Mission-Minded

 

I’ve been delighted recently to see the little stack of missionary prayer letters on the table as I come into church. We used to have a Women’s Missionary Fellowship at Grace. The group met monthly to hear about missions, pray for specific needs, and have a little refreshment. From time to time, we also took on projects to meets needs we read or heard about. I have forgotten—if I ever knew-- why we stopped this practice, but I loved it.

Some time after the group dissolved, I realized I needed a specific time to pray for missions, so I adopted Wednesday as my missionary prayer time. I have a folder with prayer cards and letters to help me focus on individuals and the various fields represented. This is why I am especially happy to see the prayer letters.

It is a great privilege to have a part in mission work around the world through the medium of prayer. When I read Melissa Baccarella’s occasional Sunday morning emails and then pray for her neighbor or for an upcoming community outreach, I am eager to read her next email to see how things are going. Then I am able to praise God for the things He’s doing in Italy. It’s the same with the Lethers family in Togo, the Freeze family in Cambodia, the Arces in Venezuela, and on around the world. With all the things going on here in the United States, it’s easy to forget that there is a big world out there where God is at work. It’s good for us to focus away from ourselves now and then and think about the needs of others. We both get a perspective on our own blessings and develop compassion for people in other lands.

But let’s not leave the evangelism to career missionaries. I think it’s appropriate for each of us to see ourselves as missionaries to the people we interact with daily. Maybe you’re a member of a book club or a gym. Perhaps there are people you see regularly when you go running or stop in for lunch at a favorite restaurant. These are opportunities to spread the gospel through conversation and actions.

Jesus left his disciples with instructions to be his witnesses “in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). That was in the city where they were living, in their region, in a neighboring region, and then all around the world. As followers of Jesus and spiritual descendants of those early disciples, we have a similar calling.

I heard recently of a man who said that knowing he was dying “removed the filter” from his mouth and made him bold to witness. That challenged me to think about how I might lovingly introduce more of the gospel into my daily conversations.

When we all get to heaven some day, one thing I hope to do is talk with believers from around the world and hear their stories of how they came to know Jesus. And we can have a little of that right here on earth.

Please join me in reading the missionary letters and praying regularly for their work. And I’d love it if you want to ask me now and then who I’ve been witnessing to.  

--Sherry Poff

Let There Be Light

 

Ask me today what one of my biggest fears is… the dark. It’s a little embarrassing as an adult, but I know I’m not the only one, so I’m owning it. I remember back in middle school and high school a very specific picture of this fear, now funny to me, though I likely would still react the same way. I had two pet rabbits that lived in a hutch out on the side of our yard. Our whole yard was surrounded by woods. I often forgot to feed the rabbits during the day so it was a daily failed routine that I would end up remembering right before my bedtime. I would go outside, in the dark, surrounded by those woods, imagining every horrifying monstrous creature ready to spring out at me while I sprinted full speed, dropped the food in their dish and fled back to the house, slamming the door behind me, heart beating a thousand miles a minute.

You would think I would have learned my lesson and fed them earlier. I did not. Suffice it to say, I prefer the light. I think there’s a reason for that in our hearts. And in fact, the Lord has been reminding me of His light the past couple of months. It’s easy to stumble into the dark in our own lives - our thoughts, sin, social media, political arguments, stress, anxiety, boredom, fear; they all can pull us into dark spaces. But in God’s Word we are pointed to the Light over and over again. 

Starting at the very beginning, God said, “Let there be light.” He separated the light from the formless, empty darkness. In His goodness, at the creation of the world, the first thing He did was bring light.

Here are some of the other examples of light in the Word that God has placed in front of me recently (though there are countless others not included here!):

-        Psalm 119 “Open my eyes so that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” Noting the picture here that eyes closed equals darkness. Opening our eyes brings light to what we have not seen, or could not know on our own - truths of God’s Word.

-        Jeremiah 29:13 “You will seek and find me, when you seek me with your whole heart.” Have you ever played hide-and-seek? The best hiding places are the dark hidden spaces. When you seek, you’re bringing the hidden into the light. God is always in the finding and He is the light.

-        Luke 11:33-36 “No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar or under a basket, but on a stand, so that those who enter may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. When your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light, but when it is bad, your body is full of darkness. Therefore be careful lest the light in you be darkness. If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light.” Jesus IS the light. When our eyes are on Him, we let only light in. When they are on anything else, we find ourselves in darkness, no matter how bright it seemed for a season. Christ alone lights the path.

