Sunday night, God showed up. I had a chance to partner with kingdom workers from Calumet Street Christian Church (where I work), Greenview Christian Church, Fouts Christian Church and Christ's Church of Effingham. Andrew Bloemker (co-founder of Feed the Crave Ministries) gave a presentation explaining the need for food to be prepared and taken to children and families in places like Costa Rica and Haiti... and God's people responded with an incredible outpouring. Precisely $2296.26 was given that evening, including $1.26 in change. That $1.26 may not have seemed like much next to the generous checks and $20 bills, but $1.26 meant four more meals. Four MORE meals!
So, we went to work. That $2,296.26 (which has since grown) meant we could package 7,654 meals. Over the next hour and a half, we gave it our all. Tubs of soy, rice, dried vegetables, and flavoring were scooped into bags. Bags were then heat sealed, then boxed up. Boxes started to stack up. Then we ran out of soy. Once all the dust cleared, we had packaged somewhere around 6,400 meals. Or enough for over 200 people to eat for a month. Pretty cool, but definitely not the end of it. People wanna do more. We need to keep praying for what God is going to do through us next...
God did not create for himself a human body, in which he had to grow, live, struggle, love, share, hurt, and die... for us to "play it safe." He intended for us to take risks, step out of the easy into the battle zone.
So let's go. Your challenge is to FEED someone. Give a chance to a child that might otherwise die without ever hearing the message that Jesus Christ loves them and can give them glorious eternal life in Heaven. Check out some of the links below for God-centered charities that provide love, hope, food, and water for children in need... and get plugged in with one or more of them.
Feed the Crave
World Vision
Compassion International
Active Water
Angel Tree / Prison Fellowship
Got another one that you know of? Let me know. And maybe sometime when you come over to the house, ask us about William, someone we've gotten to connect with because of World Vision. Let's get to work.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Thursday, October 7, 2010
.SOME DAYS.
Some days... there just isn't enough time to do everything on your list.
My mother taught me a couple verses from Proverbs 3 when I was a child. They say "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don't lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Those verses have stayed with me for many years. And as is often true with the Word of God, I can come back to them over and over. Isaiah 40:8 says the word of our God stands forever. I guess that's why some verses just never go away.
Some days... there just isn't enough time... so when those days come, I have to look to the Lord for guidance. What would He have me do today? It may not be the same as what I think. And those beautiful words from Proverbs poke back into my life. So I ask... and maybe you can ask this of yourself too... How can I trust Him with all my heart? How can I lean on HIM instead of my own understanding of how things should be? How can I acknowledge Him in everything I do? And has He made my paths straight?
...Leaning on the Everlasting Arms...
What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
Oh, how bright the path grows from day to day,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms?
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.
My mother taught me a couple verses from Proverbs 3 when I was a child. They say "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and don't lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight."
Those verses have stayed with me for many years. And as is often true with the Word of God, I can come back to them over and over. Isaiah 40:8 says the word of our God stands forever. I guess that's why some verses just never go away.
Some days... there just isn't enough time... so when those days come, I have to look to the Lord for guidance. What would He have me do today? It may not be the same as what I think. And those beautiful words from Proverbs poke back into my life. So I ask... and maybe you can ask this of yourself too... How can I trust Him with all my heart? How can I lean on HIM instead of my own understanding of how things should be? How can I acknowledge Him in everything I do? And has He made my paths straight?
...Leaning on the Everlasting Arms...
What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Oh, how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
Oh, how bright the path grows from day to day,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms?
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
.FAILURE.
Sunday, I had a chance to go up the "pamper pole" at Oil Belt Christian Camp. A pamper pole is a 23 feet high "telephone pole" which has rungs on the side for you to climb it. You get into a harness and there are people holding a support rope which keeps you from falling once you get up high. Then when you get to the top rung, you're supposed to stand straight up on the top, turn around, and jump off. I had been "supporting" all weekend and was asked if I wanted to climb... so I gave it a try.
I didn't make it.
And it bothered me. It REALLY bothered me. I blamed my shoes, but I still really don't know for sure if it was just stupid fear that made me think they were too slick on the bottom, too worn out. I wanted so badly to go back and say I've got to try this again. To attack that challenge head-on and accomplish the simple objective. Instead I just complained about my shoes, and my lack of willingness to finish what I started. Well, maybe next time... right?
Mike Ditka said "You're never a loser until you quit trying."
So, here's your assignment: do better than I did! Choose something you failed
at before, and TRY AGAIN. Give it another go. Win or lose, at least you can say you gave it your best. And for God's sake, don't ever let those past failures keep you from going out, here and now, and accomplishing something for His glory!
PS later that same day, I got on a mechanical bull, and got slung off just like everyone else. That's not failure, that's just fun.
I didn't make it.
And it bothered me. It REALLY bothered me. I blamed my shoes, but I still really don't know for sure if it was just stupid fear that made me think they were too slick on the bottom, too worn out. I wanted so badly to go back and say I've got to try this again. To attack that challenge head-on and accomplish the simple objective. Instead I just complained about my shoes, and my lack of willingness to finish what I started. Well, maybe next time... right?
Mike Ditka said "You're never a loser until you quit trying."
So, here's your assignment: do better than I did! Choose something you failed
at before, and TRY AGAIN. Give it another go. Win or lose, at least you can say you gave it your best. And for God's sake, don't ever let those past failures keep you from going out, here and now, and accomplishing something for His glory!PS later that same day, I got on a mechanical bull, and got slung off just like everyone else. That's not failure, that's just fun.
Friday, May 7, 2010
.SPA DAY.
Welcome back to SEVENS.
Tonight my wife is going to have a spa day with a friend who also has little kids. I don't even know what that is, but apparently it will be good for her... I think I will take this as a reminder that we gotta treat mommies special. They deserve a break.
Mommies are a major influence on young ones!!! They pour their lives into raising the kids well... teaching them about God and life and love and so much more. Let's give 'em a break and do a little extra to lighten their load.
Give 'em their spa day. They've earned it.
It's easier to sit at the computer, but it's better to go outside and push my kids on the swing. I'm gonna tell them how great their mommy is. So... see ya!
Tonight my wife is going to have a spa day with a friend who also has little kids. I don't even know what that is, but apparently it will be good for her... I think I will take this as a reminder that we gotta treat mommies special. They deserve a break.
Mommies are a major influence on young ones!!! They pour their lives into raising the kids well... teaching them about God and life and love and so much more. Let's give 'em a break and do a little extra to lighten their load.
Give 'em their spa day. They've earned it.
It's easier to sit at the computer, but it's better to go outside and push my kids on the swing. I'm gonna tell them how great their mommy is. So... see ya!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
God, you...
Would you pray this prayer with me?
Father,
I'm amazed by you today.
You created me.
You know me.
You see me.
You hear me.
You sought me.
You bought me.
You want me.
You help me.
You lead me.
You call me.
You equip me.
You strengthen me.
You aid me.
You teach me.
You chose me.
You change me.
You redeem me.
You rescue me.
You push me.
You guide me.
You direct me.
You use me.
You break me.
You heal me.
You hold me.
You purify me.
You forgive me.
You move me.
You sustain me.
You comfort me.
You fulfill me.
You quiet me.
You fill me.
You keep me.
You show me.
You pursue me.
You're with me.
You're for me.
You save me.
You LOVE me.
You love... even ME.
And I love you too.
You're simply amazing.
Father,
I'm amazed by you today.
You created me.
You know me.
You see me.
You hear me.
You sought me.
You bought me.
You want me.
You help me.
You lead me.
You call me.
You equip me.
You strengthen me.
You aid me.
You teach me.
You chose me.
You change me.
You redeem me.
You rescue me.
You push me.
You guide me.
You direct me.
You use me.
You break me.
You heal me.
You hold me.
You purify me.
You forgive me.
You move me.
You sustain me.
You comfort me.
You fulfill me.
You quiet me.
You fill me.
You keep me.
You show me.
You pursue me.
You're with me.
You're for me.
You save me.
You LOVE me.
You love... even ME.
And I love you too.
You're simply amazing.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
.PRAY.
Yep... PRAY. That's the clever thought. That's the simple idea. That's it.
Did you know that today is the National Day of Prayer? (the other 364 days can be, too...) Well for this SEVENS, I couldn't ignore that fact. So here's what I want us to do. On the official National Day of Prayer website, they have something called 7x7, which stands for seven points of prayer, seven days a week. Check it out here.
