by Cathy Baker | Faith |
This week I had the privilege of meeting with a couple friends to help review CHASE, a new DVD based study by Jennie Allen. We did a brief walk-through of one lesson, so this is by no means a thorough review, but here’s why it was an immediate fave:
- I liked Jennie. She seemed authentic, down to earth, and well-studied. I felt as if I was sitting across from a friend with a hot cup of coffee in hand discussing our favorite subject: God’s Word.
- The study layout is clean with ample white space. It has a nice contemporary/fresh feel to it.
- I mentioned the contemporary layout because although it initially appeals to the eyes, it doesn’t take long for the scripture verses and insightful questions to take hold of the heart and mind.
- I could envision smaller groups working well with this study — those searching for more discussion than digging. There’s obviously a place for both, as long as they’re centered on and saturated in the Word.
I would definitely consider leading this study in a smaller setting. The cost for the leader’s kit is also considerably less than others – a real plus for many small groups. $26.39, Amazon.
Have a great weekend!
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
It’s the first day of Spring!
This season, I will celebrate:
- My risen Savior. The same dunamis power that raised Jesus from the grave resides in me – within every Christ follower – and He is a life changer. My celebration of this gospel-driven truth isn’t limited to the one Sunday many rise before the sun, wear new outfits, and race to find the most brightly colored eggs. For “‘In Him we live and move and have our being…'”. Acts 17:28
- Light breezes, rainy mornings, emerging hostas, and shady corners in my yard. (Along with a possible screened-in back porch from which to enjoy all of the above. My vintage glider is waiting for a test drive from Piper.)
- Getting a new roof! Our hundred-year old home has never seen one — and we have a leak to prove it. But God (two favorite words) blessed us through this experience in a way we never expected. Thank You Lord!
- My time at Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writer’s Conference in May. 60 days away…but who’s counting? Reservations are made, a possible book idea to pitch is in the works, and I can’t wait to hug this friend in person. We’ve been e-friends for a year but we’ll meet face to face in May. Building relationships is one of the things BRMCWC does best.
- Running! I received official clearance after a procedure last week and I’ve already begun my walk/run journey. Starting over again at 50 will certainly be different than years past. I may be slow and steady but this I know for sure: I’m moving in the right direction.
What’s one thing you will be celebrating this Spring season? Welcome to the party!
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
This weekend we celebrated the BIG 5-0 birthday of a crazy dear friend, Kevin. In lieu of gifts, we were asked to bring a card expressing what we appreciate most about him.
It was one of the easiest cards I’ve ever written.
Several years ago, he and his a-mazing wife, Carolyn, were in a Bible study I co-led during one of the morning services at Crossroads. I’ll never forget how his eyes lit up when I announced we’d probably stay in the book of John for a year. Kevin didn’t simply attend a Bible study, he came anticipating God to teach him of Himself. Light bulbs often sizzled above his Rod Stewart doo as newly discovered truths came to life. His zeal for the Word ignited something within us all.
Fast forward four years. We found ourselves at different churches…until Brian and I joined
Summit Upstate in 2012, where Kevin and Carolyn were already members. Care to guess who became our small group leader? Yep! The guy with the studded 5-0 glasses, birthday sash, and pink cords. (You know you love them, Carolyn!)
Brian and I could not ask for more godly, transparent, and Christ-focused leaders than Kevin and Carolyn Kennedy.
So you see why the words flowed with such ease as I took pen to paper before the weekend celebration. How often in life does God not only allow paths to cross again, but to also come full circle?
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Rom. 12:11
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
We recently finished up our community Bible study, Nehemiah…A Heart That Can Break, by Kelly Minter.
Obviously when a group studies a particular book in the Bible one can’t go wrong. Every word is profitable. Not one returns void. Each syllable, exhaled by our living and active God.
Each Bible study author, however, has their own way of bringing to light what God lays on their heart via thought provoking questions and insights shared in their unique voice. And it’s Kelly Minter’s voice/style that our group especially enjoyed.
Favorite excerpts:
- Sometimes the most accomplished people aren’t the ones with the most ability but with the most breakable hearts.
- If we view our sin as a minor infringement we will view God’s forgiveness with equal mediocrity. We can’t appreciate the great cost of forgiveness if we think our sin barely needed it in the first place.
- Even well-meaning people can unintentionally draw us away from God’s will in our lives.
- We expect enemies to wound us, but wounds from a relative or loved one inflict hurt inside the private property lines of our souls.
- This single focus of Nehemiah simultaneously convicts and inspires me as I consider the ways I am so easily drawn away from what God has put in my heart to do.
- I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Nehemiah’s enemies unleashed threats, lies, and an onslaught of intimidation when he and his people were just inches from the finish line.
- How easily I can put the ministry of people above the people themselves. The subtle temptation to exalt the “wall” of study, returning e-mails, planning events, and even putting together a meal for a Bible study over actual people is the most counterproductive traps we can slide into.
Is it any wonder why we’re already planning to go with another Kelly Minter study later this year? Hint: Esther.
Who are some other Bible study authors you would suggest we (and other groups) give a try?
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Sunday Snippets from Mark 8
- Our discipleship in Jesus Christ is essential to others coming to know Jesus.
- There is nothing passive about being a disciple of Jesus.
- Discipleship isn’t about taking a class. The cost of following Jesus: Your life. The reward of following Jesus: True life.
Verses 34-38, Jesus says:
Deny yourself. Do we believe our issues are more important than others? Do we deny ourselves anything for the glory of God or do we bow to the god of self-centeredness?
Take up your cross. Jesus asks Are you willing to say you’re with Me? It’s in My death that you’ll find true life.
Follow Me. Keep following me…daily. If you want to follow Me, your life will be about investing in the lives of others. Is the beauty of what God has done for you in Jesus leading you to lead a life less self-centered?
The above snippets come nowhere close to doing Jason Malone’s sermon justice but is there one particular snippet that resonates with you this Monday morning?
To listen to Sunday’s sermon (3/10) in its entirety, please visit Summit online.
