Our denomination has put together 30 Ways You Can Be Hospitable to People with Disabilities and have a ministry focus area on disability concerns at this same site.  These are common ways we can consider people with disabilities regardless of where we encounter them, some of which we might not have readily recognized the impact on the person.  If we truly want people to 'come as they are'; let's find all the Christ-like ways we can help them do so.

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The advertising industry of the Untied States of America is banking a billion dollars a year on a singular belief: they can convince you that you are not yet satisfied. You "need" a new car. You "need" a new house. You "need" some new furniture. You "need" a new .... In a very literal sense, it is their business to perpetuate in you a spirit of dissatisfaction. If you ever realize that you are satisfied, they lose big bucks.

and say "and when He does, enjoy it! Don't cling to it or idolize it, but enjoy it...and share it!" It resonated with pastor's sermon Sunday that God would find us as He has already chosen us and He would equip us. It was the final chapter of the book reflecting upon 'Victorious Living' and shachar

 - "rising in immediate pursuit" and continuing throughout each day. 

It was a good time of study, indeed.

When Martin Luther King gave his stunning "I Have a Dream" speech back in 1963, he gave everyone a vision. In the poetry and cadence of a whole history of black preachers before him, he painted a verbal picture for America of what our society would look like when black and white live together in peace and dignity. His vision, though not fully implemented yet, still calls us to be something better than what we are...

Remember a vision enables us to see what does not yet exist as though it does. In the shining face of Christ on the mountain we are privileged to see how the glory of God will transfigure us, and the whole of creation. We have been to the mountaintop. Our eyes have seen the glory. Now, we must take that vision back with us down the mountain into Monday morning....

In the face of Christ on the mountain we are privileged to see a much greater transfiguration— the transfiguration of the whole creation, the blazing glory of each one of us restored and whole and shining bright.

... reunions are about uniting the family, bringing together the young and old. Singing and dancing and thanking God, giving him the glory. Thanking him for getting us over. As we marched up the road this afternoon, what we saw were young men gambling, fighting, cussing. Women with no clothes on gyrating all over on this land. Do you see this shack. The man and woman we were born here gave birth to this generation. They were slaves. They worked this ground, but they bought it from the widow of the slave owner and that's the kind of blood we have running though our veins. That's the stock we are made of. What happened to us. What happened to us. Who are you. Do you know who you are. What happened to the pride and the dignity and the love and respect that we had for one another. Where did it go. And how, How do we get it back. I'ma tell you. Young Black men, take your place. We need you. Your sons and daughters need you. Did you understand what I just said. You were sold off and had no choice, yes but now it's time to stay. Take your place. Now. Starting now. Starting now. Young black women, you are more than your thighs and your hips. You are beautiful, strong, powerful. I want more from you. Take your place. I want every single one of you, young man, young woman, turn to the next person standing alongside of you. Grab them and hug them and tell them that you love 'em. Tell them, 'If you need anything, come to me.' 'If you need somebody to talk to, come to me.' 'I'll give you the shoulder, I'll give you the hug. I'll feed you, I'll clothe you if you need it. That's how you start from this moment. When you leave this reunion today, you take that with you.

... pause to consider from whence we've come, where we are now and who brought us thus far along the way, and how we should represent.  Each of us have these places and spaces.  May your considerations bless you!

Have a Blessed Thanksgiving

What does it take ... take a minute and see ....

Watch this video Serve Someone Today and share in the blessing by not being a viewer only :-)

 Reminds me of a song I learned at a christian conference when I was in high school ...

The kid and I went to Upland to see and purchase the Veggietale premiere event showing of Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Noah's Umbrella. We got the DVD with a free umbrella and he came away with a silly song CD too; taking advantage of Family Christian Stores in-store savings coupons for the event.

Yes, the kid is getting a little old for Larry, Bob and gang - but they still grab you with their stories, impress you with an otherwise easily forgotten message, and make you laugh at those silly silly songs. You'll notice in the picture Larry, who in this 'get-up' is getting on Bob's nerves, is looking a little like the <i>'unknown comic'</i>; remember him or am I dating myself?

Today was the ordination for Pastors Fernando and Reggie at our morning worship service in the presence of their friends and family and the Friendship congregation family and friends followed by a celebration of fellowship in the parsonage immediately after the service. 

