and curtains and rather isolated from the rest of the Church in attendance.
Now God is moving me out of my passion for the last 17-20 years and sending me in a new direction. This Sunday will be my first with Guest Services, starting as a Greeter. I don't know what God is up to in my life or how new responsibilities will develop in this area but I do know this is definitely not a behind the scenes area of ministry.
For the past 10 months I have been caring for the Production Team without any weekly hands on responsibility. I have been responsible for scheduling, 1st serves, training, and generally encouraging the team. At first I was not sure I wanted to give up sitting in a chair and making things happen but I see now how God was using that time to prepare me for this transition to Guest Services.
I may be caring for a team there as well but more than that I may be caring for first time visitors. That is becoming my new passion; helping new people connect with NewSpring and know that we really are glad they are with us for the day. Another passion that is growing is actually being part of the 6pm service each week. Last Sunday night I got to do that and had the opportunity to pray with Linda who stood when the guest preacher asked for those struggling through a time of silence from God to stand and then asked those nearby to go pray for them.
I don't always know what God is up to in my life but I do know that I want to be obedient to every next step He puts before me.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Delayed Obedience Is Disobedience
Sometimes I want to just kick myself for when it is so hard for me to be obedient to God. It always leads to sorrow and regret!
About nine years ago I believed God was going to move me away from my hometown. I stopped seeing the guy I was dating, whom I knew was not God's best for me for a lot of reasons. But then I didn't move. I was sure, at first, that God was leading me away from my church of 20+ years but rather than leave the people I loved so much, I went on staff as an employee of the church.
For two years things were great. The ministry I was serving was growing. The people I served loved me and I loved them and my supervisor was extremely pleased with everything. Then, over a two week period, things began to fall apart. And it was not pretty. I left that church hurt, disillusioned, angry, blaming myself for things I could not control.
Knowing for some time that God wanted me to move, I had visited some surrounding churches just to check them out. Others I watched on TV. But I kept thinking, nope not it. As I allowed God to lead me, I quickly found the church He had been wanting to get me into for years.
It was a church 50 miles from home that I had no knowledge of except I'd heard it was for college kids. When I turned into the driveway, God spoke to my heart to say this is it. So I knew before I ever walked in the door, before I ever heard the preacher preach, before I ever knew the core values, NewSpring was to be my new church home. As I was greeted at my car and walked into the church, as I heard the message and watched the videos, as I participated in musical worship, I was blown away. Within 10 days I was a member and have never regretted a minute of it except that I didn't listen when God first tried to get me out of my comfort zone.
God had been prodding me with, "I'm doing things you're never going to see if you don't leave!" And that was truth directly from God. I have seen my son, grandson, and granddaughter all surrender their lives to Jesus. I have seen my daughter in law confess her addiction to alcohol, for the first time, to Care Room volunteers and seek the help she needed. I have seen 1000s more make the same kinds of decisions.
When I started there was one campus with plans for another (only 30 miles from my home). Now, in just five years, there are 8 campuses across our state with plans for more. We have gone from an average weekly attendance of around 8,000 to almost 25,000. There is now a campus in my community only a few miles from home. In 2013 at the local campus I now attend, we have seen 343 salvations and 292 public professions of faith through baptism. It just blows me away! I read and hear all sorts of things about the demise of the church, but the Church is still the Bride of Christ and His means to reach the world.
Because my previous disobedience ended so badly, I have tried hard to listen for God's direction. And God has chosen to honor me personally in ways I never would have believed when I first walked in the doors of NewSpring. I am so humbled that this grandma would be chosen to do and see the things God has allowed me to do and see. His grace is so marvelous. Obedience is so joyful. If God never, ever blesses me with anything else, He has done enough.
About nine years ago I believed God was going to move me away from my hometown. I stopped seeing the guy I was dating, whom I knew was not God's best for me for a lot of reasons. But then I didn't move. I was sure, at first, that God was leading me away from my church of 20+ years but rather than leave the people I loved so much, I went on staff as an employee of the church.
For two years things were great. The ministry I was serving was growing. The people I served loved me and I loved them and my supervisor was extremely pleased with everything. Then, over a two week period, things began to fall apart. And it was not pretty. I left that church hurt, disillusioned, angry, blaming myself for things I could not control.
Knowing for some time that God wanted me to move, I had visited some surrounding churches just to check them out. Others I watched on TV. But I kept thinking, nope not it. As I allowed God to lead me, I quickly found the church He had been wanting to get me into for years.
It was a church 50 miles from home that I had no knowledge of except I'd heard it was for college kids. When I turned into the driveway, God spoke to my heart to say this is it. So I knew before I ever walked in the door, before I ever heard the preacher preach, before I ever knew the core values, NewSpring was to be my new church home. As I was greeted at my car and walked into the church, as I heard the message and watched the videos, as I participated in musical worship, I was blown away. Within 10 days I was a member and have never regretted a minute of it except that I didn't listen when God first tried to get me out of my comfort zone.
God had been prodding me with, "I'm doing things you're never going to see if you don't leave!" And that was truth directly from God. I have seen my son, grandson, and granddaughter all surrender their lives to Jesus. I have seen my daughter in law confess her addiction to alcohol, for the first time, to Care Room volunteers and seek the help she needed. I have seen 1000s more make the same kinds of decisions.
