"They all wept as they embraced him and kissed him. What grieved them the most was his statement that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship." (Acts 20:38, NIV)
What a tender moment today as we shared tears this morning at the FOM, sending yet another family "out there", and with them, a part of our hearts. What an honor to be part of what God is doing this season in West Houston and beyond, from San Antonio to Eastern Europe.
The difficulty for me is sometimes feeling like I'm missing out when we lay hands on a missionary or send off a family who have a job transfer. Perhaps it's because the book of Acts and Paul's scriptures chronicle much of the events from the vantage of those who left... what about those who stayed? We know about Silas, Barnabas and Titus, well... we've heard of them, but who in the world is Mnason?
Perhaps it's part of our human nature to make celebrities as an extension of us, or put others on pedistals--deifying them so that they become meta-human. The paradox is that many such objects of affection are horrified at their new status. Consider (Acts 14) how the people of Lystra responded to Paul and Barnabas at the healing of the local cripple... and contrast that to how Paul and Barney responded (v.14), and perhaps we get a reflection of ourselves.
The more I read the scriptures, the more I am convinced they are mainly written to us, to those left at the dock waving goodbye. Jesus commands us to "go and make disciples"; perhaps that means at work, or at school, or maybe even the local sports association... so many people in desperate need to know that Messiah Jesus loves them. Maybe it looks like an invitation to home-group or KidzPlanet... I don't know; will you join me in praying that we SEE what God is already doing in our midst?
What an adventure life can become, when we realize how important our role is right here, today. May God grant us wisdom and courage to be His ambassadors this week.
Jim K
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Monday, October 16, 2006
Leveraging God's Resources
Yours, O LORD, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. (1 Chron. 29:11)
As part of a series on money and possessions called “Lost Treasure”, we were challenged by the principle that God owns everything and he entrusts money and possessions to us as his stewards. We should leverage what God has entrusted to us for his purposes. We gave each family who attended that Sunday some money to use for God’s purposes and meet the needs of people in our community. Following are some of the ways that these resources were used:
-------------
I've been looking for God to show me someone to minister to in some small way ever since you passed out the envelopes. Last night at the grocery store I finally spotted her. She was in the dairy section, trying to figure out which products would be accepted with her WIC coupons. When I got in line to check out, she was behind me, with her basket full of formula, milk, cheese, juice, and Cheerios. Nothing else. So I checked out and put my basket aside. I then said “Hi” and asked if there was anything else she was hoping to get at the store, maybe something that wasn't covered by WIC. She hesitated, so I asked if there was something fun that I could get just for her, like ice cream or candy. She smiled and said she would love some candy. "Sweet stuff or chocolate?" "Sweet stuff", she replied. So I went to the Halloween section and bought a huge bag of candy, but that didn't use up my $10.00. So I came back and asked for her favorite ice cream. "Cookies and Cream." She smiled. I found a gallon of Blue Bell and brought that back. She said "You don't have to do this." I told her I'd been looking for something fun to do all day. She has a one month old at home, first baby. She had a cold and seemed really tired, so I didn't chat much. I checked out, the sacker put the stuff in her cart, and I was on my way. Thanks for letting me do this!!! I had a blast!
------------
The money was put to good use for God’s kingdom. When I was driving home from Target, I remembered the money and felt strongly that I needed to do something with it. Just then, an old man crossed the street and stopped to sit in the median. I passed by initially, but felt like I was supposed to help the man. So I turned around and gave him the money. He was full of gratitude and went so far as to call me his “angel.” As I drove away, the man crossed the street to get a meal at Church’s chicken. I think that this was just one example of how God’s resources could be used to show his grace and love.
-----------
We gave it to a Katrina survivor who is still jobless and very depressed. She has a 6-year old who keeps asking daily if her mommy is going to cry or if she is sad.
-----------
We used the $10 to purchase a bag of cat food then took it to CAP Center. We spent time there playing with the dogs.
-----------
We bought and donated food for End Hunger at Kroger
------------
We sponsor two Compassion International children, Eyab and Farida. We are using the money for their extra Christmas money.
----------
Our family bought baking supplies and ribbon. We’ve been baking pumpkin bread for our neighbors and surprising them with visits. These are lonely widows and one widower.
----------
We gave the money to Christ Memorial's mission project that is working toward building an 8-bed children's hospital in Guinea.
----------
We bought Halloween candy and a pumpkin to give to the nurses that work in Hospice care.
----------
I gave the money to a family at my son’s school. They have a child who recently underwent a heart transplant. His family is burdened with substantial bills.
