Finding the Real MeBy Pastor Manny
I recently read Abba’s Child by the late Brennan Manning. Manning’s death a few weeks ago inspired me to consider reading and rereading some of his works and gleaning all that I can from this godly man who did nothing more than seek and own who God created him to be. This is the desire I have for my own spiritual journey and the prayer that I pray for each of you. In the opening chapters of this book Manning paints a picture of the imposter. This was an all too familiar portrait for me. I felt the discomfort of my former friend as I read through these pages. My imposter was born out of a home life that lacked spirituality and blessing combined with a deep desire for belonging, worth, and accomplishment. Manning’s words captured the essence of the emptiness I felt as I tried to earn the admiration of others. Much like Manning’s own experience, my imposter and I had a long overdue encounter at a retreat several years ago. I was able to allow myself to be still before God, maybe for the first time ever, and what I felt was not bitterness or spite but unconditional love. What a freeing moment! Why had it taken so long to allow God’s truth to pour over me like a sweet fragrance? Why couldn’t I have been freed from the bondage of my imposter before now? One reason, as Manning shares, is that; “The false self hates to be alone, knowing that if he would become silent within and without he would discover himself to be nothing” (43). It is more than hate; it is a deep-seated fear to be alone with one’s false self. The thing that helps me stay anchored to my true self, the self I am in Christ, is the love that I feel when I allow myself to be rescued from the depths of falsity. This is where God begins to reveal the redeemed beloved child that I am to Him. In Matthew 10 Jesus tells us not to fear man because he can only kill your body. Instead he tells us we should fear “The One who can destroy both soul and body in hell” (Matthew 10:28, NIV). In other words, why worry about what others think? Why strive to please men? Instead we should have a healthy fear of God, who can not only kill our body, but also condemn our souls to hell. It’s actually quite a grim viewpoint if you do not consider Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, but if you do, this verse offers freedom and peace from the imposter in all of us. The reality is, I am free because of Jesus and the only one worth fearing is Him. But even that is no longer a fear for me because I have chosen to have a relationship with Him. He has made me worthy. He has paid the price of death for me. I am now free to become the child of God I was created to be. So many people who grow up in brokenness only know their brokenness apart from Christ. This leads to the creation of protective layers in our lives, which shield us from the world around us, but they also create a buffer between us and our Heavenly Father, who desires to know us intimately. The tricky part is that in order for this transition to lead to transformation we have to come to grips with the shadow we have allowed to form. We must allow God to cast light on the imposter so that we can deal with our brokenness, hurts, and wounds in ways that lead to healing instead of death. By doing this we can experience the fullness of who we are in the context of a real, raw, and vulnerable relationship with our God who loves us unconditionally. God created you and gave you gifts and a purpose. The imposter inside is a result of wounds that were dealt apart from God’s healing hand. The scars of yesterday can affect the way you see yourself today. In the still moments when we allow God’s truth to wash over us, we can experience the reality of who we are in God’s sight. The scars will fade and the imposter will retreat leaving the fullness of who God created you to be.
“Yet all those who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12, NIV)
KINGDOM ROCK VBS: Where Kids Stand Strong for God! Kingdom Rock is going to reach today’s kids. From the inspiring music and Bible adventures to the energizing games and Bible Buddy apps – each is designed to connect children’s minds and hearts to one simple daily Bible Point. Kids will develop a rock-solid faith as they discover how to stand strong for God. Kids age 3-grade 6 get ready for an adventure! You don’t want to miss the fun during the evenings of August 4-9. Adults and teens, pray about how you can share your God-given gifts with this vital ministry to children and families. Let Margaret or Jenalee know how you’d like to help. Pray for the 50+ kids we hope to reach. You don’t want to miss seeing how God will work!
HOC Meal Report: 16 from BLFC (and 3 extras) were involved in preparing, serving and cleanup for 58 guests. Our volunteers included Levi & Ramona, Reg & Melidy, Scott & Mary and Brent & Ann who provided food or funds; Bob & Jeanette who prepared; Chuck, Ann & Darla who served; Alicia M & Neil were on cleanup. Deneen Ahumada (Mesquakie Friends Director) with 2 teen daughters came around 4:00 and stayed through the cleanup. Their help was appreciated very much. Our next meal will be June 27.
June Nursery(SS) Sunday School (W) Worship June 2(SS) Breanne Butler & Melidy Martin (W) Jenalee Garcia & Kay Feltz June 9 (SS) Rick Bachman & Leah Higgins (W) Joe Feltz & Beth Moore June 16(SS) Lora Bachman & Clarke Macy (W) Kris Young & Diane Teske June 23(SS) Ann Nichols & Chris Evertsen (W) Jolene Nolta & Will Macy June 30(SS) Jo Macy & Daniel Feltz (W) Peggy Martin & Josie Evertsen
Humor for the hard timesThe following quotes were taken from the actual job performance evaluations of employees: 1. “Since my last report, this employee has reached rock bottom and has started to dig.” 2. “His men would follow him anywhere, but only out of morbid curiosity.” 3. “I would not allow this employee to breed.” 4. “This associate is really not so much of a has-been, but more of a definitely won’t be.” 5. “Works well when under constant supervision and cornered like a rat in a trap.” 6. “When she opens her mouth, it seems that this is only to change whichever foot was previously in there.” 7. “He would be out of his depth in a parking lot puddle.” 8. “This young lady has delusions of adequacy.” 9. “He sets low personal standards and then consistently fails to achieve them.” 10. “This employee should go far – and the sooner he starts, the better.” -contributed
Spiritual Formation Group A new study group will meet on Wednesday, June 12th at the church at 6:30 pm, open to all adults for study, prayer and discussion. The group, which will meet semi-regularly, (every 2-3 weeks) will begin in Matthew, chapters 1 and 2, which those attending are asked to read before the first meeting.
