Rummage Giveaway - Part 1

by Bethany Lashbrook

This week's verse: Matthew 25:40, “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

Devotion:

Two years ago, in a small group that met on Wednesday nights in our church, a friend of mine came up with a brilliant idea to have a free yard sale. The assignment: find a need and do something about it. The need: people. The goal: to help. Simple, yet profound.

So, our small group set off on a wonderful adventure of the first year of the Rummage Sale. It wasn't necessarily a yard sale because it would take place in our church's gymnasium. But, there was definitely going to be some rummaging - because the goal was to ask people to donate anything and everything. Our small group accepted all sorts of donations: clothes, toys, baby items, household items, and practically anything else worth giving.

Another small group came up with the idea to serve a nice, hot meal during the rummage sale. As they prepared for the meal, our group prepared for the rummage event.

The people in our church were gracious; donating selflessly for weeks leading up to the rummage sale. The week prior to the sale, we all were sorting every night. The small group was featured in both of our town's newspapers. WBGL and our local radio station broadcast for the event.

What else could we ask for? We had a gymnasium full of goodies, a tribe of volunteers helping throughout the week and advertisement across several counties. We just needed the people to show up.

Through lots of prayer from us (and for us!) - the 1st year came and went with an explosion. It was almost a whirlwind - setting up, people coming, taking down, and then it's done. I really couldn't wrap my head around it until it was said and done and stories started to circulate.

~Like the man who walked in and picked up some blankets and left.

~Like the people who lined an hour before the rummage sale began.

~Like the woman who insisted on donating money and gave us $5 to put in our offering plate.

~Or the woman who called the church and asked if it was okay to donate brand new items, such as heavy coats for winter.

Such simple things with such profound meaning. Sometimes it's not what you do, or how you do it, how you experience it, or how long it takes, but it's the love that is put into it that makes it a celebration - a love for the Lord that is uncrushable. Psalm 115 states, "Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory for your unfailing love and faithfulness." (NLT)

Dear Lord, thank you for the love you show us as you work through us. Help us to remember we are all created in your image. We all deserve to know you, to love you, and to experience your love. Thank you for your Jesus. Thank you for your presence in our life and help us to show others this love for the growth of your kingdom. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Power Verses:

Psalm 117:2, "For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever. Praise the LORD." (NIV)

1 Corinthians 15:57, "But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ." (NLT)

God Can Make A Way

By Charity Pence

This Week’s Verse: Exodus 14:13, “And Moses said to the people, ‘Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever.’” (NKJV)

Devotion:

I love how God knows what I need. A couple Sundays ago, I considered not going to church. I was overwhelmed by everything my husband and I have going on in our lives right now, and quite frankly, I was in a bad mood. The idea of not going bothered me, though. I enjoy going to church and I believe it is important to go. My conscience would not let me stay home so I went.

In Exodus, Moses has led the Israelites out of Egypt. Backed up against the Red Sea with Pharaoh’s army preparing to destroy them, the Israelites get angry with Moses for leading them away from the only home they knew. Now they have nowhere to go and there is no possible way for them to escape the certain annihilation that is to come, or so they believed. They were wrong. God made a way for them. He parted the sea so they could pass, and Pharaoh’s army was destroyed instead.

This is the passage our pastor used that Sunday, and I needed to hear it. I had allowed myself to worry. When I worry, I am not trusting God as I should to meet my needs. My circumstances had me believing there was no possible way for my husband and me to ever overcome the problems we have been facing. However, I was reminded that nothing is impossible with God. Our Heavenly Father will make a way. Hallelujah!

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for prompting me to go to church that morning. Thank you for reminding me that You are more than enough; You alone can provide. I’m sorry for allowing myself to be overcome with doubt and fear. Please take these burdens so I can rest in Your peace. I love You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Applications: Don’t allow yourself to worry. By worrying, we are taking the reins from God as if we are able to take care of everything on our own. This is not God’s will for us. He has promised to love us, care for us, and provide for us. We should let Him!

Power Verses:

Joshua 1:9, “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee withersoever thou goest.” (KJV)

Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” (NIV)

Isaiah 40:31, “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” (NKJV)

It Will Only Cost You a Hat

By Bethany Lashbrook

This week’s verse: Psalm 18:30 “As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the LORD is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him.” (NKJV)

I recently saw a commercial that caught my attention. It went something like this.

Girl picks up hat in department store. Girl looks at beautiful hat. Then girl starts to dream about this hat and how wonderful she looks in it. Then girl thinks, “Awe, perfect husband with this hat. The perfect family with this hat! Awe, perfect life with this hat.” Then, she places the hat in the cart. And the man with the deep voice says: “and only for $15.99”.

Wow! If I would have known I could have the perfect life for only the cost of a hat – I would have went to that department store years ago. I would have bought more than one too! I wonder if I could switch the perfect hats for a different type of “perfect” life? Ha!

The Bible tells us “It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.” 2 Samuel 22:33 (NIV) We can’t get caught up in the perfect home for our children, the perfect life we will share with our spouses, the perfect family we will raise, or the perfect clothes we will wear. But, we can rely on the perfect God to show us our paths!

