betcha haven’t
15 years ago
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Fusing myself
I have decided that I am going to fuse my blogs into one and post solely on the Just Call Me Woman Blog. Please come join me there. You may have to search a little more for the specific information that you are looking for, but I will be able to post more often.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Confirmation
This week is a big week for my DD. She will be confirmed at our church. For the past six months or so, she has been taking classes with the minister and several other kids her age. This was especially important to her. Since we were moving, she asked our minister special permission to participate in confirmation a year early. Fortunately, he obliged. Interestingly, our house sat on the market for far longer than we expected and she will now finish and be confirmed less than two weeks before we move - - -God works in mysterious ways.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Children's Sermon - John the Baptist
Did you all have a good Christmas? How many of you saw family? Had aunts, uncles, cousins in?
In the Bible we are introduced to Jesus’ cousin. . .does anyone know who that is? (Note: if you aren't giving this near a holiday, you could show them a genealogy chart and talk about members of your family and then segway to members of Jesus' family.)
That’s right John the Baptist.
We have two stories of Jesus and John the Baptist in the Bible. The first time they meet is actually before they are even born. Jesus’ mother, Mary, goes to stay with her cousin, Elizabeth, who is also pregnant.
"At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" (Luke 1: 39-45, NIV)
We do not hear about the two being together again until Jesus is a grown man and is being baptized. John had been preaching about the coming of Savior. He is telling people to repent for their sins and is performing baptisms.
As people began to wonder if he may be the Messiah or Savior, John the Baptist told them, “After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." (Mark 1: 7-8, NIV)
Finally, one day as he baptized people, his cousin came to him to baptized.
Can you imagine if Jesus came to you and asked you to pray with him, or teach him, or introduce him to your friends? How would you react?
Well, like you, John thought, I can’t do this, I can’t baptize the Savior and he said to Jesus, "I need to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me” (Matthew 3:14, NIV)
Jesus asked him to continue and to baptize him. And so in the river, Jesus walked. John baptized him and as he came up, “a dove and lighting on him. 17And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (Matthew 3: 16-17, NIV)
And with this action, the public ministry of Jesus that we read about in the New Testament began.
I will tell you a secret that there is more to the ministry of John the Baptist in the Bible. I would encourage you to read more when you go home today . . .as he also gives his life for Christianity.
Before I my words of prayer are said, I fold my hands and bow my head:
Dear God, There are many times in my life that I may feel insignificant and small. A minister or President or a great sportsman may seem so able. My part may seem lost or unneeded. Please help me know how important my life is in Your plan. That without a congregation a minister need not speak, without a country, a President need not lead, without a team, one great sportsman can do nothing. Remind me of John the Baptist and his calling to make the ways straight for the coming of Jesus.
Amen
In the Bible we are introduced to Jesus’ cousin. . .does anyone know who that is? (Note: if you aren't giving this near a holiday, you could show them a genealogy chart and talk about members of your family and then segway to members of Jesus' family.)
That’s right John the Baptist.
We have two stories of Jesus and John the Baptist in the Bible. The first time they meet is actually before they are even born. Jesus’ mother, Mary, goes to stay with her cousin, Elizabeth, who is also pregnant.
"At that time Mary got ready and hurried to a town in the hill country of Judea, where she entered Zechariah's home and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. Blessed is she who has believed that what the Lord has said to her will be accomplished!" (Luke 1: 39-45, NIV)
We do not hear about the two being together again until Jesus is a grown man and is being baptized. John had been preaching about the coming of Savior. He is telling people to repent for their sins and is performing baptisms.
As people began to wonder if he may be the Messiah or Savior, John the Baptist told them, “After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." (Mark 1: 7-8, NIV)
Finally, one day as he baptized people, his cousin came to him to baptized.
Can you imagine if Jesus came to you and asked you to pray with him, or teach him, or introduce him to your friends? How would you react?
Well, like you, John thought, I can’t do this, I can’t baptize the Savior and he said to Jesus, "I need to be baptized by you, and yet you come to me” (Matthew 3:14, NIV)
Jesus asked him to continue and to baptize him. And so in the river, Jesus walked. John baptized him and as he came up, “a dove and lighting on him. 17And a voice from heaven said, "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased." (Matthew 3: 16-17, NIV)
And with this action, the public ministry of Jesus that we read about in the New Testament began.
I will tell you a secret that there is more to the ministry of John the Baptist in the Bible. I would encourage you to read more when you go home today . . .as he also gives his life for Christianity.
Before I my words of prayer are said, I fold my hands and bow my head:
Dear God, There are many times in my life that I may feel insignificant and small. A minister or President or a great sportsman may seem so able. My part may seem lost or unneeded. Please help me know how important my life is in Your plan. That without a congregation a minister need not speak, without a country, a President need not lead, without a team, one great sportsman can do nothing. Remind me of John the Baptist and his calling to make the ways straight for the coming of Jesus.
Amen
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Did you know there is Godtube?
I found out like YouTube, TeacherTube, there is also Godtube.com. This is the number 1 video from 2008. I suggest that you get the tissues out.
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Parable of the Ten Virgins - Children's Sermon
How many of you are Cub or Boy Scouts? How many of you are Girl Scouts?
Who can tell me one thing that both programs have in common?
Who can tell me something that is different about them?
Well , I have a trivia question for you. Did you know that both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts have the same motto? Does anyone know what it is?
That’s right, “Be Prepared”
What does it mean to “be prepared”?
My daughter loves to watch Survivor and we are always amazed by the number of contestants that don’t know how to build a fire or swim or some other crucial outdoor survival skill. The host, Jeff, even said in the reunion show that he is amazed how many contestants get caught off guard with fire starting skills. This year, this skill may have cost one of the contestants the win. Jeff asked them why they don’t practice these skills once they hear that they have been selected.