----------
I sent the money to the Star of Hope Mission for Thanksgiving dinners.
As part of a series on money and possessions called “Lost Treasure”, we were challenged by the principle that God owns everything and he entrusts money and possessions to us as his stewards. We should leverage what God has entrusted to us for his purposes. We gave each family who attended that Sunday some money to use for God’s purposes and meet the needs of people in our community. Following are some of the ways that these resources were used:
-------------
I've been looking for God to show me someone to minister to in some small way ever since you passed out the envelopes. Last night at the grocery store I finally spotted her. She was in the dairy section, trying to figure out which products would be accepted with her WIC coupons. When I got in line to check out, she was behind me, with her basket full of formula, milk, cheese, juice, and Cheerios. Nothing else. So I checked out and put my basket aside. I then said “Hi” and asked if there was anything else she was hoping to get at the store, maybe something that wasn't covered by WIC. She hesitated, so I asked if there was something fun that I could get just for her, like ice cream or candy. She smiled and said she would love some candy. "Sweet stuff or chocolate?" "Sweet stuff", she replied. So I went to the Halloween section and bought a huge bag of candy, but that didn't use up my $10.00. So I came back and asked for her favorite ice cream. "Cookies and Cream." She smiled. I found a gallon of Blue Bell and brought that back. She said "You don't have to do this." I told her I'd been looking for something fun to do all day. She has a one month old at home, first baby. She had a cold and seemed really tired, so I didn't chat much. I checked out, the sacker put the stuff in her cart, and I was on my way. Thanks for letting me do this!!! I had a blast!
------------
The money was put to good use for God’s kingdom. When I was driving home from Target, I remembered the money and felt strongly that I needed to do something with it. Just then, an old man crossed the street and stopped to sit in the median. I passed by initially, but felt like I was supposed to help the man. So I turned around and gave him the money. He was full of gratitude and went so far as to call me his “angel.” As I drove away, the man crossed the street to get a meal at Church’s chicken. I think that this was just one example of how God’s resources could be used to show his grace and love.
-----------
We gave it to a Katrina survivor who is still jobless and very depressed. She has a 6-year old who keeps asking daily if her mommy is going to cry or if she is sad.
-----------
We used the $10 to purchase a bag of cat food then took it to CAP Center. We spent time there playing with the dogs.
-----------
We bought and donated food for End Hunger at Kroger
------------
We sponsor two Compassion International children, Eyab and Farida. We are using the money for their extra Christmas money.
----------
Our family bought baking supplies and ribbon. We’ve been baking pumpkin bread for our neighbors and surprising them with visits. These are lonely widows and one widower.
----------
We gave the money to Christ Memorial's mission project that is working toward building an 8-bed children's hospital in Guinea.
----------
We bought Halloween candy and a pumpkin to give to the nurses that work in Hospice care.
----------
I gave the money to a family at my son’s school. They have a child who recently underwent a heart transplant. His family is burdened with substantial bills.
----------
I sent the money to the Star of Hope Mission for Thanksgiving dinners.
Friday, September 08, 2006
...I have prayed for you - Countdown Day 1
“Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you like wheat. But I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail and when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers”. Luke 22:31
This passage strikes me for many reasons. First it shows once again that Satan is real and always on the prowl for those God loves. The phrase “to sift you like wheat” means to toss up and down, or to shake with violence. Sometimes I think we choose to forget this reality as it’s uncomfortable and even disturbing in our civilized times. For Jesus to tell Simon to his face that Satan is out to get him must have been dreadful for Simon to hear, yet Jesus thought it was worth bringing to his attention. Jesus obviously thought Simon should be aware of his enemy and be alert to his intentions. I think oftentimes we, as believers, can become drowsy and choose to forget that Satan’s ultimate goal is to destroy our faith and make us turn back. I love that right after those formidable words, Jesus gives us a well desired “But…” Whew! Am I relieved to see that word after hearing such news! If Jesus says, “But…”, then there’s good news coming so listen close!
He goes on to say, “But I have prayed for you..”. I have a mentor friend, a great prayer warrior, and when I’m going through something difficult I ask her to pray for me. It is always very comforting for me to know she is interceding for me. To know that Jesus himself prays for us to be strengthened in our faith rocks me. It’s amazing. It also impresses me that if Jesus prays then so much more should we. He knows we will face various trials, he knows our faith is about to be tested. He knows we will fail on certain challenges. Yet, he tells Simon, “when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers”. We are not to face these trials alone nor are we to leave each other alone to face trials. We are to strengthen one another. When our brother fails, we are to turn around, pick him up and carry on. This is the church. This is our duty and privilege to love one another in truth and compassion.
