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Spare Change June 2016

               5 Ways to Make the Life-Changing Word of God Precious to You

A major problem for many Christians is getting into God’s word.  We have a problem staying consistent, understanding it, and living it out.  We first have to understand that God’s word is a precious item.  It is not just any book.  It is the life-giving, eternal, and true revelation of God; we must believe that first.  If not, then trying to learn it and live it out won’t make much of a difference.  However, when we treat the word of God as precious then it becomes life-changing.  God begins to use it in our lives to convict, sanctify (make holy), and instruct.  That’s where our lives really begin to change and we see the power of the word lived out.  All of this is detailed in a message I preached at Oakhill Baptist Church on May 22, 2016.  The application of this truth are some things that I have learned over the past few years of struggling with being consistent in studying God’s word.  I hope you find them helpful and encouraging.

1.) Keep Your Bible Handy – This is not some revolutionary life changing truth; however, what I have found is if my Bible is out of sight, it is out of mind.  I try to carry a Bible with me at all times, which keeps it on the forefront of my mind.  Of course it doesn’t do you any good to just have it— you need read it, but keeping it handy is a good start. 

2.) Cut Back on Entertainment – As I look at my life there isn’t much room to cut back with work, family, and church; however, there is plenty to cut in the way of extra stuff or entertainment.  Entertainment is the scourge of our society.  We always have to be entertained, constantly.  It comes in many different forms: TV, music, reading, video games, internet, social media, sports, news, recreation and on and on it goes.  I like movies and music and other things, but where does it stop?  If we are not careful we could binge watch ourselves into eternity and have nothing to show for it.  We struggle with the fear of missing out on some great show, but what about the fear of missing out on the truth of God’s word. 

3.) Quantity is Not Quality – When reading the Bible don’t worry so much about how much you read.  There is a myth that says if I read a bunch I am somehow more spiritual, but that is not true.  We need to worry more about how we are reading it.  Do we read it to just get the knowledge or do we feel what we are reading?  Do we notice things, do we ask questions, do we discern the place and setting, and the author’s meaning?  Often we just go right to application and miss so much.  We need to ask, “Why is this in the Bible?” and, “What is the Holy Spirit trying to say through the author?”  Just because you read the Bible in a year doesn’t mean you know it.  Read the Bible for quality and then live it out.  The measure of how much we know of the Bible is how we live it out.  Do we obey what it is teaching us?  That is more important.

4.) Approach the Bible with Expectation – This was huge for me!  Just understanding this alone can change everything when it comes the Bible.  When you read the Bible on your own or when you come to church to hear teaching and preaching you need to come with expectation.  Often we think the Bible is boring and that is because we don’t understand this is God’s word to us, His very revelation to us.  When we understand that, it changes how we view this book.  Approach it ready to hear from God, ready to learn and grow in your faith.  One thing I do is write everything down.  I take notes on sermons and Bible readings, which helps me to learn much better and then helps me to apply it to my life easier. 

5.)  Don’t Give Up, Spiritual Disciplines Don’t Come Naturally – Often times with spiritual disciplines, such as studying our Bible, we feel guilty because we just aren’t doing it enough or at all.  Let me ease your guilt and hopefully help you in this endeavor.  Spiritual disciplines don’t come naturally.  Our flesh fights against spiritual disciplines.  We face so many distractions along with our own internal struggles like tiredness or stress.  Satan fights against us as well, he doesn’t want you to grow in your faith.  But if you don’t give up and you keep trying you can do it.  Ask God to enable you by the power of His Spirit.  Start with just a few minutes a day, read a verse or two, and then expand from there.  Don’t get frustrated, even if you do start over the next day or the next week.

Spare Change May 2016

4 Reasons I love the Food Pantry Ministry

The people that work in our food pantry routinely comment on how awesome the food pantry ministry is.  All the other ministries at Oakhill are just as awesome, but the food pantry is unique in its awesomeness.  Unfortunately, right now we are short staffed due to relocation, job changes, schedule changes, etc.  We need about four more people each week to get back to being fully staffed.  Because we are short staffed we are not able to offer the personal care room every week.  Soon we will be losing our person that inventories and orders food.  As you can see—we need help!  The commitment is only once a month on the 2^nd, 3^rd, or 4^th Saturday.  I know everyone is busy, but if you can give just one Saturday morning a month from 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., then you can be used in a great way.  Let me know if you can help by calling me at the church office or emailing me.  Now, here are 4 reasons I love the food pantry ministry.

1. It’s a great place to share your faith.

The food pantry is unique because there is an intentionality with the gospel.  We are there to meet the physical and spiritual needs of the community.  We emphasize the spiritual needs of our clients greatly.  Not only do we have a message each week, we also sit down one on one with our clients.  We take the time to talk to them about life and pray with them.  Often these talks will lead to gospel conservations.  Our goal is to share the gospel which provides hope for the unbeliever and encouragement for the
believer.

2. Everyone’s gifts can be used.

The food pantry uses a wide range of gifts.  We need people (caregivers) that can talk to clients, but we also need people gifted in hospitality, administration, serving, etc.  We need cart pushers and food box preparers.  We need people to make coffee and pass out personal care items.  Whatever your gift might     be, we can find a place for you to serve.

3. There is a great opportunity to meet new people and enjoy great fellowship with them.

Attending a larger church like ours makes it hard to get to know people, however at the food pantry we have people of all ages that come together to serve.  You will meet everyone from seniors to college students and our fellowship is sweet.  Every week the team enjoys just getting to hang out together.  Are your looking to connect with other church members?  Other than a 2:42 Group, there is no better place than the food pantry.

4. It reminds me that it is not about me.

Finally, the food pantry reminds me that the Christian walk is not about me.  It’s about serving others and ultimately serving our Lord and Savior Jesus.  That is why we are called to serve in the first place.  I love the message of Mark 10:45.  Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”  This is a great reminder that we are never more like Jesus than when we are serving.  Remember, it’s not about you and it’s not about me; it’s all about Him.

 We really do need help at the food pantry.  Right now, our number of clients have been down, probably due to tax returns and low bills.
 However, that will end soon as the summer heats up.  Please pray and consider serving in this wonderful ministry.  The best way to tell if you want to serve is to just show up and see what it is all about.  Come check it out the 2^nd, 3^rd, or 4^th Saturday of the month.  The food pantry is located at 5122 N. Fares Ave. (off of St. George Rd.)