Who Wants to Encourage Somebody?

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22 

I've added a note from Carol at the bottom of this post.  Please read it too as it will inspire you to want to do this all the more!:)

In a previous post I shared what some of our ladies do with Kairos Prison Ministry.  If you missed it you can read about it here:  do-what-it-says-kairos-prison-ministry

Kairos Prison Ministry has a retreat coming up this April and one of the things they could use some help with are some homemade placemats.  All you need is an 11 by 17 piece of paper and some colorful pens, pencils or paints and a desire to encourage someone.  As you will see in our example below it doesn't even take any talent (so be encouraged by that).  But if you have some artistic talent, by all means use it for God's glory as you share it with someone who could use something beautiful and cheerful in their lives.

We need lots of them because they use 5 of these placemats per day for each resident they serve over the 4 day retreat. When Carol and Pam explained to me how much these placemats mean to the ladies that they serve, I knew I wanted to get my family involved in making some.  Even though we will not be going into the prison with Carol and Pam it is a small way that we can answer the call of Matthew 25:36 to visit the prisoner.

One of the things Carol told me is how the mothers who do not get to see their children very often will sometimes put their hand over the hands drawn on these placemats by other children and cry.  Maybe she has a child close to the child's age who drew the picture and it especially touches her. Being a mom myself that just about did me in so I suggested to my boys that they use their hand prints and share their ages for that reason. 

Would any of you out there be willing to make a few placemats for Carol and Pam to take into the prison for their April Retreat?  Maybe you have some children or grandchildren in your lives who would make some too. What a great opportunity to inspire your kids to give something meaningful to someone else during the lent season (or any season for that matter).  

 

So you can see that no special talent is required I wanted to share some of what we made.  



I have to tell you we had a blast doing these together. And what a simple way to speak some words of encouragment into a few lives who could stand to hear some uplifting words.

If you'd like to help. Just grab some 11 by 17 sheets of paper (Grover's Office Supply will sell it to you for 5 cents a piece) and let the Lord inpsire you as to what to do.  No lamenating is allowed and if you include names please only use the first name.  You can drop them off with Carol, Pam (their picture is on the last post about Kairos which you can see if you click the link at the top) or myself at church.

Thanks for all you do!

I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.' Matthew 25:36

Note from Carol...

What a wonderful way to go to prison without going physically. One big thing about these place mats is the residents get to take them back to their dorms (cells). Their possessions are inventoried, even the number of tp rolls they have (which they have to buy at canteen.) They are allowed a few books, Bible being one....and so the place mats are picked up and looked at over and over. Also, roommates who have not gone through Kairos, get to see what is written and a chance for the Kairos person to explain what they are all about. It is hard to imagine a world so limited. I wanted to make the point that place mats are very special.

Pam, Sheilah and I feel so blessed to have our church family behind us.
Carol

The WAW Team Post 5

I heard on the radio this morning that the newest version of the iPad has just been released-- I didn't catch whether it was version 3 or 4 but all I know is I am now that many versions behind. Even though I’ve been slow to take the plunge I know a day is coming when I will cave to the iPad craze. For now the thought of figuring out the newest technological trend keeps my fingers tightly fastened to the familiar keyboard of my lap top.

But what if you bought your first iPad today and were given the rare opportunity to sit down with the person who inspired and designed it and have him explain to you exactly how it works? He could show you all the things it were capable of doing, how to get the most effective use out of it and how it can really change your life for the better. What if he sweetened the deal even more and said he knew all about your specific needs and therefore could combine his expertise of the ipad and his knowledge of you and tailor it so precisely that your life could not help but be changed by it.

Would you be in?

Or would you prefer to muddle through the blinding encyclopedia of instructions all typed in 6 font Latin-like words and try to figure it out on your own?

When we jump into the Word of God and skip asking Him to be our teacher - to show us exactly what the Word means and how He wants us to apply it- we give up the highest, most privileged advantage to understand what He wants to communicate to us. Why would we not want the Author of the Word and the Creator of us to be the explainer of each:)

So always begin your study of the Word by asking Him to be your teacher! That’s my first tip for any of you who may be new at studying the Bible or those of you who may be like me and sometimes rush into things out of order.

