It's For You!

Discussion #6 took place a little over a week ago and the summary has been floating around in my head.  I hadn't gotten a chance to sit down and filter it out onto paper (or the keyboard) until today, but as I sit here I'm reminded that this is Easter week so I decided to do a brief summary coupled with a thoughtful devotion.  Here we go!

DO WE REALLY HAVE CONTROL?
Most of our discussion last week reflected on our tendencies to feel isolated, overwhelmed and nostalgic.  We unpacked how difficult it is to simply 'give it to God' and trust Him with key areas of our lives.  With only one attendee, it was exciting to have a more intimate conversation about how God has provided cars and jobs and relationships time and again.  While it is easy to get overwhelmed with life, it is important to recognize that most of life is actually out of our control and that is why having a loving God who is in control is so essential. The verse below encouraged me that God is trustworthy and can definitely handle my little problems:

Psalm 62:5-8 
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.

LAST MINUTE
Another point we touched on was how frustrating and disappointing it can be to experience the dreaded 'last minute cancellation.'  We have all experienced this insensitive act of someone bailing on plans with little to no advance notice.  I hate to admit that I have done this to others a time or two.  (I'm sorry!)  Unfortunately text messaging has made this deed even easier to commit without much guilt.  Let us all be reminded that unless you have a true life-change, most cancellations can be tactfully handled with advance notice.  Last minute bail-outs are a essentially just a quick way to show someone how selfish you are.

EASTER SPECIAL  
Now... I'm going to preach a little, so hold on, read on, and comment below!

This week people all around the world will be recognizing that pivotal moment in time when Jesus entrusted his life to his Father in Heaven and completed what no other man could accomplish: death on a cross and resurrection from the dead, atoning for the sins of all men.

Romans 5:19 
For as by one man's disobedience (Adam) many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one (Jesus) shall many be made righteous.

"It's For You!" is a phrase that I have heard shouted a million times from 2 different places.  It was either my mom/dad/sister shouting that someone was on the phone for me, or it was a pastor in a pulpit exclaiming that salvation is for me.  First, let me say that I intend on getting a land-line installed so that my daughter gets to experience the joys and frustrations of telecommunication and so I can personally screen her phone calls.  Second, as many times as I have heard the 'salvation message,' I think it took an abnormal amount of times for it to really sink in to my heart and soul and become a reality that truly changes everything for me.  Now I feel as though it's essential to spread the news.  "It's For You! It's For You! Read All About IT!"  I want to shout and hand out Bibles and hug the people I pass in the grocery store or at the hospital and explain to them that Jesus intends to save them.  In an effort to avoid getting arrested, I stifle myself and resolve to being really friendly.  I think that's all most people can handle initially.

But really... if you don't gather anything else from this edition of Gather Ground, please chew on this:
Jesus was a real man who really died in a horrific way, and really rose in a miraculous way.
It seems like history, but it is a current event.  Jesus currently lives and saves lives.
It's not about being perfect or doing all the right things, it's as simple as a phone call...
It's for you!  Pick up, have a conversation.

What if your phone rings?  Do you rush off to shower and do your hair?  Do you put on your Sunday best and clean the house?  NO!  You just answer it!  Whether you're in bed, or hungover, or sick, or in your sweats... whether you are driving, or working, or writing a paper.  That's how Jesus works.  He's calling you - just as you are.  Pick up.

Tomorrow I'll post a brief introduction of our topical discussion for this Saturday April 19th.  I know it is a holiday weekend, but Gather Ground will carry on as usual.  Sometimes we need to get away from the hustle and bustle of holiday madness and just appreciate one another (and a brownie).  
Stay tuned!

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PRAYER REQUESTS

Please feel free to email me privately any prayer requests you may have.

I will/do pray for you.

Thank God for the Reign

Hi Ladies! I must apologize for my lack of summary post for the Can I Get an "Amen" discussion.  Due to a combination of sickness and technological difficulties (i.e. The blue screen of death) everything in my life seemed to get slightly de-railed.  Luckily, 3 lovely ladies did join me a few weeks ago and we enjoyed a relaxing discussion about the power of prayer. We wandered onto various other topics including:

• Where & when we find it easiest to pray everyday
• Trying to be a good influence to others
• The concept of a community garden
• Poetry & theater
• Hormones in our food
• Great places to eat in Bethlehem

Tomorrow is Discussion #6 and I want to keep it simple.
I didn't really prepare much, but I'd like to encourage each of you to consider how much of life is truly out of our control. How do we deal with that hard reality? When have we learned to let God reign? When have we had to trust in His sovereign plan?

This will be our discussion starter and I'll add verses to the summary.

Remember: Join at any time, for any amount of time; the doors are open from 10-2.  Brownies, apples and coffee are all free while supplies last. Gather Ground is for all ladies - just email me if you need directions or more info.  Parking can be confusing, but I assure you it's always possible and my dogs will be confined for those who are canine-cautious.  I look forward to spending time with all of you!