That's what I'm encouraging you to do today. Read some of the prayer aids on each of the seven topics, then PRAY. Spend some time in prayer with your loving Father who knows what you need (Matthew 6:8). Remember, He created you, He loves you, He knows you. So do your best to push all else aside and give some undivided time to your Heavenly Father.
Did you know that today is the National Day of Prayer? (the other 364 days can be, too...) Well for this SEVENS, I couldn't ignore that fact. So here's what I want us to do. On the official National Day of Prayer website, they have something called 7x7, which stands for seven points of prayer, seven days a week. Check it out here.
That's what I'm encouraging you to do today. Read some of the prayer aids on each of the seven topics, then PRAY. Spend some time in prayer with your loving Father who knows what you need (Matthew 6:8). Remember, He created you, He loves you, He knows you. So do your best to push all else aside and give some undivided time to your Heavenly Father.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
.HOPE.
.HOPE.
People of the world have no HOPE of heaven except through a saving relationship with Jesus.
What if you knew Jesus was coming back tomorrow? Or in a week?
What would you do differently?
Since we don't know when - He MIGHT even return today - why aren't we doing those things?
As we prepare for Easter, we expect a lot of people who don't normally attend church to be coming. What will you do differently this year? Will you be the reason someone attends (have you asked them)? Will you be a part of the reason someone comes back (greet them warmly, help them find a class, a seat, a friend)? Will you welcome them to the family of God (offering them a place to feel valued, a place to serve, a place of acceptance)? Will you be the one God uses to give them the ONE TRUE HOPE - a saving relationship with Jesus?
Let's make this Easter count.
People of the world have no HOPE of heaven except through a saving relationship with Jesus.
What if you knew Jesus was coming back tomorrow? Or in a week?
What would you do differently?
Since we don't know when - He MIGHT even return today - why aren't we doing those things?
As we prepare for Easter, we expect a lot of people who don't normally attend church to be coming. What will you do differently this year? Will you be the reason someone attends (have you asked them)? Will you be a part of the reason someone comes back (greet them warmly, help them find a class, a seat, a friend)? Will you welcome them to the family of God (offering them a place to feel valued, a place to serve, a place of acceptance)? Will you be the one God uses to give them the ONE TRUE HOPE - a saving relationship with Jesus?
Let's make this Easter count.
Saturday, March 7, 2009
.A HUNDRED HUGS.
.A HUNDRED HUGS.
Sometimes, when my kids are sick, I just feel helpless. And when I see them miserable, it hurts so deeply to not be able to do more for them. I just love them so much, my heart aches.
Sarah, the younger of my two angels, is getting close to 4 years old. And last month at this time, she was sick with a cold. It went through the house, we all got sick, we all got better… then just a couple weeks later, Sarah got sick again. And she was just miserable. Every time she coughs, I'm reminded that she is not well, and there's nothing more I can do…
And now today, Ruthie is starting to cough more. SIGH. I know things could be MUCH worse, but even the slightest ailment makes me want to do everything I can for them. Which never feels like enough.
While Sarah was sick, I prayed with and for her, and told her I would give her a hundred hugs to help her feel better. She has improved much, and before they went to bed tonight, we were at 39. We're both keeping count.
I love them with everything I've got. They say being a father gives you some insight into what God is like. Into how He loves us. I can't imagine how much it hurts Him when we are sick. When we are physically ailing, emotionally distressed, spiritually troubled… God loves us and does not want that for us. In fact, the most obvious evidence of his love was that he let HIS Son Jesus die – though that unquestionably hurt Him very much. He let Jesus die so that we could see His love! So that we could KNOW His love!
Maybe you need to read a love story from God to you. Check out First John chapter 4, beginning with verse 7.
This month's project? Soak in God's love. Perhaps your heart is hurt, and you need God to begin to heal it. Just be assured that the healing begins with the realization that God loves loves LOVES LOVES you. A hundred hugs' worth.
Aaron
Sometimes, when my kids are sick, I just feel helpless. And when I see them miserable, it hurts so deeply to not be able to do more for them. I just love them so much, my heart aches.
Sarah, the younger of my two angels, is getting close to 4 years old. And last month at this time, she was sick with a cold. It went through the house, we all got sick, we all got better… then just a couple weeks later, Sarah got sick again. And she was just miserable. Every time she coughs, I'm reminded that she is not well, and there's nothing more I can do…
And now today, Ruthie is starting to cough more. SIGH. I know things could be MUCH worse, but even the slightest ailment makes me want to do everything I can for them. Which never feels like enough.
While Sarah was sick, I prayed with and for her, and told her I would give her a hundred hugs to help her feel better. She has improved much, and before they went to bed tonight, we were at 39. We're both keeping count.
I love them with everything I've got. They say being a father gives you some insight into what God is like. Into how He loves us. I can't imagine how much it hurts Him when we are sick. When we are physically ailing, emotionally distressed, spiritually troubled… God loves us and does not want that for us. In fact, the most obvious evidence of his love was that he let HIS Son Jesus die – though that unquestionably hurt Him very much. He let Jesus die so that we could see His love! So that we could KNOW His love!
Maybe you need to read a love story from God to you. Check out First John chapter 4, beginning with verse 7.
This month's project? Soak in God's love. Perhaps your heart is hurt, and you need God to begin to heal it. Just be assured that the healing begins with the realization that God loves loves LOVES LOVES you. A hundred hugs' worth.
Aaron
Saturday, February 7, 2009
.THE LORD PROVIDES.
Welcome back to SEVENS, a once-monthly devotional thought designed to help us think about God and DO something about it. This month...
.THE LORD PROVIDES.
Deuteronomy 8 begins:
1 Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land that the Lord promised on oath to your forefathers. 2 Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the desert these forty years, to humble you and to test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commands. 3 He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your fathers had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord. 4 Your clothes did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years.
The Israelites had been slaves in
But even God's punishment came laced with blessings. He provided for them everything they needed. Their food, their water, their protection from the elements, their direction... they couldn't get any of it anywhere else but FROM GOD HIMSELF!
The Israelites needed to be reminded that God had provided for them. They also needed to be reminded that they should return the favor by living by His commands. And we would do well to remember the same: God provides, protects and guides. Just look around and see all that He has done.
I want to show you something...
I got these shoes on the day of my wedding - in October of the year 2000. And they were already used when I got them. I've worn them every Sunday since, and on countless other occasions when I needed something nicer than tennis shoes. But through all this time, they haven't worn out. I've taken to calling them my "wilderness shoes" because they constantly remind me of those verses in Deuteronomy. As I get ready each Sunday morning for worship, for teaching, for fellowship... they remind me of one simple truth.
The Lord provides.
Tomorrow we gather for the very first time to worship at our new location:
I'm guessing it's about time to get some new shoes. But I'm glad to see God's blessings all throughout my life. As I type this, my wife is singing bedtime prayers with my two beautiful children. They are blessings, indeed! Tomorrow, I will teach the Word to middle school students. Blessings! I have a warm bed and toilets that work and two cars and I can read and I have a nice office with a brand new love seat… and… well, the blessings are everywhere!
May such commonplace things as these remind you of God's love for you. In fact, that's what this month's project is. Go on and comment below about something that reminds you of God's provision, protection, guidance… and His love.
Aaron
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
.LIFE or DEATH.
Welcome back to SEVENS, a once-monthly devotional thought designed to help us think about God and DO something about it. This month, I just want you to pray as you read...
.LIFE or DEATH.
This one is dedicated to DeeDee and Agnes.
I love you and I hope these words help in your sadness.
"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
Philippians 1:21
That's a heavy verse. Why? Well... because it means that there are only two options - live or die. (well DUH, Aaron!)
The first is elaborated on in this verse:
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me."
Galatians 2:20
So when we say "to live is Christ" we mean "Hey, if I'm gonna live, It's gonna be so I can give Christ my hands, my feet, my heart, to be used however he wants." Our life is to be a fulfilling of Christ's purpose, his cause here on Earth. Whatever time we are given should be used for God's glory. It should be used to further the cause of worshiping our Maker and telling others about Him so they will yearn to worship Him just like we do.
