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Bulletin – October 14, 2012

Unused Gears

My first bike had one gear. Whether I was going fast or slow, uphill or downhill, that gear did everything. My next bike had three gears: one for level surfaces, one for going uphill, and one for going downhill. My third bike had ten gears, allowing me an even broader range of choices. Even though my last bike had several gears to choose from, I didn’t use all of them every time I rode. Some were best suited for starting and climbing, others were reserved for gaining speed, and others were best for a leisurely pace. But the thing about gears is this: Even though I wasn’t using all of them at the time, it didn’t mean I would never need them.

The same can be true in regard to our spiritual gifts and abilities. During times when I feel I am not being used to do certain things I once did, instead of feeling useless and unappreciated I thank God for the “gear” I’m currently able to use. Just because a skill is not needed right now doesn’t mean it never will be.

Our spiritual gifts are needed in different ways at different times. Needs and circumstances change in unforeseeable and unpredictable ways. The apostle Paul reminded Titus, “Be ready for every good work” (Titus 3:1). May that be true of us as well.

Heavenly Father, I need to remember that what I do is up to You,

but how I do it is up to me.

Keep your tools ready—God will find work for you.

Article by Julie Ackerman Link, from Our Daily Bread, Copyright 2012 by RBC Ministries, Grand Rapids, MI. Reprinted by permission. All rights  reserved. Further distribution is prohibited without written permission from RBC Ministries.

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Bulletin – October 7, 2012

My Life Preserver

In the state of California, where I live, there is a town by the name of San Juan Capistrano. There is something  very amazing that takes place at the very same time every year here.

On March 19, not a day earlier or a day later, the swallows (little, tiny birds) arrive here flying 6,000 miles from across the ocean from Argentina. Then, every October they make the return trip.   For years bird watchers have wondered how these tiny, little birds, that cannot swim, can fly such a long distance non-stop over the ocean. That is, until they discovered their secret. They noticed that every time the swallows begin their long flight, each one picks up a tiny twig that they carry with them over their ocean voyage.

A tiny twig is a very heavy burden for such a small bird! But they do not see it as a burden. The twig is their most necessary item, for it becomes their life preserver.

When they become weary and can go no farther, they place their twig on the surface of the water in the vast sea. As it floats, they rest upon it, as it becomes a life-saving device. When they have regained their strength to continue their journey, each swallow picks up its twig and continues its flight until it reaches its destination safely.

What a resting place we, as children of God, have in Jesus Christ. This is a place in Him where He BECOMES your life – not just a part of it. There is a secret place in Him that will keep you afloat when the sea of life get too vast, too big, or too overwhelming for you to handle alone. HE is a secret place, a hiding place, and a resting place.

David was no stranger to this secret when he penned, “when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the ROCK that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me” (Psalm. 61:2, 3 King James version of the Holy Bible).

The more you take time to be alone with God, the more you will learn to lean upon Him. Learn to be still. Then, you will find your refuge in the midst of the never-ending sea because in a quiet, still place He will strengthen you, change you, and give you a new heart that beats closer to His. Then you will have the strength to continue on.    

By Kim Haney from More to Life Today Studies

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Bulletin – September 30, 2012

Legacy of Worship

One of the first places we see the word Worship is in Genesis 22:5 “And Abraham said to his servants, Settle down and stay here with the donkey, and I and the young man will go yonder and worship and (a)come again to you.” (AMP)

Abraham, the “Friend of God”, is being called to approach worship in a place of supreme sacrifice. Responding with reverent obedience, he turned toward the high place of devotion. After telling the servants to stay behind, he and Isaac went up to worship.

Abraham left the security of fellowship and beast, which may have made the climb easier. Why?  It was a voyage of God’s divine choosing; how could the servants possibly understand what he was about to do? The donkey may have slowed his pace or perhaps he just needed to feel the weight of the burden himself. Comforts forgotten, he completed the journey and the covenant promise met the covenant maker.

Can we grasp the importance of Abraham including Isaac in the difficult task? By placing the wood upon Isaac’s shoulders, he taught the covenant promise to bear the burden of worship. Lifting the fire pot and knife, father and son made the climb together.

The word worship evokes memories of great church.  While prayer sets the atmosphere, the praise team leads us in a concert of praise making it is easy to respond in a form of worship. However; we shouldn’t forget, the summons to true worship is frequently met with a demand to ascend alone.

I continually witnessed my parents answering the summons  to their place of worship. The climbs were difficult, often met with loss; yet, with divine purpose. Each time, I discovered  great faith infused with heartfelt worship in the face of suffering. They simply released the covenant promise into the presence of the covenant keeper. What a powerful Legacy of Worship!

By Donna Ten Eyck, (Mississippi’s Daughters of Zion Director and Promotions Director for the District Ladies Ministries Committe)

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Bulletin – September 23, 2012

I Cannot Pray – Author Unknown

I cannot say “OUR” if my religion has no room for others and their needs.

I cannot say “FATHER” if I do not demonstrate this relationship in my daily life.

