Sharing with Steve
We have just finished our series of sermons based on the book, Believe. This book is a follow-up to The Story. The theme of the book is to think, act, and be like Christ. This past Sunday’s sermon was on “humility.” In my study for this sermon I found some excellent help on how to practice humility. This comes from the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary on the Letter to the Philippians, written by Francis Chan.
Grow in humility by reflecting on the cross of Christ. After giving these exhortations, Paul immediately takes up to the cross. There is no room for pride at the cross. As the hymn says, “It was my sin that held him there, until it was accomplished” (Getty and Townend, “How Deep”). We see the holiness of God, the sinfulness of man, and the grace of our Lord on display at the Cross.
Grow in humility by reflecting on the glory of Christ. After describing Christ’s incarnation in Philippians 2:6-8, Paul points us to Christ’s exaltation in vv. 9-11. He reminds us that Christ is now ruling and reigning and that one day everyone will bow before our glorified King. Allow Christ’s all-sovereign lordship to create in you humble adoration before Him.
Grow in humility by reflecting on God’s Word, which reveals to us Christ’s humility and exaltation. Studying the Bible can be an act of humility in itself if you’re going to the Bible with the attitude, “I need Your Word more than bread.” It is the arrogant person who thinks he or she doesn’t need to hear from God’s Word. Of course, some read in order to fill their pride, and that’s wrong. God is looking for people who humbly seek and submit to His Word. He tells Isaiah, “I will look favorably on this kind of person; one who is humble, submissive in spirit, and trembles at My word” (Isa 66:2). As you study, meditate on the greatness of God. Like Asaph in Psalm 73, get before God and realize that He rules over all; stand in the way of His greatness and regain your perspective on yourself and all of life.
Grow in humility through prayer. One reason for our prayerlessness is lack of humility. Prayer is a very hard thing to do because it seems like we aren’t doing anything. But it’s also hard because it’s a humble act. We must humble ourselves before God’s mighty hand regularly and cast our cares on Him (1 Pet 5:6-7).
Grow in humility through serving others. By doing humble actions, like serving without being noticed, you may begin to grow in humility. Paul encourages the church to think on the interests of others. So serve people humbly. As you do this, pray for God to cultivate in you the spirit of humility that was so gloriously displayed in our Lord.
Men: meet for Breakfast this month
The every other month men’s breakfast will be Saturday, Nov. 10, at 8:30am in the Fellowship Hall. Tom Schwartzenberger will be fixing his “famous” pancakes, along with sausage and beverage. We will have a short lesson and then conclude with prayer. There is a sign-up sheet in the foyer. Plan now to attend this time of good food and fellowship.
Church Annual Meeting scheduled for Nov. 11
The 2018 Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, Nov. 11, following the morning service. Reports will be given by the leadership; election of elders and deacons will take place; and the 2019 budget will be explained and presented for approval. The meeting usually lasts about an hour. We want to thank you for your support of Meadowbrook and we look forward to a productive 2019.
Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child runs through Nov. 11
There is a display in the foyer for Samaritan’s Purse “Operation Christmas Child” (Shoebox Ministry). Please go online to www.samaritanspurse.org for more information.
We will have 3 different sizes of shoes boxes this year to accommodate larger items such as soccer balls or stuffed animals. Soccer balls and pumps will be available for purchase and are located in the church office. The cost of shipping is $9 per shoebox. You are strongly encouraged to make your payment online and print your label. That way you can track where your shoebox was sent. Sisters in Service is willing to assist in paying for shipping if needed. Please return your shoeboxes to the church by November 11th. If you have any questions please contact Ruth Lindhagen.
What goes into a Shoebox?
Pack boxes for age groups of boys and girls: 2-4, 5-9, 10-14
Gift Suggestions
Personal Care Items (comb, toothbrush, etc.), Clothing (flip-flops, hats/gloves, purse, etc), Crafts/activities (crayons, coloring books, notebooks, etc.), Toys (finger puppets, cars, etc.)
You may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself, your family, or group. If you include your name and an address, the child may be able to write back.
Children Learn about Jesus
“The Greatest Gift” Gospel booklet, available in more than 75 languages, is given out by Samaritan’s Purse with shoebox gifts around the world. With the Apostle John as narrator, the booklet shares 11 Scripture stories and invites children to follow Christ.
Do NOT include
Candy, toothpaste, gum, used or damaged items, war-related items such as toy guns, knives, or military figures, chocolate or food, seeds, fruit rolls or other fruit snacks, drink mixes (powdered or liquid), liquids or lotions, medications or vitamins, breakable items such as snow globes or glass containers, aerosol cans.
Donate to Thanksgiving Baskets for Lighthouse
Lighthouse of Oakland County provided Thanksgiving baskets to 1,200 families last year in Oakland County. This year Meadowbrook is partnering with them to help provide food to fill the baskets. Please drop off your donations in the foyer on Nov. 4 and 11. They are most in need of canned yams, canned vegetables, canned fruit, canned cranberry sauce, canned and jarred gravy, evaporated milk, box/can potatoes, muffin/baking/cake boxes with frosting, pie crust mix, stuffing, jello, snacks.
You may also donate money for the purchase of turkeys. A donation can is on the collection table. If donating by check, please make it payable to Lighthouse Emergency Services (your gift is tax deductible).
Thanks for being a blessing to needy families here in Oakland County! Any questions, please see Linda Tingley.
Donate blood at Red Cross Blood Drive
The Red Cross will be at Meadowbrook on Wednesday, Nov. 21 – the day before Thanksgiving – between 12:30 and 6:30 p.m. A reservation schedule is posted in the foyer. Please see Theresa Meegan if you have any questions.
Ruth warns of Drug-to-Drug Interactions
Nurse Practitioner Ruth Lindhagen will talk about potential interactions of medications, vitamins, supplements, alcohol, foods, beverages and herbal preparations. There are over 2 million serious adverse drug reactions per year in the United States resulting in 100,000 deaths. What can you do to safeguard your loved ones and yourselves? Attend this presentation that will be an eye-opener for anyone who takes prescription medication. SIS will meet on Monday, Nov. 26, at 6:30 p.m.
Upcoming Events at Meadowbrook
- Saturday, November 10 – Men’s Breakfast – 8:30am
- Sunday, November 11 – Annual Meeting – After morning service
- Sunday, November 18 – Guest Speaker – Steve on vacation
- Sunday, November 25 – Guest Speaker – Steve on vacation
- Monday, November 26 – Sisters in Service – 6:30 p.m.
- Saturday, December 8 – Adult Christmas Party – 6pm
- Sunday, December 16 – Christmas Breakfast – 9:30am (No Sunday School)
Mimi Romaella – November 1
Bridget Kochan – November 9
Debbie Stallings – November 10
Andrea Schwartzenberger – November 16
Bill Bradford – November 23
Tristian Cox – November 24
Patti Bradford – November 29
