Chapter 3, Humility, True Greatness

What does true greatness look like?

The sinful and cultural definition of greatness may look more like individuals motivated by,
*self-interest
*self-indulgence
*a false sense of self-sufficiency which pursues selfish ambitions for the purpose of self-glorification.

In Mark 10 we saw the apostles revealing their own attitudes of pridefulness as they argued about who was the greatest. But then we see Jesus taking the time to teach them a few things about greatness.

C.J. Mahaney comments on that teaching by Jesus,  "What I find fascinating and instructive in His next words is that Jesus does not categorically criticize or forbid the desire and ambition to be great.  Instead, He clearly redirects that ambition, redefines it and purifies it: 

"But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all, for even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."  Mark 10:43-45

 Jesus radically redefined greatness. He explained it as the genuine expression of humility; Serving others for the glory of God.

Do you find a battle bubbling up in your heart as you consider going the way of Jesus versus the way of the world?
As He taught the apostles, He teaches you and me.

In Chapter 4 we will see how He makes it possible for us to pursue and find freedom from the pride that God opposes.

For now, let's consider our own motives and desires.
Let's notice humble, selfless deeds in ourselves and others.
Let's allow Jesus to reveal new things to us as we focus our eyes on the true greatness that is all around us. 


 

Chapter 2 Humility, True Greatness

Pride not only appears to be the earliest sin, but it is at the core of all sin.
There's something to think about....

C.J. Mahaney points out that there is nothing God hates more than pride, it is the most serious sin.

In Proverbs 16:5  it says that "Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the LORD; be assured, he will not go unpunished.

Why does God hate pride so passionately?  The author says that pride is when sinful human beings aspire to the status and position of God and refuse to acknowledge their dependence upon Him.

Do we really do that?
We know that God is God and we are not, so do we really think we can go off on our own and live apart from Him and His ways?

Pride and arrogance share similarities. Of course we're not talking about the healthy pride that comes from doing a job well, but if we look at the definitions we see: 

Arrogance: an insulting way of thinking or behaving that comes from believing that you are better, smarter, or more important than other people

Pride: a feeling that you are more important or better than other people


Pride undermines unity and can ultimately divide a church. In this chapter we read, "Show me a church where there's division, where there's quarreling, and I'll show you a church where there's pride."

Is pride something we all struggle with?   Do we rationalize it?

Although the subject of pride is not a pleasant one, we have to see that as always, God is gracious and merciful to show us the dangers around us.  He teaches us His way,  the way of humility.

In our next chapter we will see how Jesus addresses selfish ambition and self-righteousness.

May we each trust Him as He shines the light of His love into our hearts.

Determine today, which things please the Lord.

As we learn to stick close to Jesus...abiding...remaining... allowing Him to make us fruitful, let's let go of the old ways so we can shine for Him

Ephesians 5  God's Word Translation

 Imitate God, 
since you are the children he loves.

  ² Live in love as Christ also loved us. He gave his life for us as an 

offering and sacrifice, 

a soothing aroma to God.

 

³ Don’t let sexual sin, perversion of any kind, or greed even be 
mentioned among you. 

This is not appropriate behavior for God’s holy people.

  ⁴ It’s not right that dirty stories, foolish talk, or obscene jokes should be mentioned 
among you either.

 Instead, give thanks to God.

  ⁵ You know very well that no person who is involved in sexual sin, perversion, or greed (which means worshiping wealth) can have any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 
  ⁶ Don’t let anyone deceive you with meaningless words.

 It is because of sins like these that God’s anger comes to those who 

refuse to obey him. 

  ⁷ Don’t be partners with them.

⁸ Once you lived in the dark, but now the Lord has filled you with light. Live as children who have light. 
  ⁹ Light produces everything that is good, that has God’s approval, 
and that is true.  

¹⁰ Determine which things please the Lord.

  ¹¹ Have nothing to do with the useless works that darkness produces. Instead, expose them for what they are. 

  ¹² It is shameful to talk about what some people do in secret.  

¹³ Light exposes the true character of everything 

  ¹⁴ because light makes everything easy to see. That’s why it says:

“Wake up, sleeper!
    Rise from the dead,
        and Christ will shine on you.”^[a]

¹⁵ So then, be very careful how you live. 

