Archive for the ‘Tuesday spiritual column’ Category
BY JAY MCNAUGHT
Most kids love go-cart racing. Picture a group of young boys waiting in line at a go-cart track. They watch the cars move around the course and their adrenalin is flowing. Finally, a whistle blows, and the carts all start pulling into the pit area. The boys watch anxiously, trying to figure out where they are in line and calculating which car they will receive. All young boys know that the cars are not all the same. Some are faster than others. Actually, the go-carts are all capable of going much faster – but the track operators use a governor method to reduce the speed of the cars, so that they are safe for young drivers.
Some cars get dialed back more than others. One boy gets a particularly slow car. As he steps into the car he is full of enthusiastic anticipation. But as the race starts and he begins to maneuver around the track, his enthusiasm turns to discouragement. He realizes that even when he presses the accelerator to the floor, other cars are clearly faster and pulling away from him. He watches helplessly, as he falls further behind. As time passes, the whistle blows and the race ends.
The young boy finishes his remaining lap and maneuvers his car into the pits. Most of the other drivers have already parked their cars and left the track. One of his buddies greets him. “Wow, you were slow. Haven’t you ever driven go-carts before?” The question seems unfair. At that moment, the young boy’s self-worth as a driver is so closely tied the equipment he had randomly received. Surely, if he had received a faster car, he could have driven a more competitive race. But this is a very difficult to explain to young boys at a go-cart track.
Think of our lives as a go-cart race. We are all given certain “equipment” to carry us through the race. Paul describes our physical bodies as “tents” (2 Colossians, 5:1-3). This emphasizes that they are temporary housing; not intended to last forever. I’m not sure what the process is when we are first introduced to our bodies. I picture a procession of souls all lined up and anxiously awaiting their physical body (similar to the boys waiting for a go-cart). I believe that God has hand-picked the physical equipment in which we are going to travel our lives. The Psalmist says, “You knew me before I was born, and knit me together inside my mother’s womb” (Psalms 139:13-14).
It’s interesting how we spend the first few years of life figuring out the new equipment – trying to learn all about our “tent.” Am I short or am I tall? Do I have red hair or brown hair? Am I smart? Do I have a good memory? Do I have good vision, or do I need glasses? Our new bodies come complete with a user’s guide and some experienced mechanics to help us get the most out of things (in this analogy the user guide would be the Bible, and the mechanics would be our parents.)
Some people spend their entire lives figuring out their equipment and sometimes they resent that their equipment doesn’t seem as good as someone else’s. We are constantly comparing ourselves: “Sally is prettier than I am”; “Jimmy is smarter than I am”; “Mary can run faster than me.” We spend way too much time asking questions about why we received the equipment we were given. Perhaps the real question should be, “What am I doing with what I was given?”
Some people are fortunate when they discover their strengths early and can develop them early. Others struggle to figure it out. But again, the question keeps haunting me; “What are you doing with what you’ve been given?” The question goes beyond the obvious. If I am good at basketball and dedicate time to improving my basketball skills, that doesn’t answer the question. If I am gifted at running, and develop my running abilities and win all sorts of races, that still doesn’t answer the question. Or if I beat everyone at ping-pong, that doesn’t answer the question. Remember Paul’s tent analogy; I can take great care of the tent, and use the tent to its fullest, but ultimately I must recognize that the tent will end. The tent – no matter how good it is – is only temporary. It’s been given to us for a short time for a bigger purpose. Winning basketball games, ping-pong matches, and races are very temporary. They are tent games. Doing well in my job, getting promotions, buying nice cars, and living in a good neighborhood… all tent games.
From God’s perspective, he must be looking at all of the blessings he has poured out on me, and wonder what I’m doing to help others to further His work on earth. Stewardship has to do with faithfully using what has been entrusted to you. What will you do with what you’ve been given?
I reflect back on the boy’s waiting in line for their go-cart. The cart they receive doesn’t matter nearly as much as how they drive it. The makeup of the tents we’ve been given doesn’t matter nearly as much as what we do with our lives. For those to whom much has been given, much will be expected. Friends, we’ve been given a lot. What are we going to do about it?
