The Tower of Westin

I’m on the 45th floor.

Only the 45th . There are 73.

As I peer over downtown Atlanta from my room at the Westin Peachtree Plaza, I realize I am above almost everything else. Even among most of the other skyscrapers, I’m higher. Lights blink atop summits, warning aerial passersby: “I am here! I am here!” Looking down, matchbox cars speed along toothpick roads.

Then they said, "Come, let us build ourselves a city and
a tower with its top in the heavens…."
~ Genesis 11:4a

How much higher can we go? This Westin opened in 1976 as the tallest hotel in the world (over 700 feet), and was Atlanta’s tallest building for 11 years.

The tallest man-made structure now is a skyscraper (still under construction) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It already claims 2,000 feet, and is still climbing to some secretive height. It will house 30,000 homes, nine hotels, a park, a mall, and even a lake.

"…and let us make a name for ourselves."
~ Genesis 11:4b

But competition is stiff. Other buildings, already under construction or proposed, brag of greater heights upon completion. The Ultima Tower proposed for San Francisco would be over 2 miles high and house one million residents. (Interestingly, it is modeled from a God-design—African termite nests).

How much more attention do we need? Who will be the highest, the one looking down on all others, the one looked up to by all others? How much more can we accomplish with our concrete and steel, glass and aluminum?

Will our towers reach Heaven?

We can never reach God by building ourselves up. He never expected us to go higher and higher and get louder and louder to grab his attention. He doesn’t want us to work our way up to Him—He chose, and continues to choose, to come down to us.

And the LORD came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of man had built.
~ Genesis 11:5

Or are we trying to BE gods ourselves? With enough engineering skill and construction know-how, we can figure it out on our own. “Me do it all by m’self.”

Well, sometimes it appears we CAN do it.

I look at new buildings going up outside my window. Cranes over 500 feet high are circling other buildings, gently placing more concrete blocks higher and higher. People all around are at work within the completed cells of the skyscraper office buildings. Functioning. Running. Efficient. A testament to man’s ability?

Then GOD scattered them from there all over the world.
And they had to quit building the city.
~ Genesis 11:8

But the idols we erect to ourselves in our high places are not safe.

On a Friday night two months ago, March 14, an F2 tornado shattered the illusion of our independence. The Westin hotel lost over 100 windows and the top swayed several feet.

We may look powerful, but we’re vulnerable. To a suicide pilot. To a dropped lit cigarette. To a growling earth-tummy.

To a furtive glance. To a prideful boast. To a grumbling tongue.

Again, the devil took Him to a very high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.
And he said to Him, "All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me."
~ Matthew 4:8,9

The devil knows what tempts us on our high mountains. He glitters the gold of the world before us, promising it is ours, if we only will fall down and worship him.

Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, "'You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.'"
~ Matthew 4:10

So though I enjoy the view on this visit and benefit from the God-given ingenuity of men smarter than me, I won’t seek satisfaction in them. I admire the created things, and even marvel at them, but I save my worship and fullest adoration for the Creator.

I zoom down the high-speed elevator to ground level. From the altitude of standing on my own two feet, He still lifts me high upon a Rock that is higher than I, inside the strongest Tower against all enemies.

My satisfaction doesn’t come from making a name for myself, but on making much of His Name.

Because at my lowest point, on my knees, I reach the Highest.

~ Lisa

From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,
the name of the LORD is to be praised.
The LORD is exalted over all the nations,
his glory above the heavens.
Who is like the LORD our God,
the One who sits enthroned on high?
~ Psalm 113:3-5

You, O LORD, are the Most High over all the earth;
you are exalted far above all gods.
~ Psalm 97:9

The Pleasure of Pride

Thus says the LORD:
"Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom,
let not the mighty man boast in his might,
let not the rich man boast in his riches,
but let him who boasts boast in this,
that he understands and knows me,
that I am the LORD who practices
steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these things I delight, declares the LORD."
~ JEREMIAH 9:23-24

The pleasure of pride is like the pleasure of scratching.
If there is an itch one does want to scratch;
but it is much nicer to have neither the itch nor the scratch.
As long as we have the itch of self-regard
we shall want the pleasure of self-approval;
but the happiest moments are those when we forget our
precious selves and have neither but have everything else
(God, our fellow humans, animals, the garden and the sky) instead.
~ C. S. LEWIS

Humble yourselves… under the mighty hand of God
that He may exalt you at the proper time.
~ 1 PETER 5:6

What Is Freedom?

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.

~ Galatians 5:1

To close each Wednesday night’s Galatians class this quarter, we join hearts in prayer, beseeching the Lord to send the newly-learned bits of knowledge deeper into our souls.

For knowledge itself is not our end goal—it is only a means to increase faith in the One who sets us free from ourselves.

This past Wednesday was a pivotal class with much discussion on what freedom is and is not.

Father,

We don’t understand freedom in its fullness. We sample it; we like it; we want more. Thank you for it.

