Good day dear friends.
We had an awesome Sunday! The combining of services at 11 was a blessing, though I'm sorry it affected a couple with medical reasons; but comments from the folks who shared with me and others ranged from "Why don't we do this every Sunday" to "Let's do it again soon!" We thank the Lord for this opportunity to have been together in God's House in one room to praise God. Thanks to all who were present and to all who took part.
We concluded the series on The Marks of a Disciple with this last sermon being on what it means to be Triumphant. For those who had been following along online, every Sunday since day one of the series, the worshippers were given first a cord, then a different colored bead, then told how to put the beads together and with the two beads received yesterday we formed a cross. If you had trouble putting it together please come by the church office and see either Katrina Allison or Julie Lusby; they'll help you form your cross.
And our thanks to Dr. Robert Hall, Austin district superintendent, who came to worship with us. Robert and his wife came to see what we were doing for the Hurricane Katrina evacuees. He may have seen our gym set up to receive those who needed housing, but would have been impressed with the stacks of boxes and bags filled with health kits. IN a couple of hours, volunteers will be at the church to drive those down to San Antonio. We were told by UMCOR that our doing that would save shipping costs from Baldwin, LA to San Antonio. Again, so many churches, so many church members from across the area. I didn't mention the Kyle and even Victoria churches who brought materials to us. Praise God!
A special note of thanks to the Jack Hughes Class who donated some cash money to the Gumbs, our evacuee family, and who offered the use of a 2-bedroom apartment while they complete their move here. Bill and Linda Pennington have offered their apartment until the family can find work and can get their own apartment. Others have come forward wanting to do something and we're thankful to all.
Here is our study guide for today:
Monday: Use today as a chance to review the different marks of a disciple as shared during the sermon series. Reread the passage from Ephesians and the one from Matthew. Which area of the Ephesians passage spoke to your heart? Which area seems the one needing the most “work.” Where do you believe you’re strongest? In the “here and now” or the “there and then?”
Here are those passages: Ephesians 6:10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 13 Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14 Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. 15 As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. 16 With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 Pray in the Spirit at all times in every prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert and always persevere in supplication for all the saints. NRSV
Matthew 25:21"His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ NIV
Our list of marks for a disciple included these: Committed, Disciplined, Obedient, Compassion, Courage, Faithfulness, Purity, Perseverant, Bold and Triumphant. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it got us thinking about where we need to be as Christ's disciples. We need to be people of action, love and service. We need to be Christ's witnesses and ambassadors. Each of the mark stands on its own but when working together with the rest lead us to what we discussed yesterday, being triumphant sons and daughters of the most high.
At both services we were delighted to see the two "soldiers" who "volunteered" to be dressed with the armor. Each of the pieces of this armor represents an area of our life that God can protect through our faith and as well-armored and faithful soldiers, we can be triumphant. Read the passage from Ephesians again and realize all that God makes available to us: Truth, righteousness, peace, faith, the Word, and salvation. We've been given all these to lead us from death and destruction to life and that in fullness. What's holding you back from enjoying these?
PRAYER: God of good gifts, thank you for the whole armor you offer to us. Let me today decide to receive it all, for I can be weak in all areas of my life but I want to be strong. Come and bless me and let me be a blessing to others. I pray in Christ Jesus' name. Amen.
Have a great and triumphant day!
e.v.
