Overcome - What I CAN Do

The following is a post from one of our Celebrate Recovery leaders.

Very wise words!

When struggles are many and life is filled with challenges, I have found it helpful to focus on what I CAN do.  When I shift my focus from what I do not have or when I am not getting what I want, I CAN make a choice to be grateful and reflect on all that I have been blessed with.

I CAN be a positive influence on the lives I interact with today.
I CAN give myself a break from people that sap my energy today.
I CAN have healthy boundaries, without isolating myself.
I CAN have a high regard for my mental health and take steps to ensure my happiness.
I CAN find joy in small things.
I CAN take good care of myself by making positive decisions.
I CAN enjoy peace and rest.
I CAN say no if I am uncomfortable.
I CAN have healthy boundaries with the unhealthy people around me.
I CAN create a plan B for dealing with difficult situations.
I CAN continue to believe that God holds me close to Him during my struggles.
I CAN control my own thoughts, actions and reactions.
I CAN be happy even if I am not getting what I want today.
I CAN be calm in the midst of chaos and resist the temptation  to be swept up in someone else's negativity.
I CAN be thankful for the disappointments because I knew I have tried.
I CAN take life one day at a time.
I CAN let it go and give it to God.
I CAN be happy whether the people in my life are acting as they should or not
I CAN be the light that shines on another life and especially my own!
I CAN pray.
I CAN read an uplifting book or passage.
I CAN call a trusted friend.
I CAN go to a Celebrate Recovery meeting (and more than one if I need to!)

By focusing on what I CAN do it shifts my thinking to the positive and gives me power over my thoughts and actions.  This causes me to pause, giving thanks to God and appreciating my blessings and my struggles.

What can you do today to enhance your life, to change your perspective and turn your struggles into blessings?

Celebrate Recovery meets at Mecklenburg Community Church every Wednesday!

Let us know if you have any questions about this group!

celebraterecovery@mecklenburg.org

Editor's Note:  The Community Care ministry provides emotional and spiritual support.  There is a pastor or community care leader available to speak with you today.  If you have questions regarding the Community Care ministries please contact communitycare@mecklenburg.org or 704.598.9800 x 121.  You may also learn more at the Community Care website and our upcoming events page.    
  

Weapons and How to Use Them

What do Revelation 12:11 and Joshua 4:6-7 have in common?
   
They are both powerful weapons to use against the TRICKS, TRAPS and overall DESTRUCTION the one that hates you more than you could ever imagine wants for you (The Devil, Satan, The Enemy, Father of Lies, etc.).  He goes by many names but overall know he truly DESPISES you. 
       

So what are these weapons and how do we use them:

       

Revelation 12:11 (KJV)

         

And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
    

Joshua 4:6-7 (NIV)

   

to serve as a sign among you. In the future, when your children ask you, ‘What do these stones mean?’  tell them that the flow of the Jordan was cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. These stones are to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.”

 
Both of these scriptures give a powerful way to disarm the day to day battles we face with discouragement, hopelessness, worry and overall defeat.  I encourage you to read these portions of scripture in their entirety.
 
With Revelation 12:11 we are reminded of the importance and victory we have through what Christ has accomplished for us (through His death and resurrection) and what God has accomplished in our own life (our testimony).
  
Joshua 4:6-7 takes the principles in Rev. 12:11 and brings them to life.  This portion of scripture also reminds us of the importance of remembering and telling.  It is important to remember what God has done in your life (your personal testimony) and to keep telling and retelling this to ourselves and others.  It is important because there are times we get engulfed with our circumstances and forget that God walked us through a circumstance that was a lot harder already in our life.
  
In Joshua, one of the keys was that it was a TANGIBLE reminder.  Think about this.  How could you take your major victories and bring them to life (to remembrance) in a tangible way?  Maybe through writing in a journal, art, song, etc.
  
The possibilities are limitless!
  
The victory you accomplished with and through God is important enough to celebrate in this way!  It will also be a tangible weapon to use against the one that would like you to
   
FORGET!