Bangor USFW Ladies will gather at Jeanette Roe’s home in Clemons on June 18 at 1:30. Peggy Martin and granddaughter, Ria will provide the program and/or entertainment.
Parade FloatHelp build a float for the Tar Heels parade Wednesday, June 19, 7:00, Reg Martin’s shed Theme: “Live Love”
Liberty USFW Liberty USFW ladies will meet at Culver’s in Marshalltown at 11:30 am on Thursday, June 20th for lunch and fellowship.
Feeling Left Out? If you would like to volunteer for our Sunday School or Worship Nurseries you can still get on the list! Just contact Manny or Diane! New Church Directory!Dates for photographing individuals and families for our new church directory are Friday, July 19, from 2:00-9:00 pm and Saturday, July 20, from 9:00-4:00 pm. Volunteer hosts to greet and register families/individuals will be needed for those 2 days. Also we are looking for someone to help with the design and layout of the directory. See Darla Nichols or Diane Teske if you would like to be involved! More details for signing up for your photography sessions will be announced soon.
Run for Redemption Pastor Manny completed his 3 marathon runs the week of May 12th despite some physical issues and raised close to $2,000 which is being sent to Boston for the marathon bombing victims. Thanks to all who supported him during his runs or gave donations.
Have a Car Available? IAYM Missions Committee is looking for a car for Sam Barber’s use while he is home on deputation from Belize this summer. He will put extra insurance on the car. If you have one he could use June 20-August 20, contact Ann Nichols at 641-752-1931 or 641-485-2948 or via email at: alnichols@q.com.
June Missions Emphasis The Barbers & Belize Friends School Founded by Friends in the 1970s, the school provides boys (and now girls) who did not pass their 8th grade exam with the opportunity of another year of study to retake the exam. Sam and Becky, from Iowa, are ending their 4th year as co-directors. Each has degrees that allow them to teach along with Miss Candi. The school has had great success in producing high school graduates. Some alumni have gone on to attend the university. They have been recognized as the greenest in Belize City due to collection of over 70 lbs. of recyclable materials per student. For 2 years in a row they placed in the top two in a citywide invitational swim meet. Students come from varying background. (70% of Belize’s population is under age 35.) While most are good kids they often come from broken homes with neglect. Gang violence has increased in recent years, sometimes affecting the school and the Barbers directly. Please remember the Belize Friends School in your prayers this month. Pray that God will continue to direct the ministry and the Barber’s. Pray for health and safety of the family and Miss Candi. Pray for domestic and gang violence to subside. Pray that present and future students will see the Barber’s witness and wish to have a relationship with Jesus for themselves. Our third Sunday Mission Offering will be in support of this ministry. However, you may wish to donate the evening of the June 23rd when Sam Barber will be at our church to share personally at 6:30 pm.
Coming in July - Church Leadership Training Saturday, July 6 & Sunday, July 7 Dr. Jim Le Shana who led the Church Multiplication Conference at Barclay College in Kansas recently will be here to share with our church family. If you are a teacher or serve on a committee this training will be valuable to you. Sessions will be held on Saturday, from 9 am to 2 pm (tentatively) and during Sunday School on Sunday. Dr. Le Shana will also be speaking during Morning Worship with a wrap up session afterwards. If you have any questions about the training contact Pastor Manny or any Ministry & Counsel member.
Library Ledge For Guys & Gals During June the library ledge (in the back of the worship room) will display books, audios and DVD’s geared toward both Guys & Gals. Men will find autobiographies of sport stars and encouragement for Dads. Women will find challenge and humor to help them in their everyday lives as businesswomen, moms and volunteers. No matter your stage in life there are materials to help you stretch and grow in your Christian life as faithful Guys & Gals serving our Lord. Check out the library ledge! And don’t forget to check out the magazine rack inside the entryway door for current or past issues of different magazines that people are sharing with others.
June “Live Love” Ideas · In honor of National Doughnut Day (the first Friday in June) hand out free doughnuts to anyone shopping at a Salvation Army Store. National Doughnut Day honors Salvation Army “Lassies” who volunteered during WWI. Often doughnuts were cooked in oil in the soldier’s metal helmet. · Buy a grocery gift card then hand it to a customer waiting in line. Or be anonymous and give it back to the clerk with instructions to use whenever they feel it is needed. · Smile Power Day is June 15th. Give everyone you see a friendly smile. A smile makes the world a happy place and it’s contagious. However, a smile must be sincere. Flash a toothy smile to everyone you encounter. A smile is so powerful that it can add years to your life, improve relationships and reduce stress. · Place a single flower on random windshields with notes that say “Have a nice day.” · Make or provide cut flowers to be delivered with Meal on Wheels.
Ways that Kids and Teens Can Live Love this Summer. *Offer free babysitting while a mom shops to give her some time to herself. *Purchase and pass out Silly Bandz to kids at a local park.
*Sort your clothes, setting aside those you have outgrown or no longer wear. Donate them to the Salvation Army or to a family you know could use and appreciate them.
The Lord is my Shepherd ----- that's a Relationship! I shall not want -----that's Supply! He
maketh me to lie down in green pastures ----that's Rest! that's Refreshment! He
restoreth my soul -----that's Healing! that's Discipline! Thou
preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies ---that's Hope! that's
Consecration! -Contributed
God’s Post it Notes Don’t let your worries get the best of you; Remember, Moses started out as a basket case.
Some people are kind, polite, and sweet-spirited until you try to sit in their pews.
|