Don’t live like foolish people but like wise people. 

  ¹⁶ Make the most of your opportunities because these are evil days.
  ¹⁷ So don’t be foolish, but understand what the Lord wants. ^1
8 Don’t get drunk on wine, which leads to wild living. Instead, be filled with the Spirit^{[b] 19} by reciting psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs for your own good. Sing and make music to the Lord with your hearts.  

²⁰ Always thank God the Father for everything 

in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

John 15

J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

Jesus teaches union with himself

15 ^1-8 “I am the real vine, my Father is the vine-dresser. He removes any of my branches which are not bearing fruit and he prunes every branch that does bear fruit to increase its yield. Now, you have already been pruned by my words. You must go on growing in me and I will grow in you. For just as the branch cannot bear any fruit unless it shares the life of the vine, so you can produce nothing unless you go on growing in me. I am the vine itself, you are the branches. It is the man who shares my life and whose life I share who proves fruitful. For the plain fact is that apart from me you can do nothing at all. The man who does not share my life is like a branch that is broken off and withers away. He becomes just like the dry sticks that men pick up and use for the firewood. But if you live your life in me, and my words live in your hearts, you can ask for whatever you like and it will come true for you. This is how my Father will be glorified—in your becoming fruitful and being my disciples.

^9-15 “I have loved you just as the Father has loved me. You must go on living in my love. If you keep my commandments you will live in my love just as I have kept my Father’s commandments and live in his love. I have told you this so that you can share my joy, and that your happiness may be complete. This is my commandment: that you love each other as I have loved you. There is no greater love than this—that a man should lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I tell you to do. I shall not call you servants any longer, for a servant does not share his master’s confidence. No, I call you friends, now, because I have told you everything that I have heard from the Father.
¹⁶ “It is not that you have chosen me; but it is I who have chosen you. I have appointed you to go and bear fruit that will be lasting; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give it to you.

Comments on Chapter 1 of Humility, True Greatness

Before we move on to chapter 2, I want to ask what you all thought of the end of chapter 1, where we learn about the different experiences of two churches.
We see that "Jim's" church had been through a serious split.  Jim compared his church to the success of Covenant Life Church which was celebrating it's 25th anniversary.
Both churches had:
     A love for God's Word.
     They loved grace, and worship.
     They valued the importance of relationships.

The difference was, that Covenant Life Church placed "a strong emphasis on humility, especially among the leaders." 
Jim acknowledged that his split church did not have that.

We need to ask ourselves, the author states, when it comes to the
values we live by,
will others testify that humility characterizes our lives?
He says that so many human ventures, so many grand designs of mankind, have been undermined because humility was lacking.

We are challenged to ask ourselves, what are we building with our lives?
 A marriage? A family? A business?  A church?  A career?
Whatever your venture, are you aware of your need for God's grace to give your efforts lasting value?
If we humbly acknowledge our need for God's providential help and blessing, we allow the promise of humility to shape our life and choices.

So can we ask ourselves,  individually and corporately -  are we humble?
Are we people who walk in humility?  With the members of our congregation, our community and our own family and friends?
It is by the grace of God that we are saved. We are dead without His grace.  Do we "walk the talk" of humility?
Our beloved New Ipswich Congregational Church is nothing without the grace of God. God gives grace to the humble.... and He opposes the proud.

Coming up next, chapter 2 where we will look at just how dangerous pride is. 

Scripture Memorization

I came across this very helpful article about memorizing Scripture. There are many helpful, encouraging ideas here.  Can anyone add their own thoughts or experiences?  Does anyone want to take the challenge of memorizing an entire book?

Why Do It?

First, the inspiration.
Dallas Willard, professor of Philosophy at the University of Southern California, wrote,

"Bible memorization is absolutely fundamental to spiritual formation. If I had to choose between all the disciplines of the spiritual life, I would choose Bible memorization, because it is a fundamental way of filling our minds with what it needs. This book of the law shall not depart out of your mouth. That’s where you need it! How does it get in your mouth? Memorization."
(“Spiritual Formation in Christ for the Whole Life and Whole Person” in Vocatio, Vol. 12, no. 2, Spring, 2001, 7).

Chuck Swindoll wrote,

"I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture. . . . No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified."
 (Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, [Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1994], 61).