   
 Editor's Note:  The Community Care ministry provides emotional and spiritual support. There is a pastor or community care leader available to speak with you today.  If you have questions regarding the Community Care ministries please contact communitycare@mecklenburg.org or 704.598.9800 x 121.  You may also learn more at the Community Care website and our upcoming events page.

One Thousand Gifts

We all have pain.

What if you could be thankful despite the most painful life circumstances you have ever experienced?

Better yet … What if you could be thankful because of the most painful life circumstances you have ever experienced?

Best case scenario … What if you could be thankful in the midst of the most painful life circumstances you have ever experienced?

Sound impossible? Quite simply – it’s not. I have learned that pain is a gift. It would have been a gift for those suffering with leprosy. Without the warning signal of pain, their bodies were subjected to daily abuse they knew nothing about – abuse that usually rendered these individuals crippled for life. Emotional and spiritual pain work the same way. They are indicators of deeper wounds. If you can get to the heart of the pain – and learn how to thank God for it – you may just find yourself living a life filled with joy.

Think about it. Rather than clenching your fists in anger towards God during the most trying struggles of your life, what if you ran to Him and fell on your knees in thanksgiving and accepted all the grace, all the gifts He has given you? Your life would be different. It works. I know …

Ann Voskamp’s best-selling book “One Thousand Gifts” is ultimately a challenge to her readers to find God’s grace in every aspect of their lives – in every moment of their life- and in return, give Him thanks for those gifts … even if they come in the form of pain. She teaches how we can find joy, regardless of our circumstances.

Now, Meck is offering a bible study based on this amazing book. Our hope is that throughout the “One Thousand Gifts” study you learn how to live out the secrets of a joyful heart. It could be just the step you need to unclench your fists and “live fully right where you are.”

* Reading the book is not a prerequisite to participation in this Bible study however it is recommended.
*This blog was written by our current "One Thousand Gifts" group leader.  To learn about the schedule of this group please look at the upcoming events page!

Editor's Note:  The Community Care ministry provides emotional and spiritual support. There is a pastor or community care leader available to speak with you today.  If you have questions regarding the Community Care ministries please contact communitycare@mecklenburg.org or 704.598.9800 x 121.  You may also learn more at the Community Care website and our upcoming events page.

What to do with Suffering

 I have permission to share this story, read below:

I recently experienced some of the worst suffering I had ever experienced before in my life.  It was so bad, at one time I was crying so hard someone had to help me to set down so I would not fall.  I do not believe I could even put into words the thoughts and feelings I experienced so I will not even try.  Through this suffering a very interesting thing happened.  Many prayers I have prayed (some for years and some only for months) were answered.  Some of these included a restored relationship and a person growing closer to Christ.  This experience was the most painful and amazing experience.

This person saw before their eyes the story of the cross coming to life.  They saw deep suffering, death and destruction and then resurrection and a new life.  Someone may ask, "So God allowed this person to go through so much suffering to answer their prayers?".  Some may say, "Why would God allow such things?".

The truth is the same truth as with the story of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection.  The death and destruction was caused by sin by humans and the resurrection and new life was from God's miraculous power of grace, healing and salvation.  Pay attention to your life.  Give God your sufferings and God will show you and allow you to experience the grace, healing and wonder of a new life.   

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.  Romans 8:1, NIV

Give God Your Story

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to give God your story.

To give God your past, present and future.

To do this many times we have to look at things we want to ignore and trust God with all the hurts.....

with all the questions...

with what we want for ourselves...

and make peace with knowing God's path may be different.

For a Christ follower that may be having a difficult time with this I would remind them that it is not about you...it is all about Christ.  We truly find ourselves when we give ourselves completely to Christ. 

We find the greatest joy and longest lasting peace.

For a person still trying to decide whether to be a Christ follower or not I would say give your story to Christ.  I promise you will not regret the decision. 