The Tuesday Spiritual Column is entirely the opinion of this week’s writer and does not necessarily reflect the view of Northview Church as a whole.
BY DAWN BER
Will you let him in? He looks harmless…even inviting. He’s full of charm and promise. He carries his gifts with him. They are enticing and exciting and fulfill your immediate need. He never mentions the cost. You look from a distance at his wares while he allures you with his displays. They are top in their categories – designed to tantalize… and ensnare.
You peruse his dynamic display and begin to feel mesmerized by his presentation. Still…there’s this tug on the inside of you that causes hesitation. You choose to continue to entertain the salesman’s invitation to purchase his goods and fulfill your need and desires. He’s so persuasive…and convincing. After all, you deserve it, you reason. Life has been hard and it’s time for a self-indulged splurge.
Opening the door, you let him in. You try to decide which gift to purchase, not checking the price or the chains that are with it. You pick up one and quickly realize its part of a bigger collection. You purchase the entire set, for you realize they are all linked together.
The idea of having it all now spikes with sensual intoxication that escapes all reasoning. You are elated with your purchase for it immediately produces the gratification of seasonal sensation. While carried away in blissful euphoria, you failed to notice the rest of your purchase. Heavy chains that now wrap around you and are holding you captive. Only you are numb to your captivity for the splendor of the purchase. As the season brings you to an end of your spin, you begin to see the chains and you feel them tighten around your soul. You fight and struggle to free yourself, as the salesman, a notorious serial killer, patiently waits for his recent captive prey. As the fight for life draws to an end and the will to live escapes…the serial killer, known as satan, takes those chains and drags his newly conquered quest to his fiery abyss below.
Sin comes in beautiful packages. It is custom tailored to your specific needs, desires, and weaknesses. Satan comes to kill, steal and destroy. He does so when we choose to open the door of our hearts to sin. Sin promises and feels like freedom, but produces captivity. Unless you choose to repent (turn away from) of all sin and give your life to Jesus fully, allowing Him to set you free from those chains. Those chains of sin will continue to rob you of life, now, and eternally.
For those of you who have escaped those chains, through Jesus, will you remain silent as Satan knocks on your neighbor’s door? …your family? …your co-worker? …your “church” friend?
…He’s still knocking.
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life and there are few who find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
The Tuesday Spiritual Column is entirely the opinion of this week’s writer and does not necessarily reflect the view of Northview Church as a whole.
Tuesday Spiritual Column: Kindness
Posted on: March 4, 2014
BY BRENDA ROTH
We are currently in the middle of a nine-week series at Northview Church about The Fruit of the Spirit entitled, “The 9.” We are learning that the Fruit of the Spirit is Love, but the Spirit has nine attributes – Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness and Self-Control.
This week was Kindness’ turn in the spotlight. I started out writing a column on appreciation, but it has since evolved into a column on kindness.
I’m a volunteer for GraceWorks here at Northview. For those of you that don’t know, GraceWorks is a ministry devoted to serving special needs kids. Every fourth Friday of the month, we have Friday Fun Night. This is an opportunity for parents of special needs children to drop off the kids (both special needs and their siblings), have date night, take a nap or run errands free of children. It has been a success at every level, and I have loved serving. The kids have a great time eating pizza, playing, doing crafts and watching a movie. The volunteers have a great time loving on the kids.
This month we ran short on volunteers, so I reached out to my friends and family to ask for their assistance. My family stepped up in a big way. My mother, two of my sisters and my nephew agreed to help out. And, they don’t even attend Northview.
This is kindness at its best. Kindness on the part of the church to recognize this is a much needed ministry. Kindness on the part of the staff to devote their life’s work to this ministry. Kindness on the part of the volunteers to give up their time to help out.
SCENE CHANGE
I’m single and I live alone with my best bud, Maggie. She’s a feisty, chunky, 11 year-old brindle cat. About a week and a half ago, Mags started acting like she wasn’t feeling well. She has progressively gotten worse. This week I took her to the vet. Tests won’t be back until next week, but the vet is concerned and gives me the name of her preferred 24-hour emergency clinic… just in case. Maggie is very weak, and I know it’s serious.