How to Do It

Second, the application.
The most helpful practical method I have ever run into, especially for memorizing longer passages, is the booklet from Andy Davis and is downloadable here.

November 3 Luncheon of LOVE

I am making apple crisp... with lots of LOVE!  And tomorrow I will share it with whoever attends the luncheon, (which is also prepared with lots of love).

Jesus showed us that relationships are so very important.  What a privilege we have to be able to come together, share a meal and rejoice in all God has blessed us with.

I hope to see you there!
xoxo

#1 Humility Book Study

The great teacher, preacher and evangelist Oswald Chambers, who I have learned so much from, says "the great characteristic of a saint is humility..."
 If we are saved by Jesus Christ, we are saints.  If we are saints, we should be humble.

One definition of humble is to have or show a modest or low estimate of one's own importance. This may not be difficult when we are comparing ourselves to our awesome, powerful and majestic Creator, but the challenge can increase dramatically when we compare ourselves to some others in our lives, possibly a brother or sister, the neighbor or a co-worker.

In the first chapter of our book on humility, we read that author Jim Collins, has identified two specific character qualities shared by the CEO's of companies which have succeeded in progressing from a standard of good to great.  He found the leaders were unsurprisingly, driven. They were willing to endure anything to make their company a success. 
Collins goes on to show that these driven leaders were also "self-effacing and modest".  Did that come as a surprise to you? 
When you think of leaders who you know or have heard of, are these attributes you see?
 Of course all leaders aren't CEO's.  We see leaders in all walks of life.
Do the descriptions of self-effacing and modest fit the ones that come to your mind?
The evaluation by Collins seems to show us that humility works, even in the worldly sense.  We read that humility gets the worlds attention, but even more importantly, it gets God's attention.

Can we find what God is after, when He says in Isaiah 66:2,

..."This is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word."  

 I looked up a few other translations of that Scripture, hoping to gain a richer understanding.  

The New English Translation Bible says,

 "I show special favor to the humble and contrite, who respect 

what I have to say."

The God Version says,

 "I will pay attention to those who are humble and sorry for their sins and who tremble at my word.

 And lastly,  the Holman Christian Standard Bible says,

 "This is the LORD's declaration. I will look favorably on this kind of person: one who is humble, submissive in spirit, and trembles at My word."

So pause there and reflect on what He is telling us.
Then ask yourself, where am I, in all of this?
Are you in the "camp" of the humble and submissive in spirit, trembling....TREMBLING...at His word?
The word of God claims that the characteristics of humility, submissiveness and repentance, will draw God's favorable attention.

I want God's favorable attention.
I want Him to open my eyes to every prideful thought and deed.
I want Him to allow me to comprehend the power of His word, causing me to tremble.
I want, and will choose, to believe His words in Hebrews 4:16, to come boldly unto the throne of grace, that I may obtain mercy, and find grace to help me in my time of need.

As we go through this study on humility, we will all find it transforming to bow before the throne of God, and to ask His Spirit to show us all of those places in our lives where pride has taken hold. 
Oh but beware...pride is insidious; subtle; sly.
We may be astounded at what we find - but that's a good thing!
Bring it all to Jesus, and leave it there.
When we acknowledge our pridefulness and humbly confess it to Him, His grace is with us.  He looks favorably upon us.
And there's no better place to be than under His grace. 

If you'd like to share any thoughts or questions on this first study, or anything else in the first chapter, please do.  We'll give it a few days for discussion and then move on.

May God teach us, transform us and draw us together by His Holy Spirit, graciously revealing new things to each of us, so that the body of Christ will be strengthened and equipped to do His will.
~God bless each of you.

Information on the Book Study of Humility, True Greatness, by C.J.Mahaney

If you'd like to follow the posts related to the book study, you may submit your email in the right hand column of this site, Livingwatercafe@blogspot.com.

 You may also return here to the blog or go to the Facebook page of Living Water Cafe.

If you have any questions or problems, let us know!
Looking forward to learning with you.

November Newsletter

In a recent blog posting I wrote about my impression of Jesus' conversation with his disciples before he went on to sacrificing His life for us.  I made a stretched connection to my own words of advice that I would give to my children before I left them for just an evening date. Naturally, it was very important to me to be able to return home and find them safe. I needed them to understand the responsibilities they had and the potential danger or problems that could come about if they did not follow my wise instruction.
Looking through the Gospel of John, I focused on chapters 13, 14 and 15 to show how we find Jesus giving heartfelt final instructions to His loved ones before his death,  to keep them safe and well.