My second tip has to do with keywords.

Keywords are important because they unlock main themes in a verse or passage. A key word will sometimes be repeated in a verse so if you see some repetition, take notice of it.

For example, check out this verse:

And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.
1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NIV)

(BTW - this is the theme verse for the WAW Team - word at work in you.)

One of the key things that jumps out at me right away is the word "word" and the contrast between the word of men and the word of God.

A person’s word is often powerless and frequently fails.

But God’s Word....It is never powerless and never fails.

In fact when I looked up "word" in my keyword Bible I found that it is the same Greek word (logos) that John uses when he says "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (John 1:1)

Gen. 1:3-31 tells us by His word God spoke the world into existence.

So this "Word" is powerful, active, life giving, life changing and when we accept it, 1 Thessalonians 2:13 goes on to tell us this active, powerful, life giving life force is at work in we who believe.

Isa. 44:23; 55:11 tells us God’s "word" has power to execute His will. It will not return to Him empty but accomplish that which He purposes.

Matt. 13:19 tells us the word bears fruit for God when planted in the good soil of receptive hearts.

And my Expositor's Bible Commentary said, "Once received, this Word of God becomes an active power operating continually in the believer's life. When it is at work in those "who believe," there is a change in behavior and constant fruitfulness."

Wow.  That’s a lot of good stuff that the Word can work in those of us who believe and will open ourselves to it.

If the Word can do all that within me I want to do my part to make sure I am reading it, praying it, meditating on it, memorizing it, studying it, sharing it and doing all I can to get my self in the right posture for the active Word of God to do the work that only it can execute in my life.

Because when the Word does its Work there is nothing quite like it and you will find yourself hungering for more and more.

How about you. How is the Word at Work in your life today?

Do What It Says / BCC Transportation Ministry

This is the second installment of our "Do What It Says" series (based on James 1:22). The purpose of this series is to highlight some different areas some of our ladies are serving in and also share some needs that are out there in hopes of making connections and opening doors for other ladies who are looking for a place to serve. To see the first post about "Do What It Says"  click  here .



Rebecca Kiel - BCC Transportation Ministry


Today I’d like to tell you about BCC's TRANSPORTATION MINISTRY and some needs that maybe God would invite some of you to help meet.  The pretty face in that picture is Rebecca Kiel and she is the one who God has used to start this ministry.  I asked her if she would explain it to us.



Rebecca, who is the transportation intended for?  For anyone in need of transportation to and from church; People of any age that either cannot drive, or do not own a vehicle. May additionally include homeless, nursing home residents, shut-ins...

What does a person need in order to help transport people?  All that is needed is a vehicle - can be big or small. Some wheel chair accessible vehicles are needed but not everyone is wheelchair bound. And a valid drivers liscense of course :)

When do you need people who can help transport others?  Any church service times, or even for things like LifeGroups, Women's or Men's Events, etc.

Where would drivers pick up passengers?   As we increase the members on the transportation team, we would like to aim for making pick-ups and drop-offs as convenient as possible to each transporter's home location. (Ex: Picking up someone near your own community, rather than putting a lot of miles on your vehicle for a pick-up across county... plus, gas is expensive!)

Can you share a little bit about how this simple act of service has benefitted others?  Fellowship and opportunities to connect with others and hear God's Word is a longing unfulfilled in the lives of many who simply have no transportation to church or other events and therefore are relinquished to being home, shelter or nursing home bound. Just giving someone a ride to church can mean so much.
For Example: Vellie Loftis, who is at the Brian Center, said this - "Thank you so much for bringing me to church... It was like breathing in oxygen again."

Vellie, like many others at local nursing homes, is from SC.

