Arms Dealer for God

Retreat -- to what?

2010-12-27T15:13:00.000-05:00

Definition of RETREAT per Merriam-Webster Encyclopedia of Words

1: an act or process of withdrawing especially from what is difficult, dangerous, or disagreeable (2) : the process of receding from a position or state attained b (1) : the usually forced withdrawal of troops from an enemy or from an advanced position (2) : a signal for retreating c (1) : a signal given by bugle at the beginning of a military flag-lowering ceremony (2) : a military flag-lowering ceremony

2: a place of privacy or safety : refuge

3: a period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation, study, or instruction under a director

I have been going on retreats for more than thirty years. It is one of my favorite things to do. It is one of those things that I can pursue selfishly and return all the better for everyone around me! So, is it selfish? I say no. Let’s look below the surface.

The retreats I have attended were as varied as the number of ones I have gone on, and the outcomes were as diverse. My Emmaus Walk, organized by the UM Church now stands out as a favorite one – I went on that one with an agenda with God, and came back with the answer – and a whole lot more! Des Colores! (See keystoneemmaus@wordpress.com.) I have gone on silent retreats, which I thought would be very easy for me. But, forced silence for days was extremely difficult – but God could actually speak because I was quiet. After awhile, my mind was not racing and cluttered with worldly junk. Though I never loved those, I saw the extreme value in the sacrifice of silence. I have gone to the woods by myself, thankful that some friends let me use their cabin and other friends who let me hibernate in their basement apartment. These have been valued to do complete projects without interruption except direction by the LORD. It has also been of value to get away from the routine and concentrate fully. A few times, I went with grandiose ideas, and just got some much needed rest. I have gone on one-day retreats and weekend ones. Some have been led by others and many led by me. Some I have heard great things from God; others I heard nothing, but was content to sit in His presence, enjoying creation and serenity away from the hustle of the world back home. Some retreats have been full of small group Bible study, morning watches (personal, quiet guided meditation), loud talent shows, crying, laughing, talking and chocolate. Each one was beneficial beyond measure. Each one did not bring the results I was expecting, but most brought the results I needed. From most, I came back refreshed, renewed in spirit, a better wife, mother, employee, and mentor.

CrossPoint has some retreats coming up very soon! Make a commitment to attend by putting a deposit down now (so we can reserve enough rooms). Retreats make great gifts – to someone or yourself (to impact those around you).

MARRIAGE RETREAT, February 11-13, led by Dave and Julie Biser who love this material. Build a Better Marriage, a curriculum by Chip Ingram with Kurt Warner and David Ramsey, about overcoming the obstacles that come up in every marriage. When marriages are healthy and the team works together, families are stronger, churches are stronger, and it does affect society.
Location: Camp Joy-El in Greencastle.

WOMEN’S ANNUAL SPRING RETREAT, March 25-27, Fully Embraced led by our own Karen Hitz, plus Monica Langenberg, and Shari, Baer. (Check out www.fullyembraced.com.) Helping you to fully embrace God’s will for your life and live out your God-created, unique identity is what these ladies have a passion to share. Location: Mariawald Renewal Center in Shillingford.

However, retreats are more than their topics! They are fun, fellowship, and food. They are time together and time apart. They are spiritual food and growth vitamins. Mostly, they are a time to get away from the rush of the world, and take some quality time with God and His Word.

Glory to God. Helen

Blessings of Christmas

2010-12-21T21:59:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas! Take time in the next day or two to stop and meditate on the blessings of Christmas:

Peace - that passes all understanding and can only come from God.
Joy - in it's purest form, comes from the LORD, and is the only source we can count on.
Love - everlasting that came in a baby and grew into a Savior.
Hope - eternal springs forth, through grace, and offers us salvation.