When I started there was one campus with plans for another (only 30 miles from my home). Now, in just five years, there are 8 campuses across our state with plans for more. We have gone from an average weekly attendance of around 8,000 to almost 25,000. There is now a campus in my community only a few miles from home. In 2013 at the local campus I now attend, we have seen 343 salvations and 292 public professions of faith through baptism. It just blows me away! I read and hear all sorts of things about the demise of the church, but the Church is still the Bride of Christ and His means to reach the world.
Because my previous disobedience ended so badly, I have tried hard to listen for God's direction. And God has chosen to honor me personally in ways I never would have believed when I first walked in the doors of NewSpring. I am so humbled that this grandma would be chosen to do and see the things God has allowed me to do and see. His grace is so marvelous. Obedience is so joyful. If God never, ever blesses me with anything else, He has done enough.
Friday, August 10, 2012
Next Steps
The sheep hear [the shepherd's] voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. I [Jesus] am the good shepherd, I know my own and my own know me. My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. John 10:3,14,27
At NewSpring we talk a lot about next steps for our church as a body and for each individual person. Here in John 10, Jesus sets the stage for that.
In these verses the steps are hear, know, and follow.
Hearing Jesus brings conviction to my heart that I am a sinner, separated from God and in desperate need of the grace of God for salvation through Jesus Christ alone. Acts 4:12
Getting to know Jesus begins by reading my Bible, getting involved in a small group, and keeping a prayer journal.
Following Jesus begins by being baptized by immersion very soon after salvation, serving in my local church and and returning a tenth of my income to my local church.
The steps of hearing, knowing and following are repeated over and over through out my life as my relationship with Jesus grows and changes. There is always something new I need to hear or something old I need to hear again. There is always more to know about Jesus as I experience His work in my life. There is always another next step, whether small or large, in following Jesus.
I am so grateful that Jesus led me to NewSpring where I am always encouraged to take my next step.
At NewSpring we talk a lot about next steps for our church as a body and for each individual person. Here in John 10, Jesus sets the stage for that.
In these verses the steps are hear, know, and follow.
Hearing Jesus brings conviction to my heart that I am a sinner, separated from God and in desperate need of the grace of God for salvation through Jesus Christ alone. Acts 4:12
Getting to know Jesus begins by reading my Bible, getting involved in a small group, and keeping a prayer journal.
Following Jesus begins by being baptized by immersion very soon after salvation, serving in my local church and and returning a tenth of my income to my local church.
The steps of hearing, knowing and following are repeated over and over through out my life as my relationship with Jesus grows and changes. There is always something new I need to hear or something old I need to hear again. There is always more to know about Jesus as I experience His work in my life. There is always another next step, whether small or large, in following Jesus.
I am so grateful that Jesus led me to NewSpring where I am always encouraged to take my next step.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Child vs Mature
I don't want to be a child all my life. I am glad I am a grown up who can drive a car and take care of myself and make important decisions. As I age I may become a child again but hopefully that won't happen - or at least not soon.
So why would I want to remain a child in my spiritual life? I've heard people remark about a church or pastor, I just wasn't being fed. They are not talking about a Wednesday night supper or Sunday dinner on the grounds but about being fed the Word of God. Now maybe that preacher doesn't preach from the Bible but I doubt it. And these are people who have been in church for years, claiming Christianity for years.
Why in the world would a grown up want to be fed? With actual food that's for young children or very old or sick individuals. Why should I expect the pastor to be my main source of nourishment from the Word of God? I have six days in the week to sit down with Jesus and the Bible to learn what He would have me do; how He would have me live; what truths He wants me to learn. Preaching on Sunday should be a reinforcement of all that I am learning on my own time. But of course, the preacher does play an important role in my understanding of Scripture. He is another - not the only - way I hear from God.
Maybe the person not being fed has not prepared his/her heart to hear from God or doesn't have a deep expectation of meeting with Jesus during the Sunday service. Maybe this person doesn't participate in corporate worship by singing AND praying AND giving tithes.
Or maybe, just maybe, God is stirring them to be a feeder of young believers. Bet they never thought about that. In Hebrews 5:12-14, the writer talks about those who ought to be mature but are still seeking milk like a child. Still going to the same Bible studies but never becoming a teacher who shares God's truth with others. They ought to be discerning, mature believers by now rather than seeking to be fed all the time.
Teaching may mean taking on a major responsibility to nurture young believers (regardless of age) in a group setting but it might also mean sharing truth with your children or a neighbor or a co-worker.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Core Values
For the last two days I've been thinking a lot about NewSpring's core values and how I measure up personally. This is not brag about Nancy time but just an assessment of what God is doing in and through my life. This one is really just for me.
1. Growing people change - I read and study God's word daily. As I think about the launch of the Spartanburg campus, I see "stretch me" time; do things not done before. Change seems harder to recognize the longer I walk with Jesus.
2. I can't do life alone - in a small group and actively involved with my family and the teams I serve on at church. I could easily be a hermit and sit in a chair and read all day long. Perfectly content to be with me and my cat and a book.
3. Saved people serve people - take my grandson to Greenville each week for FUSE; serve on 3 teams through the church, volunteer with Mobile Meals. Content to be a background person; taking out the trash works for me. How does that tie in with my desire to be a hermit?
