Asking Why....

 

 

How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hid your face from me? How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart?

...But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation.

(Psalm 13: 1-2, 5)

 

My Grandma Hilbert was 94 years old when she passed from this life to the next one, and she used to say that God forgot about her. She said it was because she was so ornery. I used to tell her that it was because God still had more for her to do.

 

Do you ever feel like God can’t see you – or that He forgot you?

The feeling is pretty common when you are going through a difficult situation or struggle.

Why would a good and gracious God allow you to endure strife?

Doesn’t God know you need Him to intervene?

In David’s 13^th Psalm poses these same questions…thousands of years later each of us is struggling with similar obstacles to grace that David faced. None of us is that different from a king – a man after God’s own heart – who sought guidance and protection from God. A king who faced struggles, defeats, anxiety, depression, chaos, hatred, abuse, illness, death, pain….nearly every difficulty a human being could face.

 If you compare your situation to David’s – how different are you?

Have you faced something David hasn’t? Likely, not, but what makes you different than the shepherd boy who became king?

David was brave enough to go before God and ask Him, “Why?”

 

All too often, we are afraid to question God – to ask him when He will intervene – when He will take the struggle – the pain – away.

 We fear questioning God for a few different reasons:

1.       The answer. If we ask God, “Why aren’t you helping me through this? Why aren’t you solving my problem?”, we may hear Him say, “I’m not solving the problem because you need to press through this difficult time so that you will be prepared for a more difficult situation down the road.” Well, no one wants to hear God say that the problem you are facing today is just preparing you for a bigger problem in six months, six years or six decades! We live in a culture of quick fixes and microwave meals. We don’t want to hear we have to work through a problem – but more often than not – that is exactly what we need to do.

 2.       The consequence. Sometimes, the difficult situation we find ourselves in is as a result of a poor choice we have made. And God allows us to endure the punishment to help teach us not to make the same mistake. A bummer – I know – but the mess you make is the one you have to clean up.

3.       No answer. When we seek the “why” we aren’t guaranteed that God will respond. Perhaps you aren’t ready to hear the answer. Perhaps the answer to why is another tragedy. Perhaps the why is simply – because…not a great answer. As a person of faith, you need to be willing to be okay with no answer. Now, this doesn’t mean you can’t keep asking – God is okay with the questions  - because it means you are seeking a relationship with Him – but you must also be okay with silence as your answer.

 

“In this world you will have trouble…” (John 16:33)

“I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me. ⁸ Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me.” (2 Corinthians 12: 7-8)

 

Trials are a part of this life. You can’t get away from them. You will always have difficult situations, but you can be assured that God will be with you:

But take heart! I have overcome the world. (John 16:33)

 God created you…

He created this world…

He allowed the bad to happen…

And He WILL rescue from it…In His time.

So…what can you do to wait for your salvation?

“But I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the LORD for he has been good to me.” Psalm 13: 5-6

 

Scripture

Psalm 13

 

GUMY Challenge:

FINAL ANSWER!!!!!

Mustard Seed

 

Don't forget to collect all 14 answers and bring them with you next week for GUMY....

 

You will need them.

 

GUMY is Sunday September 22nd!!!!!

 

BRING A FRIEND (or seven!)

XOXO

 

 



Finding the Soil...

“Anyone can count the seeds in an apple, but only God can count the number of apples in a seed.”

RoberH. Schuller (Theologian)

Seeds are a miraculous thing. From this teeny tiny speck, a flower or a plant or a great tree will grow. Everything that grows in the ground starts from a seed. But unfortunately, not every seed grows.

Jesus shares a parable with his followers about some seeds. The seeds were thrown by a farmer as he walked along. Some of the seeds fell on along the path, some in shallow soil, some amongst the thorns and some in good soil. The seeds which fell on the path were snatched up by the birds and the seeds which fell on the shallow soil shot up quickly, but were burned by the sun. The seeds which fell amongst the thorns grew, but were quickly choked out by the thorny bushes. But the seeds which fell in the good soil grew and flourished, producing much fruit.

This parable is an image of how different people will perceive the Gospel.

 Some fell along the path...Some people completely ignore the message of hope and love of Jesus. They are like the seeds which fell on the path. They have hard hearts towards God and choose to live their lives for worldly pleasures rather than opening up to what God has to offer them. They have closed hearts and closed ears. And yet, we are called to love them in spite of our differences. You may not be able to change the person of the hardened path, but you can still share God's love with him or her.
 

Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil... Sometimes, when we share the Gospel message with someone they are on fire with the love of Christ. This person will go out and buy the t-shirt, the bumper sticker, and the necklace, professing a 180 degree life change, but the changes are only surface deep. This person is like the seed which falls on rocky or shallow ground - he or she gets a taste of the love of Jesus and is excited about the high of the unconditional grace offered, but when it comes time to truly change his or her life - to turn away from the path he or she has been following - this person can't let go and the enthusiasm once felt for Jesus withers and fades. And just like our friend with the hardened heart, we are called to love the people whose faith is shallow - not to judge them.

 Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants, so that they did not bear grain....Life is hard and as human beings we face man obstacles. These obstacles can bend and nearly break us for the difficulties they present. This is what happens to those who are like the seeds which fell amongst the thorns. People can and will allow their trials in life, or the pressures of others around them to choke out the life giving love of Christ. This is a choice. They have chosen to allow the pain of the world to override the peace offered by Jesus. At times, you might empathize with someone in this situation; maybe you have felt like giving up or giving in a time or two. Empathy is good...it will help you to love these persons and try and share the light that Christ offers through the darkness of the thorns.

Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up, grew and produced a crop, some multiplying thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times... This is who we want to be as Christians. Creating good soil in which our seeds can grow begins with our commitment to Christ. We must put Him first, every day. By focusing our hearts and minds on Him we will begin to nourish our soil in His life giving light. We next need to fertilize the soil through the study of His word and His teaching. This fertilizer will help our seeds grow stronger and fuller - producing more fruit. And finally our seeds need to be planted by other seeds in like soil. We need the support and encouragement of other Christians to help us grow and weather the storms of life. 

Seeds are life giving, but they can only grow with the right nourishment. Begin by tending your soil and then look for opportunities to help others to grow.

Scripture

 (click on the link below...not surprising it is the parable of the soils)

Mark 4:3-20 (NIV)

Fun Fact:

The most grown crop in the world is wheat as it is cultivated in all continents except Antarctica. Rice is second. Corn is Third. Potatoes and bananas are numbered four.

So, I guess if you want to bake some bread in Antarctica - you are going to have to bring the flour with you....

Quote
We need to find God, and he cannot be found in noise and restlessness. God is the friend of silence. See how nature - trees, flowers, grass- grows in silence; see the stars, the moon and the sun, how they move in silence... We need silence to be able to touch souls.
Mother Teresa

GUMY Challenge
Answer: Clue #13 - Jesus's last words on the cross were: "It is finished"

Clue #14 (LAST CLUE): What is the smallest seed that grows into a bush on the planet?
Hint: Jesus said it was like the Kingdom of Heaven. (And it is used to make a condiment for Hot Dogs....)

Only two more weeks until GUMY kick off ....be sure to be collecting your answers...you will need them on September 22nd!
 

 

To Whom Much is Given....

 

 

 

From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked.

Luke 12:48

 

When you think about your life...what thoughts run through your mind?

Do you consider yourself blessed or cursed?

 

I consider myself extremely blessed.

Even if I hadn't been born in a country that was free, or to a family where I was adored, or with advantages I would still consider myself blessed - because I know Jesus.

 

Everything else - my job, my family, my education...even my country would be nothing if I didn't have Jesus.

 

But knowing Jesus - being in a relationship requires constant attention.

Attention to my relationship with him as well as attention to the incremental blessings he has given to me.

 

Recently, I heard someone say that the blessings in my life weren't just for me but they were for everyone I encounter.

 

I consider the blessing of my relationship with Jesus - as well as the other multitude of blessings -  to be a blessing to share.

 

Each day I wake up, I have the privilege and responsibility of representing Jesus to the world around me. How I share him and his blessings often is how those around me perceive Jesus - right or wrong my relationship with Jesus is a bridge to help others find a relationship with him.

 

Some days, when I think about the duty of sharing Jesus with others I get all tangled up inside:

What if I say the wrong thing?

What if I snap at someone?

What if someone I talk to doesn't like my hair - and then doesn't like Jesus?

I know...a little crazy - but honest.

 

I take the responsibility of sharing the love of Jesus very seriously...

To Whom Much Has Been Given - Much is Required.

 

I have been given much - I have been give the eternal love of a Savior.

And I am motivated to share that love with everyone I meet so that all of those someones might be given the same gift - and mission.

 

You have been given much....what will you do with it?

 

Quote

One person can make a difference and every person should try.

John F. Kennedy

 

Scripture

Luke 12:35-48

 

 

GUMY CHALLENGE

 

Answer to Clue #12: Gold

 

Clue #13: What were Jesus's final words on the cross.....

