Tuesday, December 29, 2015
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Friday, December 18, 2015
a time of preparation
Advent is a season of preparation, a time for each of us to prepare anew to celebrate Christmas and the birth of our Savior, the Lord of Lords and the King of Kings. It is a time to renew our commitment as disciples, a time of spiritual introspection. Advent is a special time of blessing as we work to remove any obstacles that would hinder the fullness of Christ's love from entering the depths of our being.
But, for far to many of us, even those of us that want to deepen of discipleship and grow in our spirituality, we fail to take advantage of this blessed time of preparation. Instead of spending time increasing our devotion and growing in faithfulness and obedience, we focus on more temporal matters.
Advent isn't about Christmas shopping, finding the exactly perfect gift, and entertaining family, friends, and colleagues. It's a time for spiritual preparation.
This year, with just a week left before the celebration of our Lord's birth, I would encourage you to slow down. Take time to meditate on the wonderful grace that has been given us. Find a quiet spot to be alone with the Holy Spirit. Open your heart to the "wonders of His love."
Prepare for Christmas by slowing down. Worry less about all the commercial trappings. Center in on the "reason for the season," and let the true joy of this special season fill you to overflowing.
But, for far to many of us, even those of us that want to deepen of discipleship and grow in our spirituality, we fail to take advantage of this blessed time of preparation. Instead of spending time increasing our devotion and growing in faithfulness and obedience, we focus on more temporal matters.
Advent isn't about Christmas shopping, finding the exactly perfect gift, and entertaining family, friends, and colleagues. It's a time for spiritual preparation.
This year, with just a week left before the celebration of our Lord's birth, I would encourage you to slow down. Take time to meditate on the wonderful grace that has been given us. Find a quiet spot to be alone with the Holy Spirit. Open your heart to the "wonders of His love."
Prepare for Christmas by slowing down. Worry less about all the commercial trappings. Center in on the "reason for the season," and let the true joy of this special season fill you to overflowing.
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
at a crossroad
Forest Road UMC has a wonderful and blessed history. We all recognize and celebrate that.
But, we all know that we cannot live in the past. We cannot allow yesterday's glories and triumphs to blind us from the present.
Let's look at all we are doing today, and celebrate the ministry we have been given. As I have said many times before, we have a unique position in our city. We are located in a wonderfully diverse community and are ideally situated to make a real difference in the lives of those in our part of the city.
How can we reach out to those most in need around our church building? What do we as a congregation have to offer? What can we do to demonstrate the love of Christ to our local community?
Forest Road UMC is at a crossroad. That means we need to make a decision about the direction we will be traveling in 2016. We need to prayerfully consider the future and be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
What is our vision for the future of our congregation? What do we want our future to be? And what are we willing to do to turn the vision we have into reality?
What do we really want?
But, we all know that we cannot live in the past. We cannot allow yesterday's glories and triumphs to blind us from the present.
Let's look at all we are doing today, and celebrate the ministry we have been given. As I have said many times before, we have a unique position in our city. We are located in a wonderfully diverse community and are ideally situated to make a real difference in the lives of those in our part of the city.
How can we reach out to those most in need around our church building? What do we as a congregation have to offer? What can we do to demonstrate the love of Christ to our local community?
Forest Road UMC is at a crossroad. That means we need to make a decision about the direction we will be traveling in 2016. We need to prayerfully consider the future and be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
What is our vision for the future of our congregation? What do we want our future to be? And what are we willing to do to turn the vision we have into reality?
What do we really want?
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
4th Sunday of Advent
4th Sunday of Advent
Today we light again the candles of hope, love, and joy, and the fourth PURPLE candle, the candle of peace. Christ is the Prince of peace, come to reconcile us with God and others. Christ helps us to see that peace is possible.
In the reading which is the Gospel reading of today's liturgy the Angel announces that Mary will give birth so a son. After the announcement, the angel enters into a short song of praise of Jesus and in the process quotes from Samuel, (the promise of the eternal kingdom of David.) It is He (Jesus) who is the one who will rule.
Luke 1:26-38
1:26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth,
1:27 to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary.
1:28 And coming to her, he said, "Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you."
1:29 But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
1:30 Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
1:31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.
1:32 He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
1:33 and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."
1:34 But Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?"
1:35 And the angel said to her in reply, "The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.
1:36 And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
1:37 for nothing will be impossible for God."
1:38 Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.
1:27 to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary.
1:28 And coming to her, he said, "Hail, favored one! The Lord is with you."
1:29 But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.
1:30 Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
1:31 Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus.
1:32 He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father,
1:33 and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end."
1:34 But Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?"
1:35 And the angel said to her in reply, "The holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God.
