The Character of A Methodist

“Is your heart as... mine [with love]?” Jehonadab answered, “It is.” Jehu said, “If it is, give me your hand.” (2 Kings 10:15)

In 1742, the founder of Methodism John Wesley published a short pamphlet titled “The Character of a Methodist”.   In it, he emphasized the distinction between essential beliefs of the Christian faith and mere opinions. He believed that Christians could be united by a few essential doctrines and yet have differing opinions about a range of other less important things, such as mode of baptism or style of worship.  He wrote, “The distinguishing marks of a Methodist are not his opinions of any sort.  But as to all opinions which do not strike at the root of Christianity, we think and let think.”  

According to Wesley in this pamphlet, a Methodist is one who...

1) “Loves the Lord his God with all his heart, and with all his soul, and with all his might, and with all his strength” and loves their brother and sister as themselves.

2) Not only loves God but keeps his commandments - all of them.

3) Is happy in God . . . his joy is full, and all his bones cry out, "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ“

4) “Prays without ceasing." Not that he is always in a house of prayer . . . but at all times the language of his heart is (one of prayer).

5) Is "pure in heart." He has "put on the bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.”

6) Does good to all . . . not only their bodies but also their souls... and to provoke those who have peace with God to abound more in love and good works.

7) Is a Christian, not in name only, but in heart and in life.

8) Has the one design of his life not to do his own will but the will of him that sent him. He has a single eye.

9) Continually presents his soul and body as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God. All the talents he has received he constantly employs according to the Master's will.

10) Does all that he does to the glory of God. His business and refreshments, as well as his prayers, all serve this great end.

11) Does not let the customs of this world hinder from "running the race that is set before him.' He knows that vices does not lose its nature, though it becomes ever so fashionable.

By these marks, by these fruits of a living faith, do we labor to distinguish ourselves from the unbelieving world from all those whose minds and lives are not according to the Gospel of Christ. But from real Christians, of whatever denomination they be, we earnestly desire not to distinguished at all.”

            (–From Wesley’s “Character of a Methodist,” modified from an article shared by Jamie

               Jenkins in North Georgia United Methodist Conference’s “Monday Morning in North

               Georgia”, January 12, 2009)

Obviously, then, there’s room for many under the umbrella of Methodist Christianity.  Of course, though, the goal was (and still is) not to make or become “good little United Methodists,” but instead to become the very best Christians that we can be.  For Wesley and many others, living out the above-mentioned “Character of a Methodist” is the very best way to do this!

So, after reading and meditating on them all... what kind of Methodist are you?  Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

What Is A United Methodist?

“Are we together and of one mind in this [ministry of love]?... If so, then give me your hand.” (2 Kings 10:15, MSG)

A pastor-friend of mine once shared the following “tongue-in-cheek” definition of what it means to be a United Methodist:

“United Methodists believer fervently in prayer, but almost faint when asked to pray in public.

United Methodists like to sing, unless the song is new or has more than four verses.

United Methodists love good preaching, so long as it does not scratch where people itch or make the worship service last beyond 12Noon.

United Methodists enjoy watching the generous give and stingy squirm, so long as the generous ones are someone else.

United Methodists believe in the Bible, although they have a hard time getting around to reading and studying it very often.

United Methodists want visitors and guests to feel welcome, as long as they don’t sit in their seat.

United Methodists like sermons to be very intelligent, very comprehensive, very simple, and very short.

United Methodists will come to any meeting at church… as long as a free meal is served.

As Baptist preacher-comedian Grady Nutt once said, ‘Baptists probably sin as much as United Methodists; they just don’t enjoy it as much!’”

[-Shared by Rev. Dr. Ferrell Drummond in the bulletin of Carrollton First UMC (Carrollton, GA), July 16, 1995]

I hope you’ll join me in worship January 15-February 12 as I begin a new sermon series called “Christianity the Wesleyan Way,” exploring what it really means to be a United Methodist Christian in today’s world, and how that identity and practice can make a true different in our lives! Remember that God loves you and I do, too!