You may need to read just a bit....XOXO



Ignoring the Holes to Focus on the Whole

 

 

Don’t grumble against one another

James 5:9

 

 

When was the last time you fought with your brother or sister?

How about a friend...your mom....a teacher?

Have you ever complained about something in your life not being fair?

 

Well...if you have you are in a very large club...one with about 7+ billion members.

 

As humans, we complain. We tend to focus on what we don't have rather than what we have. We see the holes in  life rather than the whole of life. We compare and contrast ourselves to the lives we see around us.

I want a bigger car...

Or I want to be liked like she is...

Or I want to stay out past my curfew....

Or I want the latest iPod...

Or....I want...

 

Most of our grumbling and dissatisfaction comes because of comparison....because we live in a world where we want to "Keep Up with the Joneses".

 

We look across the yard and see someone else's life and we begin to see that we want what we don't have...

 

Not because we need it...but simply because we don't have it.

 

This desire for things and wants and wishes outside of our lives causes us to step outside of our faith - to pull away from God.

 

When we begin to grumble or complain about our lives - we are complaining about the gifts God has already blessed us with.

 

When we fight with our parents because of a perceived restriction; or when we disagree with our siblings; or we want something someone else has  - we are essentially telling God that what He has given to us is not enough.

 

Complaints - whining - is telling God "Your doing it wrong Big Guy".

 

Do you want to be the one to tell God He's doing it wrong?

Do you think you have the right?

 

Instead of focusing on what you don't have, focus instead on the blessings of today.

Even in the midst of the most trying times and the darkest of hours there are specks of light and joy that can be discovered. Sometimes you may need to dig deep in your soul to see them - but I promise those gifts are there.

 

By focusing on the blessing - you will be given the great gift of patience.

 

Patience isn't a natural human condition. Patience is something that must be earned through practice and discipline.

 

By turning from your grumbles and focusing on what is good in your life today you will find that waiting - showing patience - isn't that hard.

 

Your life is as it should be. The challenges you are enduring are preparing you for something in your life that you can't yet see - but God can. The holes in your life will be filled but something better than you can even imagine.

 

How do I know?

God knows the whole of your life...I guarantee He will fill in the holes - if you are patient and let him.

 

Scripture

James 5:7-12

 

Quote

“Oh, mansion shmansion. Did Gandhi's house have the largest outdoor trampoline in the tristate area? Did Jesus have a two-acre remote-controlled car track, with mountains to scale and a little village that lit up at night? Not in his Bible.”  

George Saunders

 

GUMY Challenge

Answer to Clue #11: GOD

 

Clue #12:

 Your worth more than....Click the link to find out

Are You Believing Your Own PR?

“Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and then sink yourself into that. Don’t be impressed with yourself. Don’t compare yourself with others. Each of you must take responsibility for doing the creative best you can with your own life.”

Galatians 6:4-5 (MSG)

 

"You are amazing!"

"You are the best student in the 10th grade!"

"You are the prettiest girl on the planet!"

"You are so stupid!"

"Why can't you be more like him?"

 

Have you ever heard any of these statements directed toward you?

Phrases that build you up...or bring you down?

 

In the world - even in the Christian world - we tend to idealize individuals - raise them up so high we almost cannot see them anymore. And on the flip side, we like to tear people down to the point that they never seem like they will be able to recover.

 

Why?

PR, baby.

 

Whether someone is described as too good or too awful has to do with the "spin" or the public relations given to him or her. Often the words people use to describe us - good or bad - are simply that...words.

 

Words are one of the most powerful weapons in the world.

They can be wielded for good and for evil.

But only you can choose to believe what the words say.

 

In Paul's letter to the Galatians he was reminding the new believers - and us - to be humble; to recognize that we are all parts of the Body of Christ - no one greater than the other - and no one worse than the other. We each must find our own purpose in God's plan and follow that plan to fruition - not allowing ourselves to be distracted by the lure of the world.

 

Each of us has an important role to play.

 

You are important!

 

Maybe today you are struggling with who you are supposed to be.

Maybe you are questioning what your mission in life is.

Maybe you are feeling a little like a fraud because people keep telling you that you are wonderful.

Maybe you feel a little lost starting a new school year.

Maybe you can't understand why God loves you as much as He does.

Or maybe you are struggling with something you can only share with God.

 

However you are feeling at this moment - know - above all else - you are LOVED.

 

You are loved because you are you.

 

For no other reason.

 

You are loved...just as you are.

 

God's love isn't conditional upon whether you are pretty, can dunk a basketball, make straight A's or are the most popular kid in school.