SC doesn't have Medicaid beds, and so many SC residents are forced to be placed out of state in NC facilities, out of touch with any family or friends, very isolated, and unable to make contact for themselves with new friends, church family, etc. (If you were to visit a standard nursing home in our county, you would likely find that most everyone you meet is from SC.)

EVERYONE that is on my list for the Brian Center for wanting to come to church is from SC, with the exception of a young man in maybe his early 20's who is from Jacksonville, NC - about 8 hours away. But they just need rides.

There is a gentleman that I met about 9 years ago (from SC also) that has never had opportunity to leave the Brian Center other than for a medical appointment, or for the yearly fishing trip, during the time that I have known him.He also has never had any visitors (family or friends) from his home in SC.

There are many more such cases, that I would like for our church body to "adopt" into our own church family. This begins with giving them the opportunity to be a part of our worship, fellowship, Life Groups, and other blessings of "breathing in oxygen again".

How can those who want to help get involved?  Just contact me (Rebecca) You can call, text or email.  (Trudy or BCC has my contact info)

Is there anything else we can do?  Please pray for these individuals and their needs, as well as for God's hand in orchestrating all of the details, according to His Awesome and Incredible Plans, and that He would draw the people that He chooses for this ministry. Thank you! :)

Would you also please pray for the following...

- WHEELCHAIRS donated/loaned (to deter back injuries resulting from picking up wheelchairs and putting in trunks, etc.)
- HANDICAP/WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VEHICLE(S) - some individuals have a difficult time transferring, or are wheelchair-bound
- MEMBERS to be added to our ministry (Currently have 2 members)

And finally I'd like to leave you with some PRAISE REPORTS - Two wheelchairs have been donated thus far, and are now on hand at BCC for transporters! Praise God.

Is this an area that you could offer some help?  If so, I believe your efforts would bless you back ten fold.  And what a great day this would be (March 4th) to March forth and meet a need in Christ's name. To get more info contact either BCC or Trudy for Rebecca's contact information or look for Rebecca at church.

 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.  James 1:22 



Come To The Table - WAW Team Post 4

To learn more info about the The WAW (Word at Work in you)Team and how to participate click here .

by Sheila Alewine

Each Sunday morning I arrive early to BCC (usually by 7:30 am), in anticipation of our Precept Bible Study.  I have always been a morning person, so getting there early to set up the room and make coffee before my sweet brothers and sisters arrive is really no chore for me.  I like to get there early enough so I have a few minutes of quiet; it's a good time to regroup my thoughts about what we studied the previous week and what we'll be discussing.  It's also a great time to invite God's presence into our class.

A thought occurred to me this week as I was setting up tables, and immediately I knew that it was to be the topic of this post.  My role as a Bible study "leader", "teacher" or "facilitator" (whatever label you want to put on me) is really just that ... to "set the table".  I have done the preparation; I've answered the questions, looked up the scripture, done some word studies, and invariably gone down a few rabbit trails of cross references, as my curiosity usually takes me.  And when the class assembles, I am ready to share what God might have spoken into my heart through the week.  But all in all, I just create the opportunity - if those attending did not also dig into God's Word on their own they wouldn't really benefit from all my study - they would just get a taste from the overflow.  And I would also miss the overflow of their study!

Have you ever found a new recipe, shopped for the ingredients, and prepared the dish, only to have your children (or husband J) sweetly decline what you prepared for them?  Come to find out, they've filled themselves up with Doritos and aren't interested!  We can cajole, and tempt, and even threaten, but if they are truly not hungry, (or maybe they just aren't willing to try something new) it won't do any good.  They simply won't partake. And the worst insult - when they turn down that dish you've spent so much effort to produce, and request instead the Kraft mac-n-cheese or "Dinosaur Chicken Tenders"!

I have to wonder, do I ever do that to God?  His Word is absolutely filled with delectable, interesting, tantalizing storehouses of wisdom and knowledge.  Yet am I satisfied with the out-of-the box?  A devotional...a fill-in-the-blank ...a great message from the pastor (all good things, but "pre-processed" for us).  I have found such incredible satisfaction in exploring God's Word for myself, making it the one thing I cannot live without.  As I eat and drink more and more from His Word, I find myself less and less enamored with this world.  The newspaper holds less interest for me.  Well-written fictional books might be an entertaining diversion now and then, and great Christian authors do have things to say that encourage me ... but my God has set before me a feast - why would I try to live this Christ-life on a snack?

