A couple of thoughts for today. The first is preparing for the transition between Springfield and Ainsworth. I have been not only trying to continue to bring order out of chaos but also to prepare for my first services. I will be focusing on New beginnings which comes from scripture readings in Isaiah 48:18-25 and Romans 12:1-8. The prophet speaks of God doing a new thing for the people of Israel. That transitions and change can effect large numbers of people. What makes a difference is how we respond to the changes. Paul speaks to the changes that occur within ourselves and ways that effects the body of Christ. I will be writing more on that in the future.
Also from Scott Serving Strong I wanted to share what he had to say.PowerMail (by Serving Strong)
A minute just for you because you help others
Issue #192
Self Sufficient
We admire it.
We teach it to our children.
We write books about how to obtain it.
It makes us marketable.
It produces good credit.
It feeds our self esteem
What is it? Self Sufficiency
Self sufficiency is only half good. We all need sufficiency. But its the self part that's the problem. Self is not always able to deliver. The moment we try to become self sufficient is the moment we climb the throne and knock out Christ as central command of our existence. We may think we can take on the world and its problems. But in the end we will be disappointed. Being in ministry only adds to the problem. Working with people is messy. Dealing in the eternal good and evil requires a kind of sufficiency that is impossible to manufacture on our own.
Lasting strength comes from a posture of brokenness and dependency on our Creator. That's because lasting sufficiency is a gift from outside of us, not a strength within us. So I challenge you with two assignments this week:
FIRST: Take 5 minutes to examine the level of self sufficiency you have allowed to permeate your life and ministry. Recommit yourself back to Christ as your sole source of sufficiency
SECOND: Read this blog post for more insight, which includes some scripture: "Stop Right Now"
If you wish to receive his weekly emails here is the address:Scott Couchenour (coach@servingstrong.ccsend.com) on behalf of Scott Couchenour (coach@progressmax.com)
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Monday, June 28, 2010
Monday
As we continue to make order out of chaos, I am reminded about how important it is to be able to organize one's life. We continue to have a relatively few boxes yet to unpack and yet it was only yesterday that we found our silverware. One thing that this can do is make one creative in how we are able to handle things ie. like eating oatmeal out of mixing bowls with plastic spoons.
My office is now my priority. We have the bedrooms set up, our living room mostly together, our family room with many paths, kitchen and bathrooms done. I am also working to prepare for my sermon this Sunday. I did find out that the radio station KBRB streams the service on air and on the computer starting at 11.
As I prepare and finish up the last few boxes, I have contemplated the scripture from Isaiah regarding doing a new thing. For truly this is a new time, with a new church, that happens on July 4th a time that we celebrate the birth of a new nation. This is also the 50th year from the first time an USA flag was flown over Philadelphia with 50 stars. A series of new times and places we remember. The important part of this is that we do not become complacent and not continue to see the new possibilities that God provides for us. So celebrate the remembrances but also prepare for the new the springs forth before us.
My office is now my priority. We have the bedrooms set up, our living room mostly together, our family room with many paths, kitchen and bathrooms done. I am also working to prepare for my sermon this Sunday. I did find out that the radio station KBRB streams the service on air and on the computer starting at 11.
As I prepare and finish up the last few boxes, I have contemplated the scripture from Isaiah regarding doing a new thing. For truly this is a new time, with a new church, that happens on July 4th a time that we celebrate the birth of a new nation. This is also the 50th year from the first time an USA flag was flown over Philadelphia with 50 stars. A series of new times and places we remember. The important part of this is that we do not become complacent and not continue to see the new possibilities that God provides for us. So celebrate the remembrances but also prepare for the new the springs forth before us.
Friday, June 25, 2010
new start
Just wanted to let people know that Nancy and I are safely in Ainsworth. Tuesday night we ran into a severe storm with winds over 60 mph, rain, hail, lightening. Had to pull over and the car was a rocking. Saw a tree limb fly over our car. No damage thank God. Since then the weather has been warm but no further storms as of yet.
The boxes are slowly but surely being unloaded. Sort like Christmas as each one seems to have a surprize. People have been welcoming, several gifts of certificates to eat out, flowers, and just stopping in to say hello. Just got the internet set up and running. This weekend is alumni weekend and each year has a float in a parade. Tonight is a car show and the Eagles hamburger flies. Sunday evening a meal at the park, Christian music, and fireworks. July 6-8 is the Mid Of Nowhere carnival with a variety of activities. Later this month is a cowboy celebration. Arts in the Park is in August. So if you don't have anything to do come on up. If we haven't completed unloading boxes we might put you to work.
Nancy and I want to thank all of the people who were so helpful with our packing and the variety of gifts as we left. We hope to see you again.
Take care
Pastor Eldon
The boxes are slowly but surely being unloaded. Sort like Christmas as each one seems to have a surprize. People have been welcoming, several gifts of certificates to eat out, flowers, and just stopping in to say hello. Just got the internet set up and running. This weekend is alumni weekend and each year has a float in a parade. Tonight is a car show and the Eagles hamburger flies. Sunday evening a meal at the park, Christian music, and fireworks. July 6-8 is the Mid Of Nowhere carnival with a variety of activities. Later this month is a cowboy celebration. Arts in the Park is in August. So if you don't have anything to do come on up. If we haven't completed unloading boxes we might put you to work.
Nancy and I want to thank all of the people who were so helpful with our packing and the variety of gifts as we left. We hope to see you again.
Take care
Pastor Eldon
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