 

His love has no limits and no conditions.

 

His love just is.

 

The world will always try and label you with its own special brand of PR.

Your actions and reactions will be spun and re-spun until you almost forget who you really are.

But always know Whose you are.

 

You are a chosen child of the One True King.

You are beloved.

 

And that's no PR.

That's just truth.

 

Scripture

Galatians 6

 

Quote

 “If you have enough people sitting around telling you you're wonderful, then you start believing you're fabulous, then someone tells you, you stink and you believe that too!”

 Angelina Jolie

 

GUMY Challenge

 

Answers #9 & 10 -

MLK: Wants his children to be remembered for their Character

MT: "As long as you have done your best"

 

CLUE #11

 Here is a little letter to you...from a pretty GREAT ONE...

Question:

Who is this Love Letter From?

 

XOXO Courtney

You Do the Dreaming....Let God be Your Guide (Double Bonus GUMY Week)

 

 

“We both had dreams,” they answered, “but there is no one to interpret them.”

Then Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God? Tell me your dreams.”

Genesis 40:8

 

 

What is your dream?

 

Do you dream of being a professional athlete?

Do you dream of writing a novel or of winning an Oscar for acting?

Do you dream of going to college - of falling in love?

 

What is your dream?

 

Regardless of your age or level of maturity - you have a dream buried deep within your soul; one that pokes at the corners of your life and seeks to be fulfilled.

 

So, what are you doing about it?

 

Are you working toward fulfilling your dream: practicing daily your sport of choice, taking writing or acting classes, studying in school, identifying the qualities of a Christian partner?

 

Or are you just wishing after the dream...hoping that it may come true but not actively pursuing your dream?

 

The fulfillment of a dream takes bits of both points of view.

You must dedicate yourself to the hard work needed to drive toward your dream.

But, you also need to have hope - and not put pressure on yourself to barrel ahead toward your dream  - steamrolling everything and everyone in your path.

 

Dreams are a blessing from God.

They are a gift that can help guide us down the path He has destined for us to follow.

But they aren't a one-time deal: "Here's your dream - now go figure out how to make it come true."

 

Often, the dream God plants in you as a small child or a young adult start as a seed - an inkling toward what God plans for you. Those seeds act as a catalyst to move you in a direction. But, before you listen to the seeds - you must first seek God's direction on where the next seeds have been planted - and where your path is headed.

 

We must confirm our dreams - and the path they are leading us down - with the giver of dreams.

 

We all have dreams. Do not interpretations belong to God?

 

You have a dream - what is it?

Share it with God.

Allow Him to guide you down the path to what the fulfillment of that dream is.

 

The end of the road for the dream you have today is greater than even your wildest imagination can create. ...

 

You just have to let God interpret the meaning of your dream.

 

Scripture

Psalm 106:1-5

 

Quote

Occasionally in life there are those moments of unutterable fulfillment which cannot be completely explained by those symbols called words. Their meanings can only be articulated by the inaudible language of the heart.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

 

GUMY SUMMER CHALLENGE

DOUBLE BONUS CLUES

 

hey gang - so this week is a double bonus since we missed last week...

 

There are TWO clues for this week's prize...which means you will need to give me BOTH on Sunday and keep track of BOTH for the final challenge.

 

Best Wishes, Courtney

 

Clue #1(click on this link): What is MLK's dream for how his children what his children will be judged in the future? by their....what?

 

 

Clue #2: Mother Teresa's final quote in this clip says that we should not be disheartened by failure as long as we have....what?http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=Mother+Teresa+Quotes&view=detail&mid=6226EBA3CAEF21F7C9446226EBA3CAEF21F7C944&first=0&FORM=NVPFVR

Jesus is your friend ... Are you his? (Catch Up GUMY Challenge Week)

 

 

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.

John 15:15

 

When I was about four years old I remember walking down the hall of the education wing of church and seeing a little girl with dark hair wearing a frilly white dress standing near the nursery. Being the shy girl I am – I made a beeline to her, shoved my hand in her direction, and said, “My name’s Courtney. What’s yours?” She placed her hand in mine and gave a shy smile and said, “Mandy.” With that clumsy handshake a friendship that has spanned three decades was born.

Over the last thirty years, Mandy and I have shared countless birthdays, sleep-overs, late night telephone calls, weeping hugs over heart brakes and weeping hugs over new loves. We’ve developed a deep understanding, respect, trust and unconditional love for each other.

 

We have friendship.

It wasn’t created in breath or overnight – but it has taken years of devotion, dedication and desire to

build.

