O my people, listen to my instructions. Open your ears to what I am saying. Psalm 78:1

A search for answers often depends on the time period in which an ancestor migrated to this country. If it was very early in our development, careful records were not always kept, and action seekers tended to migrate further west, living among and often marrying into indigenous cultures, where record keeping didn’t exist. A person or family that remained in their country of origin until a later time before migrating is more easily tracked, as international records typically predate those of the US. Ken’s family came from France by way of Canada, adding an extra layer of mystery to their story. Add to that the fact that they wanted a fresh start in a new world and often changed their names slightly to fit in with their new culture. It’s also important to note that many people couldn’t read or write, and so a name was entered into census records as it sounded to the person doing the actual writing, perhaps incorrectly.

This morning, one of my devotionals asked the question; Why was the Bible so often written in parables. I cannot tell you how many times I’ve asked that very question myself. Then I realized that genealogical research is very much like a parable. In either case, we must search diligently for answers. We must listen carefully and seek to understand the unknown. Jesus wanted us to truly listen and follow his teaching, but if knowledge came too easily, we humans tended to forget, so He chose to stir our imaginations with questions that would lead us to Him if we were willing to persevere.

If you have questions, whether about ancestors or the Bible, ask them now, while there is still time. Don’t wait until your expiration date is past.

As for Ken, he keeps searching. He may put away his genealogical conquests during the summer, but come winter, when he’s looking for something to do indoors, he’ll start digging again, pulling at threads, approaching from different angles. Maybe one day the answers to his ancestry will make themselves known. If not, he has enjoyed the search, and one fine day, when he sits down beside Jesus, all his answers will become crystal clear.

For he issued his laws to Jacob; he gave his instructions to Israel. He commanded our ancestors to teach them to their children, So the next generation might know them—even the children not yet born—and they in turn will teach their own children. Psalm 78:5-6

For the Lord your God is living among you….Zephaniah 3:17a

It seems that since the population of southwest Missouri started growing, it just can’t stop. Our little town of Clever has increased its population by fifty percent since we’ve lived here, and Republic is sprawling all over the countryside. We all know Nixa has experienced exponential growth, and Ozark is adding on to both the north and south sides of town. Huge corporate assets have settled in Brookline, causing a housing explosion in all the towns near it. Everywhere we turn new developments are being born, infrastructure laid, and houses upon houses are being built.

Acreages all around us are being snapped up and changing from family farms to single family homes, apartments, and townhomes. Yes, we have townhomes in Clever now, and let’s not forget all the house flippers who are taking tired homestyles and modernizing them to appeal to a variety of consumers.

Schools are bursting at the seams, businesses are expanding and hiring, and families are relocating to new homes. Every piece of ground that is available for development is being turned over to create new communities. Developers can’t seem to gobble up the land fast enough. Will it ever slow down?

I recently read that we, as Christians, have a personal acreage to develop, a lot in life.

Make a careful exploration of who you are and the work you have been given, and sink yourself into that. Galatians 6:4 MSG

We’re asked to take a good, close look at ourselves and really see how we are influencing our own personal acreage in our daily lives here on this earth. How do we contribute to our families? How do we address our coworkers? How do we respond to total strangers? What are our priorities? What is our primary focus?

Let me tell you, if your life’s focus is on anything other than the sweet spirit of Jesus, it’s high time to rethink your priorities. You are here in this place and this time for a reason. I’d venture a guess that most of us will never know the real purpose of our existence during this earthly lifetime; our role is that of a searcher. Our lives, our hopes, our dreams are all intended to be worthy of the acreage that has been loaned to us by our heavenly Father. He placed you where you are in the vast continuum of time and space for a specific purpose. You may never know that purpose, but it exists. So, in your search, remember to carefully develop the acreage you occupy so that it may be a shining light for others to follow.

I am a child of God. He put me in this time and place for a purpose. He has filled this time and place with His presence and His provision. With His help, I can see the blessings He has given me. Max Lucado, Calm Moments for Anxious Days.

By: Marcy Barthelette

Don’t ever let what someone else thinks or says about you be the factor that determines your value, because what God says about you is the only thing that really matters. Joyce Meyer, Quiet Times With God

“Did you see who their son took to the movie last weekend?“ “Did you hear that she got caught with drugs in her car?” “That kid doesn’t stand a chance with those two for parents?” “And did you know she’s pregnant—only sixteen years old—and she claims to be a Christian.”

Perhaps you were waiting in line to be served and overheard a comment similar to one of those above, knowing it was aimed at you. Or maybe you opened your social media account and found an unkind post about your new hairstyle, your weight, or your political stand? Perhaps it was a derogatory comment about a close friend. Or maybe you even made an unfavorable comment about another person that he or she may have heard or read.

Pastor Dennis has frequently reminded us that we live in a polarized society filled with hate. The internet, with all its technology, has created a platform for everyone with a phone (and that’s everyone), an opportunity to use the invention for good or for evil. Unfortunately, it often seems that evil is winning the battle, but I have great news for you. Our God is greater than any evil Satan throws our way.