-        Saul’s conversion in Acts 9 has a couple of miraculous moments of light. Both the bright light that struck him to the ground before he heard the Lord’s voice, and the darkness that fell from his eyes days later as he had been blinded. From that point on we see Saul’s life turned completely to the light of the gospel of Christ.

Along with these scriptures, a few songs have stuck out to me with their words of light:

-        “Be Thou My Vision”: “Thou my best thought by day or by night; Waking or sleeping, Thy presence my light.” “High King of Heaven, Thou heaven’s bright sun.”

-        “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”: “O soul, are you weary and troubled? No light in the darkness you see? There’s light for a look at the Savior, and life more abundant and free! Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.

I am so thankful for the fullness of light in God’s Word. When I think of light I think of goodness and hope and joy! What examples come to your mind when you think through these things?

 

-Sandy Gromacki

He Prays for Me

I got to have my grandmother until I was in my early forties, but when she died I was desolate. I remember weeping, "But who is going to pray for me now?" I knew that every single day my grandmother prayed for me, my husband, and my children.  She prayed because she loved me.  As I faced life without Gram, my older sister, Lloys Jean, hugged me and promised me that she would pray for me. And she has.  What I didn't remember was that Jesus Himself would pray for me.

One of my resolves for this year is to be more faithful in prayer for those I love.  I want to be the spiritual anchor for others that my grandmother was for me.  But in the last few days I have been considering the most important Prayer Warrior of all.  I don't remember grasping this fact before:  Jesus prays for me! What a precious thought.  In John 17: 9, in the last hours of Jesus' earthly life, He said "I pray not for the world, but for them which thou hast given me for they are thine."  He was praying for His disciples, but He was praying for me as well.  John 17:20 says, "I pray not for them alone, but for them also which shall believe through their word."  That's me!  I am one who believed what God recorded in His Word.  I believed what those early Christians said.  And Jesus prays for me.

The subject comes up again in Hebrews 7:25. "Wherefore He is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by Him, seeing He ever lives to make intercession for them." He is interceding for me.

One of the most important prayers Jesus has prayed for me is mentioned in John 14:16.  He prayed the Father to give another Comforter who would abide with me forever.  When Jesus would no longer be with believers Himself physically, He made sure someone would  speak up for me.  He knew I couldn't handle life by myself.  There are times when I am overwhelmed.  All I want to do is cry and call His name over and over.  I don't know what I should pray for.  That's when the Spirit steps in for me.  Romans 8:26, "The Spirit also helps our infirmities; for we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."

I don't remember this wonderful promise being covered in a sermon or Sunday School lesson, but it's true. I want this to be a part of my consciousness.  I have an amazing Comforter, a faithful interceder.  Praise the Lord!

                                                                        Faith Himes Lamb

 

God Uses Many Instruments

 

I cannot remember any of my personal interactions with either of my grandmothers that each did not seek to use for good—my good. Each in her own unique way sought to influence me to do right and to live my life for someone else’s benefit. Dad’s mom was quiet and offered her advice for consideration: “Think about this.” On the other hand, my mother’s mother was friendly but didactic, and she offered her wisdom in a positive “I want you to do this” manner. Each of my grandmothers provided an example of stability and strength in the face of difficulty that only children of God possess. I learned at an early age, then, that “God is a refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

Dad’s mother lost her oldest son during World War II. She took her loss with great difficulty, but she learned over the years to place her grief before the Savior. She sought to share her modest means with others by way of her table, which always had room for just one more. She had a meek and quiet spirit which, along with her hospitality, taught me the virtues of “holding my tongue” instead of impetuously disagreeing with whatever suited my argumentative mode. She sought to show me personal consistency. She gave me genuine affection.

My other grandmother was extremely practical, organized, and she rarely rested. She was a fountain of activity, pulling me along with her. I can’t prepare green beans without remembering her advice:
“Choose carefully, be sure the beans are crisp enough to snap, do not use too much water or the vitamin content will be lost,” etc. (Oh, they were 19 cents a pound back then. The price of green beans was an important discussion topic for the women in our family.) The advice was to look carefully at the ways of my household (Proverbs 31:27). Grandma taught me to be attentive to the details of my family’s spiritual and physical needs, to monitor my attitude continually, and to try to see the best in someone. She always explained that God had his hand in every situation.

Paul teaches us the nature and value of relationships between the members of different generations in Titus. Every one of Paul’s injunctions speaks of the carryover which we must make among the realms of the spiritual, the intellectual, and the practical. Right doctrine will influence the manner of life of a believer. Right living will solidify spiritual understanding and spiritual empathy for others. All that we learn will we reveal in our lifestyle. A goal in our relationships is to allow us to help and to encourage each other to live in a Christlike manner. I needed the influence of each of my grandmothers.

