Mission work is an important part of the church where my family is a member. Last week my husband, Jerry, was asked to take the Associational Disaster Shower Trailer to a small church in Northwest Arkansas. There, it would be used by workers constructing a mission for the church.
This trailer is about 30 feet long and is pulled by a ton extended cab pickup. Needless to say, the gas mileage is not very good. My husband thought he could make it to a town about ten miles further down the interstate, but the truck suddenly came to a standstill and he realized he was out of gas.
Before he and his friend, Don, who was making the trip with him, could even think about what to do next, a vehicle pulled up fairly close to them. The gentleman in the van had seen the Disaster Relief Shower signs on the trailer and wanted to know if he could help them.
After Jerry produced a can, Don made the trip with the gentleman to get gas. On the short trip Don discovered their highway helper was . . .
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I suppose that for some people, the word "certainties" is a bit of a hot button. I hope it is, anyway. Some like their faith certain. Others prefer a bit of mystery. I think the accounts of the resurrection have some of both.
But I like to have some certainty in my life. I enjoy the routines of the day. I like it that I often stop at the Subway in the strip mall near our home to get a coffee I take into the office in the morning. I like it when my teams keep the same roster, though that is less certain now. There are a host of ways we each anchor our life to what is reliable and dependable.
Today we will repeat the Apostles? Creed once again as part of our worship at the Lord's Table. The form is reliable but what of the content? Well I want to tell you again today that the content is reliable and that you can build a life around it. Particularly, I am certain about the part that says:
"...suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to . . .
But I like to have some certainty in my life. I enjoy the routines of the day. I like it that I often stop at the Subway in the strip mall near our home to get a coffee I take into the office in the morning. I like it when my teams keep the same roster, though that is less certain now. There are a host of ways we each anchor our life to what is reliable and dependable.
Today we will repeat the Apostles? Creed once again as part of our worship at the Lord's Table. The form is reliable but what of the content? Well I want to tell you again today that the content is reliable and that you can build a life around it. Particularly, I am certain about the part that says:
"...suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died, and was buried; he descended to . . .
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I heard a new word a while ago. At least, it was new to me. My husband and I were attending an evening worship service at a church conference. A young man stood on a stage, ready to lead a large audience in worshiping God through music. As his band adjusted their equipment, he chatted and scanned the audience. Suddenly he grinned and said, ?I see there are a lot of Chrispies here tonight.? A few people chuckled. I was just about to ask my husband if he knew what a Chrispie was when the young man said, ?You know what a Chrispie is, don't you?? He then asked all those who survived the 60's to raise their hands. ?You're all Chrispies ? Christian Hippies.? Although I tend to resist labels (it's a left-over from the 60's), I had to laugh and admit my husband and I fit the description. We lived through the era of rebellion, that time when anything having to do with the ?establishment? was held suspect. Some of our attitudes and opinions still show the influence of that philosophy.
For instance, I dislike the word religion. It makes me think of a large institution whose only goal is to control its members. It conjures up images of sober-faced people climbing . . .
For instance, I dislike the word religion. It makes me think of a large institution whose only goal is to control its members. It conjures up images of sober-faced people climbing . . .
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I live in "tornado alley" in the Midwest, and while tornadoes are not funny at all, I do have a funny memory of my feisty, elderly mom climbing into a bathtub with some sort of huge pillow protection over her head as the sirens rang. It was the safest place in the house--and she remained there as long as she could, which was not very long! She climbed back out--BEFORE the "all clear" siren blew--prayed, trusted the Lord, and fortunately, the tornado warnings passed, she was safe and sound, and none the worse for her hairy, scary experience.
Hurricanes are another horrendous matter--I've never been in one, but many have, with devastation and destruction in the path of the storm. Hurricanes can brew up suddenly, come from no where and cause havoc everywhere! And so it is with hurricanes of the heart--I've been THERE and so have you. Put on your rain gear and high boots--we're about to head right into a hurricane happening now--in somebody's world, maybe yours!
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I'm back! It's been a few weeks since I've put out the newsletter. But, I've been busy. We had a revival at our church, and a death in my husband's family. So, I've just been taking time off, resting, and trying to get back into the thick of things.