4. I can't out give God - at least a tithe is a firm discipline of mine as is giving generously to others as God provides direction and resources. Saving is great but hoarding is a sin.
5. Found people find people - always inviting; praying that the Spartanburg campus will get positive response from those I invite. Be bold and don't worry about the response, just keep inviting.
1. Growing people change - I read and study God's word daily. As I think about the launch of the Spartanburg campus, I see "stretch me" time; do things not done before. Change seems harder to recognize the longer I walk with Jesus.
2. I can't do life alone - in a small group and actively involved with my family and the teams I serve on at church. I could easily be a hermit and sit in a chair and read all day long. Perfectly content to be with me and my cat and a book.
3. Saved people serve people - take my grandson to Greenville each week for FUSE; serve on 3 teams through the church, volunteer with Mobile Meals. Content to be a background person; taking out the trash works for me. How does that tie in with my desire to be a hermit?
4. I can't out give God - at least a tithe is a firm discipline of mine as is giving generously to others as God provides direction and resources. Saving is great but hoarding is a sin.
5. Found people find people - always inviting; praying that the Spartanburg campus will get positive response from those I invite. Be bold and don't worry about the response, just keep inviting.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
No Retirement
I am semi-retired these days. I was fully retired until gas prices began to soar so I went back to work part time. But even in my full retirement, I immediately began to volunteer my time and abilities to my church and to Mobile Meals.
I was already volunteering at church on Sunday as part of the production team and the prayer team. Now I am part of the care team as well doing week day follow up for people who contact the church for prayer or resources. I knew before I retired that I needed to do something useful so I didn't wait long to get started.
The thing is I could be perfectly content to sit in my chair and read books all day and play on the computer and talk to my cat and probably have very little interaction with people on a regular basis. I am perfectly content to be alone. I am content to eat alone and travel alone and go to the movies alone or just stay home alone. But I know that is not good for me - or for anyone. God made us for community.
Granted I do want to be with my grandchildren. I enjoy interacting with them and helping them grow in their relationship with Jesus. Nate and I will be going for a late lunch/early supper in about an hour before we head to Greenville for him to participate in FUSE.
God teaches that we are to be about His work even into our old age. Psalm 71:18 says, "So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim Your might to another generation, Your power to all those to come."
So even though I may be retired from gainful employment, I will never retire from serving God and serving others as long as God allows me the mental capacity to do so. Physical capacity doesn't matter because even from a wheelchair or a hospital bed, prayers of intercession can be offered on behalf of others. So no retirement for me!
I was already volunteering at church on Sunday as part of the production team and the prayer team. Now I am part of the care team as well doing week day follow up for people who contact the church for prayer or resources. I knew before I retired that I needed to do something useful so I didn't wait long to get started.
The thing is I could be perfectly content to sit in my chair and read books all day and play on the computer and talk to my cat and probably have very little interaction with people on a regular basis. I am perfectly content to be alone. I am content to eat alone and travel alone and go to the movies alone or just stay home alone. But I know that is not good for me - or for anyone. God made us for community.
Granted I do want to be with my grandchildren. I enjoy interacting with them and helping them grow in their relationship with Jesus. Nate and I will be going for a late lunch/early supper in about an hour before we head to Greenville for him to participate in FUSE.
God teaches that we are to be about His work even into our old age. Psalm 71:18 says, "So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim Your might to another generation, Your power to all those to come."
So even though I may be retired from gainful employment, I will never retire from serving God and serving others as long as God allows me the mental capacity to do so. Physical capacity doesn't matter because even from a wheelchair or a hospital bed, prayers of intercession can be offered on behalf of others. So no retirement for me!
Monday, April 25, 2011
One Changed Life
I speak a lot about the huge numbers of people and salvations NewSpring Church has. But it is not the mass of numbers that is important. It is one changed life. EACH person has the potential to make a difference in the lives of others.
The apostle Paul was one person who met Jesus and helped change the entire world as he planted churches all over Asia and the Middle East.
Billy Graham is one person who decided in 1934, as a teenager, to attend Mordecai Ham's revival meetings near his home and there committed his life to Christ.
Elisabeth Elliot is one person who chose to forgive those who murdered her husband and his friends in 1956 and helped change a whole tribe of people in South America from head-hunters to Christ followers.
My pastor, Perry Noble, is one person who believed God was calling him to plant a church in 1996 and 3 years later, NewSpring Church was begun in a living room with 15 people.
My friend, Sherry, is one person (and NewSpring member) who invited her favorite waitress to a holiday service last year and got to witness her give her heart to Jesus.
One life at a time, Jesus makes a difference in the lives of people who then make a difference in the lives of others. We don't know which, if any, of the 713 salvations will be the next Billy Graham or Perry Noble. More likely she will be the next Sherry who invites her friend to church so she, too, can meet Jesus.
The apostle Paul was one person who met Jesus and helped change the entire world as he planted churches all over Asia and the Middle East.
Billy Graham is one person who decided in 1934, as a teenager, to attend Mordecai Ham's revival meetings near his home and there committed his life to Christ.
Elisabeth Elliot is one person who chose to forgive those who murdered her husband and his friends in 1956 and helped change a whole tribe of people in South America from head-hunters to Christ followers.
My pastor, Perry Noble, is one person who believed God was calling him to plant a church in 1996 and 3 years later, NewSpring Church was begun in a living room with 15 people.
