Lively Stones Baptist Church Newsletter    March 2022

Livelystonesbc   -   March 1, 2022

Lively Stones Baptist Church Newsletter    March 2022

Pastor’s Pen

The other day, I had the privilege of speaking at the funeral of a dear church member that passed from this life into the presence of our Lord and Savior. He was in the military and served our country as a good soldier. That thought reminded me of what the apostle Paul said in 2 Timothy 2:3-4, “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.” I think of the hymn we sing “Onward Christian Soldier”. It is a song that challenges us to be a good soldier for the Captain of our Salvation, Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 2:10) Let me give you some thoughts about being in the army of God.

First, a good soldier suffers at times. This is seen in verse 3, that we endure hardness. What would enduring hardness mean for us today? We endure (fight) with the old nature we all possess. Some days it’s a real struggle. (Romans 7) In this life we need to endure (keep fighting the flesh, the world, and the devil). Don’t give up! The victory is ours in Jesus!

(1 John 2:14)

Second, is that a good soldier satisfies his Commander in Chief. He pleases the commander by being obedient. A good soldier carries out his commander’s orders. He doesn’t question or delay his commander’s orders! A good soldier realizes that the commander knows best and keeps his priorities right. A good soldier does not entangleth himself in the affairs of this life to where he can’t be obedient to his Lord commander.

Third, is that a good soldier serves his commander. He serves by being faithful in all areas of the soldier life. Are we faithful, as a good soldier to the Lord in all areas of our lives? Is he really the one we are serving? Can our commander depend on you to carry out the orders faithfully? Faithfulness to Christ and His church is so important in these last days. Let us be faithful!!

Fourth, is that a good soldier is sanctified. This is found in verse 4 with the word chosen. That means two things, chosen for salvation (in Christ as our Savior), but also chosen to be set apart for the work of being a good soldier. If Jesus has saved you, you need to get busy living the holy life that He has taught us in His Word. We were never to be saved to do nothing, but saved to help build the Kingdom of God.

Have you been called by the Commander? Today let’s make it a point to “Go forward into battle, see His banner rise, onward Christian soldier, marching as to war”!

Pastor – Rev. Michael J Kent, Sr.

Daylight Saving Time: Daylight Saving Time begins on Sunday, March 13. Don’t forget to set your clocks ahead one hour before going to bed on Saturday night.

Schedule of Events

Anti-Bullying Facts

Aline Weaver Kent, PhD.

New Directions Ministry

According to our first lady’s Anti-Bullying Program, “Do Something”, here are 11 Facts about bullying:

1. Over 3.2 million students are victims of bullying each year.

2. Approximately 160,000 teens skip school every day because of bullying.

3. 17% of American students report being bullied 1 to 2 times a month or more within a school semester.

4. 1 in 4 teachers see nothing wrong with bullying and will only intervene 4% of the time.

5. By age 14, less than 30% of boys and 40% of girls will talk to their peers about bullying.

6. Over 67% of students believe that schools respond poorly to bullying, with a high percentage of students believing that adult help is infrequent and ineffective.

7. 71% of students report incidents of bullying as a problem at their school.

8. 90% of 4th through 8th graders report being victims of bullying.

9. 1 in 10 students drop out of school because of repeated bullying.

10. As boys age they are less and less likely to feel sympathy for victims of bullying. In fact, they are more likely to add to the problem than solve it.

11. Physical bullying increases in elementary school, peaks in middle school and declines in high school. Verbal abuse, on the other hand, remains constant.

Here are five signs that parents can look for if they suspect their child is being cyberbullied:

1. Emotionally agitated after getting off the internet or their device.

2. Seems anxious or uneasy when they receive an alert or text message.

3. Unwilling to hand over their device.

4. Changes in mood, withdrawn, depressed, or often angry, anxious and defensive

5. Change in behavior, sleep patterns or grades

The National Coalition for Children recommends that children should not have access to any device (cell phone or computer) without direct adult supervision until the age of 13.