In The Works #5

“Without a vision the people perish...” (Proverbs 29:18, KJV)

Over the last few years, I’ve occasionally shared several “In The Works” articles about various facility-related initiatives that are currently (or have been recently) in various stages of development at East Cobb UMC.

First, let’s remember a few Recently Completed Initiatives from the past year or so that I hope you’ve already been enjoying: new Education and Activities building doors; renovated Narthex restrooms; a weekly online e-newsletter; completion of our new entrances from Roswell Rd. by the Georgia D.O.T. ; public Wi-Fi access in our Fellowship Hall; and the completion of our new outdoor digital monument sign that will redefine our identity and presence from Roswell Rd. I remind you that all of these “accomplishments” were part of the original long range strategic development plan for our church.

Now let me share a brief update about just a few more things “in the works” that I hope will be of interest to you:

* Redevelopment of our church website and creation of an interactive online community – our new website will be active soon, and in the meantime “The City” is our new interactive community that can allow interaction between members and groups in a way previously not possible. It also houses our redesigned and upgraded site for online giving.

* Parking Lot blacktop resurfacing and restriping – this year our Trustees committee will be exploring the feasibility of either resurfacing the entire parking lot or restriping the parking areas (or both) to reflect our new traffic patterns.

* Look for our “Tech Support” ministry to explore the possibility of Enhancing Our Wi-Fi Hot Spots throughout our facility (including potential new public hot spots in the Narthex and Crossroads areas and extending the reach of the Fellowship Hall Hot Spot to the lower floors), and a possible new video announcement system for the Narthex and Crossroads (featuring continuous announcements looping on flat screen monitors).

* Our Strategic Planning Team continues its work on the pieces of our church’s Long-Term Strategic Plan that have yet to be fully defined (remember that some, mentioned above, have already been accomplished). We currently are working with an architect who is developing possible designs for extensive renovations to our Annex, Lighthouse Academy, and office areas of our main building, and our hope is to have these plans ready to be shared with the entire congregation for input sometime this Spring.

To find out more detail about any of these initiatives (or if you have input, ideas, or expertise that you’re willing to share to help accomplish them), please email or call the church office (770-971-3643), and we’ll have someone from the appropriate group respond to your specific question(s).

In the meantime, continue to pray for your church leaders as they seek God’s will and wisdom for all of us, and remember that God’s mission for us of being “A Mosaic of God’s Family: Gathering, Growing, and Going” is one that will require all of us to do our part in order for it to be accomplished. Remember that God loves you and I do, too!

ECUMC Kenyan Christmas Celebration

For those of you who missed it, here is a short video of one of the "dance" songs from this past Sunday's  ECUMC Kenyan Christmas Celebration.  It was supposed to just be our Kenyan youth and children dancing, but they invited our youth to join them... not sure our Youth Minister (at far right) needs to quit his day job!  :-)  Enjoy and Merry Christmas!!!

10 Commandments of Christmas

“A voice cries out: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.’” (Isaiah 40:3)

1. You shall not let the secular replace the sacredness of Christmas.

2. You shall remember that Mary’s baby is God’s son, our Savior.

3. You shall make room in your heart for Christ and in your busy schedule for worship, prayer and service in His name.

4. You shall not forget the sacrifice Christ made on your behalf when he left the Kingdom of God to come to the Kingdom of earth.

5. You shall support the poor, the needy, the sick, the downtrodden, for in as much as you do it to the least of these, you do it to Christ.

6. You shall loosen the swaddling clothes from Christ and let him have freedom to work and rule in all areas of your life.

7. You shall not forget the name of the Christ-child, Jesus, for there is no other name under heaven or on earth whereby we can be saved.

