Archive for July, 2007

Military Families

Published
by
Larry
on July 29, 2007
in devotional
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The location of our church building near Fort Lewis and McChord Air Force Base has, over the years, given NAC a unique opportunity to serve military people. With the coming of Pierre Allegre and his experience as a military chaplain, I’m hoping to see this ministry blossom and bear even more fruit.

In addition to the normal stresses of life, military families face such challenges as frequent (and sometimes sudden) relocation and long-term deployment. Prolonged separation can and does strain marriages, too often to the breaking point. Soldier fathers, returning home after long absences, can find that their families have learned how to cope without them. This makes “reentry” doubly difficult.

I urge you to ask the Lord how you, as a part of the NAC family, can encourage and support the military families among us. Our window of opportunity for ministry is often short—two years or less. But the lasting influence such ministry can have can be immense.

Finished Work

Published
by
Jeff Smith
on July 8, 2007
in devotional
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The thought of the finished work of Jesus Christ has been a great comfort to me during the last few weeks. I find that our thoughts are often upon all that we are doing or not doing to advance the cause of Christ in the world.

In light of all that we are doing or not doing for Christ, I feel that we should be reminded of all that Christ has already done. Do you know that Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection were for you and that his sacrifice is enough to reconcile you to God? Do you have the unshakeable assurance that no matter what, you are safe in the arms of your Father?

Saint Patrick penned words that I believe should mark our lives:

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me, Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right, Christ on my left, Christ when I lie down, Christ when I sit down, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me, Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me, Christ in the eye that sees me,
Christ in the ear that hears me.

Paul’s words to the Philippians are powerful and persuasive: “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead” (Philippians 3:10-12).

The question we must ask is probably not, “How much am I doing for Christ?” as much as it is, “How much of Christ is in me?” The closer we get to Jesus the more we will be about our Father’s business.

Whatever anyone tells you about faith, know that Jesus is the beginning, middle, and end of salvation. Jesus is enough.

Direction

Published
by
Jeff Smith
on July 1, 2007
in devotional
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Navigating change in leadership can be somewhat stressful but I believe that we can enjoy peace as we trust the Lord. Let’s pray that we will readily know God’s leading. I have been meditating on Proverbs 3:5-6 lately and believe its message is important to remember during this time:

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.

Let’s also follow the advice of the writer of Hebrews and, “Fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.” The Lord will lead us if we keep our vision heavenward and simply trust him.

I believe the Lord wants us to approach every decision in life with child-like faith knowing that he is directing our path.