 

Friendship – deep in your bones, call-you-at-3-in-the-morning-because-my-car-broke-down

friendship – is fostered through time.

Unfortunately, our culture has reduced friendship to a single click on a website. We talk about friends based on the number we have, rather than the relationship – I have 292 friends, 1,490 friends, 200,000 friends. Today, your friends are distinguished based on the quantity rather than the quality.

But, I wonder if Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of facebook, would call all of his 1.5 million friends if he found out his mother had cancer, or if his wife just announced she was pregnant with their first child, or if the business he created was crashing down around his ears? Or would he call one? 

In John 15:15 Jesus says, I know longer call you servants because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead I have called you friends, for everything that I have learned from my Father, I have made known to you.

Jesus calls us into friendship; not just the duty of servanthood, but a relationship that is deep and abiding. Before he sacrificed himself on the cross, he made a greater sacrifice in leaving heaven and his Father’s side just so he could be in a relationship with you and me. He gave up heaven just so he could be your friend.

Do you know Jesus the friend? Or is he more of a facebook follower – one you click on Sundays but disregard Monday through Saturday?

Jesus desperately wants your friendship – he’s given the time and dedication to it – he’s given his very life for it. Are you willing to take the time to get to know him - as more than a savior - but also as your friend?

 

Quote

“The dearest friend on earth is a mere shadow compared to Jesus Christ.”
 Oswald Chambers

 

Scripture

John 15

 

GUMY Summer Challenge....

 

No challenge question this week...

 

Be sure to check through previous weeks to catch up.

 

Last Week's Answer: One Job - is to Love Everyone!

 

XOXO Courtney

 

John 7 - Overcoming the Doubters and the Haters (updated)

Jesus' brothers said to him, "You should leave here and go to Judea. Then your disciples will see the kinds of things you do. No one who wants to be well known does things in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world." Even Jesus' own brothers did not believe in him.

John 7:3-5

Can you imagine knowing, beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are right?
 Knowing that you are doing all of the right things for all of right reasons, and yet no one - not even your family - believes you?

Would you feel discouraged?

Would you be frustrated - angry even?

Would you be a little depressed?

In the seventh chapter of the book of John we see Jesus facing a time in his earthly ministry when he was surrounded by doubters and haters.

Many of his disciples had abandoned him and he returned to his family for the Festival of the Booths - a time in the Jewish celebratory calendar where the Jews remember their time in the wilderness and thank God for his blessings (Leviticus 23:34,42).

My image of Jesus's heart is one of a tender sadness as I read John 7. I don't recall ever seeing him challenged in such away - outside of the Holy Week.

Some believe he is the Christ - but then they question his lineage- is he really of the House of David? Some are amazed by his teaching - but how could he know so much without being educated?

Some believe he is good and right - while others thinking he is tricking his followers.

I imagine that Jesus - who loved these people with the overwhelming love straight from The Father - was deeply saddened by the lack of belief - by the overwhelming number of doubters and haters.

In my mind I hear the sigh of frustration as he is teaching on one day during the festival when he says, "Stop judging only by what you see. Judge correctly." (John 7:24)

Stop judging only by what you see...

I think he was saying to them - and even to us today - Open your heart and you will KNOW.

Belief isn't knowing what we see. Belief is knowing what we cannot see.

How frustrated must he have been with those who had witnessed his miracles first hand - those who had been in his presence ~ truly been in the presence of God on Earth ~ and yet questioned who he was.

Jesus was still teaching in the temple courtyard. He cried out, "Yes, you know me. And you know where I am from. I am not here on my own. The One who sent me is true. You do not know him. But I know him. I am from him, and he sent me."

John 7:28-29

These people could see, hear and touch Jesus and yet, they didn't truly know him. They knew where he was raised. They knew his mom. They even knew of his miracles.
But they didn't truly know him because they did not know the One - God the Father - who had sent him.

When we come to know Jesus - to truly know Jesus - we know God. They are one in the same.

I can sense Jesus's frustration with those he ministered - the doubters and the haters - even the sometimes believers.

And yet, despite his frustration, his love for each of them was so great he laid down his life for each of them and for each of us so that one day - we can say:

 "I know him. I have seen him with my heart."

Scripture

John 7 (Yep - the WHOLE chapter)

Quote of the Day

 It's a great feeling when you have a lot of doubters and you prove them wrong.

Joakim Noah, NBA Basketball Player

Question of the Day

When have you felt the oppostition of people not believing in you?


