A Personal Message from Pastor Bud to you....

Some Will Face The Risk of Cancer Rather than go to the bathroom....

2012-03-03T08:19:00.000-05:00

Check out the latest post from http://www.churchandculture.org/

Vol. 8, No. 18

Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death. The risk of dying with it is cut dramatically by a simple colonoscopy that explores the large intestine, from the lowest part (the rectum) all the way through colon to the lower end of the small intestine. During the process the physician may biopsy tissue and/or remove polyps.

So why do millions who should have one (and it is recommended for anyone age fifty and older, and then every few years thereafter) avoid it?

It’s not the procedure itself. It only takes 10-45 minutes, 2-3 hours from start to finish. You are sedated so there is no pain or discomfort – in fact, no real memory of the event at all.

So why the avoidance? Who wouldn’t want precancerous polyps removed, or a life-threatening disease caught early enough for treatment?

Because the preparation is unpleasant.

Five days before you have to eliminate various medications, such as Tylenol, as well as vitamin supplements.

Three days before you have to stop eating such things as corn, beans, lettuce, tomatoes, raw fruits, seeds and nuts.

The day before your procedure you are not allowed solid foods, but only clear liquids. You also have to drink four liters of a powerful laxative that clears out your colon so that you can be properly examined.

The day of the procedure you are not allowed to eat or drink anything.

That is why people don’t get a colonoscopy. We will face the risk of fatal cancer rather than go to the bathroom.

Which brings to mind the importance, and frequent avoidance, of a spiritual colonoscopy. I know. It’s probably the first time those words have ever been joined together.

But hang with me.

Throughout Christian history, there has been an abiding awareness that we need times of radical spiritual purging, deep personal exploration, followed by radical cleansing and even surgery. The process goes by such names as fasting, silence, solitude, spiritual direction and repentance.

Through these practices we sensitize ourselves to the movement of the Holy Spirit, empty ourselves of the dulling effect of food and drink, open ourselves to the voice of God and purify ourselves of deeply rooted sin.

Consider something as pivotal as solitude.

Though often marked by physical isolation, the goal is not so much a place as it is a state of mind, one where there is – in the ancient Celtic sense – an “inner attentiveness to God” alone. Solitude provides the necessary separation from our environments that affords objectivity and fresh awareness of the deepest realities and priorities of life. For good reason, Henri Nouwen called it “the furnace of transformation,” and Thomas Kelly the “recreating silences.” Drawing again from the Celtic tradition, these become our “thin places,” with the accompanying “thin times.” The Celts believed that the other world was always close to us, but that it was during these times and places that we were alone with God that it became apparent and the veil was lifted.

So why don’t we do this?

Because it, too, can be unpleasant.

As I once wrote in Serious Times, in truth, I do not always want to go deep. It is easier – far easier - to live my life on the surface waters of communion with God. Going deep with God, as with anyone, is demanding, difficult, time consuming; calling for intentionality and discipline, purpose and drive. Like most, I know there is more, but I have often found myself to be inconsistent – or unwilling – with the effort.

Yet this is the problem.

“Superficiality is the curse of our age,” writes Richard J. Foster. “The doctrine of instant satisfaction is a primary spiritual problem. The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people.”

This is what Thomas Kelly wrote so profoundly of in A Testament of Devotion, noting that we are to live life on two levels – the level of hurried activity, and then the life of the interior world. The dilemma is that many of us only choose to inhabit the first level. The frantic race through life becomes the only plane of existence in which we operate, or from which we draw.

And it is a very shallow well.

As my doctor told me, while preparing for a colonoscopy is unpleasant, consider the unpleasant alternatives.

Or at least, the superficial ones.

James Emery White

Sources

James Emery White, Serious Times (InterVarsity Press).

Esther de Waal, Every Earthly Blessing: Rediscovering the Celtic Tradition.

Henri J. Nouwen, The Way of the Heart.

Thomas Kelly, A Testament of Devotion.

Timothy Joyce, Celtic Christianity: A Sacred Tradition, A Vision of Hope.

Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline.

Editor’s Note

James Emery White is the founding and senior pastor of Mecklenburg Community Church in Charlotte, NC, and the ranked adjunctive professor of theology and culture at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, which he also served as their fourth president. His latest book is What They Didn’t Teach You in Seminary (Baker). To enjoy a free subscription to the Church and Culture blog, log-on to www.churchandculture.org, where you can post your comments on this blog, view past blogs in our archive and read the latest church and culture news from around the world. Follow Dr. White on twitter @JamesEmeryWhite.

The Greatest Sermon I've Ever Preached!

2012-02-26T14:11:00.004-05:00

Click HERE to review the entire scripture from last Sunday morning's service.

The Greatest Sermon I've Ever Preached!

2012-02-25T09:41:00.000-05:00

Today @ 8:00, 9:30 and 11am

Stillmeadow Church of the Nazarene

400 Stillmeadow Lane

York PA 17404

(717)764-4888

www.stillnaz.com

Check Out My New Lenten Devotional

2012-02-24T10:37:00.003-05:00

Daily Devos for This Week

2012-02-19T13:23:00.000-05:00

Home Run Today @ Stillmeadow

2012-02-18T08:00:00.002-05:00

Loved Preaching This Sermon!

"I don’t know of a church or a pastor anywhere thatdoesn’t want to hit home runs for God . . . through preaching and teaching andhealing. But we mustn’t miss first base– prayer. Our patterns must includeprayer.

Stillmeadow Church of the Nazarene

400 Stillmeadow Lane

York PA 17404

(717)764-4888

www.stillnaz.com

Daily Devos

2012-02-12T19:03:00.001-05:00

Great Services @ Stillmeadow Today

2012-02-11T09:22:00.002-05:00

Sermon for 2-12-2012

"Admission into the Kingdom of God is byinvitation only.

That doesn’t mean someare invited and others aren’t. It means

invitation is the only method Jesus ever used! No coercion . . .

no bullying . . . no pressure tactics . . . Jesusnever drop-kicked

anyone through the goal posts of the kingdom. Ever."

Stillmeadow Church of the Nazarene

400 Stillmeadow Lane

York PA 17404

(717)764-4888

www.stillnaz.com

Daily Devotions for This Week

2012-02-06T06:38:00.001-05:00

You Won't Want To Miss Today's Sermon @ Stillmeadow

2012-02-04T09:32:00.001-05:00

Stillmeadow Church of the Nazarene

400 Stillmeadow Lane

York PA 17404

(717)764-4888

www.stillnaz.com

The Next Billy Graham Might Be Drunk Right Now

2012-01-31T19:25:00.002-05:00

Click HERE for a reminder that Jesus will be King, and his church will flourish. And he’ll do it in the way he chooses, by exalting the humble and humbling the exalted. Relax. And be kind to that atheist in front of you on the highway, the one who just shot you an obscene gesture. He might be the one who evangelizes your grandchildren.