8. You shall believe in the Christ of Christmas with all your heart, and reap the benefit from believing.

9. You shall do more than just celebrate Christmas; you shall do the work of Christmas.

10. You shall keep the spirit of Christmas all year long.

I invite you to let these wise words become a reality in your life this Advent season as we prepare for Christmas. Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

A D V E N T

“Behold, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple...” (Malachi 3:1)

For many Christians today, the idea of seasons of the Christian year is a new thing. But the church has used them for nearly 2000 years to remind us of spiritual realities that often get lost in our secular and pagan world. For example, many of you may already know that in the Christian calendar, the four weeks prior to Christmas Day are considered a season separate from Christmas.

Known as “Advent” (from the Latin adventus, which means “coming”) these four weeks celebrate and remind us of aspects of faith which are related to but definitely distinct from Christmas. Advent is one way we can remember the true “reason for the season” by being pointed to and prepared for the various “comings” of Jesus in and through time:

(1) In The Past ...as a babe in Bethlehem. We listen to Old Testament prophets who promised a coming Messiah

(2) In the Present ...as the one who comes and meets us in our hearts and lives today

(3) In the Future ...as the one who will come again to make all things new and to establish His kingdom upon the earth once and for all.

During this season, we use the colors blue (representing hope) and purple (representing royalty) to remind us of the hope that Christ brings as our reigning King, and light an Advent wreath to remind us that we wait for the coming of Jesus, the “Light of the world.”

This year at East Cobb UMC, our celebration of Advent can help us understand the true meaning of Christmas, and prepare our hearts for the Christ-child. It will be a great time to invite friends and neighbors to church, as well as a good time to get back to church yourself! So don’t miss out on how God wants to bless you as we begin celebrating Advent on November 27th! I’ll see you then! Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

What I'm Thankful For...

“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

This past year I have had much to give God thanks for. Here are just a few. I am thankful...

...for a wife and family who model the love of God by loving me just as I am.

...for parents who raised me in church to love, understand, and eventually follow the ways of God.

...for a church family who loves, supports, and prays for both my family and I daily.

...for fellow staff members who share with me in the cause and work of Christ through our church.

...for church members who pray for Jim, Cindy, Peter and I each week for our worship services.

...for Sunday School and Bible study teachers/leaders who live out their faith in the selfless way they lead and teach.

...for committee and ministry team leaders and members who give “above and beyond” to the work of our church through their committee/group.

...for the “behind-the-scenes” members of our sound and multi-media ministries in the essential work that they do.

...for the members of our praise team, adult, children’s and youth choirs for the blessing and inspiration they share through their music.

...for great volunteers who lovingly help cook, serve, and clean up for both our Wednesday Night Suppers and our Sunday Morning Café.

...for church members who are willing to make God a priority through their financial giving to His church.

...for fellow Christians who’re willing to step outside themselves by participating in a missions or evangelism experience locally or overseas.

Of course, there’s many, many more, but have you “counted your blessings” lately? When you do, I’m sure you’ll find that, like me, you have many things for which to “give thanks.” Let us all strive to live out our thankfulness this Thanksgiving holiday! Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

How Much Does It Cost?

“The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13:45-46)

The story is told of a man (the merchant in the story above) asking Jesus (the seller implied in the story) how he could obtain the pearl of great value. "How much does it cost?" he asked. Jesus supposedly answered, "It's too dear, too costly." The conversation continued... "But how much?" "Well, it's very expensive." "Do you think I could buy it?" "Oh, of course. Anybody can." "How much is it?" "It costs everything you have no more, no less so anybody can buy it."

"I'll buy it." "Well, what do you have?" "I have $10,000 in the bank." "Good. What else?" "That's all I have." "Have you nothing more?" "Well, I have $15 here in my pocket." "That's fine. What else do you have?" "That's all." "Where do you live?" "In my house." "Then give the house too." "You mean I must live in the garage?" "You have a garage, as well? Give that too. What else?" "Do you mean that I must live in my two cars, then?" "Both become mine. What else?" "I have nothing else." "Are you alone in the world?" "No, I have a wife, two children, and.... " "Your wife and your children too. What else?" "Lord, I have nothing else, I am left alone now."