Then there's death. When Paul said "to die is gain" he just meant "If I die, I get my finial reward." There's a song that says, 'everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die.' I agree. Sure, we all want to get to heaven, and maybe get wings and fly all over, and oh yeah - see JESUS face to face... but we don't want to have to die to get there. It is a rather scary thing. But you know what?
I believe with all I am that Jesus will be there to grab me the moment this body fails.
And I believe there won't be even a moment where I'm wondering what's happening to me. I have assurance from I John 5:13 - it's a lock for me! Sure, not everyone has that assurance, but you can if you refer back to that first verse: TO LIVE IS CHRIST. So a new thought comes out of it: Live for Christ, and dying is gain.
So there it is. If God chooses to give us this day to live, we must use it to serve Him, and to fall more deeply in love with Him. And if God chooses to take us to Heaven, then everything else fades away, and there is just HIM. Wonderful, beautiful, glorious Jesus.
So spend time getting to know Him NOW so that when you meet Him face to face, you'll recognize Him! :)
Aaron
REMEMBER: This thought, along with all the previous SEVENS devotions, are available on the SEVENS blog. Let's discuss how you're putting these thoughts into action. Read 'em... and then comment at http://sevens-devo.blogspot.com/
.LIFE or DEATH.
This one is dedicated to DeeDee and Agnes.
I love you and I hope these words help in your sadness.
"For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
Philippians 1:21
That's a heavy verse. Why? Well... because it means that there are only two options - live or die. (well DUH, Aaron!)
The first is elaborated on in this verse:
"I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me."
Galatians 2:20
So when we say "to live is Christ" we mean "Hey, if I'm gonna live, It's gonna be so I can give Christ my hands, my feet, my heart, to be used however he wants." Our life is to be a fulfilling of Christ's purpose, his cause here on Earth. Whatever time we are given should be used for God's glory. It should be used to further the cause of worshiping our Maker and telling others about Him so they will yearn to worship Him just like we do.
Then there's death. When Paul said "to die is gain" he just meant "If I die, I get my finial reward." There's a song that says, 'everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die.' I agree. Sure, we all want to get to heaven, and maybe get wings and fly all over, and oh yeah - see JESUS face to face... but we don't want to have to die to get there. It is a rather scary thing. But you know what?
I believe with all I am that Jesus will be there to grab me the moment this body fails.
And I believe there won't be even a moment where I'm wondering what's happening to me. I have assurance from I John 5:13 - it's a lock for me! Sure, not everyone has that assurance, but you can if you refer back to that first verse: TO LIVE IS CHRIST. So a new thought comes out of it: Live for Christ, and dying is gain.
So there it is. If God chooses to give us this day to live, we must use it to serve Him, and to fall more deeply in love with Him. And if God chooses to take us to Heaven, then everything else fades away, and there is just HIM. Wonderful, beautiful, glorious Jesus.
So spend time getting to know Him NOW so that when you meet Him face to face, you'll recognize Him! :)
Aaron
REMEMBER: This thought, along with all the previous SEVENS devotions, are available on the SEVENS blog. Let's discuss how you're putting these thoughts into action. Read 'em... and then comment at http://sevens-devo.blogspot.com/
Monday, December 22, 2008
.ACTIVATE.
This thought occurred to me this morning: I write this sentence every month in the introduction to SEVENS: "It's a once-monthly devotional thought that is supposed to help us think about God and DO something about it."
Well then... let's DO something.
.ACTIVATE.
I want to know what difference this devotional project has made... to know if this stuff is getting done. Please take a look at the different "assignments" through the months, listed below. Find something you can do. Click on it directly or go straight to http://sevens-devo.blogspot.com/ and read about it. Go do it! Then maybe you can talk to someone else about it, and go out and accomplish it together. Then to back to the blog and comment on how you lived it out - helping others accomplish it too.
I don't write so you can say "Hey Aaron, nice thoughts" (although that does help, haha). I write so that you as a follower of Christ will be encouraged to live out your beliefs in a lifestyle of faith. Activate. Activate.
Here are all the previous assignments:
Oct 07: Pray with scripture as "conversation starters."
Nov: Write out all the blessings you can think of.
Dec: Make the best of every breath you have.
Jan 08: Consider those all around you with needs - and help.
Feb: Love the unloved.
Mar: Serve the Lord with gladness - it's a privilege.
Apr/May: Write devotional thoughts of your own and share them.
Jun: Love with your hands and feet - to love is to serve.
Jul: Do the most spiritual thing - though it might seem "unimportant."
Aug: Pray for salvation to come to a dark world.
Sep: Read and study the Word of God more effectively.
Oct: Disengage from the routine and spend time alone with God.
Nov: We need to be on our knees in prayer.
and TODAY: GET UP AND DO IT FOR HIS SAKE!
Aaron
(Originally published on December 7, 2008)
Well then... let's DO something.
.ACTIVATE.
I want to know what difference this devotional project has made... to know if this stuff is getting done. Please take a look at the different "assignments" through the months, listed below. Find something you can do. Click on it directly or go straight to http://sevens-devo.blogspot.com/ and read about it. Go do it! Then maybe you can talk to someone else about it, and go out and accomplish it together. Then to back to the blog and comment on how you lived it out - helping others accomplish it too.
I don't write so you can say "Hey Aaron, nice thoughts" (although that does help, haha). I write so that you as a follower of Christ will be encouraged to live out your beliefs in a lifestyle of faith. Activate. Activate.
Here are all the previous assignments:
Oct 07: Pray with scripture as "conversation starters."
Nov: Write out all the blessings you can think of.
Dec: Make the best of every breath you have.
Jan 08: Consider those all around you with needs - and help.
Feb: Love the unloved.
Mar: Serve the Lord with gladness - it's a privilege.
Apr/May: Write devotional thoughts of your own and share them.
Jun: Love with your hands and feet - to love is to serve.
Jul: Do the most spiritual thing - though it might seem "unimportant."
Aug: Pray for salvation to come to a dark world.
Sep: Read and study the Word of God more effectively.
Oct: Disengage from the routine and spend time alone with God.
Nov: We need to be on our knees in prayer.
and TODAY: GET UP AND DO IT FOR HIS SAKE!
Aaron
(Originally published on December 7, 2008)
Monday, December 8, 2008
.PRAY.
Volume 14...
.PRAY.
Yep, that's pretty simple. In fact, that's where we started SEVENS, over a year ago. And last month, I was kind of getting at this point too, when I commented on how I kept seeing the scriptures saying things like "Jesus went off to a solitary place to pray."
But really, isn't this where we need to be? On our knees in prayer?
As I type this, we are about 3 hours into a 24-hour prayer vigil at Northridge, where I serve as youth minister. You probably know how it works: people in our church family have been asked to set aside 30 minutes, to peel away from our busy schedules and forget everything else... just for 30 minutes... and pray. There's even a sheet that has been put together with plenty of things people have brought to our attention - from the salvation of loved ones, to cancer, to financial difficulty, to depression... and so much more. People often say they wouldn't know what to pray for, but then they give it a try, they see this list we've made, and during their time in prayer, they think of so many more things that are on their heart... and they come out 45 minutes or an hour later saying, "Oops, I 'went over' a bit. I didn't even get halfway through my list!"
So what happened in there? I guess God wasn't watching his clock. He had a little more in mind than our 30 minutes.
Looks like maybe we could spend more time in prayer if we just ALLOWED it to be as important as it REALLY IS... I don't want to belabor the obvious, but we're talking about spending time alone with the Creator and Sustainer... our Savior and our Lord...
He wants that time. And we just have a thousand things that get in the way. Well, push them out of the way tonight. No matter where you are, have your own little vigil. Make an appointment to open your heart up and talk with YAHWEH SABAOTH - the LORD ALMIGHTY.
You'll find He's been waiting for you.
And you may also find he wants more than 30 minutes.
Aaron
(Originally published November 7, 2008)
.PRAY.
Yep, that's pretty simple. In fact, that's where we started SEVENS, over a year ago. And last month, I was kind of getting at this point too, when I commented on how I kept seeing the scriptures saying things like "Jesus went off to a solitary place to pray."
But really, isn't this where we need to be? On our knees in prayer?
