To repose a question:
Take five minutes to think of five answers: If you found out that you had only 30 days to live, what five things would you do?
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
I think many people list all of the things on their bucket list - places to go, things to see and do, etc. But as Christians, we are called to invite as many people possible to go to heaven with us (not all at the same time, of course). Is there anyone you haven't invited? Is there someone who needs your forgiveness, or who you need to ask forgiveness?
The urgency is always here; we just don't always know if we have 30 days to make things right, to reach that unbeliever, to...
Well, whatever you put on your list, I pray you are blessed with many more than 30 days. But just in case, what are you waiting for?
To the glory of God. Helen
July 26, 2010
July 17, 2010
The Lone Worshipper
I love to worship God! On my very best days, I look back and realize that I have spent a significant part of the day worshipping God: waking up and being glad and looking forward to how I can serve, feeding the horses and being thankful for them and the farm, driving to work and just basking in the sun or rain, trying to count the number of greens God has created. I could go on and on, and probably will sporadically in the next weeks. I enjoy worshipping with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I can be pretty selfish about that, too. I don't mind sitting by myself in a service -- it allows me the freedom to concentrate on God and focus my attitude and attention. But, I know that it is not about me, and sitting by myself is not the norm for most people. Worship is about God and submitting fully to Him. It's about full gratefulness for all He does in my/our lives.
Then it strikes me -- I can do that by myself. But I am called to worship in Christian community, too. That means sitting by myself is selfish. There are people who don't want to sit alone. There are people around me who want to feel at home. There quite possibly is someone near me who just spent a lot of courage just to come into this building at this time in this service.
How am I going to show the love of Jesus? How am I going to be sure that person feels less lonely? How am I going to instill some sense of wanting to come back? How am I going to help in this place at this time in this worship setting be a safe haven for this soul? How are you?
To the glory of God,
Helen
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Romans 12:12-14
Then it strikes me -- I can do that by myself. But I am called to worship in Christian community, too. That means sitting by myself is selfish. There are people who don't want to sit alone. There are people around me who want to feel at home. There quite possibly is someone near me who just spent a lot of courage just to come into this building at this time in this service.
How am I going to show the love of Jesus? How am I going to be sure that person feels less lonely? How am I going to instill some sense of wanting to come back? How am I going to help in this place at this time in this worship setting be a safe haven for this soul? How are you?
To the glory of God,
Helen
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Romans 12:12-14
July 12, 2010
When Is It Time to Leave?
My small group is awesome! We meet every week, even through the summer. I hear from someone in the group, especially the leader, at least once a week, usually through email. Our second annual trip to the shore is being planned, as well as a fund-raiser for the Sierra Leone mission trip this winter. We plan fun time each month and ice cream is important to us (this is Ice Cream Appreciation Month - celebrate!). We get into super discussions during Bible study (usually the sermon-based lessons) and we rarely can keep to a quitting time. I think we all participate in the love/encourage/support aspect of group really well. I love my group -- the people in it!
As the director of the small group ministry at CrossPoint, I am aware of certain inconsistencies with my 'preaching' about small groups. In the past, my group (and there have been many) meetings have ended on time. It wasn't difficult to shut down conversation, have prayer time and say good-bye. Most of the people in the group valued that aspect -- get in, do the job, get out. This group would drive those people crazy! Even when I am guest-leading it we don't get out on time. Why? Well, we have a lot to catch up on when we see each other (sounds nuts). We have a great mix of new and mature Christians which adds flavor and depth to our studies, and gives me new perspective to previously read scripture. Hard truths are revealed in love, and that is hard to come by. Our commonality of having unsaved family and friends brings us together and we love being in Christian Community.
A red flag is that we are not growing numerically right now. Once again, my ministry leader hat is donned. I know that this is danger. We might not see it now, but the danger of becoming a stagnant group lurks in the future. Stagnancy occurs when people know each other too well and begin to enable or put up with each other, instead of holding one another accountable for our Christian walk. Stagnancy occurs when we are not raising up new facilitators/leaders to start new groups to share this community, instead of keeping it to ourselves. Stagnancy occurs when people take the commitment too lackadaisical, and don't show up to participate/support/encourage/contribute. Stagnancy occurs when we forget to share the love with new people inside or outside of our church.
