October 26, 2010
This week we began our Cottage Fellowships. These are opportunities to talk about some next steps in fulfilling the vision God has given us to reach children for the Kingdom. As the Psalmist wrote, “He established a decree in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our ancestors to teach to their children; that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and rise up and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments...” (Psalm 78:5-7; NRSV)
This week I’ve been reminded why this is so important. Each Wednesday we have Chapel with the older 2’s through Kindergarten children. This morning I was out gathering some sports balls to use in chapel, when I heard one of the classes on the way to chapel singing, “To Chapel we will go.” Sometimes I wonder how much they get out of chapel.
After chapel this morning, Deanna Lewis reminded me that we are planting seeds of faith into these children’s lives. Deanna leads the music for chapel. She shared that some of the kids from our Child Enrichment Ministry were playing chapel at the ball park. One of the girls said, “I’m Ms Deanna,” as she led the singing. One of the boys, one in the 2-3 year old class, said “I’m Brother Rudy.” We obviously are making an impression in those children’s lives.
Deanna went on to share about another experience. A mother shared that her son regularly acts like a preacher in their home. He gets the family together to teach them what he has learned in chapel and/or during Bible time. Each day every class has a Bible time.
Seeds of faith are certainly being planted in these children’s lives. Not only are they growing in faith, but they are leading their families to faith. Just recently, I had the privilege of baptizing a father along with his son. While the baby is not yet in the Child Enrichment Ministry, the family has another child in the ministry. The children helped bring their parents back to the Church and in the father’s case, to faith in Christ.
As I mentioned, we have begun our Cottage Fellowships. In one of the first meetings this week, I was reminded of the words of Isaiah; “a little child shall lead them.” (Isaiah 11:6b; NRSV) As we were finishing the conversation about the opportunity that is before us, one said he wanted to share a personal word. He said that when he received his packet of information about this year’s Stewardship Campaign, he had decided that he would not give as much to the Capital Fund as he has been giving. He explained that neither his Social Security or his retirement income had increased. Then he went to see one of the staff persons in our Child Enrichment Center. She took him on a tour. He saw first hand children learning about Jesus. After seeing this ministry, he said his mind was changed. He is going to make a sacrificial commitment to provide more space for children ministries.
If we are going to accept the opportunity that is before us, we may need a little more of that childlike faith. Jesus had a word about that as well. We need some more of that trusting faith of a child. In Sunday’s message, I will be dealing with faith, as we look at the definition of faith found in Hebrews 11.
Speaking of children, this Saturday is one of our largest outreach ministries of the year, the Harvest Hoedown. We anticipate several thousands to come on our campus this year. The time is 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. It will be a fund time for children and their families. We can always us some more candy. Invite the children in your neighborhood.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Reflections from Bro. Rudy –
September 15, 2010
A CALL TO PRAYER
What a powerful three days our Tent Revival was. God used John Ed Mathison to speak some powerful words into our lives. He opened on Sunday and closed Tuesday night with several words that I have been thinking about over the night and this morning.
First, John Ed made the point that as we celebrate the past we must move into the future. He said, “The Church is a movement.” We must not live in the past. I believe it is a God thing that God’s word through John Ed was so close to the theme that has been chosen for our fall Stewardship Campaign: Celebrate the Past – Build the Future. It hit me that the best way we can honor and celebrate the sacrifices of the past is to make our own sacrifices for the building of the future.
The second word that I’ve been reflecting on is Prayer. Sunday morning John Ed asked us what we had been praying for in relation to the Revival. Then on Tuesday evening he pointed out the prayer life of the Acts 2 Church. He asked, “When had our prayers been so vibrant that the building shook?”
His words caused me to examine my own prayer life. What am I praying about? Am I boldly praying believing in a God of might and miracles? Do I place limits on God even before I pray? Am I really praying for God’s leadership in His Church? Am I praying for our nation?
Speaking of Prayer, Derek Belcher shared with me after the service last night (Tuesday) that some were promoting 40 Days of Prayer for the Election. Election Day 2010 is just over 40 days away. I did some searching on the internet and found that the Southern Baptist Convention has developed a 40/40 Prayer Guide for this fall, in preparation for the election. The Prayer Guide is available as a free download. Here is the web address if you would like to download it: www.4040prayer.com. You may have to copy this into your internet search engine to find the download. This Prayer Guide is designed to begin next Monday, September 20th.
Whether or not you use this Prayer Guide, I encourage you to spend time the next six weeks praying for our nation and this election. As you read the suggested themes for the 40/40 Prayer Guide, they certainly speak to where we are: Personal Revival, Church Revival, Revival Among Church Leadership, National Revival, National Renewal, Wisdom for Public Officials, Wisdom to Elect the Best Officials. I believe the Guide has it right; renewal in American must begin with the people of God being revived, which we bring to the Church. A revived Church is the only real hope for America and this world.
There is one other word that John Ed mentioned both Sunday morning and Tuesday evening that I’ve been reflecting on – People Bring People to Jesus. He asked us, who have you brought this year to Christ and His Church. And He challenged us to bring someone over the remainder of this year. Are we going to answer Jesus’ prayer for labors in the Harvest? One of the best ways to do that is to invite.
I’m excited about the message God has given me for Sunday. The staff spent this summer studying the Book of Ephesians. During July, we focused on Ephesians 4, in the message series, Being the Body of Christ. This Sunday I want to return to the book of Ephesians, to the second chapter, to look at the results of grace. Having experienced revival, I believe it is a good time to look at how grace transforms our lives.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
A CALL TO PRAYER
What a powerful three days our Tent Revival was. God used John Ed Mathison to speak some powerful words into our lives. He opened on Sunday and closed Tuesday night with several words that I have been thinking about over the night and this morning.
First, John Ed made the point that as we celebrate the past we must move into the future. He said, “The Church is a movement.” We must not live in the past. I believe it is a God thing that God’s word through John Ed was so close to the theme that has been chosen for our fall Stewardship Campaign: Celebrate the Past – Build the Future. It hit me that the best way we can honor and celebrate the sacrifices of the past is to make our own sacrifices for the building of the future.
The second word that I’ve been reflecting on is Prayer. Sunday morning John Ed asked us what we had been praying for in relation to the Revival. Then on Tuesday evening he pointed out the prayer life of the Acts 2 Church. He asked, “When had our prayers been so vibrant that the building shook?”
His words caused me to examine my own prayer life. What am I praying about? Am I boldly praying believing in a God of might and miracles? Do I place limits on God even before I pray? Am I really praying for God’s leadership in His Church? Am I praying for our nation?
Speaking of Prayer, Derek Belcher shared with me after the service last night (Tuesday) that some were promoting 40 Days of Prayer for the Election. Election Day 2010 is just over 40 days away. I did some searching on the internet and found that the Southern Baptist Convention has developed a 40/40 Prayer Guide for this fall, in preparation for the election. The Prayer Guide is available as a free download. Here is the web address if you would like to download it: www.4040prayer.com. You may have to copy this into your internet search engine to find the download. This Prayer Guide is designed to begin next Monday, September 20th.
Whether or not you use this Prayer Guide, I encourage you to spend time the next six weeks praying for our nation and this election. As you read the suggested themes for the 40/40 Prayer Guide, they certainly speak to where we are: Personal Revival, Church Revival, Revival Among Church Leadership, National Revival, National Renewal, Wisdom for Public Officials, Wisdom to Elect the Best Officials. I believe the Guide has it right; renewal in American must begin with the people of God being revived, which we bring to the Church. A revived Church is the only real hope for America and this world.
There is one other word that John Ed mentioned both Sunday morning and Tuesday evening that I’ve been reflecting on – People Bring People to Jesus. He asked us, who have you brought this year to Christ and His Church. And He challenged us to bring someone over the remainder of this year. Are we going to answer Jesus’ prayer for labors in the Harvest? One of the best ways to do that is to invite.
I’m excited about the message God has given me for Sunday. The staff spent this summer studying the Book of Ephesians. During July, we focused on Ephesians 4, in the message series, Being the Body of Christ. This Sunday I want to return to the book of Ephesians, to the second chapter, to look at the results of grace. Having experienced revival, I believe it is a good time to look at how grace transforms our lives.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Look Up - God is There
When God wants you to get His message, He often sends it in various ways. We are in this series Fearless. The scriptures in my devotional time this morning spoke directly to this. The first was from Psalm 121:1-2: “I will lift up my eyes to the hills - from whence comes my help? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
Jim Coleman, one of the pastors on staff with Dr. Robert Schuler, wrote on that passage:
When we're bombarded or buried with all of our problems, challenges, financial losses, daily pressures, health concerns - the list goes on and on and on - look up! We have a big God. His love, His joy, His mercy is looming in front of you right now. Stop whatever you're doing. Take your focus off your problems. Look up to God - YOU'VE ARRIVED! Your destination, God, is with you always!
I don’t know about you, but I need reminders like that. We have a very Big, Great God. Sometime I allow the situation to blind me of God. Yet, God is always there, if I simply look up.
Then to reinforce His message to me, God sent it again in the Upper Room Scripture of Wednesday, August 18: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:2) In order to do that, I have to spend time in God’s Word and Presence each day.
The challenges and fears of this world come at each of us regularly. God has given us a pattern for life that is designed to help us face these challenges. That pattern includes weekly worship with the Body of Christ, personal time in prayer and Bible study, and acts of service in Jesus name. As I worship Christ and spend time with Christ, I am able to lift my eyes to the hills in the confidence that my help does come from the Lord.
Our Children’s Ministry Team has begun a new ministry to help parents and grandparents look up. They have established a Parent’s Book Club and Discussion Blog. The Discussion Blog began this week. It is not too late to pick up a copy of George Barna’s Revolutionary Parenting. You can purchase a copy for $14.00 in the Child Enrichment Center Office or you can order on line at http://tiny.cc/revolutionaryparenting. As you read the book, go on line and join in the on-line discussion. Here is the link to the online discussion Blog: www.kidsrevolutionatgmv.blogspot.com
Some of us are presently participating in a month of prayer for the children. If you picked up a prayer card for a child or teacher, don’t forget to write the child a Prayer Note. Return the Prayer Note to the office, so they can be delivered to the children by the end of the month.
Children’s Choirs and Bible Study begin today. And it’s not too late to join in one the adult studies on Wednesday. Come on out and experience a mid-week recharge.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
Jim Coleman, one of the pastors on staff with Dr. Robert Schuler, wrote on that passage:
When we're bombarded or buried with all of our problems, challenges, financial losses, daily pressures, health concerns - the list goes on and on and on - look up! We have a big God. His love, His joy, His mercy is looming in front of you right now. Stop whatever you're doing. Take your focus off your problems. Look up to God - YOU'VE ARRIVED! Your destination, God, is with you always!
I don’t know about you, but I need reminders like that. We have a very Big, Great God. Sometime I allow the situation to blind me of God. Yet, God is always there, if I simply look up.
Then to reinforce His message to me, God sent it again in the Upper Room Scripture of Wednesday, August 18: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth, for you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:2) In order to do that, I have to spend time in God’s Word and Presence each day.
The challenges and fears of this world come at each of us regularly. God has given us a pattern for life that is designed to help us face these challenges. That pattern includes weekly worship with the Body of Christ, personal time in prayer and Bible study, and acts of service in Jesus name. As I worship Christ and spend time with Christ, I am able to lift my eyes to the hills in the confidence that my help does come from the Lord.
Our Children’s Ministry Team has begun a new ministry to help parents and grandparents look up. They have established a Parent’s Book Club and Discussion Blog. The Discussion Blog began this week. It is not too late to pick up a copy of George Barna’s Revolutionary Parenting. You can purchase a copy for $14.00 in the Child Enrichment Center Office or you can order on line at http://tiny.cc/revolutionaryparenting. As you read the book, go on line and join in the on-line discussion. Here is the link to the online discussion Blog: www.kidsrevolutionatgmv.blogspot.com
Some of us are presently participating in a month of prayer for the children. If you picked up a prayer card for a child or teacher, don’t forget to write the child a Prayer Note. Return the Prayer Note to the office, so they can be delivered to the children by the end of the month.
Children’s Choirs and Bible Study begin today. And it’s not too late to join in one the adult studies on Wednesday. Come on out and experience a mid-week recharge.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Bring the Children to Jesus
Every time a child is baptized in our church, these words of Jesus are read; “Let the children come to me, do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of God.” (Matthew 19:14; RSV) Jesus words remind me of the wonderful privilege and awesome responsibility that we have. The Body of Christ joins with the parents of the child to bring the child to Jesus.
Some of you know that God laid it on my heart to intentionally pray for the children connected to our Church Family. Each morning I pray for a child or two, specifically praying for that child to come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. As I began this journey of prayer for the children back in May, God quickly reminded me that I needed to pray for parents as well. While the Body of Christ has a vital role in a child’s coming to faith in Jesus Christ, parents have an even larger role.
To help parents in their role, our Children’s Ministry Team has begun a new ministry. They have begun a Parent’s Book Club and Discussion Blog. The Discussion Blog will begin this coming Monday, August 16. Parent’s are encouraged to read George Barna’s Revolutionary Parenting. You can purchase a copy for $14.00 in the Child Enrichment Center Office or you can order on line at http://tiny.cc/revolutionaryparenting. Then on August 16, you can join in the on-line discussion of chapter 1. Here link to the online discussion Blog: www.kidsrevolutionatgmv.blogspot.com
Some of us are presently participating in a month of prayer for the children. If you picked up a prayer card for a child or teacher, don’t forget to write the child a Prayer Note. Return the Prayer Note to the office, so they can be delivered to the children by the end of the month. The goal was to have the Prayer Notes in the office by August 15.
I’m not sure we realize how many children we presently have the potential of influencing for Christ. We again have over 350 children registered in our Child Enrichment Center. Their classes actually begin August 16th. Some of those children are part of our church family and others are not. In addition, we have some 250 children and youth who are part of our children who will be in elementary, middle or high school. That is 600 children we are praying for this August. Thank you to all who have made the commitment to pray for the children. We do have a few cards that have not been picked up. If you have missed the opportunity to get a Prayer Card for the Children, or would be willing to take another one or two, come by the office.
I was blessed with the opportunity to participate in the Prayer Walk at Snow Rogers School this past Sunday afternoon. I have not heard how it went at every school, but we were greeted` by our own Karen White, who is the principal there. She shared some specific requests for the start of the school year and then we covered the entire facility in prayer. I understand some of our church family made the news Sunday night as ABC 33/40 did a segment on the Prayer Walk at Gardendale High School.
This Monday, August 16, we will have a Prayer Walk before our Child Enrichment Center classes begin. You are invited to join us at 6:30 in the Children’s Dining Room (First Floor) to begin the Prayer Walk. We will finish by 6:55, so the doors can open at 7:00 for the early birds. This is another opportunity to cover children in prayer.
Today, Wednesday, August 11, kicks-off Wednesday Grow. Classes begin at 6:30. There are a variety of growth opportunities in addition to the Fearless Small Groups. Come and join in this time of fellowship and growing. It is another way we participate in building up the body of Christ.
I leave you with thought that was passed on to me by Karen Smith: GOD can turn a MESS into a MESSage, a TEST into a TESTimony, a TRIal into a TRIumph, a VICtim into a VICtory. GOD is GOOD...all the time.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
Some of you know that God laid it on my heart to intentionally pray for the children connected to our Church Family. Each morning I pray for a child or two, specifically praying for that child to come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. As I began this journey of prayer for the children back in May, God quickly reminded me that I needed to pray for parents as well. While the Body of Christ has a vital role in a child’s coming to faith in Jesus Christ, parents have an even larger role.
To help parents in their role, our Children’s Ministry Team has begun a new ministry. They have begun a Parent’s Book Club and Discussion Blog. The Discussion Blog will begin this coming Monday, August 16. Parent’s are encouraged to read George Barna’s Revolutionary Parenting. You can purchase a copy for $14.00 in the Child Enrichment Center Office or you can order on line at http://tiny.cc/revolutionaryparenting. Then on August 16, you can join in the on-line discussion of chapter 1. Here link to the online discussion Blog: www.kidsrevolutionatgmv.blogspot.com
Some of us are presently participating in a month of prayer for the children. If you picked up a prayer card for a child or teacher, don’t forget to write the child a Prayer Note. Return the Prayer Note to the office, so they can be delivered to the children by the end of the month. The goal was to have the Prayer Notes in the office by August 15.
I’m not sure we realize how many children we presently have the potential of influencing for Christ. We again have over 350 children registered in our Child Enrichment Center. Their classes actually begin August 16th. Some of those children are part of our church family and others are not. In addition, we have some 250 children and youth who are part of our children who will be in elementary, middle or high school. That is 600 children we are praying for this August. Thank you to all who have made the commitment to pray for the children. We do have a few cards that have not been picked up. If you have missed the opportunity to get a Prayer Card for the Children, or would be willing to take another one or two, come by the office.
I was blessed with the opportunity to participate in the Prayer Walk at Snow Rogers School this past Sunday afternoon. I have not heard how it went at every school, but we were greeted` by our own Karen White, who is the principal there. She shared some specific requests for the start of the school year and then we covered the entire facility in prayer. I understand some of our church family made the news Sunday night as ABC 33/40 did a segment on the Prayer Walk at Gardendale High School.
This Monday, August 16, we will have a Prayer Walk before our Child Enrichment Center classes begin. You are invited to join us at 6:30 in the Children’s Dining Room (First Floor) to begin the Prayer Walk. We will finish by 6:55, so the doors can open at 7:00 for the early birds. This is another opportunity to cover children in prayer.
Today, Wednesday, August 11, kicks-off Wednesday Grow. Classes begin at 6:30. There are a variety of growth opportunities in addition to the Fearless Small Groups. Come and join in this time of fellowship and growing. It is another way we participate in building up the body of Christ.
I leave you with thought that was passed on to me by Karen Smith: GOD can turn a MESS into a MESSage, a TEST into a TESTimony, a TRIal into a TRIumph, a VICtim into a VICtory. GOD is GOOD...all the time.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Can We Put Anything Else into a Weekend?
As the staff prayed this morning, (Wednesday), I found myself feeling a little overwhelmed as we prayed about this weekend. We have a lot going on. Friday night and Saturday morning is the North Jefferson Ministry Association Men’s Conference at the Church Revived. I’m teaching on Family Order from Ephesians 5 and 6. Men, there is still room.
Sunday morning we kick off our August Camp Meeting – August Reach 2010. This year’s message theme is Fearless. As I was feeling a little overwhelmed thinking of everything I have this weekend, Jesus’ question for this Sunday’s message came back to my mind, “Why are you afraid?” It is a question that all of us face sometime in our lives.
I received an email this week from one who shared some of her fears. Visiting in the hospital, I heard another express some fears. Fears come at us from many angles. The question is, how do you deal with your fears? Read Matthew 8:23-27 in preparation for Sunday morning’s message. The disciples were suddenly faced with the fear of a storm and there are some important messages for us in that story.
Sunday afternoon we are having a Back To School Rally for the Hispanic Community of 100 Oaks. This is an opportunity to build relationships with the Hispanic community as we move toward English as a Second Language Classes and Spanish Bible Study and Worship in 2011. This event begins at 3:00 PM. We could still use some homemade goodies for the Rally. If you would provide some homemade cookies, finger sandwiches, chips & dip, please contact Jennifer Lindholm jlindholm@gmvumc.org. You can bring them Sunday morning. If you would like to help with this outreach, please let Jennifer know. We will need some people to help with food tables and handout school and family packets.
Sunday evening we kick off BODY BUILDING: Connecting, Growing, Equipping the Body of Christ. Intergenerational Worship begins at 6:00 PM in the sanctuary. This Sunday some of our children will be leading our worship. Then at 6:30 PM there will be a variety of opportunities. Our Youth Ministries have restructured their Sunday evening to be part of the worship time. After worship they will have their small groups and children will have growth studies.
Adult options are as follows:
• Connecting Group: Jesus 101, led by Bob Brewis. This is a look at Jesus in the Gospel of John. Read the first chapter of John before the class.
• Growing Groups:
o Fearless Groups, led by Paul Wiegert and Judy Shepherd
o Disciple Bible I led by Billie Sue Hulsey
• Equipping Group: Discover Your Serve, led by Pam Ansardi
• Chasing Rabbits: Faith Conversation with the Pastor.
I’m looking forward to our Chasing Rabbits conversations. Sunday night we’re going to begin with the question, Why did the people of Israel have so much fear in their journey to the Promise Land, when God kept working miracles? Which leads to the question, why do we let fear grip us? If you have some faith questions you would like to discuss, drop me an email.
Sunday also kicks off a Month of Prayer for the Children. You are invited to be a Prayer Warrior for one or more children or for a teacher as they begin the school year. Cards with all the children enrolled in our Child Enrichment Center and all the school aged children of our Church Family will be on the altars on Sunday. They will be color coded according to age. There will be instructions on the prayer card about praying for the child/teenager for the month of August and writing the child/teenager a note to let them know you have been praying for them.
Then on August 8th, at 3:30 PM, there will be a Prayer Walk at all of the schools in North Jefferson County. In most of the schools we will have the opportunity to walk the halls of the school and pray for students, teaches, administrators and staff. You might go to the school closest to you, or the school that your children/grandchildren will be attending. There will be a leader at each campus with information on how you might pray as you walk through or around the facilities.
I’m excited about what God has planned for us in the month of August. Be in prayer and be present as we grow together in Christ. As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
Sunday morning we kick off our August Camp Meeting – August Reach 2010. This year’s message theme is Fearless. As I was feeling a little overwhelmed thinking of everything I have this weekend, Jesus’ question for this Sunday’s message came back to my mind, “Why are you afraid?” It is a question that all of us face sometime in our lives.
I received an email this week from one who shared some of her fears. Visiting in the hospital, I heard another express some fears. Fears come at us from many angles. The question is, how do you deal with your fears? Read Matthew 8:23-27 in preparation for Sunday morning’s message. The disciples were suddenly faced with the fear of a storm and there are some important messages for us in that story.
Sunday afternoon we are having a Back To School Rally for the Hispanic Community of 100 Oaks. This is an opportunity to build relationships with the Hispanic community as we move toward English as a Second Language Classes and Spanish Bible Study and Worship in 2011. This event begins at 3:00 PM. We could still use some homemade goodies for the Rally. If you would provide some homemade cookies, finger sandwiches, chips & dip, please contact Jennifer Lindholm jlindholm@gmvumc.org. You can bring them Sunday morning. If you would like to help with this outreach, please let Jennifer know. We will need some people to help with food tables and handout school and family packets.
Sunday evening we kick off BODY BUILDING: Connecting, Growing, Equipping the Body of Christ. Intergenerational Worship begins at 6:00 PM in the sanctuary. This Sunday some of our children will be leading our worship. Then at 6:30 PM there will be a variety of opportunities. Our Youth Ministries have restructured their Sunday evening to be part of the worship time. After worship they will have their small groups and children will have growth studies.
Adult options are as follows:
• Connecting Group: Jesus 101, led by Bob Brewis. This is a look at Jesus in the Gospel of John. Read the first chapter of John before the class.
• Growing Groups:
o Fearless Groups, led by Paul Wiegert and Judy Shepherd
o Disciple Bible I led by Billie Sue Hulsey
• Equipping Group: Discover Your Serve, led by Pam Ansardi
• Chasing Rabbits: Faith Conversation with the Pastor.
I’m looking forward to our Chasing Rabbits conversations. Sunday night we’re going to begin with the question, Why did the people of Israel have so much fear in their journey to the Promise Land, when God kept working miracles? Which leads to the question, why do we let fear grip us? If you have some faith questions you would like to discuss, drop me an email.
Sunday also kicks off a Month of Prayer for the Children. You are invited to be a Prayer Warrior for one or more children or for a teacher as they begin the school year. Cards with all the children enrolled in our Child Enrichment Center and all the school aged children of our Church Family will be on the altars on Sunday. They will be color coded according to age. There will be instructions on the prayer card about praying for the child/teenager for the month of August and writing the child/teenager a note to let them know you have been praying for them.
Then on August 8th, at 3:30 PM, there will be a Prayer Walk at all of the schools in North Jefferson County. In most of the schools we will have the opportunity to walk the halls of the school and pray for students, teaches, administrators and staff. You might go to the school closest to you, or the school that your children/grandchildren will be attending. There will be a leader at each campus with information on how you might pray as you walk through or around the facilities.
I’m excited about what God has planned for us in the month of August. Be in prayer and be present as we grow together in Christ. As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Finishing Strong
Something happened with last week’s reflection. It went out blank. Jennifer resent it later in the week, but apparently it still did not get out. So, here are my reflections from last week, along with some thoughts for this week.
I was reading a devotional this week that used Carl Lewis as an illustration. Carl Lewis is the record holder when it comes to the most Individual Gold Medals in Track & Field in a single Olympics. He won four Gold Medals in one Olympics. In the devotional, it was pointed out that Carl Lewis was not a good starter. If you look at recordings of his races, it was very rare for him to be the first off the starting line. Carl Lewis was a stronger finisher. He knew how to finish strong.
Finishing strong must be a message God wants me to learn. It was the theme of the message at Gina’s parent’s church on Sunday (Father’s Day). The title of the message was, “Daddy, Please Finish Well.” It was taken from these words of Paul to Timothy: “I have fought to good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8; NRSV) Paul was approaching the end of his life. He writes to Timothy, “I’m committed to finishing well.”
A little over a week ago, Gina and I celebrated the homegoing of one who finished strong. Gina’s Uncle Bud Yoakum died on Friday and his funeral was Saturday. During the service it was shared that Uncle Bud had introduced a nurse to Jesus in his final days. As he approached the end of his life, he was still thinking of others and concerned about their salvation. He finished strong the race of faith and has received his crown.
Some of you know that Gina’s mother (Sue Yoakum) is in a battle with cancer. She was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer this spring. This weekend I heard her say; “I’m not afraid of dying, but I am afraid I will not see some of those I love after I die.” Think about that for a moment, “I am afraid I will not see some of those I love after I die.” She was referring to some of her children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters who do not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. They are not all like Uncle Bud, committed to finishing strong the race of faith.
I imagine that most of us have ones we love who are not ready to enter eternity with Jesus. That fact should concern us. It should be a part of our prayer life. And we should be looking for opportunities to share Jesus.
One way I’m doing that is praying for the children related to our church who have not made a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ. Each day I pray for three to five children and their parents. For young children, parents are the key to their faith development. So, I’m praying that parents will model for their kids what it means to be a Christ Follower. And I’m praying that children will be open to the pull of Christ at their heart. I know that Jesus is seeking them.
Back to the pastor’s message: He pointed out that in Sevier County, Tennessee, only about 20% of the people are actively involved in the Body of Christ, a Church. I’m not sure that Jefferson County is much better. We don’t have to go overseas to find the mission field. We live every day in our mission field. The question is; are we committed to reaching those persons we know who are traveling through life without Jesus? Does it concern us that they may go into eternity without Jesus?
I think we need some of that fear that Gina’s mother expressed. Maybe it would motivate us to make sharing our faith a priority. I know her words have challenged me to pray more faithfully for undiscipled people and ask the Holy Spirit to give me eyes to see open doors through which I can share Jesus.
This Sunday we will celebrate our nation’s Declaration of Independence. I encourage you not to leave worship out of the July 4th activities. America was birthed by people who were committed to worshipping the Living God. It has been pointed out the majority of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were committed Christians, active in their local Church. I’m convinced that was what made America strong. And that is still the key to strong America.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
I was reading a devotional this week that used Carl Lewis as an illustration. Carl Lewis is the record holder when it comes to the most Individual Gold Medals in Track & Field in a single Olympics. He won four Gold Medals in one Olympics. In the devotional, it was pointed out that Carl Lewis was not a good starter. If you look at recordings of his races, it was very rare for him to be the first off the starting line. Carl Lewis was a stronger finisher. He knew how to finish strong.
Finishing strong must be a message God wants me to learn. It was the theme of the message at Gina’s parent’s church on Sunday (Father’s Day). The title of the message was, “Daddy, Please Finish Well.” It was taken from these words of Paul to Timothy: “I have fought to good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8; NRSV) Paul was approaching the end of his life. He writes to Timothy, “I’m committed to finishing well.”
A little over a week ago, Gina and I celebrated the homegoing of one who finished strong. Gina’s Uncle Bud Yoakum died on Friday and his funeral was Saturday. During the service it was shared that Uncle Bud had introduced a nurse to Jesus in his final days. As he approached the end of his life, he was still thinking of others and concerned about their salvation. He finished strong the race of faith and has received his crown.
Some of you know that Gina’s mother (Sue Yoakum) is in a battle with cancer. She was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer this spring. This weekend I heard her say; “I’m not afraid of dying, but I am afraid I will not see some of those I love after I die.” Think about that for a moment, “I am afraid I will not see some of those I love after I die.” She was referring to some of her children, grandchildren, brothers and sisters who do not know Jesus as their Lord and Savior. They are not all like Uncle Bud, committed to finishing strong the race of faith.
I imagine that most of us have ones we love who are not ready to enter eternity with Jesus. That fact should concern us. It should be a part of our prayer life. And we should be looking for opportunities to share Jesus.
One way I’m doing that is praying for the children related to our church who have not made a public profession of faith in Jesus Christ. Each day I pray for three to five children and their parents. For young children, parents are the key to their faith development. So, I’m praying that parents will model for their kids what it means to be a Christ Follower. And I’m praying that children will be open to the pull of Christ at their heart. I know that Jesus is seeking them.
Back to the pastor’s message: He pointed out that in Sevier County, Tennessee, only about 20% of the people are actively involved in the Body of Christ, a Church. I’m not sure that Jefferson County is much better. We don’t have to go overseas to find the mission field. We live every day in our mission field. The question is; are we committed to reaching those persons we know who are traveling through life without Jesus? Does it concern us that they may go into eternity without Jesus?
I think we need some of that fear that Gina’s mother expressed. Maybe it would motivate us to make sharing our faith a priority. I know her words have challenged me to pray more faithfully for undiscipled people and ask the Holy Spirit to give me eyes to see open doors through which I can share Jesus.
This Sunday we will celebrate our nation’s Declaration of Independence. I encourage you not to leave worship out of the July 4th activities. America was birthed by people who were committed to worshipping the Living God. It has been pointed out the majority of the signers of the Declaration of Independence were committed Christians, active in their local Church. I’m convinced that was what made America strong. And that is still the key to strong America.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
Thursday, June 17, 2010
The Power of Character
A “Perfect Game” in baseball is very rare. There have been only 20 pitchers to pitch a perfect game in the 135 years of professional baseball. On June 2, Armando Galarraga, of the Detroit Tigers, actually was the 21st pitcher to accomplish that feat. But Galarraga was denied his perfect game because of a bad call by the umpire.
For those who do not know what a Perfect Game is, it is a pitcher who faces only 3 batters each inning, 27 for the game. That is 3 up and 3 outs each inning, with no base runners. It is very rare in baseball.
Armando Galarraga pitched such a game but it was taken away from him by a bad call. He had gotten the first 26 batters out. Only one more batter and he would have been memorialized in Baseball’s Hall of Fame. It happened, but the First Base Umpire made a bad call. He called that 27th batter safe at first, when replays showed he was out. After the game Umpire James Joyce acknowledged that he blew the call, but the perfect game had been lost.
Instead of a Perfect Game, Galarraga will be remembered for something else – his character. He looked in disbelief as the Umpire called the runner safe at first and smiled. Steve May, wrote of the moment, “But Galarraga just smiled – albeit a sardonic ‘you’ve go to be kidding me’ smile – and then he went back to the mound and got the last out. Even after the game, he refused to lash out at the umpire’s mistake.” Armando Galarraga demonstrated character that is kind of a rarity these days, especially in the world of sports.
