Well, in a couple of days we will be celebrating the holiday of Thanksgiving. The year has gone by, and now it's November 2-thousand-ten. Can you believe it? My kids are always saying how slow time seems to go, how tomorrow can't get here soon enough- especially when there's something they want to do! One day, when they grow up and realize that their parents aren't as crazy as they think they are, they will understand what we mean when we say, "My how time flies!"
Since it's that time of the year I would give you a few items I am thankful for.
* I am thankful that the Lord has made me a pastor's wife. At first, I just knew He had lost his mind, along with my husband who kept telling me that God was calling him to the ministry. The Lord knows what He's doing even is we don't like it at the time!
* I am thankful for the strong leader in my husband. He leads us spiritually and God has changed his heart toward Him and he is the best husband I could ever ask for.
* I am thankful for my children, of course! I am always getting complements as to their behavior or how sweet they are. In my presence and out, they have shown their kindness to others and to each other.
* I am thankful for our church. The Lord has seem fit to send several visitors lately and I pray, in His time, He will grow our church until we are no longer able to fit into the conference room of the hotel where we are meeting. I pray mostly that we are faithful to Him and His Word, above all else.
* I am thankful for friends who keep me humble. For people who are willing to correct me, whether it be spelling on a facebook post, or in a behavior that is not becoming of a Christian. I am a sinner. Everyone knows that. Sometime it's good to be reminded that I am not always correct or even close to being right!
* For volunteering. Last year about this time, my husband announced that he wanted to get more involved in the community. He started searching for an opportunity in which to serve in the Olive Branch, MS area. He asked me to find more info about a ministry called Olive Branch Emergency Food Pantry. I went the week before Christmas, which was a big mistake! They were so busy that I wasn't even able to talk to someone. I left my name and number hoping someone would call me. They did and I have been volunteering ever since. The Lord has given me such a heart for this ministry. I have a purpose there. I am using my talents to help where they need it now, but I have a burden for this place. Does He have a plan for me? Will have to wait and see.
* I am thankful for the opportunity I have to educate my children at home. For the burden that I have, probably greater than it should be that my children do not belong in the public school system. I am grateful for others who are willing to help, like at L.I.F.E. to educate other homeschool children. We are a community! I love my homeschool friends!
* I am thankful to have friends who I have known for a long time. Some I have known since I was in 3rd grade (public school, mind you) and up. Some, I have only recently known but will probably know them for a long time. Here's to friends- new and old!
* I could keep naming but I will bundle the last of them: protection, shelter, and food. The Lord provides through many channels. Whether it is food in our tummies, a house that is being paid for, and protection during the night while we sleep or even while I am out and about driving myself and my family places.
What are you thankful for? In this season of your life, do you have many things to be grateful for? I pray the Lord blesses you. Have a great Thanksgiving Holiday and know that, if you are reading this, then you are then, truly blessed!
Michele McCrory
Servant of the Lord
Monday, November 22, 2010
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Feeling Convicted Lately?
Have you ever been reading a Christian self-help book only to stop reading it because you didn't like what it was teaching? Maybe it was telling you how you should live your life and you don't (or won't) change. Is that legalism? Is what the book teaching or suggesting you do, is that legalism? Maybe. But, what I think needs to happen is you need to ask yourself, "Why does this make me feel this way?" Is it really because I like my sin and don't want to do what it asks, even if it is teaching me that the Lord wants me to behave or act in a certain manner? Sometimes we won't continue to read something because we think that person thinks they know it all or because that's just their opinion. They have a right to express that opinion. That is why God gave us His Word- the Holy Bible. So, that we may read it, memorize it, and teach it to others.
I once had someone tell me that a particular book was too legalistic for them. I had to ponder after the fact. I began to ask myself the same question I posted in the above paragraph- "Why?" What do we read that makes us think something is legalistic? I guess there are many ways a book, an article, even a facebook post can come across as legalistic. I haven't read one yet, but I know it can happen. I have read a book that I wasn't able to finish because I wasn't ready to give up my sin. I wanted to continue in my transgression- whether or not I truly admitted it or not!
That's why most people won't attend a church service as well. They aren't willing to give up on that selfish desire that they hold dear to their lives. It might be the late-night drinking on Saturday night, the sleeping-late-'cuz-I-can Sunday morning, or the "they're just a bunch of hypocrites anyway" syndrome. You name it, someone has thought it. There are 1,000,000,001 reasons that people won't step foot into a church building or continue reading a book, or listen to your thoughts on a particular subject. Because it offends them!
