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

Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. Matthew 6:28

While scrolling through my flower photos for this season, I happened upon a beautiful shot of a hydrangea bloom, one of only five on my two otherwise very healthy bushes. In fact, they grow so fast that I need to cut them back several times during the growing season to keep them from covering other, smaller plants. Their giant leaves shade my hostas and coral bells from the hot, summer sun. Why then are they not covered in clusters of pink, blue, and cream? Simple fact, hydrangeas are not supposed to be pruned back until about March in our area because their new blooms form on old wood. The trick is to see which stems are dead and which ones are producing buds, then take out the dead wood and leave the rest to create those gorgeous blossom clusters.

My problem is that even when I pruned properly, I seldom got many blooms. So I asked myself why I should live all winter with those ugly brown stems that stick me every time I get near them. My first choice would be to remove them altogether, but their root systems are very well developed and, in order to dig them out, I’d have to be willing to sacrifice other nearby plants that might not survive the trauma. Hence, I cut my hydrangeas back to about eight inches after they die back in the fall and settle for great foliage and protection for other plants during the summer.

But, guess what, this year they bloomed anyway, and I was thrilled. Apparently, there must have been an old branch tucked somewhere underneath that sprouted and developed into things of beauty.

This brings to mind another instance of surprise blooms. I’ve always loved Southern Magnolia trees and, on our wedding night, when we stepped into our motel room, I found a giant stemmed vase boasting an equally giant magnolia blossom. I felt very blessed that my new husband arranged such a sweet gift. I carried that vase balanced between my knees for many miles as we drove deep into Florida on our honeymoon. I can’t recall how many days the bloom lasted, but I wasn’t going to miss a moment of its beauty. And I still have the vase.

Years later, we finally bought a home of our own, and I planted a young southern magnolia tree. When it was three years old, Ken came rushing into the house, announcing that there were blooms on the magnolia tree. I thought it was just another of his interesting pranks, because, you see, magnolias are not expected to bloom until around their fifteenth year. There was no way there could be blooms on that tree. But he kept pestering me until I gave in and went to check on a tree that I was certain had no blooms, just so Ken would give up and let me get back to what I was doing. And do you know, it wasn’t a prank. There, on my three-year-old magnolia tree, were three perfect blooms, one for each year of its life. My excitement was overwhelming. I watched those blooms in wonder until they finally faded and fell from the tree. A few months later, the tree died from some unknown reason, but God had rewarded my care for that little tree with three gorgeous blossoms that I will never forget.

If He cares enough for me to create magnolia and hydrangea blossoms where, according to our laws of nature, there should have been none, he surely has the time and the love needed to see me through the really big issues in my life. And if he’s willing to take His time to please me, can’t I give Him more of my time and absorb His very nature? There’s nature and then there’s human nature. I want to be an earthly ambassador of God’s true nature.

And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Matthew 6:30

But don’t begin until you count the cost. For who would begin construction of a building without first calculating the cost to see if there is enough money to finish it. Luke 14:28

Lately, I have become aware that some of the young people with whom I come in contact struggle with the mastery of our American currency system. Our current generation has and still is growing up with a totally electronic shopping experience. Whether it be buying new clothes, eating at restaurants, listening to music, or watching their favorite streaming entertainment, the transaction is accomplished electronically.

As an example, our granddaughter recently spent a few days with us. Before leaving home, her parents had exchanged her Apple Cash account for actual money so she’d be able to shop at flea markets and garage sales while with us. During one of our outings, we decided to purchase a bag of kettle corn, but she also wanted some pork rinds. The price was $6 each or two for $10. I said, “Let me pay for it, and you can pay me back.” She said she only had a twenty-dollar bill. I told her we’d break it when she found something else she wanted to buy, and we’d ask the cashier for the correct change to take care of it. I may as well have been speaking Greek. She had no knowledge of making change. So began our discourse regarding combinations of paper bills that totaled twenty dollars. In the end, I paid for the pork rinds, and I’m unsure how much she understood of our little lesson. Since then, Ken had a conversation with a young neighbor who also didn’t understand the concept of making change.

