The Dawning - September 2010

SEE THE DAWNING ARCHIVES FOR PAST ISSUES

In This Issue: A Word from the Pastor By: Pastor Steve Moving On By: Tim Dommer We Are So Loved By: Debby Mann Retreat Reaction By: Teresa Hrab Chapter A Day Download: The Dawning -  September 2010  (PDF - Original Format) UPDATED: 08/29/2010

A Word From the Pastor

Webster defines “retreat” in several ways. The first thing he says is that it is an act of withdrawing from what is dangerous, difficult or disagreeable. He goes on to say that it can mean a place of privacy or safety and he finally defines it as a period of group withdrawal for prayer, meditation and study. As I read his definitions I smiled and began to wonder which of the meanings listed was true for each attendee at our weekend retreat in Montreat. Some of us did have the opportunity to withdraw from a dangerous, difficult and disagreeable world that was starting to close in around us. For some it proved to be a weekend of privacy and safety, and for many of us it truly was a time of withdrawal for prayer and self-examination. I can only speak for myself, but I learned much more about myself than I did about the others who were present.

I discovered over the weekend that without a doubt God has called me to this exact time and place in my life to be your pastor. I am pretty sure that I knew that already in my heart, but the life of a pastor sometimes gets bogged down in responsibilities and duties and we forget just how important it is to shepherd a flock. We are sure that we are supposed to do that because it is plainly stated in our pastoral covenant, but oftentimes we aren’t sure if we are doing it very effectively. Our retreat made it quite plain to me that God brought us together in a mutually beneficial relationship. It became as plain as the nose on my face that God is working through me to be an encouragement and helper to those that I’ve been called to serve. He also reminded me of what it means to be a servant to His people. I probably don’t say it enough, but I want to thank each one of you for allowing me to serve you. I never cease to be amazed at how God works in the lives of those who love Him. I saw new relationships formed, others renewed and still others with a new framework established to begin afresh. I saw some “aha moments” in the eyes and expressions of folks who were there. I noticed spiritual growth and the desire to be a stronger witness of our faith. One of the most endearing things that became apparent to me was the desire to be a united body of Christ with a goal of reaching others for the Kingdom.

One wonderful side effect of this retreat was that several folks who had not been actively involved in other church activities discovered what they had been missing. The more that we get to know one another by spending quality time with each other helps us to know how to encourage one another and pray for one another. When we only see each other on Sunday morning, misconceptions can form and keep us from truly allowing the Holy Spirit to bind us together as one body. These events also help us to get a peek into each others’ lives and help us to begin to understand what makes each other tick (or what ticks each other off!) I don’t know of anyone who left Montreat without knowing something about someone that they didn’t know before. This can only help us to grow stronger in supporting and loving each other and being a mighty force for the Gospel in our community. My challenge to each of us is to not let the excitement of our retreat weekend fade. Let’s keep the fire going and reach out to others who need to experience God’s love in a mighty and tangible way.

Blessings and Peace,
Pastor Steve

 

MOVING ON

Pastor Steve is getting worried. It is 5:26 pm. It is movie night at the church and we have to be there by 6:30 pm and I haven’t written my newsletter article which has to be in everyone’s mailbox before Sunday school tomorrow morning. I made some choices regarding today’s activities knowing these choices will require an extra effort on my part. You all know that about this time of year I begin dreading the coming winter. It was such a beautiful day I chose to be outside mowing, vacuuming the pool and finally relaxing in the pool. Can’t help it - soon the pool will be closed and I wasn’t going to miss this opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. I will end up at church super early tomorrow morning printing the newsletter but in my mind it is worth it all. What Pastor is really worried about is that I will not get my weekend rest and he will end up paying for it by being stuck in our house with “old grumpy” this coming week. I don’t think he agrees that it is worth it all.

Anyway, I was doing all I could to write about something other than the church’s recent retreat weekend but I couldn’t come up with anything else to talk about so I will quit fighting it and share some things you may not be aware of.