God always does amazing things with what we give to Him.  Turns mourning into joy, heartache into peace, boredom into excitement, hopelessness into a life time of purpose.


Editor's Note:  The Community Care ministry provides emotional and spiritual support. There is a pastor or community care leader available to speak with you today.  If you have questions regarding the Community Care ministries please contact communitycare@mecklenburg.org or 704.598.9800 x 121.  You may also learn more at the Community Care website and our upcoming events page.

Tragedy and Praise

Wow….

Within the past 24 hours I have heard about the following:

*A family being torn apart by generation abuse

*Teenager being suicidal

*Parents fighting for custody over a child

*A woman fighting to maintain reality (experiencing hallucinations)

*A couple trying to maintain their marriage from the stress of sick family members

*A sick child spending time in the hospital and not knowing what is wrong

*Three eviction notices

*A person that may go to jail

*Two people who found out they have cancer and 1 person that may have cancer

*A person that may be laid off by their job by the end of the year

And I remind you that this has been within the past 24 hours.
Tragedy is alive and well and shows itself daily.

When I get overwhelmed from this tragedy I think of certain scripture within God’s word:

Acts 16:16-40

There is no way I can give this portion of scripture justice. There is so much in it so I encourage you to hit on the scripture reference and read it….

After you have I just want to bring your attention to the fact after they had been stripped, beaten and put in prison they were singing praises to God at Midnight…..is anyone else amazed by that….and then God brought so much good out of this. It is amazing how it all ends.

I keep praise music on a lot. It helps remind me that God is bigger than everything that has happened in the past 24 hours and he brings so much good from all the situations he touches. That is why, I have invited him to touch each one of those situations in that list.

I challenge you to praise Jesus more. Look at the Jesus more than the problem.

 

Editor's Note: The Community Care ministry provides emotional and spiritual support. There is a pastor or community care leader available to speak with you today. If you have questions regarding the Community Care ministries please contact communitycare@mecklenburg.org or 704.598.9800 x 121. You may also learn more at the Community Care website and our upcoming events page.

Fear: A New Day

Fear is something that plagues many of us. Whether it is how we are going to make the next bill, will my child make the right choices or will my loved one be healed fear can creep in and take hold of our lives.

Recently I have been praying about a situation that I felt REALLY needed to be answered in a certain way and it was answered in the OPPOSITE way.  You got to love moments like that!  At first peace came and then fear started to creep in and take up residence in my mind.  

There have been times in my life where fear has been firmly conquered by Christ’s power and other times where I have, in the words of Beth Moore, allowed a “past fear to project on a new day”.  Time after time I am brought back to one scripture:

 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  2 Tim. 1:7 (KJV)

Don’t misunderstand me.  There is such a thing as healthy fear (i.e. the type that keeps us from dangerous situations).  Although the type I am talking about does nothing helpful.  This scripture has released me so many times and continues to do so when that unhealthy fear would want to control.

So I encourage you to ask yourself a few questions:

Is fear taking up residence in my mind?

Am I allowing a “past fear to project on a new day”?  Many of our fears come from past dangerous situations we are no longer experiencing.   

Do I have a scripture that has spoken to me?  Remember, God’s word is alive, active and powerful (Heb. 4:12)!

Editor's Note: The Community Care ministry provides emotional and spiritual support. There is a pastor or community care leader available to speak with you today. If you have questions regarding the Community Care ministries please contact communitycare@mecklenburg.org or 704.598.9800 x 121. You may also learn more at the Community Care website and our upcoming events page. 

One in Ten: Living a Life of Gratitude

Luke 17:11-19 (NIV)
Now on his way to Jerusalem, Jesus traveled along the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he was going into a village, ten men who had leprosy met him. They stood at a distance and called out in a loud voice, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!”

When he saw them, he said, “Go, show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed.

One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan.

Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” 19 Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

Philippians 4: 6 – 8 (KJV)
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.