As I type this, we are about 3 hours into a 24-hour prayer vigil at Northridge, where I serve as youth minister. You probably know how it works: people in our church family have been asked to set aside 30 minutes, to peel away from our busy schedules and forget everything else... just for 30 minutes... and pray. There's even a sheet that has been put together with plenty of things people have brought to our attention - from the salvation of loved ones, to cancer, to financial difficulty, to depression... and so much more. People often say they wouldn't know what to pray for, but then they give it a try, they see this list we've made, and during their time in prayer, they think of so many more things that are on their heart... and they come out 45 minutes or an hour later saying, "Oops, I 'went over' a bit. I didn't even get halfway through my list!"
So what happened in there? I guess God wasn't watching his clock. He had a little more in mind than our 30 minutes.
Looks like maybe we could spend more time in prayer if we just ALLOWED it to be as important as it REALLY IS... I don't want to belabor the obvious, but we're talking about spending time alone with the Creator and Sustainer... our Savior and our Lord...
He wants that time. And we just have a thousand things that get in the way. Well, push them out of the way tonight. No matter where you are, have your own little vigil. Make an appointment to open your heart up and talk with YAHWEH SABAOTH - the LORD ALMIGHTY.
You'll find He's been waiting for you.
And you may also find he wants more than 30 minutes.
Aaron
(Originally published November 7, 2008)
.DISENGAGE.
Hey, check it out! It's the SEVENS Anniversary Issue. Yep, SEVENS started a year ago. Maybe it's time for a new look. Maybe I should add a shiny foil cover and double the price! But seriously - let's keep this one short. You and I don't need to be sitting in front of our computers typing and reading. We need to get up and get outta here. So if you're getting this for the first time, give it a read and let me know what you think. It's a once-monthly devotional thought that is supposed to help us think about God and DO something about it. So here goes.
.DISENGAGE.
Been reading Matthew, and I noticed a lot of talk about Jesus retreating off to a private place. Usually it's something like "at daybreak Jesus went off to a solitary place to pray." Jesus withdrew. This is supposed to be this super great guy! Why does he want to be alone?
He often did this kind of stuff right before (or right after) meeting with a crowd of people. Try to read the gospels without noticing the phrases like "the crowds followed him" or "the crowds were amazed" or "seeing the crowds, he had compassion..." This guy's constantly being surrounded by the people he came to save. The ones he loves. He even hopped into a boat and backed up into the lake to give himself some space to teach!
So what's he doing? Praying and fasting (Matt.4). Gathering the courage to achieve his purpose (Matt.26). Listening to the encouragement of His Father (Matt.17). Once he even withdrew because he was sad (Matt.14).
Hmmm... so now I'm thinking... if Jesus had to do it, WHY DON'T WE?
Literally and figuratively speaking, crowds can be overwhelming. Who or what is crowding you? Or do you even notice? Ar you so used to the "daily grind" that you can't or won't escape it?
When was the last time you separated yourself from the routine, retreated from the "crowds" of work or bills or worries or running errands or TV or just whatever tasks seem so pressing... and went to a solitary place to just BE with the Lord?
It's been too long, hasn't it? I'm gonna say yes for me. How bout you? Make it a point to get away and spend time with God. Make it a point to disengage.
(Originally published October 7, 2008)
.DISENGAGE.
Been reading Matthew, and I noticed a lot of talk about Jesus retreating off to a private place. Usually it's something like "at daybreak Jesus went off to a solitary place to pray." Jesus withdrew. This is supposed to be this super great guy! Why does he want to be alone?
He often did this kind of stuff right before (or right after) meeting with a crowd of people. Try to read the gospels without noticing the phrases like "the crowds followed him" or "the crowds were amazed" or "seeing the crowds, he had compassion..." This guy's constantly being surrounded by the people he came to save. The ones he loves. He even hopped into a boat and backed up into the lake to give himself some space to teach!
So what's he doing? Praying and fasting (Matt.4). Gathering the courage to achieve his purpose (Matt.26). Listening to the encouragement of His Father (Matt.17). Once he even withdrew because he was sad (Matt.14).
Hmmm... so now I'm thinking... if Jesus had to do it, WHY DON'T WE?
Literally and figuratively speaking, crowds can be overwhelming. Who or what is crowding you? Or do you even notice? Ar you so used to the "daily grind" that you can't or won't escape it?
When was the last time you separated yourself from the routine, retreated from the "crowds" of work or bills or worries or running errands or TV or just whatever tasks seem so pressing... and went to a solitary place to just BE with the Lord?
It's been too long, hasn't it? I'm gonna say yes for me. How bout you? Make it a point to get away and spend time with God. Make it a point to disengage.
(Originally published October 7, 2008)
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
.READIT.
Volume 12:
.READIT.
When I was a young kid there was a commercial that showed a bunch of frogs, and one of them was offering books around to the others and asking them to "readit." Of course it sounded like a ribbit. This had to have been over 25 years ago, but I still remember it. So the frog is offering these books, and they are all taking them and enjoying them... and that commercial played its small part in helping me fall in love with reading. The rest is history, haha.
Okay... "illustration two." For the last couple months, I have been encouraging the students in our middle school class to simply read their Bibles. We've gotten journals and the purpose is to give them an opportunity to read something, write a little about it, and bring that back to class, so we can discuss what we've seen from the Word each week. We started by discussing a few things that would help them make their reading time more effective, and came up with a list of nine TIPS (so far). I would like to share those "TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE BIBLE STUDY" with you now, and then ask you to shoot back at me with some additional tips if you have any. Some of them may only specifically apply to our class, but perhaps you can see the spirit with which they were intended, and make the best of it.
1. UNDERSTANDING: Always pray before you read.
- Simply ask God to help you understand what He's teaching you through what you read today.
2. REINFORCING: Take some notes!
- If you don't have a Bible journal, get one. The more you involve yourself in the reading, the more you will remember.
3. PERSEVERANCE: Stick with it!
- It's not always going to be immediately gratifying. True discipleship takes time. Good habits take from 21-30 days to form.
4. ACCOUNTABILITY: Always bring your Bible and journal to class.
- Showing others that you have spent time studying really helps keep you honest.
5. CONSISTENCY: Use a Bible that belongs to you - buy one if necessary.
- It should be worth it, in order to have the tools necessary to grow with God. And it makes it easier to do #6.
6. PERSONALIZE: Underline the stuff that hits you.
- Your Bible should look like you use it. When you come back to a passage you have read, you can see the places where God really spoke to you, and it will remind you that you have been on a journey with God!
7. CONTEXT: Finish whatever book you start, no matter how long it takes.
- The best understanding of the Word comes from taking things in the proper context, and you will get the best of that when you read books, not random chapters.
8. FOLLOW-THROUGH: Participate every time you're in class.
- The whole purpose of doing this is to grow in community, and we intend to discuss the scriptures we've read each week. Tell your peers (in whatever class you attend) something that really struck you. Ask a question about something you might not have understood. And that also means getting yourself TO class each week. Some weeks that will be easy, other weeks you will need to drag yourself out of bed; but God rewards discipline.
9. BITE-SIZE: Read whole chapters.
- With very few exceptions, you can read a whole chapter of scripture in less than 5 minutes. Just as tip 7 speaks of context, you really can't get a good idea of what you're reading if you don't at least read a chapter a day. For some of you that will take some discipline. But you can do it.
(10. more to come...)
Okay, so there it is. I would love to write much more on each of these, but I have always tried VERY hard to keep these things "blessedly brief."
And I know some of you may be beyond these basic tips, but I would especially like to enlist your help in making my class more effective with your added insights... your thoughts on how you have fallen in love with the Word, how you study, how you find nourishment in it. And to those who may not be reading their Bible, I hope to provide some encouragement to you. For HIS sake, for YOUR sake, get up from the computer right now, and go read your Bible! All I can say is what I've said to my class... when I teach, my ONLY goal is to create disciples. And disciples, by definition, must spend time with their master. If you aren't praying and reading the Word, how are you a disciple?
Let’s READIT.
SEVENS: Do not merely listen to the word... do what it says. James 1:22.
Aaron
NOTE to PARENTS: If you have a middle schooler in your house, and they are a part of the Northridge family (or could be), ask them about it. Give them a little reminder once in a while. Get involved in their growth. It can only help. [PS we're still doing this in our class in December! Keep asking your kids to read!]
(Originally published September 7, 2008)
.READIT.
When I was a young kid there was a commercial that showed a bunch of frogs, and one of them was offering books around to the others and asking them to "readit." Of course it sounded like a ribbit. This had to have been over 25 years ago, but I still remember it. So the frog is offering these books, and they are all taking them and enjoying them... and that commercial played its small part in helping me fall in love with reading. The rest is history, haha.