As A Follow-Up To My Sermon....

2012-01-30T05:53:00.001-05:00

Great Services Today @ Stillmeadow

2012-01-29T06:44:00.002-05:00

We addressed three important questions

about temptation:

1. What is temptation?

Temptation can be a time of testing

Temptation can be an enticement.

2. Who is tempted?

All people!

3. Does temptation lead to sin?

Temptation is inevitable. Sin is not!

4. How does one overcome temptation?

I John 2:16 - lust and pride

Awareness of the devil’s schemes

Keeping one’s way pure

Search the scriptures - John Wesley

Stillmeadow Church of the Nazarene

400 Stillmeadow Lane

York PA 17404

(717)764-4888

www.stillnaz.com

Important Sermon Tomorrow on Temptation....

2012-01-28T09:12:00.026-05:00

I recall seeing this quote recently in Lynn Anderson's book

"Finding the Heart to Go On"

"The sun of reality beat down on King Saul -

and his heart hardened like stone....

But the sun of reality beat down on David

and his heart melted like butter."

Let's pray that hearts will be melted like butter

tomorrow as we discuss the reality of temptation.

Today I've listed some well known - and not so well known
quotes about temptation. The first is from the Bible.

"For sin shall not have dominion over you:

for ye are not under the law, but under grace"

--Romans 6:14

The devil's boots don't creak (think about that)

No man knows how bad he is

until he has tried to be good.

There is a silly idea about that good

people don't know what temptation means.

C.S. Lewis

All the water in the world, however hard it tries,

can never sink the smallest ship unless it gets inside,

and all the evil in the world, can not hurt you, unless you let it in.

Middle age is when you're faced with two temptations

and you choose the one that will get you home by nine o'clock. :)

--Ronald Reagan

Flee temptation and don't leave a forwarding address.

My soul is more at rest from the tempter

when I am busily employed.

Francis Asbury

Lead me not into temptation;

I can find the way myself.

Rita Mae Brown

Unwillingness to accept God's "way of escape"

from temptation frightens me - what a

rebel yet resides within.

Jim Elliot

It is much easier to suppress a first desire

than to satisfy those that follow.

La Rochefoucauld

Learn to say "no." It will be of more use to you than to

be able to read Latin.

Charles Haddon Spurgeon

I know God won't give me anything I can't handle.

I just wish He didn't trust me so much.

Mother Teresa

When his accusers called him a servant of Satan, Jesus demanded to see their evidence. “Which one you convicts Me of sin?” he dared (John 8:46 NSAB).

Ask my circle of friends to point out my sin, and watch the hands shoot up. When those who knew Jesus were asked the same question, no one spoke. Christ was followed by disciples, analyzed by crowds, criticized by family, and scrutinized by enemies, yet no one person would remember him committing even one sin. He was never found in the wrong place. Never said the wrong word. Never acted the wrong way. He never sinned.

Not that he wasn’t tempted, mind you.
He was “tempted in every way that we are, but he did not sin.”
Lust wooed him. Greed lured him. Power called him. Jesus—the human—was tempted. But Jesus—the holy God—resisted.

Max Lucado

Important Sermon This Sunday on Temptation.....

2012-01-27T09:15:00.002-05:00

Each day for the rest of this week until
Sunday I will post some helpful hints on
how to deal with Temptation.

Here is Friday's tip.

“We can’t just keep running our whole lives [from temptation]. We have to run toward Jesus, the author and perfector. We have to fix our eyes on Him so that all these things are dangling in front of our face but we don’t even notice it — because we’re so focused. Understand that is the key to resisting temptation is running toward the love of God.

That’s why the Bible says if you love God everything is going to be fine. If you love your neighbor as yourself you can’t sin against them.”

“Sin, the [Greek] word there is for missing the mark. I used to think, ‘okay, it’s like aiming this arrow at the bulls eye. Oh, I just missed the bulls eye.’ But the reality of what he’s talking about here: it’s not that you just missed the bullseye. It’s that you started aiming at something else. You took your eyes off of the goal, the target, and you started looking at someone else. That’s why you missed the mark.”

Don't Miss These Regular Posts....

2012-01-26T17:41:00.004-05:00

Ebayse (Daily Notes and News from Pastor Bud)
Sermon Tips (Daily Updates on This Week's Sermon)
Suggested Websites (See This Week's New Entry - Daily Devo for Church Technical Servants)
Sermon Video From Last Week (Just Click Sermon Recap)
Devotions (Just Click the Tab - Daily Devotional for This Week)

Important Sermon This Sunday on Temptation.....

2012-01-25T19:24:00.001-05:00

Each day for the rest of this week until Sunday I will post some

helpful hints on how to deal with Temptation. Here is Thursday's tip.

Temptation is something we all face every day. Some have
likened it to a tremendous pressure that threathens
to crush our spirits from outside.

Some years ago a submarine called the Thresher went down and made a fatal mistake. They went far too deep. The water pressure around the vessel rose to the point that the submarine's heavy steel bulkheads creaked from the pressure.

Rivets and bolts shot out, leaks sprang everywhere and soon the craft was crushed. The sub was torn apart, leaving pieces of debris scattered across the ocean floor for searchers to find.

At this depth nothing can exist except,

(you may be surprised)

Fish. Tiny fish with skin just millimeters thick!

How is it that fish with just a thin skin covering can survive the pressure of such great depths, where a submarine with thick steel plates cannot?

The answer is quite simple:
Fish have equal and opposite pressure inside them.
Submarines do not.

When confronting the pressures of sin some Christians try to become like a submarine, shielding themselves from the outside world, strapping themselves into a narrow space where they are safe from external pressures. They make rules which are designed to reinforce them against temptation.

But unfortunately, the deeper into life we go the more inadequate this approach will be. The external pressure will just become too great.

This is why we need to be like the fish, to develop positive pressure inside ourselves. Rather than simply resisting the outward pressure of temptation we need to combat it by building up positive spiritual pressure within, replacing the values the world would impose with the Spirit developed character of Christ.

Adapted from Stafford and Yancey

A Picture For The Church To Reflect On.....

2012-01-23T07:18:00.003-05:00

From Church & Culture this morning....

What Business Are You In?

The irony has to be painful.

Eastman Kodak, a historic blue-chip American company, filed for bankruptcy because it didn’t adapt to the digital age. The irony is that it was Kodak who developed digital photography.

How can that be? It’s simple.

They didn’t know what business they were in.

They weren’t the first to make this mistake. In the late 1800s, no business matched the financial and political dominance of the railroad. Trains dominated the transportation industry of the United States, moving both people and goods throughout the country.

Then a new discovery came along — the car — and incredibly, the leaders of the railroad industry did not take advantage of their unique position to participate in this transportation development. The automotive revolution was happening all around them, and they did not use their industry dominance to take hold of the opportunity.