Our first and most important hurdle in winning the battle is getting over ourselves. We thrive on the approval of friends, often more than family. We turn to them when things go wrong, thinking they’ll have all the answers to our problems. We plan and strategize about how we can overcome the adversities we face. When all else fails, we might, I stress the word might, turn to God. We know that He should always be the first one we turn to, but we can’t see Him, we don’t try to hear Him, we even overlook the very reality that He sent Jesus to pay whatever price we’re carrying around on our tired shoulders.

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10

Wake up, Jesus people! It’s high time that we walked the walk and talked the talk. We can start by responding to negativity with love. You might be surprised at how an infusion of love can turn an ugly situation into a very manageable one. Most people really do respond positively to kindness. But one shot of kindness does not change the world. We all have to make a conscious effort to curb our tempers, think before we speak (or post), and wear a loving smile.

If you ever think that you don’t matter or that nobody is paying attention to you…think again. People watch. We claim to be Christian, so they want to be sure we “measure up”. It may be our kids watching, perhaps a spouse or a friend, or it may be a total stranger, but I assure you, someone is paying attention. And when you least expect it, they may tap that video button on their phone to record proof of your actions. Nothing is more embarrassing than having your teen replay a video of you doing something you’ve told them never to do. Let’s do our best to make sure that what they see is not us clamoring for attention or trying to cover up our mistakes, but instead, that they see us being more like Jesus.

The other bit of great news is that whatever has been said or done against us or whatever we’ve said or done against someone else, there is redemption waiting for each one of us. Every child, of any age, matters to our loving Father. So, let’s gear up to wage war on our hateful culture with abundant loving kindness. Let’s all get busy bringing Christ’s light into a dark world!

Make a big deal out of God. Become who you are for him. With God, every day matters, every person counts….and that includes YOU. Max Lucado, Cure for the Common Life

By: Marcy Barthelette

Then the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath or spirit of life, and man became a living being. Genesis 2:7

Did you know that adults have 206 -213 bones in their bodies? The variation in that total occurs because some of us have a different number of ribs or vertebrae. Babies are typically born with 270 bones, some of which fuse together as they grow into their adult skeletons.

Bones are the framework that knits our bodies together. Made of hard, strong tissue, they help our bodies hold their shape and allow us to sit, stand, walk, run, and skip. They’re made of living, growing cells that are able to reproduce and repair damaged tissue. Bones protect soft tissue that comprises many of our vital organs, such as the brain, heart, and lungs. A covering of muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments adds shape and function to our bodies, as well as aiding in the protection of those vital organs. Bones contain and protect valuable marrow, which, in turn, produces red & white blood cells to carry oxygen to our blood & fight infection, as well as platelets that control bleeding.

Under certain pressures or because of disease, bones may break, but for most of us, a few weeks in a cast will allow time for the cells to regenerate and infuse each other, making the bone strong again, often stronger than before. The human body is a truly amazing creation.

Our bodies can be likened to a building in that our bones provide a framework that keeps us upright, while all the softer tissues add the finishing touches to aid in the protection of organs and shape our unique physical characteristics.

Likewise, Christ’s church must be comprised of strong bones to carry the heavy loads, a framework, if you will, of faithful believers. Then surround that sturdy framework with softer tissue, the compassion and heart to shower love and hope on those needing help, and especially to spread the Good News that is readily available to anyone willing to hear.

The prophet Ezekiel, in Chapter 37 of the book named for him, found himself carried by the Spirit of the Lord to a valley filled with dried-out old bones, and the Lord asked him if those bones could possibly become living people once more. He didn’t know the answer, but the Lord spoke to him, saying that Ezekiel should speak to the bones and tell them that he, God, would cover them in muscle, flesh,  and skin. That he would then breathe life into them so they would know that he was Lord of all men. And you know what, that’s exactly what happened, because Ezekiel believed. The Church of Jesus Christ must have good, strong bones, willing to truly believe, just as Ezekiel did.

I am not his body, you are not his body. We—together—are his body. Max Lucado, Outlive Your Life

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. I Timothy 4:12

DO WE HAVE AWESOME KIDS AT ALDERSGATE? The answer is a resounding YES! And this past Sunday morning, they took us on an amazing journey into what it means to be a “Jesus follower.” If you missed it, I am truly sorry because they raised the roof with their praise music, spoke from their hearts about their experiences on their mission trip, and reached into the souls of their listeners with a message that is timeless: follow Jesus and you will always have a friend at your side.

The youth praise band opened the service with a crowd-pleaser that rocked the sanctuary with its beautiful message of the resurrection. The one line I jotted down because it really grabbed me was “Now I’m dancing on the grave that I once lived in.” Doesn’t that sum up our relationship with Jesus? We find ourselves mired in the daily 

grind of life, or we let ourselves sink so far into the pit of despair that we can’t see a way up from the bottom, and then along comes Jesus. He offers us a way out and a way up. No matter how rough the ride, He’ll be right there beside us, meeting us where we are and taking us where He wants us to be. He wants us to be “all in” with Him.

