Hello 2009
January 1st, 2009 by mwatersHello, 2009
I pray all will be fine
As we go about our lives
‘Abiding in the vine…’
“If I had a hammer”
December 26th, 2008 by mwatersWords are like hammers, they can build or destroy. I am often saddened when I hear parents speaking unkind words to one another or to a child. They may not think it will do any harm but little do they know the power of their words. Words can build the person’s esteem or kill any hope they may have of success.
Why do people speak unkind words?
What Was Your Most Memorable Christmas Event?
December 4th, 2008 by mwaters
At staff meeting today, we were asked to go around the table and tell about our most memorable Christmas event. One of the pastors told of how his mom and dad got through a tough Christmas at their new parsonage. Another pastor told about how they would exchange gifts and then go the beach.
A Time to Shine
December 2nd, 2008 by mwaters
Let your light so shine... Matthew 5:16
Someone once said, “only when it’s dark enough outside, can you see the stars.” In these bleak times, there is ample room for the Saints to shine. As a nation, we have enjoyed material blessings approaching opulence. Until the recent economic setback, many people felt no need for God because of their IRAs and Keoghs. However, when times get tough, all roads lead back to the cross. Remember how prayer meetings were breaking out all over the place after 9-11? With that in mind, what can we do to ‘show forth the excellence of God’ in a world in turmoil?
We still have the good news or the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:3, 4). The world is still looking for some good news. They are not getting it from the networks but they should see it and be able to hear it from us. In tough times, many return to tried and true methods of living. Our best days are ahead. Be ready to share the good news.
Secondly, we can give or show forth our Integrity (Matthew 5:37; James 5:12). Be honest in your dealings with people. If you are in business, don’t promise what you cannot deliver or allow others to try to squeeze you into the world’s mold. It’s better to give honest bad news than to sugar coat a lie. Sadly, one of the reasons we are in this economic mess is due to dishonesty by some in business.
Thirdly, we can be people of Virtue (Philippians 4:8; Titus 2:3; 2 Peter 1:3;
2 Peter 1:5) in every situation. This word is akin to integrity and reinforces the moral soundness of the indwelling presence of God’s Spirit. In a ‘dog eat dog’ culture, we need to lead the way in goodness and kindness. Many have been won to Christ just because someone was nice to them.
Lastly, we need to be people of Encouragement (2 Timothy 4:2; Hebrews 3:13). One word can make a difference when spoken in faith and hope. These tough economic times will not last. However, no one has ever overcome anything of substance minus encouragement of one kind of another. As Christians, we are empowered to encourage others even in the midst of tough times.
I wrote these words after recently visiting a man in a local hospital. He’d been diagnosed with cancer (brain, liver and lung). As we started talking, I felt sorry for him. However, this Spirit-filled powerhouse began to minister to me and I was the richer for having met him. How much more do we have to give to those in our sphere of influence? Even in our pain, God wants to speak through us because we have much to G-I-V-E.
Saints, we can shine during these dark times because the True Light shines through us…Selah
The Small Group Week Before Christmas
December 2nd, 2008 by mwatersT’was the week before Christmas
and all through the group
Not a member was suffering
nor feeling out of the loop
Small Groups can be ‘A Wonderful Life’
December 2nd, 2008 by mwaters
Thursday Morning Proverbs Group at Einsteins Bagels
During the holidays, I enjoy watching one of my perennial favorites aptly named, It’s a Wonderful Life. For those of you who have never seen this classic, it depicts the misadventures of a small town banker named George Bailey. George has the misfortune of losing some of his bank’s funds on the eve of an audit. He becomes so distraught that he prepares to commit suicide. Then, he is approached by an angel named Clarence. Clarence gives him a glimpse of the unfulfilled lives that would result from his tragic act. George eventually comes to his senses and is rescued from a stint in prison by a community of loving friends. The dynamics of their tangible expressions of love for him will warm your heart and help you to appreciate the virtues of long-term relationships.
Greetings
November 21st, 2008 by mwatersGod’s Blessings to you per 3 John 2. I pray that the material presented on this blog will encourage, inspire and empower you ‘to know Jesus and to make him known.’
- Pastor Mel Waters