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Sunday, October 18, 2015

50 Day Spiritual Adventure: Week 8

50 Day Spiritual Adventure: Week 8

Welcome to the eighth and final week of the Spiritual Adventure! My prayer is that you are enjoying your journey through the Minor Prophets. If you fall behind, please do not get discouraged! Keep at it; there will be some time to get caught up. Below you will find Scripture for the last seven weeks. I will plan to simply build on the Scripture, therefore, the past weeks Scriptures will be available as well.

Now that we have come to the end of this year's 50 Spiritual Adventure, my prayer is that God has whetted your appetite for His Word. Why re-read the Minor Prophets? Or how about tackling the New Testament? 

In any event, I want to encourage you to keep on reading God's Word. There is so much in it for our edification. No matter how many times we have read it, there is always more to learn!

What have you learned through these weeks of reading?

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim

To the regular readers of my blog, as well as those here for the first time, I would like to welcome you to join me in a time of delving into God’s Word, specifically the Minor Prophets of the Old Testament. Over the course of nine weeks (starting September 1 and ending October 19) we will be reading one or two chapters each day. It is not as daunting as it sounds. Be encouraged as you get into God’s Word, even when the prophets had a difficult word to share, there was such care and love too, if you look deeply enough.

The Scripture I will be sharing is what my pastor (Trinity United Methodist Church--Albia, Iowa) created and distributed to the congregation. This is something he does each fall. It is a time to be renewed spiritually. It is a time get back into the Word after a busy summer.

For some, it may be the first time they have really gotten into the Word. Wherever we are in our walk with the Lord, more awaits us. If you have yet to surrender you heart to Lord, why not do it now? Check out my blog archives for posts on salvation and what it means to follow Jesus are available for reading.

Speaking for myself, I have learned and grown from these special times. As you begin to read these passages, please do not get discouraged! If you get behind, keep on going, there will be time to get caught up.  

My plan is to post the Scripture for the week late Saturday or early on Sunday morning of that week; therefore, for a short time each week will have two posts instead of the usual one.

May God Bless you richly as you read His Word!


Scripture Calendar:

October 18-October 24

            October 18: Malachi Chapter 3

            October 19: Malachi Chapter 4

            October 20: Day to catch up

            October 21: Day to catch up

            October 22: Day to catch up

            October 23: Day to catch up

            October 24: Day to catch up

October 11-October 17

            October 11: Zechariah Chapter 9

            October 12: Zechariah Chapter 10

            October 13: Zechariah Chapter 11

            October 14: Zechariah Chapter 12

            October 15: Zechariah Chapters 13-14

            October 16: Malachi Chapter 1

            October 17: Malachi Chapter 2



October 4-October 10

      October 4: Day to catch up

      October 5: Zechariah Chapter 3

      October 6: Zechariah Chapter 4

      October 7: Zechariah Chapter 5

      October 8: Zechariah Chapter 6

      October 9: Zechariah Chapter 7


      October 10: Zechariah Chapter 8 


September 27-October 3

            September 27: Micah Chapter 7

         September 28: Habakkuk Chapters 1-3

         September 29: Zephaniah Chapters 1-3

         September 30: Haggai Chapters 1-2

         October 1: Zechariah Chapter 1

         October 2: Zechariah Chapter 2

         October 3: Day to catch up

September 20-September 26

            September 20: Amos Chapters 5-6

            September 21: Amos Chapters 7-8

            September 22: Amos Chapter 9

            September 23: Micah Chapters 1-2

            September 24: Micah Chapters 3-4

            September 25: Micah Chapter 5

            September 26: Micah Chapter 6  


September 13-September 19

            September 13: Hosea Chapters 11-12

            September 14: Hosea Chapters 13-14 

            September 15: Joel Chapters 1-2

            September 16: Joel Chapters 3-4

            September 17: Amos Chapters 1-2

            September 18: Amos Chapter 3


September 6-September 12

            September 6:   Daniel Chapters 11-12

            September 7:   Hosea Chapters 1-2

            September 8:   Hosea Chapters 3-4

            September 9:   Hosea Chapters 5-6

            September 10: Hosea Chapters 7-8

            September 11: Hosea Chapter 9

            September 12: Hosea Chapter 10

August 31-September 5

            August 31:      Free Day

            September 1:   Daniel Chapters 1-2

            September 2:   Daniel Chapters 3-4

            September 3:   Daniel Chapters 5-6

            September 4:   Daniel Chapters 7-8

Friday, October 16, 2015

Clergy Appreciation Month: Laity Serving




“Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethern, I would not have you ignorant.  ….  Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.  And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord.”
(1 Corinthians 12:1, 4-5 KJV)


From http://www.triumphch.org/files/Images/Discover%20Your%20Spiritual%20Gifts.jpg


To read the first and second posts in this series, please see:  Clergy Appreciation Month and Clergy Appreciation Month: Pastor Appreciation Sunday.