1:36 And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren;
1:37 for nothing will be impossible for God."
1:38 Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.
Let us pray, God of power and mercy, open our hearts in welcome. Remove the things that hinder us from receiving Christ with joy, so that we may share his wisdom and become one with him when he comes in glory.
Ps.89:2
The promises of the LORD I will sing forever, proclaim your loyalty through all ages.
The promises of the LORD I will sing forever, proclaim your loyalty through all ages.
Friday, December 11, 2015
brighten the corner
Our congregation worships in a church building across from King's Island Chinese Restaurant on the corner of Old Forest Road and Link Road in Lynchburg, Virginia. That gives us a unique perspective on our community, our city, and the larger world in which we live and move and have our being.
Our location is important to our identity. Our location is also vitally important to our spirituality.
Faithfulness to the call of Christ demands that we share our faith, that we are witnesses to the good news of salvation and the love of Christ in our lives. We are to be witnesses to God's love in our community first, our city second, and then the rest of world.
How do we, as individuals, and also as a congregation, demonstrate God's love to the community around the corner of Forest Road United Methodist Church? What do we do to "brighten the corner" where we are?
Our location is important to our identity. Our location is also vitally important to our spirituality.
Faithfulness to the call of Christ demands that we share our faith, that we are witnesses to the good news of salvation and the love of Christ in our lives. We are to be witnesses to God's love in our community first, our city second, and then the rest of world.
How do we, as individuals, and also as a congregation, demonstrate God's love to the community around the corner of Forest Road United Methodist Church? What do we do to "brighten the corner" where we are?
Thursday, December 10, 2015
across from King's Island
Trying to get this new blog started has been an exercise in in faith. Trying to find just the right name for it has been an exercise in something far different, let's just call it futility.
My hope is that all the effort pays off. And you dear friends and readers, will be the ultimate arbiters of that. My goal for this space is to provide this pastor's perspective on love, faithfulness, and meaningful discipleship in a world gone serious awry.
We are all in desperate need of a deeper spirituality. But, just what does that mean? What does a deeper spirituality look like?
We are all in desperate need of that perfect love that casts our fear. Where can we find such love?
We are all in desperate need of the peace that passes all understanding? How do we find such peace?
The answer is the same for all these questions. A deeper spirituality, perfect love, the peace that passes all understanding all are found in Jesus the Christ.
Now, one more question: How do we at Forest Road United Methodist Church live out our faith in such a way that people see a cross across from King's Island?
My hope is that all the effort pays off. And you dear friends and readers, will be the ultimate arbiters of that. My goal for this space is to provide this pastor's perspective on love, faithfulness, and meaningful discipleship in a world gone serious awry.
We are all in desperate need of a deeper spirituality. But, just what does that mean? What does a deeper spirituality look like?
We are all in desperate need of that perfect love that casts our fear. Where can we find such love?
We are all in desperate need of the peace that passes all understanding? How do we find such peace?
The answer is the same for all these questions. A deeper spirituality, perfect love, the peace that passes all understanding all are found in Jesus the Christ.
Now, one more question: How do we at Forest Road United Methodist Church live out our faith in such a way that people see a cross across from King's Island?
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Self Control
As we have been going through the fruit of the spirit last but not least is the self-control! In this article we see how self is listed with the other fruit of the spirits! I hope that you have enjoyed going through each different fruit of the spirit. In the following article by: Eddie Foster tells us how to use self-control!
The reason God wants us to grow in self-control ties in with all the other fruit of the Spirit that are listed in Galatians 5:22-23.
We are in a battle. As we read in 1 John 2:16, “All that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.” That is Satan’s idea for the world, as we see in John 8:44: “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.”
God’s idea for the world, on the other hand, includes having everyone demonstrate the fruit of the Holy Spirit.
So where does self-control come in? Everywhere.
It takes self-control to show true godly love instead of lust and infatuation—to love others not as the world loves, but as Christ loved us. “And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma” (Ephesians 5:2, emphasis added throughout).
It takes self-control to have godly joy when we are facing a difficult situation in life. “Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8).
It takes self-control to get along with others and make peace instead of constantly getting into conflict. “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9).
It takes self-control to patiently bear with others rather than quickly condemning them. It’s very hard to “be patient with all” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
It takes self-control to not automatically look out only for yourself but kindly look out for other people (Philippians 2:4).
It takes self-control to do good, to go through the narrow gate toward life rather than the evil, wide gate toward destruction (Matthew 7:13-14).
It takes self-control to be faithful and not have our faith shattered by the mocking of scoffers (2 Peter 3:3-4).
