The Community

The Community - by Sophia Wise

“No cure but the cross, no greater community than the church, no cause greater than the cause of Christ.” – Dudley Hall.  Last week, my dad and I wrote on the cure.  This week, I’ll be expounding on the second point in this quote:  The community of the Church.

What are we, as a group of “cured” people, supposed to look like?  What other group of people should be greater than the body of Christ?  Families may share the same bloodline, but they’ve got nothing on the Church!  We’re covered by the holy blood of Jesus and have been brought into the eternal family of God (Galatians 4:7).  Nationalities share a culture, but again, the Church’s community far exceeds this.  We belong to the culture of heaven!

As the body of Christ, we are unified beyond ethnicity, our pasts, our opinions, and more (Galatians 3:28).  We now belong to Christ (1 Corinthians 7:2, Romans 6:18), not ourselves, and that transcends our own nature as we put on His nature (Colossians 3:10).  When we truly walk in unity under His headship, great things happen.  The key here, is walking in unity.  As the Church, we are to act out of our being, doing the things He has called us to.  We are to build relationships within the Body of Christ, and be unified with one another (1 Corinthians 3:3) so that we may truly express the fact that we are the greatest community.

Convicted Felons no more.....

“Find the things that stir your affections for Christ, and saturate your life in them. Find the things that rob you of that affection and walk away from them. That’s the Christian life as easy as I can explain it to you.” ~Matt Chandler

Wow, as always, Matt Chandler’s words give us quite a challenge. Doing what he says means the “Christian life” should be easy if we love Christ, correct? However, it isn’t always a math equation.

 Our love, apart from Christ, is deformed and broken; it has been since humanity fell from abiding perfectly with God. By ourselves, we are creatures only capable of a conditional, dishonest love. In order to truly walk away from what does not spur us on toward worshipping God, and instead spend our time on that which does spur us on to worship Him, our love must be complete. Unfortunately, our love for Christ seems to be attached to our situation or feelings much more than it needs to be.

Now, here’s the good part. It doesn’t matter that we’ve been convicted of a felony, called “the neglect of Christ.” His love is so perfect and holy that it transcends the gap between our selfish, unworthy love, and God’s love for us. We, the leaky vessels, have been filled, and are being filled, with the love of Christ.

There is hope--we have the strength and grace of Christ to continue to turn away from that which does not drive us toward God and instead turn toward the things that are of Him. So continue to say yes and amen to this matchless love by fleeing immorality and striving for God by Christ’s complete love. ~ Sophia Wise

3 Steps to consider before making THAT decision

Recently, I was reminded by a friend that life is full of decisions and in order to do one thing, you must automatically choose not do something else.  Well, often, life will throw big decisions at you that you may not feel well prepared for.  Here’s my advice, despite the fact that I’m only fourteen. 

Step One:  Abide in Him.  You cannot have sufficient wisdom, peace, or joy in the situation if Christ is not in you.  Go back to the word, go back to the main reason for everything you do (glorifying Him), and go back to worshipping God.  As Psalms 37:4 says, “Delight in the LORD, and He will give you the desires of your heart.”  (NIV)  If your eyes are on the situation instead of Christ you will sink. 

Bringing us to our second step:  “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”  (Philippians 4:6 - NIV)  Step Two:  Prayer.  James 1:5 says “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”  (NIV)  God gives you clear direction through the word, through divine revelation (the Holy Spirit), and even through other people, so be listening.

 Here we are at Step Three: Seek Counsel.  I bet there is someone you can trust to give you counsel on at least one decision in your life.  Maybe they are not someone you would trust with every situation, but you can learn something from them.  Surround yourself with fellow Christians, those who will build you up with godly wisdom, and not tear you down with worldly wisdom.  So to recap, in the midst of tough decisions: Abide, Pray, Seek.~ Sophia Wise

Sophia Wise is a high school freshman.  She is growing in Christ and worshiping Him through her musical talents--singing and playing the guitar and piano.  She attends Veritas Classical Schools of SWGA. When she is not playing music, she can be found painting shoes and listening to the Christian band named Switchfoot, her all-time favorite band.

Calling all Coaches!

