Monthly Archives: March 2014

Sermon Connection

SECULAR OR SACRED?

Are You Bored?

Slaves, obey your human masters with fear and trembling, in the sincerity of your heart, as to Christ. Don’t work only while being watched, in order to please men, but as slaves of Christ, do God’s will from your heart. Serve with a good attitude, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that whatever good each one does, slave or free, he will receive this back from the Lord. And masters, treat your slaves the same way, without threatening them, because you know that both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him.  Ephesians 6:5-9 (HCSB)

Have you ever noticed how quick boredom sets in today? It may come from having too many choices or being convinced that we should live life our way. Whatever the reason, our world is sorely in need of people that have commitment and determination to finish what they start, to live with conviction. We need people that will “go the second mile”.

The story is told that “Second-mile people always excel. Around 1920 a pharmacist bought a drug store on the south side of Chicago. Soon, he was bored with his job and began to dream how he could make it more exciting. It was during a time when people were just beginning to call in their orders using a telephone, so this man decided to challenge himself to make his job more interesting. He decided to see how quickly he could deliver a telephone order.

When someone called in, he repeated the order aloud, including the name and address. As he spoke with the caller, his assistant filled the order and a driver left immediately to deliver it. The druggist kept the customer on the phone chatting until the order arrived at the caller’s home. Most of the customers lived nearby, of course, but this kind of prompt service was revolutionary, and word soon spread. It became the busiest pharmacy in Chicago. He bought other stores and added new ideas like a soda fountain. Within a few years, he had a chain of stores.”

Boredom always sets in when we become too comfortable with our job. Maybe the job is not as challenging as we want or maybe we feel the job does not measure up to our abilities. So many people assume that they are only working for a paycheck and miss the bigger picture. God created us to work. Moreover, we were created to work as Paul says to “do God’s will from your heart.” When we begin to look past boredom and accept the job before us, then we can begin dreaming about what it can be. We begin to see how it can be improved. We become one of the persons who will go the second mile; we can make a difference!

As Paul Harvey would say, “And now the rest of the story”. Can you guess the name of the pharmacist? He was Charles Walgreen. Today, there are over 5,000 Walgreens because of a man who decided to go the second mile.”

Today’s Prayer

Dear Lord,

There are so many things to distract my attention today. Help me to deal with the worse distraction of all, boredom. Help me to focus my attention on the job in front of me realizing that I am working for You! No matter the task, give me clarity of mind, steadiness of purpose, and a resolve to see it through. In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

Sermon Connection

 

 

WORK: WHAT A BLESSING!

Be Fruitful

God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth.” Genesis 1:28 (HCSB)

In today’s economy, everyone is trying to maximize their potential. Employees are looking for the best job and Employers are choosing only the best employees. I read an article some time ago, I can’t remember where, that listed the top 10 values employers look for in employees. They are: Strong Work Ethic, Dependability and Responsibility, Positive Attitude, Adaptability, Honesty and Integrity, Self-Motivated, Motivated to Grow & Learn, Strong Self-Confidence, Professionalism, and Loyalty. The values are taught in Scripture and have always been important. It is funny that in hard times people begin to discover them.

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) has an inspiring story. I hope you will able to see these values in him. The reason he held them, even in spite of difficulties, is God.

“Johann Sebastian Bach was born into the musical family of Bachs in 1685. By the age of ten, both of his parents were dead. Early in his friction-filled life, young Johann determined he would write music … music for the glory of God … and this he did.

Most of Bach’s works are explicitly Biblical. Albert Schweitzer referred to him as The fifth evangelist, thus comparing him to Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. At age 17 Bach became the organist at the church; soon thereafter he was given charge of the entire music ministry.

During his ministry in Weimar, Germany he wrote a new cantata every month … EVERY MONTH! And during one three-year period he wrote, conducted, orchestrated, and performed (with his choir and orchestra) a new cantata every week!

No one had any idea what a mark Bach would leave. His legacy lives on some 300 years later. You can hear his music at will.

At the beginning of every authentic manuscript one will find the letters “J.J.” This stands for Jesu Java (Jesus help me). At the end of each original manuscript you will find the letters “S.D.G.” This stands for Soli Deo Gloria (to the glory of God).

Bach is a reminder that one who gives his life to Jesus and serves Him does not count it a loss. Mk 8:35 “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.”

How do you start and finish each day? May it be for the glory of God!

Today’s Prayer

Dear Lord,

Forgive me for taking this precious gift of life for granted. Help me to accomplish all that I do for your glory. In Jesus Name, Amen.

