Don't Hold Back by Susan Shull

As a teacher of junior high kids, I am surrounded each day by young people searching for their place in the world. They are so full of potential and talent and I feel that part of my job is to encourage each of them to develop the gifts God has given them. Much of that comes from being willing to try new things. Sadly, some of them are already beaten down by past failures and the negativity of others, and they are scared to death to do something out of their comfort zones. Of course, then there is the thing dreaded by all 13-14 year olds-doing anything that might label them as “different.” At this age, the tendency is to be one of the flock- blending in, not standing out.

Wait a minute……that sounds amazingly like most adults I know, including me! However, if I don’t think it is the way for kids to behave, what about the grownups? God has graciously given each of us talents and gifts to use in His kingdom for His glory. Since I want to live a life that is pleasing to Him, why wouldn’t I use what He has given me?

I grew up playing the piano in church. I’m so appreciative that the great people who attend the Hidalgo Independent Christian Church were patient when they sang “Wonderful Words of Life” and “There Will be Showers of Blessings” over and over on Sunday night because those were among the only songs I was comfortable playing!

The piano has been a great source of pleasure and comfort to me over the years, so when I was asked again if I would join the Praise Band, this time I said yes. Believe me, it is a little scary to stand on the stage and play in front of all those people, and it is intimidating to be offering my praise to a Holy God with others watching. But, I have decided it isn’t about me and I’m going to do it even if I do have butterflies in my stomach and slightly shaky knees the whole time!

Can you imagine the blessings that would flow if each of us would step out of our boxes and live our lives 100% for His glory? God has promised a blessing to those who use their talents-they will receive more. Who wouldn’t want that?

Please join me on this journey. We probably weren’t gifted in TV watching, internet surfing, or criticizing others, (all things I am pretty good at) so let’s start today praying that God will show us the special traits we possess and the ways we can use them for Him.

Amazing Love... by Vaneta Andrews

Amazing Love, how can it be?
That you my king would die for me.

This song brings me to tears every time I hear it! And with good reason!! Have you ever really thought about it? How can it be … that Jesus, a sinless man – God’s own son, was willing to die a horrific death … FOR ME, FOR YOU?

How can it be that God would be willing to sacrifice His only son … FOR ME, FOR YOU? I think about that sacrifice often and I’m pretty sure I couldn’t and wouldn’t sacrifice my son.

Amazing love I know it’s true
It’s my joy to honor you.

It’s my joy to honor you … or is it? I want it to be and it should be but I don’t always honor Him. I definitely don’t always find joy in honoring Him. Some of the things He asks me to do take hard work, require some form of sacrifice, or takes me out of my comfort zone. I don’t always find joy in those things until the lesson has been learned. And yet none of these things compare to the sacrifice He gave for a people so undeserving.

We are forgiven because He was forsaken
We are accepted, He was condemned.

If He is tugging at your heart to make a decision to follow Him … Don’t wait, Don’t hesitate. He didn’t. When called upon He willingly left Heaven to walk & live as man. The only difference is that He was sinless and not deserving of the death He faced.

Lord – I am so sorry you had to die for me but I am so thankful that you did!

Be a friend by Susan Shull

Diana Weishaar. She is and has been my lifelong bosom buddy. We teamed up before I can even remember, as pictures of us as toddlers attest, and have been best friends ever since. With the exception of a rocky period around 3rd grade, I don’t recall ever being out of sorts with each other. I treasure her so much and I know I can spill my guts to her, and she will love me still-no matter how much of my “ugly” spirit I reveal. I consider her to be one of the best gifts God has given me. Unfortunately, our friendship is mainly by phone now. She lives in Padukah and we don’t get to see each other very often. Thankfully, we know that if one of us needs the other, we are just a phone call away.

When my kids were growing up, my desire for them was never that they would be “most popular” or part of the “cool” kids. I just prayed for each of them to have at least one person they could count on. If there was one, I knew they would never feel totally alone.
At school, I see some students who always seem to be surrounded by others. Maybe they have a contagious smile, are naturally friendly, or have that illusive everyone-wants-to-be- me charisma that draws others to them. On the other hand, a student or two always seems to either be alone or trying too hard to fit in. I bet, if the truth were known, most of us have felt like that student at one time or another.

Have you ever been in a huge crowd and felt totally alone? Maybe it was a conference or workshop, a busy restaurant, or even a ball game. Maybe it was at church. That may seem like an oxymoron, but I know it can be true. Our family has visited in more than one relatively large congregation while we were on trips or just away from home on Sunday and have been very disappointed when no-one spoke to us. One time, no one even made eye contact with me. What’s up with that?

When this happens, I always wonder-what about our church? Do we make newcomers feel welcome? I hope visitors leave our congregation overwhelmed by our friendliness, feeling inundated with an outpouring of the love of Christ. I’m afraid for some this might not be the case. Our fellowship hall can be a pretty intimidating spot after Sunday services. It seems everyone rushes to the same groups every Sunday visiting up a storm. But…what if you are a visitor, a new member, or just not part of a group? The temptation might be to run out the front doors as quickly as possible. I know it is hard to just walk up to someone you don’t know and start a conversation. What if you say the wrong thing? Someone might think you are a dork, a ding-a-ling, or an idiot. Or… that person might be extremely grateful for a kind word, a handshake, an acknowledgment that they are a valued human being.

I guess what I am suggesting- to myself first of all- let’s all step out of our comfort zones, look around us, and go out of our way to make Scott Avenue Christian Church a place of friends-true friends. I pray that we will remember what it is like to be lost and lonely and show to others the compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience spoken of in Colossians 3:12.

Comfort by Theresa Zuber

We all face fears which can vary from phobia's that cripple our ability to enjoy life to just everyday worries that occupy too much of our valuable time. Regardless of the severity, scripture assures us that we need not fear because “the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4b) So.. “I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Phil 4:13) Therefore..”Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me, for in you my soul takes refuge. I will take refuge in the shadow of your wings until the disaster has passed.” (Psalm 57:1)

Take comfort in this passage from Isaiah 41:10-13. “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. All who rage against you will surely be ashamed and disgraced; those who oppose you will be as nothing and perish. Though you search for your enemies, you will not find them. Those who wage war against you will be as nothing at all. For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.”

All powerful God, help me to rest in the shadow of your wings, to trust you have my life in your control and to turn to you when I am afraid. Who better to chase the monsters from my thoughts?