In the video presentation developed to accompany the bestselling book The Search for Excellence, Tom Peters points out the reason: The railroad barons didn’t understand what business they were in. Peters observes that “they thought they were in the train business. But they were actually in the transportation business.

Time passed them by, as did opportunity. They couldn’t see what their real purpose was.”

Another example: if anyone had been asked in 1968 which nation would dominate the world in watchmaking during the 1990's and into the 21st century, the answer would have been uniform: Switzerland.

Why? Because Switzerland had dominated the world of watchmaking for the previous sixty years. The Swiss made the best watches in the world, and were committed to constant refinement of their expertise.

It was the Swiss who came forward with the minute-hand and the second-hand. They led the world in discovering better ways to manufacture the gears, bearings, and mainsprings of watches. They even led the way in waterproofing techniques and self-winding models. By 1968, the Swiss made sixty-five percent of all watches sold in the world and laid claim to as much as ninety percent of the profits.

By 1980 they had laid off thousands of watchmakers and were down to less than ten percent of the world market. Their profit domination dropped to less than twenty percent. Between 1979 and 1981, fifty thousand of the sixty-two thousand Swiss watchmakers lost their jobs.

Why? They had refused to consider a new development - the Quartz movement – ironically, again, invented by a Swiss. Because it had no mainspring or knob, it was rejected. It was too much of a paradigm shift for them to embrace.

Seiko, on the other hand, accepted it, and along with a few other companies, became the leaders in the watch industry.

The lesson of the Swiss watchmakers is profound. A past that was so secure, so profitable, so dominant, was destroyed by an unwillingness to consider the future. It was more than not being able to make predictions - it was an inability to rethink how they did business. And even more foundationally, a misunderstanding of what business they were in.

Eastman Kodak thought they were in the yellow film box business. In truth, they were in the picture business.

Churches can make the same mistake as culture changes, methods become antiquated, and technology progresses.

Yes, I know you can’t take business models and practices and always compare them to the church, and I know the term “business” applied to the church is both crass and theologically skewed.

But let’s at least try and make an overarching point.

Are you in the Sunday School business, or the discipleship business?

Are you in the door-to-door visitation business, or the evangelism business?

Are you in the hymnbook and organ business, or the worship business?

It is far too easy to resist innovation and change because you don’t understand what business you are really in. As a result, you cling to old methods and programs as if they are your primary product.

In truth, most of the time they aren’t.

As Lawrence R. Perkins, senior managing director at Conway Mackenzie, a restructuring and financial advisory firm, said of Kodak’s chances, “This is going to be a tough one. Just like anything else, the business has evolved. It’s going to be hard to unwind 130 years of history.”

Here is what will help: know what business you’re in, so that you are free to innovate and explore, cast aside and add, embrace and enlarge.

And that’s not just a snapshot from Kodak for the business world.

It’s a picture for the church to reflect on as well.

James Emery White

Sources

“Bankrupt, Kodak Vows to Rebound,” Andrew Martin and Michael J. de la Merced, The New York Times (Friday, January 20, 2012, p. B1 and B7.

Tom Peters, The Search for Excellence (Video).

On the Swiss watchmakers, see Joel Barker, Future Edge (1992).

Editor’s Note

Fear of rejection, betrayal, death, or even God?

2012-01-23T06:24:00.006-05:00

A friend of mine told me about an interview he listened to recently.

From his description it sounded like it was pretty incredible.

You can listen to the interview by clicking HERE. Just scroll down to

"What Women Fear" The person being interviewed is author Angie Smith.

You can click HERE to view a description of Angie's latest book.

"A woman's fears can keep her from experiencing a loving relationship with her God. Ever since Satan tempted Eve in the Garden of Eden, we've been afraid our actions might cause us to miss out on the beautiful things of life. In What Women Fear Angie Smith blends her personal experience with those of men and women in Scripture to help readers start dealing with their own fears. Whether you have a fear of rejection, betrayal, death, or even God, Jesus can redeem the situation and in the process transform you. Begin your journey today"

I trust this will be a blessing to you.

Your friend,

Pastor Bud

Don’t Be Afraid to Pray “Whatever It Takes”

2012-01-22T12:15:00.004-05:00

I found this interesting blog on the website: http://www.churchleaders.com

When visiting my mother recently I was leafing through a well-known magazine and came across an article about a well-known actress who is a professing Christian. The article described her vibrant faith and the role of prayer in her life. I was encouraged by her cultivation of constant prayerfulness. I want to grow in that too.

But the comment that stuck with me was, “I know not to beg [God] for patience, because then he gives me situations in which I have to grow more patient; I learned that lesson!”

God bless her honesty. Over the years many earnest Christians have said similar things to me. Ask God to make you more godly and what happens? You get more difficulty, more struggle, and more pain. Who wants that?

The answer is: we should! Not the pain for its own sake, of course. But if the discipline of pain produces the peaceful fruit of righteousness (Hebrews 12:11), we should plead for the discipline. If it means we will be more like him, more deeply know him, be freer from fearful unbelief, and have more capacity to love others, we should beg for it. “Love is patient” (1 Corinthians 13:4). If we don’t want more patience, what does that say about our view of love?

And what’s the alternative? Shallow love? Half-heartedness? Do we want this description by C. S. Lewis’s to always be true of us?

It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased” (The Weight of Glory).

No! Let’s not be so easily pleased! Let’s not be afraid to ask God to do “whatever it takes” to bring him the greatest glory and us the deepest joy. Let’s really “press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). Let’s want the Prize!

Oh Father, whatever it takes, increase our love by increasing our patience! Whatever it takes, increase our delight in you! Whatever it takes, align our rogue desires with yours! Whatever it takes teach us to trust you more! And free us to pray these things! In Jesus’ name, amen.

I do understand our actress sister from the magazine, believe me. God does answer these kinds of prayers. I know it from experience and the discipline is often painful. But what I have tasted of God and his promises during these times are so precious I wouldn’t trade them for the world. And I want more. So I keep praying “whatever it takes,” even with some trembling.

Today Jesus is asking you, “What do you want me to do for you” (Luke 18:41)? Don’t be afraid. Ask (Luke 11:9)! “It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom”
(Luke 12:32).

________________________________________________________________

More from Desiring God or visit Desiring God at www.desiringgod.org

Great Services @ Stillmeadow today....

2012-01-21T09:38:00.002-05:00

Sermon for January 22, 2012

Are You Ready To Take The Plunge?

Stillmeadow Church of the Nazarene
400 Stillmeadow Lane

York PA 17404

Click on the Daily Devo Tab Above ....

2012-01-21T09:31:00.001-05:00

Let's begin living like Jesus.....

2012-01-20T17:45:00.000-05:00

Why We Need to Throw Out the Term "Good Christian"

by Francis Chan

I think it's time we stop asking ourselves the question: "Am I a good Christian?" We live in a time when the term "Christian" has been so diluted that millions of immoral but nice people genuinely consider themselves "good Christians." We have reduced the idea of a good Christian to someone who believes in Jesus, loves his or her family, and attends church regularly. Others will label you a good Christian even though your life has no semblance to the way Christ spent His days on earth. Perhaps we should start asking the question: "Am I a good Christ?" In other words, do I look anything like Jesus? This question never even entered my mind until a friend of mine made a passing comment to me one day.

