Living Stones Christian Church

     Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; do not worry about your body, what you will wear.  Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes.  Consider teh ravens:  They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them.  And how much more valuable you are than birds!  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his llife? Since you cannot do this very thing, why do you worry about the rest?     

Consider how the lillies grow.  They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith!  And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it.  For the pagan world runs agter all such  things, and your Father knows that you need them."  Luke 12:22-30.

     It is amazing how often prideful we can become in oh so short of time.  Marlene, yesterday your comment about letting the Holy Spirit lead the discussion was priceless.  This morning I got up later than I had wanted as as I headed to the shower I started asking myself what I was going to write this morning?  I began to convince myself that I could skip today and write tomorrow.  Then He hit me.  Within two days, I had already high-jacked the blog and made it about me.  While what I write is still going to be about me and what I am learning, it should be the Spirits words not mine.

       Ajppearantly He had something to say, so here goes.  Last night my family attended Freedom at AHOP like they always do.  I was able to tag along which has not happened as much lately, but I still enjoy seeing some of the people we have made connections with and Pastor Greg always has a good message.  Last night was special as it was the last meeting of the year.  The meal was a tradional Christmas meal and a record number of people showed up.  As we walked in, Pastor Greg greeted Kristi and I at the door with a Christmas card and wished us a Merry Christmas.  Upon sitting down and opening, we were dismayed by the gift card inside to show their appreciation for the work we do in their ministry.  In addittion to the card, we each recieved a ticket stub as we walked in.  At Freedom, much like Metamophic, this is used to track the number of people coming.  Usually you drop the ticket off when you get your plate so the kitchen knows how many people they are feeding.  Last night was a little different and something special happened.

      After the meal, Greg presented his message as usual.  At the end he had everyone get their ticket.  For the weeks leading up to this, a group of ladies had been having fundraisers to raise money to buy gifts for the kids that come to Freedom.  Last Sunday they had a bake sale after church that raised $700.  Gregg told us how God had blessed the ministry and someone matched the funds collected giving them $1400 to love on people.  The tickets were for door prizes consisting of gift cards for gas, groceries, and food at resturants.  They also had an area set up where parents could go and select two new toys to take home and wrap for their kids in addition to gifts handed out by Santa.  

       Me being me, I waited untill almost the very end to check my ticket stub.  I really didn't want to win because I felt like there were many people in that room that needed that card way more than me.  This morning I realized I had become a little Pharisee.  It is easy for us to be independent and not rely on God's provision.  What makes me any better than the people we are serving?  While I didn't need the 3 food gift cards we recieved, I also don't know what God has planned for me this week.  Maybe I need them more than I know.  Last week after church as we were about to leave, a gentlemen wandered in and wanted to speak to the pastor.  I drew the short straw and sat down with him to find out what he needed.  He told me a story of how he needed money for a bus ticket back home to California.  I offered to not only pay the rest of his ticket but also to drive him to the bus station in Trotwood.  He borrowed my phone to call the person he had been staying with so he could get his luggage and then he told me they were going to take him.  After I got home, I reaized that there was no call in my phone history, that he had been talking to himself and my money was gone.  Last night, in my pride, my money was more than returned to me!

       As you go through the day today, remember to take a minute, slow down, listen to God and what he is saying.  Instead of always doing everything on your own, ask God to help and be ready to learn something.  Have a great and Blessed day.

Peace and Shalom