"Oh, you must give yourself, too. Everything. When you receive this pearl, everything becomes mine. You can use all these things here but don't forget they are mine, as you are. When I need any of the things you are using you must give them to me because now I am the owner."
[ From The Call To Discipleship, by Juan Carlos Ortiz, pp. 42 43]

The gift of salvation through Jesus Christ is a paradox: at one and the same time, it costs us nothing... and yet it costs us everything. As we share in our annual stewardship commitment, what are you prepared to sacrifice in order to receive God's kingdom? Will you be willing to grow to receive it? Remember, God love you and I do, too!

A Story For Those Who "Can't Afford to Tithe"

“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts; see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing.” (Malachi 3:10)

Today in worship we talked about the importance of the “tithe” – God’s plan for helping us set our priorities straight regarding money. We also discussed some of the many reasons why people say they “can’t afford to tithe.” The following story addresses many of those concerns:

“Once there was a man who, early in his career, made a vow in church to give to the Lord a tithe of all he earned. In his first job he earned $50 per week, so he tithed $5.00 each Sunday. As he grew older and advanced in his work, his income grew to $100 per week, then to $200 per week. And all through the years he continued tithing on his weekly income until he was finally making $1000 per week.

It was then that he telephoned his pastor and said ‘I have to talk to you.’ The pastor came to the man’s beautiful new home, and they had a good time talking about old times. Finally, the man came to the point: ‘Do you remember the promise I made years ago to tithe? I have kept it all this time. But now, I need to be released from it. You see, when I made that promise, I was making $50 a week. Now, I’m making $1000 a week and it’s costing me $100 a week to fulfill that promise. I’m sorry, preacher, but I can’t afford to tithe any more! So, how can I get out of it?”

The wise old pastor thought for a moment and then he said to his friend, ‘I’m afraid that you cannot be released from your promise, but there is something that we can do. Let’s pray…’ and at that the old preacher began to pray with the man, ‘Dear Lord, shrink this man’s income so that he can once again afford to tithe $5 a week. In Jesus name, Amen.’”

[--From the bulletin of St. Luke UMC in Columbus, Georgia]

As you begin to consider what you’re going to commit to God’s work through the ministry of your church, I encourage you to think about God’s call for us all to be people of the “tithe” – or at least to do what we can to grow towards it. If what you gave to the work of God’s church was multiplied by five or ten, would you continue to maintain your current standard of living? Think about it! 

Over twenty years ago, my wife and I made a commitment to God to tithe off of our gross income (not off the net amount, but the gross amount), and we have never yet regretted it.  So, our church's celebration/commitment Sunday is November 13th.  Will you join us in making that commitment, as well?  Remember always that God loves you and I do, too!

S I G N S . . .

“I have made you a sign…” (Ezekiel 12:6)

Our lives are full of signs… advertisements, billboard, icons, logos, for sale signs, mathematical signs, neon signs, quotation signs, pedestrian, street, traffic signs, vacancy, warning, zodiac signs and so on.  And our English language even contains many other synonyms for “signs”… gestures, symbols, predictions, endorsements, omens, signals, clues, marks, symptoms, etc.  We sometimes talk about “signs” of the times, “signs” that we’re catching cold, or getting older, or growing up. 

But the Bible also contains many references to signs, such as the following:

Genesis 9:12-13 And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come:  I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth.”

Exodus 3:12 And God said, “I will be with you. And this will be the sign to you that it is I who have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”

Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Luke 2:11-12  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.

John 4:48 Unless you people see miraculous signs and wonders," Jesus told him, ‘”you will never believe.’”

For these many reasons (plus the fact that our church’s new front yard sign is being constructed now), SIGNS will be the theme for our 2011 Financial Stewardship focus, culminating in Celebration/Commitment at both morning worship services on Sunday, November 13th.

As you think about what God is doing in your own life, what signs is He sending to you?  Are you prepared to receive all that He has for you by responding to those signs?  Over the next few weeks, look for more signs from God, but also prayerfully consider your role and responsibility as part of God’s family at East Cobb UMC during our 2011 Financial Stewardship focus…SIGNS.  Remember, God  loves you and I do, too!