I recently have been immersing myself into the topic of gratitude. I have been looking at research studies, scripture, reading from authors that concentrate on this topic and have been implementing some changes in my own life.

All to say, I am a firm believer in gratitude being a vehicle to experience healing and experience a deep peace and clear joy. Although, it does matter who you say thank you to…

Challenge yourself this week to pay attention to the gifts all around you (cool breeze, sunlight, favorite song on radio, healing, relationships, etc.).

For those of you that are Christ followers challenge yourself to really contemplate the following verse:

One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Luke 17:15-16

Do you have anything to thank Christ for, showing gratitude to this extent?

I know I do…

Editor's Note: The Community Care ministry provides emotional and spiritual support. There is a pastor or community care leader available to speak with you today. If you have questions regarding the Community Care ministries please contact communitycare@mecklenburg.org or 704.598.9800 x 121. You may also learn more at the Community Care website and our upcoming events page.

Wait on God vs. God waiting on You

I read something today that expressed the point of view to “wait on God”.

I COMPLETELY agree with this and yet when I read the phrase (one I have said many times) the thought came to me…. “What if God is waiting on you?”.

For some reason I do not see as many people talking about the idea of God waiting on us versus us waiting on Him. This makes me smile. As humans we always want to put the focus on the “other one”:

If only my wife would not question the decisions I make then I would…

If only my husband would give me help around the house then I would…

If only my kids would show me respect then I would…

If only my parents would give me more freedom then I would…

If only my job paid me more then I would…

If only God would make this happen then I would…

I encourage you today to examine the areas in your life you are “waiting on God” and ask God, “Are you waiting on me?”. 

Also, ask to know what God is waiting on….

Editor's Note: The Community Care ministry provides emotional and spiritual support. There is a pastor or community care leader available to speak with you today. If you have questions regarding the Community Care ministries please contact communitycare@mecklenburg.org or 704.598.9800 x 121. You may also learn more at the Community Care website and our upcoming events page.

Safe People: Celebrate Recovery [Guest Post]

This is a guest post from one of our Celebrate Recovery Leaders. 

If I had to name just a few things that I love about Celebrate Recovery, it would be that I can be honest without being judged, fixed or told what to do. I have to say that although it is only Tuesday, the past several days have been challenging for me personally.

As I have been praying and reflecting on how I can respond to conflict in my life in a healthier way, I remembered a series that our pastor had about "safe people." He spent some time giving us some tips on how to know who to invest in when it comes to friendships and relationships. Every now and then I have had to clean house with people in my life that weigh me down. This doesn't mean that I write them off completely, I delicately distance myself in order to have time to invest in the people that love me for who I am. The people that are quietly waiting for me to come to my senses and discover and embrace their gift of friendship and love for me.

When I am caught up in pleasing people, I get caught up in the feeling that I need to earn their love and acceptance. This is distorted thinking. Due to this distorted thinking, I overlook the people that are there for me always. The friends that I need more of in my life. The people that do not care if I do anything perfectly, that don't "want something from me" but they just want to be in my company and do life with me. This has been a challenge for me for as long as I can remember. My need for approval and acceptance has had some very high costs in my life. I continue to struggle with this and just when I feel that I have this issue all figured out, a challenge is presented.

The last week of the Safe People series, Jim asked the very poignant question "are YOU a safe person?"

So with that, I leave you with this thought from our pastor on the way you can become a "safe person" for your friends and the people you love.

When faced with a problem and caught up in the emotions of the moment, before I begin to speak the harsh words that so easily come out of my mouth (that might take me years and many good deeds to try to reverse the pain I can cause) here is what I need to remember:

• Is it true?

• Is it kind?

• Does it need to be said?

• Does it need to be said right now?

• Does it need to be said by me?

Thank you for your gift of friendship in Celebrate Recovery and being a safe place for all to share.


Editor's Note: The Community Care ministry provides emotional and spiritual support. There is a pastor or community care leader available to speak with you today. If you have questions regarding the Community Care ministries please contact communitycare@mecklenburg.org or 704.598.9800 x 121. You may also learn more at the Community Care website and our upcoming events page.

