Worship Spotlight 11 30 09 by Theresa Zuber

During this time of year when gift giving is on everyone's mind, let's take a little time to talk about giving as an act of worship. Typically, when it's time to give our tithes and offerings, we look to it as an act of obedience or perhaps obligation. Recently, I have looked at it as another act of worship.

Matt 2:11 On coming to the house, they (the Magi) saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

We are commanded to give a tithe to the church. Other passages refer to giving offerings over and above the tithe. This act of giving back to God is referred to as a pleasing sacrifice. Heb 13:16And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Have YOU thought about giving as an act of worship? Perhaps this Christmas you could send a one time, or monthly donation to the Oblong Christian Children's Home - a local home for foster children that instills Christian values and gives kids the security of home and family. Or perhaps you'd like to support a needy child through Haitian Christian Outreach or Compassion International. The church has connections with several mission groups if you need help finding a legitimate organization.

Want to do something in our own community? Our food pantry touches many lives and we always need donations of food and also workers to help pack and distribute these packages. Perhaps our office staff could connect you with a family that would be blessed by an anonymous gift from a brother or sister in Christ.

Think outside the gift box. Give with a cheerful heart as an act of worshiping our God and Savior. When you worship with all you have-- your voice, your hands, your heart, your time, your commitment, your wallet - God will bless your life in ways you would never expect.

Mal 3:10 "Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.
Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.

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Before I Sleep by Donna (Ensign) Woods

Before I fall asleep
A moment with God, I keep.
To thank Him for the day
And the blessings along the way.
To tell Him how sorry I am...
When I failed in His plan.
I pray for those who crossed my path
Who shared a tear or made me laugh
I give to Him my dreams and fears....
And trust Him with my hopes and tears.
Before I fall asleep
A moment with God, I keep.

Worship Spotlight 11 16 09

After God parted the Red Sea and allowed the Israelite nation to escape from Pharaoh, the Israelite people celebrated. How did they show their joy and thankfulness? They sang a song to the Lord:

Exodus 15: 1 Then Moses and the Israelites sang this song to the LORD : "I will sing to the LORD, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea. 2 The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him.”

When was the last time that you were so thankful to God that you sang a song to Him? He has saved you from bondage – delivered you from the grips of Hell. We should celebrate that every day we are on this earth!

Col 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.

I’m reminded of a chorus we sang years ago, “Give thanks with a grateful heart. Give thanks to the Holy One. Give thanks because He’s given Jesus Christ his Son.” Worshiping is about so much more than “singing songs.” Worship Him with a grateful heart – mindful of everything He has done for you!

Little Wonders by Susan Shull

The most wonderful thing about a child is….don’t get me started! Children are miracles in skin. I knew this for sure the minute we had our own three sons. As soon as I laid my eyes on each of them, I was head over heels, filled to the brim, and overflowing with love. I also became like a tiger-willing to do whatever it took to keep them safe.

Now with my grandchildren, I see even more what absolutely precious beings they are. I know how quickly they will grow up and how important, essential, vital, and necessary it is that they be taught the word of God. They are so trusting and eager to learn and so innocent.
Our children live in a world getting more evil and scarier by the moment, and its leader Satan wants them. He is relentless, will do whatever it takes to get them, and has many helpers. Christian parents cannot leave their children’s souls to chance. Their most important responsibility in being good parents is to teach their kids about the love of their Heavenly Father.

We would never purposefully put our dear, sweet children in a cage of wild animals to be devoured, but that is exactly what is done when people who know better, because they were taught the truth, don’t bring their precious babies to church to learn about the eternal protection offered through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. Of course, this important task can’t just be left to the church. Parents must also teach the Bible at home through their own study, their own words, and their own actions. What could possibly be more important?

Unfortunately, we can’t make our children accept Christ’s love and free gift of salvation, but how can they possibly accept it if they are never taught? Please don’t leave your child’s soul to chance.

A Servant's Heart by Vaneta Andrews

I have been a part of several different clubs, organizations, and groups in my life. They all have one thing in common – a lack of workers! Even in the church it is sometimes hard to find workers. This however should not surprise me for God says “the harvest is plentiful but the workers are few” (Matthew 9:37) but God also says “And now, O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in ALL His ways, to love Him, to SERVE the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deut. 10:12 – emphasis mine)

So how do we serve the Lord our God? By serving others. There are a number of ways here at SACC … teach, prepare communion, help with food distribution/angel food, Wednesday Night Connect, nursery workers, praise team and the list goes on and on especially now that we have two services. If you want to serve just ask! There is always something that needs to be done for God’s Kingdom – both inside and outside the church walls.

Lord, Matthew 9:38 says to “ask the Lord of the harvest to send out workers into the harvest field” so I come to you now asking that you give me (and SACC) a servant’s heart for there are greater things still to be done here!

Shining Through by Joyce Scahfer

The other day I was watching TV and saw a singer being interviewed. He was wearing a T-shirt that read “Spiritual Gangster”. Wow! What a powerful message that sent to me. We put out messages to the rest of the world in everything we do-in the way we dress, the way we act, the way we walk and especially in what we say.

It is truly amazing the power of our actions. If it is a gloomy day try wearing bright colors and be amazed at how your mood and those around you improves. If someone is getting on your nerves try to give them a compliment. There is always something nice you can say to another of God's children. This will make them and you feel better. When you are sick or frightened by an unknown factor walk with confidence because you know God walks beside you or better yet ask him to walk in front of you.

Most of all we need to be very careful what we say. It really bothers me the filthy language that comes out of other people's mouths, but I am guilty of gossiping and complaining which are not too inspiring either. It helps me to think of my body as God's temple and remember Philippians 4:8.

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy-think about such things.”