ONLY ONE THING.......December

12/1/13 

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, 

“Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me 

to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, 

“you are worried and upset about many things, 

but few things are needed—or indeed only one. 

Mary has chosen what is better, 

and it will not be taken away from her.” 

Luke 10:38-42

This might be a meaningful passage for us to keep in mind this holiday season. Like Martha, it is so easy to become stressed and upset in the midst of labor intensive Christmas preparations. We can become frustrated, short and angry with fellow drivers and shoppers, temporary inexperienced store clerks, and with our “reluctant to help” kids and husbands.

However, perhaps if we quiet ourselves and listen we just may hear the Master whisper, “few things are needed- or indeed only one.” 

Wouldn't our loved ones be blessed if we spent more time seeking the Lord for them rather than shopping excessively for them? Wouldn't our families and friends benefit if we exhibited the Fruit of the Spirit this season rather than frantically trying to provide a lavish banquet in a meticulously decorated home? Balance is always the key and the Holy Spirit can lead us in how to prepare the externals of the Christmas holiday intertwined with the spiritual blessings of God's Kingdom.....righteousness, peace, and joy. 

Jesus can give us creative ideas on how to present the gospel message at our holiday gatherings and activities. As we spend extra time at Jesus feet each morning and throughout the day we can be filled with the Spirit and be led to do the will of the Father as we journey towards the celebration of the birth of His son.

By Cathy Friberg

Mary Magdalene

Quiet.  It is so quiet.

There are crowds of people all around me.  I can see them, hear them, but their noise does not bother me now.  Their voices are no longer angry and scornful.  They are filled with awe and wonder.  The faces that looked at me in horror and disgust are curious now.

I lie on the ground, feeling at ease.  I am in the dirt, but feel as if all is well.  In the midst of the voices around me, I hear one, kinder and more alluring than the others.  It is calling my name with such love and tenderness; my eyes fill with tears as they search for the speaker.

“Mary…Mary Magdalene.”  I found the source of my stillness.  As my vision cleared when my tears flowed through the filth on my cheek, I found the face filled with the tenderness that had vanished from my life when my grandfather died.  He was the only one who ever tried to understand that the violent, hate-filled beings that had tormented me for so long were not really me.  The anger and vile things that I said and did had been triggered by the attack on our village, that awful night.  He protected me fiercely afterward, regretting that he had not been there to save me from the violence that destroyed the woman my family thought I would become.

My father could not stand to look at, or be around me.  I was damaged, tainted, no longer worthy of his name of protection.  Even though what happened was against all of our people, I had the audacity to not die.  If I had died, he could have mourned my loss with dignity.

This memory caused more tears to flow, running down my face, dripping from my chin onto my torn and dusty garments.

“Woman, why are you crying?  Who is it you are looking for?” (John 20:15a)    I wiped my face with a dusty hand, smearing my cheeks as I struggled to find words.  It had been so long since I had reason or the ability to speak as myself.  I closed my eyes, and whispered, “You.”  Not knowing why I had said this, I opened my eyes quickly, to see this man who was more than a man, smiling at me. 

He helped me to my feet, something that men did not do for a strange woman.  I was unsteady, so he stood quietly, waiting for my trembling to stop.  I was unsure of what to do, so I kept my head down, trying to see him through my veil of tangled hair.  He nodded to someone I could not see, and two women, who smelled of clean oil and spices, gathered me between them and led me through the crowd.

They led me into a courtyard near the edge of the city.  There was serenity about them, and a reverent peace came over me as soon as we entered.  One of them said, “This is where Rabboni is staying tonight.  We must hurry and get you bathed and dressed before He returns.” 

They helped me bathe in a small stream that ran through a small, enclosed area behind the house. Then they dressed me in clean, sweet-smelling garments.  The fabric was rougher than the rags that I had worn, but I was grateful to them just the same.  Then they fed me fruit and bread with honey, and left me to sleep on a mat in the corner of the main room. 