In the Bible, there is a story of 5 women who were not prepared. This story is told in Matthew 25: 1-13
1"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6"At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'
7"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'
9" 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'
10"But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
11"Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!'
12"But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.'
13"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
Remember, this story is a parable: a story, like a fable, with a hidden purpose or idea in it. Did you guys bring your thinking caps?
Ok, Question 1: This is a story about a wedding. But what do you think the wedding is supposed to be? What special place do you think these people are trying to go to? (Try to get one of the kids to say “heaven”)
You guys are very smart. If they are trying to get into heaven, who do you think the bridegroom is? (God or Jesus)
Why were some let into heaven and others not? (they were ready)
Ok, here is the biggie – How do we “prepare” for heaven? (Read the Bible, Pray, Go To church)
Doesn’t that make sense? Just like if you got invited to go on the next Survivor you would learn how to start a fire, swim, balance on a stick, when you are trying to join God in heaven, you would prepare by talking to him, learning about his ways, and by following those ways?
In this way, we are prepared. . .just like the scouts and just like the well-trained survivor contestants.
Before my words of prayer are said, I fold my hands and bow my head:
Dear God, Please help me prepare for the day that I enter heaven. Let me learn all that I can. Help me to be prepared for your call. Let your grace fill me and your love feed me. Amen.
Who can tell me one thing that both programs have in common?
Who can tell me something that is different about them?
Well , I have a trivia question for you. Did you know that both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts have the same motto? Does anyone know what it is?
That’s right, “Be Prepared”
What does it mean to “be prepared”?
My daughter loves to watch Survivor and we are always amazed by the number of contestants that don’t know how to build a fire or swim or some other crucial outdoor survival skill. The host, Jeff, even said in the reunion show that he is amazed how many contestants get caught off guard with fire starting skills. This year, this skill may have cost one of the contestants the win. Jeff asked them why they don’t practice these skills once they hear that they have been selected.
In the Bible, there is a story of 5 women who were not prepared. This story is told in Matthew 25: 1-13
1"At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. 2Five of them were foolish and five were wise. 3The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. 4The wise, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. 5The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep.
6"At midnight the cry rang out: 'Here's the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!'
7"Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. 8The foolish ones said to the wise, 'Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.'
9" 'No,' they replied, 'there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.'
10"But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut.
11"Later the others also came. 'Sir! Sir!' they said. 'Open the door for us!'
12"But he replied, 'I tell you the truth, I don't know you.'
13"Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.
Remember, this story is a parable: a story, like a fable, with a hidden purpose or idea in it. Did you guys bring your thinking caps?
Ok, Question 1: This is a story about a wedding. But what do you think the wedding is supposed to be? What special place do you think these people are trying to go to? (Try to get one of the kids to say “heaven”)
You guys are very smart. If they are trying to get into heaven, who do you think the bridegroom is? (God or Jesus)
Why were some let into heaven and others not? (they were ready)
Ok, here is the biggie – How do we “prepare” for heaven? (Read the Bible, Pray, Go To church)
Doesn’t that make sense? Just like if you got invited to go on the next Survivor you would learn how to start a fire, swim, balance on a stick, when you are trying to join God in heaven, you would prepare by talking to him, learning about his ways, and by following those ways?
In this way, we are prepared. . .just like the scouts and just like the well-trained survivor contestants.
Before my words of prayer are said, I fold my hands and bow my head:
Dear God, Please help me prepare for the day that I enter heaven. Let me learn all that I can. Help me to be prepared for your call. Let your grace fill me and your love feed me. Amen.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Friday, December 26, 2008
Evangalize - Be a Witness to the Word
According to the online Merriam-Webster Dictionary, evangelism is defined as:
Pronunciation: \i-ˈvan-jə-ˌli-zəm\
Function: noun
Date: circa 1626
1 : the winning or revival of personal commitments to Christ
2 : militant or crusading zeal
Interestingly, the use of such a word in mainstream Christianity often brings thoughts of Tammy Faye Baker with her Eyelashes caked together
and the constant request for money from a televised mega-church. But evangelism is the call of all Christians; “go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19).
I was thinking about this command again the other day as I was watching the Duggars (the family with 18 children).
They are truly espousing the word of the Lord. They are not standing on a pulpit or “teaching” in any standard way that we think about it. Instead, they are just sharing their experience. In sharing, they are spreading the word. I thought this was a good example for all of us. We need not be ministers or deacons or Sunday School teachers (although it is certainly wonderful if you are), you can fulfill this commission by sharing your experience. You may never know who you reach or how or when the words that you speak will take root, but you have met the command if you speak the word.
“Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.” Matthew 13:9 (KJV)
“Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.” Isaiah 42:18 (KJV)
Pronunciation: \i-ˈvan-jə-ˌli-zəm\
Function: noun
Date: circa 1626
1 : the winning or revival of personal commitments to Christ
2 : militant or crusading zeal
Interestingly, the use of such a word in mainstream Christianity often brings thoughts of Tammy Faye Baker with her Eyelashes caked together
and the constant request for money from a televised mega-church. But evangelism is the call of all Christians; “go and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19).
I was thinking about this command again the other day as I was watching the Duggars (the family with 18 children).
They are truly espousing the word of the Lord. They are not standing on a pulpit or “teaching” in any standard way that we think about it. Instead, they are just sharing their experience. In sharing, they are spreading the word. I thought this was a good example for all of us. We need not be ministers or deacons or Sunday School teachers (although it is certainly wonderful if you are), you can fulfill this commission by sharing your experience. You may never know who you reach or how or when the words that you speak will take root, but you have met the command if you speak the word.
“Hear, ye deaf; and look, ye blind, that ye may see.” Isaiah 42:18 (KJV)
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