It takes self-control to be a gentle servant of the Lord (2 Timothy 2:24), showing compassion and mercy with real love as God does with us.
It takes self-control to have godly joy when we are facing a difficult situation in life. “Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8).
It takes self-control to get along with others and make peace instead of constantly getting into conflict. “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9).
It takes self-control to patiently bear with others rather than quickly condemning them. It’s very hard to “be patient with all” (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
It takes self-control to not automatically look out only for yourself but kindly look out for other people (Philippians 2:4).
It takes self-control to do good, to go through the narrow gate toward life rather than the evil, wide gate toward destruction (Matthew 7:13-14).
It takes self-control to be faithful and not have our faith shattered by the mocking of scoffers (2 Peter 3:3-4).
It takes self-control to be a gentle servant of the Lord (2 Timothy 2:24), showing compassion and mercy with real love as God does with us.
THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT: JOY
THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT: JOY
By: Lisa Robertson
Hot pink, pale pink, rose pink are all shades of pink painted into a sunrise. Like the various shades of pink, our expressions of joy can be so different. Joy can be exuberant when we experience the faithfulness of God, it can be calm confidence in His sovereignty, or pure delight as He expresses His love.
Joy has many shades. It should never be determined by how we feel, but on who God is. The joy of the Lord can thrill us or make us resolute in the secure knowledge of God's presence. Paul tells us in 1 Thessalonians 5:16 to be joyful always. Jesus tells us "With God all things are possible." Mark 9:24 This combination of truth should help us be joyful each day.
DAY ONE: PERSEVERANCE
"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in the God of my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength: He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; He enables me to go on the heights." Habakkuk 3:17-18
Habakkus wrote this passage after Israel had been devastated by the Babylonian invasion. All of the typical indicators of comfort and security in a Hebrew society -- crops, livestock, food -- had been eliminated. Despite the devastation, he proclaims the greater reality of God's sovereignty. His source of hope and strength is in the presence of Almighty God. His determination anchors his joy in God and it gives him the strength to follow Him to new places. Even in times of our own suffereing, God is still sovereign.
Saturday, December 5, 2015
SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT: HOPE
We light a second purple candle on the second Sunday of Advent to represent the hope of Christ coming to the world.
The word "hope" has two meanings in the Bible. The first, tiqvah, contains the sense of eager anticipation or waiting. The second, elpis. depicts a sense of confident expectation based on certainty. Biblical hope is secured by God's faithfulness to His promises. For the Old Testament leaders, their hope was in the Messiah's arrival. For us, it is the hope of the Messiah's return.
God's plan for humanity unfolded in the town of Bethlehem, the birthplace of the Messiah, joyously fulfilling a long-awaited promise. Today we confidently wait for the Messiah's triumphant return.
DAY ONE: HUMBLE BEGINNINGS
"But you, Bethlehem, only a small village in Judah, yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from a distant past ... And He will stand to lead His flock with the Lord's strength ... Then His people will live undisturbed, for He will be highly honored all around the world. And He will be the source of our peace." (Micah 5:2, 4-5)
This is one of the most powerful messianic passages because Bethlehem is pinpointed as the birthplace of the Messiah. Written 750 years before Christ, Micah tells of the honor which will belong to Bethlehem. Christ's deity and humanity are shown here -- He is a shepherd, leading with the strength of God, bringing peace to His people.
The precision of God's promises proclaimed and fulfilled inspire us continually to hope in God. The hope of Christians is not wishful thinking, but based on the historical facts of Christ's birth, death and resurrection, and in the confidence of His eagerly anticipated return.
Heavenly Father, You are the source of all hope and we know our hope is in You -- You will not disappoint us. Teach us this week to anchor our hope in Jesus. Help us to persevere with You when we feel like giving up. We eagerly wait for Your return. Amen.
Christmas Caroling December 6th 2015
Hanging of the Greens November 29th 2015
Forest Road UMC
Hanging of the Greens November 29th 2015JAhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gw1YJRblaJA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NYboHCJfDk0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8An8Xn7aYbg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilU7Z1bi_Hc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yR8DIEdStX4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xhhbfz24Ybo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5HLac9vh6Bs
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Fruit of the Spirit
Hello Everyone,
Please stop by our Google Plus Page: +Forest Road United Methodist Church
Please follow us on our Twitter Page: @ForestRoadUMC
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Online we have being talking about the Fruits of the Spirit.
Please stop by our Google Plus Page: +Forest Road United Methodist Church
Please follow us on our Twitter Page: @ForestRoadUMC
Please like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/forestroadunitedmethodistchurch/
Please follow us on Blogger: forestroadumc.blogspot.com
Online we have being talking about the Fruits of the Spirit.