Pastor had been dreaming of a retreat weekend for as long as he has been your pastor. He spent hours upon hours looking for the perfect place to retreat to. He did all he could to make it affordable and available to all who wanted to participate. For weeks, Jim Hrab and Pastor went over the menus for each meal. (The final menu was far from what they had originally planned.) Kim Brock acquired the majority of the food from Thornblade’s food reps and Ann Calhoun worked long and hard designing our T-shirts and having them printed, taking orders and having them on hand for the weekend while Pastor studied and studied the materials and wrote the handouts. Pastor also made all the arrangements with Montreat. As the attendance sheets came in, he was thrilled to see that nearly all of you were able to be there. The closer that we got to the weekend, the greater was his excitement.

Finally the day arrived and we set off for Montreat. When we arrived, well, it wasn’t exactly what we had expected. The accommodations left a lot to be desired. It was hot, it was humid. Parking was limited. While we knew that there was no air conditioning and had brought numerous fans, we didn’t anticipate the stifling affect the numerous trees had in preventing any breeze from reaching our residence. After the first nights activities, when all had retired to their rooms, I walked into our room to find pastor in bed looking miserable. He said one thing – “I guess this wasn’t such a good idea.” It broke my heart. He had tried so hard to make everything perfect and the fact was, things were not perfect and he was blaming himself. Frankly Pastor had already given a negative judgment to the entire weekend.

We ended up spending most of the night sitting on the third floor balcony. Pastor kept wondering why he couldn’t sleep. He then recalled what Jim Cymbala had shared in our study on prayer – that often sleepless nights are the times when God wants to fellowship with his servant(s). I believe that is how Pastor spent those early morning hours until sleep finally came upon him. One reason I believe that is how he spent those hours is because the man that went to bed that night was not the same man that climbed out of bed the next morning. The rest of the weekend still had its problems – an example being the DVD not working for all three of the Saturday sessions – once again throwing a wrench in the plans of your Pastor.

As I look back over the weekend I can’t help but wonder. Had our building been air conditioned, had the furnishings been plush and the accommodations roomy would we have come away with the same sense of camaraderie? Had the DVD functioned properly, would we have had the same discussions? Would we have had the time to not only listen to each other’s hurts and fears, but to offer the love and assurance to one another that we are accepted by each other and especially by our Lord Jesus Christ? Most of all, would we have been as aware of the presence of our God and His Holy Spirit had we been seated in over-stuffed chairs in the lounge of some fancy resort? It was the presence of God that caused Denise to express what we were all feeling Sunday afternoon when she cried out “I don’t want to leave!”

All in all the weekend WAS perfect and as your Pastor discovered it had nothing to do with his many hours of planning. On the contrary, your Pastor learned through his experience that when God has a plan and a purpose it’s not the surroundings that matter but the One who is in control. Friday night Pastor was questioning the direction that God had given. Sunday afternoon he was thanking God for giving that direction. It is a lesson we all need to take to heart. It is a lesson in trust and reliance. It is a lesson in the reality of the Holy Spirit and the love of our God for His children.

This issue of The Dawning has turned out to be all about our past retreat. While it has been good to recall our weekend and rehearse the many wonderful blessings that were received, it is now in the past. Hopefully we have come away with a deeper faith and a fresh desire to share that faith. Hopefully the bonds we have with one another are tighter and our love is stronger. But above all else, hopefully our commitment to our God, His Gospel and the service to the lost, the hurting and the oppressed is far greater than before we came together in Montreat. Through our experience of His love and His presence we should be encouraged to boldly proclaim our citizenship in the Kingdom of God and the Good News that that citizenship is for all who are willing. The James Dobson’s of this world have damaged so many souls yet it in Christ Jesus that damage is repairable. In reliance upon the Holy Spirit we must move forward as the instruments of healing that we are called to be. Let us work while it is still light for the night is soon upon us and to God be all the glory forever and ever, Amen.

Tim Dommer
 

"WE ARE SO LOVED

Last weekend, as a church family, we spent three wonderful days together and I believe that we were all blessed in one way or another during the retreat. As a whole and also in our small group discussions we studied “The Story.” Testimonies to an unbeliever and even to believers are so powerful. I am really excited to see what God has planned for us as a church, but mostly for us as individuals.