In the United Methodist Church the third Sunday in October is designated as Laity Sunday. This is a Sunday in which the ministry of the laity is celebrated.  As Christians—as members of God’s family—we are to be exercising the gifts God has so graciously given us.  

Each Christian has at least one spiritual gift—a gift that God expects us to use for His glory and the benefit of His people.  Have you taken the time to discover your spiritual gifts?  If you have not done so, please consider doing it soon. 

If you know your spiritual gifts, it is your responsibility to use them.  By using your gifts, you will bless your pastor (and others) more than you will ever know.  One of the greatest gifts you could give your pastor is the voluntary use of your gifts.  You just might make his/her day (and year!), by going to him/her with an idea about how you could help/serve.

My pastor recently stated this regarding the ministry of the laity: "Pastors are always delighted to see laity that takes ownership of areas of ministry.  A good example is leading children and youth ministries and teaching the Bible."

From http://www.radicalriders.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/SpiritualGiftsGraphic.jpg 

Remember, there are no bad gifts (Romans 12:6), just different ones.  Spend some time thinking and praying about how you can serve others as a lay person—lay ministry is not just reserved for specially trained lay leaders/speakers of the church.  All laity are to be in some form of ministry within and without the church.

Where do you feel that God is calling to get involved?

What ways are you serving—giving of your time, talents, energy?     

Remember, the Lord expects us to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-14).  The people around us should see something different about how we live our lives and how we interact with and treat others.

Please join with me in prayer:

Dear Lord, inspire us to use our skills and our gifts to be a blessing to others. We desire to serve You humbly, along with our pastor.  Remind us that all gifts are important within the church and Your kingdom.  Persuade us to not only encourage our pastor but others, as well, in using their gifts for Your glory.  May we use our gifts for Your glory.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.   

From My Heart to Yours,


Kim

Sunday, October 11, 2015

50 Day Spiritual Adventure: Week 7

50 Day Spiritual Adventure: Week 7

Welcome to the seventh week of the Spiritual Adventure! My prayer is that you are enjoying your journey through the Minor Prophets. If you fall behind, please do not get discouraged! Keep at it; there will be some time to get caught up. Below you will find Scripture for the last six weeks. I will plan to simply build on the Scripture, therefore, the past weeks Scriptures will be available as well.

To the regular readers of my blog, as well as those here for the first time, I would like to welcome you to join me in a time of delving into God’s Word, specifically the Minor Prophets of the Old Testament. Over the course of nine weeks (starting September 1 and ending October 19) we will be reading one or two chapters each day. It is not as daunting as it sounds. Be encouraged as you get into God’s Word, even when the prophets had a difficult word to share, there was such care and love too, if you look deeply enough.

The Scripture I will be sharing is what my pastor (Trinity United Methodist Church--Albia, Iowa) created and distributed to the congregation. This is something he does each fall. It is a time to be renewed spiritually. It is a time get back into the Word after a busy summer.

For some, it may be the first time they have really gotten into the Word. Wherever we are in our walk with the Lord, more awaits us. If you have yet to surrender you heart to Lord, why not do it now? Check out my blog archives for posts on salvation and what it means to follow Jesus are available for reading.

Speaking for myself, I have learned and grown from these special times. As you begin to read these passages, please do not get discouraged! If you get behind, keep on going, there will be time to get caught up.  

My plan is to post the Scripture for the week late Saturday or early on Sunday morning of that week; therefore, for a short time each week will have two posts instead of the usual one.

May God Bless you richly as you read His Word!


Scripture Calendar:

October 11-October 17

            October 11: Zechariah Chapter 9

            October 12: Zechariah Chapter 10

            October 13: Zechariah Chapter 11

            October 14: Zechariah Chapter 12

            October 15: Zechariah Chapters 13-14

            October 16: Malachi Chapter 1

            October 17: Malachi Chapter 2



October 4-October 10

      October 4: Day to catch up

      October 5: Zechariah Chapter 3

      October 6: Zechariah Chapter 4

      October 7: Zechariah Chapter 5

      October 8: Zechariah Chapter 6

      October 9: Zechariah Chapter 7


      October 10: Zechariah Chapter 8 


September 27-October 3

            September 27: Micah Chapter 7

         September 28: Habakkuk Chapters 1-3

         September 29: Zephaniah Chapters 1-3

         September 30: Haggai Chapters 1-2

         October 1: Zechariah Chapter 1

         October 2: Zechariah Chapter 2

         October 3: Day to catch up

September 20-September 26

            September 20: Amos Chapters 5-6

            September 21: Amos Chapters 7-8

            September 22: Amos Chapter 9

            September 23: Micah Chapters 1-2

            September 24: Micah Chapters 3-4

            September 25: Micah Chapter 5

            September 26: Micah Chapter 6  


September 13-September 19

            September 13: Hosea Chapters 11-12

            September 14: Hosea Chapters 13-14 

            September 15: Joel Chapters 1-2

            September 16: Joel Chapters 3-4

            September 17: Amos Chapters 1-2

            September 18: Amos Chapter 3


September 6-September 12

            September 6:   Daniel Chapters 11-12

            September 7:   Hosea Chapters 1-2

            September 8:   Hosea Chapters 3-4

            September 9:   Hosea Chapters 5-6

            September 10: Hosea Chapters 7-8

            September 11: Hosea Chapter 9

            September 12: Hosea Chapter 10

August 31-September 5

            August 31:      Free Day

            September 1:   Daniel Chapters 1-2

            September 2:   Daniel Chapters 3-4

            September 3:   Daniel Chapters 5-6

            September 4:   Daniel Chapters 7-8

Friday, October 9, 2015

Clergy Appreciation Month: Pastor Appreciation Sunday




Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that ye strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;” (Romans 15:30 KJV)

To read the first post in this series on Clergy Appreciation Month, please see Clergy Appreciation Month.

This coming Sunday, October 11, 2015, is Pastor Appreciation Sunday.  Some churches honor their pastor(s) on this Sunday with a special service.  

A variety of ways exist to honor our pastors—it does not have to be flashy or glamorous.  It can be something as simple as a short presentation during the service or a simple potluck after the service.  (Be sure to include children and youth!)  The idea is to let your pastor know that they are loved and appreciated. Of course, this appreciation should happen more often than in October!


From http://www.pastor-gifts.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/pastor-appreciation-daymonth-730x480.jpg
Have you ever stopped to consider how much a pastor does during a given day or week?  Dedicated pastors work far more than 40 hours a week.  Likely their work week is closer to 60-70 hours!  Guard your pastor’s day off each week.  They need some down time to care for themselves.   

Being a pastor is a huge and demanding job; something that can only be done through the strength of God and much prayer.  How often do you pray for your pastor(s)?  It is only right that we pray for our pastor; after all, pastors pray for their flocks. 

To get an idea about “a day in the life” of a pastor see Thom Rainer’s article A Day in the Life of a Pastor

Pastors truly need and deserve all the support and encouragement they can get.  Recognize and affirm the sacrifices they make—do it orally or in writing.  Do not forget how meaningful, the seemingly small things can be!  Share your appreciation from your heart.  It will mean far more than you will ever know, this side of heaven. 

Be sure to pray for his/her family, as well; do not forget the many sacrifices they make!  The families of pastors make far more sacrifices than we will ever know.  How many family meals or gatherings do you suppose pastors miss?  Even pastors without a family make many sacrifices in serving their congregation.


From http://metrovoicenews.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/Slider_Pastor-Appreciation.jpg


HAVE YOU HUGGED YOUR PASTOR TODAY?  J

From http://blog.rose-publishing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Screen-Shot-2015-10-02-at-9.33.56-AM-300x226.png

How will you show appreciation to your pastor this week?

Please join with me in prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, we pray that You will strengthen and encourage our pastor.  Help us to pray effectively for our pastor and family each day.  Lord, please protect our pastor and family from the attacks of the enemy; we plead the blood of Jesus over them.  Grant our pastor the wisdom to guide and care for us.  Thank You for all of the sacrifices pastors and their families make in service to You.  Reveal to us how to best show our appreciation to our pastor.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

From My Heart to Yours,


Kim

Sunday, October 4, 2015

50 Day Spiritual Adventure: Week 6

50 Day Spiritual Adventure: Week 6

Welcome to the sixth week of the Spiritual Adventure! My prayer is that you are enjoying your journey through the Minor Prophets. If you fall behind, please do not get discouraged! Keep at it; there will be some time to get caught up. Below you will find Scripture for the last five weeks. I will plan to simply build on the Scripture, therefore, the past weeks Scriptures will be available as well.

To the regular readers of my blog, as well as those here for the first time, I would like to welcome you to join me in a time of delving into God’s Word, specifically the Minor Prophets of the Old Testament. Over the course of nine weeks (starting September 1 and ending October 19) we will be reading one or two chapters each day. It is not as daunting as it sounds. Be encouraged as you get into God’s Word, even when the prophets had a difficult word to share, there was such care and love too, if you look deeply enough.