I cannot say “WHO ART IN HEAVEN” if all my interests and pursuits are in earthly things.

I cannot say “HALLOWED BE THY NAME” if I, who am called by his name, am not holy.

I cannot say “THY KINGDOM COME” if I am unwilling to give up my own sovereignty and accept the righteous reign of God.

I cannot say “THY WILL BE DONE” if I am unwilling or resentful of having it in my life.

I cannot say “ON EARTH AS IT IS IN HEAVEN” unless I am truly ready to give myself to his service here and now.

I cannot say “GIVE US THIS DAY OUR DAILY BREAD” without expending honest effort for it or by ignoring the genuine needs of my fellow men.

I cannot say “FORGIVE US OUR TRESPASSES AS WE FORGIVE THOSE WHO TRESPASS AGAINST US” if I continue to harbor a grudge or unforgiveness against anyone.

I cannot say “LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION” if I deliberately choose to remain in a situation where I am likely to be tempted.

I cannot say “DELIVER US FROM EVIL” if I am not prepared to fight in the spiritual realm with the weapon of prayer.

I cannot say “THINE IS THE KINGDOM” if I do not give the King the disciplined obedience of a loyal subject.

I cannot say “THINE IS THE POWER” if I fear what my neighbors and friends may say or do.

I cannot say “THINE IS THE GLORY” if I am seeking my own glory first.

I cannot say “FOREVER” if I am too anxious about each day’s affairs.

I cannot say “AMEN” unless I honestly say, “Cost what it may, this is my prayer.”

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2012Sep23

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Bulletin – September 16, 2012

Anointed To Pray

 Although we may follow a specific prayer schedule each day, there are times when we feel an anointing – a drawing – a quickening in our spirit. We recognize His tug on our hearts. His soft,  gentle voice calls us nearer. At that moment, we are faced with a decision. We can abandon our schedule and submit our will to His, or we can give God a “rain check” and hope that He will be content to wait until it is convenient for us.

The Bible speaks of the “fullness of time,” or a season – a moment, when everything is conducive for the miraculous (Galatians 4:4; Ephesians 1:10). We can miss Him. It is not that we cannot talk to the Lord at any time, but the “anointing” to pray may have passed. What would have been powerful and timely becomes difficult and duty. If only we would always be quick to respond! “When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek” (Psalm 27:8). The Psalmist must have faced this same struggle. But he made a commitment to pray when he felt prompted by God.

Our lack of response does not thwart the plan of God. But perhaps another person may reap the harvest that God intended to place in our hands. Time and again, we stand on the recipice of the supernatural. We are on the brink of a powerful encounter with God Almighty, yet we are prone to place Him on the “back burner.” A mumbled, “I love You. Gotta run! Catch you later!” replaces a passionate, red hot interaction in the Spirit.

God longs to involve us in all that He is doing. We are invited to go beyond dangling our toes in the streams of His Spirit. He is calling us to plunge wholeheartedly into a river where there are “waters to swim in!” (Ezekiel 47:5)

“Deep calleth unto deep” (Psalm 42:7). The choice is ours today. We determine the level of power and anointing that operates in our ministries and the depth of our walk with the Lord. Paul exhorted Timothy to “stir up the gift of God” (2 Timothy 1:6), and “neglect not the gift that is in thee” (1 Timothy 4:14). We can fan the flames of the fire resident within us.

“I give myself unto prayer,” David said (Psalm 109:4). Daily the choice is ours. God’s plan and purpose will always be accomplished. The question is whether we will be a participant. Making ourselves available to God – to be quick to respond, kindles the anointing – the anointing to pray!

Written by Bonnie Peacock, Guest writer for World Network of Prayer

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2012Sep16

 
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Bulletin – September 9, 2012

Worthy Of Praise 

by Sis. Amy Hannah

One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to learn is to NOT measure myself against others, or to measure God’s love for me by what I have or do not have.  Even when I am sick-God is STILL a healer, Even when I lack things-He is STILL a provider, Even when I am discouraged-He is STILL a God of hope and peace. Even when I see others being blessed with the very things I have prayed for, but I still do not have-

YET will I praise Him!  God is not great because of what he does for ME-He is great because He is God. I need His help, I desire His blessings-I want His healing touch, but no matter how long I may go without all of my prayers being answered-I will STILL praise Him. Even when It seems there is nothing to bless His name for-I will bless His name. NO matter how my heart aches-I will praise Him. In spite of what He has allowed to happen in my life-that cuts to the very core of my being-no matter what I don’t understand-

I will still trust Him. When I pray for sunshine, and He sends rain-I will praise Him. When I ask for healing-yet, I remain in pain-I will trust Him.
He is STILL God, and He is GREATLY to be praised. I will bless the Lord at ALL times-His praises shall continually be in my mouth-

I will not allow my personal circumstances to dictate my Praise.
As long as I have breath-I WILL praise YOU Lord! As long as I can sing-I WILL sing your praises. Wherever you lead me-I will follow you. As long as I have breath-

I will praise you Lord.

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2012Sep9

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