A few years ago, we had quite a discussion with a young clerk in a fast-food restaurant who told us the wrong amount for our purchase, and we informed her that it was more than it should be. She argued that whatever her register said was correct, and we were wrong. The discussion became loud enough that the manager appeared, asking what he could do to help. She explained her claim, the manager looked at the register, told her to close it down immediately because it was incorrect, and to re-ring our purchase on a different register. She was not happy, but she learned that machines can make errors.

Perhaps our kids no longer really need to know how to make change or balance a checkbook. There is talk of eliminating currency completely, meaning no money would ever change hands. Our personal finances would all be handled electronically, and cash would be another dinosaur of our past. But, even if cash and checkbooks are going the way of two-dollar bills and cursive writing, we still need to know how to make and stay on a budget, and that’s a real challenge for many people. Disagreements over money rank high on the list of reasons why relationships go astray.

God knew that the management of our financial resources would be difficult for us, and he provided lots of Biblical instruction as to how we should view our personal wealth, no matter how large or small it happens to be. He also instructed us to be content with what we have. He didn’t want us to over-extend ourselves.

Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Hebrews 13:5

One more quick little story. When our youngest was in her senior year at college, her roommate came home distraught one day. The bank had bounced a check, and she didn’t understand why. Our daughter asked if she had money in the bank, and she answered, “I still have checks, so I guess I still have money in the bank.” Fourth-year college student, and she didn’t understand the principles of a checking account. Today, she’d have a refillable credit card or an electronic cash account. If she tried to purchase something that exceeded her account balance, she’d be told she needed a refill or a new funding source. Maybe there’s merit in this new system. At least, we can’t bounce a check.

My point is that we all need to know how to deal with our money responsibly, whether we pay in cold, hard cash, credit cards, or online payment services. If you don’t feel confident in your spending habits, have trouble setting a budget and sticking to it, or know someone who does, find a reliable program and get started on the road to fiscal responsibility.

The most important thing to remember is that the first line item in your budget is to return to God the portion that is His and to do it cheerfully, for God loves a cheerful giver. From there, let God guide your financial decisions, and you’ll find a peace and contentment you’ve not known before.

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. II Corinthians 9:7

Temptation is knowing what is right while still feeling the desire to satisfy our inevitable curiosity. 

The service was nearly over when the notification sounded on my phone. My first thought is that someone has had an emergency. I always turn my phone to “Do not disturb” before the music begins, and the only contacts allowed to bypass it are my kids. When I checked, it was my fourteen-year-old granddaughter, and she is not one of those who can bypass the setting, so how did she get through? (I never figured that one out.) I set the phone aside for the few minutes remaining of the church service, and then I read her message. She was coming to spend a few days with us and wanted to be sure there were plenty of fresh fruit options in our fridge and that her specific choices were among them. As if I, the trusted Grandma, would be unaware of her dietary wishes. I quickly replied, and we went over her list, most of which I had already bought, and she was content.

Many of us are so attached to our phones that we often forget our manners and can’t resist looking at them when a notification sounds, even when we know we shouldn’t. I must admit I can be caught sneaking a peek when I receive a message while in conversation with another person. I know it’s rude and I should ignore it, but it only takes a second to read the message, and then I can choose to ignore or respond. My conscience always reminds me that I need to focus on the person I am facing and not the one who is interrupting our conversation. Cell phones have made it too easy and tempting to make instant contact with others at inappropriate times.

Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:18 (NIV)

Once our granddaughter arrived, many other temptations arose. She loves flea marketing. She’s almost as obsessed with it as her grandpa. Let’s face it, she likes most any kind of shopping. She was ready to head out the door as soon as her mom left, so we grabbed a bite of lunch and began our big adventure. It doesn’t take long for her to find something she thinks she wants. She has her shopping budget and must make choices that she can live with. After careful consideration, she went home that first day with only one small item and most of her money still in her purse.

The second, and final, day of shopping was a completely different story. She still shopped carefully and conserved some of her budget for the final stop. But when all was said and done, she had spent all she had, and Grandpa had to help her out with taxes. Temptations aplenty followed her throughout the various flea markets, but she made tough choices and ended the adventure with some pretty cool items. And while she was shopping, she met some very interesting people who taught all of us a bit of history and some important lessons.

We’re faced with countless temptations every day that we live—some are large and many are quite small. The thing is, there’s usually a right and a wrong response to the temptations we encounter. But sometimes it’s easy to rationalize the choice we know to be wrong because there’s no one around to see us. Therefore, who can it hurt? Or the infraction is so small that probably no one will notice anyway. Or maybe we even believe that no one cares enough to try to stop us.

