Good morning, friends! Have you ever had a sleepless night? I mean, a TOTALLY sleepless night? Yep, it was "Sleepless in Gaston" for me last night, so hopefully whatever I put in this WOW-Zine will actually make sense!
I've got something pretty special to share with you today. Look at what's happening on Saturday, September 12th!
Simulcast Theme & Exclusive Book Offer
(Beth's new book, Audacious, is available exclusively to simulcast participants prior to its release.)
Thirty years in the making, Audacious is a deep dive into the message that has compelled Beth Moore to serve women around the globe. Glancing over the years of ministry behind her and strengthening her resolve to the call before her, she came to the realization that her vision for women was incomplete. It lacked something they were aching for. Something Jesus was longing for. Beth identifies that missing link by digging through Scripture, unearthing life experiences, and spotlighting a turning point with the capacity to infuse any life with holy passion and purpose. What was missing? Well, let’s just say, it’s audacious and it's for all of us. And it's the path to the life you were born to live.
I believe a church in Newberg is hosting one of the simulcasts, so that's almost in our backyard! I attended one of these events several years ago, and it was almost as good as the time we went to see Beth Moore in person in Eugene. And a lot less expensive, which is always nice. So stay tuned for more information as I get it, but Save the Date now!
I hope you can join us this week for our next-to-the-last Bible study of the summer. The Perk will meet Thursday at 9:30 AM as usual this week and next before taking a break until the fall. It's not too late to jump in. It's a place you'll find it easy to develop friendships and share needs and joys with each other as we apply God's Word to our lives. Childcare is provided, so please bring a few dollars with you to compensate the two girls who watch the kiddos for us. Melissa is signed up for treats this week, but I just saw on Facebook this morning that she's really sick. So she easily may not make it this week. If someone would like to bring back-up goodies, feel free! (And get well, Melissa.)
Let me leave you with this devotion by author Liz Curtis Higgs.
This journey of faith? It isn’t meant to be a solo trip.
I didn’t get that at first. I was too excited about my salvation, my Jesus, my new life in Him. It really was all about me (how embarrassing). Then someone (gently) pointed out what people who love Jesus are called to do for one another.
Okay, then. It isn’t about me at all. It’s about God loving others through me — or through anyone He might choose. We’re simply vessels. Clay jars. Terracotta pots with a hole in the bottom, so water can flow through, rather than damage healthy roots.
This is what the Christian life is meant to look like: God pouring His living water not only in us, but also through us.
Right. So, here are some ways we can stop singing in the key of me-me-me and learn to serve the Lord — and others — with gladness.
1. “Honor one another above yourselves” {Romans 12:10}.
We’re not just talking about showing respect to other believers. We’re talking about putting them first. Above us. Ahead of us.
Easy to say, but often hard to do — at least, for this girl. Any sort of willingness to place others first comes from God. Only by His power can we embrace humility. Only by His strength can we learn how to play second fiddle and enjoy the tune.
2. “Live in harmony with one another” {Romans 12:16}.
Imagine being of the same mind with the people you do life with. Agreeing with one another. Quickly making amends. Staying in sync. Living together in peace.
A life without drama, without arguments, without slamming doors or raising voices. If we want a harmonious life, we need to care more about being kind than being right.
3. “Accept one another” {Romans 15:7}.
When you buy an item from the sale table marked “as is,” you know there’s a flaw somewhere, yet agree to overlook it. That’s what it means to accept one another, without judging, comparing, whining, or complaining.
If we could do this in our homes, that would be game-changing enough. If we could also do this in our churches, then every Sunday would be a family reunion, filled with hugs and shining faces and heartfelt good wishes and generous giving.
4. “Be kind and compassionate to one another” {Ephesians 4:32}.
As lovely as these descriptive words are — also translated “tenderhearted” and “merciful” and “sympathetic” and “understanding” — what it really comes down to is forgiveness.
Seeking or offering forgiveness is more than shared cups of tea and notes tucked in purses. It’s rubber-meets-the-road Christianity.
“Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.” {Ephesians 4:32, MSG}
5. “Encourage one another and build each other up” {1 Thessalonians 5:11}.
Hidden inside encourage is the Greek word for heart. When we encourage one another, we fill each other’s hearts, we build up rather than tear down, we look for ways to brighten rather than diminish.
Thumper’s father taught him, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say nothing at all.” Our heavenly Father’s advice? “Find something nice to say and say it.”
6. “Spur one another on toward love and good deeds” {Hebrews 10:24}.
It’s easy to stay home, to chill out, to seek our own pleasure. But God calls and equips us to do far more. To get out there, to help others, to change our corner of the world.
At the end of the day, it’s loving and serving one another that satisfies our deepest longing to be part of something bigger than ourselves, to be one beautiful terracotta pot among many.
Sherrie Ashcraft, Women's Miinistry Director
sherrieashcraft@gmail.com 971-285-6699
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