“Empathy and Sympathy” by: Pastor Fred Snider

“Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.” 2 Timothy 1:4

These two words are often confused and misused. They differ subtly in their emotional meaning.

“Constantly Praying” by: Pastor Fred Snider

“I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers.” 2 Timothy 1:3

Year after year, I am more and more convinced that not only are many things not as they appear, they also are not as clear as I think I hear. Daily I must use every ounce of sensitive perception possible to figure out what is really going on and to determine the difference between appearance and reality. This is not ever totally accurate all the time, but it has saved me a boatload of misunderstanding. As sure as we must understand the context of people’s lives before concluding what they think or feel; even after they have spoken or written, texted, tweeted or posted, we must also study Scripture in context and prayerfully, without concluding too quickly. For example, when Paul is writing from a dungeon at this point, he is thankful despite his circumstances, reflective of his heritage, remembering his forefathers and still trying to serve the Lord writing letters though he is locked up. He is not bragging about his spirituality, he is coping and surviving. He says he is constantly remembering and praying, night and day, because he is isolated right now, not just under house arrest. Soon he will be beheaded by Nero and he is reminiscing and speaking from heartfelt tenderness, affection and sincerity. He is not only The Apostle Paul, he is also just a man who is doing the best he can to serve the Lord in the context of his real life and what he has been through, what he will do today and what he still has to face.

Devotion by Church Council Member, Hank Botts

"Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!" I John 3:1a

I was recently privileged to witness my youngest daughter, Bekah’s high school graduation. I’m very proud of her, not only for that accomplishment, but also because of the wonderful young woman she has become. I was also blessed that my mom, Nell, and stepdad, Joe, got to come out from North Carolina for the graduation. I don’t get to see them as often as I’d like, so it was very special to be able to spend some time with them.

“Follow the Money” Covenant Series

“Whatever your treasure is, there your heart and thoughts will also be.” Matthew 6:21

You know the crime-solver advice of, “Follow the money.” It is true. If you want to know what is at the bottom of almost everything, just follow the money. Most of us claim to be poorer and “broker” than we really are. We like to compare ourselves to the few percent of people in this world who have more than we do and not to the overwhelming majority who have far less. We are blessed, fortunate, ungrateful and spoiled for the most part. In reality, only a few million people have more than me, while billions have less. We equivocate luxury and richness all the time. We could do a lot of soul searching about our stuff and resources. Some live within their means and seem to have more while others have more and can’t make ends meet. But, indeed where our heart and thoughts are, there goes the treasure, or the money. I have heard it said that whatever you think most about, that’s your God. Scary huh? Two things I want to say. Be more generous and also be a better steward. Here is a thought. If you were a better steward, could you be more generous? I could. Not easy to do; especially if you include time and talent with your treasure. I keep reminding myself to keep my heart and thoughts in the right place so I don’t have to follow the money.

“My Dear Timothy”

“To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.” 2 Timothy 1:2

Christians should get personal. I don’t mean overstepping appropriate boundaries, but I do mean saying stuff like you really mean it, like you truly care. The love and affection Paul has for Timothy is genuine. Like father to son, a dear son. He could have not been more personal. We are in desperate need of deep, personal relationships that are based in integrity. Paul and Timothy exemplify this.

“The Promise of Life”

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus,” 2 Timothy 1:1

When I was a young man, once I figured out that I & II Timothy and Titus were written to young pastors from Paul, I studied them fervently. II Timothy is actually Paul’s last letter from prison. I have always been drawn to last words because it seems to me they would be really important. Paul was beheaded by Emperor Nero not long after this last letter he wrote from prison. I am going to write devotionals from II Timothy this summer. There is something full circle about life in many ways and I feel compelled to delve into Paul’s last words again. His opening sentence speaks three profound thoughts to me for our pondering today.

1. Like Paul, I want to be smack-dab in the center of God’s will. I am only in ministry because He called me to it. I am trying harder to desire His will these days.

