We tackled a tough subject Sunday! It's the one many pastors cringe over sharing, but it's soooo critical to the advancement of God's purposes for His church and The Grove. Thanks for the many comments after the message - I'm of course assuming you are the ones who already practice giving generously.
As we move into the holidays and toward 09 I am challenged by the many dreams God has given us and what we will need to do to accomplish them with His help. As I mentioned Sunday, our giving will need to increase and be consistent.
Speaking of generosity - I had the privilege of driving down to Mansfield yesterday to drop off the 52 Operation Christmas Child boxes. The people were truly thankful and impressed that we all had the plastic ones. They said it made it much easier to pack. As you will see by the pictures they had a group of friendly volunteers waiting for me and before I knew it they were packing them 12-13 in a larger box and then out top the semi where 600 boxes had already been loaded.
Thank you Grovers for your generosity - we have a couple more opportunities before this holiday is over to be generous - be sure to be there Sunday as we join the Advent Conspiracy!
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Rest and Other Things I Learned in The Sticks
Last week I attended a two day conference called "The Sticks" in Loudonville, OH (Officially in The Sticks). I left late on Monday (my day off) and rushed back to lead the men's group on Wednesday night. I was reminded repeatedly through the conference several things but one thing stuck, again. "We cannot be dependent on ourselves and dependent on God at the same time. When we consider the practice of rest unnecessary, we also will inevitably lose sight of the necessity of God."
I justified my involvement the lat 6 weeks in a new life growth group because I wanted to get to know these ladies. I don't regret it, just realize I need to do a better job of protecting my day off.
How are you doing in the rest department? I'm concerned about you - because as much as I run I see some of you running even harder - and the holidays are on top of us which means some of you will run even faster! Why!
What are we modelling to our kids, and our neighbors (who we seek to reach for Christ) when they see us frenetically going from experience to experience, never seeming to be satisfied by the previous?
I pray you will join me in the Advent Conspiracy. We will explain more fully on Sunday, November 30th - but let me prime the pump (so to speak). Before you go crazy with your calendar and your credit cards for this holiday - STOP - see what God wants to do to you, in you and through you this Christmas!
That's all for now - REST - STOP - sounds great to me.
Pastor Jeff
p.s. Prayers welcome for Cindy and I as we go to TN to see our daughter and grandson to help them prepare for their daddy's return from Iraq the following week. More from Nashville and more about The Sticks!
I justified my involvement the lat 6 weeks in a new life growth group because I wanted to get to know these ladies. I don't regret it, just realize I need to do a better job of protecting my day off.
How are you doing in the rest department? I'm concerned about you - because as much as I run I see some of you running even harder - and the holidays are on top of us which means some of you will run even faster! Why!
What are we modelling to our kids, and our neighbors (who we seek to reach for Christ) when they see us frenetically going from experience to experience, never seeming to be satisfied by the previous?
I pray you will join me in the Advent Conspiracy. We will explain more fully on Sunday, November 30th - but let me prime the pump (so to speak). Before you go crazy with your calendar and your credit cards for this holiday - STOP - see what God wants to do to you, in you and through you this Christmas!
That's all for now - REST - STOP - sounds great to me.
Pastor Jeff
p.s. Prayers welcome for Cindy and I as we go to TN to see our daughter and grandson to help them prepare for their daddy's return from Iraq the following week. More from Nashville and more about The Sticks!
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Mold Me, Make Me, Fill Me, Use Me
From the moment we helped Jim Anderson load in his equipment (potters wheel, table and supplies) I knew we were in for a treat. He carries such a sweet serving spirit and wanted to be down on the floor, close to the people so everyone could see. The children sat close and watched intently.
He started with a song, "Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me."
God's Spirit indeed feel upon those in attendance.
Jim served as a pastor til last June - but his passion for his craft and the ability to bring his ministry to groups like ours was too much to do it all.
I can see why - Jim shared a life changing, life altering message. It was one of those kinds of experiences that only come along once in a while. I am different because of it. Maybe it was the way he wove scripture and the many lessons we have already learned during this 40 Day campaign into his presentation. It certainly was neat to see him throw a lump of clay on the wheel, center it, open it up and then draw it up into the shape it was designed to take.
He reminded us that God shapes us in 4 ways; through the Bible, prayer, being an active part of the Body of Christ and through our circumstances.
At the end he reminded us that his pottery had to dry completely, then be fired once, glaze applied and then fired in an even hotter fire before it would be completed. I know that none of us enjoy the refiners fire but it burns off the impurities and makes us pure to be more useful to God.
Jim closed the way he started - by singing an old hymn, "Have thine own way" - it was great!
I am so glad I met Jim - I am so glad God used him to further shape my life. I'm sure those present felt the same way.
Pastor Jeff
He started with a song, "Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me. Melt me, mold me, fill me, use me. Spirit of the living God, fall afresh on me."
God's Spirit indeed feel upon those in attendance.
Jim served as a pastor til last June - but his passion for his craft and the ability to bring his ministry to groups like ours was too much to do it all.
I can see why - Jim shared a life changing, life altering message. It was one of those kinds of experiences that only come along once in a while. I am different because of it. Maybe it was the way he wove scripture and the many lessons we have already learned during this 40 Day campaign into his presentation. It certainly was neat to see him throw a lump of clay on the wheel, center it, open it up and then draw it up into the shape it was designed to take.
He reminded us that God shapes us in 4 ways; through the Bible, prayer, being an active part of the Body of Christ and through our circumstances.
At the end he reminded us that his pottery had to dry completely, then be fired once, glaze applied and then fired in an even hotter fire before it would be completed. I know that none of us enjoy the refiners fire but it burns off the impurities and makes us pure to be more useful to God.
Jim closed the way he started - by singing an old hymn, "Have thine own way" - it was great!
I am so glad I met Jim - I am so glad God used him to further shape my life. I'm sure those present felt the same way.
Pastor Jeff
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