Celebrate the character of Jesus Christ through His names listed in Isaiah 9:

6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

To God be the glory! Helen

And the Doors Blew Open

2010-12-05T08:07:00.000-05:00

I woke early this morning – well before the alarm – and had a new-day conversation with God as I snuggled deeper in the covers because the house was cold. The conversation was about something that has been preoccupying my mind lately, and I don’t really want to spend this much time on it. Suddenly, a thought crossed my mind that I would try to find A Day of Discovery on TV. I used to enjoy that show so much until they moved it from the 7:00 Sunday morning slot here. But, what I found were sport commentaries, government debates, and infomercials, so I flipped off the set. For some reason, this is out of character, I got up quickly, made the bed immediately and started down the stairs, all at a leisurely pace. Half way down the steps, the doors of the house blew open!

Now, I know the science behind this, so I started into the garage to see the outside door open, and proceeded to close all of the doors in the order they probably blew open. While I love science, I believe it is God-created, and I do not believe in coincidences. So, without further time in prayer and meditation, what are the options here?

• The weather bureau is correct; it is a blustery day – end of story.

• This is a diversion from my devotions; no better way to start the day by sidetracking a believer, in the devil’s plan.

• The Holy Spirit was diverting my attention from the all-consuming issue that I was just talking about.

• The Holy Spirit put me on the steps, wide awake, to take care of this problem because it was going to happen, and I normally would not have noticed until the house was miserably cold.

The other day, I was reading Oswald Chambers’ Utmost for His Highest when he said that when you realize that God is in the small stuff as well as the big stuff of life, you are on the way to submitting fully, and giving Him credit where credit is due. (This is my rewording; Chambers would not use ‘stuff’.)

Actually, if I look at all the options above, they all work. Though I am not sure the devil did it, he certainly can take the win if I don’t get back to my devotions. And, I can not wait to get back to my devotions to see if there is a further Word for me!
… To God’s glory. Helen

“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Philippians 3:12 (New International Version, ©2010)

Joy of the Lord

2010-11-21T19:08:00.000-05:00

Have you ever experienced that amazing phenomenon – coincidence? At least some of my friends and family believe in that. I personally have experienced “God-incidences” many times over the years. Most recently, I studied a few lessons, heard several sermons, got some advice from a friend, read a devotional, and woke from a sleep with one activity I felt I had to do --- all on the same topic. Then, to top it off, a scripture and song came into my head for support. No way! Is this not the Holy Spirit coordinating the message that I cannot ignore? Yes, I believe it wholeheartedly!

This particular message was about ‘the joy of the Lord”. As I read about the deep joy the apostle Paul had --- in all situations, I began to see the pieces fit together. I remembered the warning of scripture: Don't let others steal your joy; don't let Satan steal itl

Yet, I must self-evaluate: Do I rejoice in the Lord always? In every situation? Do I maintain joy, the hook that will bring a non-believer in to the boat? Does it fill me up and spill over like an overflowing glass? Do I make a difference in people’s lives because they see the joy in the Lord and the trust in the Lord? Can I “rejoice in the Lord always, again I say rejoice” even in the tribulations? Again, I say rejoice.

When my death comes, I hope joy is one of the things most remembered about me, next to a faith that drew people into a relationship with our Lord. In the meantime, I hope the Lord sees joy in my life and in my worship – a pleasing aroma that rises into the air. And, I hope that I never take these combined incidences for granted!

The song “The Joy of the LORD is my strength” runs through my mind a lot.
It is important to keep that JOY, even through the struggles of this life.

To God be the glory. Helen

10 Nehemiah said to the people, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 (my underline.)

Old Friends

2010-11-06T01:15:00.000-04:00

Not too long ago, I connected with three of my college roommates. I hadn’t seen one for over 30 years. I loved the dynamics of that meeting. Basically, we sounded the same, but my eyes deceived me, because we looked so much older! The talkers were still chatty. The quiet ones were still more quiet than chatty. We were reminded very quickly that we each still had certain quirks. The most amazing thing to me was our immediate pick-up-where-we-left-off relationship! We told each other of our losses over the years, our victories, and our families. Our senses of humor flowed like they always had. We still fit in the group like we always did.

Yesterday, I visited with a past partner in ministry who retired several years ago. Once again, I was amazed at how comfortable the relationship still is, even though we only see each other once a year.