“But speak thou the things which become (are suitable to and reflect) sound doctrine.” This imperative specifically addresses the need for older men to be sober (vigilant), grave (honest, worthy of respect), and temperate (discreet) in their living. An individual’s attitude of mind is to be one that leads to prudence and self-control in life. These attributes are the opposite of frivolity and carelessness. Noah’s walk of obedience was hindered by careless, unheeded actions in his later years. Thus, the word temperate implies a discretion that is protective to the believer. It is important, therefore, that a seriousness of purpose be found as an identifying mark in each believer’s life. Our lives provide a spiritual benefit for others: saved or unsaved, older or younger. 

Paul’s instructions to Titus continue to state that soundness, wholesomeness, or rightness should characterize our being. Each believer is to have knowledge based on the principles of the Word found in the higher spiritual virtues of faith, love, and patience. Our practical Christianity is based on Jesus Christ, our foundation.

Women are to possess these virtues also. Paul speaks about our deportment reflecting the holiness of our living. We are not to be slanderers, gossips, or false accusers. We are to be temperate and teachers of good things. Paul places an emphasis on the teaching ministry older women were to exhibit as a natural outgrowth of the relationship built in their lives with younger women. In our day, extended ministries such as MomCo, mom’s prayer groups, Sunday school, or Awana provide important opportunities to move between generations sharing Christ’s love.

It is important for younger women and older women to mingle together as they all seek to move forward for the Lord. The context of Paul’s admonitions to Titus is the home. Somehow, we wonder why it might be necessary to learn the need to love one’s husband or children or in-laws or other family members. However, learning consistency in putting the needs and concerns of your family first is “caught” by seeing the example of respected women of God.

History shows us that believing women in the first century spent time together, worked alongside one another, and encouraged others in their walks of faith. It is not a small wonder, then, that Eunice and Lois are complimented for their Godly influence on Timothy.

A woman’s character and its resulting fruit, then, is openly displayed and shared with those younger women with whom she spends time. As a young mom, I was so grateful for the advice the nursery workers gave me when I needed help with my babies. As I learned to lean on several Godly women, I learned more about having right spiritual outlooks for my living because an atmosphere of love and trust had been developed across the generations of women in our church.

As believing women, we are to be like our Savior. We are to be influences one to another “for righteousness’ sake.” We are to be encouragers. A softly spoken word, a gentle admonition, a steady helping hand, and a heart of love can be among the gifts we present to one another in the Savior’s name.

 

--Janet Hicks

 

 

Beautiful Things

 

On this cold winter day, let’s think of some beautiful things to cheer ourselves!

 Here’s my list (in no particular order):

 The sweet faces of my grandchildren

The Hiwassee River cascading over rocks

Christmas lights (the more, the better!)

Chocolate chip cookies (the smell and taste, just lovely)

Beaches, especially at sunset (and dolphins)

Snow and men made of snow

A clear, starry night

Beautifully illustrated books

A full moon rising over a river (especially if you’re on the water)

The Rocky Mountains

Relaxing music on Pandora and music by John Williams

A crackling fireplace – even if it’s just a video

Frozen waterfalls

Handmade Valentines

Sunrise from the view of an airplane

A passion flower

Wedding gowns

Pink fleece hoodies

Stained glass illuminated from behind

I’m smiling as I made this list, and honestly, I’ve been feeling a bit glum today. Make your own list and see if you respond the same way!

Now consider the words of David in Psalm 27:4,

“One thing I ask from the LORD, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.”

There’s nothing more beautiful than the beauty of the LORD! He blazes brightly upon His throne. Consider His might and power. Our minds cannot fathom it! No one is greater than Him. He possesses all knowledge and wisdom. He created all things, so many amazing and beautiful things that work together for His glory, beautiful even in a fallen state. Goodness, Beauty, and Truth originate in Him. The joy of the LORD strengthens us in dark, difficult times. He never leaves us alone. Isn’t that wonderful?! The fruits of His Spirit are available to us and can be manifested in us. He is holy!

I could go on and on…feel free to linger on these thoughts and add to them. There’s so much that could be said about our wonderful LORD.

Be cheered and warmed!

 

joyce hague

Our Treasure

 

Our Treasure

In his classic allegorical work Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan writes about Christian’s journey to the Celestial City. It is a fascinating narrative chronicling the life of a believer. Early in the story, shortly after Christian enters the narrow path through the wicket gate, he comes to a man named Interpreter. Interpreter shows Christian seven different scenes to help prepare him for the journey ahead.