The bible also tells us "Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak." Matthew 26:41 (NIV) Temptations surround us day in and day out. All we have to do to be tempted is log on to the net, watch a little T.V., or listen to the radio. Lies will be told. But, we know the Truth, and we know the answer. We are armed with the word to fight these temptations.

As we go about our lives, running our children to and from soccer games, fixing our families their suppers, driving to and from work – let’s try to focus on the way, the truth, and the light. (John 14:6)

Dear Lord, thank you for giving us the word, which enables us to distinguish between the truths we hear and the lies. Thank you for sending your perfect Son to die on the cross so that we may be forgiven of our sins and spend eternity with you. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Application: Have you been listening to the lies of this world? This week, try to stay focused on God and His Word, rather than what the world has to tell us about keeping our perfect lives together.

Power Verses:

Psalm 40:11 “Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O Lord; Let Your loving kindness and Your truth continually preserve me.” (NKJV)

Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” (NLT)

Deuteronomy 32:4 “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are” just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he. (NIV)

Ephesians 6:13-15 “13Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.” (NIV)

Giving

Anonymous Submission

This Week's Verse: 1 Timothy 6:18, "Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and should give generously to those in need, always being ready to share with others whatever God has given them." (NLT)

Devotion:
I have been blessed throughout my life in various ways. Whenever bill time came around each month, there is always enough money in the checking account to pay those bills. I have need of very little and feel led to help others when I see a need.

I have in the past been able to help others with their financial needs. I don’t say this boastfully because, just like this devotion, I do it anonymously. I try to live as it says in Matthew 6:2-4, “When you give a gift to someone in need, don't shout about it as the hypocrites do—blowing trumpets in the synagogues and streets to call attention to their acts of charity! I assure you, they have received all the reward they will ever get. But when you give to someone, don't tell your left hand what your right hand is doing. Give your gifts in secret, and your Father, who knows all secrets, will reward you.”

A couple years ago, I knew of a family that was struggling financially and I felt led to help them out. Another time I felt God telling me to give money to another family that I perceived as a whole lot wealthier than me. I thought You’ve got to be kidding. These people are far better off than I am! Why do they need any money? Especially mine! Are You sure? (Don’t you question God when you think you’ve heard from Him, but just don’t want to be obedient?) But in the end, I was obedient and gave them the money God instructed me to give.

I’ve also been involved in WBGL's "Random Acts of Christmas". I’m not trying to brag, just to set an example of how God can work in our lives and the lives of others if we are obedient. Obviously, we can’t help everyone all the time. God will speak to you if you are to help in a situation.

Since these “acts of charity”, I have been overwhelmed by the ways God has given back to me. For instance, I was at a store about to purchase an item that was supposed to be $250. When all was said and done, it ended up only costing me $80! Another situation happened when I went to pay the dues for an organization I belong to. The regular membership dues were over $200, but this year I received a discount and they only cost me $60! About a month ago, I ‘pre-figured’ my taxes just to see how much I was going to have to owe this year. I estimated that I was going to have to pay over $900 (Federal and State combined). But a few weeks ago, I was doing my taxes and noticed a tax credit that I had overlooked and another deduction that I had not figured in. So now, instead of OWING $900, I am getting a REFUND of $702 from the Fed and I only owe the state $105. Holy Cow! That’s a total variance of $1500!!! (Thank God for procrastination!!)

Just remember, money is not really ours to begin with. We are to be good stewards of our money, but not to hoard it for selfish desires. Give from your heart and you will be blessed in return. But please don’t give just to manipulate God into re-paying you. God cannot be mocked (Galatians 6:7).

I read a facebook status that said, “God can do a lot more with what you don’t have, than you can do with what you do have.” Listen to His voice and you will be rewarded.

Father, thank you that You continue to bless us in many ways. Help us to not be caught up in the world and place more value on things than we do You. Show us the areas where You would have us to serve and give. Helps us to be better stewards of the gifts You give us. In Jesus name, Amen.

Application:
Is God calling you to give to someone today? It doesn’t have to be monetary; perhaps there is something you have that you could give to someone. It may be just the giving of your time. I encourage you however to give without looking for something in return. Give from your heart that God has spoken to.

Power Verses:
Luke 6:38, "If you give, you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use in giving—large or small—it will be used to measure what is given back to you."(NLT)
Mark 12:42-44, "Sitting across from the offering box, he was observing how the crowd tossed money in for the collection. Many of the rich were making large contributions. One poor widow came up and put in two small coins—a measly two cents. Jesus called his disciples over and said, 'The truth is that this poor widow gave more to the collection than all the others put together. All the others gave what they'll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn't afford—she gave her all.'"(MSG)
2 Cor. 9:7-8, "You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others."(NLT)

Getting the Word Out

by Missy Milbourn

This Week's Verse: John 21:15-16, "After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, 'Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?' 'Yes, Lord,' Peter replied, 'you know I love you.' 'Then feed my lambs,' Jesus told him. Jesus repeated the question: 'Simon son of John, do you love me?' 'Yes, Lord,' Peter said, 'you know I love you.' 'Then take care of my sheep,' Jesus said. A third time he asked him, 'Simon son of John, do you love me?' Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, 'Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you.' Jesus said, 'Then feed my sheep.'"(NLT)

Devotion:
Over the past year I have watched as God has poured His love and compassion for suffering children into the heart of my husband, specifically speaking of children in poverty. I have watched Denny shed many tears as he has read factual stories and seen videos of these children who are in desperate need. To be honest, what God has done in the heart of Denny, and now is doing in my life too, has changed the way I view Christianity. It has expanded the way I view Christianity, and in many ways there has been a paradigm shift.