But we can’t comprehend it. It seems simple in theory, yet it is fuzzy in practice. It is our present reality, yet a promised inheritance to come. It is our eternal Sabbath rest, yet it coexists with our active struggle against sin.

Its opposite? Slavery—but even that can masquerade as freedom. It sits “ME” on the throne as an illusion of liberty. We’re deceived by its false promise until we discover we’re never more enslaved than when we’re dying in the midst of self-will and self-worship.

Freedom, on the other hand, means JESUS is on the throne. He alone leads us to Life. His work eliminated our sin liability, so we live debt-free.

How can we owe you nothing, God? Will our pride let us accept that? Are you really that good, and do you really love us that much?

Grant us your wisdom to better appreciate our freedom; give us courage to live more fully in it; plant our feet more firmly on it.

Freedom is not just a concept to us; it is a Person. And his name is Jesus. We praise you for your priceless grace.

Always yours,
Amen

But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.
~ Titus 3:4-5

2008 Prayer for Our Nation

"The Lord is my strength and shield; my heart trusts in Him and I am helped."
~ Psalm 28:7

Today is the 57th Annual National Day of Prayer. This year's theme is "Prayer! America's Strength and Shield".

2008 Prayer for Our Nation

Holy Father, in a world where so many are hungry,
You have given us food in abundance;

In a world where so many are hurting,
You offer to bind up our wounds;

In a world where so many are lonely,
You offer friendship to every heart;

In a world longing for peace,
You offer hope.

Yet, we are so stubborn and resistant.
Have mercy upon us, Lord.

Our nation is at a crossroads this year;
we look to you to be our strength and shield.

Please give us the guidance to elect one who will honor you
and to respond to the wisdom from above
so that our hope may be renewed and our blessings be treasured.

In God's holy name.

~ Dr. Ravi Zacharias
2008 Honorary Chairman,
National Day of Prayer Task Force

Do We?

"So, brothers, we are not children of the slave
but of the free woman."
Galatians 4:31

In our Galatians class this past Wednesday night, Stuart guided us in listing the differences between the old covenant on the left and the new covenant on the right, between Hagar and Sarah, between slavery and freedom.

Our rational minds say, “Given the choice, WE would all choose the right side!”

But in reality, do we?

Do we live lives of natural strength or lives empowered by the Spirit?

Do we depend more on our own law-keeping for salvation (and feel guilty when we fail!) or rely SOLELY on God’s merciful grace?

Do we adhere ever-so-strictly to an empty religion or pursue an intimate, interactive relationship with the living Jesus?

God worked his promises in the life of Abraham because Abraham reciprocated with the essential ingredient: active faith. Not passive belief--active faith.

Abraham didn’t just believe in God; Abraham believed God.

Do we?

Abraham "believed God,
and it was counted to him as righteousness."
Galatians 3:6

For you...for you...for you

This very intimate poem, later adapted into song and popularly used by choral groups, speaks of a singular focus—“for you”.

For God—we are born. For God—we live. For God—we die.

Such a beautiful, satisfying, profound purpose we enjoy. In this moment, let us praise Him for it!

Amor de mi alma
(You are the love of my soul)

I was born to love only you;
My soul has formed you to its measure;
I want you as a garment for my soul

Your very image is written on my soul;
Such indescribable intimacy
I hide even from you

All that I have, I owe to you;
For you I was born, for you I live,
For you I must die, and for you
I give my last breath

~ Garcilaso de la Vega (1503-1536)

Glorifying God in Creativity

Randy Alcorn writes in his book 50 Days of Heaven,

Art, music, literature, crafts, technology, clothing, jewelry, education, food preparation—all are part of society or culture, the creative accomplishments of God’s image-bearers. Human creations are an extension of God’s own creative works, because he created us to reflect him by being creators.

As humans, we glorify God by taking what he created from nothing and shaping it into things for our own good and for his glory. The entire universe—including angels and living creatures in Heaven—should look at our creative ingenuity, our artistic accomplishments, and see God in us, his image-bearers.

God created his image-bearers to glorify him in creative accomplishments, and he’s pleased by them. God is pro-culture; he is the creative artist behind and over human culture.

~ From Desiring God Blog, April 12, 2008

(Photo: Reflections in Sawbill, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Northern Minnesota, USA)

JONATHAN: Strengthen a Leader; Save a Nation (Excerpts from the Giants)

Jonathan gave up his own right to be king in deference to David, God’s true anointed.
1. When have you given up your “rights” in a situation? Was it difficult for you?

* Part of helping others to grow in their Christian service is to put oneself/ego in a background mode and encourage them to feel more confident in their effort. After all it is not my "right" to anything in life, it is the privileges that God has given me.
      Was it difficult? We humans like to be given recognition for our efforts; however with "age" I have found that God knows and sees all and that is enough.

* Sometimes it’s hard for me to give up my right for “equality” in various settings—I like things to be fair and equitable according to MY definition and time table of such. I have to remember that God has promised to take care of that, and that I don’t have to force it myself.
      And I'm very thankful that the Lord doesn't treat me "fairly"! :-) Grace is way beyond fair.