I can not write about how others felt during our small group discussions but each of us had a testimony on how God works in our lives on a daily basis. I have to be honest; it was therapy for all of us to talk about our hurts in the past and our hurts of today. It is wonderful to see how God has taken us from where we were in the past to where we are now. We were open and honest with each other revealing a lot of heartfelt hurts and shedding many tears. I am now of the understanding that the hurt that I have been carrying around all of my life is no longer going to be a hurt that keeps me from a closer walk with Christ, but it can – and will be - a testimony to others.

I believe the Holy Spirit picked our small groups and the topic of discussion. In our group real needs were spoken about; areas that are in need of healing were shared. I felt the pain of others which now has led me to pray for them in a different way – a knowledgeable way. We were all reaching out to touch the garment of Christ and I believe that we did and that the healing process has begun.

I loved being together for the weekend with my family. When I am around other Christians my walk seems so much easier. I guess in a way it helps me with my hidden sins and keeps me from sinning. It helps me with thoughts that aren’t always Christian thoughts. Being at the retreat opened my heart to the thoughts of others. This last week when something negative came to mind I would think of someone who needs a prayer at that moment. I am not perfect and I have a long way to go to have a special relationship with Christ. I know I have a purpose and a testimony and I know that God isn’t finished with me yet. Instead of letting issues take over my life I am going to give them to God instead.

Every person we meet either, through church or on the street, has something important to share with us. It could be a need or even a joyful experience that is happening in that person’s life right at that moment. I learned that I need to start taking the time to listen to what others have to say. Everyone has a story good or bad and it’s important to really know who they are. I might not like what they have to say about themselves but that is who they are and the Holy Spirit will lead me as to how to pray for that person.

I left the retreat feeling very hungry for God. Yes, I have been a Christian for many years and my walk has been up and down at times. I walked away from God in my life but He has never left me. I believe that we have all either done that or that we know of someone who has. I need my spiritual food everyday to keep me in a closer walk with Christ. I am no better than anyone else but I do have a story to tell to anyone who wants to listen.

Debby Mann

 

RETREAT REACTION

What an awesome time of fellowship and renewal! It was so wonderful to get to know each other better and to share God’s Word with each other. Growing up in a Christian family and being exposed to church all my life sometimes made me feel like my testimony wasn’t as exciting as someone who had never been in church or someone who had been rescued from an addiction. But after the retreat I realized that my testimony is my eyewitness account of the life-changing power of God! I am the only one that can share my testimony because I am the one who has lived it. I am a changed person because of Jesus and I want others to know that He can change them too!

Teresa Hrab

 

A CHAPTER A DAY

Before you read each chapter, ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand the passage and help you to listen with your heart. I would encourage you to keep a study journal and use these questions as a guide for your one-on-one time with God each day. If you have a reference Bible or study Bible, you may want to look up the additional references that are listed for each passage.

 

