by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Searching for a new church home is rarely easy, but as our ten month journey comes to a close, I discovered a few “to-do’s” that helped me stay focused and open to God’s leading:
- Stay spiritually alert. Laziness has a way of creeping in the back window and snuggling up to our strongest spiritual pursuits when church life is turned upside down. I was hit broadside by a temptation that almost kept us from visiting the very church God led us to join. Looking back, I now see where a lack of discipline on my part unlocked the window, inviting laziness to dull my discernment.
- Seek out community. Don’t wait for it to land in your lap. While in between churches it’s all too easy to lose contact with others. Staying connected, whether it’s over the phone or a cup of coffee, is vital. Make the effort.
- Be grateful. The Body of Christ is a magnificent living, breathing, family. Yes, we’re all a mess but we are a beautiful mess in the eyes of our Father. While visiting churches, I encourage you to see each one as an extension of your family — and allow the spirit of gratitude to bubble up. If you’re not welcomed as expected, give grace. (Thankfully, with Sally at Summit’s doors, this is never an issue.) If you sense a pastor or person is struggling, be slow to complain and quick to pray.
We visited many wonderful churches and we thank God for those He allowed us to meet in the process. At Rocky Creek in particular, I met women who are sure to be friends regardless of where we belong. Now that’s the Body of Christ!
In the end, Brian and I felt led to become team members at
Summit Church. We look forward to becoming more deeply connected through life groups, serving, and the teaching of God’s Word.
If you’re currently searching for a new church, I welcome the opportunity to pray for you. Feel free to email me or leave a comment. Blessings!
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Welcome to Sunday Snippets!
Jason Malone picked up in Galatians 4:8-11 this morning. As mentioned last week, I try to jot everything down verbatim, but it’s not always possible. To listen to the sermon in its entirety, I invite you to visit Summit’s site.
What’s your greatest desire? To be a man/woman of God? To be a godly father/mother? To see your children/grandchildren fully devoted to Jesus Christ?
- Nothing hijacks our desires quicker than idolatry — which is anything or anyone that occupies the place that should be occupied by God alone.
Jesus + Nothing = Everything
Jesus + Anything = Nothing
- Nobody is an unbeliever. We either believe in the one true God or we’re a slave to worshiping gods. Christ followers are not enslaved, but we are tempted to put other things in God’s place.
- “Idols” aren’t always bad, but idolatry is. To be enslaved to – or to lust for something – is to over desire. It doesn’t mean having a normal size desire for something evil, but an over-sized desire for something that’s good. We lust after achievements, sex, money, etc. because the idol comes in saying if you have me, you’ll be fulfilled.
- Why do we put things where God should be? Because in those moments, we choose to love something or someone more than we love Jesus.
- The Gospel is the motivation for all life change.
- We all worship—so what is sitting on the throne of your life? Who or what is competing with God’s place?
Idolatry is always the reason we ever do anything wrong.
-Martin Luther
Counterfeit Gods: The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters, by Tim Keller, Reviews
Jesus + Nothing = Everything, Tullian Tchividjian
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Dad and Piper playing at the beach
3 Favorite Life Lessons — Thanks to My Dad:
Be a Giver, Not a Taker
Dropping off a bag of groceries, instructing the boys in golf, or taking time out of a busy schedule to complete “A Father’s Legacy” book are just a few examples of why my dad is one of the most generous people I know. For him, giving comes as natural as his next breath. His parents were two of the most giving people in their community so it comes as no surprise that their legacy continues through dad.
Watch for Ways to Serve Others
My dad has an innate sense when it comes to seeing the needs of others. On most Saturday mornings you could catch him quietly delivering goodies on the doorstep of elderly neighbors or delivering firewood to those nearby. By example, he continues to show me the meaning of true joy: Serving others instead of expecting to be served by others.
Have Fun
Growing up, we spent many a weekend up in the mountains in a little wooden cabin perched high above ground, peering over a lake fed by crystal-like springs. There, dad taught me how to bait my own hook and reel in the brim for an evening fish fry. Back home, we’d play hide-n-seek the minute dusk created shadows. Dad knew how to have fun and he always invited us to come along for the unforgettable ride.
The list could continue for days but the above lessons give you a sneak peek into why I have reason to celebrate this Father’s Day…and every day.
Happy Father’s Day, Dad!
by Cathy Baker | Faith |
Thanks to friends
Lori and
Lynn, I was introduced to the book
40 Ways to Get Closer to God, by Jerry (Chip) MacGregor with Keri Wyatt Kent.
I downloaded it via
Amazon, but I’ve not yet set sail on this journey, so I’m curious—would you be interested in joining me for
this summer challenge?
Here’s a brief description of what awaits us:
Practical Steps to a Deeper Faith. Sometimes faith demands action.
This practical book gives Christians ideas for how to adjust their
hearts to get closer to God.
Each chapter contains a unique
challenge and a brief explanation that puts the challenge in context. The challenges are broad in scope, allowing
people with varying personality types and learning styles to benefit
from them.
Everyone moves at their own pace, but as I post about the various ways, you could join in the fun, if you wish. Or, if you’re more comfortable sharing one-on-one, email or meet me for coffee.
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. James 4:8
Are you ready for a summer challenge? Me too!
I look forward to hearing from you.