* In order to grow spiritually, mentally and morally we have to learn how to keep our ego in check. …We live in a "selfish me/mine, I'm more important than you" society. The number of people willing to step back and not demand "center stage" is dwindling faster than ever. The "second chair" attitude is achieved only by a conscience decision to seek out the greater good, i.e. the bigger picture.
       As Christians I think we are obligated to be fair-minded and equal in all situations. Jesus purchased those "rights" for us.

* When God made us righteous he gave us a new view of our rights. "We no longer regard anyone from a worldly point of view" (2 Cor. 5:16) This includes ourselves and others. It is a wonderful gift of grace not just to have to be first, but not even to care that much about it. This is how I see it when I am in my right mind, but sometimes I slip into old ways of thinking.
      As soon as I find it difficult to do or be what is obviously right and look for reasons to be or do what I really want, I know it is time to pray and renew my mind so that I can see clearly. God allows us our humanity and in our weakness gives his strength and grace.


2. When have you lifted someone to a higher level, or had someone lift you? Who could you be lifting up now?

* A vital part of a Christian walk is to lift up each other spiritually, emotionally, even physically when needed. A note, a kind/ or encouraging word, hugs!, helping with a task, listening, a phone call, etc., all provide a boost. Every time I am around fellow Christians, I am lifted up in one way or another. I hope I can do the same to those around me.

* I believe it is part of my God-given calling to lift up my husband and children to be the best they can be for God. And I think they do the same for me. I’m currently trying to lift up a friend who is under a great deal of pressure. I can’t do the job for her, but I can at least help keep her encouraged and supported to do the things that she is having to do on the front lines.

* I think I could do a better job of lifting up my family. Those who have lifted me are too numerous to name. :-)

* As a teacher for so many years, I had opportunities to lift up students and colleagues. I often pushed students, read numerous college applications and wrote a volume of letters. Every time one of them got the acceptance letter they coveted I rejoiced. I still hear from some of them and that is one of the joys of my retirement.
      I have not lacked cheerleaders most of my life. My parents, especially my dad, was my devoted fan as have been my aunts and my grandmother. I've also been fortunate to have wonderful encouragers in and out of the church. And has it helped!...One of my favorite passages is Ps. 116:5-7. The Lord has been so good to me.

* My family is definitely my "Lifter"--a call from one of my children or grandchildren make my day, and my husband is always my #1 encourager. The Teens are also one of my supporters. The Sunrisers on Thursday mornings always make me feel super….I think that we mutually lift each other up in so many ways. Because when I lift someone up--at the same time they are lifting me up.

DAVID: Overcome Your Limitations (Excerpts from the Giants)

Even after being anointed as the next king of Israel, David still had to wait many years for many things to come to pass before taking over the throne.

1. What in your life are you currently waiting for? Is it easy or hard to wait patiently for this?

* For a number of years I have been waiting on my husband to be added to the Lord's Church…A few years ago I realized all I could do was try to be a good wife as well as set a good example. I had to turn it all over to the Master. I am patiently waiting and of course praying.

* While I have some things we are hoping to do in our future, I don't feel as though I am 'waiting on them.' We eventually would like to return to the mission field in a foreign country, but I am happy here too looking for people to share my faith with or study with.

* I am waiting for God to change me into a really nice person, and one who doesn’t worry about anything. :-) Sometimes I am patient; sometimes I am not, for those things and more. When I see things through “eternity” eyes, I am more patient. Other times I can only think about getting through one day at a time anyway.

* I'm also waiting on God for "character" type things—waiting for him to change me. Or to change those around me. :-) And patience is hard.

* While we are waiting for all the things that distract us to happen: the happily ever afters, explosions, escapes, escapades, and seasons of this existence, ever wonder what God is waiting for?

...His longsuffering (good KJV word), says scripture, is for our good because he wants all of us to have the best. He must occasionally wonder: What we are waiting for?

* I am waiting for, or looking forward to, my family maturing in their faith. I have truly seen so much growth in them and yet they are babes in Christ and we know Satan is always roaming around preying on the weak. I’m weak sometimes too so I pray for God to send others to help them as well. God has definitely brought us to the right church family.

…I would like God to just speak all these changes into existence, though the truth is that I don't know what God has in store for me. I also know I must be actively seeking to improve myself, supporting my family in their spiritual growth, and improving other aspects of my life while praying for God to guide the outcomes. I'm enjoying waiting to see what God has planned for the story of my and my family's lives.

* I don't have a "wait" list. I'm not sure what that says about me. :+) Hopefully that means I have just turned it over to God and his timing, but more likely means that I haven't recognized in my heart what I am waiting for except the coming of Christ.

* I am waiting for ??? I am not sure what I am waiting for, perhaps God's guidance as to what HE wants me to do next.

* I enjoy just sitting back and letting God direct me. (Sometimes I am not good at His directions though.)

