Holiday Gifts

Enjoy and be content with His Gifts.

Godliness with contentment is great gain…..1 Timothy 6:6

A mom felt she’d been overspending on family Christmas gifts, so one year she decided to try something different. For a few months before the holiday, she scrounged through yard sales for inexpensive, used items. She bought more than usual but for far less money. On Christmas Eve, her children excitedly opened gift after gift after gift. The next day there were more! Mom had felt guilty about not getting new gifts so she had additional gifts for Christmas morning. The kids began opening them but quickly complained, “We’re too tired to open any more! You’ve given us so much!” That’s not a typical response from children on a Christmas morning!

God has blessed us with so much, but it seems we’re always looking for more: a bigger house, a better car, a larger bank account, or [fill in the blank]. Paul encouraged Timothy to remind people in his congregation that “we brought nothing into this world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that” (1 Timothy 6:7-8).

God has given us our very breath and life—besides providing for our needs. How refreshing it might be to enjoy and be content with His gifts and to say, You’ve given us so much! We don’t need more. “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (v. 6)……….By Anne Cetas

REFLECT & PRAY:

Father, You’ve blessed me with so much. Teach me each day to give thanks.

Credit: Our Daily Bread

A Critical Reaction

The one who is patient calms a quarrel…….Proverbs 15:18

Tough words hurt. So my friend—an award-winning author—struggled with how to respond to the criticism he received. His new book had earned five-star reviews plus a major award. Then a respected magazine reviewer gave him a backhanded compliment, describing his book as well-written yet still criticizing it harshly. Turning to friends, he asked, “How should I reply?”

One friend advised, “Let it go.” I shared advice from writing magazines, including tips to ignore such criticism or learn from it even while continuing to work and write.

Finally, however, I decided to see what Scripture—which has the best advice of all—has to say about how to react to strong criticism. The book of James advises, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” (1:19). The apostle Paul counsels us to “live in harmony with one another” (Romans 12:16).

An entire chapter of Proverbs, however, offers extended wisdom on reacting to disputes. “A gentle answer turns away wrath,” says Proverbs 15:1. “The one who is patient calms a quarrel” (v. 18). Also, “The one who heeds correction gains understanding” (v. 32). Considering such wisdom, may God help us hold our tongues, as my friend did. More than all, however, wisdom instructs us to “fear the Lord” because “humility comes before honor” (v. 33)………..By Patricia Raybon

Reflect & Pray:

Dear God, when criticism strikes or a dispute hurts, guard my tongue in humble honor of You.

Credit: Our Daily Bread

Thanks to Lyle Dietrich for providing the content for the weekly inspirational bulletin.


Can a couple stay together Happily Ever After?

This week I’m going to do something different. I’m going to take quotes from movies and make a One Thing application out of the quote. If you like it, please let me know. If you don’t, please don’t tell anyone :).

Juno came out in 2007 and for some reason became one of my favorites. Juno is a quirky teenage girl that faces an unwanted pregnancy. The movie centers on her life, struggles, and upcoming decision about her unborn child. Part of that struggle centers on deciding if marriage is something that she wants. In a powerful scene with her dad, Juno asks this question, “I just need to know that it’s possible that two people can stay happy together forever.”  
Have you ever asked yourself that question? Have you ever wondered if a couple can really walk down the aisle after getting married and stay together happily ever after? My answer is “yes,” but not in the Cinderella sense. My “yes” involves all the struggles and decisions of life. It’s choosing over and over, day after day, to do life together and realizing that with God at the center of your marriage the answer can be a resounding “yes.” Your One Thing today is to choose “yes” for your marriage.
 
*This movie quote is for illustration only and Awesome Marriage does not endorse or recommend this movie.

Today’s One Thing:
Since living happily ever after in your marriage involves the choices you make every day, choose today to put God at the center and keep Him there day after day!
If you like these series of tips and want to receive your One Thing Email please sign up at http://awesomemarriage.com/onething  (It’s free!)


The WLCC service is set up to accommodate everyone during the pandemic:
• Sunday Service: Starts @ 10:00 AM at the
Old Stone School,
37098 Charlestown Pike, Hillsboro VA

•We have a drive-in service where you can stay in your car, watch the service, and listen to Pastor Ray by tuning your car radio to 1610 AM
•We have socially distanced indoor seating.
•We also have numerous tables, spaced appropriately, for anyone wishing to attend the outdoor service in a more personable atmosphere.
• WLCC continues to stream Sunday Service at 10:00 AM on Facebook and YouTube.

Bible Study Group occurs virtually every Wednesday at 7:30 pm.
Youth Group occurs virtually every Friday evening at 7:00 pm
Join us for a lively discussion. Check your email for the online link to the meeting.

Western Loudoun Community Church is about being the church — not just some religious exercise. We are about fulfilling the Great Commission and living the Great Commandment.

Come see what all the laughter and joy is about.
Senior Pastor Ray Cowell