Annual Laity Sunday

“I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. The one who plants and the one who waters have a common purpose.... For we are God’s servants, working together.” (1 Corinthians 3:6-9)

Too often today people tend to have the misconception that churches pay their pastor to “do” ministry while those in the congregation (the “laity”) are the “recipients” of that ministry. But biblically, ALL Christians are ministers of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and consequently ALL Christians are to be “doing” ministry in the world. The role of the pastor/clergy is merely to equip and resource the laity for that ministry. In a sense, baptism itself is the “ordination” of EVERY Christian to “be” in ministry.

Perhaps that’s why, from the earliest days of the church, Christian ministry has always been seen as a close and intimate partnership between the ordained clergy and the laity. After all, the Bible teaches that a local congregation should be built around the people of God, NOT around the pastor -- I may be your “pastor,” but each of you are the “ministers” of East Cobb United Methodist Church.

To help us remember this truth, each year our church celebrates Laity Sunday, in which the worship services are led by lay people under the direction of our church Lay Leader Michael Lassiter and Associate Lay Leader Lisa Haman. If you’re reading this on Laity Sunday, please join me in welcoming all the participants in our services on this special day. If you’re reading this after that day, I’m confident that God has already blessed those who heard and experienced Him through these, His servants as we “work together” (Paul’s words in the scripture above) for the work of His church. Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

The Way of Love

“And now faith, hope and love abide…. And the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13)

When doing a Bible study, my preference is to use an actual Bible translation to understand the exact meaning and nuance of the words as originally written. However, at times it is not only appropriate, but also quite helpful to read and use a Bible paraphrase. Paraphrases sometimes help us see a scripture passage in a new way, or help to bring fresh meaning to a text that’s lost it’s impact and “edge” because we’ve grown too familiar hearing it using only one translation.

This is exactly how I felt when I first read Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase of 1 Corinthians 13. It made me stop and think about the degree to which I am a person who’s actions and behavior is generally marked by agape love. As you read it below, my prayer is that it will have the same impact on you, as well:

“If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate. If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, ‘Jump,’ and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing.

If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere. So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.

Love never gives up.
Love cares more for others than for self.
Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have.
Love doesn’t strut,
Doesn’t have a swelled head,
Doesn’t force itself on others,
Isn’t always “me first,”
Doesn’t fly off the handle,
Doesn’t keep score of the sins of others,
Doesn’t revel when others grovel,
Takes pleasure in the flowering of truth,
Puts up with anything,
Trusts God always,
Always looks for the best,
Never looks back,
But keeps going to the end.

Love never dies. Inspired speech will be over some day; praying in tongues will end; understanding will reach its limit. We know only a portion of the truth, and what we say about God is always incomplete. But when the Complete arrives, our incompletes will be canceled.

When I was an infant at my mother’s breast, I gurgled and cooed like an infant. When I grew up, I left those infant ways for good. We don’t yet see things clearly. We’re squinting in a fog, peering through a mist. But it won’t be long before the weather clears and the sun shines bright! We’ll see it all then, see it all as clearly as God sees us, knowing him directly just as he knows us!

But for right now, until that completeness, we have three things to do to lead us toward that consummation: Trust steadily in God, hope unswervingly, love extravagantly. And the best of the three is love.”
--Eugene H. Peterson, THE MESSAGE (1 Corinthians 13:1-13)

Always remember that God loves you and I do, too (with agape love)!

The Death of Someone Else

“[Those who are] diligent obtain precious wealth…” (Proverbs 12:27)

“Our church was saddened to learn this week of the death of one of our most valued members, Someone Else.

"Someone's" passing creates a vacancy that will be difficult to fill. Else has been with us for many years and for every one of those years, "Someone" did far more than a normal person's share of the work. Whenever there was a job to do, a class to teach, or a meeting to attend, one name was on everyone's list, "Let 'Someone Else' do it."