What is it about God that allows this phenomenon? I stepped away from God years ago for a bit, and when I returned, it was just like I never left. He welcomed me with open arms. Sometimes, I think I still drift away a little. Yet, when I come running back, He embraces me.

I must check myself. Do I embrace the returning friend who hurt me or ignored? Do I let new people into my circle? Do I make them feel as comfortable “as an old pair of shoes”? What is this phenomenon of God’s and do I try to duplicate it?

Glory be to God. Helen

“Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.” Joel 2:13

The Difficulty with Surrender

2010-10-22T11:47:00.000-04:00

Whenever "Surrender" comes up in conversation, there is always a push back. It is a hard concept to grasp Surrender of everything to God's Will and God's Way is the goal of Christian maturity. So, when I read the blog of Confessions of a Career Churchgoer, I liked the point of view. With permission, I am sharing it with you.

"After a splendid victory at sea, Lord Nelson confronted the French admiral who was surrendering. The admiral, dressed in all of his regalia, approached Nelson to surrender. With his sword swinging by his side, the admiral put out his hand to the British commander. Lord Nelson stepped back and said, "Your sword first." There are a lot of people who think they can walk up and glad-hand the Lord Jesus Christ. He says, "Your sword first." Surrender first! Jesus is not an appeaser, and He will never make a truce with sin. Never! We have to abdicate the throne. We have to surrender to Him. - Adrian Rogers

"When I read these words of Adrian Roger’s I thought, “Well of course. This is basic theology.“ But the more I thought about it, I finally concluded that this is probably the crux of the problem for most of the non-Christians I encounter. I have found most people fairly open to the idea of believing in Jesus. They seem willing to take Pascal’s Wager, thinking that if they believe and they’re right then they have won. If they believe and they’re wrong, they haven’t really lost anything. But when they realize that this surrender is required, that a change of lifestyle must be eminent, they back away. If only they would understand how worth it, it will be. Perhaps that’s our job as much as any, to show them, to explain that surrender isn’t a dirty word.

"Although maybe it’s a lesson that even Christians need to relearn. Because these words also reminded me that I too sometimes need to be reminded of this. Sometimes, when you’re surrounded by the influences and priorities of the world and you feel the need to defend yourself against the secular; it’s all too easy to grab the worldly weapons that are handy- put downs, bitterness and sharp retorts, superiority and grumbling. Those of us familiar with the presence of God know we need to put those down first before coming to Him, because they have no place with Him."

To God be the Glory, Helen

"14 For Christ's love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died." 2 Corinthians 5:14 (Today's New International Version)
Oswald Chambers comments on this verse. "This total surrender to 'the love of Christ' is the only thing that will bear fruit in your life."

Fully Embraced

2010-10-05T23:33:00.000-04:00

If you need a spiritual shot in the arm, read on.

My Thursday was spent in an all-day workshop with the title above. Google it, and sign up for the October 14 or 16 at CrossPoint, or other places. That’s right. “Fully Embraced” reminds us that we are created for a purpose, to be used by God. When we discover this purpose, it can be the most rewarding find of a lifetime. Karen, Shari, and Monica lead with humor, purpose, and clarity. The workshop is a reminder for some, and a new discovery for others. When you leave for the day, you will fully embrace the uniqueness of the created you, and perhaps even have a plan how to use it! Best of all, you will have tools to use in your ministry – tools to train up leaders, skills to build relationships, and a new way to show the love of Jesus to the people you influence, for men and women alike. Great for parents, too.

This workshop is a way to quench “Spiritual Dehydration”. Take time for yourself so that you can be renewed and refreshed to do ministry with passion.

To God be the glory! Helen

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I (Jesus) have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10

Fullyembraced.com
xpointumc.org for directions to the Colonial Park campus

Spiritual Dehydration

2010-09-24T15:08:00.000-04:00

I have never loved temperatures in the 90s and above; but the older I get the less I want to experience them. Last summer, we had five days in the 90s. This year, the 90s started in early May, and we have had at least 34!