My friend, Sherry, is one person (and NewSpring member) who invited her favorite waitress to a holiday service last year and got to witness her give her heart to Jesus.
One life at a time, Jesus makes a difference in the lives of people who then make a difference in the lives of others. We don't know which, if any, of the 713 salvations will be the next Billy Graham or Perry Noble. More likely she will be the next Sherry who invites her friend to church so she, too, can meet Jesus.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Generational God
Brad Cooper preached today at NewSpring as we continued the Upgrade series. He talked about God working in each generation and how important it is for us as the church to invest in the next generation through children's and youth ministries.
God didn't just work in Abraham's life, but in the lives of Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Samuel, David, Solomon. Jesus' genealogy shows how God works throughout time to accomplish His plan. But God is still working in our generation and expecting us to pass down what He has taught us.
As I sat there with my son and my grandson, I was so very aware of God's work in the generations of my family. Although my son gave his heart to Jesus early in life, he followed in my footsteps of rebellion and spent many years doing his own thing. But God did not let him go; God kept pursuing him - and his wife. God opened their hearts to want to be part of the things of God through the local church.
My grandson began attending FUSE at the beginning of this school year as a 6th grader. He gave his heart to Jesus soon after and was baptized last fall. He has now been to Ownership Class to become a member of NewSpring and will start volunteering soon. My granddaughter is in KidSpring. She loves reading her Bible and learning her memory verse and she is just 6 years old. They both WANT to come to church each week because they not only learn about Jesus, they have fun.
Thank you, NewSpring, for investing in the lives of children and youth. Thank you, NewSpring, for being a church where people are not expected to "clean up" their act before they come. Thank you, NewSpring, for faithfully proclaiming the Gospel. Thank you, NewSpring, for having messages every Sunday about Jesus and how I can live my life successfully day by day by reading my Bible and doing what it says. Thank you, Jesus, for sending me to NewSpring 3 years ago...it has changed all our lives!
God didn't just work in Abraham's life, but in the lives of Isaac, Jacob, Moses, Samuel, David, Solomon. Jesus' genealogy shows how God works throughout time to accomplish His plan. But God is still working in our generation and expecting us to pass down what He has taught us.
As I sat there with my son and my grandson, I was so very aware of God's work in the generations of my family. Although my son gave his heart to Jesus early in life, he followed in my footsteps of rebellion and spent many years doing his own thing. But God did not let him go; God kept pursuing him - and his wife. God opened their hearts to want to be part of the things of God through the local church.
My grandson began attending FUSE at the beginning of this school year as a 6th grader. He gave his heart to Jesus soon after and was baptized last fall. He has now been to Ownership Class to become a member of NewSpring and will start volunteering soon. My granddaughter is in KidSpring. She loves reading her Bible and learning her memory verse and she is just 6 years old. They both WANT to come to church each week because they not only learn about Jesus, they have fun.
Thank you, NewSpring, for investing in the lives of children and youth. Thank you, NewSpring, for being a church where people are not expected to "clean up" their act before they come. Thank you, NewSpring, for faithfully proclaiming the Gospel. Thank you, NewSpring, for having messages every Sunday about Jesus and how I can live my life successfully day by day by reading my Bible and doing what it says. Thank you, Jesus, for sending me to NewSpring 3 years ago...it has changed all our lives!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Day 3 - 21 Day Bible Reading Plan
John 3:
I've heard people say if God sends people to hell, then He is not good or loving. In John 3:16-17 Jesus tells us of God's great love for all people (the world). Jesus is in the physical world not to condemn but to save, "...that whoever believes in Him should not perish..." and again "...in order that the world might be saved through Him." Jesus goes on to say, however, that those who do not believe are condemned. And why are they condemned? Because they reject God's plan, "he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God." They choose their own path and then want to blame God for telling the truth.
John the baptizer, the preacher, reiterates Jesus' words when he says, "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, whoever does not OBEY (emphasis mine) the Son shall not see life, but he wrath of God remains on him." (v.36)
Mark 3:
Jesus appointed 12 disciples that He named apostles and gave them special powers. As I read over this list, I was struck by how some did not do anything to get their names in the Bible repeatedly. Bartholomew and the other James and the other Simon and Thaddaeus and even Matthew, Andrew, Phillip and Thomas are rarely heard from, if at all, after they are appointed by Jesus. (vs.13-19)
Not everyone is a Simon Peter or John or James. The other nine were given the same appointment as these three. Judas, of course, tossed his away completely. But the others were out doing the work, traveling with Jesus, listening and learning. They are part of the twelve who changed the world after Jesus was raised from the dead.
I am much like those nine today. I am not a well-known evangelist or church leader but I have been set apart by Jesus to make a difference in my world. Maybe no one will ever know who I am except that person I led to Christ or the woman I encouraged to stick with her marriage or the young woman I talked to about sexual purity in her relationship with her boyfriend. It is not for me to make myself known but to make Jesus known.
Just as those other disciples went unnoticed in their day to day encounters with people, so it is with the majority of Christ followers. Faithfulness in the face of anonymousness is the calling Jesus puts on most of our lives.
I've heard people say if God sends people to hell, then He is not good or loving. In John 3:16-17 Jesus tells us of God's great love for all people (the world). Jesus is in the physical world not to condemn but to save, "...that whoever believes in Him should not perish..." and again "...in order that the world might be saved through Him." Jesus goes on to say, however, that those who do not believe are condemned. And why are they condemned? Because they reject God's plan, "he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God." They choose their own path and then want to blame God for telling the truth.