Our youth praise band has been gifted with an amazing amount of talent, and it spills forth so joyfully that you can’t help but be blessed.

After communion in the 11:11 service, a number of the kids who had gone on the mission trip to West Virginia shared their favorite moments and lessons learned about people who may not have experienced their same lifestyle. They worshipped through their music, worked with children, and learned a lot about praying with people who had a need for Jesus in their lives. The experience gave them new confidence to talk with others about their faith. They also made discoveries about each other as they ministered in the community they visited. There was fun on the river and soul searching in their evening worship circle. Hearing them speak from their hearts brought tears to my eyes.

It was also third-grade Bible Sunday, and the service ended with the presentation of a Bible to one very sweet young man. Several other Bibles were received by third graders at the 9:45 service.

It was a beautiful morning, and everyone I spoke with felt their spirits were truly lifted by the message they had received in music and words. Thank you so much, kids, for sharing your gifts, your memories, your lessons. We were truly blessed by all that you offered to us, and please know that your church is always there to support you as a group and as individuals.

Following are the lyrics to a couple of verses of Lost In Your Love, written by Brandon Lake and Sarah Elizabeth Reeves, Bethel Music

Sung by Brandon Lake (You can find the full song on YouTube)

Our youth praise band performed it beautifully as they sang it from their hearts.

Chorus:

I’m going all in, in over my head, I’m not scared to get drenched in your love.

Wherever You go, God I will follow. I’m not scared to get lost in your love.

I don’t have to see where this road ends, just as long as my hand’s in Your hand.

Here is where I want to stay, Held within Your sweet embrace.

Could we ever ask for more?

I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow. I Corinthians 3:6

The first trucks arrived at about 7:15 AM on a Tuesday several weeks ago. In just a few minutes, our street was filled with a total of four large trucks, two bearing long trailers hauling the necessary equipment for removing a fifty-plus-foot silver maple tree from our front yard. The tree had developed a weak point in its growth pattern and was at risk of breaking in a windstorm. Half the tree was aimed at our roof if it came down, so we decided to remove the tree in the name of caution. Our two large oak trees would also get a good trim, raising their canopies and removing dead wood.

Within a very short order, the spider lift was removed from its trailer and properly anchored to take the chainsaw operator as high as he needed to go to complete the job. We sat amazed watching him cut branches and feed them to his crew on the ground with absolute precision. He truly was an artist in his field of work. The limbs were placed with perfect accuracy for the ground crew to haul them by hand to the mulching machine or pick up the larger ones with a grappling hook for loading onto a trailer for removal. An hour and forty-five minutes later, the entire tree was gone, and only a short stump remained. The oak trees were then trimmed, and the mess cleaned up so well that we wouldn’t have known the crew had been there except for the ugly stump.

I contacted the company owner that evening to see if he had us scheduled for stump removal. He didn’t, but said they would get to it as quickly as they could. A week later, no one had come to claim the stump, so we called the company owner again, and, long story short, on Saturday morning, I heard a commotion outside the bedroom window, again at 7:15. You guessed it, they were here to chip the stump. (I’m sure the neighbors were thrilled.) For the next hour or so, we listened to the sound of a large stump being chipped from the ground along with the larger roots radiating from it. We were then told that he would be back, as soon as scheduling permitted, to remove the pile of chips, which now resembled a giant anthill; we’re talking more than two feet high and six feet in diameter at its base. The birds and squirrels are having a field day with it, digging, pecking, and tossing chips everywhere.

We’re learning the art of patience. Apparently, there is a rhythm to the pattern this company uses to complete its work. And when they do it, they do it well. We, of course, are getting anxious for new green grass. And that will come, in its own time.

It’s not important who does the planting, or who does the watering. What’s important is that God makes the seed grow. I Corinthians 3:7

When we are finally able to sow grass seeds, water and sun will work their miracle of growth, and we should see progress toward a new section of lawn in a couple of weeks.

When we sow seeds on those we encounter in our daily lives about developing a relationship with Jesus, they may sprout immediately, or they may lie dormant for a long time. But when they sprout and begin to develop roots, the Lord will provide plenty of Son-shine and Living Water, so that when the day of harvest comes, many can go to spend eternity with Him. Our job is to sow.

As I write, our giant anthill is still staring at us every time we look out the front windows, but we know someone will eventually come and pick it up. Once the hole is filled and the dirt scattered, seed can be sown, and we can begin watering and nourishing. Maybe God did us a favor by creating delays in finishing the job. After all, we are in the midst of a drought. Perhaps by waiting a while, the weather cycles may shift and God will choose to pour out His blessing in the form of nice, nourishing rain. Meanwhile, I need to ponder the many ways I can scatter spiritual seeds. I may or may not see them grow to fruition, but if I share well, a new generation can nourish those seeds and grow them into something beautiful.

In your quiet times with God, ask Him to show you practical ways you can sow good seeds in your relationships today. Joyce Meyer, Quiet Times with God