Right now, my road is being paved, or patched might be a better word. My husband spent a summer in college working on a paving crew. It was the job that he hated. The temperatures were nearly unbearable. So I was thinking about that today as I look out my windows occasionally. Most of the work is done by machine, but there is still one guy on the ground with a rake, tamper, or shovel. He is the one I watched. He was too far away to see if it was the same guy all day. Surely, it wasn’t! In my head, I know that those jobs get assigned to the newest guy. How do you get up in the morning to go to a job when the glorious sun is shining – 94 degrees today – and what temperature is it under your feet? When I went out for my mail several hours later, I didn’t want to step on the surface, because I could still feel the heat emanating from the road.

What does this have to do with ministry? Well, I was just wondering. Who are the people in ministry ‘hot spots’? Definitely, many missionaries, but what about counselors, interim pastors, caregivers to paraplegics, special needs children and older adults, the inner city street pastor – who comes to mind? Then, I must ask myself, do I leave them to sweat it out? Do I offer relief? Do I change places, if possible, for respite? Do I look the other way, or worse, not even see them at all? We are all in this life together. I am certain of my call for my life, specifically, but I am pretty sure that I should not be so busy with it, that I shouldn’t do some of the grunt work, get uncomfortable and ‘hot’ and help by offering some sort of relief. Spiritual relief is good, but many times, physical and emotional relief is needed more, so the soul can rest, renew, and be refreshed.

To God be the Glory. Helen

40"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:34-43

What a great title! It’s not mine. Maureen Gallatin, a fellow horse-lover, referred to it on her blog.
http://www.inspiredbyhorses.com/subscribe
An Extra Flake, Inspired by Horses, Text Copyright(c)2010 All rights reserved.

Never Said Goodbye

2010-09-02T23:43:00.000-04:00

Can you imagine? It must be a horribly disappointing, hurtful feeling.

“I missed a few weeks, no one noticed, and I just didn’t go back.”
“After the surgery, I couldn’t even make meals for weeks. No one came to visit me or help me. They are supposed to be my ‘family’. So, I might as well go somewhere else.”
“I did that job for years. Yeah, it was a small job, but I did it every week. I had to give it up. I didn’t expect a lot, but I did think someone might say thanks, or send me a card. Maybe I don’t belong here.”

I could go on and on with the comments I have heard over the years from people who have left our church because they felt unloved, unappreciated, and alone. Sometimes, as a staff person, I was shocked; I thought they did belong. Other times, sadly, I said to myself “of course”. Yet other times, I don’t know what more we could have done. All of these break your heart. Yes, every person does not belong in our church; but every person should be able to find a home in the Church. CrossPoint cannot be all things to all people. When people leave because of theological differences (i.e. dunking vs. sprinkling) or systems expectation (multi-site vs. building larger), there is another church that they will fit in. However, when someone leaves because they are hurt by the church, we must all mourn.

Speaking as a staff person, diligence is the key. We can check attendance records, and set up a system of calling absentees. (This is not truly effective, because not everyone fills out a communication sheet). As staff, it is difficult to slow down on a Sunday and really become part of the congregation; but we need to do that Also, we cannot be sure that everyone is noticed by ourselves. The whole congregation must help. After all, we are creatures of habit. How many of us sit in the same area of a class or worship every week? Then when you notice someone not there, give them a call to just check in that all is well.

Small Group Ministry is still our best solution to getting people involved and feeling the sense of belonging. Building relationships is the best way for understanding to prevail and Jesus’ love to be spread. God talks about relationships all of the time throughout the Bible – His relationship with each of us, and our relationship with each other. Please, please help. Slow down and notice the people around you. And if you have any concrete ways to help get people involved and cared for, please let me know. I promise to pass the idea on.

To God be the Glory! Helen

Love “always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:7
We are called to show love.

Sun or Moon Worshipper?

