Monday, October 15, 2012
Monday, September 17, 2012
We're Home!
We're home. At least in our "temporary" home, which is a representation of what's to come when we get to our eternal permanent home. Anyway, for now, we're home. In our new Madison Heights Church home. God blessed our efforts to honor Him. I am looking forward, with great anticipation, to what God has in store for us in this new home. Because really, it's His home. It is where He meets with us when we gather to worship Him. It is the place from which He sends us to be part of the work He has begun around us. It is the place where He changes lives. Forever. It is home.
Yesterday we gathered to worship together, commission our first missionary families, and enjoy the fellowship of friends and family. It truly felt like we were home, where we belong. For now. Someone told me that everyone looked more beautiful, than they had before. That makes me smile.
The children in the nursery seemed much happier. There were less tears and more laughter. That makes me really smile!! It was a day to be remembered with great joy. Next Sunday Children's Church will resume. There will be more smiles, more laughter, more learning, more singing, more worship. I can't wait.
I am so very thankful for the opportunity to be part of God's work in and through Madison Heights. It is truly a "happenin' place"! May God continue to grow His church, deepen our love and commitment to Him, increase our desire for and awareness of obedience to Him. May His kingdom increase and His will be done. May He be honored in all that we attempt carry out in His name.
Thank you, Father, that you chose such unworthy vessels to be part of a building where You, the Sovereign Creator, will continually meet with us.
Yesterday we gathered to worship together, commission our first missionary families, and enjoy the fellowship of friends and family. It truly felt like we were home, where we belong. For now. Someone told me that everyone looked more beautiful, than they had before. That makes me smile.
The children in the nursery seemed much happier. There were less tears and more laughter. That makes me really smile!! It was a day to be remembered with great joy. Next Sunday Children's Church will resume. There will be more smiles, more laughter, more learning, more singing, more worship. I can't wait.
I am so very thankful for the opportunity to be part of God's work in and through Madison Heights. It is truly a "happenin' place"! May God continue to grow His church, deepen our love and commitment to Him, increase our desire for and awareness of obedience to Him. May His kingdom increase and His will be done. May He be honored in all that we attempt carry out in His name.
Thank you, Father, that you chose such unworthy vessels to be part of a building where You, the Sovereign Creator, will continually meet with us.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Stop and smell... His Glory!
We've all heard "stop and smell the roses!" I'm sure we all attempt to slow down so we can enjoy more than the smell of roses. I know I do. And I am largely unsuccessful at slowing down.
I just read something that caught my attention:
"God is glorified not only by His glory's being seen, but by its being rejoiced in. When those that see it delight in it, God is more glorified than if they only see it. His glory is then received by the whole soul, both by the understanding and by the heart. God made the world that He might communicate, and the creature receive, His glory; and that it might [be] received both by the mind and heart." Jonathan Edwards
So... when we stop and smell the rose, or take in the beautiful sunset, or enjoy the laughter of children, God is glorified. And our souls are refreshed. On this labor day weekend, breathe a little deeper, gaze a little longer, enjoy your children's fascinating discoveries from creation. Guide your children to enjoy what God as made to be enjoyed. Guide them to glorify Him by finding pleasure in those things we consider ordinary and take for granted. Your children will be delighted, and your hearts will be uplifted.
Oh, Father, please help us to slow down and enjoy the beauty of Your creation, that You may be glorified and we may be enriched.
I just read something that caught my attention:
"God is glorified not only by His glory's being seen, but by its being rejoiced in. When those that see it delight in it, God is more glorified than if they only see it. His glory is then received by the whole soul, both by the understanding and by the heart. God made the world that He might communicate, and the creature receive, His glory; and that it might [be] received both by the mind and heart." Jonathan Edwards
So... when we stop and smell the rose, or take in the beautiful sunset, or enjoy the laughter of children, God is glorified. And our souls are refreshed. On this labor day weekend, breathe a little deeper, gaze a little longer, enjoy your children's fascinating discoveries from creation. Guide your children to enjoy what God as made to be enjoyed. Guide them to glorify Him by finding pleasure in those things we consider ordinary and take for granted. Your children will be delighted, and your hearts will be uplifted.
Oh, Father, please help us to slow down and enjoy the beauty of Your creation, that You may be glorified and we may be enriched.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Springs of Life
"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life." Proverbs 4:23, NIV
"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." Proverbs 4:23, ESV
"Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23, NLT
Wow. When I look at the verbs telling us what to do with our heart, I am... wowed. Guard. Vigilance. Diligence. I have to confess, I am not much of a guarder of my heart. I'm not sure I really thought about it at this level before. At least not like this.