Dan is a long time friend of mine. In fact, he's the pastor who performed my wedding. He was talking to me about a pastor named Von. Von has been working with youth in the San Diego area for decades. Many of his students have gone on to become amazing missionaries and powerful servants of God. Dan described a trip to Tijuana, Mexico, with Pastor Von. (Von has been ministering to the poor in the dumps of Tijuana for years.) Dan didn't speak of the awful living conditions of those who made their homes amidst the rubbish. What impacted Dan the most was the relationship he saw between Von and the people of this community. He spoke of the compassion, sacrifice, and love that he witnessed in Von's words and actions as he held these malnourished and un-bathed children. Then he made the statement that sent me reeling:

"The day I spent with Von was the closest thing I've ever experienced to walking with Jesus."

Dan explained that the whole experience was so eerie because he kept thinking to himself: "If Jesus were still walking on Earth in the flesh, this is what it would feel like to walk alongside of Him!" After that discussion, I kept wondering if anyone had ever said that about me-"The day I spent with Francis was the closest thing I've ever experienced to walking with Jesus." The answer was an obvious "no." Would any honest person say that about you?

What bothered me was not that I hadn't "arrived," but that I wasn't even heading in the right direction. I hadn't made it my goal to resemble Christ. I wasn't striving to become the kind of person who could be mistaken for Jesus Christ. Isn't it ironic that a man can be known as a successful pastor, speaker, and CHRISTian even if his life doesn't resemble Christ's?

1 John 2:6 "Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did."

When John made that statement, he wasn't speaking about how to be a church leader or even how to be a "good" Christian. He merely stated that anyone who calls himself Christian must live like Jesus did. So how did Jesus live? You could make a list of character traits to compare yourself to, but it would be far more beneficial to simply read through one of the Gospels. After you get a bird's-eye view of the life of Christ, do the same with your own. Are you comfortable with the similarities and differences?

It's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of "success" as American churchgoers define it. The thought of being well known and respected is alluring. There have been times when I've been caught up in the fun of popularity. I've even mistaken it for success. Biblically, however, success is when our lives parallel Christ's. Truth is there are many good Christs that you'll never read about in a magazine. They are walking as Jesus walked, but they are too focused and humble to pursue their own recognition.

May we make it our goal to someday have someone say of us: "The day/hour/15 minutes I spent with ______ was the closest thing I've ever experienced to walking with Jesus."

As Christians in America, we often complain about how antagonistic people are toward Christ. Personally, I'm not sure that Americans are really rejecting Christ. Maybe they just haven't seen Him.

Try to be COMPLETELY honest with yourself right now. Is the following true of you?

You passionately love Jesus, but you don't really want to be like Him. You admire His humility, but you don't want to be THAT humble. You think it's beautiful that He washed the feet of the disciples, but that's not exactly the direction your life is headed. You're thankful He was spit upon and abused, but you would never let that happen to you. You praise Him for loving you enough to suffer during His whole time on Earth, but you're going to do everything within your power to make sure you enjoy your time down here.

In short: You think He's a great Savior, but not a great role model.

The American church has abandoned the most simple and obvious truth of what it means to follow Jesus: You actually follow His pattern of life. I pray for those who read this article- that we don't become cynical or negative toward the church. Instead, let's make a personal decision to stop talking so much and begin living like Jesus. Then we can say as the Apostle Paul, "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1) My guess is that you've never had someone say that to you, and you've never said it to anyone else. Why Not?

Interesting.....

2012-01-20T05:19:00.001-05:00

I'm Not a Christian but I'm Coming to Your Church This Sunday

by Thomas Weaver

Okay, I’m not a Christian, but I’ve finally made the decision to come to your church this Sunday. Don’t expect much from me though. If something comes up, I might not, but right now, I’m planning on it. I feel like I need to go, but I’m not sure why. I want to tell you a few things about myself before you meet me.

1. I’m not going to understand religious language or phrases so be aware of that when we talk. I don’t understand slain in the spirit, God is moving in me, covered in the blood, I need to die to self, you just need to be in the Word, what you need is a new life, etc. If we have conversation filled with religious talk, I’m probably not going to understand half of the words...and maybe think you’re a little crazy.

2. When you ask me how I’m doing, know that I don’t trust you. I’m probably going to lie and tell you I’m fine. It’s not that I don’t want to tell you; it’s just that I come from some pain and am not sure if I trust you yet. How about you tell me your story first? If I like you and get the vibe that you’re not trying to capture my soul or anything, I’ll tell you mine.

3. I’ve got pretty rough language, and I can be bitter and angry about some things. If I sense in you a mindset of superiority, I’m out. If you are just waiting for your turn to talk instead of truly listening to me, I’m not going to be interested. Don’t expect me to be exactly like you.

4. Don’t make a big deal of introducing me to everyone you know. I understand a couple of people, but please; don’t set up a welcoming line. I’m just there to check it out; I need a bit of space.

5. I’m going to be looking for genuine interest in me. I don’t want to feel like your personal salvation project or be a notch on your “I saved one” belt. If this Jesus is who you say he is, then I’m looking forward to seeing him in you. That’s how it works, right?

6. I’m going to have questions. I need truth, not your preferences or your religion, so can you just tell me what the Bible says?

7. I need to feel welcome. Is there a time limit or something on my visit before I’m supposed to feel unwelcome? I mean, I’ve been to other churches, and there seemed to be a push for me to make up my mind or something. How long until I’m unwelcome?

Thanks for hearing me out. I’m pretty sure I’m going to come this Sunday. But I might not.

This came to me from

Reaching the World—From Your Desk

2012-01-18T15:51:00.002-05:00

How to Make a Difference -

Wherever You are Clocked In

Everyone knows the best place to foster relationships with the poor is on the church’s annual week-long mission trip or within the specified hours we’re doing “volunteer” work in the community. Or, reluctantly, when we can’t quite zip through a red light in time to avoid the sign-holding stranger who wants a bite to eat. Where we don’t always encounter the poor is at work.

Except that we do.

Though our temptation is to designate relating to people who are poor as being something special we do outside of our job, Jesus had a whole other plan.

Who’s to say the Samaritan who aided a bloody mugging victim wasn’t on his way to Starbucks to discuss a possible business merger? And how do we know the one Jesus praises for visiting prisoners wasn’t a manager at the Burger King where the prisoner was employed? There’s simply no good reason to assume we shouldn’t be engaging with the poor—materially and otherwise—where we work. It may take a little creativity, but it’s worth the effort.

Working as a barista, bartender or waiter?