 

 

Sermon Connection ,

WORK: WHAT A BLESSING!

Live Up To Your Purpose

The LORD God took the man and placed him in the garden of Eden to work it and watch over it. Genesis 2:15 (HCSB)

Outlook, some have called it perspective, is incredibly important. It is certainly true when it comes to work. In Genesis chapter two, we get an expanded account of the creation of man. We are told in the fifteenth verse that man was placed in the garden to work and watch it. We were created to work! It was extremely positive. It only became a negative type of word after the fall of man. It was then that our perspective began to change. I want to add that everything else changed too! The following story helps illustrate the difference.

“One day a father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the firm purpose of showing his son how poor people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on the farm of what would be considered a very poor family. On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, “How was the trip?”

“It was great, Dad.”

“Did you see how poor people live?” the father asked.

“Oh yeah,” said the son.

“So, tell me, what did you learn from the trip?” asked the father.

The son answered: “I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, but they serve others. We buy our food, but they grow theirs. We have walls around our property to protect us, they have friends to protect them.”

The boy’s father was speechless. Then his son added, “Thanks, Dad, for showing me how poor we are.”

Isn’t perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don’t have.”

If you are fortunate to have a job today, praise God! You have an opportunity to live up to the purpose for which you were created. Make the most of the job and the life you have. As you dedicate both to God, you just might be surprised what the Lord will do.

Today’s Prayer

Dear Lord,

Thank You for the opportunity to work! You have given so many wonderful opportunities to learn and explore all of Your creation. Help me to be faithful with the gifts and talents you have entrusted in me. No matter what I find to do today, may I choose to do it for Your glory. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Sermon Connection

WORK: WHAT A BLESSING!

What is A Blessing?

God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. Rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, and every creature that crawls on the earth.” Genesis 1:28 (HCSB)

I am without a doubt a creationists! I believe that God spoke… and everything that exist came into being. I know all too well that this is politically incorrect. However, I must confess, it takes far greater faith to believe that something so well designed could ever come to exist by accident. I believe the biblical account of creation where God spoke into existence everything in a mere six days. The sixth day is the focus of our attention today.

The Bible records in Genesis 1:24 (HCSB) that on the sixth day of creation, “… God said, “Let the earth produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that crawl, and the wildlife of the earth according to their kinds.” He made everything that roams the face of the earth, but He was not through. In Genesis 1:26 (HCSB), we read “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness. They will rule the fish of the sea, the birds of the sky, the livestock, all the earth, and the creatures that crawl on the earth.” His last act of creation in this account was man!

After God created Adam and Eve, He blessed them. I have often asked “What is a blessing?” Upon a closer examination, I would break it into two major categories: God’s blessing and man’s blessing. Let us consider the latter first.

We often hear a familiar response after someone sneezes. It is proper etiquette to say “Bless you.” Man will bless others with what could be considered no more than wishful thinking. If we pronounce a blessing on someone without the authority or ability to make it happen, it is at least wishful and at most hopeful thinking. So often we use a blessing as a mere greeting.

God is omnipotent. He has all authority and power to bless! If God could speak into existence out of nothing all that exists, then He has the power necessary to bless. God blesses Adam and Eve in four incredibly important ways: Be fruitful, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. God blessed the union of a man and woman and gave them the ability to reproduce. He furthermore commanded them to do it. The last of these blessing is one of domination. God said subdue the earth. His blessing could not be clearer. God also gave man abilities and responsibilities in the Garden of Eden as caretakers. He intended for their labors to be productive, i.e. fruitful. And just as with procreation, He give man the ability to work and be fruitful.

I have some questions that beg answers. If this one simple verse teaches fruitfulness (and there are many others), How fruitful are you? Have you allowed the world’s thinking to sour your outlook on work? Are you living just for the week-end? Retirement?

Today’s Prayer

Dear Lord,

I believe You created me with many talents and abilities. Help me to use them to the fullest extent. Thank You for giving a purpose and meaning for life. Help me to find all You intended for me. In Jesus Name, Amen.

AAEO

Sowing seeds in your backyard and beyond

Like the sower who was focused on spreading the seed everywhere, North American missionaries know their message of hope needs to cover all of North America. The results may vary, but their commitment to continuing to share the gospel to all people is firm. And they need Southern Baptists’ help. People all over North America, even in your own community, are waiting for seed to be sown, waiting for someone to tell them about Jesus, and waiting for a new church to take root so that life-changing transformations can take place. In what areas are you sowing the seed of the gospel? Are there people in your own backyard who need to hear the gospel and be discipled?


