Putting the Pieces Together

By Hally Franz –

Now that the summer season is thoroughly behind us and trip pictures have been downloaded, uploaded, developed and printed, I have an observation about different types of vacationers. As friends and family shared their summer experiences, I noticed that no two sets of travelers do summer fun in the same way.

Some work-worn individuals enjoy timeless days lounging on the beach. They take long naps and enjoy cool drinks and good meals. If they feel energetic, they may read a book, but they savor the “down time.” Their goal is to become rejuvenated by soaking in as much peace and quiet as the world will allow. I’ll call them “meditators.”

While the first group may be luxuriating in some tropical paradise, a second group may be bound for Washington, D.C. Group two are those who want to see things. They crave opportunities to visit new places including national parks, monuments, historical sites, museums, zoos and pop culture destinations. They view vacation as a time to learn and expand horizons. They are the “learners.”

There are those among us that can’t resist an amusement park full of roller coasters. While I am decidedly not this type of vacationer, I know a few who need thrill and excitement to fully enjoy time off. Bungee-jumping and hang-gliding may be just what adventurous friends need when they seek to escape the daily grind. Of course, they are “risk-takers.”

Lastly, do you know folks that long for the great outdoors? Our country is rich with natural wonders, and many find solace in scenic vistas that abound. Whether it is vast mountain ranges or golden plains, group four is inspired and energized by those God-made images. They are “admirers” of God’s handiwork.

Do we approach our faith like we do our time off? Do we pray and listen intently for God’s word without taking time to study it? Are we willing to take chances and talk to others about God, but fail to make time to worship and praise our Lord? Meditating, studying, evangelizing and praising are all important elements of our faith. While each of us finds certain components easier or more natural than others, perhaps we should seek to do it all. We may find that when we build a balanced faith, we find just what we need and He desires.

PRAYER: Wise and wonderful God, help me to value and attend to all aspects of my Christian faith. Guide me in the activities of prayer, Bible study, witnessing to others and worship, so that I may more completely serve You.

BIBLE VERSE: “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts” (Colossians 3:16 NIV).

A God of Details

By Carin LeRoy –

When Jesus lived on earth, he did many miraculous things – turning water into wine, healing the sick, driving out demons and walking on water, to name a few. As we read about his life in Scripture, we sense that he is not ordinary; He is someone with power and authority.

While reading John 21 recently, I was struck with something else: God loves details. In this chapter, we read about the miraculous catch of fish. Eight of the disciples had fished all night, but caught nothing. This was their livelihood, so it could be the difference of not putting food on the table for their family.

Early the next morning standing on the shore Jesus calls out, “Friends, have you caught any fish?”

“No.”

“Cast your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some,” Jesus said.

Obeying, they threw the net on the right side and brought in a huge haul of 153 fish – so heavy that seven strong men were unable to haul it in the boat. Although this is miraculous in itself, there is one detail that popped out at me: “…but even with so many the net was not torn,” (John 21:11 NIV).

Repairing torn nets was a necessary job of fisherman because even one hole would ruin the net’s integrity and limit the next catch. They could be torn by fish, rock or debris and hours could be spent each day repairing a damaged net to insure optimal results for the next time fishing.  This probably was their biggest haul of fish ever, yet God made sure that it did not tear. This wasn’t coincidence.

I love that God included this in Scripture. He not only provided them with more than enough for the morning catch, but he made sure they didn’t spend all day repairing a torn net. He wanted them to sit around the fire with Him.

Another detail I love? He provided breakfast. He sat on the shore cooking food for their return. He gave them bread and fish, (verse 13). They were exhausted and hungry after a night of fishing. Jesus fed them. Jesus took care of his disciples. He will take care of us, too. We have a powerful God that loves us – even down to the smallest details.

PRAYER:  Lord, thank You that even the details don’t escape Your attention. Help me not to take for granted all the ways that You look after me each day.

BIBLE VERSE: “Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’ None of the disciples dared ask him, ‘Who are You?’ They knew it was the Lord. Jesus came, took the bread and gave it to them, and did the same with the fish,” (John 21: 12,13 NIV).

Being Different

By Jarrod Spencer –

Ketchup, bread, and chocolate chip cookies. What do these all have in common? You can go to the store and have your choice to pick out any one of these in a variation of brands – each one still being about the same idea. There isn’t much difference in the taste and texture in the variation of these three (within their own categories). The idea that they are pretty much the same brings us to this quote by Coco Chanel, “In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.”

A few years ago, Heinz brand ketchup came out with variations in order to make their brand a bit different. Bread companies have tried different things to make their bread seem different. Chips Ahoy brand cookies has “Soft Batch” and “Chocolate Chunk” to try to be different. Once a product is made, others will try to mimic that product. So, the constant challenge is to stay ahead of others in the same business, just to make sure you maintain a status of being irreplaceable.