Whenever leadership was mentioned, this wonderful person was looked to for inspiration as well as results; "Someone Else can work with that group." It was common knowledge that Someone Else was among the most liberal givers in our church. Whenever there was a financial need, everyone just assumed
Someone Else would make up the difference.

Someone Else was a wonderful person; sometimes appearing superhuman. Were the truth known, everybody expected too much of Someone Else. Now Someone Else is gone!

We wonder what we are going to do. Someone Else left a wonderful example to follow, but who is going to follow it?  Who is going to do the things Someone Else did?  When you are asked to help this year, remember -- we can't depend on Someone Else anymore.”

[--Author unknown]

As we labor to do God’s work in our world, let’s remember that “Someone Else” is no longer available -- the job now belongs to US! Are you doing YOUR part? Remember that God loves you and I do, too!

A Prayer for the Anniversary of 9/11

This is the prayer I used during morning worship earlier today as we remember the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks:

"O God, our hope and refuge,
in our distress we come quickly to you.
Shock and horror of that tragic day have subsided,
replaced now with an emptiness,
a longing for an innocence lost.

We come remembering those who lost their lives
in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania.

We are mindful of the sacrifice of public servants
who demonstrated the greatest love of all
by laying down their lives for friends.
We commit their souls to your eternal care
and celebrate their gifts to a fallen humanity.

We come remembering
and we come in hope,
not in ourselves, but in you.

As foundations we once thought secure have been shaken,
we are reminded of the illusion of security.

In commemorating this tragedy,
we give you thanks for your presence
in our time of need
and we seek to worship you in Spirit and in truth,
our guide and our guardian. Amen."

[--Writtten by Rev. Jeremy Pridgeon, District Superintendent of the Pensacola District of the Alabama-West Florida Annual Conference. Prayer found on www.gbod.org, posted August 29, 2011]

Ten Ways We're Different From September 2001

“Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change...” (Psalm 46:2)

Ten years ago, I shared the following list of ten ways we Americans were different as a people following the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Today – ten years later -- I wanted to share these words again, and invite us all to consider the extent to which they are (hopefully) still true…

“1. [Ten years ago] we were placing wreaths on the doors of our homes at Christmas; [Today] we are placing wreaths on the graves of our heroes.

2. [Ten years ago] we were letting our children play with toy guns; [Today] we’re teaching them that guns are not toys.

3. [Ten years ago] we were counting our money; [Today] we are counting our blessings.

4. [Ten years ago] we were trying not to let annoying relatives get the best of us; [Today] we are trying to give the best of ourselves to them.

5. [Ten years ago] we thought a man who could rush down a football field was a hero; [Today] we know a man who rushes into burning buildings is the real one.

6. [Ten years ago] we were getting on one another’s nerves; [Today] we are getting on our knees.

7. [Ten years ago] we thought angels were in heaven; [Today] we know that they are right here on earth.

8. [Ten years ago] we were contemplating all the changes we wanted to make in the new year; [Today] we are contemplating all the changes we will have to make in this new reality.

9. [Ten years ago] the people we idolized wore sports uniforms; [Today] the people we idolize wear police, firefighter, and military uniforms.

10. [Ten years ago] peace on earth was something we prayed for on Sunday morning; [Today] it’s something we pray and live for each and every day.”

[--Originally seen in the Dec. 21, 2001 newsletter of Trinity-on-the-Hill UMC, Augusta, GA]

If you’re reading this on September 11th and you live in Cobb County, Georgia (USA), I invite you to join us for our community-wide Interfaith “Service of Remembrance and Prayer”, 7:00pm at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. We Christians will join with members of our Jewish and Islamic communities to give thanks to all our “first responders,” and to hear a word of inspiration and hope from Georgia Senator Johnny Isakson. If you’re reading this after September 11th, please continue to pray for “peace on earth” and for the courage and wisdom to do your part to make that happen. And never forget that God loves you and I do, too!

What "Bone" Are You?

“Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17)

September 5, 2011 is Labor Day – a day to celebrate the work we all do in our jobs or professions, and to give thanks for those who work to make possible the economy of our community and nation.