I value my time with the people in my group and don't let anything else interfere with that time. I can easily become selfish about my time with them because they add such richness to my life. I hope that I return than energy to the group. There lies the dilemma. When is it time to push the fledglings from the nest? When is it time for me to step out to start another group?
One huge problem here at CrossPoint right now, is that we don't have enough facilitators/leaders for small groups. (This is not a unique problem to our church.) On Sunday, September 19 we will have a Plug-In Supper. People who want to join a group are invited to come, eat, and become part of a group. To be successful, we need more leaders to step up.
Is that you? Who in your group is ready to lead so that you can step out and start a new small group? There are people ready to join one, but are not ready to lead, yet. Maybe you could step out for a season and raise a new leader in that group. Maybe an experienced leader could coach a new one, combining groups for social events and mission projects. Think about it. Pray about it. What is God saying to you?
To the glory of God.
Helen
"... but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's Word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil" Hebrews 5:11b-14
Are you ready for solid food? Teaching/leading others? Is that your goal?
As the director of the small group ministry at CrossPoint, I am aware of certain inconsistencies with my 'preaching' about small groups. In the past, my group (and there have been many) meetings have ended on time. It wasn't difficult to shut down conversation, have prayer time and say good-bye. Most of the people in the group valued that aspect -- get in, do the job, get out. This group would drive those people crazy! Even when I am guest-leading it we don't get out on time. Why? Well, we have a lot to catch up on when we see each other (sounds nuts). We have a great mix of new and mature Christians which adds flavor and depth to our studies, and gives me new perspective to previously read scripture. Hard truths are revealed in love, and that is hard to come by. Our commonality of having unsaved family and friends brings us together and we love being in Christian Community.
A red flag is that we are not growing numerically right now. Once again, my ministry leader hat is donned. I know that this is danger. We might not see it now, but the danger of becoming a stagnant group lurks in the future. Stagnancy occurs when people know each other too well and begin to enable or put up with each other, instead of holding one another accountable for our Christian walk. Stagnancy occurs when we are not raising up new facilitators/leaders to start new groups to share this community, instead of keeping it to ourselves. Stagnancy occurs when people take the commitment too lackadaisical, and don't show up to participate/support/encourage/contribute. Stagnancy occurs when we forget to share the love with new people inside or outside of our church.
I value my time with the people in my group and don't let anything else interfere with that time. I can easily become selfish about my time with them because they add such richness to my life. I hope that I return than energy to the group. There lies the dilemma. When is it time to push the fledglings from the nest? When is it time for me to step out to start another group?
One huge problem here at CrossPoint right now, is that we don't have enough facilitators/leaders for small groups. (This is not a unique problem to our church.) On Sunday, September 19 we will have a Plug-In Supper. People who want to join a group are invited to come, eat, and become part of a group. To be successful, we need more leaders to step up.
Is that you? Who in your group is ready to lead so that you can step out and start a new small group? There are people ready to join one, but are not ready to lead, yet. Maybe you could step out for a season and raise a new leader in that group. Maybe an experienced leader could coach a new one, combining groups for social events and mission projects. Think about it. Pray about it. What is God saying to you?
To the glory of God.
Helen
"... but it is hard to explain because you are slow to learn. In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's Word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil" Hebrews 5:11b-14
Are you ready for solid food? Teaching/leading others? Is that your goal?
July 8, 2010
Blogging! Me?
My learning style is to take notes or actually do something to learn it. If I write it down, I will remember it much longer. Journaling has always been a part of my adult life. My first journal was started when I was pregnant with my daughter, and it was written to her. I kept it, not daily, but regularly. I tried to reveal the wonder of discovering a world through the eyes of a child. Carefully, I tried to reveal my frustrations when I couldn’t figure out what she needed. Humor was a great part of it, especially as language developed. This journal logged a good part of her first two years. I recently gave it to her, she is in her twenties. It was one of my best gifts to her. After that one, most of my journals are in the form of sermon notes, Bible Study notes, and prayers to God – not meant for anyone’s eyes. It just helps me grow spiritually.
