December 21, 2020

Devotional for Monday, December 21

Sisters and Brothers of Community Church - Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ! This is Pastor Greg checking in with you at Christmas time.
 
This past week has been a time of ‘lasts’ for me – last DivorceCare session; last GriefShare; last Grace & Truth, and this marks my last “Checking In” before my last message on December 27^th and my departure from ministry at Community.
 
It’s been an emotional time, especially impacted by this viral pandemic. This pandemic has resulted in more than just physical illness as the isolation and restrictions that have contributed to oftentimes severe anguish for many individuals. Please note the following resources that I had received in which you may find some excellent support during this time, and please feel free to share them with friends and neighbors – a tangible way to live out the art of neighboring!
 
As I conclude my ministry at Community, I have been blessed beyond words to serve you since your call to be one of your pastors that began May 2013!  It has truly been a JOY, filled with laughter and tears as I have been part of many of your lives through good times and hard times. I have been blessed to work with Pastor Trent and such an awesome pastoral team and under the dedicated leadership of the Community Church Consistory! Most of all I am thankful for God’s amazing Grace that saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, was blind but now I see!
 
‘May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.’  Romans 15:13
 
Pastor Greg – signing off – Merry Christmas!
 
You can start with this resource: Ed Welch: https://www.ccef.org/secret-dealing-fear-and-anxiety/
David Powlison has a game plan for worry here: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/.../a-game-plan-for.../
Pastor David Murray has an extensive list of resources here: http://headhearthand.org/.../09/11/resources-for-depression/
Paul Tripp’s six action steps for combating anxiety: http://mattwbc.blogspot.com/.../six-steps-for-combating...
Book - A Students Guide to Anxiety: https://www.ccef.org/book/a-students-guide-to-anxiety/
Book - Overcoming Anxiety: Relief for Worried People https://www.ccef.org/.../overcoming-anxiety-relief.../
Sermon on Psalm 94: https://www.ccef.org/.../help-and-hope-special-edition.../
When I Am Afraid: A Step-by-Step Guide Away from Fear and Anxiety: https://www.ccef.org/.../when-i-am-afraid-a-step-by-step.../
A Small Book for the Anxious Heart: https://www.ccef.org/.../a-small-book-for-the-anxious-heart/
The Skill of Living in the Future: https://www.ccef.org/the-skill-of-living-in-the-future/
Eaten Up with Worry // Erin Davis: https://www.reviveourhearts.com/.../eaten-up-with-worry/
Podcast: Strategies for Fighting Anxiety: https://www.reviveourhearts.com/.../revi.../anxiety-defined/
Three Big Promises for the Fight: https://www.desiringgod.org/.../let-god-blow-away-your...
Book by Dr. David Murray: https://www.heritagebooks.org/.../christians-get...
Video Teaching by Dr. David Murray: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNB1U7i9Bqw
Thinking Biblically About Worry: https://www.ligonier.org/.../thinking-biblically-about.../
"Remember that a good part of the Christian life, as Lloyd-Jones said, is learning how to preach to yourself more than listen to yourself:" https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/.../jus.../morning-blues/
God’s Work in Your Depression // Ask Pastor John: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DM9l4es4GWg
How to deal with dark times | Tim Keller: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ulmaUtbayGY
A Prayer About Being Anxious and Trusting Jesus: https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/.../a-prayer-about.../
 

Devotional for Tuesday, December 22

Good day to you all!  MO here, bringing you the check-in devotional for today. 
 
Just in case you are counting down to Christmas, today is December 22, and there is 3 days left.  I am having a difficult time coming up with what to write to you all.  It doesn’t feel like Christmas this year.  There is no snow, yet.  Families are planning to meet on Zoom rather than in person to keep those they love the most, safe from illness. 
 
When I look back to Christmas’s past I remember going to my grandparent’s house.  We would spend the time in the basement with family.  One of my cousins would dress up like Santa.  The fireplace would be going.  The mantle decorated with the old C9 lights, elves, and Santa and his sleigh (that normally held Hersey kisses). It was always cozy and warm even in the basement.  I don’t remember the presents that I got, but I remember the laughs and the feeling of joy being with family.  Things have changed since then.  Our families spend Christmas separately since my grandparents are both in heaven.  My grandparents left a legacy of faith, family and hard work.  They gave us what would last a lifetime and is priceless.  Growing up I spent a lot of time on the farm with them.  My grandpa taught me how to fish, drive a tractor, farm and collect butternuts and shell them.  My grandma taught me how to bake, knit, and sew.  But most importantly they taught me that the love of God would never leave me.  Just like it says in the song “The Love of God is Greater Far”.  In the song it says “O love of God, how rich and pure!  How measureless and strong!  It shall forevermore endure—The saints’ and angels’ song.”  God’s love is measureless.  It doesn’t end.  It will continue even when we are gone. 
 
At my grandma’s funeral I learned that she spent her morning in prayer for her family.  To know that she prayed for me daily made me smile and cry at the same time.  To know that we pass on the legacy of those who have gone before us gives me joy.  Spread some of your legacy around, and of course some Christmas cheer!