But as we celebrate what we do in the workplace, this is also the time when we begin thinking about the tasks and callings that God gives to each of us in and through His church. After all, one of the vows we each take when we become a member is that we will “support the work of Christ through our church by our… SERVICE” (along with our “Prayers, Presence, Gifts, …and Witness”). This means that while praying, worshiping and being active in a small group, giving financially, and sharing our faith are all important, we are also called to serve others through one or more ministry of our church. With that in mind, I ran across the following from an old newsletter at one of my previous churches that challenges each of us to consider our own “service” for Christ:

“A Church, Sunday School class, or any other organization typically consists of AT LEAST SIX BONES:

1. WISH BONES… those who wish ‘someone else’ would do all the work.

2. JAW BONES… those who do all the talking but little else.

3. KNUCKLE BONES… those who knock everything that anyone else tries to do.

4. LAZY BONES… those who show up as the work is finished.

5. BUSY BONES… those who ‘belong’ but are always tied up on their own projects and with their own needs.

6. BACK BONES… those who get under the load and do the work that’s necessary to get the job done.”

So…. what “bone” are you at East Cobb UMC? During the month of September, all members and friends have the opportunity to prayerfully consider being part of one of our leadership teams for next year. Instructions on how to nominate yourself or someone else can be found in our “Join In The Ministry of God’s Church” brochure that you can find in the Narthex, Crossroads, or download here. In the meantime, remember that whatever it is that we do or are called to, let’s be the “back bones” of God’s church so that others can experience Him through our ministries. Remember that God loves you and I do, too!

Getting Serious With God...

“Humble yourself before the Lord, and He will exalt you.” (James 4:10)

Perhaps you’ve heard it said before that “some people have just enough Christianity to inoculate them against the real thing.”  Unfortunately, this all too often accurately describes many of us in church:  we claim to be “real” Christians, but then we pray, read our Bible, and attend worship only when we feel like it and whenever it’s convenient (and we may not regularly participate in a Christian small group at all); we put the “left overs” of our money in the offering plate when it’s passed, giving to God and His church only after we’ve paid all our other “bills”; we only rarely volunteer to serve in the nursery, or help the youth group, or serve in a local mission project;  and we hardly ever share our faith with others outside the church, viewing our faith as a “private thing” meant to be kept to oneself.

Meanwhile, we struggle to keep our marriages and families emotionally alive and healthy, secretly wonder if there is any purpose and meaning to the “rat race” of life in which we seem caught up, and have difficulties coping with the stress and strain of all that we have to do… to the point where we sometimes cope by falling into unhealthy habits and addictions that we know we shouldn’t have, but can’t help ourselves.

If this sounds familiar, then we need to realize that the answer lies in the fact that we need to learn to get serious with God – to quick flirting around on the edge of life (hoping we don’t fall over the cliff), and instead throw ourselves into the grace and love of our God who loves us and wants us to experience a life filled with real meaning and purpose – a life that doesn’t just practice “religious behavior” and “spiritual talk,” but is deeply genuine and real. 

To me, the words of James 4:4-10 from THE MESSAGE translation say it well.  May these words from God’s word inspire, challenge, and bless you as they have me:

“You're cheating on God. If all you want is your own way, flirting with the world every chance you get, you end up enemies of God and his way. And do you suppose God doesn't care? The proverb has it that ‘he's a fiercely jealous lover.’  And what he gives in love is far better than anything else you'll find. It's common knowledge that ‘God goes against the willful proud; God gives grace to the willing humble.’  So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he'll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious.  Get down on your knees before the Master; it's the only way you'll get on your feet.”

May it be so in each of our lives, dear Lord!  Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

Father's Love Letter Video

Several of you have asked about the "Father's Love Letter" video we experienced in worship today, reminding us of exactly what God thinks of you and me in His own words from the Bible. Here it is in condensed format...

To read a text version, or to view or purchase the original full video version, click HERE.