Day 1: Read John 6

1. What would have motivated you to get out of the boat and walk on the water?

2. How is Jesus “Living Bread” to you?

Day 2: Read John 7

1. What does Jesus teach you about His timing in the events in your life?

2. Have you ever looked for Jesus and not been able to find Him? Why couldn’t you find Him?

Day 3: Read John 8

1. List some of the characteristics of true, Christ-like forgiveness.

2. How far back can you trace your genealogy? Do you consider yourself a descendant of Abraham? Why or why not?

Day 4: Read John 9

1. What are some of the things that have blinded you spiritually?

2. In what ways did Jesus restore your sight?

Day 5: Read John 10

1. What are the attributes of the Good Shepherd?

2. What are the attributes of the hired hand?

Day 6: Read John 11

1. What caused Jesus to weep? Was it really Lazarus’ death?

2. How does Satan plot to kill you spiritually?

Day 7: Read John 12

1. How would you have responded to Jesus’ foretelling of His death?

2.  What action, if any, would you have taken?

3. Write out the feelings and emotions you would have experienced if you had been present at the triumphal entry.

Day 8: Read John 13

1. Lookup the word “servant” in a regular dictionary and a Bible dictionary; write out the meanings.

2. Based on the definitions, how can you be a servant?

Day 9: Read John 14

1. Write down all the “I Am’s” in this chapter. What specific thoughts do you have as you consider Jesus as the “I Am”?

2. How are you instructed to show your love for God? How will this affect your relationship with God?

Day 10: Read John 15

1. Write out verses 7-8 and meditate on them today.

2. In what ways have you been hated by the world?

Day 11: Read John 16

1. Reread verse 7. Why do you think it is “good for you” that Jesus return to His Father?

2. Write out and memorize verse 33.

Day 12: Read John 17

1. List the ways Jesus prays for you each day.

2. How does it make you feel to know Jesus prays for you everyday?

Day 13: Read John 18

1. Have you ever felt “lost”, even after you were saved? See verse 9.

2. What proof is given in this chapter to support the truth that Jesus in the Son of God?

Day 14: Read John 19

1. Why did God give Pilate the authority to arrest, convict and crucify His Son, Jesus?

2. In a Bible dictionary, lookup and write out the definition of the word “finished”.

Day 15: Read John 20

1. Reread verses 15-16. When have you heard Jesus call your name?

2. How does it make you feel when you hear Jesus call your name?

Day 16: Read John 21

1. Why do you think the disciples did not recognize Jesus? Would you have recognized Him?

2. How can you feed God’s sheep and take care of God’s lambs?

Day 17: Read Genesis 1

1. Lookup and write out the definition of the word “genesis”.

2. What attributes of God to you find as you read the creation story?

Day 18: Read Genesis 2

1. What is the significance of God resting on the seventh day? Was God tired out?

2. Why do you think God created you? List some of the reasons.

Day 19: Read Genesis 3

1. How does Satan use the good that God created to tempt you?

2. Why does God have to punish sin? Why not just make everyone holy again?

Day 20: Read Genesis 4

1. What type of sacrifices does God require of you? Read I Samuel 15:21-23, Psalm 50:23 and Psalm 51:17.

2. Reread verses 13-15. Describe God’s mercy and how He has demonstrated His mercy to you today.

Day 21: Read Genesis 5

1. Why do you think people lived as many years as they did in Biblical times? Was one year equal to 365 days back then?

2. What would it feel like if you were walking with God and just “taken away” like Enoch?

Day 22: Read Genesis 6

1. Reread verse 9. Why was God’s heart filled with pain?

2. Does your relationship with God give God joy or cause Him pain? How can you restore a broken relationship with God?

Day 23: Read Genesis 7

1. Reread verse 6. How old is “too old” to serve God and be in obedience to Him?

2. How do you think Noah survived on the ark with all the animals? How did all the animals get fed? Who fed Noah’s family?

Day 24: Read Genesis 8

1. What would have happened if Noah came out of the ark before God called him and his family out?

2. How easy or hard is it for you to wait for God to give you instructions?

Day 25: Read Genesis 9

1. Look up the word “covenant” in a Bible dictionary and write down some of its meanings.

2. God made a covenant with humankind…what is your responsibility to God regarding this covenant?

Day 26: Read Genesis 10

1. The families and clans were very important in Biblical times. How important is your family (birth and spiritual) to you?

2. What responsibilities does your family (birth and spiritual) have to you and what responsibilities do you have to them?

Day 27: Read Genesis 11

1. Was God angry at the Tower of Babel because He was afraid people would reach heaven? What was the real problem?

2. Using a Bible dictionary, lookup “Shem” and write down some interesting facts about him.

Day 28: Read Genesis 12

1. What types of blessings has God given you in the past week?

2. When you see God’s blessings in your life, how does it affect your Christian walk?

Day 29: Read Genesis 13

1. What was the difference in the way Lot chose his land and Abram chose his?

2. How did God respond to both of their choices? Ask God to help you make good choices today.

Day 30: Read Genesis 14

1. Who is Melchizedek and what makes him a priest of God?

2. What lessons can you learn from Abram’s attitude and actions toward Melchizedek and the king of Sodom?

Day 31: Read Genesis 15

1. Reread verse 6. Read Romans 4:1-5. What do you base your faith on and can it be “credited to you as righteousness”?

2. When has God promised you something that seemed impossible to you? Did you believe God would keep His promise?
    

If you have any questions or comments on “A Chapter A Day,” please feel free to contact Teresa Hrab. You may leave at message at the church office at 864-879-3097 or email your question or comment to newdayccc@juno.com.