Are you due for a massage?

If you love a massage or just simply a pedicure every now and then, you know what a rejuvenating experience either of these can be.  It resets all sorts of buttons.  So, how do you reset your buttons?  How do you get back on course when "Garmini" says recalculating!  What do you do when you hit the point of loosing your saltiness that Matthew is talking about this week in his Gospel lesson (Matthew 5:13-16).  We all experience situations that zap not only our saltiness but also our light; illness, children challenges, job struggles; it runs the gamut.  "He will speak against the Most High and oppress the saints (Daniel 7:25).  How is Satan oppressing you today?  Oppress literally means to wear away; to wear out.  Are you getting the drift?  Exhaustion, discouragement, dejection, sense of hopelessness....Satan will find any avenue he can to wear us out, to make us sour not salty, to make us a dim spark in the dark not a glowing warm, ember but he will never, ever, ever be able to wear out the Holy Spirit.  This is where we find the Lord's incomparable power to find that salt and light He wants us to affect others with.

So where do we start to renew this salt and light?  When I enter a destination into my GPS in my car she asks me if I want to start at my current destination.  My response is "well du...where else would I start from?  I think the same is true for getting back on course when we find ourselves simply spent.  Start where you are, on your knees, excepting the Lord's position for you today, not where you were last week, a year ago or even two hours ago.  The Lord empowers us to do that which we were created to do in His time, within His power.  The point of our being here is to be used for His greatness and His presence will be with you no matter where your circumstances may find you.

Our saltiness will always find someone to absorb his love and light bearers will always be a beacon for someone who find themselves in the dark.  Come to His feet and have your salt shaker refilled; replace your batteries.  He will hear your call, when upon your knees you fall. 

Are you a DIYer?

Are you a DIYer ("do it yourselfer") or do you call in the pro's?  John will admit to anyone that around our house if it requires anything more than changing a light bulb, I have to fix it or we have to call in the pro's (otherwise known as Jason Winegard).  Sometimes God calls us into areas we feel would be better suited for the pro's, but there are so many examples in scripture of  those who we would consider ordinary taking on the extraordinary.  Moses, Mary, and in our Gospel lesson this week (Mt. 4:12-22) not theologians but simple fishermen being called to be disciples of Jesus.  'Come follow me...at once they left their nets and followed him....Jesus called them and immediately they left the boat and their father". 
The disciples were following someone they trusted, which may be the only thing that made the journey possible for them.
So, are you feeling unqualified for what God is calling you to do today?  Hang in there; trust Him; if he had needed a professional, He would have called one, but he has chosen you.  Be obedient to that call at once, immediately and trust He will be faithful.

It's not all about me?

How often do we lie awake at night rehashing situations we have no control over or are seemingly ours to take charge of only to realize it had absolutely nothing to do with us?  I believe the Lord often times uses us as vessels for His glorious purpose, but we try to manipulate the purpose to make it about us.  I wonder if John the Baptist ever questioned the Lord's purpose for him?  I kind of doubt it.  John knew the Messiah before birth.  John knew his purpose was to point others to Jesus.  When those first two disciples left John to follow Jesus, John could rejoice in seeing his purpose being fulfilled. 
Even though we may find frustration in our situation, stop to have the heart of John for a moment. Reflect on the fact that it may not be about you, but for the Lord's greater purpose and have faith.  I will admit, if you want my attention make it about me, but at some point learning to "check ourselves at the door" and focus on the bigger picture; the eternal picture, there we will find fulfillment in our purpose.

I invite you to join us beginning this Wednesday night to "taste and see that the Lord is good".  We will study 2Chronicle 7:1-10.  Sundays are all about Jesus; Sundays should be cherished and a day we look forward to each week.  We will learn about making Sundays about Jesus and seeking His purpose for us.  God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called to his purpose for him. (Rm. 8:28)  Hope to see you then!

Epiphany!

Epiphany Oyster Roast

 

On Friday, January 6 at 6 pm, celebrate the coming of Christ’s light into the world with Epiphany Lessons and Carols in the Cathedral followed by our traditional burning of the greens and Oyster Roast. Sign up for the oyster roast below.
http://www.trinitysc.org/about/news/november-2016/epiphany-oyster-roast
This is an family friendly event for all ages! 
Menu:

• Roasted Oysters
• Chili
• Broccoli Cornbread
• PB & Js are available for children

Children are invited to attend the Epiphany service and oyster roast or they are invited to 1st Friday Movie Night (6-8pm).  We will be meeting in room 222 (above the kitchen).   Please contact me if your child would like to attend movie night or if you have any questions. bbbabson@trinitysc.org