The charge and the message to our pastors of Friendship Community Church  was to fight the good fight, finish the course, and keep the faith as given in 2 Timothy 4:1-8, sermon text.

pictures of the ordination 

sharing a portion of an email I received:

 "Pastor John MacArthur in his message, A Plea to Pray for Pastors, says, "We need to remember that prayer is battle; it wages war not against God but against the status quo, against sin and fallenness and the flesh and devils."  In Rom. 15:30, 31, Paul directs the Christians to "strive together with" him in prayer.  In Col. 4:2 he admonishes the church to "continue earnestly in prayer."   The word "continue" says that he took for granted their prayers; the word "earnestly" means to be "courageously persistent" or "to hold fast and not let go."  This praying is hard work.  But we are commanded repeatedly to do it.
 
So how do we pray for our pastor?  Scripture provides the answer!  We should pray that God will:
 
USE HIM to spread God's Word and that it will be received with honor (II Thess. 3:1).
DELIVER HIM from those who oppose him and the gospel (II Thess. 3:2; Romans 15:30, 31).
GIVE HIM opportunities to share the Word and the whole gospel (Col. 4:2-4).
MAKE HIM bold and faithful to continue proclaiming the gospel no matter what the cost (Eph. 6:19, 20).
GIVE HIM godly knowledge and insight (Eph. 1:8) so that he can grasp the greatness of the hope (Rom. 8:29; I John 3:2) and the inheritance that is his in Christ (Eph. 1:17, 18).
HELP HIM to understand God's great power that is always available to him (Eph. 1:18, 19).
GIVE HIM peace in the midst of the storms that come upon him (II Thess. 3:16; Phil. 4:6, 7).
BE GLORIFIED as he walks worthy of the calling he's been given (II Thess. 1:12).
 
Also we must pray that he:
 
DRESSES IN the complete armor of God every day (Eph. 6:10-18); and,
BEHAVES consistently with his identity in Jesus Christ (II Thess. 1:11).
 
MacArthur says, "We are called upon... to pray agonizingly on behalf of spiritual leaders... tapping the power of prayer for God's Kingdom sake and the ministry of those anointed and faithful servants who stand in the place of Jesus Christ as His agents, ambassadors, and spokesmen leading the battle against evil." 
 
God did promise that the gates of Hell would not prevail against the church (Matt. 16:18).  Praise the Lord!  But we are in a battle and the servants of the enemy are actually praying for the church's demise and that of the men who lead it.  Can we do less than obey the command of Scripture to pray for the triumph of the church and its leaders?"

Sunday's service was a re-commitment to prayer using the 31 days of prayer guide.  Sunday the 24th was DAY ONE.  Copies can be obtained at church or follow along here.  May you be blessed thereby and to God be the Glory!

Prayer for your Church!

Revised from Into Thy Word Ministries
Prayer Guide for your Church and Pastor!
^{© 1989, 2005 Dr. R.J. Krejcir Into Thy Word Ministries www.intothyword.org}

It is God’s call for all of us to Pray!

The best way to build your church and fire up your leadership is to be involved and pray for them constantly and continually! If you really what to put your faith where it is needed the most, commit yourself to support your Church and Pastoral Staff, and realize that God loves us all, and we are still in His Hands. Church leaders face many opportunities and challenges each day. They balance the stresses of ministry while they are researching and writing the sermons, managing the affairs of the church, going to countless meetings and counseling others significant problems. They wear many hats as the pastor, priest, counselor, preacher, teacher, manager, organizer, visionary, administrator, steward, and janitor all rolled into one with little to no free time. As well as dealing with the stresses of modern life with their family all under personal attack and usually doing life with other responsibilities and congregation expectations. They need your help, they need your prayers!

In committing ourselves to pray for our pastors and church leaders, our confidence cements in the fact Christ is our Sovereign Shepherd and He is in complete control of our church and staff, we are in His Hands and all will work out. Our shepherds and leaders are here to serve, and they need our prayers and support to make this work! When we pray and come together tighter, we will have no need to fear or stress or remain in our hurts. We can come together triumphantly as a caring, loving community powerfully for His glory impacting our community (Isa. 6:1-12; Gal. 5:22-23; 1 Pet. 3:12)!

Praying for your church is like filling a balloon with helium, the more it is filled, the more it will soar and not sore! For us to grow not just numerically, but in what is much more important, spiritually and in community to one another, requires our discipline and passion to pursue Christ more and ourselves less. We have to grow in Christ in a cherished, intimate growing relationship with Him as LORD over all and LORD over us. We are called to become purpose driven with His purpose at our helm of leadership and lives so that our trust and intimacy is rooted in Him and not in our personal ideas or distractions (1 Chron. 16:11; John 3:30; Eph. 6:16; Col. 2:6-8).