It is from this perspective that I would suggest you consider the weight of our second Congregational Memory Verse,


John 15:5, "I am the vine, you are the branches; If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing."

The J.B. Phillips New Testament says it this way, "You must go on growing in me and I will grow in you. For just as the branch cannot bear any fruit unless it shares the life of the vine, so you can produce nothing unless you go on growing in me. I am the vine itself, you are the branches. It is the man who shares my life and whose life I share who proves fruitful. For the plain fact is that apart from me you can do nothing at all. The man who does not share my life is like a branch that is broken off and withers away. He becomes just like the dry sticks that men pick up and use for the firewood. But if you live your life in me, and my words live in your hearts, you can ask for whatever you like and it will come true for you. This is how my Father will be glorified—in your becoming fruitful and being my disciples."

Recently, I was extremely angry with someone who is part of my life.  I was going over it in my mind and was astounded at the burst of anger that came from deep within myself.  As this rage surfaced, I immediately felt a check in my spirit - I knew it was an un-Godly attitude. Quickly I attempted to analyze my tangled feelings.
Being too much work to sort out, as well as completely ungratifying,  I prayed, "Lord, take this.  Just take it - you've already dealt with it.  You already know it all and You've paid for it all - please, help me to see this the way You want me to."  Then I dropped it, I just let it go.  I went on with my  morning walk and before I knew it, I was back to thinking about the same person and situation.  But this time, with no conscious effort at all, I saw this person as being remarkably like myself.  I saw that many of his faults were nothing worse than my own, and to be honest it was likely they were not even as bad as mine.
I recalled how God had come into my life and rescued me from the ugly path I used to be on.  I am well aware that I had not deserved nor earned any of the kindnesses that He so graciously lavished on me.
Questions formed in my mind... Did I really feel okay with begrudging His grace upon another, who also did not earn or deserve it? 
How can I humbly depend on God's grace to cover my tremendous failings, but think He won't or can't or shouldn't cover someone else's?
And why would I think it's sensible for God's grace to have rescued me while I was still in the pit, but then think that this other person needed to get out of the pit before he is would be worth saving?
I know undoubtedly, that Jesus Himself changed my mind and gave me His perspective. His Light shone in on my darkness.
This is what He does when we abide...remain...live in Him.
Today I pray that my "friend" will be freed from the chains that hold him back.  I pray that he too will marvel over the amazing Grace that saved him when he didn't deserve it.
.
When I sit on my high horse and loftily look down at that "pathetic fool", God is not with me.  He is against me.  God opposes the proud (see James 4:6, 1 Peter 5:5).  But when I come to my Heavenly Father and sincerely, lovingly ask Him to reveal Himself to this other one, as He did to me, He gives grace.
There's much to learn about humility, grace and the love of God,  Please consider joining us as we begin our online book study.  Read or re-read the first chapter of Humility, True Greatness and watch the Living Water Cafe Blog, Facebook or email for discussion as soon as this Newsletter is out.

May you find your way in the loving presence of Jesus,

John 15:5 Hiding it in our hearts today...

Abiding in Him, to me means keeping in step with Jesus. 

Not rushing ahead without His nod of approval, His peace or His provision. 

He alone is the source of my motivation. 

 It's all for Him and all because of Him.

 If my life produces fruit, as it will, it will be fruit that pleases Jesus.

Fruit that will bless others.

Oh Master, let me walk with thee...today. 

John 15:5

I read the entire chapter of John 15 in order to get the context of Jesus' words "I am the vine, you are the branches, whoever abides in me and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit; for without me you can do nothing."
I wound up going back through chapters 13 and 14 to get the whole scenario of Jesus' last time with the disciples before the final events that led to His crucifixion.
I saw that as Jesus sat with His closest companions He was telling them the things He wanted them to know before He left them.

I wondered, what would I say to my closest companions, and family members if I knew I was going to die, soon.
"Remember...."
Just considering that conversation I am flooded with emotion.  I no longer care about vacuuming or raking the yard, but I do care about trusting that God is always good!  That He will never let us go and...and....and...well, it would be tough to keep my heartfelt exhortations brief.