As Christians, we have to be able to be encouraging without offending, supporting without stepping on toes, empathetic without losing reality, and well, just plain ol' nice! And, that's not easy. Not when there are so many different thoughts on how and why we believe what we believe. Whether you are Reformed or Armenian, Baptist or Presbyterian, Non-Denominational or Independent. We all believe in the same Lord but have different ways of living out those Truths. Are we to be "tolerant" of others? To a certain degree. As long as I don't push my religion upon you. I can give you some advice- if you ask- for it, mind you. My problem is, I seem to give my opinions and advice when people don't ask. I am learning, however, to keep my mouth closed! I learned the hard way.
I guess, in the end, I can see how someone or something, could come across as legalistic. I probably have many times in my Christian walk. I will ask the Lord to forgive me and help me be more sensitive to others.
I once had someone tell me that a particular book was too legalistic for them. I had to ponder after the fact. I began to ask myself the same question I posted in the above paragraph- "Why?" What do we read that makes us think something is legalistic? I guess there are many ways a book, an article, even a facebook post can come across as legalistic. I haven't read one yet, but I know it can happen. I have read a book that I wasn't able to finish because I wasn't ready to give up my sin. I wanted to continue in my transgression- whether or not I truly admitted it or not!
That's why most people won't attend a church service as well. They aren't willing to give up on that selfish desire that they hold dear to their lives. It might be the late-night drinking on Saturday night, the sleeping-late-'cuz-I-can Sunday morning, or the "they're just a bunch of hypocrites anyway" syndrome. You name it, someone has thought it. There are 1,000,000,001 reasons that people won't step foot into a church building or continue reading a book, or listen to your thoughts on a particular subject. Because it offends them!
As Christians, we have to be able to be encouraging without offending, supporting without stepping on toes, empathetic without losing reality, and well, just plain ol' nice! And, that's not easy. Not when there are so many different thoughts on how and why we believe what we believe. Whether you are Reformed or Armenian, Baptist or Presbyterian, Non-Denominational or Independent. We all believe in the same Lord but have different ways of living out those Truths. Are we to be "tolerant" of others? To a certain degree. As long as I don't push my religion upon you. I can give you some advice- if you ask- for it, mind you. My problem is, I seem to give my opinions and advice when people don't ask. I am learning, however, to keep my mouth closed! I learned the hard way.
I guess, in the end, I can see how someone or something, could come across as legalistic. I probably have many times in my Christian walk. I will ask the Lord to forgive me and help me be more sensitive to others.
Friday, November 5, 2010
As The Deer Pants...
Psalm 42 says, (1) As the deer pants for the water brooks, so pants my soul for You, O God. (2) My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.
Many of us have heard of or read this passage. Today I want to pause and consider it. I have often wondered what I "pant" for? Do I pant for God? Does my soul thirst for God? Does your soul thirst for Him? Do you long to read His Word, spend time in prayer, or to tell others about Him?
I must admit that lately, we have been so busy that I have pushed God to the back burner. I still pray each day and I am listening to worship music but I am not spending time in the Word reading the Bible as I used to. I know it's an excuse. I have to discipline myself to do those things. I feel bad that I am being convicted. I want to know the Lord and read His Word, but I have let "life" get in the way. I have not 'panted' after God. I am confessing this to you, and to the Lord. I pray now, that He will forgive me. I don't want to be one of those Christians who pulls God out when they need Him. I want Him in my life everyday!
This brings to mind another scripture verse:
Ephesians 3:14-21
(14) For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, (15) from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, (16) that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, (17) that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you being rooted and grounded in love, (18) may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height- (19) to know the Love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you maybe filled with all the fullness of God. (20) Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (21) to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
I am grateful that the Lord has granted my all the riches I could stand. The He dwells in my heart. That He will give to me above all that I ask or think. Thank You, Lord!
Many of us have heard of or read this passage. Today I want to pause and consider it. I have often wondered what I "pant" for? Do I pant for God? Does my soul thirst for God? Does your soul thirst for Him? Do you long to read His Word, spend time in prayer, or to tell others about Him?
I must admit that lately, we have been so busy that I have pushed God to the back burner. I still pray each day and I am listening to worship music but I am not spending time in the Word reading the Bible as I used to. I know it's an excuse. I have to discipline myself to do those things. I feel bad that I am being convicted. I want to know the Lord and read His Word, but I have let "life" get in the way. I have not 'panted' after God. I am confessing this to you, and to the Lord. I pray now, that He will forgive me. I don't want to be one of those Christians who pulls God out when they need Him. I want Him in my life everyday!
This brings to mind another scripture verse:
Ephesians 3:14-21
(14) For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, (15) from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, (16) that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, (17) that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you being rooted and grounded in love, (18) may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height- (19) to know the Love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you maybe filled with all the fullness of God. (20) Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (21) to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.
I am grateful that the Lord has granted my all the riches I could stand. The He dwells in my heart. That He will give to me above all that I ask or think. Thank You, Lord!
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