Sunday, November 11, 2007

Carrying one another's burdens

This morning my pastor taught from Galatians 5 on carrying one anothers' burdens. He basically summarized what that does NOT mean and what that DOES mean. It was a very practical sermon, delivered in a very simple and compassionate manner, yet filled with doctrinal unity and rooted solely in Scripture and not a man's thoughts or ideas. Here is a brief synopsis:

1. How are Christians supposed to THINK about themselves and others? - vs. 5:26
Think of ourselves in HUMILITY! Conceit manifests itself in our actions, bringing about divisions within the body. "You who are spiritual" leads to the question: who determines whether I am spiritual? Well, the body of Christ should be affirming my spiritual maturity as they observe the character of my life. Do I see others as lower than myself? If so, then I am NOT spiritual! Remember too that this passage is addressed to "brothers" not the lost. Don't spend your time judging the lost!

2. How are Christians supposed to carry their load? - vs. 6:2
Bear other's burdens with them. What is the law of Christ? To love God first and your neighbor as yourself. Our closest friends ought to be our church family. Vs. 6:5 reminds us to be careful about how and who we assist in bearing burdens. When we have a load placed on us individually we ought to bear it if we can so that others can carry someone else's load. Don't be a spiritual leech, abusing the care of your brothers and sisters.

3. How should a Christian share? - vs. 6:6
Those who teach you should be cared for (pastors, teachers). Vs. 7 and 8 give a warning to check your motives for sowing. WHY are you sowing your life into this church? It is far worse to sow to the flesh than to not sow at all! And how should believers react to the weight of sowing? Vs. 9 and 10 remind us that there will be delays, sometimes LONG delays in our labor. We grow impatient in wanting to see results and growth, but "in due season" means the fruit will come in the exact time God has appointed!

Please remember, these are not my thoughts, but notes from my pastor's sermon. I hope they encourage you as you seek out opportunities to carry other's burdens and sow good fruits in the lives of those you love (or even those you don't feel so much love toward).

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

God's many blessings


So I just returned from visiting my sister and her family in Rhode Island this weekend. It was such a precious reminder of God's many blessings that are so unmerited and gracious toward His people. My niece, Adaline, is now eighteen months old and my nephew, Rory, is four months old. They are so beautiful and it is so neat to think that God has given me these sweet little lives to be forever connected to. Even if I never get to have children of my own, God has surpassed any hopes that I had by allowing me the privilege of being a part of these tiny hearts and minds. "No good thing does He withhold" takes on a special meaning these days. I got to spend three nights with my little ones, joyfully waking at 4am to the sound of a cry (all you mothers I am sure are thinking that certainly if I had to this every day like you all do, it might not be with so much excitement:) and rising early to breakfast and playtime. It was a beautiful fall weekend, with mild temperatures that allowed us to spend time playing in the yard. My sister and I even got to sneak out for some one-on-one time Saturday night after the babies went to bed. We did what all women love to do - SHOP! In all seriousness, I could not have asked for sweeter fellowship with my sister and I dearly love her. There is a tenderness and understanding that continues to grow between us as the years go by and I praise God for growing us in our friendship! Addy is so much fun right now. She actually says my name, "Messa" and tells me "Sit Messa" when she wants me to come on the floor and play with her or read to her. She is definitely a girl after my own heart, loving books a lot! We baked chocolate chip cookies together one afternoon and Addy got the flour on her face and just made it such fun! I also got lots of sweet hugs and kisses throughout the weekend, which made it very difficult for me to say goodbye. It truly was a gift from a great God, who is always faithful to provide opportunities for me to spend time with babies. They are such a treasure and I pray for their salvation, that God would grant these little ones eternal life!