PRAY

› For churches and individuals to stand with and support North American missionaries as they spread the gospel throughout North America.

› For obedience and strength to share the gospel with all people no matter the challenges or risks.

AAEO

Growing the next generation of missionaries

Having enough missionaries to support Southern Baptists’ efforts to impact lostness in North America will require intentionality in developing the next generation of missionaries. To plant healthy churches, we must invest in an intentional, church-based “farm system” to train young missionaries who will someday become new church planters. NAMB’s farm system provides a way to identify individuals who sense God’s call to ministry and an opportunity for them to get hands-on experience and training with practiced church planters and pastors as student missionaries, interns and apprentices.

Learn more about NAMB’s farm system at namb.net/farmsystem.


PRAY

› For more young people to answer s call to serve as church planters and  be willing to build skills and experience through church planting intern and apprentice positions.

› That those serving through summer and semester missions will discover God’s path of ministry for their lives.

AAEO

Jose and Mayra Nater

Baltimore, Maryland

NORTHEAST

Native Puerto Rican Jose Nater was pursuing a successful career in the hotel business until  a  career-advancing  move to Cambridge, Md., changed his life. Jose would find himself jobless, homeless and desperate for God’s provision. He learned God was in control of his life—not himself— and dedicated himself to serving the Lord. The   Naters   started   a   church with   four   people—Jose,   his wife and two sons. Three years later, Camino de Esperanza of Cambridge planted a second church, Camino de Fe of Easton. Another three years later, they planted Camino de Esperanza of Seaford, Del. Now a Church Planting Center, Jose is leading his church to develop leaders and strategies to continue the church multiplication process.

Learn more about the Naters at anniearmstrong.com/josenater.

PRAY

› For the Lord to confirm the calling of several leaders already seeking their places of service in the kingdom.

› For physical and spiritual strength to battle the enemy as they seek to advance the kingdom of God.

AAEO

Patrick and Archalena Coats

Miami, Florida

SOUTH

 Grandson of Joe Coats, long-time pastor  in  Miami  and  one  of  the  first American   pastors to lead his church to be a cooperating Southern Baptist congregation, Patrick credits his grandfather’s leadership for his ministry journey. Paying that investment forward, Patrick is a mentor in the lives of others as he pastors Kingdom Covenant Church and serves through Urban Impact Ministries in Miami, where he assists churches in spreading the gospel through starting and growing new African - American and multicultural congregations.

Learn more about the Coatses at anniearmstrong.com/patrickcoats.

 

PRAY

 › For God to open doors for relationships and gospel presentations in the Miami area where many cultures and nationalities live.

› For Patrick and Archalena’s personal spiritual growth as they journey together as church planting missionaries.

AAEO

 Ara and Anet Torosian

Burbank, California

WEST

Caught smuggling Bibles from Turkey to his Southern Baptist underground church in Iran, Ara Torosian was removed from his home, blindfolded, beaten and questioned about other Christian leaders. But he vowed never to reveal any names—even if it meant giving his own life. That day, Ara stood firmly planted in his faith and placed his entire trust in God.

By God’s grace, Ara was able to leave Iran after his terrifying experience and came to the United States as a refugee. Ara’s passion for church planting led him to start one of the first Armenian Southern Baptist churches— Armenian Fellowship Church of Burbank—a new congregation reaching Armenian-speaking people with the truth of God’s Word.

Learn more about the Torosians at anniearmstrong.com/aratorosian.

 PRAY

› For Ara and Anet as they minister to new Christians, and that they can safely and effectively share the gospel with others in their community.

› That Armenian Fellowship Church of Burbank can start more churches to reach refugees and Armenian-speaking people living in California.

AAEO

Scott and Karen Blanchard

Detroit, Michigan

MIDWEST

An 80 percent hearing loss and speech t discourage Scott Blanchard from remaining committed to his calling. As a church planter and pastor of Lakepointe Church in Detroit, Scott uses his disability to encourage and connect with others. He proves each day that God can use anyone who is willing to be His servant.

Scott’s passion for church planting is firmly planted in the belief that reaching more people with the gospel is about multiplying churches. As such, Scott is investing in the lives of church planting interns and apprentices like Jimmy Jones, who will be planting a new church just 20 minutes from Lakepointe so more seeds can be sown in the Detroit area

Learn more about the Blanchards at anniearmstrong.com/scottblanchard.


PRAY

› For continued growth in the congregation as they seek to help church planters and interns start new churches in surrounding areas.

› For more workers to reach the harvest and see more lives transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ.

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