There will be days ahead in our personal lives and in the life of our church when we will become aware of Satan’s desire to sift us like wheat. Let us prepare ourselves before we see the need to fight; we know that by prayer we place ourselves under God’s holy protection. The enemy is real, yes, but so is the victory which Christ obtained. The victory is ours, Fellowship of Memorial, so “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power”. (Eph. 6:10)
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Pray that God would bring people on Sunday who we can lead to faith in him.
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Posted by Lisa Archinal
This passage strikes me for many reasons. First it shows once again that Satan is real and always on the prowl for those God loves. The phrase “to sift you like wheat” means to toss up and down, or to shake with violence. Sometimes I think we choose to forget this reality as it’s uncomfortable and even disturbing in our civilized times. For Jesus to tell Simon to his face that Satan is out to get him must have been dreadful for Simon to hear, yet Jesus thought it was worth bringing to his attention. Jesus obviously thought Simon should be aware of his enemy and be alert to his intentions. I think oftentimes we, as believers, can become drowsy and choose to forget that Satan’s ultimate goal is to destroy our faith and make us turn back. I love that right after those formidable words, Jesus gives us a well desired “But…” Whew! Am I relieved to see that word after hearing such news! If Jesus says, “But…”, then there’s good news coming so listen close!
He goes on to say, “But I have prayed for you..”. I have a mentor friend, a great prayer warrior, and when I’m going through something difficult I ask her to pray for me. It is always very comforting for me to know she is interceding for me. To know that Jesus himself prays for us to be strengthened in our faith rocks me. It’s amazing. It also impresses me that if Jesus prays then so much more should we. He knows we will face various trials, he knows our faith is about to be tested. He knows we will fail on certain challenges. Yet, he tells Simon, “when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers”. We are not to face these trials alone nor are we to leave each other alone to face trials. We are to strengthen one another. When our brother fails, we are to turn around, pick him up and carry on. This is the church. This is our duty and privilege to love one another in truth and compassion.
There will be days ahead in our personal lives and in the life of our church when we will become aware of Satan’s desire to sift us like wheat. Let us prepare ourselves before we see the need to fight; we know that by prayer we place ourselves under God’s holy protection. The enemy is real, yes, but so is the victory which Christ obtained. The victory is ours, Fellowship of Memorial, so “be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power”. (Eph. 6:10)
----------
Pray that God would bring people on Sunday who we can lead to faith in him.
---------
Posted by Lisa Archinal
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Just Some Guy - Countdown Day 2
Chapter 9 of Acts describes an incredible conversion event for Saul. Saul is a leader among those who are persecuting early Christ-followers, but God plucks him out from the rest and confronts him in what proves to be a literally blinding light that leaves Saul without eyesight. Saul's life and identity are changed, as he is ultimately sent out to tell the non-Jewish world of Jesus Christ. He trades in his Jewish name for a Gentile name, Paul, reflecting his new purpose and person. But before Saul can become Paul, someone must introduce him to the Gospel. To the true story of God incarnate in Christ. To Christ's teachings. To Christ's love. Saul, at this point, is both literally and metaphorically a blind man.
So God appears to "just some guy" named Ananias in a dream. He tells Ananias that he is to go seek out Saul to "place his hands on him to restore his sight." God informs Ananias that Saul is his "chosen instrument" to carry His name out into the world. Ananias obeys God's call and goes, albeit reluctantly, to meet the one who has persecuted people just like him throughout the known world. And this historic event changes the face of Western civilization. Saul becomes Paul. Paul treks through the beginnings of the Roman Empire sharing all he's learned.
And nothing is ever said about Ananias again. His story ends here. Paul's name adorns churches throughout the world. The church celebrates him. But I still haven't seen a special on the History Channel about Ananias. He was, after all, "just some guy." But what a privilege to be that guy. What a privilege to share God's love with someone and then to watch God multiply it like fishes and loaves across civilizations and through generations.
On Sunday we kick off KidzPlanet, KidzStreet, the Treehouse and Elevation. We will attempt to share God's love through Jesus Christ. We're just us...nothing more. And I believe God loves it that way. What if God uses us to reach someone? What if He changes a life through us? What if that person's worldview changes because of the understanding that he/she is loved by God? What if that makes life better for his/her children and spouse? What if that person, in turn, shares God's love with another? That's exciting stuff! That's the unlimited potential of God through His people! I'm fired up!
_______________________________________________
Pray that KidzPlanet would be used by God to serve our community and introduce people to Him.