God’s Dwelling Place #8 By: Director of High School Ministry, Suzanne Teuben

“I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:16-19

Within the tabernacle stood a sacred place called the Holy of Holies, the dwelling place of God’s presence. As we have observed over the past 7 weeks, each part of the tabernacle has some sort of connection to Christ and the specific design of the Holy of Holies is no different. It was built as a perfect square and as such, represents the perfection and completeness of Christ’s love for us.

One Woman's Prayer from Council Member Charlotte Adams

And Hannah prayed and said: "My heart rejoices in the Lord. My horn is exalted in the Lord. I smile at my enemies because I rejoice in Your salvation. No one is Holy like the Lord, for there is none besides You, nor is there any rock like our God. Talk no more so very proudly; let no arrogance come from your mouth, for the Lord is the God of knowledge, and by Him, actions are weighed... For the pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and He has set the world upon them. He will guard the feet of His saints, but the wicked shall be silent in darkness. For by strength, no man shall prevail." 1 Samuel 2:1-10 I generally get ideas for writing my devotionals when something calls out to me when I am reading the two devotional books that my husband, John, and I try to read in the mornings to start our day. I don't know about you, but we need all the help and encouragement that can come our way. Such was the case when I read the devotional in one of the books on June 13th, but it was the quote at the end of the devotional that really captured my attention. It was as follows: "A man (woman) wrapped up in himself (herself) makes a very small bundle." Benjamin Franklin Quite a visual, huh? The world seems to be trying to convince us to convince ourselves that it is all about us, and no one or nothing else. There is nothing that could be further from the truth, as it really is not about us at all in the final analysis, despite the obsession with this "Selfies-phase" much of the world now seems plugged into. It wasn't enough that we were taking lots of pictures and videos of just about everything, but when that didn't seem satisfying enough, we have moved on to taking pictures of ourselves ("Selfies"), without much regard to how overbearing and interfering at times that might be on other people around us. It is very difficult today not to get caught up in the everyday reminders from the media that we are going to be judged by what we wear, what we do for a living, what we own, and what we look like. But, as we get older, we finally start to figure out that our desire for living a fulfilling life and finding peace are not found in any of those things.The bottom line is that, in the end, it will not matter what we wore, what our occupation was, what "stuff and things" we are leaving behind, and certainly not what we look like, as all of these things that we get judged by here on earth, are temporary. Only how we are judged by God in our final resting place (Heaven) is what really matters. I know that I am not the only one that is troubled by the homelessness situation that we see growing all around us, which most cities have been unable (or unwilling) to address. The following staggering statistic was related by Steve Lopez, a Los Angeles Times journalist, in a recent article entitled "No excuse on homelessness" (May 13, 2015, for anyone interested):"It's mostly men but you will find more than a few women and even some children. The number of people without a place to live has grown by 12% in riches-and-rags Los Angeles County in the last two years, to nearly 45,000, according to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority's biennial report." It may be that we think it too large a problem for us to do anything about, but all of us are capable of doing" something" about this problem and those living below the poverty line, whether homeless or not. For us here at Grace Harbor Church & School, it might be just taking the time and giving of ourselves to serve a meal to the homeless, donate clothing and usable household items (blankets, towels) that we don't use and won't even miss, offer a sincere greeting and smile as you walk by them on the streets, rather than ignoring that they are there,etc. etc. It is neither fulfilling or peaceful to be so wrapped up in one's self, but more rewarding to help someone else that needs it. Only then should we feel like we are living God's perfect plan for our lives. For me, I don't want to be labeled by God at the end of this journey as a "very small bundle", but rather one who did "big things" in ways that mattered to Him. Wishing all of you a very blessed weekend and upcoming week. As always, you are invited to join God's people (us) at Grace Harbor Church for study, fellowship, and worship on Sunday mornings at 9:00a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Love In Him, Charlotte

“Our Calling” Covenant Series by: Pastor Fred Snider

“As a prisoner of the Lord then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” Ephesians 4:1