            In one of the rooms that Interpreter shows Christian, two children sit in chairs; their governor has told them that they will get “his best things” at the beginning of the next year. The older child, Passion, is unwilling to wait and pouts until he is given a bag of treasures with which he plays. The other child, whose name is Patience, is mocked by Passion who is busy with his new toys; nonetheless, Patience waits with endurance for his reward. Meanwhile, Passion’s treasures quickly turn to rags.

            Interpreter explains to Christian that Passion is like the people of this world; they must have their treasures now. We see this as we look around, don’t we? It’s the seeking after wealth, fame, acceptance, beauty. It’s measuring success in life by how the world does. It’s looking with envy at our friend’s large and well-decorated home, buying all the latest beauty gadgets to hold age at bay, or frantically pursuing all the options for our children to be exceptionally successful in the eyes of the world. It’s a focus on the here and now – setting our affections, time, and energy on things that won’t last.

            Meanwhile Patience in the story understands that the best is yet to come. He can wait with endurance, even while he sees Passion with all his treasures. Interpreter explains that in the end, Patience will have the treasure that far outweighs Passion’s, and where Passion’s didn’t last, the riches that Patience will receive will last forever. Interpreter says, “He who has his inheritance first, uses it and spends it; but he who has his portion last, has it forever.” In I. Peter 1:4-7, Peter writes of an inheritance that is “imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you,” and that the knowledge of this future treasure can give us joy in the present, even in suffering.

            We also recognize though that we have been so very blessed even here on the earth, but at the same time, we understand that the blessings we have received are gifts we steward, not things or people in which we seek fulfillment and joy. We hold them loosely, understanding that all we have is ultimately the Lord’s. We see our blessings as they relate to eternity and furthering God’s kingdom rather than how they enhance our own well-being.

            As we steward well that which the Lord has entrusted to us and choose not to run after the things of this world, we “set our mind on things above” (Col. 3:1) and run with patience the race that is set before us (Heb. 12:1). For we know that our true inheritance is not in this world, but in the next, and that the experience of seeing our Lord will be the greatest treasure of all.

-- Amy O'Rear

JOY

 

As every new year begins, people all over the world assess the previous year and set new goals for the coming year.  All over social media, you see people post about the number of books they have read in graphs by genre. Some post about their health journey; others find something else to assess and post. Not only do we see people posting about their goals and resolutions; many of us share our word or slogan for the coming year. Yes, I’m guilty!

As I was thinking about this new year, I had chosen the word “grow” as my word for the year. My focus was growing more in my love for God and His Word.  Over the Christmas break, I was privileged to spend a week and a half with family and during that time, I attended several church services. The Sunday before I left, my son’s pastor spoke on the passage in Psalm 73:25-26 (ESV): “Whom have I in heaven but you?  And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” He shared 4 points:  Nothing other than Jesus satisfies; Nothing other than Jesus stays constant; Nothing other than Jesus gives true purpose; Nothing other than Jesus and those things that are related to Him are forever.

What struck me most about his message were two visuals he shared. The first visual was that of an oval inside a black box.  Inside the oval in large letters was the word “ME." On the outskirt of the oval were the words “Jesus” in medium print and “world” in small print.  This image represented a horizontal focus on life.  It represented less Jesus, more drama, more selfishness, more complaining, more bitterness, more gossip, more pride, more anger and MORE ME!

The second visual was similar to the first, except there was no box, and the image was a white circle. Inside the circle in large letters was the word “JESUS.” On the outside of the circle were the words “community, church, friends, family, and work.”  This image represented the vertical focus on life.  It represented MORE JESUS, less drama, less selfishness, less bitterness, less gossip, less pride, less anger, less of me. 

These visuals reminded me of a song I used to sing with my students and children’s church kids: 

Jesus and others and you, what a wonderful way to spell joy.

Jesus and others and you, in the heart of each girl and each boy

J is for Jesus, for he has first place.

O is for others you meet face to face.

Y is for you and whatever you do.

Put yourself third and spell JOY!

I find myself singing this chorus a lot. Circumstances arise each day that cause us to focus on what is happening around us and take our focus off of Christ.  When these circumstances arise, we need to remember that only God can satisfy. Only God has true purpose. Only God remains constant and consistent. Only God is for eternity.

My goal this year is to focus more on Jesus and less on me, so that I can not only grow in the Lord, but I can also enjoy “the joy of the Lord, which is my strength.”  As you go through this coming year, keep your focus on God and the needs of others around you.  Only then will you will be able to enjoy the blessing of Joy in your life.

Have a blessed New Year in the Lord!

 

--Bonnie King