Look at how important it is to guard our heart! It is the wellspring, the source of our "quality" of life. It determines the health of our relationships, how we handle issues, what our choices will be, our actions, our reactions, our decisions, our mood. No wonder I find myself so often discontented! I don't guard what goes into my heart!
How does stuff get into our heart? Our heart is already deceitful. We don't even understand the full extent of it's wickedness! (Jer 17:9) Aside from our own sinful nature, sin gets there from our head. Pretty much. What we see and hear goes into our head. Our head transfers it into thoughts. Our selfish, sinful desires fuel our thoughts, which in turn transforms into what we believe. What we believe feeds our heart. (But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin and sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death. James 1:15)
We say we believe a lot of things. A lot of good things. Probably most of what we say we believe is the right stuff. But it's very possible that we don't believe what we say we believe. Because "out of our heart spring the issues of life." Stress. Anxiety. Worry. Anger. Hatred. Jealousy. Apathy. Immodesty. Lust. You get the picture. We like to blame "things" (aka circumstances, other people, "just the way I am") for all those issues. WRONG! The truth? It's a heart issue. And we don't guard our heart.
We are not diligent in keeping promiscuity, adultery, violence, greed, among other things, off the big screens in our living rooms. Instead we are vigilant in keeping up with the latest trends, checking out the newest fashions, reading the most popular publishings, watching the greatest movies, feeling sorry for ourselves, and criticizing others. Scripture is not the guide for our speech, our dress, our finances, our entertainment, or our relationships. Because we really don't believe it is applicable in those areas. We think that what we hear from friends or the media is good advice. We like what we see at every turn. We really like it. It's comfortable. It makes us feel good. We want it. (Did you see the backwards progression?)
THANK GOD FOR HIS GRACE!! His mercies are new every morning. Great is HIS faithfulness!! There is hope! I pray, for the sake of the cross, I will be more diligent, more vigilant, in guarding my heart. When I am guarding my heart, I am guarding the hearts of my children. And my grandchildren. And our Covenant children. (It's that whole ripple effect thing...) I thank God that He, who began His good work in me, is faithful to complete it.
I pray you will work at guarding your heart, too. I pray your children will learn the importance of guarding their heart. Besides, it is the wellspring of life.
"Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." Proverbs 4:23, ESV
"Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life." Proverbs 4:23, NLT
Wow. When I look at the verbs telling us what to do with our heart, I am... wowed. Guard. Vigilance. Diligence. I have to confess, I am not much of a guarder of my heart. I'm not sure I really thought about it at this level before. At least not like this.
Look at how important it is to guard our heart! It is the wellspring, the source of our "quality" of life. It determines the health of our relationships, how we handle issues, what our choices will be, our actions, our reactions, our decisions, our mood. No wonder I find myself so often discontented! I don't guard what goes into my heart!
How does stuff get into our heart? Our heart is already deceitful. We don't even understand the full extent of it's wickedness! (Jer 17:9) Aside from our own sinful nature, sin gets there from our head. Pretty much. What we see and hear goes into our head. Our head transfers it into thoughts. Our selfish, sinful desires fuel our thoughts, which in turn transforms into what we believe. What we believe feeds our heart. (But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin and sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death. James 1:15)
We say we believe a lot of things. A lot of good things. Probably most of what we say we believe is the right stuff. But it's very possible that we don't believe what we say we believe. Because "out of our heart spring the issues of life." Stress. Anxiety. Worry. Anger. Hatred. Jealousy. Apathy. Immodesty. Lust. You get the picture. We like to blame "things" (aka circumstances, other people, "just the way I am") for all those issues. WRONG! The truth? It's a heart issue. And we don't guard our heart.
We are not diligent in keeping promiscuity, adultery, violence, greed, among other things, off the big screens in our living rooms. Instead we are vigilant in keeping up with the latest trends, checking out the newest fashions, reading the most popular publishings, watching the greatest movies, feeling sorry for ourselves, and criticizing others. Scripture is not the guide for our speech, our dress, our finances, our entertainment, or our relationships. Because we really don't believe it is applicable in those areas. We think that what we hear from friends or the media is good advice. We like what we see at every turn. We really like it. It's comfortable. It makes us feel good. We want it. (Did you see the backwards progression?)
THANK GOD FOR HIS GRACE!! His mercies are new every morning. Great is HIS faithfulness!! There is hope! I pray, for the sake of the cross, I will be more diligent, more vigilant, in guarding my heart. When I am guarding my heart, I am guarding the hearts of my children. And my grandchildren. And our Covenant children. (It's that whole ripple effect thing...) I thank God that He, who began His good work in me, is faithful to complete it.