So God appears to "just some guy" named Ananias in a dream. He tells Ananias that he is to go seek out Saul to "place his hands on him to restore his sight." God informs Ananias that Saul is his "chosen instrument" to carry His name out into the world. Ananias obeys God's call and goes, albeit reluctantly, to meet the one who has persecuted people just like him throughout the known world. And this historic event changes the face of Western civilization. Saul becomes Paul. Paul treks through the beginnings of the Roman Empire sharing all he's learned.
And nothing is ever said about Ananias again. His story ends here. Paul's name adorns churches throughout the world. The church celebrates him. But I still haven't seen a special on the History Channel about Ananias. He was, after all, "just some guy." But what a privilege to be that guy. What a privilege to share God's love with someone and then to watch God multiply it like fishes and loaves across civilizations and through generations.
On Sunday we kick off KidzPlanet, KidzStreet, the Treehouse and Elevation. We will attempt to share God's love through Jesus Christ. We're just us...nothing more. And I believe God loves it that way. What if God uses us to reach someone? What if He changes a life through us? What if that person's worldview changes because of the understanding that he/she is loved by God? What if that makes life better for his/her children and spouse? What if that person, in turn, shares God's love with another? That's exciting stuff! That's the unlimited potential of God through His people! I'm fired up!
_______________________________________________
Pray that KidzPlanet would be used by God to serve our community and introduce people to Him.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
"It's the day of the show ya'll" - Countdown Day 3
One of my favorite shows on the planet is Waiting for Guffman. If you haven't seen it here is a thumbnail sketch: The city of Blaine, Missouri is celebrating its sesquicentennial, and what better reason could there be to put on a show? Corky St. Claire (Christopher Guest ), current leader of Blaine's community theater group has been commissioned to put together a musical about the city's noble history, "Red, White and Blaine," which stars a variety of the town's theatrical talent. Somehow, Corky has persuaded a major theatrical producer in New York to send a representative to look at the show -- is it possible that "Red, White and Blaine" could be headed to Broadway? "Guffman" is the name of the special guest and the front row seat has been "Reserved" just for him. In fact, while the production is put on for the entire city of Blaine the actors seem to be more focused on the audience of one...Guffman.
This Sunday..."It's the day of the show y'all"...we will have seats filled (God-willing), actors in place, worship leaders ready, and a great teaching of the word both in the worship service and in our children's areas. But just who is our audience? Revelation 4:11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."
This Sunday, and every Sunday, we will have an "empty seat" on the front row waiting for the arrival of our special guest. Our goal is to make sure God is worshiped at FOM...whether through KidzPlanet, worship, The Treehouse, KidzStreet or through any of our youth programs. We have much more to celebrate than a sesquicentennial! And while our group of worshipers may be filled with a rag-tag team of people that resemble the actors from Waiting for Guffman I assure you God will be worshiped. He IS worthy! So pray today that God will show up this Sunday! We have a seat reserved just for Him.
------------
Pray today for FOM staff and leadership that they would be continuously surrendered to God's purposes for the ministry.
------------
Posted by Chris Archinal
This Sunday..."It's the day of the show y'all"...we will have seats filled (God-willing), actors in place, worship leaders ready, and a great teaching of the word both in the worship service and in our children's areas. But just who is our audience? Revelation 4:11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."
This Sunday, and every Sunday, we will have an "empty seat" on the front row waiting for the arrival of our special guest. Our goal is to make sure God is worshiped at FOM...whether through KidzPlanet, worship, The Treehouse, KidzStreet or through any of our youth programs. We have much more to celebrate than a sesquicentennial! And while our group of worshipers may be filled with a rag-tag team of people that resemble the actors from Waiting for Guffman I assure you God will be worshiped. He IS worthy! So pray today that God will show up this Sunday! We have a seat reserved just for Him.
------------
Pray today for FOM staff and leadership that they would be continuously surrendered to God's purposes for the ministry.
------------
Posted by Chris Archinal
Monday, September 04, 2006
Sink the Cruise Ship - Countdown Day 4
"If FOM becomes a cruise ship rather than a life boat, let's all conspire to sink her."
My greatest fear for Fellowship of Memorial is that we begin to exist for our own comfort and pleasure, like narcissistic passengers on a luxury liner. God forbid that we spend our days grazing on a vast buffet of delectable food while refugees on precarious rafts float starving at the base of our steep cruise ship hull. If FOM becomes a luxury liner, we'll conspire to sink her and hope some of those refugees can float to safety on the debris.
This weekend was an indication that we're in the lifeboat business. Several FOMers organized a Burger and Melon bash at Nottingham Park and gave away about 100 hamburgers. There were no big FOM signs at this event. Just free food, lots of conversation and invitations to take the next step in community with one another.
