Sacrifice and Devotion

Note: This was originally written in July 2005 but is still applicable today.


This past weekend my family traveled to Washington D.C. for our summer vacation. Going to our nation’s capital and seeing the sites and monuments was a privilege. We did the “tourist” thing - taking pictures, looking lost, etc.

The day we arrived, we walked around downtown to explore, see some of the shops and find some dinner. Washington is a beautiful city. The White House was only two blocks away from our hotel. Seeing The White House for the first time was both awe-inspiring and disappointing at the same time. While it is a beautiful place that represents the rich history of our country, it’s much smaller than I ever imagined it to be.

On Saturday, we visited Arlington National Cemetery. As you make your way through the grounds, you see countless rows of headstones of those who have served their country. Most of the graves are marked with names, rank, branch of service, and the dates of their lifetime. Other graves honor those who are nameless. One of the most memorable moments of our trip came at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, watching the changing of the guard. The tomb is guarded by a soldier 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. While the guards do not know who they are watching over, they are honored to serve them through all conditions. Only the best are given the honor to stand guard at the tomb.

There are thousands in our own community who are unknown. While they all have a name and are not unknown in the sense of the Unknown Soldiers, they are unknown to the family of God. They do not know Jesus Christ as their Savior. The guards of the tomb should serve as an example to all Christians. We should be willing to serve the unknowns through rain, sleet, snow or hail. We should never step down from the duty God has given us to reach our world.

Are you willing to give your all for the unknowns in our community?

Hope?

Where do you look for hope when things are gloomy? Is the current economic situation overwhelming to you? Our hope is found in God. He is bigger than any problem we face - even the economy.

Tony Morgan presents a good perspective on hope at his blog Tony Morgan Live. Follow this link to the article. http://tonymorganlive.com/2008/12/21/fear-or-hope-its-your-choice/

Feeling Anxious?

If watching the stock market has you feeling a little anxious these days, consider 1 Peter 5:6-7: "Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Remember, no matter what, God is in control!

Freedom

Galatians 5: 1 tells us that "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free." As you celebrate Independence Day, thank God for the freedom we have as Americans to openly worship Him. Also take a moment to think about what you do with that freedom to serve God. Do you take freedom for granted or do you use your freedom to advance His kingdom? We should ever take our Heavenly freedom or our freedom as Americans for granted.

Join us this Sunday as we celebrate the baptism of three individuals as they publicly proclaim the freedom they have found in Christ.

I hope to see you on Sunday!

Are You Ready For A Change?

The way most people handle money is in sharp contrast to God’s financial principles. In Isaiah 55:8, God says it this way, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways.”

Since God has chosen to be invisible to us, many people fail to realize how closely He is involved with our finances. Although invisible He is real, and how we view Him determines how we live.

The Bible refers to god by more than 250 names. The name that best describes His involvement in our finances is “Lord” (think Final authority).

Reprinted from Crown Financial Ministries’ Strike Your Balance 31 Day Devotional

Answered Prayer

Have you ever gone to God with an issue, problem or burden? Sometimes the answers are immediate, sometimes they take awhile to become evident.

Recently I had a burden on my heart for which I needed God's guidance. I sought the advice of a few people whom I trust. I asked them to for their advice and for their prayers. In a very short time, I began to hear answers from each of them. I was still being ignorant of what was going on around me and was continuing to ask God for answers. Then all at once, someone told me to "get over it." At that moment I knew that God was giving me the answer through this person. I suddenly felt peace like I had not known for quiet some time.

Often we are asking God for guidance and we are so set on the answer that we miss it when we get it. The answer God gave me was not what I was expecting so I was overlooking it.

The lesson I have learned through this time is to seek God's guidance through prayer and scripture and to seek the guidance of a few people who you know will pray with you and give Godly advice and finally, keep your eyes open for whatever answer God gives. It may come from the most unexpected person and it may be what you least expect, but it is God's answer.

24 hours

What a difference 24 hours makes. At this time last night, it looked like we were going to wake up to ice and snow this morning and extremely cold temperatures. It was extremely cold this morning, however, the snow and ice missed us. The sun was shining bright all day. Today was a good day at Alice Drive. We had a lady accept Christ and two people get baptized. As of this evening 89 people have registered for the "Journey to True Financial Freedom" seminar this coming Saturday (our hope was for 50). Last night I was concerned about the weather and what affect it would have on today. I was guilty of worrying and not letting God be in control. I am glad God is in control and not me. He took what looked like was going to be a bad day and made it shine. Lives were changed today for eternity.

Things work show much better when we let God be in control.