I do not know how much time passed while I slept. I had not slept so well in a long time.  When I woke up, sounds of laughter filled the air.  For a moment, I thought that I was a child again, waking to the sounds of my parents and their friends sharing a meal.  But these were men’s voices, teasing one another like brothers.  It had been a long time since I was in a room filled with love.  Tears came again, as I held myself still, afraid that once I was discovered to be awake, I would be sent back into the street.

So I cried silently, pouring out the years that had been lost to the voices that shouted inside me, making me do and say things that I frightened me with the depth of true evil and wickedness.  My body slowly felt as if the invisible chains that had kept me from trying to reach out for help were crumbling into dust; leaving an outline around the void that I was left with.

“Mary.”  The voice that soothed, called my name.  My eyes fluttered open, looking directly into His warm, loving face.  His eyes reached deep inside of me, as I slowly raised myself to a sitting position.  I felt myself filling up with so many wonderful things.  Like perfumed oil being poured into a precious alabaster vessel.  The void in me was dispersed as he continued to look deep inside my very being.

He held out his hand.  It was a strong hand, with old scars from work they no longer did.  But this hand helped me stand up easily.  It was warm and clean and comforting.

“Mary, we are about to share a meal. Won’t you join us? 

 ^“Follow God’s example, therefore, 

as dearly loved children and walk in the way of love, 

just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us 

as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”   

Ephesians 5:1-2

Written by 

Lynda Kinnard

Personal Foundations of A Christian Life

The life of a Christian can be like an iceberg, the visible part receives the most attention and is often used to measure success or failure. Yet, its the par that is hidden from view that is of greatest concern to God. Oswald Chambers, who wrote My Utmost for His Highest, said My worth to God in public is what I am in private. The time that I invest in my private time with God has greatly affected my public life and leadership.

If we apply these six practices in our lives they will help to form the foundation of who we are. We need to have a good foundation (Matt. 7:24-27) whether we are alone or in front of a crowd, or these ideas are new or old, they are a worthy reminder to us who have the desire to walk worthy of the call or position God has for us.

Journaling 
Its hard to journal everyday, and don't feel guilty if you don't  I carry a small notebook in my purse at all times. The book is mainly for sermon notes from Sunday or other sessions/classes I am attending. But I use the back to write thoughts, quotes, or words that God places in my heart. It is a great help.

Time with God
We should try to follow the example of Jesus in Matt. 6:6 But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.

Find a quiet, secluded place so you wont be distracted, and the focus will shift from you to God, and you will begin to sense his presence. He is then able to encourage, rebuke, admonish and speak words of wisdom into our lives. 

Monthly Assessment
Since the unexamined life is not worth living, we should try to ask ourselves these questions below at the end of each month. For each question rate your current condition. (1 = never, 3 = sometimes, 5 = always)

• Did I pursue regular spiritual disciplines?
• Did I listen to God throughout the day?
• Did I have consistent Bible study time?
• Did I rely more on resource material than on scripture?
• Did I spend quiet time, so I could hear God speaking to me?
• Did I spend time in prayer everyday?

Quarterly Review
I read through my journal (book) to remind me of thoughts or words that God has given me. Significant spiritual insights are often gained from this simple practice. It also reminds me of what God is going to do in my life, and how he wants to use me. It is a great encouragement to be reminded of Gods faithfulness to us.

Semi-Annual Fast
It is helpful to set aside regular time to fast. It may be for just a single meal or for several days to a month, depending on how God directs you. This practice develops focus and personal discipline, and much more.

Accountability
Find someone to be your spiritual mentor. Accountability that grows out of genuine relationship will strengthen you personally as a leader.

If we don't take time to slow down in order to be with God, then He usually catches our attention through a life event that brings us to a standstill. He often unfolds His plan over a space of time while we learn not to rush ahead of Him by applying foundational principals, like these, into our lives. God is more concerned with my relationship with Him than my ministry for Him.

A faulty Christian life, like icebergs, can cause shipwrecks that dishonor God and undermine leadership. Giving due diligence to the hidden parts of our lives will one day conclude with the words, Well done, thou good and faithful servant.

Written by 

Rhonda Ihrig

New Crutch Needed

PART 1

A woman crawls through the pressing crowd, clawing her way through the dirt and the shuffling feet to reach Jesus.