2. David had to rely on his faith in what God could do. When have you really had to rely on your faith?

* I need to rely on my faith all the time, but to my shame I sometimes rely on Me, a poor substitute. I have raised children and buried my parents. …When I lost my parents, my faith was a crucial sustainer as well as people of faith who knew me. Now, I find myself relying on faith as the grandchildren arrive and grow, the church changes, and life changes.

* The last 20 to 25 years of my life has brought many events that were catalysts to bring my reliance on faith to a new level, or renewed my faith. It is sad to say but most often the events that brought me closer to God were traumatic, painful, and/or scary.

...These events I view as the trials and tribulations we are to consider pure joy (James 1:1-3) because it helps us develop the strength to hold on another day.

* I am having to rely on my faith with a daughter in college. I have to trust that the Lord is taking care of her and is giving her guidance that she needs, and all I can do is give advice now and again and watch from the sidelines as she makes her own decisions. And pray!

* I had to really rely on my faith the years I homeschooled my kids. Now I have to rely on my faith that God will take care of them while they are in school.

* I have had health issues to deal with and those have been hard. Losing my mom was really hard. But, some of the hardest times was when I think I wronged someone. If I thought for a moment I had made someone stumble for having not put forth Christ in the relationship, that deeply bothers me until I have gone to that person and made things right.

* One of the hardest times for me was when my daddy died. All that weekend though, I was at peace and knew that God was in control. I also knew where my daddy was going! At the present time it's making sure that my mother is taken care of.

* When my daughter started dating, it really tested my faith to turn those worries over to God. He was faithful, and I am thankful. The other testing time was during my husband’s health trouble, but I never remember feeling anxious or worried beyond what I consider normal. I felt very comforted and strengthened that God was in total control of the outcome, whatever it was to be.

* Currently I am having to rely on my faith in caring for my mother, while trying to not diminish caring for other personal and church family members. I have seen God's hand in my life in the past and I pray daily for guidance.

SERVANT GIRL: Small Act Can Make Big Difference (Excerpts from the Giants)

Commander Naaman had leprosy. A young slave girl in his house knew a healer. Despite immense differences in position between the slave and the commander, the girl still shared her knowledge of the prophet Elisha with Naaman so that he could be cured.

What types of people are you hesitant to share your faith with? Why?

* The arrogant. Those who think they’re too “smart” to believe such nonsense as Christianity.

* I feel nervous around people who I don't know are believers or not.
       There are unbaptized believers that only need additional teaching. Sometimes we will agree to disagree. Even in this case we still have a respect and connection with each other. They are much less intimidating.
       Angry and mean people scare me too. People who are obviously hard and disrespectful of God from the first time you meet them.

* Belligerent people are a fear to me, too. There's so much violence in the world today... On the other hand, there's a chance to prove Proverbs 15:1, "A soft answer turns away wrath."
       This little servant girl had probably seen her master angry. He was angry when he was told by the SERVANT of the prophet to wash in the JORDAN RIVER.
       "Voice of the Martyrs" details current persecution and deaths of Christians around the world. It is SO inspirational to see how God empowers His people to respond to threats and violence.

* With working with teens, I understand that people dress--should I say "differently". So I do try to get to know the individual a little before making any kind of preconceived judgment about them.

* It's actually a lot easier for me to share my faith with relative strangers than with friends... probably because I'm scared that my friends might think differently about me or that our friendship might somehow change.
       But really, I need to start focusing on my friends who would probably listen to me more because of knowing me personally and who I care about more because of knowing them personally.

NEHEMIAH, Part III: No Problem Too Big with Help (Excerpts from the Giants)

3. Share a task that you undertook with others that brought glory to God and lifted your own spirits.

* Painting the 3rd grade room with Misty Whiting and Joyce Davis was fun and encouraged me! Also- whenever our Life Talk does a "service" project, I am usually encouraged by doing that with my friends, whether it is visiting our Sunriser or cleaning something.

* Leading the Women's Committee was a step of faith for me and it turned out wonderfully because of the participation of many others.
     It was Lana Moore's idea to do the birthday theme; it was Julia Wright's idea to have the mentor presentations; it was Deborah Brown who was always getting all the food plans straight; Beth Bentley did the Secret Sister stuff; and Misty Whiting, Beth Martin, Joyce Davis and Mary Callins were faithful in tying up loose ends and doing whatever they were asked.
     And don't forget all the sisters who shared their testimonies…and many others who were involved in the trip to serve the ladies in Long Beach.
     Thank you, God, for your faithfulness.

* I never could/would have undertaken the Katrina clean-up trips without our groups. Although the trips were hard in a lot of ways, they were so worth it. I saw God in fresh ways through the people we helped as well as through the brothers/sisters that were doing the work. It still boosts my spirits just to think back on it.

* Over the years, helping others to grow in their faith walk and service has been the most meaningful task for me; to see others gaining confidence in using their talents for God is a great joy to me.