2010-08-08T15:02:00.000-04:00

     NO, I am not leaning towards nature worship. But in an earlier communication today, I referred to sun worshippers -- the people who love hot weather and the outdoors -- those who 'work' on a tan. Of course, the idea was flipped in my mind, and here we are.
     I personally am more enamored by the moon. I love to walk in the bright moonlight -- and love is the right word, because it gives me so much joy. Following moon shadows, especially my own, is so much fun. It can be a bit eerie, too. Sometimes a smidge of anxiety slips in to try to spoil my joy. A few other times, it is entirely possible to forget to look at the moon, or there is heavy cloud cover.  I live on a farm, so the night noises or the extreme quiet can engulf me. I am amazed every month at the different phases of the moon! (That amazement every month amazes me!) As I walk to the barn at night, I realize how little of the moon has to be seen to produce a pretty great shadow as I walk.
     As Christians, we must aspire to reflect the light of the Son. Aren't you constantly amazed at the results of reflecting Christ's love? No matter how small the reflection, or act of kindness, goodness, etc., it can have big outcomes. And, yes, sometimes we let fear or intrepidation take too much time, not expelling it immediately.  Maybe other concerns or worries cloud the light and take focus away from Christ. Those are the tests, aren't they? Because if we are focused on the Light, and continue fearlessly, He will be there every step. Though we might stumble, it will fade in comparison to those victories when His love is reflected.  I never want to lose my amazement factor! I hope I never forget to find amazement in God's love, and yet, trust that it will be there always, as long as I seek it.

How does this translate to ministry? Staying fresh and focused on the people who come through the church doors is a start. Greeting each one as a friend on the same journey is biblical. Each one of us using our gifts and strengths to contribute to the community is a great shadow of the biblical church. Reflecting Christ's love is one of our goals here in this life.
                                                To God be the glory.                               Helen
Jesus talked to His followers. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a limp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."           Matthew 5:14-16

CrossPoint Church still need leaders for groups. What are you waiting for? Talk to Helen, Skip or Sara.

30 Days????!!!

2010-07-26T09:57:00.000-04:00

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

The Lone Worshipper

2010-07-17T18:13:00.000-04:00

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

When Is It Time to Leave?

2010-07-12T12:29:00.000-04:00

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?

Blogging! Me?

2010-07-08T14:03:00.001-04:00

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)

What's in a name?

2010-07-02T17:07:00.000-04:00

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?

Help! My Prayers are Terrible

2010-06-29T16:23:00.003-04:00

We just finished a sermon series on prayer “Conversations With God”. One of our congregants asked me on Facebook to “Help! My prayers are terrible. I want to pray better.” It got me thinking. Over the years, my prayers have taken me to mountaintops to experience the Holy Spirit, to valleys where I saw things I didn’t want to see. I have pleaded with God, yelled at God, mumbled a seemingly insignificant prayer, and just waited in silence when nothing came to mind. When this cry for help came, I wanted to evaluate my prayers. I was stopped cold. Really? Does God grade my prayers? I don’t think so --- not at all. If I am talking to Him and being honest, He absolutely loves the time I am taking to converse. I know, because the sessions usually end in peace, not necessarily resolution, but peace --- beyond my understanding.

So back to the call for help. Who doesn’t like the prayer? Someone who is not comfortable praying aloud always feels inadequate. I have had the weird experience of being so nervous that I really didn’t remember what I said and thought I was just rambling, only to find out “how did you know to pray that? It was exactly what I needed!” Once, when I was starting a new ministry, my two new pastors came to the meeting! Always opening in prayer, my hands got sweaty and my voice got nervous, and my heart was pounding to the point I thought people might see it. I learned a very important lesson that day. My pastors were “professional pray-ers” (in my mind), but my conversation with God was private. I took time to stop, be quiet, and then speak my hopes and dreams for this ministry and the people in the room. It didn’t matter what anyone thought except One, and God has promised to listen. I think He was proud of me that day. I would love to say “practice makes perfect” but that hasn’t been true for me. Many years later, I still wish my prayers were better; but they are just right for who I am at this point on my journey, with the people who are walking with me. And yours are too.
Helen

5"And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 6But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Matthew 6 (NIV)

Go to the prayer section of the website and use some of the tools/models there to help develop your prayers,
www.xpointumc.org