I’m devoted to GraceWorks Friday Fun Night, but I’m also devoted to Maggie. I called Amanda (GraceWorks guru and one of my personal heroes) to let her know that I would be there, but I would be leaving early to check on Maggie as I didn’t want to leave her alone for too long. Amanda was very understanding. I felt bad about leaving early as I knew Amanda needed the help, and I had recruited four of my family members to serve for the first time. But, I did leave to go home and be with Maggie. I’m glad I did.
I was sitting on the sofa, and Maggie was lying on the floor. I started singing softly to her. “I love you Maggie… Oh yes, I do… I love you Maggie… And I’ll be true… When you’re not with me, I’m blue… Oh Maggie, I love you.” Her tail started moving. I kept singing. She raised her head and looked at me. I kept singing. She hobbled over to me and started rubbing against my leg. I pet her and kept singing. She managed to jump on the sofa and lie next to me.
I continued petting her and singing. She started to purr and eventually fell asleep.
It was after ten by this time, and I wanted to know how the evening evolved at Friday Fun Night. I considered calling Amanda, but I knew she would be exhausted, so I called Mom. I was assured all went well, and then she asked about Maggie. I’m paraphrasing, but this is the gist of the conversation that ensued.
ME: She’s ok, but still not doing very well.
MOM: I’m afraid this may be the end for Maggie, Brenda.
ME: I’m not going to go there until I get the test results. But, why is it, Mom, that you don’t truly appreciate something until you’re in danger of losing it? I think I’m pretty good about being grateful, living in the moment and appreciating the good in my life. But, why is it that when you think you’re going to lose something precious that your sensitivity is heightened? I’ve always loved Maggie and appreciated her. But, why now is her fur softer? Why is her purr sweeter?
MOM: I heard a quote once that said something like, “The highs of life are wonderful, but you can’t live there.” Living there isn’t every day life. Some people try to live there – through drugs or whatever – but that isn’t real.
ME: Why can’t we live there? Why can’t we appreciate what we have with that depth of feeling and heightened sensitivity every day? Why does it take facing losing it to feel that way?
MOM: I don’t know, honey.
Maybe we can’t live every day on the mountaintop, but I think if we could live with appreciation for our blessings, however small, kindness would come more easily. We would be kind, because we would appreciate.
I was leaving the service Sunday morning and spoke with Amanda briefly. She said to me, “Have a good week. Go out and be kind to someone.” I replied, “You know, there is someone at work I don’t get along with, and she was on my heart when Pastor Steve talked about being kind regardless.” She said, “Oh yeah. That’s God tapping you on the shoulder.”
My aunt has a quote attached with every email she sends. “Be kinder than necessary, because everyone you meet is fighting some sort of battle.” It’s so true. You will never regret being kind to someone, but a very good probability that you will regret not being kind.
It so easy to be kind to those who are kind to us. It’s such a struggle to be kind to those who are not. But, that is what should set us apart and what we are called to do as Christians. I think, perhaps, if we took the time to appreciate our own blessings and realize that others are unkind because they don’t, it may help a bit. Kindness is, after all, not an act, but a way of life. I will try to keep this at the forefront of my thoughts and challenge you to do the same.
The Tuesday Spiritual Column is entirely the opinion of this week’s writer and does not necessarily reflect the view of Northview Church as a whole.
BY HEATHER GOBLE-SORRELLS
The day after I wrote Obedience (Part I), on my way home from work THERE SHE WAS! The woman I’ve driven by countless times for at least six months. She walks in the rain, shine, snow, extreme high and low temperatures, you name it. All the while, I routinely drove…on…by…
But on this below freezing day with snow-covered roads and my baby in the back seat, I put on my 4-way flashers, pulled over to the right side of the road and did what God told me to do months ago; I asked her if she needed a ride. She said yes and seemed genuinely grateful for the offer.
Secretly I knew where she was going from watching someone else pick her up the day before, but asked anyway and we drove…on…by…the many footsteps it would have taken her to get to the bus stop. Even though I wanted to tell her I had seen her before and apologize for not picking her up, I didn’t because I was too ashamed of my prior selfishness.
