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Pisgah Post Edition E dit iti tion III III, II, V Volume olume 3 3,, IIssue ssue 7 S Saturday, attur urday y, A Aug ug 3 3,, 2 2013 013
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Spiritual Disciplines Discipline Seven: The Discipline of Submission ames am es 4:7-8, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.” Submission is the ability to free yourself the burden and need to get your own way. It is self-denial which leads to total reliance on God. The obsession to demand that things go the way we want them to is one of Satan’s greatest bondages and snares. Persons will spend days, weeks, months, years and even a lifetime in perpetual anger and bitterness because something did not go their way. The Spiritual discipline of Submission teaches us how to release ourselves from this kind of bondage. In my twelve plus years of pastoral ministry, I have come to realize that at the heart of almost all conflict within the church is a self-centered, self-will, self-gratifying and self-serving disposition. Some Christians have learned to masterfully mask their selfishness with a fictitious garb of spirituality declaring, “We are defending sacred principles.” Only Submission can lose and liberate us to distinguish between genuine issues and stubborn self-will.
The Biblical Teaching on Submission The biblical teaching on Submission focuses on the manner in which we view persons. In Submission we are
called to value individuals. Their thoughts, dreams, aspirations and plans become important to us. Submission propels us into a new and glorious dimension of freedom--freedom to give up our own rights for the good and benefit of others. It is the byproduct of unconditional love. Listen to Jesus’ astonishing statement, “If any man would come after me, let him first deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Mark 8:34). Almost instinctively we tend to reject these words. We are much more comfortable with words like self-actualization, self-gratification and self-fulfillment than we are with self-denial not realizing that only Submission will birth these things. When we live outside of self-denial we demand that things go our way. In James 4:7-8 he calls the church to an attitude of Submission. Persons have given up pride and humbled themselves before God to receive grace through the act of Submission. Yet, James calls for more. James assures the church that when they resist the devil he will flee from them. This is the assurance to all who submit themselves to God by way of self-denial. “Satan trembles and flees before the weakest soul who finds refuge in that mighty Name” (Ellen G. White, Heavenly Places, 256). Submission and service function concurrently. In our September edition, we will explore some practical aspects of Submission through the act of Service.
Pastor Kevin Bryan
Acts of Submission 1. Submission to the Triune God -- Yield your body and mind to His purposes 2. Submission to the Word of God -- Yield your desires to His revealed Word 3. Submission to Family -- Interact in ways pleasing to God 4. Submission to Neighbor -- Perform acts of kindness 5. Submission to the Believing Community -- Work together for God’s glory 6. Submission to the Broken and Despised -- Minister with care (James 1:27) 7. Submission to World -- Live responsibly in an increasingly irresponsible world
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Reviving Stewardship Erika F. Puni, Director General Conference Stewardship he call for “revival and reformation” by Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, is an invitation for the church to renew itself spiritually and to refocus on what is most important in terms of its life and mission. This call to revival assumes that something is already at work, and this something is the working of the Spirit of God in the world and in the lives of people. It also recognizes that the church is continually bombarded by the devil in his attempts to take God’s people away from Him. In this context, it is very normal and possible for people to lose their focus on Jesus—the author and finisher of our faith (Heb 12:1-2).
REVIVING STEWARDSHIP The call for revival is necessary and needed. At this time God’s church is called to look at Jesus anew, and to reach out to Him for His power both to live and do His will. Stewardship, as a minis-
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try of the church, takes this challenge seriously. In this article we will look at these two aspects of “revival” and “reformation” within the framework of Stewardship Ministries. We will illustrate how stewardship is a ministry “tool” and a partner in this call and invitation for the Seventh-day Adventist Church to be revived and transformed.
