Thankful Service - July 7, 2009

Well, night one of Vacation Bible School is in the books. If you were not there, you need to come and join the fun that the sixty-six kids and thirty-eight adults had. You have to see our very own Rob Wright and the antics that he brings to the stage. It was such a great time. I hope you all can make it for Sunday night’s closing program. It is sure to be a hit!

The volunteers for last night was outstanding. There is still room for more adults, though. Gina Wright and Amy Land are always looking for a few good men and women to serve. This is an easy way to serve God and your fellow man. There is nursery duty, leading kids around, craft duty, recreation duty, helping with the music, making sure the bathrooms have all the supplies in them, counting money, fixing snacks, policing the place. There are always things for somebody to do.

How else do we show the next generation that serving is a vital part of ministry? If we don’t serve, who will? If we don’t teach the younger generation to serve, who will? 2nd Corinthians 9:12 states “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.” Isn’t that how we want to show ourselves? Anything you do, whether it be pick up trash, sing in the choir, work with the kids, volunteer to help with communion, is supplying a need and expresses your thanks to God. Vacation Bible School is just one of many ways we can do that. So come out tonight and help out.

I Pledge Allegiance - July 1, 2009

I was just reading Psalm 119. I did not realize that the Pledge to the Bible had a line taken from this chapter. Psalm 119:11 states, “Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.” Next week, during Vacation Bible School we will say that pledge and the Pledge to the Christian Flag as much as the Pledge to the American Flag. I love the words to each of those pledges. As a young girl, I learned them and have never forgotten them. To me, they hold a lot of meaning that I try to duplicate.

This week, the pledge to our nation’s flag is going to be recited more often than any other words. Go to http://www.homeofheroes.com/hallofheroes/1st_floor/flag/1bfc_pledge.html and read about the pledge.
Our pledge may seem mundane and systematic now. We recite the words without really thinking about what we are saying. Take some time this week to think about some of the words in the pledge.

The Pledge to the American Flag
I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which is stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

The Pledge to the Christian Flag
I pledge allegiance to the Christian flag and to the Savior for who’s kingdom it stands. One brotherhood, uniting all Christians in service and in love.

The Pledge to the Holy Bible
I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God’s Holy Word, a lamp until my feet and a light unto my path. It’s words will I hide in my heart that I might not sin against God.

Those are some powerful words. Do you believe them? Do you agree with them? What do those words mean to you? Do you feel united in brotherhood with other Christians? Do you hide the Word in your heart? I hope you do!