Enjoying The Presence of God

An awareness of God can flow through our day the way blood circulates through the body, replenishing it with nutrients and oxygen. We pay attention to God, conscious that He may be speaking to us. His presence begins to permeate our lives--through thoughts, feelings, dreams, activities, and in-between moments. . . Prayer isn't a performance, but a "climbing up to the heart of God," as Martin Luther said. Enjoying God's presence places us squarely in God's lap, where He enjoys us: The Lord your God is with you. . .He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)

Posted by Sue Sanders

Women On Bended Knee

Do you pray over your children to leave a lasting love? There are a group of women in Sumter who believe in the power of prayer, our goal as "Moms on Bended Knee" is to draw the hearts of the next generation closer to the heart of the father so that they change our world with His love. We want to intercede for the children of our community. Our legacy lies in the prayers which fill the bowls of heaven and the children's lives that are changed by His outpouring of those bowls. Come join us ever third thursday of the month at Sumter High at 4pm.

Ancient Words

The words spoken by Jesus Christ are unique, revolutionary, and powerful enough to "change" the hearts and lives of those who hear the word...."if any man has ears, let him hear." The letters of the Bible are old and dated. However, the words are preserved in the hearts of those who believe and have experienced a new way of living.

Listen to this song by Michael W. Smith: Ancient Words (click on the title to listen)


Ancient Words
Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world
They resound with God's own heart
Oh, let the ancient words impart

Words of life, words of hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where e'er we roam
Ancient words will guide us home

Ancient words ever true
Changing me, and changing you
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart

Holy words of our faith
Handed down to this age
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh heed the faithful words of christ

Ancient words ever true
Changing me, and changing you
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart

What Am I Doing That Will Last?

Today I drove to Columbia, SC where I had part in the funeral of an old friend from my days of pastoring First Church of God in Columbia. Becky (the lady who passed away) left behind her husband, three children, and numerous grandchildren. They have rich memories of the days and the hours they have spent together as a family. I remember Becky as a faithful church member and as a person who was devoted to her family in every way. Becky provided daycare for our daugher when she was year old (now 28 years old), and what I remember is that Becky loved our Christi like she was one of her own. Becky will be missed greatly, but her influence will live on the the lives of those she has loved. What am I doing that will last after I'm gone from this earth?

Posted by Pastor Ron

How Does "The Church" Measure Success

It seems as if the organized modern church finds success in the same way that the modern business measures success: membership, customer satisfaction, numbers, buildings, budgets. The modern culture has inevitably creeped into the church. We must redefine the measure of success by the kingdom-minded disciple of Jesus produced by the Spirit rather than by our methodologies, numbers, strategies, or the cool and innovative things we are doing. We should be looking at what our practices produce in the called people of God as they are sent out on a mission to live as light and salt in their communities: social justice, caring for the need/hungry/poor, forgiving others, promoting peace.

Valentine's Day

My cousin Kathy shared some profound words about the celebration of Valentine's Day. She said that just as we put all of our effort and time into our significant others that day, let's rememeber who is LOVE. Let's make every day a day of love for our Savior. I'm guilty of not spending enough time nurturing my relationship with Christ. I will become highly upset if my husband walked in and neglected me as he went about his business; yet, I neglect Christ, who loves me more than any human being could ever profess to love me. I literally neglect HIM until Sunday morning, our standing date. Just pray for me as I desire to grow closer to Jesus. I know my name is written in the palm of His hand. I know He knows the number of hairs on my head. I know He died and rose again for me. No one in this world could offer that kind of LOVE.

Anonymous Post

If You Only Knew

As an avid reader, I stumble across a lot of blogs. Many of them are filled with angry and often offensive posts, which just represents much of the anger and emptiness out in the world. It is truly refreshing to read the posts of this Christian blog. The lyrics, poems, and messages are uplifting. Thank you. I’d like to post lyrics from the Randy Travis’ song, “If you only knew." I imagine my family members who have gone before me when I hear this beautiful song. It encourages me to remember that we are just journeying through this world, and it’s wonderful to know that there are blogs like this to help provide the insight and courage to keep traveling in the footsteps of Jesus. Here are the words:

If you only knew what lies awaiting
If you could only see what I can see
If you could only hear the music playing
The angels singing sweet victory
Oh, if you only knew, if you only knew,
How much He loves you.
If we only knew...