Stewardship a spiritual experience Many Christians and Seventh-day Adventists think of stewardship as a matter of finances only; meaning, the returning of tithe and the giving offerings. While finances may be part of stewardship by themselves, finances do not reflect the whole picture of stewardship as expressed in the Bible. Stewardship first and foremost is an acknowledgement of who God is—Creator, Owner, Sustainer, Lord, and Savior. Biblical stewardship is a spiritual experience where one accepts and submits to the rule of God in Jesus Christ (Matt 6:33). This spir spiritual experience and with God is primary and relationship wit the living out oof His rule in one’s life iis what stewardship is all about. It is a way of life where Jesus is the focus of everything we do: our worship, relationships, possessions, finances, and human fi expressions.
Stewardship a spiritual discipline Stewardship is a personal choice to let Jesus take control of our lives. In this sense it is a spiritual discipline. It calls for our full cooperation and partnership with the Spirit of God working within us. For example, the setting aside of a special time for personal Bible study and prayer is stewardship. The intentional planning of family worship and devotion is stewardship. The scheduling of regular time for physical exercise is stewardship. The systematic returning of tithe and the giving of freewill offerings is stewardship. Personal decisions and choices are part and parcels of stewardship—it is a spiritual response and discipline of the Christian life. AdventSource.org April-June, 2011 www.AdventistStewardship.com
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Mt. Pisgah Finance Committee very ve ryy Sabbath members and guests make their way to Mt. Pisgah Seventh-day Adventist Church expecting to find the doors open, the A/C running and the lights on. In addition, individuals look on this day as a time to clear their mind of worries about
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family, health or finances and anything else that could distract them from the blessings they are at church to receive as they worship with fellow believers. It would indeed be distracting then, w to ask these worshipers to stop for a minute and think about what it m takes tak to keep a large church operating not only on Sabbath, but for all of the many activities scheduled at Mt. Mt Pisgah. However, contemplating this thi responsibility, one can begin to appreciate the challenges Elder Steve ap Williams and the Finance Committee W face. fac As a business owner with a degree in finance, Elder Williams is well qualin fied e to have served on the Finance Committee for six years and as its Co current chairman. While not all cu Seventh-day Adventist churches have Se a finance committee, it was determined Mt. Pisgah would benefit from mi this thi additional layer of oversight between the treasury department and be the church board. While they do not no make any financial decisions, the committee serves a tool for the church board and expects to assist them in decision making. Church members can be assured that whatever financial matters come to the church during business meetings have been reviewed and considered by a team that is focused on specific
financial needs of the church. Elder Williams and his committee feel the pressure and understand the disappointment church members experience when programs, they strongly believe in, cannot be funded. He points out that ultimately financial decisions have to be made that will keep the church open and at the same time ministering to the congregation and the community. Elder Williams believes the Finance Committee can have a unifying effect by focusing on what the committee determines is best for the church and making those recommendations to the church board. So while reveling in the praise and worship Mt. Pisgah is known for, realize the Finance Committee and many other ministries have put in countless volunteer hours so everyone who attends this church can receive the blessings that are intended for them. Elder Steve William is humbled by his responsibility. With help from the Finance Committee he wants to always offer Mt. Pisgah and its governing bodies sound financial advice for as he puts it, “I realize that I am doing something God has prepared me for.� By: Nancy Wells
The Church Treasurer A Sacred Trust hile hi le individuals may not deem it necessary to dwell on the day to day, behind the scenes operations of any organization they belong to, it is important to have a basic knowledge of certain functions that can detract from or enhance the experience of belonging to a particular group. The important work a Church Treasurer does, should never be under estimated. To try and understand the treasurers’ responsibilities, turn to the Seventh-day Adventist Church Manual. In the description of this office it is recommended that, “Because of the important function of the treasurer, it is wise to choose one who can be reelected to provide continuity in record keeping.� As custodian of all church funds, according to The Church Manual, treasurer duties include; all banking and payment to vendors, reporting to the church at regular business meetings an account of all funds received and dispersed, issuing receipts to members, remitting funds to Southeastern Conference, preservation of financial documents and having information available for Southeastern Conference auditors. At all times the treasurer and his committee must keep their information strictly confidential. Any treasurer, when asked, might add to this list of duties. For the lay person it is important to realize your local treasurer, and his committee, do more than count the offering. They have been given a sacred trust to guard and protect the finances of the church and its members. By: Nancy Wells