GUMY CHALLENGE - Clue # 8

The answer to this week's clue is what Emmanuelle says is "her job" in her posting...it is ALL of our jobs.
Check out this YouTube Clip



Finding a Blessing in the Suffering....(GUMY Summer Challenge Clue #7 - part 2 of 2)

 

 

“God does all these things to a person—
    twice, even three times—
 to turn them back from the pit,
    that the light of life may shine on them."

Job 33: 29-30

 

 

Do you ever wonder why you face trials?

Why people have times of struggle or difficulties?

 

Job is a man who faced innumerable struggles in the Bible.

He lost his home, his family, his wife, his fortune and his health. He lost everything until all he had left was his relationship with God.

 

His "friends" thought that Job was at fault - he must have done something wrong. Why else would God be forcing him to suffer?

 

But God challenges Job's friends and even Job himself.

Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?
    Tell me, if you understand.
Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!

Job 38:4-5

 

Basically - God is telling Job -

"Dude - you are questioning Me?

Who do you think you are?

I created the WORLD....what have you done?"

 

Job and his friends were questioning God's will in their lives - assuming the role of judge and jury.

They assumed simply because someone was going through difficulties that person must have done something horrible to deserve the suffering.

But - that's not how God works.

 

God doesn't punish us with suffering - but He does allow difficult things in our lives to draw us closer to Him.

When life is going well - like it was for Job before his trials - we tend to not rely as heavily on God. But when we face difficulties - illness, job-loss, broken relationships - we are more likely to turn into the arms of the One Who created us.

 

And - amazingly - even when we are in the midst of a hardship we will be able to count our blessings - trusting in the One Who is always there for us.

 

 

Scripture

Job 42

 

Quote

 

May we be strengthened with the understanding that being blessed does not mean that we shall always be spared all the disappointments and difficulties of life.

Heber Grant

 

GUMY CHALLENGE!

Okay gang...here we go ...part 2!

 

Your clue is this...

Just tell me who the recognized founder of Methodism is...

Hint...He wasn't actually a Methodist....

 

Don't forget - you need BOTH answers (this week's and last week's) to get this Sunday's SUPER prize!

(A $10 iTunes Gift Card!!!!)

 

I'll be looking for you Sunday (July 14th) morning before church!

 



Forever is Forever....Clue # 6 (Part 1 of 2 part challenge)

 

 

 

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Matthew 24:35

 

 

Forever.

The word holds so much.

 

When I was a kid, the time between the start of school in September until my birthday at the end of April seemed to stretch out before me like an endless carpeted pathway. One that was a little rough, a little twisty, and seemingly forever.

 

Now - the time between September and the end of April seems to jump as quickly as a grasshopper moving from plant to plant.

 

Forever seemed to get significantly shorter and I all I did was get significantly older.

 

But in reality, forever remains the same today as it did when I was eight.

 

By definition, forever means without ending, always, eternally.

Umm...that's a SUPER long time.

 

But - when we think about God...Jesus...heaven...and all that the promise of grace, the Trinity, salvation through Christ means....well, the only possible definition is FOREVER.

 

Love that is without end.

Love that is eternal.

Love that is always.

Love that is forever.

 

We are promised that the salvation granted to each of us through our acceptance of God's Grace and Jesus's sacrifice - FOREVER.

We are promised that heaven and its streets made of gold, angels singing and all around 24/7 worship of God - FOREVER.

 

Forever...God's love for you...

Forever.

 

What more could you ever want?

 

Scripture

Matthew 24:30-35

 

 

Quote
"Love is forever, and if it doesn't last forever it isn't love."
Dottie Kinealy

 

 

GUMY SUMMER CHALLENGE

Clue # 6 (Part One - TWO WEEK CHALLENGE)

This week's clue is in the sanctuary...it is the symbol of the United Methodist church... Here's a hint...it hang's behind Pastor Jay on Sunday mornings....

 

Note: This is a two week challenge! You will need to know this week's answer AND next week's answer to win...a $10 gift card (BIGGEST PRIZE OF THE SUMMER). The prize will be given to the first GUMY who finds me Sunday, July 14th.

 

Happy Sleuthing!

Making the Most of the Light - GUMY Summer Challenge (CATCH UP WEEK: Answers: 1-5)

 

 

 

 

 

It is SUMMER!!!

 

Officially, last Friday, Summer 2013 started.

 

What I love most about summer is how long the days are.

The sun is up before 6AM and doesn't set until nearly 9PM.

There is so much light and so much time.

 

Light makes us feel like we have time to accomplish our goals or tasks for the day.

