Jun
30
Jun
24
You’ve Got Talent
Last week I shared with you my love for Vacation Bible School. At the time I wrote that article the verdict was still out on our Vacation Bible School. Would it live up to my fond memories of attending VBS? Would it be something that I was proud to be associated with? Would it be an event that used the talents and skills of many of the members of the congregation? I can answer with one word, a resounding YES!! I would love to name names, but that is not what this is about. Each volunteer was involved because they wanted to help make our VBS something special for our children as well as guest who may have attended. Each volunteer lived up to the memory verse that was used all week; “But each man has his own gift from God’ one has this gift, another has that.” (I Corinthians 7:7b).
From my vantage point I was able to see the rooms, hallways, and auditorium before, during and after the transformation. I was able to see the hard work that went into props, and planning where the kids would be going during VBS. This event just did not happen! What impact did the stories of old have on the little kids as they watched and listened to the adults. New life was breathed into the story of the Centurion servant, and the little servant girl of Naaman. The stories of the five loaves and two fishes as well as the shepherds telling the good news story of Jesus were brought to life. My guess is that for some of the children, it made a lasting impression. Some learned the books of the new testament, while others memorized I Corinthians 7:7. All came in contact from the time of registration to being guided from center to center, with good Christian men and women. The impact was positive.
Those who participated in the effort, know who you are. You know how much you put into this effort. You know the sacrifices you made of time and talent. I believe that each of you can look back and say it was time well spent, and your are thankful that God gave you the gifts that you possess. As an elder, I think I can speak for the other elders and say “Thank you for a job well done.”
It won’t be long until next summer rolls around. You will hear the phone ring and someone will ask—can you help at VBS this year? I believe you will once again step up and say yes because after all “You’ve Got Talent.”
Jun
18
Family Fun Night
We meet the first Friday of each month at 6:30 PM. Bring finger foods, drinks, and games you would like to play.
Jun
17
Who is your hero?
Growing up, we probably all had our heroes. Those heroes became bigger than life to us! It seemed that there was nothing that they could not do. For me one of my heroes was Davy Crockett. With the help of Walt Disney, Davy Crockett became bigger than life. He was the “King of the Wild Frontier.” The song that accompanied the TV show made his entire life one of epic proportion. Have you ever been disillusioned? You see we grow up and those bigger than life individuals, our heroes are no longer “bigger than life.” The real life Davy Crockett was human, and as a human he made mistakes. One book written about his life showed him both “flawed and frail.” That became somewhat disappointing to me, while at the same time it was also reassuring. It was disappointing because he was less than I had come to believe, but reassuring because that reality made Davy Crockett more accessible to me—and even more of a hero.
In the Bible we see that God consistently used people who were far less than perfect. That shouldn’t surprise us! David was a king and writer of many of the Psalms, yet he was an adulterer and murderer. Paul was a great missionary and beloved writer, yet at one time condemned Christians to death. God is glorified by showing Himself strong through our weaknesses. It shows us that He desires to work through our lives not because we are perfect but because He is. And since He uses weak and foolish things, it means you and I are prime candidates for His work. Paul penned these words; “But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.” I Corinthians 1:27.
The Lord isn’t looking for superheroes. He uses those of us who are flawed and frail, so that He can show His strength and grace. Maybe we should remember that God wants those with a willing and available heart. As one individual wrote; “In God’s service, our greatest ability is our availability.” Do you and I make ourselves available to serve God in whatever capacity we have? Are you and I willing to walk through the doors that He opens and serve others as best we can? Remember it is not a matter of doing something perfectly, it is a matter being available and willing to do what needs to be done. Make this a week where you make yourself available. Who knows, you may surprise yourself and become someone’s hero!
Jun
7
The Wednesday night summer quarter begins Wednesday June 9 with a special period of devotional thoughts. Except for the ladies class and college class, all adult classes will be staying in the auditorium. Beginning on June 16 all adult classes except the ladies and college age will begin a study of the Fruits of the Spirit. Come and be a part of this special study.
Jun
7
It really does matter!
We have all been aware of the natural disasters that have hit middle Tennessee as well as other parts of our country during the month of May. There have been floods and tornados that have taken their toll on people. Sometimes I wonder how much people are able to take before giving up. I recently read of one of those events that makes you realize what really matters.
A deadly tornado ripped through Will County, Illinois, a young father sat cradling his infant child, born just three weeks before. When the fierce, howling winds finally subsided and calm had returned, the man’s house was gone—and so was his baby. But according to the news report, the father found his child in a field near his house—alive and well! And so was the rest of his family. When asked by a reporter if he was angry that he had lost everything he owned, he replied, “No, I just thank God I have my baby and my family. Some people don’t have that. Nothing else is important.”
So many times it take a tragedy or near tragedy to remind us what really matters in life. When things are going well, we can easily get preoccupied with what we own. We become tied to so many unimportant things. We tend to grow overly concerned about cars, houses, furniture, appliances, clothes, and countless other things we feel our needed in our modern way of life. But when life is reduced to the essentials as it was in the Illinois tornado, we recall again that life itself is enough reason to praise God.
Does it ever concern you about your spiritual walk. Do you worry and ponder many “unimportant” things and forget what is really important. We have been blessed in so many ways here at Maple Hill. We have a wonderful facility, a tremendous minister/evangelist. We have a caring and loving family. What do you and I worry about? Do we worry more about the facility or do we worry about the work of the church. I am speaking today! As I spent time in preparing my lesson, I found myself asking what path am I walking down. Have I found it important to enter in at the narrow gate and walk down that narrow path? Too me that seems what is really import, what really matters. Have you spent time today praising God for your live and for the people He has given you to share it with. Lets make certain that we do not wait until there is a tragedy to decide to get on the narrow path that will always lead to life eternal.