Okay... "illustration two." For the last couple months, I have been encouraging the students in our middle school class to simply read their Bibles. We've gotten journals and the purpose is to give them an opportunity to read something, write a little about it, and bring that back to class, so we can discuss what we've seen from the Word each week. We started by discussing a few things that would help them make their reading time more effective, and came up with a list of nine TIPS (so far). I would like to share those "TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE BIBLE STUDY" with you now, and then ask you to shoot back at me with some additional tips if you have any. Some of them may only specifically apply to our class, but perhaps you can see the spirit with which they were intended, and make the best of it.
1. UNDERSTANDING: Always pray before you read.
- Simply ask God to help you understand what He's teaching you through what you read today.
2. REINFORCING: Take some notes!
- If you don't have a Bible journal, get one. The more you involve yourself in the reading, the more you will remember.
3. PERSEVERANCE: Stick with it!
- It's not always going to be immediately gratifying. True discipleship takes time. Good habits take from 21-30 days to form.
4. ACCOUNTABILITY: Always bring your Bible and journal to class.
- Showing others that you have spent time studying really helps keep you honest.
5. CONSISTENCY: Use a Bible that belongs to you - buy one if necessary.
- It should be worth it, in order to have the tools necessary to grow with God. And it makes it easier to do #6.
6. PERSONALIZE: Underline the stuff that hits you.
- Your Bible should look like you use it. When you come back to a passage you have read, you can see the places where God really spoke to you, and it will remind you that you have been on a journey with God!
7. CONTEXT: Finish whatever book you start, no matter how long it takes.
- The best understanding of the Word comes from taking things in the proper context, and you will get the best of that when you read books, not random chapters.
8. FOLLOW-THROUGH: Participate every time you're in class.
- The whole purpose of doing this is to grow in community, and we intend to discuss the scriptures we've read each week. Tell your peers (in whatever class you attend) something that really struck you. Ask a question about something you might not have understood. And that also means getting yourself TO class each week. Some weeks that will be easy, other weeks you will need to drag yourself out of bed; but God rewards discipline.
9. BITE-SIZE: Read whole chapters.
- With very few exceptions, you can read a whole chapter of scripture in less than 5 minutes. Just as tip 7 speaks of context, you really can't get a good idea of what you're reading if you don't at least read a chapter a day. For some of you that will take some discipline. But you can do it.
(10. more to come...)
Okay, so there it is. I would love to write much more on each of these, but I have always tried VERY hard to keep these things "blessedly brief."
And I know some of you may be beyond these basic tips, but I would especially like to enlist your help in making my class more effective with your added insights... your thoughts on how you have fallen in love with the Word, how you study, how you find nourishment in it. And to those who may not be reading their Bible, I hope to provide some encouragement to you. For HIS sake, for YOUR sake, get up from the computer right now, and go read your Bible! All I can say is what I've said to my class... when I teach, my ONLY goal is to create disciples. And disciples, by definition, must spend time with their master. If you aren't praying and reading the Word, how are you a disciple?
Let’s READIT.
SEVENS: Do not merely listen to the word... do what it says. James 1:22.
Aaron
NOTE to PARENTS: If you have a middle schooler in your house, and they are a part of the Northridge family (or could be), ask them about it. Give them a little reminder once in a while. Get involved in their growth. It can only help. [PS we're still doing this in our class in December! Keep asking your kids to read!]
(Originally published September 7, 2008)
Thursday, November 20, 2008
.OLYMPICS.
Volume 11:
.OLYMPICS.
Yep, the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. That's what's on my mind right now. And I've been thinking about it for weeks. It all starts tomorrow, 08/08/08. Every so often, the best athletes from all over the world come together to prove themselves, to represent their sport on the worldwide stage, to represent their country, to participate together in one sport or another.
And of course there's the controversy. It seems the Olympics have always been controversial in one way or another. But if you've had the news on in the last couple months, you've certainly heard repeated mention of problems with China… in reference to human rights, Darfur, Tibet, steroids, smog in Beijing, Iraq's participation… sheesh. But I don't want to make this a political thing. I just want to point out that there IS controversy, just in case you hadn't heard. And then I want to get to the point, right?
Olympics are a microcosm of our world's society. This event, these Olympians… well, they represent both the BEST in us (perseverance, giving your all, making it to the top, "running in such a way as to win the prize…" and maybe a few gold medals) and the WORST in us (pride, cheating, dirty politics, the aforementioned scandals…).
Okay, so what difference does that make? Well, I'd like to ask you to go along with me for a while, and watch the Olympics. Look at the different countries involved. Consider that some of these athletes you see may represent a country where the Word of God is not accessible in their own language. Some may come from a place where Christians are persecuted. It's such a strange idea to think that some of those athletes may never have heard the name of Jesus. The Olympics should be an eye-opening experience for Christians, reminding us that millions of souls are constantly at stake. Followers of Christ must want desperately to see the world won for God's kingdom, for His glory.
So pray for them. And pray for their countries. I keep coming back to a handful of my favorite "world-wide" verses:
Matthew 24:14. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached IN THE WHOLE WORLD as a testimony to ALL NATIONS, and then the end will come.
Matthew 28:19-20. Therefore go and make disciples of ALL NATIONS… baptize and teach them…
Luke 24:47. Repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to ALL NATIONS, beginning at Jerusalem.
Revelation 15:4. For you [God] alone are holy. ALL NATIONS will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.
I guess what I’m getting at is that we should see these people as representatives of the world - a world that needs God, a world that needs a savior. From England to Brazil to Egypt to China… and yes, even America. We should take this chance to open our eyes to the billions of people they represent, and that all those people will bow their knee to the returning, conquering LORD of LORDS, whether he has become their Savior or not. So yeah, it's time we start praying for salvation. It's time we start praying for the missionaries who go to those countries - for their funds, their safety, their cause. It's time we start praying for the wisdom of those working diligently to translate the Word of God into new tongues and for those who will take it to new tribes and nations for the first time. It's time we start praying for the persecuted churches throughout the world, for their protection, for their boldness in proclaiming the Truth, even when lives are at stake. It's time we start praying for conviction, that God would help US to see all of those people, no matter what color, what nation, what language… as children of God, and as our brothers and sisters.
Let’s pray.
SEVENS: Do not merely listen to the word... do what it says. James 1:22.
Aaron
(Originally published August 7, 2008)
.OLYMPICS.
Yep, the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. That's what's on my mind right now. And I've been thinking about it for weeks. It all starts tomorrow, 08/08/08. Every so often, the best athletes from all over the world come together to prove themselves, to represent their sport on the worldwide stage, to represent their country, to participate together in one sport or another.
And of course there's the controversy. It seems the Olympics have always been controversial in one way or another. But if you've had the news on in the last couple months, you've certainly heard repeated mention of problems with China… in reference to human rights, Darfur, Tibet, steroids, smog in Beijing, Iraq's participation… sheesh. But I don't want to make this a political thing. I just want to point out that there IS controversy, just in case you hadn't heard. And then I want to get to the point, right?
Olympics are a microcosm of our world's society. This event, these Olympians… well, they represent both the BEST in us (perseverance, giving your all, making it to the top, "running in such a way as to win the prize…" and maybe a few gold medals) and the WORST in us (pride, cheating, dirty politics, the aforementioned scandals…).
Okay, so what difference does that make? Well, I'd like to ask you to go along with me for a while, and watch the Olympics. Look at the different countries involved. Consider that some of these athletes you see may represent a country where the Word of God is not accessible in their own language. Some may come from a place where Christians are persecuted. It's such a strange idea to think that some of those athletes may never have heard the name of Jesus. The Olympics should be an eye-opening experience for Christians, reminding us that millions of souls are constantly at stake. Followers of Christ must want desperately to see the world won for God's kingdom, for His glory.
So pray for them. And pray for their countries. I keep coming back to a handful of my favorite "world-wide" verses:
Matthew 24:14. And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached IN THE WHOLE WORLD as a testimony to ALL NATIONS, and then the end will come.
Matthew 28:19-20. Therefore go and make disciples of ALL NATIONS… baptize and teach them…
Luke 24:47. Repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to ALL NATIONS, beginning at Jerusalem.