Let me tell you that would be an incorrect assumption. Our God is always watching, and He always cares about His kids. He wants us to make the right decisions. He loves us enough that he allows us to make our own choices. And he provided a way for our wrong choices to be absolved.

Whatever temptations we have given in to, and we all do, there is a way to break all the chains that bind us in situations we’d rather not be. The choice is ours. Choose well!

Let me finish with a riddle our granddaughter shared with us:

Why does Jesus not wear jewelry? Because He breaks all the chains.

That’s not my statement. It came from the ever straightforward book of Proverbs or, at least, Max Lucado’s interpretation of the verse. The NLT says, “Unfriendly people care only about themselves.” The message is pretty much the same, but I think the use of the word selfish is appropriate. It says that we are closing ourselves off from others, not sharing good times and bad, not helping when needed. So, just how friendly are we as a people of God?

Pastor Dennis has been speaking for several weeks on the topic Love Guides the Gospel. Our society typically sees love as a “feeling” for a special person, a sensation encouraged by physical attraction to that person. How often do we hear someone say “love you” at the end of a conversation? We all need romantic love in our relationships, but when we dive a little deeper, we learn that the word love is a verb, you know… an action word. Love means putting our words into action, reaching out from ourselves for the betterment of those around us.

Love is not a feeling but a choice we make about how we will treat people. Joyce Meyer, Quiet Times with God

Very early in our relationship, my husband told me that he was a shy person. Not so…as I learned very quickly. He debunked that description of himself when he asked me straight out if I knew Jesus. That’s a story I shared with you recently, but it bears another look because it relates so well to the topic at hand. Ken was completely comfortable asking me if I knew Jesus, partly because my answer would be an important component to the future of our relationship but also just because he wanted to share Jesus’ love with everyone, including me.

It doesn’t matter where we go, Ken always finds a stranger with whom to converse. In fact, when we were out camping with family and dinnertime rolled around, we’d ask our granddaughter where Grandpa was, and the answer was almost always, “He’s talking to strangers again.” Clearly, she frowned upon that habit of his.

Our society, rightfully so, considering the dangers lurking around many corners, teaches children at an early age not to speak to strangers. But, in our fear that something bad will happen to our kids, are we establishing a lifelong pattern of unfriendliness? Add to that our propensity to embrace technology, and we tend to withdraw into our own private little worlds. Strange, isn’t it, that technology opens up so many worlds to explore, but it isolates us from in-person human interaction.

Thankfully, Ken still embraces both worlds. He certainly keeps up with world happenings and the latest trends in lifestyle, but he also reaches out to new families who move into our neighborhood. He takes the time to go and greet them, introduce himself, learn their names, and he typically asks if they have a church home. I’m quite sure my eyes opened wide the first time I heard him do that, but I’ve become very comfortable with his approach to “evangelism.” He cares about people and if they don’t have a church family, he wants to make sure they know the opportunity is there to come and check out ours.

For a long time, I found it harder to reach out spontaneously and share Jesus with others, but it’s amazing how much easier it gets with practice. That’s something we all need to practice more.

Whether or not you are friendly could determine whether or not someone hears about Jesus. Max Lucado, Everyday Blessings

Thank you, Lord, for pulling us out of ourselves. And into your love. Buck Storm, Daily Guideposts

I need to add a postscript….As is typical, when I finish writing, I asked the Lord to tell me if there was anything else I needed to add, and then I went outside to water my plants. During the entire time I was spraying water over thirsty ground, the words to the song “Open the Gates” kept dominating my thoughts, the melody floating through my subconscious awareness. And suddenly, I remembered we had sung that song as our opener on Sunday morning. You know how it is when you hear a certain song and it sets itself on repeat for a long time.

OK Lord, I got the message. I need to open the floodgates of my heart, to be friendly, and let your love pour out on everyone I meet, even if they are reluctant to receive it. At least the seed is planted. Maybe someday it will take root and begin to grow. That’s how it works. We plant seeds and you, Lord, nourish them in Your good timing. Now that the mission is clear, please give me the tools I need to carry out my portion. I never want to be unfriendly or selfish with your love! Amen.