On a much lighter scale, it reminds me of the times I would be leaving my family behind as Caleb and I would go out on a date.  "Don't open the door to strangers.  Eat at the table.  If you have a disagreement, just give each other space... do NOT fight.  Etc. etc...."


Here in John, Jesus is saying, I'm leaving, so listen...and He goes on to tell them many important things to remember, such as
~  Love one another as I have loved you, then others will know that you are my disciples.
~Be glad, because when I go to the Father, it will be better, because I will send my Holy Spirit who will remind you of all these things.
~ If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.
And, our memory verse
~ "I am the vine, you are the branches; whoever abides in me and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit; for without me you can do nothing."

Jesus intentionally chose what was important, to remind His disciples, before He left.  He says by abiding in Him, fruit will be produced. On the other hand, without abiding - we can do nothing.
Similar to my loving desire that my children follow and trust my my words,  Jesus lovingly desires that we follow and trust His Words.
To abide is to stay, live, remain or continue somewhere.  Stay in Jesus.  Live with Him, remain in Him.

May we all continue to stay near Him today, and be amazed by the fruit He produces.

John 15:5

Our next Congregational Memory Verse.

  

Praying that God opens our hearts and minds to know Him more, 

through His written word.

Quiz

Wow!  It was so fun for us to see how many of you participated in the our Scripture Memory Quiz.  We would have loved to have given everyone a prize, but we aren't going to do that.  We did pick two winners, and they will be announced next Sunday.  The first winner had all the words correct and the second winner included the exact verse - so BRAVO!
We hope you know that truly, you are all winners, because you can't lose if you have God's word in your heart ; )

Now won't you share with us, how God's word impacting your life?  You can tell your story on Sunday mornings, or you can write it down for the Newsletter,  this blog or Facebook.  It is such an encouragement to all of us, to hear what God is doing in this Church, our family of faith.

Encourage one another...

                                               (Image from Patsy Clairmont)

 As you go out into your day, remember that we are here to
encourage one another.  

We have been given the precious gift of prayer, which brings us into God's Presence to be strengthened, equipped and guided by His Holy Spirit.  

We have His Holy Word, that arms us with wisdom and authority to stand strong against all that may trip us up or drag us down.
And we have each other, as Hebrews 3:13 reminds us "to encourage one another daily... ^"   

The Living Bible says it this way,  

"Speak to each other about these things every day while there is still time so that none of you will become hardened against God, being blinded by the glamour of sin." 

We need to encourage each other to honor our Creator with every word, thought and deed.

                              

1 John 2:28-3:6   Living Bible (TLB)

 And now, my little children, stay in happy fellowship with the Lord so that when he comes you will be sure that all is well and will not have to be ashamed and shrink back from meeting him. ²⁹ Since we know that God is always good and does only right, we may rightly assume that all those who do right are his children.

3 See how very much our heavenly Father loves us, for he allows us to be called his children—think of it—and we really are! But since most people don’t know God, naturally they don’t understand that we are his children. ² Yes, dear friends, we are already God’s children, right now, and we can’t even imagine what it is going to be like later on. But we do know this, that when he comes we will be like him, as a result of seeing him as he really is. ³ And everyone who really believes this will try to stay pure because Christ is pure.

⁴ But those who keep on sinning are against God, for every sin is done against the will of God. ⁵ And you know that he became a man so that he could take away our sins, and that there is no sin in him, no missing of God’s will at any time in any way. ⁶ So if we stay close to him, obedient to him, we won’t be sinning either; but as for those who keep on sinning, they should realize this: They sin because they have never really known him or become his.


Cheering you on!

His word, a lamp for our feet..

Isaiah 48:16-18  (NKJV)

 “Come near to Me, hear this:
I have not spoken in secret from the beginning;
From the time that it was, I was there.
And now the Lord God and His Spirit
Have sent Me.”

 Thus says the Lord, your Redeemer,
The Holy One of Israel:
“I am the Lord your God,
Who teaches you to profit,
Who leads you by the way you should go.

Oh, that you had heeded My commandments!
Then your peace would have been like a river,
And your righteousness like the waves of the sea.

Not Idle Words

Making the right choices.