In the two minute drive it took from pick up to drop off, I was not harmed, my son was not harmed, it didn’t take much time out of my ‘so importantly busy day’ and she seemed like a warm, friendly lady. I introduced myself and my son to her and learned that she works across the street from where I do and commutes via bus. We shared pleasantries, but nothing more. After all, how deep can you get with someone in the first two minutes of meeting them? Maybe there’s another challenge in and of itself.
I offered for her to stay in my car until the bus arrived but she declined and said thank you. Out she went back into the cold to wait for the bus. I felt an immense sense of satisfaction after doing what God called me to do, maybe more so than she probably appreciated the ride. Through serving, I was served.
After I dropped her off, Jason Gray’s song was playing on KLove:
“Jesus help us carry You
Alive in us, Your light shines through
With every act of love
We bring the Kingdom come.”
Even though this woman and I did not talk about God on this short drive, this simple act of love hopefully has opened a door for she and I to have more conversations in the future. If nothing else, she might have seen the Northview Church sticker on my car when I drove away. God gives us opportunities to love and serve others each day, friends. Will YOU be obedient?
The Tuesday Spiritual Column is entirely the opinion of this week’s writer and does not necessarily reflect the view of Northview Church as a whole.
BY JEREMIAH SMITH
Northview Church Lead Pastor Steve Poe’s third message on Peace from the Fruit of the Spirit series, made me reflect upon my own experiences with peace (or the lack of it) in my life. There was a time when finances were a significant struggle in my life. I was constantly worrying about the bank accounts, credit cards, retirement account, etc. In 2012, my wife and I began attending Northview and also began actively seeking God and praying.
There was soon a turning point for me. I wanted to have God as the foundation for every aspect of my life. While I haven’t achieved that in every aspect yet, I have been able to give some things to God that were holding me back. One of these was the worries I held about finances. Once I believed in my heart that God would provide for me and my family, and that I only needed to be a good steward of what God provides, I was relieved of most of my stress about finances.
That doesn’t mean that I can spend my money however I choose and God will provide a safety net for me. It means that I choose to seek God’s wisdom and plan for how I use the money that he has provided. It was not an easy decision on paper because it did not make sense mathematically, but my wife and I chose to begin to tithe soon after we started attending Northview. This was another step in being a good steward of God’s provisions.
Seeking the peace that God can provide also caused me to turn to God more often in prayer. Whether it was an important decision, business meeting, or feeling inadequate for a task, I began to pray to God over these items. He does not always give the answer or result that I had in mind, but knowing that God is involved in my life helps me to keep the upper story in perspective. As Pastor Steve has told us, we have to remember that the things of the world are temporary and to remember that our ultimate goal is eternity in Heaven.
The Tuesday Spiritual Column is entirely the opinion of this week’s writer and does not necessarily reflect the view of Northview Church as a whole.
BY ASHLEY RHUDE
As a parent, I’m constantly aware of teaching opportunities I have to make an impact in my child’s life. It is, after all, our job to teach them, right? With the task of being a positive role model for my child a primary daily focus, I was quite taken back when my 10-month-old son seemed to make time stand still Sunday night as he taught me a most unsuspected lesson.
We attended the Northview Church Night of Worship as a family with the pleasure of being accompanied by old friends, life group friends and a large crowd filled with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Beyond the flashy lights, musicians, vocalists and attention- grabbing staging, there was a deeply moving, high-energy feeling that swept through the very core of you. God. Yes, God, was in the service working in the hearts of many people.
The night went on and so did the game our son was playing of reaching back and forth to go between Mom and Dad holding him. He finally settled into daddy’s arms after realizing he had a better view of all the lights and excitement coming from the performers on the stage when he perched himself against dad’s shoulder.
“Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders, let me walk upon the waters wherever you would call me…”
The singer’s angelic voice pierced through the darkness in the room, the music gradually got louder and more instruments came in as the auditorium lit up and the words to the chorus continued on the screen.
“…For I am yours and you are mine…”
I’d occasionally look over at my husband holding my son and remember thinking several times that it was one if those moments that whether you have the camera or not, the memory will be forever etched in your heart of that special scene taking place. This time though, as I peeked over, tears welled in my eyes and my heart literally felt like it was overflowing with love, gratitude.