* When Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast, Paul Gibbs went and was overwhelmed. He took two men on his second trip. When the three came back, again overwhelmed with the destruction and the great human suffering, their compassion began to spill over.
     Finally there were close to 100 people from Central who went, some several times, and much "sweat" was donated, with money, supplies, hugs and tears. Their zeal was contagious to others.
     God often puts the same dream into more than one person so that His people will function as a whole.

* Rewarding times for me have been mission trips with our teens. Watching them share is unbelievable! Also going to Rainbow Omega--watching the residents' faces when we pull up in our van and talk/sing/play with them is so rewarding. It's great to share Jesus with someone and watch the light "come on" when they understand and want to follow Him.

* The trip to Mississippi was an uplifting experience. I enjoyed being with Kim Story on the drive, and having time with brothers and sisters… I met Charlene Hicks (age 78 and a cancer patient, an elder's wife at Long View. We hit it off.). She cooked with me and gave me her dumpling recipe but when I got home I had lost it.
     Last year, she died before I could get it from her again. But guess what? Just before Christmas, I opened the little Bible I took on the trip. The recipe fell into my lap. It was a very pleasant find and a reminder of how I who went to help storm victims was myself helped.
     It is comforting too since Charlene has gone on that I still have her handwritten recipe from a time when we fed others and were ourselves nourished. She was truly one of those that Philemon speaks of who refreshed the brethren.

* While pondering on Nehemiah this morning, one of the things that came to my mind was the wisdom of God in not allowing us to see the future. Would Nehemiah have ever taken that first step if he had known all the hardships that he would endure in the process?
     When I look back on "big projects" in my life, physical and spiritual, I am just amazed. It is that one-step-at-a-time mentality with God and my brothers and sisters at my side that accomplishes unbelievable things.
     That first step is SOOOOOO important.

* I find I am continually being blessed from a simple but needed ride to town (Remember, Brenda?) to one taking my place on short notice for Tues. Bible class (Kay, thanks) to another being coordinator and last minute baby sitter on Tues. (Sue, thank you) to one listening and commiserating about the worry over a pregnant daughter making a long drive home (Pat, I needed you.) And these are just 4 examples.
     May all of us continue to reach out and love one another and do the work God has created us to do. May we all know one another better so that we have more to thank God for on each remembrance of one another. Praise to our Lord Jesus Christ and to God the Father!

NEHEMIAH, Part II: No Problem Too Big with Help (Excerpts from the Giants)

Nehemiah had opportunities to become lonely or discouraged during particularly hard days of building the wall.

2. When do you feel lonely or discouraged? What strengthens you?

* My very lonely times come when I am embarrassed and ashamed or afraid to share a guilt, a sin, or a fear with others. It's always so good to share with someone human who will listen and encourage. Even with Jesus, I want a human supporter with me. (And He had his three closest friends too.)

* My loneliest times are when I don't feel like there is anyone I can share something important with- whether I am embarrassed, afraid, or whatever- whether I don't think I can trust someone, whether I just don't think they can handle my problems, I don't know- that is a very lonely feeling, though. It is the worst when I am surrounded by good people, but feel like I have to keep too much to myself.

* I can become discouraged when I’ve had too much time around other people and not enough time recharging with just me and God. I’m strengthened by getting away and having quiet time with Him, but I’m also strengthened by encouraging words from others. Those words are often lifesavers for me, and what may seem small for somebody to say often brings big help to me when I hear it.

* My loneliest times have come during times of adversity/illness/etc., when I was more isolated from my church family for one reason or another. Prayer to God and my faith in Him have been my greatest source of strength and continue to be so.

* I feel really lonely when I find myself in any kind of conflict with those closest to me. The 'human' support is so important to me, probably too much so at times. So that is where I'm trying to grow in my reliance on and trust in God.

* I feel the loneliest when I'm not in the Word and with Him in prayer. It's also hard when I'm not around Christians.

* When I find myself feeling lonesome all I have to do is think about Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, when He said "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death" (Mark 14:34). How terribly alone Jesus must have felt. Probably more alone than anyone on earth had ever felt.
Hence, the total sum of all the loneliest, most fearful, most distressing, most ill times in my life could never and will never come remotely close the loneliness Jesus must have experienced in the garden as well as the day that followed.

* As I have become older I find myself even less lonely. I am perfectly happy to be by myself. That is one of the reasons I wanted to participate in this study. I wanted a chance to get out of myself a little. It is a small step but it is a step.

NEHEMIAH, Part I: No Problem Too Big with Help (Excerpts from the Giants)

Nehemiah set a good example for us by seeking help from others to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem.

1. How reluctant/eager are you to ask for help?

* I am generally slow to ask for help, as a last resort...but when I do: 1. Prayer comes first. 2.Try to handle the situation by using physical family members. 3. Reluctantly will ask others for short term help...especially if they have already offered to be of assistance.

* I don't like asking for help. I don't like accepting help when it is offered- even to the point of making people mad or upset that I won't take their help. :-) I'm not sure all the reasons for it.

