Tuesday, September 13, 2011

Living Lessons: September 11th, 2011 - An Amazing Change


Jesus the Christ had a marvelous way of conveying deep spiritual truths by using stories and object lessons from the living world around Him.  As we endeavor to draw people to the foot of the cross, let us enjoy this effective style of sharing by following His example.

An Amazing Change:  It’s 10 AM on Monday morning, AND IT’S 62 DEGREES OUTSIDE!  As I stepped out of the church building I was greeted with that long missed feeling of strong breezes and cool air tickling your skin as it whisks by.  Three days ago, to go outside was to sweat, with a high temperature at 102 degrees causing us to pant and gasp for something to quench our thirst and repel the heat.  Then, in what seems to be the blink of an eye, the weather has back-flipped.  At this moment, we’re grateful for the refreshing change, the reprieve, the respite from the heavy heat. 

That same refreshing change that comes over the Earth in an instant is the same change that could come over us as Christians.   For those moments when life is swelteringly hot, a life with Christ offers us an instantaneous reprieve.  He’s right there beside us, offering us a cool refreshing drink of living water, all we have to do is accept.  Jesus calmed the worrying turbulent storms for His disciples didn’t He?  The peace-bringing Savior can give us a refreshing change from the oppressive heat storms of the world as well. If you enjoyed the wonderful change he offered in the weather outside, why don’t you ask him to change the atmosphere inside as well?  Don’t forget the best part of the reprieve Jesus offers us: while the outside weather will certainly cycle again away from the comfortable temperatures you enjoy, the atmospheric change Jesus offers inside us is here to stay.

Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will become thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water I give them will never be thirsty again. The water that I give them will become a spring that gushes up to eternal life!”   John 4:13-14

Christopher’s topics of study for this week
Open communication is a great way for us all to share and grow together.  Letting you know what I’m studying in the office is a great way for you to share in prayer and study with me to improve the effectiveness of our church.
Preaching, Fred CraddockThe Formation of a Sermon
The Family Friendly Church, Ben FreudenburgConclusions
Christian Counseling, Gary CollinsDealing with Guilt

Monday, September 5, 2011

Living Lessons: September 4, 2011 - Don't let anyone look down on you for your youth.

Jesus the Christ had a marvelous way of conveying deep spiritual truths by using stories and object lessons from the living world around Him.  As we endeavor to draw people to the foot of the cross, let us enjoy this effective style of sharing by following His example.

Don’t let anyone look down on you for your youth:  It really is a small world after all isn’t it?  Most of you have come to know already that Gabriel is our outgoing, people-person while Ethan has to “warm up” to you a bit.  Yet on Monday, things would be different.  Ashley and the boys went to the YMCA for a little exercise when an older gentleman, Roy, came in to begin his routine.  Ethan shed all of his apprehension for people and went to the stranger, asking to be picked up so Ethan could view the swimming pool through the window.  But it didn’t stop there, Ethan next put his little hand in Roy’s and led him around the YMCA wherever the little child desired to go.  Ashley said the sweetness of the moment was just perfect watching this adorable child leading this 6 foot plus elder in his 70’s.  She hoped to see Roy again.

Monday evening I went to an arts council meeting where I made a great connection with a nice elder gentleman who would invite me to play tennis with his group on Thursday evening.  When fifth day of the week came around, I was itching to put my nylon strings on a fuzzy yellow tennis ball.  Ashley and the boys came to watch, and as I greeted my elder tennis inviter on the courts he finally put two and two together.  Roy grinned a huge boyish smile knowing something special had happened.  He confessed to me that my family had made a special difference in his week.  He came into the YMCA on Monday downcast, even depressed for various reasons, when a young boy in all of his tender sweetness brightened his mood by sharing a little love.  Hand in hand Roy’s mood elevated with each step they would take together.   It changed the outlook of his entire week which led to other meetings between Roy and my family.  On the tennis courts, Roy took a little extra time to play with Ethan.

1 Timothy 4:12 “Don’t let anyone look down on you for your age.  Instead, make your speech, behavior, love, faith, and purity an example for other believers.” 

If Ethan can do it, I know we can too.  No matter what age you are, may you shine for others this week in such a way as to make a difference in the lives, bringing them hand-in-hand closer to our Father.

Christopher’s topics of study for this week
Open communication is a great way for us all to share and grow together.  Letting you know what I’m studying in the office is a great way for you to share in prayer and study with me to improve the effectiveness of our church.
Preaching, Fred CraddockQualities to be sought in a sermon: Memorizing
The Family Friendly Church, Ben FreudenburgQuantity vs. Quality Events
Christian Counseling, Gary CollinsAnger Management