I pray you will work at guarding your heart, too. I pray your children will learn the importance of guarding their heart. Besides, it is the wellspring of life.
Friday, July 13, 2012
Our God is an Awesome God
July 9-11 was long anticipated. For months, the Arts & Sports Camp team met, prayed, and planned. The news of the upcoming camp was spread through various means, supplies were purchased, and every activity of the camp was staffed. We tried to be sure no rock was left unturned.
July 9-11 arrived. It was met with much enthusiasm. Much energy. Much joy and excitement. We sang, we heard Truth from God's word, we learned Scripture, we gave an offering for the Name of Christ to be spread, we played various sports, we participated in various arts. Teachers, coaches, helpers - ALL played a vital role in carrying out the plans given to us by our Father. We took part in His work. His amazing work.
We saw the end of Arts & Sports Camp seemingly minutes after it began. But not before many hugs were given, many smiles reflected, many high-fives received, many praises sung, many prayers heard, many seeds planted and watered. God graciously allowed us to experience Him at work in the lives of little children. He chose for each one to be at our Arts & Sports Camp. He chose us to be there, too. Amazing. Humbling. Encouraging.
July 9-11 was a small drop in the bucket of His plan for His Kingdom. Yet it is an important drop. His Word does not return to Him void. Not ever. And His word was proclaimed. His love shown. His Truth experienced. What an amazing God we serve. The King of the universe calls us to be a part of His eternal plan.
Thank you. Each one who worked in any capacity of Arts & Sports Camp 2012. You saw an opportunity to be part of God's work around you. And you jumped in. You gave of yourself for an eternal purpose. You are an encouragement. A blessing. You are much appreciated.
Looking forward to what the Lord has in store for 2013...
July 9-11 arrived. It was met with much enthusiasm. Much energy. Much joy and excitement. We sang, we heard Truth from God's word, we learned Scripture, we gave an offering for the Name of Christ to be spread, we played various sports, we participated in various arts. Teachers, coaches, helpers - ALL played a vital role in carrying out the plans given to us by our Father. We took part in His work. His amazing work.
We saw the end of Arts & Sports Camp seemingly minutes after it began. But not before many hugs were given, many smiles reflected, many high-fives received, many praises sung, many prayers heard, many seeds planted and watered. God graciously allowed us to experience Him at work in the lives of little children. He chose for each one to be at our Arts & Sports Camp. He chose us to be there, too. Amazing. Humbling. Encouraging.
July 9-11 was a small drop in the bucket of His plan for His Kingdom. Yet it is an important drop. His Word does not return to Him void. Not ever. And His word was proclaimed. His love shown. His Truth experienced. What an amazing God we serve. The King of the universe calls us to be a part of His eternal plan.
Thank you. Each one who worked in any capacity of Arts & Sports Camp 2012. You saw an opportunity to be part of God's work around you. And you jumped in. You gave of yourself for an eternal purpose. You are an encouragement. A blessing. You are much appreciated.
Looking forward to what the Lord has in store for 2013...
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Great Time
We are having a wonderful week at Arts & Sports Camp!! Truth is being proclaimed, Scripture is being learned, praises are being sung, and everyone is having a super time! I thank God for allowing us to enjoy Him as we learn more of Him, growing our love deeper. His Word never returns to Him void!!
Tomorrow night, July 11, at 6:30 in the gym at St Joe, will be Family Night. The children from drama, dance, music, and cheerleading will perform; awards will be presented to our young athletes, and the gospel will be presented. YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US!! And stay for the Ice Cream Social immediately following!
Tomorrow night, July 11, at 6:30 in the gym at St Joe, will be Family Night. The children from drama, dance, music, and cheerleading will perform; awards will be presented to our young athletes, and the gospel will be presented. YOU ARE INVITED TO JOIN US!! And stay for the Ice Cream Social immediately following!
Sunday, July 1, 2012
ARTS & SPORTS CAMP 2012
You are invited!
to..
I. Join us in prayer
1. For the campers: That God will prepare their hearts, providing good soil on which His Word may fall; safety.
2. For the workers: That we will grow deeper in our love for God and knowledge of Him; safety; wisdom, discernment, and clarity in leading.
3. For the overall camp: That every aspect of it would glorify our Lord and lift high the name of Christ; for cooler temperatures and no rain during camp hours.
Prayer for ASC:
“And this is my prayer: that your love my abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, that you will be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ - to the glory and praise of God.”
Phil 1:9-11
II. Join us for Family Night in the gym and
Ice Cream Social in the cafeteria
Wednesday, July 11, at 6:30
The children will perform some of what they have learned; the gospel will be
presented to many unchurched families.
Please consider joining us and welcoming our guests!!
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