Posted by Gwyn

Justice, Equality, Martin Luther King, U2, and JESUS

On January 19, we remembered Dr. Martin Luther King and his vision of peace, justice, love, and unity. Dr. King was a man who indeed understood the message of Jesus Christ. I personally admire his life and his dream. I own a collection of his books/writings. Here is a favorite quote:

"Through violence you may murder a murderer,

but you can't murder murder

Through violence you may murder a liar,

but you can't establish truth.

Through violence you may murder a hater,

but you can't murder hate.

Darkness cannot put out darkness.

Only light can do that."

Watch King's "I have a dream" speech

The Irish band, U2, wrote a song about Martin Luther King called "In The Name of Love." This same song also has lyrical references to Jesus. You will not find U2's music in the Gospel section; however, if you read their lyrics, there is always a Christian message. I appreciate bands that present the gospel in a non-threatening, "non-preachy" way.
Click Here to read the lyrics. Click Here to listen to the song.

Bono, the lead singer of U2, wrote a book in 2006 entitled "On The Move." The overall message deals with the "laws of man" vs. "higher laws" of justice and equality. It's a call to put our faith into action, moving beyond staying at a distance from injustice. Here is a brief quote:

"God is in the slums, in the cardboard boxes where the poor play house.
God is in the silence of a mother who has infected her child with a virus that will end both their lives. God is in the cries heard under the rubble of war. God is in the debris of wasted opportunity and lives, and God is with us if we are with them."

To find out more about this book and how you can make a difference with issues related to poverty, hunger, and injustice, visit the website http://www.one.org/.

Pray With Humility

Pastor Ron's message, "Praying with Humility," presented a real challenge for us in 2009! Will we be pretenders--church people seemingly dressed for success--or the real deal, individuals being honest before our God? Pastor Ron's message focused on one of the many paradoxes in Scripture: If I want to be exalted, then I must humble myself. God resists the proud and exalts the humble. We His people like to put on our masks faking that we have it all together. But, as Pastor Ron said, "Pride and arrogance will keep us from the abundant life. We can't impress God." This Year, make me more like the tax collector, not the Pharisee. I don't want God to turn a deaf ear to my prayers. Yes, Pastor Ron, continue to humble yourself so that we the body of Christ can experience the overflowing river of God's presence in your life. Preach because what you have is real.

Posted by Sue Sanders

Pursuit of Excellence

Pastor Ron challenged us today to pursue excellence as individuals and as a church. Mediocrity and being lukewarm are not acceptable. We must rise above the ordinary, let go of anything that is hindering our striving for excellence, and discipline ourselves--making a plan and working that plan. His statement about "being bold enough to let go of lesser things so that we can go after what is best," challenges me to be intentional in my Christian pursuit of excellence. The disciplines you mention in the book "Finding Our Way Again" are a significant part of the plan and are a part of working out our own salvation.

Posted by Sue Sanders

Worth The Wait

Pastor Ron asked us this morning if we had seen Jesus's face. He encouraged us to nourish sensitivity to His appearing so that we will be aware of His visits. Waiting for Him to show up is worth the waiting time. I hope that I, as Pastor Ron said, will recognize Him when He shows up. I want to be more like Mary who opted to sit at Jesus's feet, "rapt in His Words and His Holy Presence"(Gall 5). How exciting this adventure is with a God so amazing and so divine!

Posted by Sue Sanders

"Finding Our Way Again"

I just started reading a great book by one of my favorite authors, Brian McLaren. The book is entitled, "Finding Our Way Again: The Return of the Ancient Practices."

There are ancient ways that can teach us to practice peace, joy, self-mastery, and justice. The old disciplines--fasting, contemplative prayer, simplicity, meditation, solitude, silence, observing the holy days--do for our souls what exercise does for our bodies or study does for our minds.

These ancient practices are the means by which we prepare for grace to surprise us. They are the habits by which our souls grow strong; actions of the mind, body, and will that close the gap between the character we want to possess and the character we currently have.

I'll post more as I continue reading...