Preparing for Easter: Looking at Salvation

For the past few weeks we have been dedicating each week to a topic that will help prepare us emotionally and spiritually for Easter. This past week on Twitter we explored the topic of Salvation. In case you missed the tweets here they are (hit the scripture links to read the scripture in its entirety):

• For Salvation: We must admit we are sinners and need forgiveness – Romans 3:23

• What Salvation shows: God loved us and showed that love by Christ dying for our sins – Romans 5:8

• Our Choice of Salvation: If we stay in sin we die but if we accept Jesus as our Savior and repent (turn away from sins) we will have eternal life – Romans 6:23

• Steps to Salvation: Confess Christ as Lord, believe he died and God raised him from the dead, and you will be saved – Romans 10: 9 – 10

• Salvation is all about who you call on: Again, it is simple…call on Jesus’ name and be saved –Romans 10: 13

• Don't delay Salvation: Make this Easter special, make Jesus your Lord and Leader today! – Romans 11:36

Application

When reflecting on these reminders about the topic of Salvation we are taught the following:

•  Everyone needs salvation because we have ALL sinned!
• Christ died for us while we were STILL in sin.  God showed such love and mercy toward us all!  It is one thing to die for a friend but to die for someone that is currently rejecting you....that is amazing!
• Sin only brings death, Christ wants to give us life!
• Confession of sin, recognizing Christ died for that sin and belief that God raised him from the dead are necessary for Salvation.
•  Everyone that calls on Christ's name will be SAVED!
• You will never regret making Christ your Lord and Leader!  It is all about this very decision, make this decision for Christ today!

You can follow these topics throughout the week through Twitter @kelly_saylor also!

We hope that throughout this Easter season you gain a better understanding of the meaning and are truly able to be a part of this wonderful celebration! We also hope to see you at Verizon Wireless Amphitheater on April 8 http://easteratverizon.org/ 

This is a FREE event and YOU are INVITED!

Editor's Note: The Community Care ministry provides emotional and spiritual support. There is a pastor or community care leader available to speak with you today. If you have questions regarding the Community Care ministries please contact communitycare@mecklenburg.org or 704.598.9800 x 121. You may also learn more at the Community Care website and our upcoming events page.

Preparing for Easter: Looking at Repentance

For the past few weeks we have been dedicating each week to a topic that will help prepare us emotionally and spiritually for Easter. This past week on Twitter we explored the topic of Repentance. In case you missed the tweets here they are (hit the scripture links to read the scripture in its entirety):

• Repentance: Godly sorrow of sin leads to salvation 2 Cor. 7: 10 – 11

• Repentance: to repent means to turn away from sin and turn completely to God Isa. 55: 6-7

• Repentance: the result of repentance is LIFE the result of no repentance is DEATH Ezek. 18: 21-22 

• Repentance: God’s kindness is what leads to repentance Rom. 2:4

• Repentance: God’s wrath will be turned to those who do not repent Rom. 2:5 – 6

• Repentance: If we seek God and turn from sin God with forgive and heal 2 Chron. 7:14   

Application

When reflecting on these reminders about the topic of repentance we are taught the following:

• There is a difference between Godly sorrow and worldly sorrow.  Godly sorrow leaves no regrets.
• When we turn to God, God has mercy on us.
• When turning to God and away from sin we are told that NONE of the sin will be remembered by God.  God forgives completely.
• The purpose of God's kindness is to lead us to repentance.  God wants a relationship with you!
• Each person who does not repent will see and feel the wrath of God.  God will repay each person for what they have done.
• Humble yourself, seek after God, turn from sin and pray.  God will forgive and heal! 

Next week we will explore the topic of Salvation.

You can follow these topics throughout the week through Twitter @kelly_saylor also!

We hope that throughout this Easter season you gain a better understanding of the meaning and are truly able to be a part of this wonderful celebration!