“If I can just get to Him, touch the bottom of His cloak,” she thinks. “I know I will be healed from this agony, these twelve years of pain and disease, of loneliness and being an outcast.”

She continues fighting against the crowd. She can see His feet and His tunic now and doubles her efforts. Rocks dig into her bloodied knees and unknowing feet step on her hands. A man trips over her, almost falling and, cursing her uncleaness, turns to kick her hard in the ribs.

In a desperate lunge, her fingertips brush the heavy fabric of His cloak and, in her healing, she knows the struggle has been worth it all.

Jesus, feeling His healing power flowing to the woman, asks “Who touched me?” When He hears her story, her efforts, He blesses her, saying “Go in peace and be healed.” 

There are many times in life when we need healing – from sickness and chronic disease of both the body and the soul. We know Jesus is the physician of our bodies and the healer of our hearts, so we head to Him. We crawl along with what strength we have, keeping his tunic in sight, drawing strength from the hope of reaching Him.

We grasp a few threads on His cloak and He turns to say “I don’t have to ask who touched me. I know you. You are my child and I will never turn you away.”

Jesus stops what He is doing when we touch His cloak. He turns to lift us up, to help us to our feet. He holds our face in His scarred hands and looks in our eyes. “I know you’ve gone through a lot to get here. It still may not be an easy road, but we will walk it together now.”

He puts our arm around His neck and His hand around our waist. “We will go in peace together,” Jesus says. “We will walk along toward healing, and when you are tired, we will rest. When your legs wear out, lean on me and I will help you take each step.”

He doesn't give us a crutch or a cane, He gives us Himself.

No Crutch Needed Part Two

The word was out. Everyone was talking about that woman, the unclean, diseased one who had the nerve to crawl up to Jesus and touch his tunic. Her family and friends were overjoyed with her healing. Some of the people in the crowd were wishing they thought of it first. The Pharisees wanted to punish the woman for exposing so many to her uncleanness. But for a large number of the people who heard of the healing, it was a call to action.  

They might only be common folk, uneducated and of no social status, but they were not stupid. They could certainly add one plus one and get two, and in this case, their math was very simple. One sick person plus one cloak worn by Jesus equaled hope.

And hope was something that had been in short supply for a very long time. Some of the sick languished for years in conditions that drained their family’s time, energy and hard earned money. Some suffered from a sudden illness and were now near death and unaware of their dire situation. Some were in heartbreaking states of mental illness and demon possession, living in restraints and being fed from a plate on the floor like an animal.

But now there was hope, sparkling in the distance like a far away star. If somehow, some way, these sick and inert, these comatose and demented, could get a touch of Jesus’ clothes, their ordeal would be over.

A fever of hope took hold of the families and their efforts became frantic.  Inquiries were made as to where Jesus would be next. Cots to carry and litters to drag were hastily constructed. Distant cousins and neighbors were pressed into service to help transport the sick. Mothers strapped deformed children to their backs, carrying blankets to place them on once at the marketplace. The mentally ill were bound hand and foot to stretchers and carried toward the center of town.

Jesus was coming.

The furor of preparations continued. As dawn broke, the marketplace was already half full of the ill and helpless. Laying side by side on the ground, every small patch of earth was claimed and covered with withered bodies and wretched, suffering souls. Soon the entire area would be cloaked with a patchwork of misery.

Family members stood or sat near their sick, attending their needs. Breaking off bits of bread and feeding them, dribbling water into their dry mouths, wiping faces and arms with damp cloths, the families brought what little aid and comfort they could.

The marketplace was full now. The merchants, initially angry at the crowd for blocking access to their booths, quickly learned they could charge five times the normal amount to the captive crowd and were now happily raking in their profits.

As the sun rose higher, the marketplace became stifling hot. The sick and diseased, enduring hour upon hour of waiting began soiling themselves. Some vomited and wounds bled and oozed though rag bandages. Unable to move without aid, and with their families unwilling to release this one last hope, they waited together in a living sea of suffering.