Love Languages of Children

By Dr. Gary Chapman

Submitted by: Aline Weaver Kent, PhD.

New Directions Ministry

Love Language #1: Physical Touch – Can’t get enough hugs, kisses, pats on the back and other physical expressions of love. Holding hands, piggyback rides help too. Without PT, your child will be shy, closed off from others, restless, sober and silent.

Love Language #2: Words of Affirmation – These are words of affection, endearment, praise, encouragement, guidance, and quick apologies for negative, critical, or harsh remarks. Big doses given daily are required. Without WoA, your child will constantly question what you say and will rarely believe you tell the truth when ‘I love you’ is said.

Love Language #3: Quality Time – Your undivided attention! Being together, positive eye contact, smiles, sharing thoughts and feelings, quality conversations, storytelling of your childhood and theirs. Without QT, your child will experience a gnawing uneasiness that s/he is not loved.

Love Language #4: Gifts – giving and receiving gifts expresses love anywhere you go. Giving must be sincere, not payback. The gift item is given simply for the benefit of the receiver, and is a tangible expression of genuine love. No conditions are attached to the gift. Do not make the mistake of giving gifts in lieu of quality time.

Love Language #5: Acts of Service – Parenting is a service-oriented vocation. Training is constant, 24/7, which can be physically and emotionally demanding. Balance is the key. Also, acts of service are age appropriate. Once a child is taught a task, s/he is then responsible for that task. ‘Helping’ does not mean teaching laziness. Making beds for a 4-year-old is an act of service; not for an eight-year-old. Coming when your child cries for help is an internally motivated desire to give one’s energy freely, not under coercion or guilt.

There Is a Light

Rev. Adrian Lilly

The days of man are but a vapor. A twinkling of an eye and civilizations perish from the face of the earth, leaving silent ruins of a once mighty city. Empires turn into the habitats of animals that tread the mighty stones of great buildings to dust. Nothing on this earth lasts forever. No Nation, no People, no individual is immortal, nor can any stand alone or sustain themselves by their own might. There comes a time for all things to end.

Knowing that we live on a sin cursed, fallen world where nothing lasts forever and everything dies, we should be interested in things of Heaven and things of Eternity. God is forever and one day He will restore this decaying world of death which groans and awaits its liberation, One day things will be set right again. One day people will reach their eternal destiny, whether it be joy and happiness without end in the presence of Jesus, reconciled to God through the cross, or eternal death and despair through God’s judgment which could have been escaped by accepting Christ and turning from sin. Life is meaningless and empty if it is solely based on the decaying yet shiny things of this world. Life is fulfilling and satisfying if lived with eternity in perspective and the Holy Spirit to guide us.

In the darkness there is a light. It is within our view. The light is not hidden within the recesses of the shadows. The light is not flickering dimly at the bottom of a great pit. The light is high on a hilltop for all to see. The light is plainly visible in every aspect of our lives. We can reject it and fumble in the darkness trying to make our own way until we perish in our error, or we can accept the light of Christ and become a light ourselves guiding the lost out of darkness. There is a light in this darkness. There is an answer to our painful burning questions. There is a soothing cool water of the love of Christ to quench the burning fires of anger and bitterness in our own hearts. There is rest and revival for our exhausted burnt-out state.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

God loves us so much that He sent his only begotten Son, Jesus Christ, to live in this fallen sin cursed miserable dark world surrounded by evil at every turn, seeking the lost, and living among us suffering our condition. Jesus got hungry, Jesus wept, Jesus got angry, Jesus laughed and loved others, and taught all among us. He came to be with us and shine a bright light in a dark world that still shines today through the power of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of believers. Jesus died covered in our sins and pain to free us from it. He died so we might have eternal life. When we accept Him, we accept His death on the cross was for us and our sins are crucified with Him. He rose from the dead so that we can follow. Although our sinful carnal side still lives on, we have the Holy Spirit as our guide who can lead us away from sin. Through daily repentance, prayer and confession, we crucify the carnal nature and focus on the guiding instructions of the Holy Spirit to eternal life. We become a light to witness to others and teach them through God’s Word and our own testimony of what God has done for us. The light grows!!

How wonderful it is to have eternal life with Jesus and to be free from the burdens of sin, and to know there is more to life than what this fallen world has to offer!

Spring Cleaning for Your Soul

Rachel Wojo (DaySpring)

March 04, 2021

Each spring arrives in God’s perfect timing and this year is no different. The signs of spring’s arrival are promising progress! Last week the brave, first flowers appeared in their beds, contrasting their pretty purple hues and dark green leaves against the dull mulch. Several mornings I awoke to the music of birds chirping loudly and the sound of squirrels skipping through branches. The refreshing sights and sounds of spring bring winter to a close and new life is ushered in. Sweet breezes blow fresh air through open windows and the natural seasonal celebration begs to be accompanied. After the dingy snow banks of late winter have melted away, there’s nothing more invigorating than the opportunity to rejuvenate your home—and a spiritual spring cleaning is even more welcome in this season of renewal.

As I’ve walked through the house, I’ve felt the itch. You know the one? The desire to restore a crisp, clean feel to all surfaces, purging or refurbishing the old and embracing the new. This unexplainable urgency to scrub and declutter every nook and cranny encourages a new spirit of energy. I’m ready to join in this seasonal cleaning by breaking out the mops, brooms and dusters. Extra cleaning supplies and new replacement scrub brushes have already been purchased in preparation for the time I’ve set aside to work on extra scouring and eliminating.

Yesterday as I glanced at my planner and saw the words “spring cleaning,” I thought about what might happen if I included thoughts of organizing and reviving my soul and spirit alongside the house. As a “list kind of girl,” these thoughts quickly expanded into a few points. How does one “spring clean” her spirit? By applying the methods of seasonal housekeeping, the following ideas for a spiritual spring cleaning emerged. Perhaps you could use one or two? I know I needed them!

     Purge any old attitudes and allow myself the freedom to move into a new season.

It’s easy to fall into maintaining a certain spirit continually, even if that train of thought doesn’t line up with God’s Word. What if I asked God to remove this attitude and embraced newfound spiritual independence to move forward?

     Ask Jesus to scrub my heart clean again as I request forgiveness and forgive myself.

I remember hearing a sermon once about keeping short accounts with God. The pastor explained that being close to Jesus meant not only forgiving others, but embracing forgiveness for myself. What about enjoying his grace anew?

     Clean out the cobwebs of negative thoughts.

Grab a rag and dust “I can’t do this” and “This will never work” right out of the corner and into the trash. Discarding negative thought patterns and latching on to spiritual truths will deliver a renewed spirit. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to experience a vivacious, positive thought life?

     Take inventory of my spiritual routines and spruce them up as needed.

Restore stale relationships by connecting and showing love again. Call or text a friend you haven’t seen in a while.

This spring, let’s spend a little quiet time with God, maybe even while we’re dusting, mopping and decluttering. Because, what better time to refresh your soul than during spring cleaning? Let’s invite Him to show us what we might need to “clean up” in order to grow deeper in our faith and closer to our Father.

God’s Plan for Renewal

By First15

One of the best aspects of spending time alone with God is being renewed daily by his word and presence. When we make space for God in our lives, especially at the beginning of the day, he is faithful to renew and prepare us for all we will face out in the world. Scripture says, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). Where do you need renewal? How greatly do you need God’s mercies in your life? He has a plan to both teach and guide you into an encounter with him that will renew you with his overwhelming goodness and love. Make space for God. Make time to encounter him. And experience the refreshing spring rain he longs to bring to heal the dry and weary places of your heart.

God has an incredible plan for renewal in your life. He knows better than anyone the trials, circumstances, and people that wear you down. And he knows that you need time to be refreshed by him. Often, we seek rest and renewal from people and entertainment. Our friends, family, and entertainment can be great sources of fun and rest to be sure, but the only consistent and true source of renewal we have is spending time with our heavenly Father. Only he knows to the full extent what you need. And only he can give it to you. So, before we dive into the process of having specific areas of our lives renewed by God this week, let’s allow him to simply reveal how to rest in his word and presence.