Today is a new day - a new day, when you woke up, a new day in the world, and a new day, spiritually. I woke up this morning, thanking God for the ability to wake up! Without the breath He breathed into us, this morning would never have come. I consider the world as not my permanent home; I'm just passing through. As one song says, "I'm a Citizen of Two Worlds."
I started a Blog about things that interest me in the world, and otherwise. I feel I have to be accountable to God in what I post there, just as I have to be accountable to Him for what I do privately. So many think that it doesn't matter what you write; He's not adding that to your ?account?. I disagree. When you slip off the log into the water, if you can't swim, you will drown, provided there is nobody to rescue you. It's the same way, spiritually. If I slip into the world, and continue to sin habitually, then the power of God isn't . . .
Today is a new day - a new day, when you woke up, a new day in the world, and a new day, spiritually. I woke up this morning, thanking God for the ability to wake up! Without the breath He breathed into us, this morning would never have come. I consider the world as not my permanent home; I'm just passing through. As one song says, "I'm a Citizen of Two Worlds."
I started a Blog about things that interest me in the world, and otherwise. I feel I have to be accountable to God in what I post there, just as I have to be accountable to Him for what I do privately. So many think that it doesn't matter what you write; He's not adding that to your ?account?. I disagree. When you slip off the log into the water, if you can't swim, you will drown, provided there is nobody to rescue you. It's the same way, spiritually. If I slip into the world, and continue to sin habitually, then the power of God isn't . . .
Subcategories
The Spur Article Count: 92
Marcia Laycock is a pastor's wife and freelance writer living in Alberta Canada. Her devotional book The Spur of the Moment has been endorsed by Janette Oke, Phil Callaway and others. To order, and to view more of Marcia's writing, see her web site - www.vinemarc.com
Wonders of Creation Article Count: 37
Written By Richard Gunther.
Harris Dvores Article Count: 1
Harris Dvores is a corporate lawyer in Orlando, Florida. But only from 9 to 5. For more than 20 years, he has pursued his passion to create: everything from Christian music and church skits, to Star Trek scripts and board games. His new website, www.harrisdvores.com, is a playground for the mind and spirit. A Jewish believer, Harris has been given truly amazing stories to share about the power of God.
Rev. Spence Laycock Article Count: 49
Rev. Spence Laycock pastors at Church of the Open Bible, Ponoka, Alberta, Canada.
Pastor Bert Nieuwenhuis Article Count: 2
Pastor Bert Nieuwenhuis is the interim pastor at Somerset Bible Chapel, Manitoba, Canada.
Diane Davis Article Count: 1
Diane Davis, a former policewoman in Toronto, recently retired from a lengthy career as a civilian member of the Ontario Provincial Police. Amongst many things, she is now turning her attention to writing, music, and her 5 grandchildren. She is also Pastor Tim's mom.
Melva's Devotions Article Count: 48
Blog Writings by Melva Cooper.
Melva Cooper is a wife, mother and grandmother from Jonesboro, Arkansas. God has given her, in her retirement years, the ministry of writing for HIM. "Even in old age, you will still produce fruit" is a verse He has given her (Psalm 92:14). And it is her desire to serve Him all the days of her life.
Barb's Mantle Article Count: 59
Barbara, a Christian homemaker, began her Web Site through encouragement from her son, and a dream. It quickly became a ministry for the Lord. She began writing devotionals to encourage, inspire, and build up spiritually those coming to her site. Barbara is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.
Sandra Boyte Article Count: 10
Writing poetry that brings glory to God is Sandra's passion. No matter where she has lived, or what she has gone through, she has found that God is always there before her to lead her in His paths and to catch her when she falls. Married, with two sons two granddaughters on the way, Sandra's future goals include writing more poetry trying her hand at writing short devotionals for children.
Dr. Harold McNabb Article Count: 98
Dr. Harold McNabb pastors at Westshore Presbyterian Church in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
Peggie's Den Article Count: 77
"Ever feel as though life is a lions' den and like Daniel, you're right in the middle of it all? Enjoy these "Devotions from the Den" (Lions 'n Life at Peggie's Place) and delight in God's promises of love, joy and peace for whatever is happening in YOUR den today!"
Misc Article Count: 77
Miscellaneous archived items.