John the baptizer, the preacher, reiterates Jesus' words when he says, "Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, whoever does not OBEY (emphasis mine) the Son shall not see life, but he wrath of God remains on him." (v.36)
Mark 3:
Jesus appointed 12 disciples that He named apostles and gave them special powers. As I read over this list, I was struck by how some did not do anything to get their names in the Bible repeatedly. Bartholomew and the other James and the other Simon and Thaddaeus and even Matthew, Andrew, Phillip and Thomas are rarely heard from, if at all, after they are appointed by Jesus. (vs.13-19)
Not everyone is a Simon Peter or John or James. The other nine were given the same appointment as these three. Judas, of course, tossed his away completely. But the others were out doing the work, traveling with Jesus, listening and learning. They are part of the twelve who changed the world after Jesus was raised from the dead.
I am much like those nine today. I am not a well-known evangelist or church leader but I have been set apart by Jesus to make a difference in my world. Maybe no one will ever know who I am except that person I led to Christ or the woman I encouraged to stick with her marriage or the young woman I talked to about sexual purity in her relationship with her boyfriend. It is not for me to make myself known but to make Jesus known.
Just as those other disciples went unnoticed in their day to day encounters with people, so it is with the majority of Christ followers. Faithfulness in the face of anonymousness is the calling Jesus puts on most of our lives.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Cease Striving
"Cease striving, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth." Psalm 46:10 (NASB)
In most translations this verse reads "Be still, and know that I am God..."
Both of these speak to me. Being still speaks to me of shutting off the TV, the computer, the noise of life to take time to know God. Not know Him in a cursory or intellectual way but to know Him personally. That doesn't happen if life is too noisy to hear God whisper to me.
But here is where the "cease striving" speaks to me. I need to stop trying to do everything myself - my own dreams and plans, my own energy, my own capabilities. Sure God gives me energy and capabilities but these should always be brought into submission to God. I need to learn more about waiting on God - to cease striving.
Waiting on God is active. I don't just sit and twiddle my thumbs and do nothing. It means spending time in God's word, praying and continuing to do what He has me doing now. I do not forge ahead with what I want to do until I am sure it is what God wants me to do. As I wait, as I cease striving, I have the opportunity to really know God and His plans for me.
In most translations this verse reads "Be still, and know that I am God..."
Both of these speak to me. Being still speaks to me of shutting off the TV, the computer, the noise of life to take time to know God. Not know Him in a cursory or intellectual way but to know Him personally. That doesn't happen if life is too noisy to hear God whisper to me.
But here is where the "cease striving" speaks to me. I need to stop trying to do everything myself - my own dreams and plans, my own energy, my own capabilities. Sure God gives me energy and capabilities but these should always be brought into submission to God. I need to learn more about waiting on God - to cease striving.
Waiting on God is active. I don't just sit and twiddle my thumbs and do nothing. It means spending time in God's word, praying and continuing to do what He has me doing now. I do not forge ahead with what I want to do until I am sure it is what God wants me to do. As I wait, as I cease striving, I have the opportunity to really know God and His plans for me.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Unleash Is Just Days Away
Wow, I can hardly believe it is time for Unleash again. It's going to be a GREAT day! How do I know? Because every year it gets better and better.
There are 3100 people coming from all over the world for this one day conference. I met a young man, a musician, on Monday at the Anderson Campus who has come to the US from Perth, Australia just for this conference. This is his first trip to the US so he did go to Chicago and to Memphis before descending on the Anderson metropolis, population 25,500. Perry also mentioned Sunday that a church planter from England and one from Estonia will be coming. In past years working as a greeter in the parking lots I have met people from just about every state who come to be equipped to follow hard after God and do what He tells them to do - not to do church like we do but to be obedient to whatever God is leading THEM to do.
Monday I worked all day preparing for Unleash. I was one of about 15 volunteers, from college freshmen to late 60s, men and women, black and white, putting together conference packets for attenders and vendors. We also unloaded a bunch of snacks and bottled water to sustain these 3100 people during their two breaks.
There were lots of people today and will be again Wednesday as over 3700 bag lunches are assembled and tents are erected and chairs and tables are moved and coolers filled with ice, sodas and water, fruit is unboxed and so much more as we prepare for our guests. What great fun getting ready is!!
This year for the first time I will be part of the Unleash production team on Thursday. Although production is where I serve on Sunday, I have never been invited to serve on the Unleash team. What I will be doing will assist the band and speakers in the main auditorium and will not be seen by any of the 3100 people or 600 volunteers that will be there. Maybe 12 people will know what I am doing but what an honor it is! Because what I am doing will be broken up into segments, I will still get to interact with the attenders during lunch. It's going to be a GREAT day!
There are 3100 people coming from all over the world for this one day conference. I met a young man, a musician, on Monday at the Anderson Campus who has come to the US from Perth, Australia just for this conference. This is his first trip to the US so he did go to Chicago and to Memphis before descending on the Anderson metropolis, population 25,500. Perry also mentioned Sunday that a church planter from England and one from Estonia will be coming. In past years working as a greeter in the parking lots I have met people from just about every state who come to be equipped to follow hard after God and do what He tells them to do - not to do church like we do but to be obedient to whatever God is leading THEM to do.
