Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Something for which to be Thankful

One of the students from ACF was baptized last Sunday at a local church!
Check out the Video.

Monday, November 23, 2009

Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser

Check out this awesome video Greg put together to promote the ACF Spaghetti fundraiser dinner.



Anyone in town should come and hear about all the amazing things the Lord is doing in the lives of the students in ACF.

Dec 5th 5:30-7:30 at Faith Community Church in Roslyn.

If you can't make it to the dinner but would like to contribute to the scholarship fund click on the donate link below.





Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Joy in Suffering

I continue to be amazed at how the Lord works in my life "according to His good purpose" (Phil 2:13) In my own study time I have been studying the fruit of the spirit. This week I am learning about Joy.

One of the concepts I am learning is that Joy is "the supernatural result which flows from the glorious discovery of our Lord and Savior in every circumstance where we wish to find him."

Did you catch the word EVERY?

In prep for my Tuesday night study with the girls (as I like to call them)I have been looking at Acts 16:16-40. This passage describes the beating and imprisonment of Paul and Silas. This is a very familiar passage. I can still remember Sunday school lessons with the flannel board cut outs of Paul and Silas in prison praising the Lord.

Paul and Silas discovered the power of God through difficulty. How encouraging to recognize the strength to stay! Because he did the Jailer and his entire family have their names written in the Lamb's book of life!

Here is a video I am going to show tonight about one woman's story of suffering.



Jer 29:13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

Seek and find the Lord...discover Joy.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Contest

Below is a picture Greg's mom took of Cole while they were here taking care of the kids in October. It makes me laugh every time I look at it.

100 awesomeness points goes to someone who can come up with the best caption...Leave a comment below.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Idolatry

Tuesday nights I (Ashley) lead a small group bible study for 10-12 students. This semester we have been going through Acts. This week we are looking at Acts 14. In this chapter Paul and Barnabas perform miraculous "signs and wonders" in the name of the Lord. The people in Lystra misinterpret these acts and start to worship them as gods. Paul and Barnabas were so distraught at idea of taking the place of God, and being worshiped that they tore their clothes. They tried to explain the good news of Christ with the people, but the they would not listen.

This got me thinking about idolatry in our culture. On the surface this commandment seems a bit outdated. People are not making golden calves to bow down to....are they?

I ran across this video in my research for small group tonight.



I like what Mark Driscoll says at the end of the video. The commandment that seems to be the least relevant "may be the most relevant commandment of all."

Monday, November 9, 2009

Quote of the Day



I am currently re-reading the Mark of the Lion Series by Francine Rivers. I highly recommend it to anyone. I am overcome by the goodness and sovereignty of the Lord each time I read anything by Francine Rivers, but especially this series.

I read this last night and made it my own prayer to to Lord.

Search me, Lord, and cleanse me. Let me be a tool in your hands and not a slave to my weakness.

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Pride

My bible study time this morning centered on 1 Corinthians 13 and the meaning of Agape love. This is a familiar passage to many. The phrase that stuck out to me was "Love is not proud". I looked up several passages about pride and one that hit me between the eyes was Psalm 10:4

In his pride the wicked does not seek him;
in all his thoughts there is no room for God

Did that take the wind out of you too? Yesterday from the time my alarm went off until I fell asleep putting Abby to bed I was busy. I went from one thing to the next without one thought turning to the Lord. I was frustrated with all I had to do, and then pride reared it's ugly head. That led to quarrels and me being short with the kids. Sound familiar?

I read this poem this morning.
My name is Pride. I am a cheater.
I cheat you of your God-given destiny...because
you demand your own way.
I cheat you of contentment...because you
"deserve better than this."
I cheat you of knowledge...because you already
know it all.
I cheat you of healing...because you're too full of
me to forgive.
I cheat you of holiness...because you refuse to
admit when you're wrong.
I cheat you of vision...because you'd rather look
in the mirror than out a window.
I cheat you of genuine friendship...because
nobody's going to know the real you.
I cheat you of love...because real romance
demands sacrifice.
I cheat you of greatness in heaven...because you
refuse to wash another's feet on earth.
I cheat you of God's glory...because I convince
you to seek your own.

I am Pride. I am a cheater.
You like me because you think I'm always looking
out for you. Untrue.
I'm looking to make a fool of you.
God has so much for you, I admit, but don't worry...
If you stick with me
You'll never know.


Beth Moore-Praying God's Word

Father, please help me to always make room in my thoughts for you, God. Don't allow me to continue on in pride that stops me from seeking you. Amen.