  A few years before I ended my career with Servpro, the owners of Servpro Industries had an emphasis on the franchise owners becoming “coaches” in their local businesses. This may seem like a play on words, but actually the idea of being a coach was a paradigm shift in our perceptions. Being a “coach” is not the same as being the “boss”. Being a coach was about helping the team members grow to their potential, and become better at what they did as well take ownership. I began to see those that worked with us as “members of the team”-not just employees, and I began to see them taking their position on the team. With that backdrop, I will get to reason for writing this.
      I don’t mean to sound morbid, but in reality we only have a few years- God willing - left on planet earth and I believe that each of you, including myself, want to finish well. Someone said that when an old person dies, it is like a library burning down.
     We need to be coaching those behind us. We need to coach our family, but our coaching needs to go beyond our family as there are untold numbers of kids, young adults and middle aged people out there that have no coach. Coaching may take on many forms, but it stars with a heart to see others growing and finding their place.
     Although a baseball coach has to be an “expert” in baseball, we do not have to be an “expert” in life to be a coach. A key part of being a good coach is taking time to ask a few questions because we are interested and them listening, and if need be, sharing a word that will help or encourage. Even when we have only one contact with someone, such as a store clerk we come in contact with on a trip, we may have the opportunity to be a coach. If we have in our heart to help others along, then coaching is only natural. The key is that we put coaching into action as the Lord leads.

Here are some ideas where coaching can happen:

1. Coaching can take place over a cup of coffee
2.  an outing together (fishing, shopping, walking, etc.)
3. sharing a meal
4. sending an email or text
5. writing a card

6. helping with a project-or whatever-you get the idea.  

  

     God has given a mandate for the older to come along beside those that are younger to encourage them in the faith. We are not required to be a “teacher” in order to coach. The call to be about coaching is for all older (more mature-sounds better, right?) believers. Let us lay aside any tendency we have to judge some of the younger generation for whatever the reason and let us not point out what they are not doing right, etc. and let us go to “where they are” and be a source of life. 

Are you a "lone ranger?"

Being a “lone ranger” coach is not what God has in mind as God does things in the context of His church. God said that He would build His church. Part of church life is that of encouraging and training the coaches. (I noticed that when church was over this last Sunday, a lot of sharing and coaching was taking place after the service-a great thing to see.) You could say that the coaches are also on a team-a team of coaches.

     God has given each of us unique, individual ways of coaching. To repeat myself-the key point is that we implement our call to coach. We actually are coaching whether we realize it or not. If we are living life as unto ourselves, then we are “coaching” the younger believers to do the same. As I began to assume the role of a coach in my business, I began to see myself and others differently and we became a better business. As I mentioned above, there is a huge shortage of coaches. I know for certain that any coaching action we initiate will be well received and we will be blessed in the process. There can be no greater or higher call for the remainder of our life than that of blessing, helping, and coaching those behind us. I know that you and I want the last years we have to be used to further the purposes of God, but it will only happen if we make the choice and take an active role in coaching as God gives opportunity. While writing this, I kept thinking of two stories that relate to coaching. I will only give the gist of the stories.

     The first story comes from the keynote speaker at a Servpro convention. This speaker had been to a meeting in Chicago during the same time that there was a Harley Davison gathering taking place. (These were not “want-a-be” Harley guys-but the real deal with all the chains and leather). He was walking down the side walk dressed in his suit, and he passed a Harley guy-a rough looking guy-who had just parked his Harley. The business man reluctantly stopped and said to the Harley guy: “nice bike.” That simple statement broke the barriers and good conversation resulted. The business man went to the other man’s turf. I think this man went on to write a book titled “Nice Bike.” There is a lot to learn from this true story.

     The next story comes from a recent experience in my own life. While redoing an old house, I hired two guys to help me for a couple of days. I will just say that I had to get past their dress, body jewelry, tattoos, etc. to hire them for a small project. I’m glad I did. They did quality work and were dependable. I sensed that the Lord told me to take them to breakfast and after a little hesitation, I invited them. We met for breakfast and it was a great experience and it opened the door for more dialogue. I’m not sure if anyone had ever bought them breakfast with no strings attached. The point being; it’s good to get out of our comfort zone. It also confirmed that there are multitudes out there that will welcome some coaching. They don’t need or want us trying to “fix” them according to our preferences. Take those we would coach and point them to the God that can “fix” them (and us). God is love and we can be conduits of His love.