Know the names of the customers you serve. Though you won’t be able to know each one, identify a few regulars and be open to new ways to know and care for them. It might be as simple as remembering what they’ve shared with you and following up the next time you see them.

Does your coffee shop or restaurant get rid of food at the end of the day? See if you can donate leftovers to a local shelter or a homeless person you pass on your commute.

Working in health care?

If you work in health care, your work is holy. You, quite literally, are God’s hands and feet in the lives of the ones God loves. As you care for the poor, be open to discover how Jesus wants to use you in their lives—and vice versa. Expect these routine encounters to be the place where Jesus is at work.

Working as a creative (artist, performer, writer, speaker)?

Author Henri Nouwen spent a season of his life among people with disabilities as a member of a L’Arche community. When he traveled to lecture, he’d bring one of these friends along. As you develop friendships with those who are poor, find creative ways for them to share your platform. Rather than telling a story about them, find a unique way for them to tell their own story. You can also donate your time to providing creative assets for organizations or groups that could benefit from this expression.

Working in IT?

You’ve got mad computer skills, so don’t be afraid to use them. Consider contacting a congregation or nonprofit with whom you have some connection—your housekeeper’s church? local teen outreach?—and offering to share your skills. If they don't have a site online, they need your help! Offer to mentor a teen or adult who can continue to update the site.

Working in social services?

If you work in social services, you’ve hit the jackpot. No doubt a world in need files past your door, rides in your car and calls your phone every day. Counselor Michelle K. tells clients: “You are God’s beloved. You are made in the image of God and God wants good things for you.” The announcement has brought clients to tears. Find creative ways to communicate this truth.

Working a desk job?

Though a desk, an office door or a cubicle might naturally separate you from groups who are demographically different than you, keep your eyes peeled. Who vacuums the office you use? Who cleans the bathrooms? Who fills the vending machines? Seize opportunities to know these forgotten coworkers, as well as ways your business could benefit those beyond your office doors.

Working as a student?

There are a lot of people who work to make your experience possible, and many you might overlook are worth knowing. Who’s cooking in the cafeteria? Who’s cleaning the classrooms? Use the flexibility your schedule allows to know and learn the stories of these important and often unrecognized people.

Working as a pastor?

Though many of our churches are fairly ethnically and socioeconomically homogenous, partner with a sister congregation across demographic lines of income, race or—truly revolutionary—even denomination. Invite their men to join your congregation’s men’s group, or ask if your women can participate in their annual women’s retreat. The goal? Authentic friendship and, eventually, shared mission.

Working as a youth pastor?

Too often, parents and the church keep young people from encountering a world in need in the name of “protecting” them. Challenge young people to identify and discover one new friend at school whose economic circumstances are less privileged than their own. Better yet, make them curious by modeling it with a friend of your own.

Working at home?

Whether you build websites or build earrings to sell on Etsy, you’ve got a tricky challenge. Basically, you’re going to have to leave your home or invite the outside world in. Is there an elderly person in your neighborhood who’s home during the day? Could you make yourself available to pick up the kid of the single mother from daycare when she’s in a bind? Ask God to show you these opportunities. (Looking for other ways to make an impact in your neighborhood? Here are some tips for making a difference in the suburbs.)

Working in education?

From curriculum to field work, let your students encounter a world that’s bigger than the one they inhabit by exposing them to news, stories, history and encounters with those who are materially poor. Think on ways to challenge your students to know and engage with those who are under-resourced.

Was your unique job not even mentioned? Leave us a comment and tell us how you engage with those who are materially poor in the course of your daily work.

Margot Starbuck

Sermon Notes for January 15, 2012

2012-01-15T05:59:00.006-05:00

Stillmeadow Church of the Nazarene
400 Stillmeadow Lane

York PA 17404

John 3:1 – “In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea.” Preaching wasn’t the only ministry John had. But it was his primary ministry. Preaching was first among his responsibilities. So, the question that begs our attention today is “what is preaching?” Let’s go to the Word for our definition.

II Timothy 4:2 – Here is Paul’s command to Timothy to “preach the Word”. The word Paul uses is “kerysso” in the Greek. The word was used of a herald who calls the citizens of the kingdom together to present a message from the king . . . a proclamation from the King’s royal spokesman.

Acts 15:35 – We find Paul and Barnabas in Antioch teaching and preaching. A different word is used. It is “evangelizo.” A preacher is someone who brings good news from the King . . . and good things happen when people respond to this good news.

(1) Matthew 28:19-20 – The great commission. The word is “didasko” and is often translated “teaching them”. What is implied in this direction is teaching a form of proclamation. Biblical preaching must have a teaching element.

Paul is making this point about preachers and preaching: (1) preachers are called and sent by God, (2) preachers are supposed to herald a message from God; (3) preaching is one way we hear from God; (4) and sinners who believe the message are transformed by God.

No wonder, in our faith tradition, preaching is at the center of what we do when God’s people gather for worship. That’s why John the Baptist came preaching. That’s why Peter came preaching . . . Timothy . . . James . . . and why Jesus Himself came preaching. That’s why the church must come preaching.

1. Matthew 3:2 – “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Repentance is the English translation of the Greek word “metanoia”. Military term – about face.
Definition - To have a change of mind in regard to sin.

3. Ephesians 4:17 – 5:8 – Paul describes changes in believers actions.

Conclusion

Sermon for Sunday, January 15, 2012

2012-01-14T08:43:00.003-05:00

"in our faith tradition, preaching is at the center of what we do when God’s people gather for worship. That’s why John the Baptist came preaching. That’s why Peter came preaching . . . Timothy . . . James . . . and why Jesus Himself came preaching. That’s why the church must come preaching."

Please be in prayer for tomorrow's services at Stillmeadow.

Stillmeadow Church of the Nazarene

400 Stillmeadow Lane

York PA 17404

(717)764-4888

www.stillnaz.com

“No one who gives their best regrets it.”

2012-01-11T19:26:00.001-05:00

Reflections on the Importance of Integrity

Over the last several years I’veread a few books on the importance of integrity. Stephen L. Carter believes integrity is oneof the “pre-democratic virtues” that must be practiced if democracy is going tothrive. Henry Cloud writes that“integrity is the courage to meet the demands of reality. . . .” I believe mostof us have witnessed first-hand what happens when people, from all walks oflife, fail to practice integrity. Mosteveryone around them is affected:

It’s interesting how often the issueof integrity arises in our conversations about leadership. Many consider integrity to be the key to bothsuccess and significance.