When darkness rolls in our bodies tend to go into rest mode - time to settle down and veg-out.

 

Although we need rest time each day - it is during the hours of light - during the day - that we are able to move our lives forward.

 

That is the gift that light gives us.

 

Salvation is the gift that God gives us to have eternal life.

Salvation is life moving forward - forward to heaven.

 

Both the light - our simple daylight and the light of God - and salvation help to move our lives forward. They help draw us closer to God - bringing us deeper into relationship with Him.

 

As you begin your next day - remember that each moment of light is a time to draw nearer to God - and a chance to shine in the glory of His gift of salvation. The opportunity to be with Him always:

 

"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."

Psalm 27:4

 

Scripture

Psalm 27

 

Quote

Light gives of itself freely, filling all available space. It does not seek anything in return; it asks not whether you are friend or foe. It gives of itself and is not thereby diminished.

  ~Michael Strassfeld

 

GUMY SUMMER CHALLENGE

 

Hi ALL - This Sunday (June 30th) will be a "catch up" Sunday. No winners - but here's a chance to catch up on all of the clues to date...remember the Clue # and the Clue are important!

 

Clue/Answer #1: "You alone are my heart's desire and I long to worship thee"

Clue / Answer #2: "We are UNSTOPPABLE"

Clue / Answer #3: Tell Him

Clue Answer #4: Praise Him

And

CLUE/ ANSWER # 5: JESUS

 

 

 



Giving Your One Thing to God...(GUMY Summer Challenge - Clue # 5/Answer #4)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."

Matthew 11: 27-29 (Jesus speaking)

 

So...what's on your mind today?

 

What is the one thing that has been worrying you?

What is the one thing that keeps rolling around in your head without an answer?

What is the one thing that you are so excited about it can't happen soon enough?

 

Regardless of what your one thing is - have you discussed it with God?

 

You might be thinking, "God doesn't have time for my stuff. He's keeping the world turning - loving everyone on the planet - making sure the sun comes up in the morning and goes down at night (by time zone) - He can't possibly have time for my one thing."

 

But the thing is - God wants your one thing.

He wants to be a part of all of your things - big or small.

 

He wants to carry your burdens and celebrate your wins.
He wants to be in all things with you....
And He wants you to be in all things with Him...not just one thing.

All too often we relegate God to church on Sundays - one hour or maybe a little more per week. We leave Him behind Monday through Saturday when we are living our "real" lives.
We choose not to have Him involved in our various things. Instead we just invite Him in to the one thing we think He would approve of.

How would your life look if you started asking God into your Mondays through Saturdays rather than just leaving Him for the Sundays?
What would change about the one things in your life?

He wants to be there - "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." He knows we are heavy with all of the one things in our lives...but He wants to help ease our burdens...carry our loads.

Give your one thing - good or sad - to God this week and see what a difference Monday - Saturday can have when you get to Sunday....

Scripture
Matthew 11:27-29

Quote:
“Well, I do think someone might have arranged about our meals,” said Digory.
“I'm sure Aslan would have, if you'd asked him,” said Fledge.
“Wouldn't he know without being asked?” said Polly.
“I've no doubt he would,” said the Horse (still with his mouth full). “But I've a sort of idea he likes to be asked.”
C.S. Lewis, The Chronicles of Narnia

GUMY CHALLENGE Clue # 5
This week's question is simple and hard....Who does Aslan represent in the books "The Chronicles of Narnia"?

For a hint watch this YouTube Clip:
Aslan's Resurrection

ANSWER Clue #4
The answer was: Praise Him

KEEP CHECKING EACH WEEK AND COLLECTING THE ANSWERS....EVEN IN YOU DON'T GET A WEEKLY PRIZE YOU ARE STILL IN THE RUNNING TO GET THE BIG PRIZE IN THE FALL!

 

Giving God More than An 'Atta Boy...(GUMY SUMMER CHALLENGE Clue #4/Answer #3)

 

 

He is my God, and I will praise him,
    my father’s God, and I will exalt him.

Exodus 15:2

 

 

"You are awesome!"

"You did a great job!"

"I love the way you made it!"

"Atta boy!"

 

Praising someone can be genuine and honest - coming straight from your heart.

 

But praise can also be shallow and hollow without any true love or meaning associated with the words.

 

And most people can tell the difference.

 

Recently I had someone praise some of my work.

The words were complimentary and encouraging - not overly generous - but they seemed genuine.

A few weeks later, the same person trashed the work.

The reversal of the message - from praise to criticism - left me feeling hurt and angry. 