I would love to hear any feedback you may have and welcome any constructive criticism. I’m sure that there is much more that needs to be said on this subject.

Buddy Fitzgerald                                                                                                                                                                           

Guest Blogger, Buddy Fitzgerald, is one of LifeGate Church's founders.  He has served in many coaching capacities, such as elder of LifeGate, franchise owner of Servpro Industries, and dad to four kids.  His bride, Carol, and he have been married for 45 years. They have been blessed with seven grandchildren so far. When he is not playing golf or putting his woodworking skills to work on reclaimed old wood,  Buddy can be found investing in the next generation over a cup of coffee or his favorite breakfast spot.  His blog is also a valuable way that he imparts truth.  Check it out here:  http://thenewu.org/

DEAR YOUNG MARRIED GAL

Dear Young Married Gal,

     So now you have found your "knight in shining armor" and you have finally reached your goal of being married!  From now on, life will be all love and bliss!  Right?!  Wrong!

Staying married is a full time calling in itself. Hopefully and prayerfully you will both grow and mature together.  Let me explain it this way.

LeRoy and Evelyn on their wedding day, December 1,1951

     I have been married once to 4 different men. Now don't misread this.  He was the same guy - same name, however when I married him he was employed as a printer.  Two years later God called him to be a Pastor.  Later he was ordained an Elder and lastly, a Missionary to Haiti. I met this wonderful man where he was employed at Church World Service Center.  Yes,  I thought he was absolutely perfect!   And I am certain he thought the same of me!

      Every other weekend he would hitchhike (he didn't have a car) 100 miles to my home in Pennsylvania to see me.  We did not like seeing one another so infrequently so eventually he moved to a city closer by. We were married after only 6 months of knowing one another, so we had a lot to learn.  We both soon realized neither one of us was "perfect", however , we were perfect for each other, but we had a lot to learn.

     Some of the things I learned were learned through experience, others by observing friends, and still others, by reading some good authors. And yes, if I could do it over again, I would marry the same guy in a heartbeat, but I certainly would do some things differently.

Hopefully a few of what I learned will be helpful to you:

1. A successful Christian marriage must flow from our belief in God. Our confidence and trust must be in Him with deep roots in God's Word.

2. Love your husband and children unconditionally!

3. Be self controlled.

4. Have a quiet and gentle spirit.

5. Stay pure. If you feel you are drifting apart make every effort to get back the closeness you once felt.  DO NOT turn to another man for comfort and to meet your needs.  Find counsel with your Pastor, his wife, a Christian counselor or an older woman.

6. Manage your home, however, take time to play with and enjoy your children and your husband.
( hint: Even if dinner is not ready when he gets home from work, at least have the table set so he will know it is on the way.)

7. Sit at the table and have dinner as a family. Not in front of the TV. Talk about how each family member's day went.  Cell phones at meals are NOT allowed at meals whether eating at home or out. We did not have to deal with this since there were no cell phones when our children were growing up, however, I feel Very strongly about this.

8. Be submissive and kind to your husband. Humility is required for submissiveness. Every morning ask yourself what you can do today to make your husband happy.

9. Set aside time for daily family devotions.  We did ours around the table after dinner the evening.

10. Praise and encourage your husband and children.  The more I Died to self the more life I could give to my family.

Well, my dear young wife, this should keep you quite busy. These thoughts are not in any specific  order.  I just typed as God brought them to my mind.

One last and most important thought:

CHERISH EVERY DAY YOU HAVE TOGETHER. LIFE IS SHORT.

 LeRoy and I had 54 years together. Sounds like a long time? He has gone on to Glory 10 Years ago.  Not a day goes by that I do not think of him and miss him.

May God Bless your marriage Abundantly,

Evelyn

 P.S.  Another thought. I took it for granted but I dare not do that.  Make certain YOU and YOUR  FAMILY attend church. Take your kids! Don't send them!

 Evelyn Dick is an "extended family" member of LifeGate Church.  

She currently resides in Goshen, IN in an apartment she lovingly nicknamed the "dungeon."  When Evelyn isn't reading about Haitian history, missionary adventures, or the Amish life, she can be found spending time with her four children, 13 grand children, and 15 great-grand kids.  She is also currently working on a memoirs project about LeRoy's and her life in Haiti as missionaries.