Use this prayer guide to pray daily for Friendship. Take one point each day of every month, and as you grow more in your discipline of prayer, double up by taking two or more.

First, praise God and thank Him for His blessings and goodness in all He has bestowed, even if you do not feel or see them. Remember your walk with Christ is all about Him working in and through us so your faith and love flourishes!

Day 1.    Pray that we realize that our inheritance and hope as a church family is in God’s incomparable and incredible great power which is available to us (Gal. 1:12; Eph. 1:18-19; Phil. 3:10).

Day 2.    Pray that our Church, Leadership and Pastoral Staff becomes more surrendered and poured out to Christ, so they can have spiritual breakthroughs by seeking the fear of God and the mind of Christ and the Spirit’s leading (1 Cor. 2:16; Gal. 2:20-21).

Day 3.    Pray that your Church and Pastor have and continue to take hold a growing, consistent walk with Christ with a devotional life and prayer that is steadfast. Pray that they realize and allow Christ to work and use them as they grow closer in their faith, spiritual formation, maturity and love (Psalm 16:8-11; 73:28; Rom. 8:31; 2 Pet. 1:5-7).  

Day 4.    Pray that all of the leadership exhibit good Christian character and integrity with all of their relationships and dealings in life (Micah 6:8).

Day 5.    Pray that your Church leaders and Pastors families will be cared for and respected and receive good consideration, so they can to grow too, as they are usually misunderstood, under-appreciated, and ignored or overworked. Pray that all the staff be committed to their families with authentic love and care, that they will be strong and learn in the midst of trials, their homes a refuge and haven of rest and not be condescending or withdrawing from their own families (Psalm 91:9-15; Phil. 4:19; 1 Peter 2:23). 

Day 6.    Pray for discernment in exposing any plans of the enemy against our Church or attacking our pastors and staff. Ask Christ to protect us as we wage spiritual warfare against the enemy on behalf of our Church (Eph. 6:11-12, 16; Col. 2:6-8; 1 Pet. 3:12).

Day 7.    Pray for an increase of vitality, renewal and vision that is from God for the pastors and leaders personally and collectively so that the church can be galvanized then take a hold of, and then be revitalized as a caring committed community for His Kingdom and purpose (Isa. 61:3; Rom. 12).

Day 8.    Pray for the willingness and ability to authentically confess and repent of any wrong doing, false dependencies, misplaced ideas and loss of spiritual passion (Luke 13:1-3; Acts 2:38-39; Rev. 2:5-6).

Day 9.    Pray that you and your church commits to follow the biblical mandate to support and encourage the leadership of the church (Eph. 4:11-13; 1 Tim. 5:17-18; 1 Pet. 5:1-2).

Day 10. Pray against gossip, negative criticism, false expectations, unhealthy burdens, strife and weariness that will seek to invade our church family (Psalm 91:5-6, 11; Luke 10:19; Eph. 4: 17, 32-5:1).

Day 11. Pray that your church be a community of grace and forgiveness. That your church has an atmosphere of encouragement by being grateful for Christ’s work in them that enables the congregation to be inspired to give genuine hospitality to all who comes though your doors (Rom. 15:4-6; 2 Thess. 2:16-17).

Day 12. Pray that your church commits to a healthy understanding, wisdom and accounting and handling of its stewardship and Finances to better receive God’s blessings (Prov. 3:9-10; 1 Cor. 9:15-18).

Day 13. Pray that your Church and Pastor will have the strength and endurance that they need to serve with excellence by the power of the Spirit and the support of the congregation (Philippians 4:13).

Day 14. Pray for healing, forgiveness and reconciliation for any misplaced expectations, criticism, ungrateful attitudes, flawed thinking, grief, hurts, and abuse (Isa. 61:3; Mark 11:22-24, 2 Cor. 10:3-5; Eph. 4:32-5:1; Phil. 4:19).

Day 15. Pray that your church would receive God’s direction and vision. That the congregation gets nourished from the substance of His Word and the needs of the congregation are met (Psalm 119:9-12; Matt. 18:20).

Day 16. Pray that our church becomes real authentic disciples of Christ who are learning, growing and making Fruit and in turn making more disciples (Prov. 19:23; Mal. 3:11; Matt. 28:18-20; John. 15:16; Gal. 5:22-23)

Day 17. Pray that the spirit and practice of Humility is utilized and practiced in and outside of your church, and that false humility does not take root (1 Pet. 5:5-7).