First, let’s look at what Scripture says about our need for renewal. 2 Corinthians 4:16 says, “Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.”  Because of the nature of sin and separation from God, we as humans will not live in our fleshly bodies forever. Genesis 3:19 says, “By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread, till you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” But we also have the promise of Jesus in John 11:26 that “everyone who lives and believes in [him] shall never die.” We live on the earth knowing one day our earthly bodies will pass away, and we will at the same time be taken from this world to the next. But God’s desire is that while you are here in this body you would be renewed in your spirit every day. Though your body will grow weary, he desires to strengthen your spirit with the hope of an everlasting life with an all-loving God who cares for you. You can meet with God every day. You’ve been given the ability through the Spirit to rest in God’s presence, to know his nearness and love. You can have the same experience as Paul in being “renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).

So, how can we experience God’s promised renewal? How do we rest in God’s presence and allow him to revive us? First, it starts with trusting that God will reveal his love to you when you meet with him. In Jesus’ high priestly prayer in John 17, he asks God to love us with the same love with which he loves Jesus (John 17:26). When you ask him to show you his love, he will. When you make space to encounter him, he will fill you with his presence. Trust that God loves to meet with you and renew you.

Also, foundational to experiencing renewal is engaging in worship. You and I are created to worship. It is both our highest goal and greatest success. When you engage in worship daily, you will experience a renewed sense of purpose and direction. Last, spend time reading God’s word, allowing it to change you and lead you to obedience. You must experience renewal in areas of your life that are not aligned with God’s word. You have to spend time allowing yourself to be shaped and transformed by what God says is best for you. So much of being renewed by God is choosing to believe his word over our experience of what we feel is true.

Let your faith be stirred to encounter your heavenly Father today. You can earnestly desire to meet with him without any fear or reservation that you won’t experience his renewal. Know that when you wake up every morning, God has a plan for the time you spend with him and the ability to reveal it to you through the Holy Spirit. God earnestly desires to renew you. He longs to heal the wounded and dry places in your life. Spend time today meditating on God’s promise of renewal, and allow your desires to be stirred to receive all that your heavenly Father longs to give you.

1. Meditate on God’s promise for renewal.

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23

“So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

2. Reflect on areas in your life that seem dry or weary. 

Where do you need to be renewed today?

3. Rest in God’s presence and allow his love to renew those areas of your life. 

Spend time in his presence. Spend time worshiping. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you God’s specific plan for renewal in your life. Look up Scripture that applies and let it mold and renew you.

“So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.” 1 John 4:16

May the prayer of your heart today be like David’s in Psalm 63:1-3: “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water. So I have looked upon you in the sanctuary, beholding your power and glory. Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you.” Just as David looked upon the Lord in his sanctuary, you can see God daily. Just as he beheld God’s power, glory, and love, you can experience God. May you be renewed today as you step out into the world, and may God’s strength be your source as you seek to live in light of his glorious nearness.

Extended Reading: 2 Corinthians 4

PRAYER FOR SPIRITUAL RENEWAL

Oh loving Lord,

Even though I know you and accept you as Lord and Savior, I don’t want to fall into a routine. So I come to you seeking a fresh, new perspective.

Not to throw away past lessons, but for your Spirit to rebuild and breathe new life into my faith.

Show me how to do this. Let me open myself completely to your voice; the voice that tells me God is love and in Christ all things are new.

Renew me, restore me, break me down if needed, then, let me fall in love again, oh Lord, trusting in your promises. Now a bit more mature and solid in the ways of the Master but still with so much to learn.

Let my joy be a deeper joy, one that celebrates and gives thanks.

Let my love be a deeper love, one that receives and gives life.

May it all start and end with my Lord, my God, my Savior Jesus Christ,

In his holy name,

Amen.