Recently, I stumbled across awonderful book by K.P. Yohannan called “Against the Wind: Finishing well in a World ofCompromise.” The context of the book istaken from a series he taught in January 2002 to 500 in attendance at aconference for field leaders associated with the Gospel for Asia organization. The lessons are drawn from II Timothy. To illustrate the importance of integrity inour everyday lives, Yohannan shares the following:

            Inthe American form of government, the most powerful and influential group ofpeople next to the president is the Senate. I once heard the story of one particular senator who was known for beingan honest and God-fearing politician. Everywhere he went, people would ask him why he was so different frommost politicians, why he would not compromise and why he gave such highpriority to living by principle. To answertheir questions, he told the following story.
            One morning he and his fathertook their fishing poles and worms and started fishing on a lake. The guidelines that came with their licensesaid that they could keep only the fish that were caught after noon (in theUnited States you must have a license to fish in the lakes).
            For quite some time theypatiently waited for a catch. Suddenlythe boy felt a tug on his line. “Daddy,daddy,” he cried out, “fish!”

            Hisfather helped him pull the line in, revealing a large beautiful fish floppingon the end of the line.
            “I caught a big fish!” criedthe boy excitedly. “We can cook it,Daddy, and Mommy will be very happy.”
            But his father said, “Son, itis not yet noon.”

“What do you mean?”

           “The law says that we canonly keep the fish we catch starting at exactly twelve noon. My son, it is not yet twelve o’clock.”
          “But,Daddy, nobody is here. We are the onlypeople on this whole lake. Nobody willknow!”
            Buthis father stood strong. “Son, it isstill five minutes before twelve. It isnot yet noon.”

“Oh, Daddy, please!” the boycried. “It’s only five minutes.”
“My son, it may be only five minutes away, but I’m sorry. We cannot keep the fish.”

The father took the fish and threw itback into the lake.

This example of his father’scommitment to integrity, no matter how small or great the matter impacted the boy so significantly that it is what heattributed his success as a politician to. He says that to this day, he still hears the voice of his fatherreminding him of the importance of integrity, that regardless of who sees orknows, he will consistently choose to do the right thing, no matter what thecost.

Lesson drawn? Integrity is more caught than taught! (no punintended) and generally, people of personal integrity are people of influence.
I have my own story. There was a time . . . when I was 12 . . .that I was short and chubby. (I knowthat must be hard to believe) So my mom would take me to a “husky” clothingstore in Washington, D.C. (one hour away!) to shop for school clothes.

After arriving home after a shoppingspree, mom checked the receipt contents only to discover she had not paid formy new belt ($2.00). The reason it cost so much was because it was 4 feetlong. So, we jumped back in the car anddrove all the way to “The Husky Store” to pay for the belt. The customer service people were amazed andthanked her profusely. As for me, lessonlearned. Integrity is costly. It involves sacrifice and courage . . . andit can be counter-cultural (in a word of compromise!)

But it’s worth it, don’t youthink? My mom and dad were people ofintegrity . . . and were admired by many. People of integrity are people ofinfluence.

“No one who gives their best regretsit.” - George Halas

January 11, 2012

2012-01-11T17:43:00.000-05:00

Week of January 9, 2012

2012-01-08T06:35:00.001-05:00

Each day you can just click on scripture

to read entire passage! Life is good!

Sunday, January 8, 2012

2012-01-08T06:20:00.000-05:00

Stillmeadow Church of the Nazarene

400 Stillmeadow Lane

York PA 17404

(717)764-4888

www.stillnaz.com

I. Why Nazareth? Why Did Jesus Become A Nazarene?

1. There were politicalreasons. Judea went to Archelaus. The northeast region went to Philip. And Galilee went to Herod Antipas.

2. Divine Direction. Matthew2:22

3. Full-Fill-Ment Matthew 2:23

II. What Was Nazareth?

1. Jesus socio-economiclocation

2. A radical identification with the least of these. Matthew 25:31-46

III. Why Nazarene ?

1. We call ourselves Nazarenes because wewant to be like the Nazarene.
Christlikeness

2. IJohn 3:11-16 loving

       3. I John 2:7-10         holy

        4. I John 3:21-24       obedient

5. I John 3:17-20 identify with the poor

“We are made Christlike by the sanctifying work of His Spirit.”–DanielBoone

“To be aNazarene is to pursue the Wesleyan-holinessway of following Jesus.”

Don't Miss Tomorrow's Sermon! Can't wait!

2012-01-07T13:23:00.000-05:00

FULL– FILL – MENT
The Story Of Jesus As Told By Matthew

Key Scripture is Matthew 2:19-23

Stillmeadow Church of the Nazarene

400 Stillmeadow Lane

York PA 17404

(717)764-4888

www.stillnaz.com

Definition of a friend...

2012-01-04T15:05:00.000-05:00

“A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart ..... and can sing it back to you..... when you have forgotten the words.”

New Year, Same Goals?

2012-01-02T07:28:00.000-05:00

Click HERE for the latest from Church&Culture.

15 things to keep you on track for 2012.

Seeking God's Will in 2012...

2011-12-29T17:15:00.001-05:00

Listen in while I hang with theologian and founder of Methodism, John Wesley; theologians and authors Richard Taylor, Henry Blackaby, and Leon Chambers, and my personal spiritual director, Kent Ira Goff. I just threw out questions and let them respond. Check out my interview as published
by Holiness Today by clicking HERE.

From the Reedy Vault - Stop. Think About Your Legacy...

2011-12-29T17:05:00.001-05:00

On My Mind Today....: Stop. Think About Your Legacy...

Reedy Riddle for Wednesday.....

2011-12-28T08:05:00.002-05:00

The answer is found somewhere on this page.

First one to guess the answer just might get some serious money.

Just let me know by clicking "comments" below.

From the Vault - January 1, 2011

2011-12-27T08:29:00.000-05:00

Make Me A Blessing?

During all of last year I’ve challenged our people, at the end of the worship service to bless three people . . . and make sure at least one of them doesn’t deserve it. This is in keeping with the covenant God made with Abraham: “You will be a blessing . . . and all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:2-3)

One morning, a young man named Titus came to me and asked: “Pastor Bud, what does that mean . . . to bless someone?”

Well, according to George Failing in the very reliable Beacon Dictionary of Theology, to “bless” means “to enrich, prosper, protect, and multiply with temporal overtones.”

In other cases “to bless meant to praise, to thank, and/or to congratulate.”

More importantly, and often in the New Testament, the word is associated with grace and God’s redemptive love.

So, does that help? Still not clear? Okay, let’s try this.

Blessings can come from God or people. A blessing can be seen as divine favor . . . an inner spiritual quality. A blessing can spring forth from a strong sense of God’s love and presence. But a blessing can also come from others. Words, prayers, acts of kindness or compassion. These too can bless.

I like David Spangler’s description: “At heart, giving a blessing is really quite simple. We innately know how to do it, precisely because it comes from the heart, from a sense of caring and helpfulness. Every time you create safety and reassurance where before there was fear, you are giving a blessing. Every time you perform an act of kindness, providing money where there is poverty, shelter where there was vulnerability, food where there was hunger, love where there was loneliness, comfort and encouragement where there was despair and depression, you are being a blessing. There is no special technique other than having an open, generous heart and a loving, aware mind. You don’t have to possess any particular gift in order to embody goodwill or to be kind and helpful.”