“I Choose Love...
No occasion justifies hatred; no injustice warrants bitterness. I choose love. Today I will love God and what God loves.

I Choose Joy...
I will invite my God to be the God of circumstance. I will refuse the temptation to be cynical. I will refuse to see people as anything less than human beings, created by God. I will refuse to see any problem as anything less than an opportunity to see God.

I Choose Peace...
I will live forgiven. I will forgive so I may live.

I Choose Patience...
I will overlook the inconveniences of the world. Instead of cursing the one who takes my place, I'll invite him to do so, Rather complain that the wait is to long, I will thank God for a moment to pray. Instead of clenching my fist at new assignments, I will face them with joy and courage.

I Choose Kindness...
I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for that is how God has treated me.

I Choose Goodness...
I will go without a dollar before I take a dishonest one. I will be overlooked before I will boast. I will confess before I accuse. I choose goodness.

I Choose Faithfulness...
Today I will keep my promises. My debtors will not regret their trust. My friends will not question my word. And my family will not question my love.

I Choose Gentleness...
Nothing is won by force. I choose to be gentle. If I raise my voice may it only be in praise. If I clench my fist, may it only be in prayer. If I make a demand, may it be only of myself.

I Choose Self-Control...
I refuse to let what will rot, rule the eternal. I choose self-control. I will be drunk only by joy. I will be impassioned only by my faith. I will be influenced only by God. I will be taught only by Christ. I choose self-control.

Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control. To these I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail, I will seek His grace. And then when this day is done I will place my head on my pillow and rest.”
― Max Lucado

Thank you to Mrs. Gautreau's Sunday School Class, who has been busy posting our Bible Verse around the church as well as slipping notes into our bulletins!  The Word is all around us - it makes it easy to memorize it!
And many thanks to each member of the choir for blessing us with a melody to go along with our Bible verse.  Now, just as we are told in Ephesians, we can sing the Word all week!


Ephesians 5:18 - 20 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Do you know this by heart yet?

Your word is a ___________ unto my feet,  a _____________for my path.  Psalm 119:105

What a heart knows by heart...

This is for all of us, considering the habit of memorizing Scripture, but I would especially like to point it out to all of the women in the Sunday morning class....of course you'll know why : ) 

“What a heart knows by heart is what a heart really knows,” urges Dennis Lennon.
And what the heart knows by heart is all that can calm the heart.
Direct the heart.
Strengthen the heart.  
What do our hearts really know? 

~ Taken from www.aholyexperience.com

Ohhh these are good words.

Preparing for our first "Virtual Book Study"

 

Humility: True Greatness  by CJ Mahaney is well worth reading. I am so excited to read it with others and hear their thoughts as we go through it together!

In this book, humility is defined as "honestly assessing ourselves in light of God's holiness and our sinfulness". But,as CJ Mahaney says,it is not enough to "know" the definition of humility or greatness, or even to understand the perils of pride. To overcome our natural tendency toward promotion of self he offers some practical advice. One of the first practices he advises us to undertake is to "reflect on the wonder of the cross". "How can anyone be arrogant when he stands beside the cross?"
...and there's so much more... ~ Marlowe

We are still accepting requests to order Humility: True Greatness.  If you have your copy,  go ahead and start reading. It will help to have an overview before we work on it together.  Once we all have our books, the plan will be to coordinate our reading and then share our thoughts online.  A "Virtual Book Study", from the comfort of your own home!

The Value of Memorizing Scripture

Part 1 of Rick Warren's teaching on The Value of Memorizing Scripture

 (Click on the words above in white and you will be transported to the article.)

Part 2 of The Value of Memorizing Scripture

If you’re serious about being spiritually strong and mature, the greatest habit you can develop is memorizing Scripture. In fact, the Bible says in James 1:25 that it’s one of four habits that leads to a blessed life.

You don’t want to be a spiritual baby anymore. It’s time to grow up and live the blessed life you’re meant to live. Hiding God’s Word in your heart is an important way to start. Read further...

 Why Memorize Scripture?
 (Click on the question above in white to go to the article.)

Psalm 119:105 ~ Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path...

Is the Word of God bringing light to the challenges you face today?
Are you finding practical instruction - real answers - for your wondering mind?