Revelation 15:4. For you [God] alone are holy. ALL NATIONS will come and worship before you, for your righteous acts have been revealed.
I guess what I’m getting at is that we should see these people as representatives of the world - a world that needs God, a world that needs a savior. From England to Brazil to Egypt to China… and yes, even America. We should take this chance to open our eyes to the billions of people they represent, and that all those people will bow their knee to the returning, conquering LORD of LORDS, whether he has become their Savior or not. So yeah, it's time we start praying for salvation. It's time we start praying for the missionaries who go to those countries - for their funds, their safety, their cause. It's time we start praying for the wisdom of those working diligently to translate the Word of God into new tongues and for those who will take it to new tribes and nations for the first time. It's time we start praying for the persecuted churches throughout the world, for their protection, for their boldness in proclaiming the Truth, even when lives are at stake. It's time we start praying for conviction, that God would help US to see all of those people, no matter what color, what nation, what language… as children of God, and as our brothers and sisters.
Let’s pray.
SEVENS: Do not merely listen to the word... do what it says. James 1:22.
Aaron
(Originally published August 7, 2008)
Friday, November 14, 2008
.FULL. (by DeeDee!)
This is the TENTH installment...
This month, we had a "guest writer," my beautiful bride. I was talking with her about what I should write... and she came up with (in my opinion) an even better idea than the two ideas I had, so I asked her to go ahead and write it! Let her know what you think! Her email is: deedeeshirley at hotmail dot com.
.FULL.
Someone once told me that there are lots of things that we think of as spiritual, but that when we get right down to it, may not be exactly what God wants us to be doing at that time. Like we think that, in order to be spiritual, we need to read our bible, and serve at our church, and visit people at the nursing home, and baby-sit our neighbor’s kids, AND wash the preacher’s dog, AND hold a prayer circle at our house, and, and, and, and the list can go on and on. But God doesn’t just want everything FROM us, He wants the BEST FOR us.
Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is to... GO TO SLEEP.
I reflected on that today, as of course lately I have been running around like a crazy person getting ready for Vacation Bible School. Yesterday about 8:30pm I just totally ran out of steam. I laid down for a few minutes, just to “pull myself together” a little... and I fell asleep. I was in the middle of putting my kids to bed and I FELL ASLEEP!!! Oops. So I slept, the kids went to sleep without me, and all was well, and I slept, and slept, and slept. 11 hours I slept.
Then today, I woke up feeling good - refreshed and ready to hit the day head-on. I proceeded to meet the cable man, clean the house, work on VBS and more, but most importantly I played Whack-A-Mole with the girls.
So I guess I didn’t really see it yesterday, but the most spiritual thing I could do for the Lord, right then, was go to sleep - and today the most spiritual thing I could do for the Lord was play with my kids. That’s not an excuse to be lazy; some days the thing the Lord wants from me isn’t nearly as fun as taking a nap, but it is still what he knows is best for me. Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) That means that whatever it is we do each day needs to be what He says, so our lives can be full. Not just BUSY, but FULL... full of HIM.
So what is the most spiritual thing you can do today?
Is it time with your family?
Or is it serving His church, or hosting a prayer group?
Could it be reaching out to your neighbor?
Or visiting the nursing home?
...Or is it maybe a nap?
Only you can find out what it is that God wants you to do today. Ask Him.
Hoping you have a day Full of God.
Love, DeeDee
(Originally published July 7, 2008)
This month, we had a "guest writer," my beautiful bride. I was talking with her about what I should write... and she came up with (in my opinion) an even better idea than the two ideas I had, so I asked her to go ahead and write it! Let her know what you think! Her email is: deedeeshirley at hotmail dot com.
.FULL.
Someone once told me that there are lots of things that we think of as spiritual, but that when we get right down to it, may not be exactly what God wants us to be doing at that time. Like we think that, in order to be spiritual, we need to read our bible, and serve at our church, and visit people at the nursing home, and baby-sit our neighbor’s kids, AND wash the preacher’s dog, AND hold a prayer circle at our house, and, and, and, and the list can go on and on. But God doesn’t just want everything FROM us, He wants the BEST FOR us.
Sometimes the most spiritual thing we can do is to... GO TO SLEEP.
I reflected on that today, as of course lately I have been running around like a crazy person getting ready for Vacation Bible School. Yesterday about 8:30pm I just totally ran out of steam. I laid down for a few minutes, just to “pull myself together” a little... and I fell asleep. I was in the middle of putting my kids to bed and I FELL ASLEEP!!! Oops. So I slept, the kids went to sleep without me, and all was well, and I slept, and slept, and slept. 11 hours I slept.
Then today, I woke up feeling good - refreshed and ready to hit the day head-on. I proceeded to meet the cable man, clean the house, work on VBS and more, but most importantly I played Whack-A-Mole with the girls.
So I guess I didn’t really see it yesterday, but the most spiritual thing I could do for the Lord, right then, was go to sleep - and today the most spiritual thing I could do for the Lord was play with my kids. That’s not an excuse to be lazy; some days the thing the Lord wants from me isn’t nearly as fun as taking a nap, but it is still what he knows is best for me. Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10) That means that whatever it is we do each day needs to be what He says, so our lives can be full. Not just BUSY, but FULL... full of HIM.
So what is the most spiritual thing you can do today?
Is it time with your family?
Or is it serving His church, or hosting a prayer group?
Could it be reaching out to your neighbor?
Or visiting the nursing home?
...Or is it maybe a nap?
Only you can find out what it is that God wants you to do today. Ask Him.
Hoping you have a day Full of God.
Love, DeeDee
(Originally published July 7, 2008)
Friday, November 7, 2008
.SERVE.
This is the NINTH installment...
.SERVE.
I'm sure I've already written on this topic. It's kind of the central emphasis for Sevens. But I just keep coming back to it. I keep thinking there is something more that needs to be done, something more than needs to be said. I've said before that it's a privilege to serve. And I really think that the people who figure that one thing out, will have a much more fulfilled life than those who live life centered on themselves.
But this last week I've had plenty of opportunity to think about the behavior of service... And the phrase kept bubbling up in my head... TO LOVE IS TO SERVE.
You see, the last several days, I've been at Woodland Christian Camp, with about 70 middle schoolers. And boy, there was plenty of opportunity to serve there. Many of the young people were really struggling, figuring out how to live out their faith. And no two were going into it with the same life story. They struggled in so many different areas: guilt, loss, deceit, self-centeredness, confusion, anger, self esteem, general awkward-ness, and all the other stuff that comes with new hormones...
So I just asked God to help me look with compassion on each of them, asked Him to show me opportunities to love them by serving them. And He did. I pray I didn't miss any of His leading.
I pray you'll do the same for your situation. Who are the "struggling middle school campers" in your life? And what wisdom and guidance can you give them? How can you serve them, showing them the love of our Lord through your actions?
Romans 12:9 says "Love must be sincere." But listen to The Message: it says "Love from the center of who you are. Don't fake it." That's just another verse that brings this idea into sharp focus again. You can PRETEND to love someone, and even say it to them, but in order to REALLY love, to love from the CENTER of who you are, you're going to have to DO something about it. You're going to have to ACT. So... to say it again, the result is this: to love is to serve.
TO LOVE IS TO SERVE. TO LOVE IS TO SERVE.
I'm still tired from this week, cause really I'm a wimp, and all that "real work" wore me out. Serving makes my back hurt! :) But boy, it's very fulfilling. Like I said, those who figure out that it's a privilege to serve will end up being fulfilled, happy people. It destroys your chance to have a negative spirit, simply because the heart of a servant does not usually cohabitate with a negative spirit within the same person.
I hope this little devotional thought has also served you in some small way. Because it is a privilege to serve you, if you know what I mean...
SEVENS: Do not merely listen to the word... do what it says. James 1:22.
Aaron
(Originally published June 7, 2008)
.SERVE.
I'm sure I've already written on this topic. It's kind of the central emphasis for Sevens. But I just keep coming back to it. I keep thinking there is something more that needs to be done, something more than needs to be said. I've said before that it's a privilege to serve. And I really think that the people who figure that one thing out, will have a much more fulfilled life than those who live life centered on themselves.
But this last week I've had plenty of opportunity to think about the behavior of service... And the phrase kept bubbling up in my head... TO LOVE IS TO SERVE.