My not quite one-year-old son was singing with one hand waving through the air as though he were an audience of one at the greatest concert in the world. Though his words (if you can call them words) were far from lyrically accurate, his intent babble and the smile of sheer contentment on his innocent, pure face said it all in that moment.
Are we all in for God, friends? Are we singing our praises to Him (right or wrong words and on or off key) as though he’s getting a personal concert from us? Do we still carry that faith of a small child in our hearts? Do we know how utterly safe and loved we are when we allow our Father to hold us?
Profoundly simple, complexly beautiful. My son was all in Sunday night. He was safe in his daddy’s arms and in a place of total contentment, peace. God used my small child to speak big truth into my life. You see, I too, am a child- God’s child- and he wants all of me, as I am, all the time. In the same way that my husband cradled his arms around our son, God has His loving arms wrapped around us- no matter what. It doesn’t matter what anyone else thinks of me or where I am, God just wants my love. He pursues us and loves us unconditionally as His children. All we have to do is reach back and love Him, in return.
As the Hallmark holiday of pink conversation hearts and red roses fast approaches, snuggle up in God’s arms and know that you, his child, are loved. You may be married, single, divorced or maybe even in a “it’s complicated” ( Yes- that’s really a status option on Facebook.) relationship, but the greatest love story of all time awaits your reply. He’s sending each of us a personalized, “BE MINE,” invitation that never expires. Now that’s a love story worth pursuing! Sing your heart out to God this Valentine’s Day and always, friends.
The Tuesday Spiritual Column is entirely the opinion of this week’s writer and does not necessarily reflect the view of Northview Church as a whole.
BY BRENDA ROTH
Today, I had two breakthrough moments. I’ve been in my apartment for just over a year and I am someone who is profoundly influenced by my surroundings. When I first moved in, I made do with what I had. Recently, I’ve been redecorating to satisfy my taste and where I am now vs. the past me. And, what I discovered today both amazed and pleased me.
Breakthough #1
There are very few things I get attached to, but my Georgia O’Keefe framed Red Poppy poster is one of them. From the moment I saw it many years ago, I loved it. That love affair has never ended. It’s beautiful. It’s smooth. It’s vibrant. I admire all of Georgia O’Keefe’s work, but I find myself so drawn to red poppies wherever I see them. They evoke feelings of both elation and calm in me.
Tonight, I finally asked myself the question… Why do I have such a personal relationship with this flower? I now know the answer. Like people, red poppies are a contradiction. Their petals are colorful, happy and whimsical. But, if you look into the center of a poppy, it is very deep and serious. I didn’t understand why poppies were so beautiful to me until I took the time to ask the question. I bought a bouquet of red poppies today.
Lessons Learned:
Don’t judge a flower by its petals.
Ask the question.
Breakthough #2
I knew exactly what pictures I wanted for my black and white kitchen. I searched online. I spent endless hours in local stores. But, I couldn’t find what I wanted. I was tired of looking and vowed that I was not leaving the store I was in until I came up w/ a solution. What I ended up with was not at all what I was looking for, but even better. Voila! God handed me a picture on a black and white platter. I was thrilled! Next, I needed pictures to compliment what I had found. And, I did find them, but they were on clearance, because their black frames were slightly damaged. Not one to bypass a bargain, I figured I could disguise the damage with my black Sharpie.
As I was filling in those imperfections tonight with my Sharpie, I was thinking that you might be able to see the damage if you looked closely in the light. Then, I realized that I didn’t care. I loved my pictures. Picture or person – we are all damaged. If you hold us up to the light, you are going to see imperfections.
Lessons Learned:
What God gives you is better than what you were looking for.
Love loves despite imperfection.
Below is what’s written on my kitchen pictures:
DANCE JUST BECAUSE
ENJOY EACH MOMENT
SING IN THE CAR
LAUGH A LOT
The Tuesday Spiritual Column is entirely the opinion of this week’s writer and does not necessarily reflect the view of Northview Church as a whole.