Fruit of the Spirit: List with Descriptions
by CRYSTAL MCDOWELL ·
by CRYSTAL MCDOWELL ·
Have you ever bit into a piece of fruit that was perfectly ripe and tasty? It’s a satisfying experience and a wonderful treat for your taste buds. In contrast, have you ever bit into fruit that had all the appearances of being delicious, yet it was sour, moldy, or dry? Not so good, right?
Does your fruit of the Spirit look appetizing? Notice it is “fruit” of the Spirit, not “fruits”. Our fruit of the spirit is one piece with many different characteristics. We know the fruit is:
“Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23).
All believers have the fruit of Spirit available to them. You don’t have to ask God for love, joy, or peace…you already have it in you. However, you may need to ask for a greater yield of your fruit on a day to day basis. The size of the fruit is different among believers. Some people spend time cultivating their fruit so that it’s flourishing; while others tend to neglect their fruit and it becomes unproductive.
Our fruit of the spirit is one piece with many different characteristics.
Our fruit of the spirit is one piece with many different characteristics.
Every so often believers need to make sure they are growing up spiritually. Perhaps it is time for your fruit inspection. Use the following Fruit Development Assessment (F.D.A.) to determine the condition of your spiritual fruit. Check the fruit you need the most nourishment to grow.
Our fruit of the spirit is one piece with many different characteristics.
Every so often believers need to make sure they are growing up spiritually. Perhaps it is time for your fruit inspection. Use the following Fruit Development Assessment (F.D.A.) to determine the condition of your spiritual fruit. Check the fruit you need the most nourishment to grow.
Love
“Dear children let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18).
Is your love unconditional? Or is your love most evident when everything goes your way? This type of fruit keeps on loving even when it’s difficult to show affection to others. The capacity to love grows out of the agape love from the heavenly Father.
Joy
“For the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).
Can you have joy in the chaos? Or does your moodiness hover over everyone like a cloud? Not that anyone should be joyful about the hard times, but rather your joy comes from #1) God is with you through it and #2) God uses every trial to help you become stronger in the faith.
Peace
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-8).
Is your inner person wrecked with anxiety and worry when everything falls apart? Or can you rest in God’s peace? There is no peace for the wicked; however, for believers it is available every time you pray and leave your concerns with God.
Forbearance
“Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience” (Colossians 1:11).
Can you be still and wait on God? Or are you tempted to always move ahead so you can stay in control? Forbearance is a fruit that will grow with your experience of being stretched in faith especially in times of trial. Forbearance is another word for patience; you don’t have to pray for patience…it’s there already!
Kindness
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful” (2 Timothy 2:24).
Do others sense your kindness in words and actions? Or are they more accustomed to your angry response? A gentle word, a soft answer, or a helping hand—all demonstrate the fruit of kindness in this culture of rudeness and selfishness.
Goodness
“Dear friend, do not imitate what is evil but what is good. Anyone who does what is good is from God. Anyone who does what is evil has not seen God” (3 John 11).
Are your conversations marked with genuine virtue and honor? Or is your conversation tainted with worldly language, immoral tendencies, or gossip? Goodness doesn’t mean that you are perfect, but rather someone who sincerely reflects the integrity of God within. A believer who demonstrates the fruit of goodness has the tendency to believe the best about people.
Faithfulness
“Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful” (1 Corinthians 4:2).
Does your reputation reflect dependability and steadfastness in the faith? Or do people expect you to be late, undependable, or to drop off the map on a project? Your faithfulness represents God’s Spirit dwelling within. Those who cultivate the fruit of faithfulness are compelled to complete every good work for His glory.
Gentleness
“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near” (Philippians 4:5).
Is your meek spirit felt around those who live or work with you? Or do they feel that you are a hard and legalistic person to deal with? A spirit of gentleness gives grace freely and consistently. Believers and unbelievers should feel at ease around you because of your presence of gentleness.
Self-Control
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age” (Titus 2:11-12)
Do you control your appetites? Or do they control you? Believers can demonstrate of life of self-control and discipline in a world where everyday is an opportunity for gluttony. You have the power through the Spirit to control your cravings.
Results
Are you at 10%, 50% or 100% in your fruit productivity? What matters most is that you don’t give up growing spiritual fruit. You cultivate it with the light of Jesus, the wind from the Spirit, the bread from the Word of God, and the fellowship of the saints.
“This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples” (John 15:8).
Take a look at this other article, also written by Crystal McDowell
Take a look at this other article, also written by Crystal McDowell
Love is Patient Bible Study
Resource – New International Version Bible, The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblca, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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