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How To Frustrate Your Wife n one occasion several years ago a couple invited my wife and me into their home for dinner. We suspected that there were some problems. Waiting for the appropriate moment, I asked the general question, “How are you two doing?” The wife took the opportunity to say that this was one of the reasons we were invited. “My husband never tells me that he loves me,” she said. Of course, whenever I hear the charges of “never” or “always” in a counseling situation, I consider it an overstatement. However, the husband’s response came as close to supporting a “never” charge as I have heard. He looked shocked by her accusation and said, “That’s not fair, I tell you at
least twice a year that I love you.” And he was serious! I must admit that it was difficult to mask my shock and sad laughter for that matter. Guys, twice a year will not cut it. Twice a day would be much more acceptable. One sure way to frustrate your wife is to fail to love her. Your number-one responsibility, humanly speaking, is to love your wife to the extent that she has absolutely no doubts about it. Your expressions of love must be demonstrable, practical, and perennial! greeting-card When I go to my local greeting ca store to pick up a card for my wife wif on her birthday or Valthere entine’s Day, ther several are always seve cards that say, “I know I haven’t haven’ said it as often as I should,” and you
should not be in a position to purchase that card! You should be confident that you are speaking such words of love and affection. Gentlemen, be confident that you are speaking words of love and appreciation “as often as I should.” Maybe one of the reasons your wife is feeling unattractive is that you are failing to show her affection from day to day. Don’t forget those daily hugs and kisses as you leave one another in the morning and when you see one another again later in the day. Is your wife frustrated? Perhaps it is because she is insecure in her assurance of your love. Another way to frustrate your wife is to fail to lead. Christian wives hope their husbands will be godly leaders. They hope that you will take the initiative. What does this look like? It includes leading the family as a whole by establishing and actively supporting the objective of becoming a God-glorifying household. It means taking the initiative in leading the family in engagement with God’s Word both in the local church and at home. The shepherd leader at home protects his flock by actively instructing the sheep and being responsible for discipline when one of the sheep strays. In addition to these responsibilities you are also to exercise loving leadership for your wife personally in her walk with the Lord. You are there to provide emotional, physical, and spiritual support. Where these are missing, your wife will most certainly be frustrated. by Tim Witmer Familylife.com
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If you would like us to celebrate your birthday or anniversary with you in the Pisgah Post, please email us at Communications@MtPisgahSDA.com
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Peach Cobbler Recipe courtesy of Paula Deen
Ingredients • • • • • • •
4 cups peeled, sliced peaches 2 cups sugar, divided ½ cup water 8 tablespoons butter 1½ cups self-rising flour 1½ cups milk Ground cinnamon, optional
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Combine the peaches, 1 cup sugar, and water in a saucepan and mix well. Bring to a boil and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from m the heat. Put the butter in a 3-quart baking dish sh and place in oven to melt. Mix remaining 1 cup sugar, flour, and nd milk slowly to prevent clumping. Pour mixture ture over melted butter. Do not stir. Spoon on fruit on top, gently pouring in syrup.. Sprinkle top with ground cinnamon, if using. Batter will rise to top during baking. Bake for 30 to 45 minutes. To serve, scoop onto a plate and serve with your choice of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
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Joan Collins-Ricketts Birthday: June 26 Favorite Scripture: Psalm 121 (NIV) 1 I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth. 3 He will not let your foot slip— he who watches over you will not slumber; 4 indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The LORD watches over you— the LORD is your shade at your right hand; 6 the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The LORD will keep you from all harm— he will watch over your life; 8 the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
Favorite Religious Song: Never would have made it by Marin Sapp
Favorite Color: Purple
Rudy Jean-Bart Birthday: July 6 Favorite Scripture: Luke 19:10 (KJV) “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.” Favorite Religious Song: Marching to Zion Favorite Color: None 18
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hyy immunize our children? Sometimes we are confused by the messages in the media. First we are assured that, thanks to vaccines, some diseases are almost gone from the U.S. But we are also warned to immunize our children, ourselves as adults, and the elderly.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month
Diseases are becoming rare due to vaccinations It’s true, some diseases (like polio and diphtheria) are becoming very rare in the U.S. Of course, they are becoming rare largely because we have been vaccinating against them. But it is still reasonable to ask whether it’s really worthwhile to keep vaccinating. It’s much like bailing out a boat with a slow leak. When we started bailing, the boat was filled with water. But we have been bailing fast and hard, and now it is almost dry. We could say, “Good. The boat is dry now, so we can throw away the bucket and relax.” But the leak hasn’t stopped. Before long we’d notice a little water seeping in, and soon it might be back up to the same level as when we started.
