Deceived

Take heed that you not be deceived. —Luke 21:8

An acquaintance of mine was "taken in" by a smooth-talking salesman who stopped at his place of business. The man displayed some attractive fruit that he said he had grown. He was especially proud of some very rich looking fruit with deep red, yellow and green colors. My friend was impressed and bought several cases. But after the salesman left, he examined his "bargains" more carefully. He was surprised to discover that the fruit was not the same as he had been shown after all. It was the same type of fruit, but the quality was very different. The colors were not bright and the flavors were not sweet.

The incident reminded me of what the Savior said in Luke 21:8, "Take heed that you not be deceived." Even as some in the business world cleverly pervert the facts and victimize their customers, there are also deceivers in the church who distort the truth. They use biblical terminology and appear to be well meaning. But beware! They are evil and will lead you astray. Be firmly grounded in the Word of God and so you won't be "taken in" by deception.

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In some ways, it's those of us who are most familiar with the Spirit's promises who are in the greatest danger. Someone has said that familiarity may not breed contempt, but it takes the edge off of awe. Something like this is true about the rich texts and glory-filled promises that drop the jaws or widen the eyes of newcomers but provoke no more than a raised eyebrow in the old-timers who have ceased to dream.
-- Jim McGuiggan

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I'm not suggesting that we have the power to heal physical conditions with our human fingers. But I do believe there's a healing of the spirit that takes place when we touch others. There's a comfort that can't be found anywhere else but in a touch or a hug. Somehow, God's love and power is shared with others through the simplicity of our physical touch.
-- Amy Nappa

Go For The Coffee

A group of alumni, all highly established in their respective careers, got together for a visit with their old university professor. The conversation soon turned to complaints about the endless stress of work and life. Offering his guests coffee, the professor went into the kitchen and soon returned with a large pot of coffee and an eclectic assortment of cups: porcelain, plastic, glass, crystal - some plain, some expensive, some quite exquisite. Quietly he told them to help themselves to some fresh coffee...When each of his former students had a cup of coffee in hand, the old professor quietly cleared his throat and began to patiently address the small gathering... ''You may have noticed that all of the nicer looking cups were taken up first, leaving behind the plainer and cheaper ones. While it is only natural for you to want only the best for yourselves that is actually the source of much of your stress-related problems...''Be assured that the cup itself adds no quality to the coffee. In fact, the cup merely disguises or dresses up what we drink. What each of you really wanted was coffee, not a cup, but you instinctively went for the best cups... Then you began eying each others cups....'' ''Now consider this: Life is coffee. Jobs, money, and position in society are merely cups. They are just tools to shape and contain life, and the type of cup we have does not truly define nor change the quality of the life we live...'' ''Often, by concentrating only on the cup, we fail to enjoy the coffee that God has provided us... God brews the coffee, but he does not supply the cups. Enjoy your coffee!'' The happiest people don't have the best of everything, they just make the best of everything. Live simply. Love generously. Care Deeply. Speak Kindly. Leave the Rest to God.

(Author Unknown)

Time

It was more than 35 years ago that A. W. Tozer said, "Modern civilization is so complex as to make the devotional life all but impossible." He penned that line long before e-mail, the Internet, 500-channel TV, and the addition of other "time-saving" technologies began to rob us of so much of our time.

But it is not just electronic obstacles and modern complexities that hinder the devotional life. More often than not, the biggest hindrance to establishing an intimate time with God is not something outside of ourselves. It's our own reluctance to choose to spend time in prayer and Bible reading.

So, how do we go about attempting what seems to be impossible? First, we must confess our failure to make time for God. Second, we need to recognize that spending time with God is essential for our spiritual lives. It should be as vital to us as making sure we get enough food every day. Third, we must develop a plan. In Psalm 5:3, for example, we see that David scheduled special time with God in the mornings.

With those concepts in mind, shut out the complex world around you and open your heart to the incredible joy that comes from devoting yourself to the Lord. You can do what seems impossible.

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The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, peace of mind, or even your happiness. It's far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born BY his purpose and FOR his purpose.
-- Rick Warren

Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others. -- 1 Corinthians 10:24

Women's Ministry

Hillcrest Baptist Church

"Touching Lives - Changing People"

Can You Hear Me Now?

When we love others, we listen to them. Sure, it takes time and effort to focus on them and hear what they are saying. But when we do, it shows genuine concern and respect.

Author Wayne Alderson tells of a young minister who spent a lot of time listening to the problems of his church members. One day he came home and said to his wife, "How did your day go?" For a half-hour she told him about a problem with the car, their son's earache, and the difficulties she had getting an appliance repaired. The pastor immediately began to problem-solve, citing a list of things she should do. But she just looked at him and sighed. "I have already done all of that," she said. "I don't need you to solve my problems. I just need you to be interested in what I've been through."

When the author of Psalm 119 pleaded, "Hear my voice according to Your loving kindness" (v.149), he was expressing the truth that the God who loves us also listens to us. Listening is a part of loving. Listening to a wife, a husband, a fellow worker, or a Christian friend may be just what that person needs to be encouraged or to see a problem more clearly.

Go ahead and listen. God Himself shows that love listens.

Listening may be the most loving thing you do today.