* I definitely prefer to offer help, not ask for it. Usually when I get to the point of having to ask, the task has already become burdensome or overwhelming, and I don't want to 'drag' anyone else into the mess. But I am grateful when I look back and see the many times family and friends have been there to help 'rebuild the walls' that have crumbled around me at times.

* It is hard for all of us to ask for help. But there are times when we cannot do it alone. I ask God for help, then my physical family. I'm just so glad that I also have my spiritual family to depend on.

* There was a time in my life when I didn't like asking for help. I use to think I could handle it, i.e deal with any problem all by myself. Now, how foolish was that? I've learned to recognize when a problem or situation is just too big for me to handle. Then, the first thing I do is go to the Lord in prayer. After that, I talk to anybody that will listen. (smile)

* If someone offers help, I now remind myself that maybe I am more overwhelmed than I realize (or I'm about to be). Others who have worked through the same task or situation I am working can probably see the outcome further down the road. I am caught up in the moment, or the day or week, etc.
      There have been times when I could see that if a person doesn't get help soon they are going to be in trouble. I can see that because I have been there or I have a better view of the problem because I'm not in "it". I try to remind myself that the person offering help to me may be seeing my situation better than I do.

* I have trouble asking for help, too…Part of it is my natural tendency to be independent and self-sufficient. Part of it is arrogance that my way is the best/only way and I might as well do it myself if I want it done right. Part of it is I only feel close enough to a few people to ask for help.

* It's possible if we don't ask someone for help when we need it, we may be denying another person an opportunity to be blessed, too…There have been many times when I have gone to help someone and ended up being blessed myself, sometimes more than they are... so this is just something to think about when we are hesitant to ask for help.

ABRAHAM: God Always Does the Right Thing (Excerpts from the Giants)

Abraham had to learn patience while waiting on God to fulfill His promises.

1. In which areas do you struggle with God?

* With impatience….I definitely knew God had a plan for us; He was taking care of us; and that all would work out--but my impatient self wanted it to work out a lot sooner.

* I have been struggling with impatience for a number of years. As a matter of fact, I pray about it at least once a day. …Sometimes I get impatient if I'm puzzled by events taking place in my life. Sometimes I want answers revealed sooner. I am learning to "Stand Still" as my grandmother use to say. "God will let you know in due time." She was right.

* I always want to understand before I obey. (Even though I heard from my mother at least 1,000+ "because I said so".) …Even after I obey, there will still be many things I don't understand about God…Where the patience comes in is believing that as my righteousness grows, God will increase my understanding according to what He knows I need.

* What God has promised to me has pretty much already been fulfilled through Jesus. He promises grace, but that's mine to accept already, and He promises peace, but doesn't promise that we won't have troubles, etc.

* There have been many times when I have struggled with being completely confused about what God was doing in my life only to look back a few months later and see how everything had fallen into place perfectly, as only He who can see eternity could do.

* I see God as the ultimate Sovereign, so I know His ways are not mine and that I should not question Him as far as wondering what He is doing…God always does what He promises and the right thing. It is important we know those promises and not expect more or less than what he promised. He works everything to our good if we are called according to His purpose. (Rom.8:28).

2. Name something that you are surrendering to God.

*Time...my sense of controlling my time the way I want to use it versus letting God do what HE wants to with my time. Too often I think I don’t have enough time to do all the things that I want to do; I have to remind myself that God will always give me enough time to do the things that HE wants me to do. And find peace in that.

* At times it feels hard just to surrender in a general way, let alone the specifics. Also, since it doesn't seem like God usually speaks to us as directly as he did to Abraham—"Go kill your son Isaac"—it can be a little difficult in some situations to know God's will.

* As I was reading this chapter, it really made me realize how I need to grow in my trust for God.

* It is very hard to surrender your children and there come times when you must...I found I had to let go, and let God and them work things out. …I do well at this awhile and then I find myself trying to figure a way. I have to come back to my senses and in humility remember the absurdity of thinking I could fix anything. Then I pray for them and for myself.

REBEKAH: Give Generously to Others (Excerpts from the Giants)

With no obvious incentive to do so, Rebekah gave freely by watering the camels of Jacob’s servant. She was richly blessed by God as a result.

1. What hinders you from giving freely?

* My biggest hindrance—my rationalizations. Satan tries to make me rationalize that I don't need to give because others are giving, or that I don't have to give because they probably don't really need it. ...Giving to others is what God commands us to do, whether or not it's actually needed. I try to constantly remember this quote from Elisabeth Elliot: "No service offered to God is ever wasted."

* After working all day on Wednesdays--there are times when I am tired and would love to just go home, sit down and relax. BUT after getting here I am so refreshed and encouraged by everything/everyone.

* Every time we give to “somebody”, we’re really giving worship to God as well. We always have a need for that.

* I have noticed oftentimes when I am wondering whether I need to give as much as usual or to something more, a financial gift will come my way to make it work.