Keep immunizing until disease is eliminated Unless we can “stop the leak” (eliminate the disease), it is important to
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keep immunizing. Even if there are only a few cases of disease today, if we take away the protection given by vaccination, more and more people will be infected and will spread disease to others. Soon we will undo the progress we have made over the years.
What if we stopped vaccinating? So what would happen if we stopped vaccinating here? Diseases that are almost unknown would stage a comeback. Before long we would see epidemics of diseases that are nearly under control today. More children would get sick and more would die. We vaccinate to protect our future. We don’t vaccinate just to protect our children. We also vaccinate to protect our grandchildren and their grandchildren. With one disease, smallpox, we “stopped the leak” in the boat by eradicating the disease. Our children
don’t have to get smallpox shots anymore because the disease no longer exists. If we keep vaccinating now, parents in the future may be able to trust that diseases like polio and meningitis won’t infect, cripple, or kill children. Vaccinations are one of the best ways to put an end to the serious effects of certain diseases.
PS... Thousands of adults in the United States die each year from diseases that they could have been vaccinated against. Many adults remain unvaccinated because they are unaware or misinformed about the need for vaccines beyond childhood. Go to CDC.GOV to find immunization schedule for children, adults, healthcare workers, and the elderly www.cdc.gov
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SEPTEMBER 2013 M T W T F 2 3 4 5 6
Monday Monday
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Tuesday Tuesday
Prayer & Praise Service 7:30 pm
Pisgah Food Pantry 2-4:30 pm
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Prayer & Praise Service 7:30 pm
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Prayer & Praise Service 7:30 pm
Pisgah Food Pantry 2-4:30 pm
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Prayer & Praise Service 7:30 pm
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Wednesday Wednesday
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Thursday Thursday Sunset 8:07 pm
Sunset 8:02 pm
Sunset 7:56 pm
Sunset 7:50 pm
Sunset 8:06 pm
Sunset 8:10 pm
Sunset 7:55 pm
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Sunset 7:49 pm
Children’s Church
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Morning Worship – Pastor K. Bryan Youth Church Adventurer Club Meeting
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8 am Service – Guest Speaker Morning Worship – Pastor K. Bryan Concert – Paul Heflin 6:30 pm
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Saturday Saturday
Sunset 7:43 pm
FACES REHEARSAL 7:30pm
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FACES REHEARSAL 7:30pm
Sunset 7:42 pm
Youth Emphasis Sabbath
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Adventurer Club Meeting 6:30 pm Concert
Community Guest Weekend – Featuring Patmos Chapel
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FACES REHEARSAL 7:30pm
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FACES REHEARSAL 7:30pm
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Friday Friday
Kelvin Trocard Edeline ‘Dee Dee’ Severe Simone Laing Karen Greene Tannysha Yearby Elder Steve Williams Jasmyn Williams
If you would like to place an ad for your business in the Pisgah Post please contact us at Communications@MtPisgahSDA.com
FACES REHEARSAL 1:00 pm
Community Family Fun Day 12 noon – 6 pm
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Pathfinder Meeting 9 am FACES REHEARSAL 1:00 pm
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Church Board Meeting – 9am FACES REHEARSAL 1:00 pm
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Pathfinders @ 9 am FACES REHEARSAL 1:00 pm
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Sunday Sunday
Jondra Grier Jessica Garcon Nancy Wells Peggy Joseph
Communications Team