A young boy on a rooftop, pressed into service as a lookout with a bribe of fresh fruit and cheese, suddenly stood up and began shouting. “He’s coming! I can see Him.”

Those that could, jumped their feet. They grabbed their neighbors in excitement, encouraging each other, saying quick prayers. A confusion of voices all speaking at once echoed off the marketplace walls.

And then there He was. Jesus stood at the head of the small street leading to the marketplace. A blanket of silence unrolled over the crowd.

Jesus looked tired. He was dusty from the miles already walked today and there was a slight slump to His shoulders. But His eyes were alert and alive. Surveying the crowd, His warmth showed through as a slight smile touching the corners of His face.

A big, burly man standing behind Jesus, looked over His shoulder, rolled his eyes and blew air out in a large, noisy sigh. Jesus reached back, scruffling the base of the man’s neck and giving it an encouraging, but playful, shake. Then, turning back to the crowd, Jesus started forward.

And everywhere Jesus went, to villages, towns, or farms, people would take their sick to the marketplaces and beg him to let the sick at least touch the edge of his cloak. And all who touched it were made well. Mark 6:56

There are times when those close to us are facing illness that seems incurable or situations that look hopeless and they don’t have the ability to get help on their own. They have neither the strength to move themselves to Jesus or the faith to believe things can change.

This is when we have an opportunity to follow the example of the townsfolk. We need to carry our families, our friends, our brothers and sisters, to the marketplace and lay them in the path of Jesus. This is a time to pray for them, asking the Lord to walk by and let His cloak brush them and heal them, revive them and restore hope.

We can have faith in the knowledge that Jesus is coming. He is coming to let His cloak sweep across the hurting and bring healing. The heart of Jesus is compassion, moved to action. And Jesus wants us to be the action that carries those in need to Him, that brings His compassion and hope to those we know and love.

Written by
Jody Ward

Plan Ahead

I dont know if you have noticed but out stores are filled with things to buy for the holiday. "What holiday/" You would not be amiss to ask this question.. Side by side are the goodies for three fall holidays. Halloween  paraphernalia is there and will be until next Thursday...that is unless it is sold after the fact in a 50% off sale.

Then there are Thanksgiving and harvest items to pick up to beautify your house. 

Last but not least...alas and alack...one aisle over from the turkeys and pilgrims you go to red, green, silver and gold land. Ah yes, now Christmas begins in late September these days.

In the light of keeping the Reason for the Season in place and not the hype I am posting a Christmas poem that tries to encourage a prospective of moderation and leaving yourself with some quiet time to appreciate the real meaning of Christmas and to enjoy its meaning. 

BEING ABLE TO DO THIS CAN BE THE RESULT WHEN YOU PLAN AHEAD

Facing Christmas

Facing Christmas

I shall attend to my little errands of love
      Early this  year
So that the brief days before Christmas may be
Unhampered and Clear
Of the fever of hurry. The breathless rushing,
      That I have known in the past.
Shall not possess me. I shall be calm in my soul
And ready at last.
For Christmas, “The Mass of the Christ.”

I shall kneel and call out His name;
I shall take time to watch the beautiful light
Of candle flame;
I shall have leisure – I shall go out alone
From my roof and my door
I shall not miss the silver silence of stars
As I have before;
And, oh, perhaps – If I stand there very still,
And very long -
I shall hear what the clamor of living has kept from me;
      The Angels’ song!

---Grace Noll Crawford, 1919

From The Radient Quest
        Harper and  Brothers Publishers, 1940

 shared by Connie Clark

THE POWER OF A GODLY MARRIAGE

I felt the Lord prompting me to write about marriage today. It seems that we take this sacrament so lightly. Yet it actually is a sacred vow and a pillar of society. The Bible describes unity as an incredibly powerful force. Psalm 133 reminds us that where there is unity the Lord commands the blessing. The Lord had to actually scatter and disperse the humanistic people at the Tower of Babel and to confuse their language. God saw that if this self aggrandizing community continued to work in unity, there is nothing they could not accomplish. Their efforts, unfortunately were leading them away from God.