We live in an era of “prosperity preaching”. The popular claim is “Obey God and he will give you the home of your dreams, he will give you the car of your dreams, He will provide everything you ever wanted…”

Understand I believe that God wants to prosper you. I also believe that when we obey Him, He does prosper us. But I’m not sure the above scenario is what he had in mind.

In Luke 3:7-9, we see a sample of John the Baptist’s preaching, and what he talks about is that when we follow God, our life should change, our life should look different. Part of what he says is this: “Prove by the way you live that you have really turned from your sins and turned to God.”

At the end of his sermon, the crowd asked, “What should we do?” Good question. John replied, “If you have two coats, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.”

In Luke 12:33, Jesus says, “sell what you have and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven have no holes in them. Your treasure will be safe…no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it.”

We dream of news cars, and new homes, while others dream that someone will come along to provide them clean water, a bite to eat, and clothing to cover their bodies.

This Sunday, at First Christian Church, you’ll have a chance to fulfill someone else’s dream. The dream of having a bite to eat…clothes to wear, as we join with Compassion International, and churches all over the nation for “Compassion Sunday”. May you prayerfully consider your role as we make an effort to “release children from poverty in Jesus name”.

Father, you have called us not to acquire more, but to give more. Help us to understand the specific call that you have on our individual lives, so that we might fulfill your will and your purpose for our lives. So that your Kingdom can come through us to others….

Application:
Check out this video link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAIp2nceZwk
Prayerfully consider how God would like you to respond to His kingdom call.

Power Verses:
Luke 16:9, “I tell you, use your worldly resources to benefit others and make friends. In this way, your generosity stores up a reward for you in heaven.”(NLT)
Acts 4:32-35, “all the believers were of one heart and mind, and they felt that what they owned was not their own; they shared everything they had. And the apostles gave powerful witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great favor was upon them all. There was no poverty among them, because people who owned land or houses sold them and brought the money to the apostles to give to others in need.”(NLT)

Who Needs Anything More

by Kathy Lay

This Week's Verse: Phillipians 4:19, "And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus." (NIV)

I love listening in on the conversations my kids have in the car. Last week I heard my son express his deep need for a certain toy. His sister replied in her best "big sister" voice, "Now, Skylar, that's not a need; that's a want." Ah. Someone's been paying attention.

While I was happy that she knew the difference, a small part inside me got defensive for Skylar's want. I mean, I don't want my kids to be greedy, but is there anything wrong with wanting stuff too?

I'm so thankful that the Lord takes care of this! I'm grateful that He knows what we need. And what we don't. He also knows what we want, which may or may not be a real need. For example, you may think you need a zippy, cute little red convertible sports car, but you really just need reliable transportation.

You might think you need a frappuccino and biscotti, but what you really need is more rest and wholesome food so you can be energized. (Ouch. I really want that.)

You might think you need those slammin’ blue snakeskin sling-backs, but all you really need is some moderately attractive quality footwear. You get the picture.

And then there are those below-the-surface needs that you may not even be aware that you have. You may need to be taken out of your comfort zone in order to grow. Maybe you need an abundant measure of forgiveness for a sin you didn’t even realize you committed. And you might desperately need a divine touch of joy in a life that has become grayer so gradually that you hardly noticed.

Aren’t you so glad that God knows your needs? All of them—even the ones you’re not conscious of? And He’s so faithful to fill those needs richly. Abundantly. Beyond what you’d hoped. When you trust God completely to meet all your needs, He may even take care of a few wants—such as a 75% off sale on those sling-backs! Or even the toy my son wants making the list of After-Thanksgiving-Day early bird discounts!

But even if we don’t always get what we want, we will always have what we need. And that’s infinitely better.

Lord, You do meet our needs so richly—even ones we're not aware of. Thank You for doing it gloriously through Jesus, so that each time we see a need and even a want filled, our faith increases even more.

Application:
As you count your blessings and express your gratitude this Thanksgiving, note the categories those blessings fall into. What obvious needs has God met? What needs has He met that, before, you didn't even realize you needed met? And what wants has He graciously provided?

Power Verses:
Matthew 7:11, "So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good gifts to those who ask him." (NLT)
Psalm 79:8, "Do not hold us guilty for the sins of our ancestors! Let your compassion quickly meet our needs, for we are on the brink of despair." (NLT)
2 Corinthians 9:12, "So two good things will result from this ministry of giving—the needs of the believers in Jerusalem will be met, and they will joyfully express their thanks to God." (NLT)
Ezra 3:11, "With praise and thanksgiving they sang to the LORD: 'He is good; his love to Israel endures forever.' "(NIV)