The Scripture I will be sharing is what my pastor (Trinity United Methodist Church--Albia, Iowa) created and distributed to the congregation. This is something he does each fall. It is a time to be renewed spiritually. It is a time get back into the Word after a busy summer.

For some, it may be the first time they have really gotten into the Word. Wherever we are in our walk with the Lord, more awaits us. If you have yet to surrender you heart to Lord, why not do it now? Check out my blog archives for posts on salvation and what it means to follow Jesus are available for reading.

Speaking for myself, I have learned and grown from these special times. As you begin to read these passages, please do not get discouraged! If you get behind, keep on going, there will be time to get caught up.  

My plan is to post the Scripture for the week late Saturday or early on Sunday morning of that week; therefore, for a short time each week will have two posts instead of the usual one.

May God Bless you richly as you read His Word!


Scripture Calendar:
October 4-October 10

      October 4: Day to catch up

      October 5: Zechariah Chapter 3

      October 6: Zechariah Chapter 4

      October 7: Zechariah Chapter 5

      October 8: Zechariah Chapter 6

      October 9: Zechariah Chapter 7


      October 10: Zechariah Chapter 8 


September 27-October 3

            September 27: Micah Chapter 7

         September 28: Habakkuk Chapters 1-3

         September 29: Zephaniah Chapters 1-3

         September 30: Haggai Chapters 1-2

         October 1: Zechariah Chapter 1

         October 2: Zechariah Chapter 2

         October 3: Day to catch up

September 20-September 26

            September 20: Amos Chapters 5-6

            September 21: Amos Chapters 7-8

            September 22: Amos Chapter 9

            September 23: Micah Chapters 1-2

            September 24: Micah Chapters 3-4

            September 25: Micah Chapter 5

            September 26: Micah Chapter 6  


September 13-September 19

            September 13: Hosea Chapters 11-12

            September 14: Hosea Chapters 13-14 

            September 15: Joel Chapters 1-2

            September 16: Joel Chapters 3-4

            September 17: Amos Chapters 1-2

            September 18: Amos Chapter 3


September 6-September 12

            September 6:   Daniel Chapters 11-12

            September 7:   Hosea Chapters 1-2

            September 8:   Hosea Chapters 3-4

            September 9:   Hosea Chapters 5-6

            September 10: Hosea Chapters 7-8

            September 11: Hosea Chapter 9

            September 12: Hosea Chapter 10

August 31-September 5

            August 31:      Free Day

            September 1:   Daniel Chapters 1-2

            September 2:   Daniel Chapters 3-4

            September 3:   Daniel Chapters 5-6

            September 4:   Daniel Chapters 7-8

Friday, October 2, 2015

Clergy Appreciation Month



“And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be ye at peace among yourselves.”  (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 KJV)

From http://montgomery.sig-ltc.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2013/10/clergy.png

Clergy Appreciation Month was started in the early 1990s by a lay person, who saw a need. He realized that there were months and days honoring people and groups but nothing for honoring pastors. Pastors are human and need encouragement like everyone else—it can be something quite simple—such as a pat on the back, a word of praise, or simply being attentive during services. At times pastors seem to take more than their fair share of criticism, so words of praise are even more important. 

Remember most pastors work incredibly hard, putting in extremely long hours to care for the flock they love. (And by the way, they work more than just on Sunday!) This means they miss time with their families. They also neglect their own needs at times. Therefore, they need to be reminded they are loved and that they are making a difference in the lives of others.

We see pastors being encouraged in the Bible, such as the support Aaron and Hur gave to Moses during the battle with the Amalekites (Exodus 17:10-13).

How is your pastor being encouraged by the members of his/her congregation? Who holds up your pastor’s arms? What are you doing to encourage your pastor?   

Do not forget to encourage your pastor’s family; they are an important part of the ministry too! The pastor’s family is a vital part of his/her ministry. They are expected to make many sacrifices that many in the congregation would be unwilling to make.

One great way to encourage your pastor and his/her family is through prayer! Let them know that you are praying for them. For some ideas to direct your prayers see: How to Pray for Your Pastor.

Throughout the rest of this month and in the months ahead, think about ways to affirm the work of your pastor and his/her family. Keep in mind that our pastors should be appreciated and affirmed twelve months a year, not just in October!

How are you honoring your pastor and his/her family? How have you showed appreciation (as an individual or as a church) in the past?

From http://www.ministryinsured.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2013/10/sheep.jpg 


Please join with me in prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for all those who were and are obedient to Your call on their lives and became pastors to shepherd Your flock. Prompt us to know how and when to encourage our pastors; may we use our words with care—building up rather than tearing down. Father, thank You for our pastors and their families; pour out Your blessings on them, may they experience the fullness of Your presence in their daily lives. In Jesus’ Name.  Amen

From My Heart to Yours,

Kim


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