Editor's Note: The Community Care ministry provides emotional and spiritual support. There is a pastor or community care leader available to speak with you today. If you have questions regarding the Community Care ministries please contact communitycare@mecklenburg.org or 704.598.9800 x 121. You may also learn more at the Community Care website and our upcoming events page.

Preparing for Easter: Jesus' Death

For the next few weeks until Easter we are dedicating each week to a topic that will help prepare us emotionally and spiritually for Easter. This past week on Twitter we explored Jesus' Death. In case you missed the tweets here they are:

•  Jesus knew he was born to die.  Here are three places he predicted his own death:

• From that time on Jesus began to explain to his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things at the hands of the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.- Matt. 16:21 (NIV)

• When they came together in Galilee, he said to them, “The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men. - Matt. 17:22 (NIV)

• Now Jesus was going up to Jerusalem. On the way, he took the Twelve aside and said to them,“We are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man will be delivered over to the chief priests and the teachers of the law. They will condemn him to death and will hand him over to the Gentiles to be mocked and flogged and crucified. On the third day he will be raised to life!” Matt. 20:17 - 19 (NIV)

•  The chief priests & Sanhedrin looked for evidence to put Jesus to death but could not find any:

• The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for evidence against Jesus so that they could put him to death, but they did not find any.- Mark 14:55 (NIV)

• Those that were closest to Jesus were the ones that denied and betrayed him:

•  When evening came, Jesus was reclining at the table with the Twelve. And while they were eating, he said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” They were very sad and began to say to him one after the other, “Surely you don’t mean me, Lord?” Jesus replied, “The one who has dipped his hand into the bowl with me will betray me. The Son of Man will go just as it is written about him. But woe to that man who betrays the Son of Man! It would be better for him if he had not been born.”  Then Judas, the one who would betray him, said, “Surely you don’t mean me, Rabbi?”  Jesus answered, “You have said so.” - Matt. 26: 20 - 25 (NIV)

• “Truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “this very night, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.”  But Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you.” And all the other disciples said the same. - Matt. 25: 34 - 35 (NIV)

• Now Peter was sitting out in the courtyard, and a servant girl came to him. “You also were with Jesus of Galilee,” she said.  But he denied it before them all. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he said.  Then he went out to the gateway, where another servant girl saw him and said to the people there, “This fellow was with Jesus of Nazareth.”  He denied it again, with an oath: “I don’t know the man!” After a little while, those standing there went up to Peter and said, “Surely you are one of them; your accent gives you away.”  Then he began to call down curses, and he swore to them, “I don’t know the man!” Immediately a rooster crowed. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken: “Before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times.” And he went outside and wept bitterly. - Matt. 26: 69 - 75 (NIV)

• Jesus was stripped, hit on the head repeatedly, pierced, spit on, mocked...

• Then the governor’s soldiers took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole company of soldiers around him. They stripped him and put a scarlet robe on him, and then twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on his head. They put a staff in his right hand. Then they knelt in front of him and mocked him. “Hail, king of the Jews!” they said. They spit on him, and took the staff and struck him on the head again and again. After they had mocked him, they took off the robe and put his own clothes on him. Then they led him away to crucify him.- Matt. 27: 27 - 31 (NIV)

• When He breathed his last, the sun stopped shining and the Centurion knew...

•  It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon, for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.  The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.” When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away.  But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.- Luke 23: 44 - 49 (NIV)

• They made the tomb as secure as they knew how to make sure Jesus' body was not stolen...

•  The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. “Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.”  “Take a guard,” Pilate answered. “Go, make the tomb as secure as you know how.” So they went and made the tomb secure by putting a seal on the stone and posting the guard. Matt. 27: 62 - 66 (NIV)

 Application

When reflecting on these reminders of Jesus' death we are taught the following:

• Jesus willingly gave His life for each of us.
• Even Jesus' enemies could not find anything wrong that He did.
• Jesus was betrayed by the ones that knew Him best, who He spent the most time with and He still forgave them.
• The suffering Jesus went through was real, painful and humiliating.
• When Jesus died the Earth knew, His enemies and His believers knew.  When Jesus comes back all will also know.
• Every precaution was taken to ensure Jesus' body would stay in the tomb.  