* God has taught me that he doesn't need my money; he just wants my heart/obedience.

* Sometimes I hesitate when I feel that the receiving person does not appreciate the effort or use the gift in a beneficial way...but then I realize that God is judging hearts, not me!

2. When have you benefited by others giving freely to you?

* Since I have been in the church I have had numerous people share with me time, laughter, wisdom, comfort. I have truly been blessed in this area and I love giving too….The difficulty is often where, how and when to use time and resources, not "If". Giving to others keeps me mindful of God's blessings to me. Jesus's words, "it is more blessed to give than to receive" is not a platitude.

* I benefited from a sister’s generosity in praying for me about a project. It takes time and commitment and heart to pray consistently for someone else’s need, but she was very faithful to both pray for me and to follow up by asking me questions about it and giving me constant encouragement. It was the best gift I could get.

* “When we give generously, we receive more than we would ever think possible.” It’s very generous of God to always give US a blessing when we try to bless others. He is so faithful to always outgive us!

* Being generous with one's time, talents, heart, resources, etc. to those around us is an integral part of our Christianity. All we have is what God has given us; how can we not be generous to others?

* My parents were not only generous with material things. They generously took the risk of being hurt over and over by me. They always prayed for me. We always benefit from the prayer of others said on our behalf.

MOSES: Live in Faith Zone, not Safe Zone (Excerpts from the Giants)

Moses had several key moments in his life when he had to leave his safety zone and grow into who God wanted him to be.

1. What spiritual breakthroughs have you experienced?

* In my older age, "wisdom." I have found that I don't have to forge my path through my life...if I am quiet and wait on Him, God will show me what He wants me to do. It is up to me to recognize the new way and act on it!

* Patience…We knew that God heard our pleads for a job--the right job, but we also know that God's timing and our timing can be so different.

* Understanding God’s grace…Once I began to grasp (still grasping it!) that I’m saved 100% by the grace of Jesus Christ, and that my works only come as a result of my salvation, I felt freedom. Free from unhealthy guilt. Free to have a true love relationship with the Lord.

* The breakthrough came a few weeks after being baptized at age 30 and immersing myself daily in the word… As I read the word and saw how it all fit together and fit my life I was astounded. The substance of it and of Jesus' work gripped me and has never let go even when all around me seemed to be falling down.

* My most recent "breakthrough" was when I came to really understand that I am responsible for my own salvation and must seek it with fear and trembling….While I will not be saved because of my achievements, I cannot make it to heaven on the faith of my family or friends. I have to study and nurture a deeper faith through my own study.

* As I got older, chronologically and spiritually I came to know more about the God I wanted to serve…Nowadays, I have no problem seeking God's council about anything and everything. One of my greatest joys is knowing I can talk to God any time, day or night about any subject. I'm still a work in progress, but I am well aware of who the captain of my ship is. I am ever so thankful.

2. What did you learn from the life of Moses?

* God is more creative than what I can imagine in any given moment and if I am looking to him and wanting to do what is right, even if I am too afraid to carry out his will, he can make it happen anyway- just like the way he sent Aaron to speak for Moses. I felt very loved by God that day- that he would use me in spite of my inadequacies.

* I am almost always out of my comfort zone when trying to serve and obey God in any way that means verbal communication with other people. Thank God, He gave me a good example to watch my dad step out of his comfort zone because he wanted to serve God. At 89 he is still doing it at the retirement home. What an inspiration.

* Reminded me of a conversation long ago that I believe changed my life….A friend told me that I needed to stop playing it so 'safe' in life and be more of a 'risk-taker.' ..I got involved in children's ministry at that point and it became one of the great joys and challenges in my service to God. I don't think I'd be the mother that I am today if it wasn't for the lessons I learned over the years in working with the kids….So I'm grateful for that challenge to ‘take the risk’ and the lesson from Moses about living outside the 'safe zone.'

JOSEPH: Don't Give Up on Your Dreams (Excerpts from the Giants)

Joseph had several down periods in his life, but he held on to his convictions even during the difficult times that didn't make sense.

1. When have you been glad that you didn’t give up too easily when things were going wrong or you didn’t understand what was happening to you?

* A few years ago I was in ICU, not expected to live. A nurse whispered to me one night, "It's ok to let go." …Although I understood her reason for telling me it was ok to let go, I equated it to quitting, and that for me has never been an option. I'm sure there were times when Joseph, Noah, Esther and the other Giants wanted to quit. Still, they put their trust in God. I'm learning to do the same.

* Not giving up on the church which has been in upheaval more than once since I became a Christian. I kept my eyes on Christ and company with others who did the same.
Not giving up on riding the roller coaster of parenting through the teen and adolescent years.
Not giving up on Bible study and prayer even if I can't be as consistent as I would like.
Not giving up is daily for those of us who follow Christ.

* Finding God was my dream come true and my hope. I thank God for not 'quitting' his search for me and rescuing me from the burden of those influences.