So this year I encourage you to make yourself available to God and be a blessing. Out of your life, let Jesus shine.

Your Attitude Doing OK?

2011-12-27T06:58:00.001-05:00

Click HERE for my recent article

(published in Holiness Today)

2012 is dangerously close......

2011-12-26T06:47:00.003-05:00

Click HERE if you want to live

"intentionally" next year.

an excerpt.......

For those who are thinking…God is in control of my destiny…so I’ll just let Him direct my paths…I don’t need a plan…

I couldn’t agree with you more about God being in control…as He should be. All our plans and goals are futile without His input, but read through the Bible, and you’ll see countless illustrations of how God allows men and women who seek Him to create a plan of action: sometimes for good and sometimes not.

There are times God gives us clear and direct instructions, and other times (I would say most times), God allows us to figure out the best course of action based on the wisdom and experiences He has allowed us to have.

December 25, 2011

2011-12-25T07:01:00.000-05:00

Join us as we worship the King!

2011-12-22T17:56:00.001-05:00

Christmas Eve at 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM

Christmas Day at 8:00 AM at the

Stillmeadow Lane Campus

Christmas Day at 10:30 AM

York City Campus

Please invite your friends and family to attend one of these worship services.

Please be in prayer today

2011-12-21T18:37:00.003-05:00

Robert and Thelma Kramer have requested prayer for Robert’s father, Robert Kramer, Sr. He is scheduled for emergency, triple bypass surgery Thursday at 6:15am. Please pray for God’s healing touch and guidance for the surgeons’ tomorrow morning.

Stillmeadow Church of the Nazarene

400 Stillmeadow Lane

York PA 17404

(717)764-4888

www.stillnaz.com

“The Story of Jesus As Told By Matthew”

2011-12-20T08:05:00.001-05:00

Click HERE to view my 12-18-2011 sermon

I. The Importance of Joe – bedience

1. How did Joe obey?

2. Fathers, your obedience to God is more important than your sacrifice for your family.

II. Another Example of Jesus Being the Full-fill-ment of Prophecy

1. Matthew 2:14-15

2. Hosea 11:1

3. Acts 17: 16-34

III. The Rulers of This World Are Seldom Friendly Toward God’s Mission

1. Matthew 2:13

2. Matthew 5:1-12

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

2011-12-20T06:26:00.000-05:00

Monday, December 19, 2011

2011-12-19T08:51:00.003-05:00

Sunday, December 18, 2011

2011-12-18T06:24:00.001-05:00

Full-fill-ment
“The Story of Jesus As Told By Matthew”
Matthew 2:13-18
December 18, 2011

I. The Importance of Joe – bedience

1. How did Joe obey?

2. Fathers, your obedience to God is more important than your sacrifice for your family.

II. Another Example of Jesus Being the Full-fill-ment of Prophecy

1. Matthew 2:14-15

2. Hosea 11:1

3. Acts 17: 16-34

III. The Rulers of This World Are Seldom Friendly Toward God’s Mission

1. Matthew 2:13

2. Matthew 5:1-12

JO-BEDIENCE (Not A Misprint)

2011-12-17T09:44:00.000-05:00

Services at 8, 9:30 & 11am

18 Ways You Can Influence Public Policy

2011-12-17T07:42:00.000-05:00

by Bethany Mickahail

Like many believers, I am deeply disturbed by the general erosion of Christian values in our society. Who would have thought, a generation ago, that courts would rule Christian clubs on school property illegal, yet give women the right to abort their babies?

I believe God is calling us, as the ‘salt of the earth,’ to fight to preserve godly values in our nation. The decisions our legislators make affect all of us. Through prayer and action, we have the responsibility to influence them for good. If we don’t, those with other agendas will prevail.

I have discovered at least three areas of involvement for the Christian committed to changing our society: education, political action, and prayer. One word of caution: before we take action, we need to pray for God’s direction. As His Spirit orders our priorities and level of involvement, we can channel our energies and prayers into the ministries that will be most effective.

Education
It has been said that education is the foundation of democratic government. We must first educate ourselves on the issues that concern the church today. This will help us to identify our areas of concern, prayer, and energy.

Be Informed.
1. Subscribe to Christian periodicals and newsletters from organizations targeting the moral assault on our nation.

2. Ask if your church’s library will subscribe to these publications.

3. Read reputable secular newspapers and news magazines and compare them with your Christian sources. Be aware that the secular news media is often very biased against contemporary Christian thought.

Educate others.
4. Arrange to share what you have learned with your Bible study group, Sunday school class, or the entire congregation of your local church.

5. Write a “Christian Issue Alert” insert for your church newsletter or bulletin.

6. Write letters to the editor of your local or national newspaper. Let your voice be heard on issues not covered by the media.

7. Sponsor an “awareness night” for education and prayer through your church. Invite a local expert to speak on a specific topic, such as the director of a crisis pregnancy center on the abortion issue. Teach believers how to pray and take action about the concern.

8. Sponsor a candidates’ night through your church or Bible study group. Invite area churches and the public to ask the candidates questions on issues of moral significance.

9. Hold a Pro-Family Fair through your church or other sponsoring group, featuring information booths, keynote speakers, Christian music bands, and evangelistic outreach. Invite other churches to participate. Publicize the event throughout your local community. Or, hold a rally or march.

Political Action
Communicate with your legislators.
10. Write letters to your local, state, and national legislators whenever you think they need to hear from you. Don’t pester or harass; always be polite, concise, and specific.

11. Phone your legislator’s office to voice your opinion regarding his or her voting record.

12. Meet with your legislator. Be sure to go with an informed, praying partner. Tell your legislator what you support or prefer to see in his or her voting record. Limit yourself to one issue of concern per letter, phone call, or visit.

13. Attend the public meetings of your school board, city council, and country legislature. Observe and experience government in action. Speak out on issues that concern you and your church at these meetings. Let them know you are watching and that you care about decisions they make.

Involve others.
14. Invite people to a letter-writing party concerning a specific topic for legislative action (e.g., an anti-pornography bill). Not only will your letters have impact, but people will learn how to write an effective letter to their legislators.

15. Sponsor a voter registration drive in your church or community. Call your local Board of Elections for assistance with forms, procedures, and deadlines.

Prayer.
16. Initiate prayer for local, state, and national legislators. Lead your Bible study or fellowship for five minutes of issue-oriented prayer as part of the regular meeting.

17. Begin a prayer chain for issues of concern and pending legislation in your local and state government, the Congress, and Supreme Court.

18. Learn about ministries devoted to prayer for our nation. Subscribe and receive their publications. Be an informed prayer warrior!

But who you hang with and follow.....WOW!

2011-12-15T07:41:00.000-05:00

The story is told of an investigative reporter who was given the assignment by his editor to cover the story of the citrus industry in Florida. Upon arriving at a citrus farm, the reporter entered a shed where he discovered an older man sorting oranges. The worker shared with the reporter that he had been an “orange sorter” for 30 years. The reporter watched with interest as the oranges came tumbling down a conveyor belt. The “sorter” went to work putting the large oranges in one hole, the small oranges in another and the damaged oranges in another still.