Have you heard the old saying … “I think you missed your calling.” This is said when someone exhibits extraordinary ability to do something that was not expected. I have heard it said that I could have been a comedian. That’s not really funny. But, it is an ability that makes preaching more interesting. I have written before about my pastoral calling. I believe pastors should know from God that they are to be pastors. It is more a matter of the heart than it is one of schooling. My first calling as a believer was not to be a pastor. I was initially called to be a disciple. I believe all believers are called to be disciples, totally committed followers of Christ. Not only did Jesus call the twelve to be the original disciples, or more specifically Apostles, but He also calls every individual believer since to be His disciples. So what does the verse say about us? It says we should have a sense of urgency to live worthy lives of such an important calling. Often we don’t feel worthy, but He is. So we must respond to His grace and calling to shine for Him. I know this is convicting, it convicts me. I am convicted about the urgency of my calling to be more worthy.

“Together” Covenant Series by: Pastor Fred Snider

“Let us not give up meeting together… but let us encourage one another.” Hebrews 10:25

The fourth and final section of our church Membership Covenant at Grace Harbor Church says that we will support the testimony of our church. It is absolutely, vitally important that we meet together. We cannot be family without being together. Whether for potluck, Bible Study, worship or ministry, the time Christians spend together is the life blood of who we are. It is too easy to miss Sundays or studies or activities and they add up fast. If you miss two Sundays in a row and someone else misses a different two, you can miss seeing each other at all for over a month. Granted, we are family and cards, calls, texts and social media does help, but, we should be faithful about attending church. Many times I have wished everyone would just add one more time of involvement each month. I should say at this point that I know there are many of you that come every time the door is open. God bless you. Your faithfulness is appreciated. I will say now though that there are a number of you who miss too often. Then you tell me how much you missed it. So, like the verse says, “don’t give up.” Let’s encourage each other to be here more often. Let me encourage you now to make a commitment to not miss more than once a month. Also, how about a Bible Study or a fellowship event, or joining in a ministry or playing softball? Let’s get together more often. Fellowship is sweet, sweeter when everybody possible comes.

“Servant Leaders” Covenant Series by: Pastor Fred Snider

“Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interest of others. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who… (took on) the very nature of a servant.” Philippians 2:4-5

There are really only servant leaders in His body; every church ministry person whether receiving the offering, or teaching the Word, must have the attitude of Jesus. Jesus embodied and personified the servant/leader attitude. He had the consummate attitude of servitude. Even though He was God in the flesh, He humbled himself. Leading has to be humbling. If leading puffs you up, try following for a while until you get over it. God’s work gets done through those who are fully committed to Him and His way. His way is gently firm. His way is realistically visionary. His way is spontaneous and disciplined, fun-loving and heart felt. His ways are not our ways. We must decide to put others before ourselves when we lead. Leading is serving and serving is leading. Hence, servant/leaders are the key to a thriving ministry. All effective leaders know how to follow and how to be supportive of other leaders. When we know how to follow humbly, He can use us to lead, humbly.

"Whatever Gifts" Covenant Series by: Pastor Fred Snider

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

Here are just a few bullet points to help you read this passage with some understanding. It is referenced in Section 3 of our Membership Covenant and supports the encouragement for us to discover our gift and talents. So here are more than a handful of thought provoking ideas to get you thinking.

• Everyone has at least one gift from God to use for His purposes.

God’s Dwelling Place #7 By: Director of High School Ministry, Suzanne Teuben

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet he did not sin.” Hebrews 4:15

“Sanctification is not about long hair and abstinence. It is about purity – purity maintained in the midst of an impure world. Understand this vital precept: Maintaining purity in ministry is the result of nothing less than deliberate devotion. For those really fulfilling their calling in evangelism and ministry, purity is neither easy nor accidental. We must guard our minds and put on our armor. A war rages out there. And we are satan’s favorite prisoners.” These are some incredibly true and powerful words written by Beth Moore. Remaining pure is a choice and it has to be a very intentional choice on a daily basis. In fact, that should be the case for anyone pursuing Christ because we are all called to be evangelists and if we are fulfilling that calling, satan is going to try to stop us at all costs. The reality is this world is filled with countless temptations and satan would love to see those steal our purity, to trip us up on the road to sanctification and make us feel like there is no way back.