Introducing The Living Water Cafe

In all of this world; this amazing, intricate, intentionally created world there is only one New Ipswich Congregational Church. We are a particular gathering of people searching to know God and to live for Him. With all of our difficulties, all of our brokenness, all of our beauty, love and sincerest desires, God has placed us here for this moment in time: a family of faith.

Every one of us knows personally that life has countless joys as well as heartbreaking sorrows, and God... in His wisdom has determined that life lived together is better. We stop and consider our lives and find that it is according to His ultimate design, that here we are... together. God graciously gives us instruction on just how to manage this togetherness, throughout His written word. Hebrews 3:13 says to “encourage one another daily” and later in 10:24 we are told to “... consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another...and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

We invite you to take this exhortation to heart and come together in word and spirit to join an ongoing family conversation at the The Living Water Cafe at NICC.

The Living Water Cafe is a play on words representing a meeting “place” for the people of NICC. It is a place of community, connection and refreshment. Jesus says, Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” John 7:38. At the Cafe, you will find “monthly specials” of Scripture offered to reflect on, study and impress upon your heart. Presentations will be made during our Sunday morning Worship, in articles for the Newsletter, at our various ministry meetings and in two forms online. There is a Facebook page entitled Living Water Cafe at NICC, and also a blog found at www.livingwatercafe.blogspot.com.

2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” God has sparked this desire in our hearts to be instruments of His own, serving you as we hold out the Word of Life in a creative, fun and inspirational approach. May He strengthen and bless the entire body of this church with a sense of community that is anchored upon the solid foundation of His powerful, life-giving Word.

If you are interested in the Facebook page simply send or accept a friend request to join us. Keep in mind, that while we will limit our “friends” to our extended church family, this is a social media site and information is viewable to the public.

If the internet is not your cup of tea, be assured that you will still be a part of the Spirit-nourishing conversation. Discussions that take place on line may be included as part of the sharing in other Cafe meeting places such as the Newsletter or on Sunday mornings.

If you would like more information please talk with us. Your prayers are greatly appreciated.

In service to the King,

Chief Cook and Bottle Washer

(Marlowe and Grace)

Memorize This~Psalm 119:105

Our first Congregational Bible Memory verse has been chosen ~

 

 Your word is a lamp for my feet,
    a light on my path.

Psalm 119: 105

New International Version (NIV)

Here it is with a little  more context.

 How sweet are your words to my taste,
    sweeter than honey to my mouth! 

 I gain understanding from your precepts;
    therefore I hate every wrong path.

 Your word is a lamp for my feet,
    a light on my path.

I have taken an oath and confirmed it,
    that I will follow your righteous laws.

Psalm 119:103-106

Living Out Your Faith

Living out your faith - Aug 15, 2013

The inspirational challenge below focuses on the workplace.  Can you apply it to where ever you might be?

From Today God is First, by Os Hillman

When is the last time you saw a miracle in your workplace?  Perhaps you prayed for a coworker, and he or she was instantly healed.  Perhaps you prayed for a coworker's financial problem, and  it was resolved.  Perhaps you led a co-worker to Christ.  Or maybe god gave you an answer to a major problem at work that benefited your organization.
The disciples were working people.  They turned the world upside down not because of their knowledge of Jesus but because of their outflow of the power of Jesus. And they did so in the public square, where all could see.
Workplace Bible and prayer groups are great, but you must transition to public action i you want to change the spiritual climate in an organization. The only risk is that God might actually show up in a powerful way. 
A number of years ago, I taught a lunchtime bible study in an insurance company for two years. God moved powerfully in the meetings  People came to Christ. some experienced healing.  Word go out and non-believers came to check out what we did. 
When is the last time someone saw something happen that could not be explained other than that it was God working through you?  When you begin to see this happen, you will be modeling ministry as Jesus modeled it.  You will be bringing the Church to the people, not the people to church.
Pray that God makes you a vessel of His power, not simply a vessel of words.

 The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders 

among the people. And all the believers used to meet together 

in Solomon's Colonnade.  Acts 5:12

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Good to know ~ 2 Timothy 3:16

It's good to know the truth and the purpose of the Word of God.

2 Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,
and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction,
for instruction in righteousness,

New King James Version (NKJV)

Come unto me all of ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.  Matthew 11:28