The reporter watched the worker perform this incredibly exciting task with a very serious look of interest on his face and this fascinated the reporter. Finally the reporter asked:

“Doesn’t this get to you? How can you bear up under this day after day year after year without it driving you nuts?”

To which the sorter replied: “Oh, you don’t know the half of it. Day after day, I come in here and all day until the time I leave its

DECISIONS. DECISIONS. DECISIONS.”

True. Life is filled with decisions. What shall I wear? What should I eat? What shall I watch on television? Should I go to college? If so where? Who should I hang out with? Who shall I follow?

Obviously, some decisions are more important than others. For instance, if I choose the wrong thing to wear, it’s a fashion mistake. (i.e. the runway at the Oscars! Sometimes I think to myself: Really?) By-in-large, fashion mistakes carry short-term consequences, right?

But who you choose to hang with and who you decide to follow. Wow. The consequences are huuuuuge!

I chose to marry Sally Hoopengardner. Good decision.

I chose to attend Eastern Nazarene College. I do not regret it.

I am choosing to hang with Nazarenes. They have become my tribe.

I have decided to follow Jesus. And that one decision has affected every other decision I’ve ever made or ever will make.

“I have decided to follow Jesus. The world behind me the cross before me, though no one join me, still I will follow.

No turning back.

No turning back!”

That may be the most important decision a person is ever called upon to make. Good News! God will give you the grace to enable you to make this decision too!

Let’s gather together for this very important event....

2011-12-11T18:27:00.001-05:00

Our first baptism service of the year is scheduled for

Tuesday night, January 3 at 7:00 PM

in the worship center. Baptism is God’s will for His people (see Matthew 3:13-17). We must not dishonor baptism by hastily passing over it as a mere form.

It is a sacrament ordained by Christ himself and must not be treated any other way. It is an event which ought to excite genuine interest in the whole church and incite a riot of prayer.

So come Stillmeadow Nazarenes. Let’s gather together for this very important event in the life of our church. Please feel free to sign up for baptism by calling Elaine Leiphart at 717-764-4888 or email her at elaine.leiphart@stillnaz.com

Deadline for sign up is December 31, 2011.

Lord, give me a servant’s heart.....

2011-12-10T07:18:00.007-05:00

Jesus came to serve (Mark 10:45)

We have been called upon to serve one another . . .

to serve the present age.

We often sing together: Make me a servant, humble and meek.

Sounds simple enough.

But Duane Elmer in his book “Cross-Cultural Servanthood: Serving the World in Christlike Humility”, suggests that the main thing that hinders our service may be a superior attitude. Elmer writes:

“I am often guilty of a superior attitude. Submerged deep within me, this attitude can be evasive and hard to identity. I quickly rationalize and deny its presence. Usually superiority appears in disguises that pretend to be virtues – virtues such as:

I need to correct their errors (meaning I have superior knowledge a corner on truth.)

My education has equipped me to know what is best for you (so let me do most of the talking while you do most of the listening and changing).

I am here to help you (so do as I say.)

I can be your spiritual mentor (so I am your role model.)

Let me disciple you, equip you, train you (often perceived as ‘let me make you into a clone of myself)”

Elmer concludes:

“These and other so-called virtues corrupt our attempts to serve others.”

Upon reading Elmer’s “confessions” I realized (I must confess!) I am guilty of similar attitudes.

Lord, give me a servant’s heart and a servant’s spirit. May my service look more and more like yours . . . kenosis . . . emptied of self. (Phil. 2)

This is the work of Christ’s Spirit within us.

Check This Out.....

2011-12-09T09:26:00.001-05:00

Click the tab to the right for the

story of Dr. Anne Alaniz

Check Out This York Daily Record Article

2011-12-08T07:18:00.001-05:00

Click HERE to read what our local newspaper is saying about Stillmeadow's EJAM partnership

Are You Willing (Part II)

2011-12-08T06:57:00.000-05:00

In 2003, K.P. Yohannan taught a series of lessons to 500 field leaders gathered for the Gospel for Asia Conference in India. Since then, these lessons have been distributed to an additional 14,500 pastors and evangelists who serve with the Gospel for Asia in 10 Asian countries.

These lessons are reminiscent of Oswald Chambers My Utmost for His Highest, written under similar circumstances though presented to a much smaller group than Yohannan.

Yohannan’s lessons deal with the importance of character in the life of the believer. He reflects on Paul’s letter to his Timothy and identifies 19 specific characteristics of the effective leader. They are:

1. Called by God and they know it ( II Timothy 1:1)

2. People of integrity (II Timothy 1:3-5)

3. Lead by the Spirit of Christ (II Timothy 1:6)

4. Self-disciplined. (II Timothy 1:7)

5. Courageous (II Timothy 1:8)

6. Totally dependent upon the Lord

7. Committed to making disciples

8. Willing to suffer for Christ’s sake. (II Timothy 2:3)

9. Principle centered (II Timothy 2:5)

So, we are only half way through Paul’s amazing conversation with his Timothy about being an effective spirited leader. There’s more. Much more.

How about it? Living by these principles carries a price. Are you willing to pay it?

Are you willing to row against the wind?

Against the Wind (Part II)

As I mentioned yesterday, Against the Wind: “Finishing Well in a World of Compromise” is a book that is basically, a study in Pauline spiritual leadership . . . a look at Paul’s second letter to Timothy were he outlines 19 characteristics of spiritual leaders.

Let’s pick up where we left off in yesterday's blog.

1. A spiritual leader is a diligent servant

2. A spiritual leader is a person of the Word. (II Timothy 2:15)

3. A spiritual leaders has been set apart to walk in holiness (II Timothy 2:20-21)

4. A spiritual leader fails gracefully (II Timothy 2:24)

5. A spiritual leader exercises spiritual discernment (II Timothy 3:1-5)

6. A spiritual leader is a person of influence (II Timothy 3:10-11)

7. A spiritual leader is determined to finish. (II Timothy 4:7)

8. A spiritual leader will do the work of an evangelist. (II Timothy 4:1-1-2)

9. A spiritual leader will suffer loses. (II Timothy 4:9-12, 16)

10. A spiritual leader will leave a legacy. (II Timothy 4:8)

K.P. Yohannan closes this works leadership manual with these closing thoughts:

“Now Timothy is left to carry on the battle, to continue where Paul left off. What an assignment. I am certain that Timothy must have prayed much and sought God’s grace for the formidable task ahead of him.” (p. 219)

Our churches need leadership . . . spiritual leadership. Let’s all do our part to make disciples and make ourselves available for biblical, spiritual leadership.

Are you willing to row against the wind?

Are you willing?

2011-12-07T04:34:00.007-05:00