You see, the last several days, I've been at Woodland Christian Camp, with about 70 middle schoolers. And boy, there was plenty of opportunity to serve there. Many of the young people were really struggling, figuring out how to live out their faith. And no two were going into it with the same life story. They struggled in so many different areas: guilt, loss, deceit, self-centeredness, confusion, anger, self esteem, general awkward-ness, and all the other stuff that comes with new hormones...
So I just asked God to help me look with compassion on each of them, asked Him to show me opportunities to love them by serving them. And He did. I pray I didn't miss any of His leading.
I pray you'll do the same for your situation. Who are the "struggling middle school campers" in your life? And what wisdom and guidance can you give them? How can you serve them, showing them the love of our Lord through your actions?
Romans 12:9 says "Love must be sincere." But listen to The Message: it says "Love from the center of who you are. Don't fake it." That's just another verse that brings this idea into sharp focus again. You can PRETEND to love someone, and even say it to them, but in order to REALLY love, to love from the CENTER of who you are, you're going to have to DO something about it. You're going to have to ACT. So... to say it again, the result is this: to love is to serve.
TO LOVE IS TO SERVE. TO LOVE IS TO SERVE.
I'm still tired from this week, cause really I'm a wimp, and all that "real work" wore me out. Serving makes my back hurt! :) But boy, it's very fulfilling. Like I said, those who figure out that it's a privilege to serve will end up being fulfilled, happy people. It destroys your chance to have a negative spirit, simply because the heart of a servant does not usually cohabitate with a negative spirit within the same person.
I hope this little devotional thought has also served you in some small way. Because it is a privilege to serve you, if you know what I mean...
SEVENS: Do not merely listen to the word... do what it says. James 1:22.
Aaron
(Originally published June 7, 2008)
Thursday, October 30, 2008
.YOUR TURN. followup
Hey there. Welcome to the special “follow-up edition” of SEVENS. I challenged our readers to write their own - and got some interesting responses. They were good, and you can see them below. But there were also far fewer than I had expected, so I’ll just say this: many of you still have an awesome thought on your heart. Share it. So without further ado, here are our special guest submissions:
JESSICA CRAIN is my niece, and once again I gotta say, I’m proud of her. Attached is a letter from her momma - my sister KAROL - appropriately entitled...
Pony Up. On April 9th, 2008, 57 ladies from the Grayslake North High School wanted to give back. Their gift was not money, or gently worn clothing. It was not a car wash in bikinis or selling candy at the big game. They gave their hair to women who underwent chemotherapy to fight for their lives against cancer. The room was full of girls in yellow “Pony Up” t-shirts, waiting their turn to be registered and measured. I wondered if the girls were thinking of the women with bandannas on their heads and hope in their eyes. Of course they were nervous about how their hair would look for Prom, a short 34 days away. After all, they are high school teenage girls. Nearly a thousand students gathered in the Gym to witness each of these girls making ‘the cut’. The students roared in pride and support of their classmates. All of the students, faculty and guests wore the name of family members or friends that had been touched by cancer. Banners were made and hung on the walls of the gym. As the crowd left the gym, each of the names were peeled from their shirts and pasted on the banners for display for weeks in remembrance of this special event at GNHS. They held up their gift with pride as mothers and reporters took photo after photo. They made ‘the cut’ in my book. If only all of us would “Pony Up” every day for those less fortunate than us. These girls are a good example for High School Girls everywhere. Pictured above is Jessica on the ride home after donating 9 inches of her hair to women who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy treatment for cancer.I’m so proud of Jessica for giving back. "Mom"
DR. JO ANN MANLEY is a member with me on the board of directors at the Baldwin Christian Learning Center. Her words:
One of my favorite scriptures is Second Timothy 2:15: "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of God."
We are challenged to study the word on a regular basis and seek understanding. No matter how hard we try, we never fully comprehend all that we need to do, therefore we must continue to study and never be ashamed of our search for understanding.
In today's political arena we are constantly seeking the truth, with the media attempting to sway our thinking. I am grateful that I can read (remember reading is word recognition and COMPREHENSION). Many people around the world never have an opportunity to learn to read and many in our country have limited reading ability, especially comprehension. Let us continue to study and seek the truth in all that we do.
DEBBIE FERGUS is a friend and mentor from my home church in Illinois. Her words:
I liken the choice of accepting or not accepting the wonderful gift of salvation to going on a vacation. When you’re going on a trip . . . a wonderfully exciting trip that you’re really looking forward to (like to an exotic Caribbean beach or something like that!), you don’t just wake up one morning and go to the airport and expect to get there.
Instead, you make plans, you save money, you read about it, you listen to others who have been there, you make a reservation, and then you TELL EVERYBODY where you’re going!!!!!
So as far as salvation is concerned, the same principles apply. You know you want to go to Heaven, but just “wanting” to go doesn’t get you there.
Instead, you make your plans . . . you read the Word of God, you listen to others who know how to get there, you make a “reservation” by accepting Jesus as your Savior, and then you TELL EVERYBODY where you’re going and invite them to go along!!!
So there you have it. People sharing some inspiring words and exciting actions to encourage us, and to remind us to ACT on our faith. God is good.
I love ya. Talk to you again soon.
Aaron
(Originally published May 8, 2008)
JESSICA CRAIN is my niece, and once again I gotta say, I’m proud of her. Attached is a letter from her momma - my sister KAROL - appropriately entitled...
Pony Up. On April 9th, 2008, 57 ladies from the Grayslake North High School wanted to give back. Their gift was not money, or gently worn clothing. It was not a car wash in bikinis or selling candy at the big game. They gave their hair to women who underwent chemotherapy to fight for their lives against cancer. The room was full of girls in yellow “Pony Up” t-shirts, waiting their turn to be registered and measured. I wondered if the girls were thinking of the women with bandannas on their heads and hope in their eyes. Of course they were nervous about how their hair would look for Prom, a short 34 days away. After all, they are high school teenage girls. Nearly a thousand students gathered in the Gym to witness each of these girls making ‘the cut’. The students roared in pride and support of their classmates. All of the students, faculty and guests wore the name of family members or friends that had been touched by cancer. Banners were made and hung on the walls of the gym. As the crowd left the gym, each of the names were peeled from their shirts and pasted on the banners for display for weeks in remembrance of this special event at GNHS. They held up their gift with pride as mothers and reporters took photo after photo. They made ‘the cut’ in my book. If only all of us would “Pony Up” every day for those less fortunate than us. These girls are a good example for High School Girls everywhere. Pictured above is Jessica on the ride home after donating 9 inches of her hair to women who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy treatment for cancer.I’m so proud of Jessica for giving back. "Mom"
DR. JO ANN MANLEY is a member with me on the board of directors at the Baldwin Christian Learning Center. Her words:
One of my favorite scriptures is Second Timothy 2:15: "Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of God."
We are challenged to study the word on a regular basis and seek understanding. No matter how hard we try, we never fully comprehend all that we need to do, therefore we must continue to study and never be ashamed of our search for understanding.
In today's political arena we are constantly seeking the truth, with the media attempting to sway our thinking. I am grateful that I can read (remember reading is word recognition and COMPREHENSION). Many people around the world never have an opportunity to learn to read and many in our country have limited reading ability, especially comprehension. Let us continue to study and seek the truth in all that we do.
DEBBIE FERGUS is a friend and mentor from my home church in Illinois. Her words:
I liken the choice of accepting or not accepting the wonderful gift of salvation to going on a vacation. When you’re going on a trip . . . a wonderfully exciting trip that you’re really looking forward to (like to an exotic Caribbean beach or something like that!), you don’t just wake up one morning and go to the airport and expect to get there.
Instead, you make plans, you save money, you read about it, you listen to others who have been there, you make a reservation, and then you TELL EVERYBODY where you’re going!!!!!
So as far as salvation is concerned, the same principles apply. You know you want to go to Heaven, but just “wanting” to go doesn’t get you there.
Instead, you make your plans . . . you read the Word of God, you listen to others who know how to get there, you make a “reservation” by accepting Jesus as your Savior, and then you TELL EVERYBODY where you’re going and invite them to go along!!!
So there you have it. People sharing some inspiring words and exciting actions to encourage us, and to remind us to ACT on our faith. God is good.
I love ya. Talk to you again soon.
Aaron
(Originally published May 8, 2008)
Friday, October 24, 2008
.YOUR TURN.