Many of the people we met there have physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Some are feeling isolated and persecuted, having moved last year from New Orleans and getting much of the blame for a new wave of crime in the community. There were lots of kids whose parents are mostly absent, just looking for an adult to encourage them and demonstrate a genuine interest in their lives. Some of the adults are desperate for help, without jobs and without hope. Other adults seem to have their physical needs fully met, but their lives are lonely and empty.
We don't have the answers to all their problems, but we genuinely believe that God wants to bring them hope through Jesus. We'll be available to love people in our community, try to meet their needs and walk with them through their challenges. That's who we are at FOM. We have lifeboats.
--------------
Pray for individuals in our church, that we would grow in our love for people outside of faith in God
My greatest fear for Fellowship of Memorial is that we begin to exist for our own comfort and pleasure, like narcissistic passengers on a luxury liner. God forbid that we spend our days grazing on a vast buffet of delectable food while refugees on precarious rafts float starving at the base of our steep cruise ship hull. If FOM becomes a luxury liner, we'll conspire to sink her and hope some of those refugees can float to safety on the debris.
This weekend was an indication that we're in the lifeboat business. Several FOMers organized a Burger and Melon bash at Nottingham Park and gave away about 100 hamburgers. There were no big FOM signs at this event. Just free food, lots of conversation and invitations to take the next step in community with one another.
Many of the people we met there have physical, emotional and spiritual needs. Some are feeling isolated and persecuted, having moved last year from New Orleans and getting much of the blame for a new wave of crime in the community. There were lots of kids whose parents are mostly absent, just looking for an adult to encourage them and demonstrate a genuine interest in their lives. Some of the adults are desperate for help, without jobs and without hope. Other adults seem to have their physical needs fully met, but their lives are lonely and empty.
We don't have the answers to all their problems, but we genuinely believe that God wants to bring them hope through Jesus. We'll be available to love people in our community, try to meet their needs and walk with them through their challenges. That's who we are at FOM. We have lifeboats.
--------------
Pray for individuals in our church, that we would grow in our love for people outside of faith in God
Friday, September 01, 2006
While You Were Sleeping - Countdown Day 6
I like that movie, While You Were Sleeping with Sandra Bullock. As Lucy, a lonely subway worker, she becomes smitten with a handsome stranger (Peter Gallagher). But when she saves his life after he's been mugged and fallen into a coma, his hilariously offbeat family mistakes her for his fiancé. Soon, the mix-ups escalate as Lucy fabricates a life between herself and a man she's never met.
As we are in the wonderful busy stage of preparing for our “new season” of ministry and in our own personal lives gearing up for school, fall activities, etc. I’m reminded of this movie and how it relates to one of my all time favorite passages of scripture:
Revelation 4: 8-11
Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
Worship, glory and honor is going on right now as we are working, planning, eating, praying, walking, sleeping, driving, and on and on it goes. Worship happens 24/7 because God is worthy 24/7. I pray that in the busyness of life we would not miss the worship. We would not miss the glory or the honor. I pray we would not miss the opportunity to cast all our “crowns” at the throne of the King. It’s all for him. Let’s be awake and aware of whose we are and stay true to our purpose – to see lives transformed through relationship with Jesus Christ so that God may be glorified and enjoyed.
-------------
Pray that God would help us to be generous with our financial resources as a church and as individuals. (Pick a specific meal time this weekend to pray for FOM)
------------
Posted by Lisa Archinal
As we are in the wonderful busy stage of preparing for our “new season” of ministry and in our own personal lives gearing up for school, fall activities, etc. I’m reminded of this movie and how it relates to one of my all time favorite passages of scripture:
Revelation 4: 8-11
Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come.” Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever, the twenty-four elders fall down before him who sits on the throne, and worship him who lives for ever and ever. They lay their crowns before the throne and say: “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
Worship, glory and honor is going on right now as we are working, planning, eating, praying, walking, sleeping, driving, and on and on it goes. Worship happens 24/7 because God is worthy 24/7. I pray that in the busyness of life we would not miss the worship. We would not miss the glory or the honor. I pray we would not miss the opportunity to cast all our “crowns” at the throne of the King. It’s all for him. Let’s be awake and aware of whose we are and stay true to our purpose – to see lives transformed through relationship with Jesus Christ so that God may be glorified and enjoyed.
-------------
Pray that God would help us to be generous with our financial resources as a church and as individuals. (Pick a specific meal time this weekend to pray for FOM)
------------
Posted by Lisa Archinal
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