 

And with the change - I began to question the praise others had given of the same work and myself.

 

Words are a very powerful tool.

They can build up or they can tear down.

 

And they are a tool each one of us possesses.

 

When we set out to worship God at the center of true worship is a spirit of praise.

And that praise should be filled with honesty, generosity, and a genuine love for the God who created you.

If it isn't....if your praise is shallow and hollow - following the motions of everyone else - God will know.

 

would not God have discovered it, since he knows the secrets of the heart?

Psalm 44:21

 

God knows what is truly in your heart.

He knows if the praise you have for Him is true or false.

 

He only wants your praise if it is given from a heart that loves Him.

Authentic praise is what you were created to do.

 

But, your heart may be badly broken and torn apart.

You may have suffered pain and anguish that may cloud your ability to praise God with honesty - but He wants you to try.

 

Even in the midst of a cloudy day we have the great gift of seeing a ray of sun or a beautiful flower. Allow your praise for God to be the sun shining through your dark hours and you will find that as you focus your praise on Him your burdens will seem lighter as He takes them on as His own - Freeing you to praise Him more.

 

Give God more than an , "Atta Boy..."

 

Praise Him...Praise Him...

Sing of His excellent glory goodness and wonder.

Praise Him forever more,

 

Try it...You just might like it.

 

Scripture

Exodus15:1-3

 

Quote

“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”

 

Oprah Winfrey

 

GUMY SUMMER CHALLENGE

 

Clue #4: The answer is the title of the 1st Hymn we sang on Sunday June 9th...(HINT...I've written it a BUNCH in this blog....)

 

Answer #3: Tell Him, by Lauren Hill

 

 

 

What is Love? GUMY SUMMER CHALLENGE Clue # 3 (Answer #2)

 

 

 

If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.

1 Corinthians 13:3

 

 

 

What is love?

 

Paul wrote that love is patient and kind.

It doesn't boast and it isn't rude.

He wrote that it always protects and keeps going - never stops.

He wrote that love doesn't fail.

 

Paul's description of love reads like something inhuman - supernatural.

And it is.

 

To truly love someone - to embody love - means to give up your own wants for another.

Love means seeing someone for who God intends them to be not for who they are to the world.

Love is an emotion that is bigger than this world because it is the only emotion that fully describes God.

 

God created man to be in relationship with Him.

Yes, God loves all of creation, but He created man above the rest of creation because He loves man - you and me - most of all.

 

His love for us is pure.

It reflects all of the facets of the love Paul describes in his first letter to the church at Corinth.

 

And, because we were created to be in relationship with Him, He has given us the capacity to love like Him - at least in glimpses and snippets - in this life.

 

We are imperfect beings who strive toward perfection.

Perfection is loving all others with a pure, unselfish heart.

Loving like God loves each of us.

 

At the end of chapter 13 Paul writes:

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

 

Our experiences with loving others -

 boyfriend or girlfriend, mother or father, friend, sibling -

are limited to our understanding of the things of this world.

The love we know today is clouded by limits -

 the pain, hatred, selfishness, deviousness -

that this world embraces.

 

We are promised that the glorious glimpses of love we have in this world are mere shadows  - smudgy images - of the love that God has for us. The love He is showering upon each of us even at this moment.

 

Our hearts are wounded and untrusting so we choose to not fully experience all of the love God has for us.

 

But we - each of us - have the opportunity to embrace more and more of this overwhelming love each day by opening ourselves up to our great Beloved.

 

God is reaching out with His love.

His love is a constant waterfall of joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, self-control, and faith for you. It is filled with innumerable blessings just for you.

 

But love is a funny thing - it only grows as it is returned and shared.

 

The more you give God's love back to Him the greater portion you shall receive.

 

And you can start getting more love today - just tell Him....

 

Tell Him you love Him.

 

He loves you.

 

Return His love with love of your own.

 

The more you tell Him - the more you will understand how great His love is for you.

 

What is love?

 

Love is knowing - heart, mind, body and soul - your Great Beloved is in love with you.

 

Scripture

1 Corinthians 13

Quote

There is no surprise more magical than the surprise of being loved. It is God's finger on man's shoulder.
Charles Morgan

The hunger for love is much more difficult to remove than the hunger for bread.
Mother Teresa

 

 

GUMY Summer Challenge -Clue #3

Clue #3 - - Lauren Hill Song....what is the title? That is the answer...but listen to the whole song anyway :)

 

SUMMER CHALLENGE: Answer #2:

 

"We are, We are"...UNSTOPPABLE

 

Keep playing .....XOXO