[--"Father's Love Letter" written by Barry Adams, copyright 1999 Crown Video and Father Heart Communications]

Wonderfully Special

“ O Lord, You are our Father; We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand.” (Isaiah 64:8)

“The Bible says that God is the potter and I am the clay
And I picture myself as a lump of dry clay.
The potter gently picks me up with his warm, strong hands.
He adds drops of water, to make me flexible
and easier to work with.

Then, after I am of the correct texture, the potter lifts me
higher... higher... and then PLOP!
He throws me down hard to remove
all of my air bubbles and flaws.

Next he puts me on the wheel and I turn and turn.
He shapes me exactly as he wants me, pushing and molding me.
Sometimes the pushing hurts, but I know that when he is
finished, I will be a beautiful creation.
All of this pain, this turning in circles, will be worth it!

As the potter pulls and stretches, I start
to take on the shape he wants me to be.
And when the potter has me as he wants me,
he places me in the kiln to be fired...“It’s hot in here!”

Now my time in the kiln is done.
“Hurry potter, take me out of here!
But no, He knows that if I cool too fast I’ll crack.
He knows what he is doing!

Now it’s time... the potter reaches into the kiln
and gently lifts me out. I’m solid, strong and stable.
My walls are perfect and I have no flaws.
The potter uses a glaze to make me beautiful
both inside and out.

All that I have been through - being thrown onto the table,
the monotony of going round and round
on the wheel, the force of his hands, the heat in the kiln -- has been worth it!
The potter has made something wonderfully special!”
[--Author Unknown]

You and I are “fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14)! May we always remember how special are to God and how much He cares for each and every thing that happens to us! Remember, God loves you and I do, too!

The Station

“This is the day which the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it." (Psalm 118:24)

“Tucked away in our subconscious minds is an idyllic vision. We see ourselves on a long, long trip that almost spans the continent. We're traveling by passenger train, and out the windows we drink in the passing scene of cars on nearby highways, of children waving at a crossing, of cattle grazing on a distant hillside, of smoke pouring from a power plant, of row upon row of corn and wheat, of flatlands and valleys, of mountains and rolling hillsides, of city skylines and village halls, of biting winter and blazing summer and cavorting spring and docile fall.

But uppermost in our minds is the final destination. On a certain day at a certain hour we will pull into the station. There will be bands playing and flags waving. And once we get there so many wonderful dreams will come true. So many wishes will be fulfilled and so many pieces of our lives finally will be neatly fitted together like a completed jigsaw puzzle. How restlessly we pace the aisles, damming the minutes for loitering, waiting, waiting, waiting for the station.

However, sooner or later we must realize there is no one station, no one place to arrive at once and for all. The true joy of life is the trip. The station is only a dream. It constantly outdistances us.

‘When we get to the station that will be it’" we cry. Translated, it means, ‘When I'm 18 that will be it! When I buy a new 450 SL Mercedes Benz, that will be it! When I put the last kid through college that will be it! When I have paid off the mortgage that will be it! When I win a promotion that will be it! When I reach the age of retirement that will be it! I shall live happily ever after!’

Unfortunately, once we get ‘it,’ then ‘it’ disappears. The station somehow hides itself at the end of an endless track.

‘Relish the moment’ is a good motto, especially when coupled with Psalm 118:24: ‘This is the day which the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.’ It isn't the burdens of today that drive [people] mad. Rather, it is regret over yesterday or fear of tomorrow. Regret and fear are twin thieves who would rob us of today.

So, stop pacing the aisles and counting the miles. Instead, climb more mountains, eat more ice cream, go barefoot more often, swim more rivers, watch more sunsets, laugh more and cry less. Life must be lived as we go along. The station will come soon enough.”

[--by Robert J. Hastings’ website. This poem first appeared in Ann Landers' column May 17, 1981]

My prayer is that you and I will not live life in the shadow of our pasts, or haunted by our regrets. May we all learn to live today to the glory of God, as well as trusting Him with our tomorrows! Remember, God loves you and I do, too!