A Christian couple who are operating in love and unity are a mighty weapon for the advancement of God's Kingdom. They will be able to raise Godly children who will also further God's righteous cause in the earth. It has been said, that the best thing a husband can do for his children is to love his wife. When Mother Teresa was asked “What can I do to promote world peace?” she replied, “Go home and love your family.”

As women, one of the simplest yet most effective ways to contribute to and build our marriages is to pray for our husbands. As we commit daily to pray for our spouses, we will see positive changes and growth. Bible promise books and books with specific prayers for husbands and fathers are plentiful now. We can pray scriptures over our mates and be amazed at how God works. Once we start praying for someone, it seems to nuture our love for them. God begins to show us their needs and vulnerabilities. We see them through the eyes of the Divine and begin to appreciate their admirable qualities. The Lord shows us how to better relate to them and miracles really do transpire. Transforming a marriage relationship from shakiness to stability or from goodness to greatness begins on our knees. It is a small sacrifice which yields tremendous rewards.

“Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more 

than all we ask or imagine, according to his power 

that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church 

and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, 

for ever and eve! Amen.” 

Ephesians 3:20-21

By Cathy Friberg

Hoarding or Sharing

9/23/13

Which Side of the Revolution are You On?

The series that our pastor is doing this month is calling for a revolution.  It has made me squirm at time, as it seems to be pointing directly at me.  Those really are the best sermons; as they spark my desire to grow in Christ and find my true purpose in this life.  I know in my head that we are meant to draw others to The Lord; but have been conditioned to believe that the actual work is meant for those who serve in vocational ministry; not for us “regular folk”.  We may tell ourselves that we just need to learn how to become better versions of who we are today. 

But Jesus called each one of us to follow Him.  He drew thousands to Himself; accepting the betrayal that would change the world though His suffering and miraculous resurrection.  Knowing this, I should be able to lead at least one or two people to salvation, shouldn’t I?

I can be a good person, attend church regularly, physically serve in ministry, do all of the work in the latest Bible study, and still be lacking.  We can be full of faith-trivia, but still unable to grow, because we are afraid to, “pour out” what we know; in case we are left with nothing for ourselves.  But if we do not share with those around us, the work that others have done to pour into us will become stagnant and useless.  We need to keep the flow of the Holy Spirit running through us, fulfilling Jesus’ call for us to go out into the world with His Good News.

Holding your knowledge of the Lord inside of your own head and heart is the worst kind of hoarding.  It is no different from the people who become prisoners of the stuff that fills up their homes; making it impossible for them to receive what they really need to live as they should.

Not sharing our faith is the opposite of finding our purpose.  It’s as if you found your dream job, with a salary that was beyond your greatest expectations.  Payday comes and you receive a check with more zeros than you can count.  You hurry home and sit at the table, looking at this wonderful piece of paper.  It is so wonderful; you cannot imagine taking it to the bank to deposit.  You just want to look at this check, daydreaming about all of the things you can do with the money.  Fabulous trips to exotic places, where you can meet people from other cultures; a bigger home, where you can have lavish parties, entertaining your friends; and giving your family their hearts desire.

But you cannot bring yourself to cash or deposit the check, so you cannot spend your earnings.  Eventually, you can only read the numbers on the paper in your hand during the day, because your electricity is cut off.  You cannot eat, because you will not buy food.   Eventually, you starve because you held on to the one thing that could have enriched you and so many others.

How much richer is the one who uses their earnings to make deposits; spends when required and gives freely when asked?  What may seem like a sacrifice today, can become the one thing that causes blessings to abound in your own life.   The sacrifices made but not acknowledged or seen by the people around us will surely increase our joy in heaven.

Father God, Thank You for filling me to overflowing and pressing Your words through me, so they flow from my lips in spite my immature thoughts. Please continue to use me when and where and how you choose.  I am not always comfortable with the way You challenge me, but I love You for wanting me to become the woman who You will call home one day. I praise and thank You, in Jesus’ Name. Amen

“But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering 

on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, 

I am glad and rejoice with all of you. 

So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.”  

Philippians 2 17-18

Written by
Lynda Kinnard