Go Beyond Religion To See The World Be Changed

I bought Lincoln Brewster's new CD today. I am a huge fan of Lincoln because of his "blistering" guitar chops and his dymanic guitar solos (he's sick). Better put, I am very influenced by him musically. Anyway, there is a song on this CD that is influencing me "lyrcially." I found this song in a video that someone posted on youtube.
We all need to hear this song and embrace the message. The song is entitled "Power Of Your Name." Read the lyrics below first. Then, click on the picture to your left to hear the song and watch the video.
(Click here to buy the CD.)
(Here is another link to hear Lincoln tell the story behind the song. )

Surely children weren't made for the streets
And fathers were not made to leave
Surely this isn't how it should be
Let Your Kingdom come
Surely nations were not made for war
Or the broken meant to be ignored
Surely this just can't be what You saw
Let Your Kingdom come
Here in my heart

(Chorus)
I will live To carry your compassion
To love a world that's broken
To be Your hands and feet
I will give With the life that I've been given
And go beyond religion
To see the world be changed
By the power of Your Name

Surely life wasn't made to regret
And the lost were not made to forget
Surely faith without action is dead
Let Your Kingdom come
Lord break this heart

Your Name Is a shelter for the hurting
Jesus Your Name Is a refuge for the weak
Only Your Name Can redeem the undeserving
Jesus Your Name Holds everything I need

This song should be our dream as the church, living in the Kingdom of God--here and now--changing our world, through the power of Jesus name.

"God Is Not Mad At Us But Mad For Us"

Pastor Ron made an awesome statement this morning: "God is not mad with us but mad for us." How astounding to know that God desires a relationship with us! Pastor Ron encouraged us to give our hearts to Jesus as Christmas presents. The closing song reiterated the powerful call to give Him our hearts:
Lord, I give You my heart.
I give You my soul.
I live for You alone.
Every breath that I take.
Every moment I'm awake.
Lord, have Your way in me.

Today, Lord, I give You my heart.
(Posted by Sue Sanders)

More on "Wonder" (related to a previous post)

How easy it is to lose the wonder! I constantly have to repent of this and seek to hunger and thirst after Him. I long to know Him more and more intimately. The words of the chorus for "Holy Spirit, Rain Down," express my heart's longing:
Holy Spirit, rain down
Let Your power fall
Let Your voice be heard
Come and change our hearts
As we stand on Your Word
Holy Spirit, rain dowon.
Holy Spirit, rain down rain down
O Comforter and Friend
How we need Your touch again.
I long for His touch again.

Posted by Sue Sanders

What A Mess!

The loss of mystery has led to the loss of majesty.
The more we know, the less we believe.

No wonder there is no wonder.

We think we've figured it all out.

Strange, don't you think?

Knowledge of the workings shouldn't negate wonder.

Knowledge of the workings should stir wonder.

Who has more reason to worship than the astronomer who has seen the stars?

Than the surgeon who has held a heart?

Than the oceanographer who has pondered the depths?

(Max Lucado)

"Let Love Reach To The Other Side"

The new song we sang on Sunday, November 30 is called "A New Hallelujah." This song is probably my favorite praise song right now. It has literally brought me to tears. I can't get enough of this song. The melody line and chordal progressions are emotionally captivating. More importantly, the message of the lyrics are in-line with the very message of Jesus Christ. Do yourself a favor and take time to listen to this song. Click on the picture to listen. This is a live video performed by Michael W. Smith. In my opinion, Michael W. Smith's live songs are some of the most worshipful and anoited music that I have EVER heard. (The song is on Michael W. Smith's newest live album titled "A New Hallelujah." Purchase here on sale.)


Here are the lyrics:

Can you hear, there's a new song
Breaking out from the children of freedom
Every race and every nation
Sing it out sing a new Hallelujah

Let us sing love to the nations
Bringing hope of the grace that has freed us
Make Him known and make Him famous
Sing it out sing the new Hallelujah

Arise, let the church Arise
Let love reach to the other side
Alive, come alive Let the song Arise

(All the church) sings a new song
reaching out with the new Hallelujah
Every son and every daughter
everyone sing a new Hallelujah
Arise let the song Arise
Let love reach to the other side
Alive, come alive Let the song Arise

My favorite line is "let love reach to the other side." Change, hope, joy, and peace will not come through litigation, political manipulation, or governmental programs, it will come when we rise up as the church God has called and empowered us to be--where his reign, power, salvation, and mission are experienced, lived and reflected by us. We are made new, given a new song and entrusted with the new mission of hope, peace, and joy in Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit. Arise, let the church arise!!!