I've learned, too, that ALL of God's Word is worth studying.  We just finished Zechariah - pure prophecy; and about a year ago, we tackled the book of Jeremiah (52 chapters of well...kind of depressing text!) You might say, "What in the world can I learn from flying scrolls and baskets and horses and dreams and visions?" But oh! How much we learned about the character of God. 

Here's a tip that is helpful no matter what book of the Bible you are in.  Keep a running list of all the things you observe in the text about God - who He is, how He acts, why He responds the way He does, what He loves or hates or expects of us, when He is moved to action.  Here are just a few of the things we learned about God from Zechariah.  Trudy would faint if I sent her the whole list to post! :) (Note from Trudy....No I wouldn't....I love the list and would gladly read it all...I'm learning lots just from reading it :) 

• God's Word always comes true.
• God is aware of what goes on in this world; He sends His angels to patrol the earth (cool thought!!)
• God answers our questions with grace and compassion
• God doesn't like humans interfering in His dealings with those who belong to Him.
• God has compassion for those who have suffered His discipline and correction.
• God is very protective and defensive over those who belong to Him.
• God defends those He has chosen; He rebukes satan our accuser
• God rewards our obedience with the privilege of serving Him
• God sends His Spirit to accomplish what He calls us to do
• God's eyes run to and fro through the whole earth - God sees! El Roi!
• God cannot be deceived by outward appearances of piety and spiritual disciplines - He knows what is in our heart.
• God has expectations of how we treat others - to be kind, compassionate and fair; He specifically instructs not to devise evil or oppress others; He hates lying.
• God gets jealous - wrathfully so - for those He loves and chooses.
• God turns curses into blessings, harm into good.
• God accomplishes what He purposes to do
• God restores out of His compassion
• God's Spirit of grace and supplication leads us to repentance
• God's supply of forgiveness is a fountain
• God will refine His people
• God will one day rule over all the earth as the recognized king-the ONLY king!

Does God ever speak something to your heart, and you're not quite sure you heard Him?  So He repeats it.  As I pondered the idea that God "sets the table" before us, and if that was what He really wanted me to put down on paper to share with you, I "happened" to ask Sue Gray to close our class in prayer.  And one of the first things that came out of her mouth was, "God, thank you that you invite us to come to the table."  She prayed in reference to the communion service we were getting ready to participate in, but God so confirmed in my heart that this is what Bible study is ... communion with Him.  And every day, He invites us to come and feast.  And sadly, so many days, we settle for a "snack".

The fact that you are following this blog is a good indication that Bible study is important to you, that you value His Word.  I encourage you, whatever method of Bible study you use, make it the one thing you simply cannot live without.  Let everything else go that our culture tells you is so important.  It's not worth the sacrifice.  Many people say to me, "I just don't have time for in-depth study."  Sisters, we don't have time NOT to study scripture! 

If we desire to be free in Christ, if we really want to experience His presence, His joy, His peace ... we must obsess ourselves ...saturate ourselves...with the Word of God.  It is truly the only thing that will nourish our spiritual life.  We simply cannot live without it.

Stop snacking.  A feast awaits you.  Come to the table!

I love you ladies.

Sheila

(Maybe some of you have not heard of the Precepts class that Sheila leads.  It meets Sunday mornings before 1st Worship and is an excellent place to learn how to delve more deepy into the Word. The next session begins April 1st and the study will be on the Gospel of John.  If you are interested talk to Sheila for more details)

Okay Waw Team....lets hear how the Word has been at work in you recently.  Click "comment(s)" and share away!

To see previous WAW Team postings click
WAW Team Post 1
WAW Team Post 2
WAW Team Post 3