Day 18. Pray that pride does not set in with our Leadership and Pastoral Staff (Psalm 10:4; Prov. 8:13).

Day 19. Pray that our church commits to place our focus on the Supremacy of Christ and be dependant upon Him (Gal. 6:14; Col. 1: 15-17)!

Day 20. Pray that our Church and Pastor give real biblical help and Counseling from God’s wisdom and Word to those in need (Isaiah 61:3).

Day 21. Pray that our church family will give Christ real authentic adoration, praise, impassioned worship and glory in private and collectively as a Church. That worship is never to be a show, entertainment or talent focused, rather God is the audience to our praise (Gal. 6:14).

Day 22. Pray that our Church and Pastor take accountability seriously and each be protected and have people they are accountable too. Also, that each would cultivate and pursue healthy relationships (Gal. 6: 1-10; Eph. 5:21).

Day 23. Pray that the Word of God will never be compromised, cheapened or dumped down; rather be delivered in confidence with power, conviction, clarity, boldness, with love and in truth (Acts 6:4; Col. 1:28; 1 Tim. 2:1-2; 2 Tim. 2:15).

Day 24. Pray for discernment to seek God’s leading and direction for the leaders and pastoral staff, that they seek His ways and not trends, traditions, personal agendas or anything that is not from the Spirit and Word. Pray that they can discern and prioritize what is important and precious and what is not (Isa. 6; 2 Cor. 11:14; 2 Tim. 3:5; 1 John. 4:1; Rev. 4).

Day 25. Pray that God protects our Church, Leadership and Pastoral Staff from sin and misdirection and they have the wiliness and boldness to flee and confront sin (Prov. 19:23; 1 Pet. 1:16).

Day 26. Pray we all draw near to Christ and seek holiness and His presence with more prayer (Acts 1:14; 1 Thess. 5:17; Jas. 4:7-8).

Day 27. Pray that we as a church family remain faithful and good stewards, so the financial needs are met (Psalm. 91:15-16; Phil. 4:19).

Day 28. Pray that negative thinking, stress, being overwhelmed, the ways of the world, the tyranny of the urgent, being overcommitted, over busyness, fatigue, compromise, pressures, overworked, under-appreciated, misunderstandings, and stress to not get in our Spiritual Home and take over (John 14:1; Acts 6:2-4; 2 Cor. 10:3-5; Eph. 4:17).

Day 29. Pray that Unity infuses your church so that your congregation is binding to Christ in love so the work of the Kingdom is promoted (2 Chron. 30:12; Psalm 133:1; Rom. 15:5).

Day 30. Pray that congregation is willing and able to come and support the church and staff with grateful hands and words. That you all realize that the pastors and leadership are necessary and called and accountable to God (Matt. 9:37; Acts 14; 1 Tim. 3:1-7, 10-15; 5:22-23).

Day 31. Pray that our church community commits to pray for our church, pastors, staff, missionaries, those in need, community and issues powerfully every day (Acts 1:14; 16:16; 1 Thess. 5:17).

^{© 1989, 2005 Dr. R.J. Krejcir Into Thy Word Ministries www.intothyword.org}

for your reading pleasure, replete with scripture reference, here is an excellent article in the Banner from a prior year; a small excerpt follows ... The church’s calendar not only includes a date to remember the birth of Jesus (Dec. 25), we also have a date to remember his coronation as King Omnipotent. We call it Ascension Day....  most churches do not observe it, and the world does not believe it. It isn’t so terrible to forget liturgical calendar dates. But the facts of Christ’s lordship and the reality of the Holy Spirit’s presence must figure big in our Christian confession and in our everyday living.

Believe and Celebrate!

This is what I took away from the study - well one of the things ...

"Never stop growing; never stop knowing; and He'll never stop showing"

from Fight the Good Faith chapter of Living Beyond Yourself--Exploring the Fruit of the Spirit by Beth Moore. 

Classic look at faith vs. fear.  What was added to me, was that when we pull control back from God (a result of fear) our faith weakens.  The futility of our efforts fuels our fears and drains our faith.  

"‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty."

Was blessed with the sacrament of the Lord's Supper and a Word that caused me much reflection. 

Neville Koch gave the Word today, and was accompanied by his wife Lorraine and his son Graeme.  God is good.  One quote from a reknown George Muehler: