GROWING THE NEXT GENERATION

He decreed statutes for Jacob . . . so the next generation would know them, even the children yet to be born, and they in turn would tell their children. Then they would put their trust in God and would not forget his deeds but would keep his commands. Psalm 78:5-7 (NIV)

It is a privilege to serve with God in our elementary children’s ministry. I began to serve two years ago and God has been growing me through this experience. How wonderful it is to share Bible stories throughout the year. I witness firsthand how well they recall the Bible stories, and name books of the Old and New Testaments. Each month they are challenged to memorize a specific Bible verse. Our children grow up so quickly.  If we do not share God’s word, the story of His people and the Hope of Salvation in their formative years, we will lose the opportunity.

We impact their lives with God’s truth which never fails. We share God’s springs of living water with the children.  This also ignites a desire in each volunteer to be more like Christ. We desire to reflect Jesus so they experience and desire His love to flow through them. As the children express a desire to be baptized, we inform the parents of the steps to take toward baptism. We are laying the foundation in these children to be the next generation’s Christian leaders and disciples.

I challenge you to serve our young children wherever you are. You will create your legacy as you share your love for Christ. You will be amazed how God will bless you through this labor of love.

Thank you Father for calling me to serve and lead our children to Your Truth.

© 2018 Marianne Lucot

ARE YOUR EYES FIXED ON JESUS?

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 (NIV)

 

After listening to the reading from John 21 this morning, I became rather excited, anticipating the pastoral message. Surely his message would cover the three times Jesus asked Peter if he loved Him, and I’d be able to finish writing one of my devotions. Imagine my surprise as the pastor began to share his thoughts on another section of the passage, where Peter takes his eyes off Jesus and looks at John.

Peter turned and saw that the disciple whom Jesus loved was following them. (This was the one who had leaned back against Jesus at the supper and had said, “Lord, who is going to betray you?”) When Peter saw him, he asked, “Lord, what about him?” Jesus answered, “If I want him to remain alive until I return, what is that to you? You must follow me” (John 21:20-22).

Follow Jesus.

It sounds simple enough, but sometimes feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty slither uninvited into my mind, overwhelming and distracting me. And instead of looking to the One who laid the earth’s foundation, I begin to look around me. Why does this cycle seem to repeat itself so easily?

Today I was reminded that our ability to do what God has called us to do is not dependent on us, our strengths or weaknesses, but is dependent on His strength and our willingness to take up our cross daily and follow Him.

Precious Lord, As we press on toward the goal You have planted within our hearts, grant us the courage and confidence to keep our eyes fixed on You.

 

© 2018 Amy A. Verzi

 

RESCUED

..."He reached down from on high and took hold of me; he drew me out of deep waters." Psalm 18:16 (NIV)

This Psalm brought forth a painful memory from my youth. Our neighbors were going to the pool and I had permission to join them.

The shimmery blue water invited me to jump in. I decided to check the depth of the water first. Holding on to the rungs and pushing myself down, my  feet touched the bottom. The pressure of the water pushing on my chest frightened me. Letting go of the ladder, my body popped up like a cork. Reaching for the rungs, it surprised me to realize there was still an arms length between me and the ladder. Another foot of water was above my head. I kicked hard to get closer to the ladder but my struggle was useless. I promptly sank, fear seizing me. My lungs burned, begging for air.

Kicking hard, reaching as high as possible, I felt the warmth of sunshine on my hands. To my horror, my body began sinking for the third time. My lungs burst forth with a whoosh, and I swallowed water.

Suddenly, a hand reached into the water and pulled me to the surface. I grabbed the ladder and with the "Helping Hand," pulled myself out and sat on the edge, coughing and sputtering. My whole body tingled and I shivered violently.

Concerned, Mrs. Clay asked if I was alright. I nodded "yes" and grabbed my towel, wrapping it snugly around me. No more water for me today. I came too close to drowning. Fully aware of the spiritual intervention I had experienced, caused me to breathe a prayer: "Thank You, God, for Your "Helping Hand" that reached down and saved me."

Father, no matter where I am, You are there, holding my hand to keep me safe. You drew me out of the deep water. Amen.

© 2018  Evelyn B. Ryan

BELIEVE

"You believe in God, believe also in me." John 14b (KJV)

Three Christmases ago, Charles and I spent the holiday with my niece and her family. She and her husband have two young children. My older sister, Gene, was the children's grandmother. She lived with them and babysat them when school was closed for the summer and on holidays.

We gathered in the living room to exchange gifts. The children were overjoyed as they opened one gift after another. The happy smiles on their faces lit up the room.

Gene handed me a gift. "Open it," she said. "I hope you like it."

I looked at her radiant face. She was so beautiful. I opened the gift and held the word "Believe" in my hands. It was simple and yet a meaningful gift. I could feel the love of Gene and God tingle clear down to my toes.

During the visit, I spent extra time with Gene. I loved and missed her. I knew Gene wasn't well and that it would be a long time before I'd see her again.

At home, I placed the Believe word on the television stand. A few days later, Gene called to say, "Evelyn, the doctor said my heart is failing. I'm so afraid to die in pain."

"Gene, do you believe in the power of prayer?"

"Yes, I do," she answered.

"If you truly believe in God's mercy, then pray that our Lord will hold you in His arms and give you peace."

I will always remember our conversation because on May 27th, 2016, Gene passed away peacefully while watching television with her granddaughter. Gene believed and God was merciful.

Father, thank You for answering Gene's prayers. You are so good to us. Just "Believe" and He will answer your prayers too.

© 2018 Evelyn B. Ryan

BECAUSE IMPOSSIBLE IS I'M POSSIBLE

Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” Genesis 18:14 (NKJV)

For the past year, I’ve been preparing to purchase my first home. I’ve been saving money, looking at properties, and living with relatives while pursuing this life goal. It’s been a hard season. From the outside, it may seem I have an abundance of money and a carefree life. Yet, in reality, the lack of stability and the homebuying process have been taxing. The Lord placed the dream of homeownership in my heart, but sometimes like Sarah I want to look at Him and laugh. Home after home, bid after bid, nothing seems to be unfolding—I feel barren!

Patiently waiting for the appointed time when God will deliver on His promise seems impossible. “Seems” is the key word though. With God all things are possible. Did not the I AM bring form to the earth, create humankind from dirt, and bring light to this space we occupy? Is there anything too hard or impossible for Him? The feebleness of our human minds surely makes us believe this lie, but in our impossible things, He says, “I AM POSSIBLE”!

I believe God is begging us to trust Him relentlessly and patiently wait for the appointed time. In that moment, He will deliver on His promises for our lives. Because for Him, impossible is “I AM” possible!

Father, You have an interesting way of making us wait for You. You allow seemingly impossible things to emerge in our lives, so You can reveal Your power. Help us to not get weary and instead trust You completely.

© 2018 Dawn M. Wayman

IS JESUS KNOCKING AT YOUR DOOR?

Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. Revelation 3:20 (KJV)

This was the first Bible verse I memorized, and for as long as I can remember, it has been my favorite. My grandmother had a picture above her bed depicting Jesus standing before a wooden door with a staff in his hand. Even though his knuckles rest upon the door and his ear is inclined toward the door, He is not looking at the door. Jesus is looking at me as if He’s waiting for a response—an invitation to enter.

The significance of the picture and the Bible verse eluded me until years later when a college classmate walked me through the Scriptures and my eyes were opened—and once my eyes were opened, my heart eventually followed.

Jesus is my Lord and Savior, my constant Companion and the Lover of my soul—and the souls of all He gave His life to save.

As we move toward the end of the age and His second coming draws near, my heart is filled with joy and anticipation, and my mind is filled with wonder. Will I finish the work He has called me to do before He returns and claims me as His own? When I gaze upon my Lord’s beautiful face, will anything else really matter?

Are you ready?

Perhaps you’ve already invited Jesus into your heart as Lord and Savior. If you haven’t, He is right there, standing outside the door to your heart seeking entrance, but He won’t enter uninvited.

Lord, Thank You for Your steadfast love and relentless pursuit of our soul.

© 2018 Amy A. Verzi

 

MY TITHING DEBATE

Honor the Lord with thy substance and with the firstfruits of your entire harvest;   Proverbs 3:9 (KJV)

When I first gave my life to Jesus, I wanted to be the best Christian I could. One challenge was tithing. My paycheck was already stretched too far and I always needed more. I had month left over at the end of the money.

Every month when my once-a-month paycheck arrived, I listed all my bills and I had little left over, not enough to tithe—I might need something. I decided I would start over next month. Month after month, I aimed at tithing, but failed.

Then I got the idea to take the tithe out first. I sat down with my long list of expenses, but this time tithe was at the top of the list. I had asked a friend what do I tithe on—the amount before taxes or my take home pay. She replied, “Which one do you want to be blessed on?” The challenge was on.

Tithe now sat royally at the top of my list then I proceeded to withdraw my bills one by one. Surprise! I had money left over. Every month it happened the same way. If I forgot to deduct my tithe at the beginning, the income always came up short. I had learned that when I get $100.00 and don’t tithe $10.00, I’m telling the Lord He can’t meet my $10.00 need.

When we fool ourselves into thinking God is after our money, we miss the whole point. God is after our hearts and we have trouble separating our money from our hearts. It’s evident when we refuse to trust God with our finances.

Thank you, Lord, for your promise “I shall not want.”

© 2018 Lois Gosley