Capture the Vision

Nelson’s Bible Dictionary says, “Vessels refer to people who carry within them the knowledge of God.” “Just as any clay vessel reflects the craftsmanship of it’s potter, so people reflect the craftsmanship of God.” Our vessels are each individually formed. Some cracked, broken in places, nicked, and all the while these imperfections let out, or in, the light of Christ.

A suggestion was made to have prayer as a group prior to the boys taking the field on Friday nights. We are praying as an encouragement to these boys and to show support for our coaches, parents, AND this community. We begin "Friday Night Lights" tomorrow evening at our homecoming game. Meet us in the end zone and pray before the game, or pray wherever you are at 6:15pm. What an opportunity to let our light shine!

For God, who said, “Let there be light in the darkness,” has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves. 2 Cor. 4: 6-7.

Whether on a football field before a game, at school, at work, the grocery store, or the post office………wherever we are……..What an opportunity we have to let our lights so shine. Share the love of Christ, shining through these perfectly, imperfect vessels!

I wanted to share with you a devotional from a book that Mary W. gave me. This book is by Sarah Young and is called Jesus Calling.
Sept 15.

REST IN ME, MY CHILD. This time devoted to Me is meant to be peaceful, not stressful. You don't have to perform in order to receive My Love. I have boundless, unconditional Love for you. How it grieves Me to see My children working for Love: trying harder and harder, yet never feeling good enough to be loved.

Be careful that your devotion to Me does not become another form of works. I want you to come into My Presence joyfully and confidently. You have nothing to fear, for you wear My own righteousness. Gaze into My eyes, and you will see no condemnation, only Love and delight in the one I see.

Be blessed as My Face shines radiantly upon you, giving you Peace.

As we dig into the middle of our week, I hope your day is blessed!

Wasn’t today beautiful? Just One of the things that stood out to me today was the group prayer around the sign this morning and then again in groups at the site. It was really amazing!

Throughout the ‘Capture the Vision’ campaign we have taken a stand to dig deeper into prayer. Reading how Nehemiah prayed was very humbling. “We take delight in bringing honor to your name,” Nehemiah prayed. He spent 120 days praying and fasting. THAT’S WHAT HE DID FIRST. I think of all the time I could have saved if I would have only PRAYED FIRST. We are just too busy trying to figure it out on our own. So much energy goes into the what’s and how’s and when’s of our lives as we try to map out our futures.

I believe I could have saved so much time if I had only prayed first and I hope that I am maturing in my prayer life. I know it can be uncomfortable to pray out loud but I have learned much from listening to others pray aloud in small groups. Today someone in group prayer said, “We are reminded of what an awesome God you are by the warmth of the sun.” That was an ahhhh haaaa! moment for me. I won’t ever forget that moment. I ‘connected the dots’ and visualized Jesus with His arms around us. At that moment at that time, while praying with my brothers and sisters, there was peace that passes all understanding.

I pray that you had a blessed Sunday and were able to experience the warmth of the Son on this glorious day!

“Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.” “His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7 (NLT)

IS THERE A BAT IN YOUR BELFRY?

As I was reading the Pantagraph this morning I noticed the article on the bats at the high school. The school administration called in the experts and fixed the area they were entering. They devised some kind of contraption so that the bats that were in the building could get out but not come back. What a great idea!!!!

It’s kind of like our spiritual journey. Over time, by studying His word, praying, confessing our sins, and asking for forgiveness, we soon build up that CONTRAPTION that helps keep the ‘bats’ out for good! How about like joining a small group? We bind together and form a group of believers that can be transparent with each other. We study His Word and discuss our daily lives. How His word can apply to our lives, get support from one another, so that we can KEEP OUT THOSE BATS!!!!

We are currently running our sign-ups for Courage Crossing, our small group ministry. Personally, the small groups I have been involved in have made such a difference in my life. Personally and spiritually. I can’t wait to begin another season of learning and praising Him with my small groups. Although I know we needed a break to have time for this busy summer, I have missed my small groupies!

So think about it, LET’S KEEP THOSE BATS OUT OF OUR BELFREIES AND JOIN TOGETHER WITH LIKE BELIEVERS IN A SMALL GROUP TODAY! Let us know of your experiences in a small group setting.

Don’t you just love the Proverbs? I hope that you have had a chance to look at your handout from our “Capture the Vision” Prayer Team. Today the suggested prayer focus was Proverbs 3:5-6. "Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; he’s the one who will keep you on track.” The Message. Further in the chapter it is written, "Wisdom is a tree of life to those who embrace her; happy are those who hold her tightly." Monday’s for me are really difficult. It’s hard to focus and get moving on all that is on schedule for the week ahead. I’m thankful that I had a chance to find a quiet time in prayer and gain some wisdom and understanding on this day.

Proverbs 3 is absolutely one of my favorite chapters! God says it right there, ‘don’t try to figure it out on your own.’ We are getting ready to launch our building campaign for the Phase I classroom wing, nursery, pastor's office etc. By the way, if you were in church on Sunday you would have to agree we need a bigger place for all these babies! They are starting to come in groups of 3!!!!! This is a big step for us and this team certainly does not have it all figured out. But we do know who does have the answers. That is why we are encouraging all to pray about this journey. We absolutely need wisdom and understanding. We need those moments when God speaks to each one of us. Last week the 'Vision Team' met with Steve Johnson from EFCA. The whole concept of this campaign is based on prayer and God’s plan. He is the one that is going to guide us on this path. He is the one that will keep us on track.

His track.

Let us know what questions or concerns you may have, or even a comment to share with this blog. We want communication to flow freely and encourage your input.

Blessings!

Ahhhhhh!!! The lazy days of summer……or dog days of summer……..……I don’t know about you but it’s more like AHAHAHAHAHAHHHHaaaa! The CRAZY DAYS of summer…….!

I was humored to discover that the ‘dog days’ phrase originated with the Romans. The star worshippers ……the dog star, Sirius, is the brightest in the summer. It would rise and set the same time as the sun and they believed it brought the hottest weather. I have a picture in my mind of a bunch of Romans lounging around being fanned by their servants. I just bet those servants didn’t think it was the lazy days of summer!
Most of us, ok all of us, have not been forced into fanning a big fat lazy Roman. However, right now, during this summer of 2010, we have chosen to be faithful servants. Modular work, VBS, church business, ‘Capture the Vision’, music, power point presentations, bulletin preparation, cleaning, teaching, numerous volunteers doing numerous assistance to keep this living, breathing, growing, and amazing church moving forward! It is hard work and we are doing so lovingly and obediently for our Father that cherishes each and every one of us.
One of the things I have appreciated so much here at Trinity is the common goal and willingness to serve. Look at what is happening! We will very soon be moving into our temporary classroom space. That means we are going to have more room to share Jesus with more kids. More kids, more parents, and more families that we will have the opportunity to share the love of our Father..…and then….what’s next? I urge you to pray for God’s vision here at Trinity. ‘Capture the Vision’. Where and how does God want you to serve? What does He want from you? It’s an exciting time here at Trinity and I am blessed to have the opportunity to share this experience of serving with my fellow brothers and sisters.
I invite you to think of those things that you have served with this summer. Let us know what those things are and what it means to you and your family to serve here at Trinity. Has God been speaking to you? Share with us if you feel comfortable those things that He has placed on your heart.