BY ASHLEY RHUDE
Waking up in a plush, king bed with a cozy, down comforter wrapped around me isn’t quite the same as waking up on a cot with a rag-like blanket. Putting my toes into my fuzzy, warm slippers and following the smell of fresh-brewed coffee to the kitchen is a far cry from placing bare feet on a cold slab of concrete while grabbing onto the bars of a prison cell hoping a tray of mush will come soon to fill an empty stomach.
Far from living in a building of bars and punishment, we all struggle with items that “imprison” us on a daily basis. There is some sort of fear that creeps into our lives through that small, but oh so very powerful “hisssssssssssssssss” of the devil whispering in our ears. He tells us we are unworthy. He tells us we are poor. He tells us we will fail. He tells us we aren’t good enough at our jobs. He tells us that the other moms are better. He tells us that we’ll never be able to provide for our family like the father who is a CEO and lives next door.
“Hissssssssssssss.” Do you hear it? What has it told you? What fear has crept into your life today?
He makes us worry over fears that we won’t be liked by other people. He makes us fear that a decision we made might be interpreted the wrong way even though we really meant to do right in our heart. He makes us measure our beauty by comparing ourselves to the photo shopped and trophy worthy models that look boldly into our eyes from the magazine rack they reside on whispering, “You slob – you’ll never look this good.”
I’m reading Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg (COO of Facebook) right now and though it’s a book on women in the workplace and leadership, I’ve taken a quote from it and posted it on my mirror at home. It reminds me to pray each day to stand strong when I feel the pull of fears creeping into my life.
“Fear is at the root of so many of the barriers that women face. Fear of not being liked. Fear of making the wrong choice. Fear of drawing negative attention. Fear of overreaching. Fear of being judged. Fear of failure. And the holy trinity of fear: the fear of being a bad mother/wife/daughter. So please ask yourself: What would I do if I weren’t afraid? And then go do it.”
Though a secular book and far from promoting the values of faith and a relationship with Christ, she absolutely nails it with fear getting in the way of what we were made to be doing in life – not just for women either! Friends, our days are numbered and our abilities that God has gifted us with are far too great to spend one more minute imprisoned by fear. Ask God to free you from measuring yourself against others and worrying that you don’t have what it takes. You are adequate. You are loved. You are appreciated. You make a difference. You have the opportunity to bless other people today. Don’t let Satan’s “hissssssssssssssssssssssssssssss” break through the silent, vulnerable moments of your life.
What would you do today if you were not afraid?
The Tuesday Spiritual Column is entirely the opinion of this week’s writer and does not necessarily reflect the view of Northview Church as a whole.
BY KALEESHA THOMPSON
While I truly love the wonders of winter – the sharpness of the cold, the brilliance of the snow, the beauty of frost on a window – I’m aware that there is also a disagreeable – even gloomy side to the season. As winter settles in dark, heavy, cold and long, the somber gray it brings threatens to paint the walls of my mind and I have to make a choice.
Isaiah 26:3 promises that God “will keep me in perfect peace when my mind is stayed on Him, because I trust in Him.” The concept of keeping my mind stayed on God is key. It means my mind is fixed on Him – fixed on His character – His faithfulness, His strength, His protection, His provision, His love. Trusting in Him means I believe that His promises are true. That He is who He says He is and can and will do what He says He will do. He alone is perfect, so then, His peace is perfect – certain, and everlasting.
Maybe these gray, cold days are starting to get you down. If so, keep your mind stayed on Jesus! “Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.” (Phil 4:8).
One of the things I love most about God is how He created our seasons. He gives us the gift of winter – incredibly beautiful in its harshness, but make no mistake about it, winter marks the end and symbolizes death in many ways. Still, as long as I can remember, we’ve never stayed in an eternal season. The promise of Spring is coming, and with it, the promise of new life.
I pray for those of us who find ourselves feeling dark and gray like our winter skies, that we would be challenged to keep our minds firmly fixed on Jesus. Meditate on His promises, and look forward with hope to the new life He will bring about in the next season of our lives.
The Tuesday Spiritual Column is entirely the opinion of this week’s writer and does not necessarily reflect the view of Northview Church as a whole.
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