Monday I worked all day preparing for Unleash. I was one of about 15 volunteers, from college freshmen to late 60s, men and women, black and white, putting together conference packets for attenders and vendors. We also unloaded a bunch of snacks and bottled water to sustain these 3100 people during their two breaks.
There were lots of people today and will be again Wednesday as over 3700 bag lunches are assembled and tents are erected and chairs and tables are moved and coolers filled with ice, sodas and water, fruit is unboxed and so much more as we prepare for our guests. What great fun getting ready is!!
This year for the first time I will be part of the Unleash production team on Thursday. Although production is where I serve on Sunday, I have never been invited to serve on the Unleash team. What I will be doing will assist the band and speakers in the main auditorium and will not be seen by any of the 3100 people or 600 volunteers that will be there. Maybe 12 people will know what I am doing but what an honor it is! Because what I am doing will be broken up into segments, I will still get to interact with the attenders during lunch. It's going to be a GREAT day!
I Am Humbled
I am humbled to be used by God in ways that I would never have imagined at one point in my life. God is so forgiving, so patient, so loving, so kind, so generous, so faithful to me over and over and over.
I am humbled that He would lead me to the greatest church in America, NewSpring Community Church, in Anderson SC of all places to sit under the teaching of one of the greatest preachers in America, Perry Noble. I am humbled that He would allow me to be part of the launch team 3 years ago for the first satellite campus of NewSpring located in Greenville SC. I look forward with great anticipation at how God is going to allow me to serve when a satellite campus actually comes to my home city.
To think there was a time when I was an enemy of God but now I get to serve Him, His Church-the body of Christ, and those who are still enemies of God. Today I had the privilege of leading two people in a prayer of repentance and forgiveness as they asked Jesus into their hearts.
The time I spend at the Greenville church offices each Tuesday really keeps me on my spiritual toes. I never know what questions will come my way or what situations I will need to address. There are so many hurting people in our community. To think God would allow me to have the opportunity to speak His truth into their lives is almost more than I can absorb at times. This means I actively seeking God day by day to be prepared for the task at hand. Words of encouragement from me are good but coupled with the words of God makes them better.
Thank You, Lord, for saving my soul and allowing me to serve You by serving people around me. What a great God You are to take a God hater/world lover like me and to make me useful to You.
.
I am humbled that He would lead me to the greatest church in America, NewSpring Community Church, in Anderson SC of all places to sit under the teaching of one of the greatest preachers in America, Perry Noble. I am humbled that He would allow me to be part of the launch team 3 years ago for the first satellite campus of NewSpring located in Greenville SC. I look forward with great anticipation at how God is going to allow me to serve when a satellite campus actually comes to my home city.
To think there was a time when I was an enemy of God but now I get to serve Him, His Church-the body of Christ, and those who are still enemies of God. Today I had the privilege of leading two people in a prayer of repentance and forgiveness as they asked Jesus into their hearts.
The time I spend at the Greenville church offices each Tuesday really keeps me on my spiritual toes. I never know what questions will come my way or what situations I will need to address. There are so many hurting people in our community. To think God would allow me to have the opportunity to speak His truth into their lives is almost more than I can absorb at times. This means I actively seeking God day by day to be prepared for the task at hand. Words of encouragement from me are good but coupled with the words of God makes them better.
Thank You, Lord, for saving my soul and allowing me to serve You by serving people around me. What a great God You are to take a God hater/world lover like me and to make me useful to You.
.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Loving God
Loving God = obedience.
Often I think of loving God as serving or tithing or worshiping or going to church, which in a way I guess it is. But Jesus said, "Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves Me. If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word..." John 14:21, 23
I can not keep any of His word if I don't know what He says by regularly reading my Bible. I also can not keep part of His word and ignore the rest. He says the greatest commandment is to "love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength." Mark 12:30 That means foregoing a LOT of worldly distractions and desires.
And if I keep that commandment, a few others will naturally follow love my enemies and my neighbors, be generous, forgive, make disciples. Some I find easy to keep, some not so easy. But whether it is easy or hard is not the issue. Do I make excuses? Do I rationalize? Or do I love Jesus enough to be obedient - especially when it is hard.
The law was given to show us our need for a Savior and our inability to be saved by the law. Because we are under grace some people consider these Old Testament commandments to be outdated. But if I love Jesus, I will obey the commandments God has given. Fortunately the Holy Spirit convicts me of sin so that I can be obedient and thus show my love for God.
Last Words
Second Timothy was the final letter written by Paul sometime between A.D. 64-68 as he waited in a Roman jail for execution. Timothy was a young pastor and this letter was written to encourage and instruct him in his pastoral ministry but there are words to each follower of Jesus Christ. Paul's faithfulness to his calling and strength in the Lord through his ordeal are inspiring.
"...fan into flame the gift of God..." (1:6) Each believer is gifted by God and we should use that gift, in the church especially, for His glory.
"...for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (1:7) Most of us seem to have more fear about sharing our faith than anything else; shouldn't be that way.
"But I am not ashamed for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to [my deposit]." (1:12) Never be ashamed to speak the name of Jesus.
"Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead...for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore, I endure..." (2:8-10) God's word can not be stopped by men.
"Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (3:12) Probably won't be chains and imprisonment in my lifetime, not in America, but you never know what is on the horizon. Persecution here is often more subtle - someone looks for ways you screw up and calls you a hypocrite (behind your back) or makes fun of you as weak or stupid (behind your back) or asks unanswerable questions about God to prove what you don't know.
"All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." (3:16-17) God's word has answers for all of life.
"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (4:6-7) As we approach death, this should be our testimony as well.
"...for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control." (1:7) Most of us seem to have more fear about sharing our faith than anything else; shouldn't be that way.
"But I am not ashamed for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard until that Day what has been entrusted to [my deposit]." (1:12) Never be ashamed to speak the name of Jesus.
"Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead...for which I am suffering, bound with chains as a criminal. But the word of God is not bound! Therefore, I endure..." (2:8-10) God's word can not be stopped by men.
"Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted." (3:12) Probably won't be chains and imprisonment in my lifetime, not in America, but you never know what is on the horizon. Persecution here is often more subtle - someone looks for ways you screw up and calls you a hypocrite (behind your back) or makes fun of you as weak or stupid (behind your back) or asks unanswerable questions about God to prove what you don't know.
"All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." (3:16-17) God's word has answers for all of life.
"For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith." (4:6-7) As we approach death, this should be our testimony as well.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Next Step
When Perry asked yesterday at NewSpring, what is the next step you need to take, I took time to thank God for allowing me to take my next step recently.
I had been praying periodically for God to give me new or more opportunities to serve. As I talked to people at church on Sundays I had opportunities to tell what God has done and is doing in my life. That led to me getting a phone call to go to lunch with a staff member. Then our conversation that day led to an offer to come to the church on a weekly basis as a volunteer to speak one on one with women who are struggling in their relationship with Christ or their children or their spouse. This leads to conversations about salvation and how to handle money and so many other things.
When I got the email asking would I be interested, I immediately said yes. Because I had already been praying for God to give me opportunities, I knew He was putting this before me. But then I had to admit my inability to do it and ask Him to put His words in my mouth. I also had to ask Him to help me have patience with those who are struggling, to remember my own times of doubt and times of slipping in and out of sinful behavior.
Delayed obedience is disobedience so when God puts a next step in front of me, I should just do it. No more praying, no more dilly-dallying. A simple Yes, Lord, is all He wants to hear.
I had been praying periodically for God to give me new or more opportunities to serve. As I talked to people at church on Sundays I had opportunities to tell what God has done and is doing in my life. That led to me getting a phone call to go to lunch with a staff member. Then our conversation that day led to an offer to come to the church on a weekly basis as a volunteer to speak one on one with women who are struggling in their relationship with Christ or their children or their spouse. This leads to conversations about salvation and how to handle money and so many other things.
When I got the email asking would I be interested, I immediately said yes. Because I had already been praying for God to give me opportunities, I knew He was putting this before me. But then I had to admit my inability to do it and ask Him to put His words in my mouth. I also had to ask Him to help me have patience with those who are struggling, to remember my own times of doubt and times of slipping in and out of sinful behavior.
Delayed obedience is disobedience so when God puts a next step in front of me, I should just do it. No more praying, no more dilly-dallying. A simple Yes, Lord, is all He wants to hear.
Whatever You Do
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Colossians 3:17
"Whatever you do, work heartily as for the Lord and not for men" Colossians 3:23
These passages made me stop and think about the things I do - or used to do. When I was working, how much of what I did was done in the name of Nancy because I was good at what I did? Did I work heartily for the Lord or for a paycheck and promotion? Did I remember to give thanks to God because He gave me the ability to do what I did? And what about now? As I spend my time volunteering, do I remember to thank God for the opportunities to serve?
When I stand before God one day, I want my time as a business owner and subsequently as an employee to be something that does not burn up as inconsequential because that was such a huge part of my life - 8 to 10 hours a day for years and years. The relationships I formed with business associates, customers and clients were opportunities God put before me. Was I sensitive to God's leading when He directed me to speak of His love or to offer a word of encouragement or perhaps a word of correction? And was I obedient to do what He asked? I can't change any of that now but hopefully I do still have years of service ahead of me.
Now that I am retired, it seems harder sometimes to keep that focus of doing everything for the Lord, especially on days when I am not doing something specific. But as I volunteer at Mobile Meals and at NewSpring, I want the tasks I do and the words I speak to be not my own but God working in and through me.
I also have more time to spend with my grandchildren. Nate, at age 11, is especially eager to learn about God and I love being able to talk to Him and take him to FUSE and to things like Winter Jam. He and I have a special bond and of course I want him to love Grandma but more than that I want to be sure our relationship leads him to love Jesus with all his heart.
"Whatever you do, work heartily as for the Lord and not for men" Colossians 3:23
These passages made me stop and think about the things I do - or used to do. When I was working, how much of what I did was done in the name of Nancy because I was good at what I did? Did I work heartily for the Lord or for a paycheck and promotion? Did I remember to give thanks to God because He gave me the ability to do what I did? And what about now? As I spend my time volunteering, do I remember to thank God for the opportunities to serve?