* Life is full of times when you might have to change directions but NEVER give up your devotion and loyalty to God. He is with you through the blackest of times.

* I'm so thankful God wouldn't let go. He sent people to help me. He was faithful. He carried me. I love Him.

2. Joseph grew even in the down times. How have you done that?

* I have had many 'growing' times that have been brought about by the 'down' times of dealing with my own sin. The big lesson that I think I'm learning (still!) is that God really is with me through it all.

* Both Joseph and Esther are inspirational examples of how God's time is not our time and how what seems unusable to us can be valuable in God's plan.

* It is very much the way God works in our lives—sometimes it is many years before we see his plans completely unfold and see the purposes in the pain we have suffered... and we can see that he didn't give up on us.

ESTHER: God Has a Place for You (Excerpts from the Giants)

Esther took a risk to fulfill a greater purpose than her personal safety.

1. Describe leaving your own comfort zone. How do you handle it?

* My comfort zone was "abandoned" when I first started teaching others about training up biblically-able children. Prayer, study, hard work, and experience helped me be more comfortable speaking before strangers.

* My lesson is: be what God wants me to be where he wants me to be it.

* God uses those times as opportunities to increase my dependence on Him… Definitely worth the initial discomfort.

* Times I have really felt out of place are when I've met friends from my past, before becoming a Christian. At first, I felt paralyzed. Ashamed of what I was, and wanting somehow to communicate "whose" I am now. But after a quick prayer, God gave me the words to say. Now many years later, they do know and are amazed that I have remained faithful.

* When I am in unfamiliar territory, I try not to get in the way of the Spirit giving me the courage to stay in control of myself, the patience to wait for the Lord’s direction, and wisdom to be able to discern the truth from a lie.

* Now, when I look back I can clearly see how God gave me those times of loneliness so that I would learn to trust Him when I had no one else, but that He also put special people in my life at just the right time.

* I am a very quiet and reserved person, but I feel convicted that God has called me out of my comfort zone to share his news with others. While going to live in other countries was a challenge to my comfort zone, I am thankful for the opportunities to share God's riches.

2. What did you learn from Esther?

* Esther was able to carry out her purpose without "demanding her rights" as society pushes us to do today, but instead followed a very thoughtful, prayerful, submissive plan to fill her responsibility.

* It’s not always easy to understand why we are in a certain place or situation, but if we can trust that God knows what He’s doing, we can also trust that He’s capable of and desiring to use us just where we are, just the way we are.

* I've always loved Esther's statement "if I perish, I perish". I so want to have that attitude in my life - to live my life in a godly way, and take risks for the Lord, and “if I perish, I perish”.

* It's a privilege to get to be a part of what He's doing. Knowing this helps me to want to do His will more.

NOAH: One Person Can Make a Difference (Excerpts from the Giants)

Several of our ladies are studying Old Testament giants of the faith as an on-line reading group. Remembering Noah’s story of doing the right thing in the midst of a faithless culture brought out these comments below. May you be encouraged by reading excerpts from our very own giants of the faith at Central:

1. What or who helps you to do right when those around you are doing wrong?

* Remembering how miserable I was when I was not doing right or following Christ. I remind myself of what Christ saved me from and how much I love Him.

* I think of God and how repulsive sin is to Him. I think of Jesus and His sacrifice and how disappointed he is when I fall short. I think of the Spirit in me that is hurt when I sin.

* I think about my kids when I am tempted to mess up in a big way and how my actions will affect them... that usually helps me choose right.

* Reading my Bible and being thankful in prayer helps me remember Jesus' love. Christ's love compels us, but not if we forget.

2. What reminders do you have of God’s faithfulness to you?

* Family, friends, material blessings, wedding rings, shells, rocks, smiles, flowers, singing at church, shooting stars, in-laws, sunrises, the ocean, …

* A picture I have of my great aunt impressed me when I was about 8 years old, and we shared a motel room. In her 70's by then, she knelt as was her habit by the bed and prayed before we turned out the light. I don't remember what she said, but I've never forgotten that she was faithful and without timidity in praying to Him who was faithful to her.

* I no longer have guilt over some of my past sins (guilt that crippled me for a long time). I have His strength to handle situations and the desire to want to glorify Him in them.

* Everyday I have the realization that I cannot handle life's "challenges" alone; I don't have to make things better just on my own guidance. He has a plan for me; I just need to let Him "speak!" God will help me through whatever may come.

* The first thing that came to my mind was the Bible. And then I thought of the church (specifically for me, Central)- but how God promised that the gates of hell would not "prevail against" it and that is true 2,000 years later every time we meet together!

How Great Is Our God

How great is our God
Lord, I delight in the easy times of seeing your greatness. But I’ve grown to appreciate the hard times, when your greatness catches me off guard, and surprises me anew when I least expect to see it, like…

Sing with me

tonight. Tonight I needed to sing of your greatness with my family. I needed to hear myself say it and I needed to hear my brothers and sisters say it, that you are indeed great, no matter what,

How great is our God

even on the 8