But, blogging? This was a challenge by our Vision Pastor Dave. At first, I was excited. Journaling is easy for me. But wait! Journaling for all eyes to see? Am I ready? Then, I am brought back to the call on my life. I love to study and share what I learn. I love to mentor and teach and listen. So, I thought I would try this blogging, because God has used me in the past, and maybe will consider using me through this. But whatever comes of this, I love to have dialog with God and with you. So, if something hits a chord, let me know. About all those journals – I decided a few years ago that my daughter can read them, toss, them, or write a book with them. She will see my “deep-in-the-pit years, and she will see my victories. She will see the mundane and the absolute frustrations of life. Hopefully, she will see most of all the glory of God and answered prayer. That is what I pray for my blog. Mozart signed every piece of music “To the Glory of God” and that is how I want to sign my blog, and my life.
To the Glory of God,
Helen
“19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas[a] and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in him it has always been "Yes." 20For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. 21Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, “ 2 Corinthians (NIV)
But, blogging? This was a challenge by our Vision Pastor Dave. At first, I was excited. Journaling is easy for me. But wait! Journaling for all eyes to see? Am I ready? Then, I am brought back to the call on my life. I love to study and share what I learn. I love to mentor and teach and listen. So, I thought I would try this blogging, because God has used me in the past, and maybe will consider using me through this. But whatever comes of this, I love to have dialog with God and with you. So, if something hits a chord, let me know. About all those journals – I decided a few years ago that my daughter can read them, toss, them, or write a book with them. She will see my “deep-in-the-pit years, and she will see my victories. She will see the mundane and the absolute frustrations of life. Hopefully, she will see most of all the glory of God and answered prayer. That is what I pray for my blog. Mozart signed every piece of music “To the Glory of God” and that is how I want to sign my blog, and my life.
To the Glory of God,
Helen
“19For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by me and Silas[a] and Timothy, was not "Yes" and "No," but in him it has always been "Yes." 20For no matter how many promises God has made, they are "Yes" in Christ. And so through him the "Amen" is spoken by us to the glory of God. 21Now it is God who makes both us and you stand firm in Christ. He anointed us, “ 2 Corinthians (NIV)
July 2, 2010
What's in a name?
Deciding what name for my blog was grueling. I thought about my calling, wanted it to be edifying to God and came up with “An Arms Dealer”, then to clarify, “An Arms Dealer for God”. Equipping people with the spiritual armor and tool/weapons for spiritual warfare is what I am called to do. But then I thought about the bad people who might call --- well, they will be surprised; I don't mean to deceive. Then I thought about the FBI calling. Well, the next name I considered was Armor Bearer. I liked it, too, but it really didn’t express who I am. Then, I remembered a name Patrick, a prophet, gave me within two weeks that my calling was made clear to me (he knew nothing about that) – “you are like a Rambo for God”. Should I settle on this one? I am not an in-your-face person. I simply go about my business – hopefully helping people mature in their faith, discover and use their gifts to spread the love of Jesus Christ in the world.
What’s in a name? There is a lot in a name, the names of Jesus – a suitable name for any occasion or situation in life: God, Lord, Messiah, Word, Savior, Truth, Life, Light of the World, Lamb of God, Bright Morning Star, Alpha and Omega, Head of the Church, Lion of Judah, Redeemer, Ruler of Creation, Mediator, the One True Vine, King of Kings, Christ (to name a few of the 100 or so).
Which name of Jesus do you choose to pray to today?
What’s in a name? There is a lot in a name, the names of Jesus – a suitable name for any occasion or situation in life: God, Lord, Messiah, Word, Savior, Truth, Life, Light of the World, Lamb of God, Bright Morning Star, Alpha and Omega, Head of the Church, Lion of Judah, Redeemer, Ruler of Creation, Mediator, the One True Vine, King of Kings, Christ (to name a few of the 100 or so).
Which name of Jesus do you choose to pray to today?
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