Belong:Conversation

One thing that seems to be in short supply these days is space for people to have conversation. Conversation is an art that the broader culture has lost, and the church has likewise been affected. Conversation is defined as informal talk between people. In order to have healthy conversations the following two components (at least) need to be present: space and posture.We seek to create space where people who might not ordinarily interact with each other can gather and engage each other in areas related to theology, practices, culture and how churches and organizations engage missionally for the sake of the world. In order to do this we must assume a posture of openness, humility and desire. We must believe the best of one another. It's not that we won't or don't disagree (often vigorously) but rather we maintain the Spirit of Christ as we do so.We are passionate about the conversation that has begun and hope you will engage it with us and others we do not yet know.

Chris Tomlin's New Album

Chris Tomlin is a popular name in our churches. Probably because his songs are a big part of our musical selection week after week. Tomlin has written the well known songs "We Fall Down," "How Great is Our God," "Here I am to Worship,"and the list goes on.

His most recent single, "Jesus Messiah," is a debut hit from his new album, "Hello Love." Listen to Chris Tomlin on GodTube and see his new release "Hello Love".

Click here: www.Godtube.com/ChrisTomlin

Click here to buy the album.

Our World Decreased To 100 People

If the world was reduced to a village of 100 people, it would look a lot like this.

Awesome Questions to Consider

1. If the invitation of Jesus to "come, follow me" isn't about safety and personal comfort, but rather about giving my life away for others, why is my priority of safety so high and my experience of personal comfort so well protected?
2. If Jesus, who "is the same - yesterday , today and forever" is leading us both from and into the future, what is it for me to effectively lead others who seek him into a future yet to be discovered?
3. If God's love is only understood in the context of relationships because he says "people matter" why is loving God more important to me than loving people? Can there be any separation of the two?
4. If Jesus called people to himself, not Christianity, why am I so quick to defend the traditions of the Christian faith, rather than introduce people to Jesus?
5. If Jesus was both God and man, then he was not only the ultimate God, but also the ultimate human being. Is not the call to Christ, then, the call to be the best humans God made us to be? Maybe the call is not to be fully Christian, but to be fully human. Doesn't God see "human" as sacred, beautiful and bearing God's image?
6.How do I better teach values that point people to the mystical power of God's Spirit, rather than teach "how to" mechanics that point people to the works of their own effort?In my efforts to be "relevant", is my first commitment to be relevant to Christ?
7. Does my culture need me because I am connected to the God of the future - the Christ who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life? Does my living reflect this?
8. If today is a good day to live, is it also a good day to die? What risk will I take, what experience will I embrace, what call will I obey to be true to God and the "me" he created me to be - in this time, in this place... where I am?

Mercy's Well with Donny Henderson

The gospel group, Mercy's Well, blessed our hearts in our friend day service. These guys are extremely talented and the Spirit of God comes alive when they sing. We will be having them back again sometime. Check out their website.

Donny Henderson, from Nashville Tennessee, is a traveling singer/songwriter that is temporarily singing with Mercy's Well. This guy has written some great music and has made a name for himself within the gospel music spectrum. It was great to have him in Sumter.

Caring Bridge

There is no doubt that when you have a loved one in the hospital, life gets put on hold. Also on the forefront of your mind are those hefty medial bills that add up. CaringBridge attempts to help alleviate some of these concerns by offering a free tool for families to keep in touch when a relative is in the hospital. With over 61,000 sites, this is a resource for millions of virtual visitors to send get well wishes and extend sympathy to those hurting. CaringBridge makes the traumatic experience of a hospital stay a little easier for everyone.

http://www.coolpeoplecare.com/

A Place For You

This is a section where you can write "whatever:"Questions, stories, comments, disagreements, poetry, scripture, song lyrics, an inspiring text, etc. Click here to get stared.

C.S Lewis Quotes

:: Don't use words too big for the subject. Don't say 'infinitely' when you mean 'very'; otherwise you'll have no word left when you want to talk about something really infinite.

:: Every poem can be considered in two ways--as what the poet has to say, and as a thing which he makes.

:: Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.

:: Failures are finger posts on the road to achievement.

http://www.cslewis.com/