As Christians, we all are equipped with the same amount of bones and other body components as anyone else. So, what makes us different? Understanding that is a constant challenge. We can be polite and kind, but so are others. We have to keep going toward what is uncommon in order to make sure that we are not ‘replaceable.’ For example, are others able to turn the other cheek when being “hit” in life?

How will you be different? I pray that your individual uniqueness will allow you to find ways to be irreplaceable!

Looking for ways…

PRAYER: Holy Father, I am thankful that You are different. That You will forgive when I do not deserve forgiveness. That You sent Your Son to a world that did not appreciate Him. As a human father, I cannot imagine giving up my son for others’ lives. Thank You for being different!

BIBLE VERSE: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2a NIV).

 

Lord, I Need Something Today

By Susan Dollyhigh –

I prayed myself out of bed that morning. It seemed I’d existed on prayer for the past two years. A broken foot only forecasted the brokenness that was to follow. Broken marriage. Broken business. Broken finances. Broken me.

“I’m trying to hold on, Lord,” I prayed as I pulled on an old pair of jeans, “but I need You to give me something today.” I couldn’t believe I’d just prayed such a selfish prayer.

“I’m sorry, Lord. You have been my Sustainer. It’s just that I’m so weary, so worn out…”

I had an errand to run, so I drove downtown. As I parked my car, I saw Scottie walking towards me in typical fashion; head down, plaid, wool jacket hanging askew over slumped shoulders and worn-out tennis shoes shuffling under the tattered hem of brown polyester pants.

I stepped out of my car. “Hello, Scottie.”

“Got some money so I can get me some lunch?” Scottie mumbled.

“Where would you like to eat today?”

“Barney’s,” Scottie replied.

“Well, come on, we’ll go to Barney’s.” I slowed my pace to match Scottie’s as we walked the short distance to the sandwich shop.

I pulled the glass door open for Scottie to walk in. Scottie sat down at a table, removed the napkin wrapped around the silverware, gave it a shake and tucked it into the front of his wrinkled shirt.

I walked over to the waitress, “I’m buying Scottie’s lunch today.”

People in our town take care of Scottie, and I could tell the waitress had done this routine before.

“What can I get for you today, Scottie?” the waitress asked.

“Cheeseburger, French fries, and pop.”

The waitress walked back over to me. “He ordered his usual, it’s $5.00.”

I pulled a bill from my wallet, gave it to the waitress, and turned to leave. When I walked by Scottie, he stuck out his gnarly hand and took mine. “Thank you,” he said.

I squeezed his hand in return. “You are welcome, Scottie. God bless you.”

Tears filled my eyes, yet I felt my heart swell. Isn’t it just like our Father to bless us by allowing us to be a blessing to someone else?

I walked to my car with my heart full of praise and thanked God saying, I asked you to give me something today. I didn’t know what I needed or even what I was asking for, but You knew just what I needed and sent Scottie to bless my heart.

PRAYER: Lord, thank You for Your great love and compassions. They are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness, Lord unto me.

BIBLE VERSE: “Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV).

To Advertise or Evangelize

By Hally Franz –

There is a lovely cinema that my family and I visit in a suburban area not far from our home. At that theater, like many others, there are ads running prior to the start of the movie. Over the course of several months, that cinema showed ads for a large, non-denominational church in the area. I don’t remember the name of the church, but I do remember one stunning statement from the commercial. The advertisement invited people to attend their services, assuring them that, unlike other churches, “the people aren’t weird.”

I remember initially questioning myself about what I had heard, but when our minister referenced the same ad one Sunday, I knew I had understood the message correctly.

Wow! What a discouraging way for a church to communicate to the masses! Unfortunately, in our society, there are already enough challenges for Christians when it comes to evangelizing and carrying out The Great Commission. Calling traditional Christians, or any other body of believers, weird would not seem to serve His purposes. Encouraging that thinking seems more divisive than helpful in the pursuit of new believers.

I have great pride (hopefully, not in a sinful way) about my church home. We are blessed with a gifted minister, committed leaders, wise men and women, and an ever-growing group of youth. We are a family, seeking to study and follow God’s Word, and we have fun while we do it.

I know there are other congregations in our small town doing the same thing. Our orders of worship may differ, membership size may vary, and our church cultures are all unique. And, while my family is blessed to be just where we are, there are many other churches doing great things, too. I wouldn’t judge them as “weird” simply to appeal to the unchurched.

People re-connect on facebook because they share a high school or college alma mater. Serious fans buy season tickets to large-scale and local sporting events. We offer up huge amounts of time to our children’s activities and endeavors. Let’s remember to support our church bodies with the same enthusiasm, time and energy. That display of spirit and home-church pride will bring more people to Christ than calling the other guys names any day.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, provide wisdom for individual Christians and church bodies as they seek to reach others in the community. Lead us to evangelize with kindness and excitement for You, so that Your message is heard.

BIBLE VERSE: “For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything” (1 Thessalonians 1:8 NKJV).

 

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