The pastor asked for each member to complete a spiritual gifts survey. Simple questions that lead to an analysis of the characteristics one may possess. Questions require honest answers. Honest answers require a deep reflection of the heart and mind and not just a precursory glance at how you may feel at the moment. This survey reveals where you may need to seek service in the kingdom of God. But what of it? Once it is completed and those characteristics are revealed, did you already know what you possess? Do you own what you possess? Is it to be kept…
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The fear of the Lord is not a dreaded emotion of terror rather a righteous respect of the awesome wrath of the jealous God. An all-consuming love for the Creator which brings constant awareness of proper perspective. Understanding that His love far surpasses any experiential knowledge held of the verb. Knowing that humans are humans and incapable of meeting, fulfilling or satisfying the only love provided by The One Who Created.
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Prosperity is holding us captive. That was the gist of what he was saying right there at the end. After speaking of the yoke of Jesus being easy and the burden light because He takes it all on Him and we don’t have to carry it any longer. Leaning on Him and letting Him bear the weight because after all He can handle it much better than me. But is there recognition of the lack of weight associated with Him carrying that great load or is there a constant tugging to keep it on my shoulders? Does the abundantly beyond…
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Lines galore. Some smiles; some frowns. Pushing and shoving and arguing over who will get that last cheap gadget from the shelf. Exploding wallets leaking useful resources into sewage spills of waste. Within hours of using for the first time the novelty wears off and it is left to collect dust or head to the landfill or counted as a tax deduction on Schedule A. Really? The International Mission Board has this list of areas around the world of people groups that have no clue that salvation can be theirs. Take a look at this massive list. http://public.imb.org/globalresearch/Documents/GSEC2016-09/2016-09_GSEC_Listing_of_Unengaged_Unreached_People_Groups.xls This is…
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Waiting. Waiting for the doctor. Waiting for results from the hole poked in my chest. Waiting to know what will be my next course of action. Will the results change what will be happening over the future of me? Will I still run with endurance the race set before me? Or will I collapse into a heap of senselessness? I waited with my mama almost six years ago. Waited on results from holes poked in her body and bones. How did she face it? I sat in the room with her. Did she hold in emotion for the protection of her child? She faced it…
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Is it in that picture hung on the freshly painted wall? Or is it in that work project that seemed to take forever but is done? Is it that clean sink just scrubbed to look like new? Is it crossing a finish line in a much anticipated race? Perhaps it is found in that prized car so desperately longed for. Or in the face of a newborn child? Maybe it is in that newly wed spouse or the one that has been around for decades now. Is it the house? The sunrise? The sunset? A fresh bouquet of flowers? That…
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It is not very often that I sit and reflect much anymore. There comes a peace when I allow myself to do so. I have become wrapped up in social media sites looking at other people’s lives and missing this time of reflection. It is interesting to see the views people take on matters and how strong opinions can display a person’s true beliefs. Sometimes those good opinions display themselves behind such anger or sarcasm that it seems contradictory to the good the person is trying to make. I know that is a crazy sentence. Hang with me. The current…
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She came out of the trees at a slow trot seemingly to greet me but my fear kicked in. She crossed the ditch and came toward me with a low growl. My fear remembered the unpredictability of the unknown. Will this be the place I quit? From the front porch she hears her master call so she retreats. I am still left scared. Do I go back home after only making half of my goal? What was it that happened to Daniel? I just read it. Just considered the fear and trembling Daniel felt at the presence of “… a…
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How can I mourn for her? The finality which appears before my eyes is based upon what I can see. What experience do I have that causes me to think any tears I shed are for her? I can’t claim experience of where she enters. I have faith that place deserves no mourning. No! I will not mourn for her. Even though my heart skips a beat and a lump forms in my throat constricting my airway, I will not mourn for her. The tears I shed may be for me or others she leaves behind. Perhaps for the world…
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Heads slowly raised and she spoke the words we all had experienced. The words were not spoken with irreverence but exultation from that which she experienced. “I felt the Holy Spirit.” Drawing into the place of worship where no outside influence can penetrate. Because God is Holy. Sacredness in a small country building that congregates His church. Women bowing heads and holding hands postured so that He can do what only He can. Laying aside chaos for peace. Replacing turmoil with comfort. Recognizing in that very moment our position of sitting at the feet of the One to be adored.…