This is a SPECIAL SEVENTH installment...
.YOUR TURN.
This one's gonna be just a LITTLE bit different. As I said last month, this one is going to depend a lot on you... and you know, each month I ask you to do something for God.
So this month... it's your turn.
I want YOU to "write a sevens" of your own.
Yep. I've been thinking about this for at least a couple of months now, mostly wondering how I would lay this one out for you. What sort of instructions could I give without placing some unnecessary limits on your creativity?
But I have really wanted to do this for several reasons, one of which is to say that I am definitely NOT the only one who can do this sort of thing. I pray that my thoughts have been helpful to you; I know that some of you can and should be able to do the same for others! I want to share that joy with you.
So here's what I'm thinking... The goal for you will be the same as the goal has always been for me when writing these thoughts: Help the reader spend time with God, to grow, and to reach others. Everyone has something in their heart that they can share about our great and glorious God. And many of those thoughts are unique, or at least that they can be expressed in unique ways.
I recently asked a friend, if she had one chance to stand before the church and give a message, what would the sermon title be? What would she "preach" about? Well, what one message would YOU give to the body of Christ? What thoughts would YOU share with God's family? I've started asking others the same thing and they have come up with some interesting "titles" for sermons, but I'm taking you one step further:
Write it out.
Write a modern parable.
Write a psalm, a song for God.
Type out a verse or two of scripture, then relate it to a life experience that will give someone else a fresh new understanding of the Word.
However you do it, whether it's just a few sentences or several pages of opening your heart, it matters not. My style of writing is rather conversational, but others may write very differently. Different styles and approaches will most certainly appeal to different kinds of people. Think about this: what you say may seem simple or silly or obvious or unpolished to you, but it may allow someone to see their loving God in a whole new light. You could bolster someone's faith with just a few words! That is a very exciting possibility for each of us. Let's get to it!
But don't rush. Take a few days to let some thoughts simmer around in your heart and mind. Talk with Jesus about it. Let the Holy Spirit form a "holy idea" in you. Then type something out. Sanctify your keyboard - use it for something honorable and Godly! Type something out and email it back to me. If you are okay with it, I may send your thoughts out later this month.
SEVENS: Do not merely listen to the word... do what it says. James 1:22.
Aaron
(Originally published April 8, 2008 because I was out with some great friends until midnight)
.YOUR TURN.
This one's gonna be just a LITTLE bit different. As I said last month, this one is going to depend a lot on you... and you know, each month I ask you to do something for God.
So this month... it's your turn.
I want YOU to "write a sevens" of your own.
Yep. I've been thinking about this for at least a couple of months now, mostly wondering how I would lay this one out for you. What sort of instructions could I give without placing some unnecessary limits on your creativity?
But I have really wanted to do this for several reasons, one of which is to say that I am definitely NOT the only one who can do this sort of thing. I pray that my thoughts have been helpful to you; I know that some of you can and should be able to do the same for others! I want to share that joy with you.
So here's what I'm thinking... The goal for you will be the same as the goal has always been for me when writing these thoughts: Help the reader spend time with God, to grow, and to reach others. Everyone has something in their heart that they can share about our great and glorious God. And many of those thoughts are unique, or at least that they can be expressed in unique ways.
I recently asked a friend, if she had one chance to stand before the church and give a message, what would the sermon title be? What would she "preach" about? Well, what one message would YOU give to the body of Christ? What thoughts would YOU share with God's family? I've started asking others the same thing and they have come up with some interesting "titles" for sermons, but I'm taking you one step further:
Write it out.
Write a modern parable.
Write a psalm, a song for God.
Type out a verse or two of scripture, then relate it to a life experience that will give someone else a fresh new understanding of the Word.
However you do it, whether it's just a few sentences or several pages of opening your heart, it matters not. My style of writing is rather conversational, but others may write very differently. Different styles and approaches will most certainly appeal to different kinds of people. Think about this: what you say may seem simple or silly or obvious or unpolished to you, but it may allow someone to see their loving God in a whole new light. You could bolster someone's faith with just a few words! That is a very exciting possibility for each of us. Let's get to it!
But don't rush. Take a few days to let some thoughts simmer around in your heart and mind. Talk with Jesus about it. Let the Holy Spirit form a "holy idea" in you. Then type something out. Sanctify your keyboard - use it for something honorable and Godly! Type something out and email it back to me. If you are okay with it, I may send your thoughts out later this month.
SEVENS: Do not merely listen to the word... do what it says. James 1:22.
Aaron
(Originally published April 8, 2008 because I was out with some great friends until midnight)
Thursday, October 16, 2008
.PRIVILEGE.
This is the SIXTH installment...
.PRIVILEGE.
I Timothy 1:12 - I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.
It is a privilege to serve. I've said that a thousand times. I feel especially blessed to be able to serve God as a minister to youth and families - to HIS family. And it is my prayer that this devotional provides a small but effective means of service to YOU. You see, I love serving God, and I love that He lets me do it... that He lets me be on HIS team. I love that He gives me so many opportunities to serve Him and give Him glory by serving others in love.
This is not the way the world is. Every store has a "customer service" desk or department. McDonald's sign says "billions and billions served." But do those in the "service industry" truly show a desire to serve? Is it a pleasure? Do they count it a privilege? Does it bring joy to the cook to prepare your Big Mac and jumbo fries? :) It's just a means of getting a paycheck, and "if I don't HAVE to smile or look you in the eye, I won't."
Lest this sound like a complaint, I just want to make clear my point: For those serving a Lord they love, it IS a privilege to serve. But without that motivation, service is just work. It's demeaning labor.
But Jesus told us that WE ARE NOT OF THIS WORLD!!! In serving others, and doing it with a smile, doing it with love, we definitely set ourselves apart. As the world continues to get darker, we set ourselves apart by shining ever brighter (Matthew 5:14, Ephesians 5:8-10).
"The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve." - Albert Schweitzer. Whether or not you agree with all this man did or wrote, this thought is still very true. The more we seek out opportunities to serve others (and in doing so, serving the Master of Creation), the more fulfilled and joyful we will be. The more we can take the focus off ourselves, the more we can serve others with a glad heart, and put a smile on the face of our God.
Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing. - Psalm 100:2 (NASB)
Let's do this. It's the only life worth living, and it's a privilege. Will you join me?
SEVENS: Do not merely listen to the word... do what it says. James 1:22.
Aaron
Thanks for readin' ... and be blessed!
(Originally published March 7, 2008)
.PRIVILEGE.
I Timothy 1:12 - I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me faithful, appointing me to his service.
It is a privilege to serve. I've said that a thousand times. I feel especially blessed to be able to serve God as a minister to youth and families - to HIS family. And it is my prayer that this devotional provides a small but effective means of service to YOU. You see, I love serving God, and I love that He lets me do it... that He lets me be on HIS team. I love that He gives me so many opportunities to serve Him and give Him glory by serving others in love.
This is not the way the world is. Every store has a "customer service" desk or department. McDonald's sign says "billions and billions served." But do those in the "service industry" truly show a desire to serve? Is it a pleasure? Do they count it a privilege? Does it bring joy to the cook to prepare your Big Mac and jumbo fries? :) It's just a means of getting a paycheck, and "if I don't HAVE to smile or look you in the eye, I won't."
Lest this sound like a complaint, I just want to make clear my point: For those serving a Lord they love, it IS a privilege to serve. But without that motivation, service is just work. It's demeaning labor.
But Jesus told us that WE ARE NOT OF THIS WORLD!!! In serving others, and doing it with a smile, doing it with love, we definitely set ourselves apart. As the world continues to get darker, we set ourselves apart by shining ever brighter (Matthew 5:14, Ephesians 5:8-10).
"The only ones among you who will be really happy are those who have sought and found how to serve." - Albert Schweitzer. Whether or not you agree with all this man did or wrote, this thought is still very true. The more we seek out opportunities to serve others (and in doing so, serving the Master of Creation), the more fulfilled and joyful we will be. The more we can take the focus off ourselves, the more we can serve others with a glad heart, and put a smile on the face of our God.
Serve the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful singing. - Psalm 100:2 (NASB)
Let's do this. It's the only life worth living, and it's a privilege. Will you join me?
SEVENS: Do not merely listen to the word... do what it says. James 1:22.
Aaron
Thanks for readin' ... and be blessed!
(Originally published March 7, 2008)
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