When I stand before God one day, I want my time as a business owner and subsequently as an employee to be something that does not burn up as inconsequential because that was such a huge part of my life - 8 to 10 hours a day for years and years. The relationships I formed with business associates, customers and clients were opportunities God put before me. Was I sensitive to God's leading when He directed me to speak of His love or to offer a word of encouragement or perhaps a word of correction? And was I obedient to do what He asked? I can't change any of that now but hopefully I do still have years of service ahead of me.
Now that I am retired, it seems harder sometimes to keep that focus of doing everything for the Lord, especially on days when I am not doing something specific. But as I volunteer at Mobile Meals and at NewSpring, I want the tasks I do and the words I speak to be not my own but God working in and through me.
I also have more time to spend with my grandchildren. Nate, at age 11, is especially eager to learn about God and I love being able to talk to Him and take him to FUSE and to things like Winter Jam. He and I have a special bond and of course I want him to love Grandma but more than that I want to be sure our relationship leads him to love Jesus with all his heart.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
New Opportunities
I am so excited about a couple of new opportunities that have come my way recently. I have just started volunteering every Tuesday to assist Adrienne with Care Team follow-ups through phone calls and emails, as well as appointments with women at the NewSpring offices. Reaching out to those who are hurting and/or are far from God will be a challenge. Especially those who think they are "saved" but cannot give a clear, appropriate Jesus) salvation story. I hope to be able to help them take the necessary steps to be absolutely sure they have a personal relationship with God and then encourage them to surrender everything to Him.
Although the assisting Adrienne was not on my list of things to do, I did approach Kevin about doing a monthly communication with the Production Team...a short, newsy email with birthdays and new team members and simple reminders. Sent the first one this morning and have already received positive feedback. As the only woman (got 2 in the wings, maybe) and definitely the oldest person on the team I think I am the appropriate person to be the nurturer of the team. This is something I think we have been missing as a team.
The only thing I think negatively about all this is how will the enemy ramp up his interest in me. Maybe he'll just leave me alone but that may not be the case. Prayer, prayer and more prayer will keep him in check. "...for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." 1 John 4:4 "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7
Thank You, Jesus, for answering my prayer to use me for Your glory.
Although the assisting Adrienne was not on my list of things to do, I did approach Kevin about doing a monthly communication with the Production Team...a short, newsy email with birthdays and new team members and simple reminders. Sent the first one this morning and have already received positive feedback. As the only woman (got 2 in the wings, maybe) and definitely the oldest person on the team I think I am the appropriate person to be the nurturer of the team. This is something I think we have been missing as a team.
The only thing I think negatively about all this is how will the enemy ramp up his interest in me. Maybe he'll just leave me alone but that may not be the case. Prayer, prayer and more prayer will keep him in check. "...for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." 1 John 4:4 "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." James 4:7
Thank You, Jesus, for answering my prayer to use me for Your glory.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Hubby
Well, I don't have a hubby and don't want a hubby - not now. I have been married and divorced twice. Both times to men that I never should have dated and NEVER, ever have married although I have a terrific son and now grandchildren because of my second marriage. Marriage was long, long ago in a far away land that was focused on me and now, with no thought of God or the future.
But yesterday, when I was shoveling 6" of snow and ice off my car and driveway, I had the passing thought that having a hubby around to do this might be nice. Then I came to my senses and said don't go there in your thoughts because that is not where God wants you to be.
I am convinced that the singleness I've experience for the last 29 years is not just a "season" in my life but an actual gift from God. A gift that allows me to serve God without guilt or restraint whenever and wherever He chooses. Not everyone can be content in singleness but I thank God that He has given me the ability to relish the life He has provided for me.
But yesterday, when I was shoveling 6" of snow and ice off my car and driveway, I had the passing thought that having a hubby around to do this might be nice. Then I came to my senses and said don't go there in your thoughts because that is not where God wants you to be.
I am convinced that the singleness I've experience for the last 29 years is not just a "season" in my life but an actual gift from God. A gift that allows me to serve God without guilt or restraint whenever and wherever He chooses. Not everyone can be content in singleness but I thank God that He has given me the ability to relish the life He has provided for me.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Am I a Threat to Evil
In Acts 19:11-16 we read the story of the sons of Sceva who were Jewish exorcists trying to drive out evil spirits by invoking the names of Jesus and Paul. The evil spirit said I know Jesus and recognize Paul, but who are you?
So what about me? No I don't go around trying to drive out evil spirits but am I known as a threat to those evil spirits conducting their warfare in the heavenly places?
What is there in my day to day life that is driving back the forces of the evil one? Who is crossing over from death to life because of my influence in their lives? How am I rattling the gates of Hell and helping to rescue those who are floundering in their faith - or have no faith at all?
In asking am I threat to evil I guess I'm really asking am I making a difference in anyone's life? Or am I just coasting along, content that I'm on the narrow road to life? This passage says it's a hard way. Is there anything "hard" in my walk through the narrow gate?
So what about me? No I don't go around trying to drive out evil spirits but am I known as a threat to those evil spirits conducting their warfare in the heavenly places?
What is there in my day to day life that is driving back the forces of the evil one? Who is crossing over from death to life because of my influence in their lives? How am I rattling the gates of Hell and helping to rescue those who are floundering in their faith - or have no faith at all?
In asking am I threat to evil I guess I'm really asking am I making a difference in anyone's life? Or am I just coasting along, content that I'm on the narrow road to life? This passage says it's a hard way. Is there anything "hard" in my walk through the narrow gate?
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