 Next week will explore Jesus' Resurrection.

You can follow these topics throughout the week through Twitter @kelly_saylor also!

We hope that throughout this Easter season you gain a better understanding of the meaning and are truly able to be a part of this wonderful celebration!


Editor's Note: The Community Care ministry provides emotional and spiritual support. There is a pastor or community care leader available to speak with you today. If you have questions regarding the Community Care ministries please contact communitycare@mecklenburg.org or 704.598.9800 x 121. You may also learn more at the Community Care website and our upcoming events page.

Thanksgiving Woes?

The basic principle of Thanksgiving is to have quality time with family and friends while taking time to give thanks for all of your many blessings. This is the basic principle of this holiday IDEALLY.

In REALITY it can be a time where we are confronted with family and friends from the past and old wounds, hurts, or grudges may come more to the surface. If this describes your Thanksgiving holiday closer consider the following:

How to act and feel:

• Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

                                                           Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)  
 
What responding in love looks like:

• It (*love) does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

                                                          1 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV)

Who to give the Hurt to:

• He (*God) heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

                                                          Psalm 147:3 (NIV)

When you forgive, you OUTWIT our Enemy:

• Anyone you forgive, I also forgive. And what I have forgiven—if there was anything to forgive—I have forgiven in the sight of Christ for your sake, in order that Satan might not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.

                                                          2 Corinthians 2:10 - 11 (NIV)

 Forgiveness has a direct impact with your relationship with God:

• For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.  But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.  

                                                         Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV)

 

We have a WONDERFUL example of Reconciliation to help us:

• All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:  that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation.

                                                         2 Corinthians 5: 18 - 19 (NIV) 

Go ahead and trust God with this hurt!  

Make this Thanksgiving one that pleases God!

Note

Items with * is where a word was added for clarification and is not in the original text

Resources

Having issues with forgiveness?  We would love to talk to you today!  Contact us at 704.598.980 x 121 or at communitycare@mecklenburg.org

Grief During the Holidays

With the fall leaves in the air and the already prominent Christmas decorations displayed in all the major department stores, one knows Thanksgiving and Christmas will be here very soon.  Thoughts of the holidays may bring excitement for the family and friends you will see, anxiety for the decorations and gifts that need to be taken care of, or it may bring incredible sadness.  Holidays have this way of also reminding us what we have lost.  Whether it is another fleeting year of unmet expectations or the reminder of that special person that is no longer living the pain sometimes can take our breath away.

I want to encourage you that you can receive help with this sadness.  Mecklenburg Community Church will be holding a seminar on November 9th at 7:00 pm concerning Grief experienced during the holidays.  Come and learn more about the following:

• Learn how to prepare for surprising emotions that may come to you during the holidays
• Learn how to handle traditions and other changes that may occur
• Learn how to respond and handle holiday parties and invitations
• Learn how to survive awkward moments with other people
• Learn where to find hope, comfort and strength during these difficult times

Also, whatever types of grief or sadness the Holiday season may bring remember this:

• God's Comfort -  Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. - 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4 (NIV) 
• Does not matter the Need, the Time, or the Situation - God's grace is sufficient - And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.- 2 Corinthians 9:8 (NIV)
• The Lord Understands and Knows You - You have searched me, LORD, and you know me.  You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar.  You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways.  - Psalm 139: 1 -3 (NIV)
• The Same God that Calms and Brings Peace to the Storm can Bring Peace to You - He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm.- Mark 4:39 (NIV)

Resources

GriefShare for the Holidays - Surviving the Holidays Seminar at Mecklenburg Community Church on Nov. 9th

Surviving the Holidays GriefShare - National Website

Our Enemy

Let me let you in on some statements that I have
heard recently:

• Love is Love no matter the form

• He came right when I needed him; it was a blessing from God

These statements were by different people and about completely different topics. What was so interesting though is with each of these statements there was a commonality. With each one our Enemy was pretending to be God. These individuals were saying these situations were of God and the truth is they were not.