“Unworthy” By: Pastor Fred Snider

“Then Job answered the Lord, I am unworthy, how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. I spoke once, but I have no answer twice, but I will say no more.” Job 40:3-5

In this first and very short response, Job confesses his insignificance and covers his mouth so he won’t speak any more and make things any worse. His complaints are empty and so he wisely shuts up. He realizes his words are futile and decides to listen and stop speaking. Job doesn’t say much more other than to confess and repent that he said too much and did not understand, so he shouldn’t have spoken. He finally gets it, that he doesn’t get it, and despises himself for his pride, arrogance and presumptuousness.

‘Hand of God’ Helps Brain-dead Teen Wake Up After Being Taken Off Life Support

Reprinted from USAToday.com Submitted by Council Member, John Adams

Taylor Hale, 18, probably shouldn’t be alive today. She was declared brain dead, taken off life support, and her family started making funeral arrangements. But then the “Hand of God” intervened. On September 11, 2011, Taylor was messing around with friends and fell off the hood of a car, hitting her head. She had suffered a severe brain injury and was placed in a medically induced coma, in hopes her brain would heal. A week into her hospital stay, an unresponsive Taylor had a brain hemorrhage. Her already poor prognosis got even more dismal. Despite attempts to save her life, a part of Taylor’s brain dipped into her spinal canal, basically ending the road for the teenager. Doctors told her family that nothing else could be done to help her and that she would never wake up again. Soon after, chiropractor and family friend Dr. Jeff Stickel came to the hospital, saying he felt God was trying to tell him to treat her. Her parents didn’t feel comfortable with that given how far gone Taylor already was. Dr. Stickel then asked if he could pray with the family instead. With his hand on her neck, he prayed to God that Taylor would recover. “I could feel [her] life force in my fingers,” he said. He left a couple minutes later, but came back. “It was like God nudged me back in there.” This time, he prayed, feeling her skull. “What if I could pray hard enough [for the skull to heal]?” he thought to himself. He left the room after the second prayer.

"Pastor"

“Their (pastors) responsibility is to equip God’s people to do His work and build the church, the Body of Christ” Ephesians 4:11b-12

Titles have always seemed rather overstated to me or even laughable at times. I do take very seriously though, my responsibility to build the Body of Christ, His church. I have a great deal of respect for pastors who truly care about God’s people. After all it is work that we are doing, or should I say He is doing, through us. If pastor’s do not build they tear down, if they are not responsible, then they are irresponsible. If the Body of Christ is ill-equipped, then the pastor needs to look at their hearts.

God’s Dwelling Place # 6 by: Suzanne Teuben, Director of High School Ministry

“As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up […] so that his hands remained steady till sunset.” Exodus 17:11-12

During week 6, we studied the people chosen to minister in the Tabernacle and to serve the Israelites. Exodus 32:25-29, recounts when the Levites earned their call to be “set apart to the Lord” and blessed by Him for their devotion among a sinful and rebellious people. Out of this tribe came Aaron who, along with his sons, became the priesthood and was instructed to care for the sanctuary and the altar. The Levites were then instructed to support the priesthood by caring for the tabernacle as a whole.

"Full House"

“So his master said, ‘ Go into the country lanes and behind the hedges and urge anyone you find to come, so that the house will be full.” Luke 14:23

Jesus had asked the disciples to get Him a houseful of people because He was going to teach. They did so, inviting just about everybody and then told Him there was still room. To which He replies with verse 23. Let me make several bullet point comments on this passage.

"Everyone is Welcome"

"My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism." James 2:1

Pretty clear, huh? If you really believe in Him and that only He deserves glory; don’t glorify anyone by putting them above, ahead, over, or more important than anyone else. This is called favoritism. If everyone is welcome then one of the ways we prove that we really care is by not putting anyone on a pedestal of any kind. Here is a short list of those who we’re tempted to favor. Let’s be honest.