Waiting on Death

Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me. —Psalm 23:4 Darkness upon darkness. Sorrow upon sorrow. Pain upon pain. Anguish upon anguish. That's death. Death is a fearful visitor, snatching away loved ones who are precious to us and leaving us behind to mourn, grieve, and wonder. It blocks the light that before had shined so freely and easily on our lives. Whether we're facing the prospect of dying, or dealing with the death of a loved one, death can be devastating. It can sap our energy, change our plans, overwhelm our soul, alter our outlook, test our faith, steal our joy, and challenge our assumptions about life's purposes. When we walk through the deep valley, we feel swallowed up by the shadow and come face-to-face with fear. The frantic emptiness of our loss threatens the comfort that previously originated from our trust in God, and so we grow afraid. Afraid of our future. Afraid to enjoy life again. Yet in that valley, under that shadow, we can say to the Lord, "I will fear no evil; for You are with me" (Psalm 23:4). His loving arms never let us go. He is always with us. Slowly at first, but most assuredly, He provides comfort and release from the darkness. He gives light. He leads us out. Eventually, we escape the valley of the shadow.

Seasons

"There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven." Ecclesiastes 3:1 You would think the phrase "spending time with God" would bring a great anticipatory feeling of pleasure. Yet many of us respond to those words with a groan. We get caught up in wondering if we know how to do it right or if we are spending the right amount of time with God. When we were baby Christians or going through a crisis we wanted to spend every moment with Him, but maybe now that desire is not as strong. I think it helps to remember that just as God ordained seasons in nature, He ordains seasons in our lives. Those seasons play a role in our devotional time with Him. As a young woman, I recall being taught to have a quiet time that consisted of reading Scripture, praying, and writing a few words in a journal about what I was thinking. That model worked very well as I was first beginning to study God's word and to have regular conversations with Him. Later, I felt I needed more time with my Savior and committed to spending at least two hours each day in prayer and study. Then came a season filled with a demanding job, graduate school, and other activities. My time with God frequently consisted of me staring at the wall saying "Help". God seemed to always understand and to say, "That's OK, just sing to Me." So I did. In my current season I most enjoy sitting outside under the stars, at rest, knowing God is there with me. Here is the point: Spending time with your God is not about "doing", it's about "being." Being a child with your loving Father. Being a sinner with your gracious Redeemer. Being a weeping weakling with the Lifter of your head. Just being with God and enjoying the pleasure of His company while He enjoys the pleasure of yours, whatever season you are in.

Women's Ministry

VERSE: Be careful not to do your "acts of righteousness" before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. -- Matthew 6:1

Why do we do the things we do? What is the motivation for our behavior? It's so easy to fall into the trap of doing religious things so we will look good to others. This is true even when culture reacts negatively to our faith. Those around us who know about our faith and the Christians around us become the target of our behavior. While we do want to have the right kind of influence on everyone around us, we must never make our decisions about spiritual service on the basis of being seen by others to be honored because of it. Our goal must be to honor God and bless others!

MY PRAYER: Almighty God, please purify my heart of any false motivation and help me serve others based on their need and my desire to honor you in helping them.

In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

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It is through dying to concern for self that we are born to new life with God and others; in such dying and rebirth, we find that life is lent to be spent; and in such spending of what we are lent, we find there is an infinite supply. -- Glenn Olds

Listen

He does not believe, that does not live according to his belief. -- Thomas Fuller

I've told you before that I don't believe in "signs" from God. I mean, if I'm driving down the road and my car dies on Florida Ave. I don't take that to mean I should move to Florida. For the most part, I believe God speaks to me through His word. The Holy Spirit may prompt me to read special passages that draw me to conclusions, but I don't typically hear voices or see visions.

However, today I was walking through Target hunting for a bookcase, to put all my Christian Education material into, when I see this framed quote. It says:

"Take time for the quiet moments for God whispers and the world is loud."

I look all around and it is the only one I see. I pick it up and put it in my basket. It hit a place in my core and I knew I wanted to read that phrase every day. Then I tootle around the store to find my bookcase and I see more pictures like the quote I found. I go over to the display and there are several of each saying. I notice two things. First, none of the other sayings mention God or reflect on His word. Second, there aren't any like the one I had previously found. Hummm...it was like it had been put there just for me to find.

I get home and wrestle my new bookcase into the house. I crash on the couch for a moment and turn on XM radio and what did I hear, but Amy Grant telling me to "Take a little time" ... because it takes time to "turn the titanic around". WHAT? OK, what you don't know is that someone else had once compared my church to the titanic when talking about some of the issues there.

Listen, be still, and wait upon the Lord. Could it be a sign?

"I wait for you, O LORD; you will answer, O Lord my God. " Psalm 38:15

Song

http://www.applauseav.com/files/Not_the_Least_of_Whom_is_Me.mp3

This is a great song that a friend sent me. Listen to the words ... it is my heart for you.

Making Plans

I received a call today from a friend. His step-father is dieing and he is headed home for the funeral. His step-father has lived a full life and his immanent death didn't come as a surprise. Since they don't know how much longer he will live my friend will plan to be there for several days.

Nobody likes to think about death. We especially don't like to think about our own death. It's a little scary that we do not know the day or hour it will happen. We might go to sleep some evening never to wake up. We might be driving down the road and a car hits us with no warning. Anything could happen at any time so people need to prepare. I know I have a will made out and even have outlined what I would like for a funeral service.

There is something else to consider too. Christ's return. I don't know the day or hour it will happen. In the blinking of an eye Christ will come for His bride and we will be gone.

I'm preparing for that day too. First, I have accepted Christ as my Savior. I know I am a sinful creature and without His atoning blood I would spend eternity in hell. I also know that on that day, I see Him face to face, I do not want to show up empty handed. When I lay my crown before Him I want it filled with many jewels to give Glory to the Lord.

I don't know if death will take my life before the Lord arrives, but either way, I know I am prepared.

Have you been making plans?