Steve May, in his “Monday Morning Memo” reminded readers that blown calls are a fact of life. “They come at us in different ways: The boss who gives credit to the wrong guy, the teenager who blames everyone else for their own insolence, the church member who finds fault in everything the pastor does. The result is that sometimes you get short-changed. You deserve credit, but credit doesn’t come your way, thanks to someone else’s bad judgment.”
In those moments, how do you respond? Do you have the mind of Christ, that looked at his betrayers and forgave them? I don’t know anything about Galarraga’s faith, but he demonstrated a Christ-like character. What about you and me? When you are hurt by the bad judgment of others, do you lash out? Do you get mad? Or, do you smile and get back to work?
Galarraga did not get the Perfect Game he deserved. But he did show baseball fans how a true sportsman plays the game. What about you and me? Do we show those who are watching us how a Christ-Follower plays the game of life? Do those around us see a Christ-like character in the way we respond in those times we are hurt?
The Apostle Paul commended the Thessalonians for such character. He wrote: “So, when you accepted the message, you followed our example and the example of the Lord. You suffered, but the Holy Spirit made you glad. You became an example for all the Lord's followers in Macedonia and Achaia.” (1 Thessalonians 1:6-7; CEV)
Remember to lift the Youth Mission Team in your prayers. They are in Tennessee, serving others in Jesus’ name. They will be returning on Saturday.
Sunday morning, our Family and Leisure Team, is having a Pancake Breakfast for dads. Bring your father to breakfast before Worship and Sunday School. Breakfast will be served in the Fellowship Hall from 8:00 AM until 10:00 AM.
Some have asked me if I have read Max Lucado’s new book, Fearless? I am reading it and planning a message series related to it for our August Camp Meeting. We will also be having Small Groups that will be studying the book. If you would be interested in hosting a small group or leading one, you can email me. Most of these groups will kick off the first week in August. Some may wait until the second week. Either way, they will run five weeks.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
For those who do not know what a Perfect Game is, it is a pitcher who faces only 3 batters each inning, 27 for the game. That is 3 up and 3 outs each inning, with no base runners. It is very rare in baseball.
Armando Galarraga pitched such a game but it was taken away from him by a bad call. He had gotten the first 26 batters out. Only one more batter and he would have been memorialized in Baseball’s Hall of Fame. It happened, but the First Base Umpire made a bad call. He called that 27th batter safe at first, when replays showed he was out. After the game Umpire James Joyce acknowledged that he blew the call, but the perfect game had been lost.
Instead of a Perfect Game, Galarraga will be remembered for something else – his character. He looked in disbelief as the Umpire called the runner safe at first and smiled. Steve May, wrote of the moment, “But Galarraga just smiled – albeit a sardonic ‘you’ve go to be kidding me’ smile – and then he went back to the mound and got the last out. Even after the game, he refused to lash out at the umpire’s mistake.” Armando Galarraga demonstrated character that is kind of a rarity these days, especially in the world of sports.
Steve May, in his “Monday Morning Memo” reminded readers that blown calls are a fact of life. “They come at us in different ways: The boss who gives credit to the wrong guy, the teenager who blames everyone else for their own insolence, the church member who finds fault in everything the pastor does. The result is that sometimes you get short-changed. You deserve credit, but credit doesn’t come your way, thanks to someone else’s bad judgment.”
In those moments, how do you respond? Do you have the mind of Christ, that looked at his betrayers and forgave them? I don’t know anything about Galarraga’s faith, but he demonstrated a Christ-like character. What about you and me? When you are hurt by the bad judgment of others, do you lash out? Do you get mad? Or, do you smile and get back to work?
Galarraga did not get the Perfect Game he deserved. But he did show baseball fans how a true sportsman plays the game. What about you and me? Do we show those who are watching us how a Christ-Follower plays the game of life? Do those around us see a Christ-like character in the way we respond in those times we are hurt?
The Apostle Paul commended the Thessalonians for such character. He wrote: “So, when you accepted the message, you followed our example and the example of the Lord. You suffered, but the Holy Spirit made you glad. You became an example for all the Lord's followers in Macedonia and Achaia.” (1 Thessalonians 1:6-7; CEV)
Remember to lift the Youth Mission Team in your prayers. They are in Tennessee, serving others in Jesus’ name. They will be returning on Saturday.
Sunday morning, our Family and Leisure Team, is having a Pancake Breakfast for dads. Bring your father to breakfast before Worship and Sunday School. Breakfast will be served in the Fellowship Hall from 8:00 AM until 10:00 AM.
Some have asked me if I have read Max Lucado’s new book, Fearless? I am reading it and planning a message series related to it for our August Camp Meeting. We will also be having Small Groups that will be studying the book. If you would be interested in hosting a small group or leading one, you can email me. Most of these groups will kick off the first week in August. Some may wait until the second week. Either way, they will run five weeks.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
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