How do I know it was not of God you may ask?

Because it went directly against God’s word. When I was reflecting on these situations a few thoughts came to me about sin, our enemy and about God:

• Our Enemy will come in whatever package possible to cause temptation and to destroy (1 Peter 5:8)

• This includes packages that look on the outside to be “good”; a “blessing”; even “godly” (i.e. wolves in sheep’s clothing – Matthew 7: 15 - 20)

• We will know something that is Godly by their fruit (do they point to Christ in their behavior, actions, etc.) (Matthew 7: 17 – 19)

• We also need to know scripture so we will not be destroyed and fall into one of our Enemy’s traps (Hosea 4:6)

• Evil is REAL; this is not a fantasy; a war is REALLY going on (Ephesians 6:12)

• If you are in relationship with Christ as your Lord and Leader you have nothing to FEAR! (Romans 8)

If you are a person that wants to learn more about Christ or has questions about Christ please contact us today! Also, if you would like to learn more about these topics and about scripture let us be of help to you!


Resources

Mecklenburg Community Church

Community Care

Meck Institute

Servanthood

Serving Christ through serving others. Do not ask me how many years that phrase has been my life motto. I have no idea. When I was young I thought about the following question a lot:

What is the greatest thing a person could ever be? After a lot of thought and prayer a very interesting answer came.

A servant. I base this on Matthew 20:28 where it states that Christ came to serve and not to be served. Therefore, as a Christ follower, that would mean I am here to serve also. Understanding this spiritually has not been hard for me. Putting this into practical application every day of my life is where the issues have come. I can also say I am not alone with this.

When working with couples, I especially hear phrases such as:

*He/she never does this.
*I do everything.
*What will I get out of this?
*I do not feel cared for or loved.


I bring up those statements not to say as a Christian we become a "doormat". There are Biblical instructions on handling conflict (i.e. Matthew 18: 15-17). Instead, I bring those comments up since many times it is more of a case of the need for a perspective change than anything else. With our sinful tendencies, we drift toward laziness, and a perspective of what "should" be done for "me". Instead, the message of Christ is more like the following in a relationship:

*What can I do for you today?
*How can I love you better?
*I pray that you experience God's best today.

When our focus is on loving and servanthood we are being a picture of Christ. This above all, is what we are called to be a picture of in all of our relationships. This above all, is the most important thing we could ever be!


just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 NIV


Resource

Gary Chapman. Learning to Serve.

Mentors: Career (Part 4 of 4)

As we finish this week with our mentor series, we have explored Spiritual, Marriage and Financial mentors.  This week we will explore Career Mentors.  Career mentors help guide individuals through job loss and job transitions.  These are individuals with expertise in their given career, with passion for people who are going through the career loss/transition journey, and who want to encourage and give practical job hunting advice.  Our career mentors also hold career seminars to help give additional practical advice and are available to look over and help with resume writing.   

If you are interested in becoming a career mentor answer the following questions and email them to communitycare@mecklenburg.org :

1. What areas within career mentoring do you believe you are most interested (i.e. coaching, teaching, skill building, etc.)?
2. Why do you want to be a career mentor?
3. Please tell me more about your skills set pertaining to career and about your own career journey.
4. Please tell me anything else you believe would be helpful to know to be able to pair you with others.

If you are interested in receiving a career mentor please email us today and let us know your name, contact information and the reason behind your request for a mentor.  Also, please let us know what field of work you are in and the field you are hoping to transition into during the near future.  Please email communitycare@mecklenburg.org.

We look forward to speaking to you soon!


Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.               Titus 3:14 (NIV)

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.  
                                                                                     1 Corinthians 10:31 (NIV)