Good morning, Lord Jesus. Let Your light shine in my heart and through my life today -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit of God.
"In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for see -- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord!'" (Luke 2:8-11)
"Good news of great joy for all the people!" -- that's God’s heart and His purpose for this season we now call Christmas. To bring salvation and hope, light from our darkness, and good news of great joy for all! God with us -- "Emmanuel"
So while we can be honest and real about any darkness that surrounds us or even any darkness that remains within us we are dealing with, let us not this season get stuck in discouragement or disappointment or despair. While we can acknowledge any loneliness or anxiety, confusion or fear, Jesus invites us all to lift up our heads and open up our hearts to welcome Him in as our Savior, our Messiah, our Lord.
Like the shepherds in the field, we can respond to the word of the Lord and the hope of heaven to say, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us!" (v. 15) Let this thing that has taken place become a living encounter today and every day with the One who's come take His place in our hearts. Truly this is the good news of great joy God has for us all! In Jesus' name pray. Amen.
My family, I pray you are filled with the great joy that comes from hearing and embracing of the good news of God's heart for you and His longing to fill you with His Presence -- Emmanuel, God with us -- in Jesus' name! Please pray the same of me. God bless you, my friends!
As The Year Draws To An End, Please Give and Help Us Help Them!
My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over us and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.
Thank You!
TO GIVE CLICK HERE
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website:https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
Good morning, Lord Jesus. Fill my heart with Your Spirit and guide my steps into Your will -Father, Son, and Holy Spirit of God.
"In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, 'Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the Fruit of your womb.... For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy!" (Luke 1:39-44)
Deep calls to deep, as Spirit calls to spirit (Psalm 42:7). Elizabeth's spirit leaped with joy with Mary's spirit. And John, the child within in Elizabeth's womb, leaped with joy with Jesus, the Child within Mary's womb. When Elizabeth and her baby encountered Mary and her Baby, Elizabeth was "filled with the Holy Spirit" until joy overflowed! (Luke 1:41) "In Your Presence there is fullness of joy!" (Psalm 16:11)
Lord Jesus, we can encounter You every day. We can be filled with Your Spirit until joy overflows every day (Ephesians 5:18). We can welcome Your kingdom that has no end right here in the kingdom of our world, in the kingdom of our hearts every day to experience the same joy that Elizabeth and Mary experienced that day. "For, in fact, the kingdom of God is within (us)" (Luke 17:21). "For the kingdom of God is ... righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17).
The deep in me cries out for the deep in you. My very spirit that is at the core and essence of who I am desperately desires to encounter the very Spirit of God in a real way! So come, Holy Spirit. Fill me afresh with Your Presence and Your joy today. Let everything within me leap for joy! "Bless the Lord, O my soul, and all that is within me, bless His holy name!" (Psalm 103:1) And as we move through this season we have set aside called Advent of preparing our hearts for the coming of Christ, help me set aside time to prepare my heart for the coming of Your Spirit every day. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
My family, I pray you intentionally set aside time to encounter the living Presence of the risen Christ today, and are filled afresh with the Holy Spirit, leaping for joy, as your spirit is overwhelmed with the love of Jesus’ Spirit. In Jesus' name! Please pray the same for me. God bless you my friends!
As The Year Draws To An End, Please Give and Help Us Help Them!
My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over us and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.
Thank You!
TO GIVE CLICK HERE
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website:https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
Good morning, Lord Jesus. I seek Your face and listen for Your voice to begin my day embraced by My Father, centered in Christ, and filled with the Holy Spirit. ...
"In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, 'Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.' But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. The angel said to here, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God...'" (Luke 1:26-30).
Mary "found favor with God." What does that mean, Lord? ...
Does it mean she earned it? Does it mean she was worthy of it? Does it mean she was sinless or perfect or worthy of worship herself? What does it mean for Mary? And what does it mean for me? ...
As I ponder my question like Mary pondered her greeting, some Scriptures come to mind: "The Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart" (1 Samuel 16:7). "For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the entire earth, to strengthen those whose heart is true to Him" (2 Chronicles 16:9).
What did You see when You saw Mary's heart? ...
I think You saw the heart of one who knew they needed a Savior. She sang out, "My spirit rejoices in God my Savior!" (Luke 1:47). And I think You saw the heart of one who was quick to rejoice in the One who saves us. I think You saw the heart of one who was humble in Your sight, saying, "He has looked with favor on the lowliness of His servant" (Luke 1:48). I think You saw the heart of one who was thankful and appreciative, not taking anything for granted, but giving You praise in all things, declaring, "The Mighty One has done great things for me and Holy is His name!" (Luke 1:49) And I think You saw the heart of one who would seek to be faithful to You and Your word and Your calling upon her life, responding from her heart, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word" (Luke 1:38).
You're the God "who searches our hearts" (Romans 8:27). You're the God who knows our thoughts (Luke 5:22). "O Lord of hosts, You who test the righteous, Who sees the mind and the heart" (Jeremiah 20:12). You see the end of the beginning and the beginning from the end; You see every desire of our heart, every thought of our mind, and every choice we'll make, even as You give us the freedom to make those choices that flow out of our hearts and minds (Isaiah 46:10).
So for Mary and for me and for all Your sons and daughters of God who are called by Your name, we don't earn Your favor or Your grace -- it is the free gift of God (Romans 3:24; Ephesians 2:9). And at the same time, we are called to be "found faithful" just as we are blessed to be those who have "found favor" (1 Corinthians 4:2). We can't deserve it; we can't earn it -- that only comes by the power of Your grace and the Presence of Your Spirit at work within each one of us -- "For God is working in (us), giving (us) the desire and the power to do what pleases Him" (Philippians 2:13 NLT).
Lord, I want to be "found faithful" as one who has "found favor" in You. By the power of Your grace, give me the desire and the power to do what pleases You -- with humility, thankfulness, faithfulness, obedience, and praise -- just like Mary. "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word" (Luke 1:38). In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
My family, I pray you may seek a heart that is favored by God. A heart humble, seeking, rejoicing and found faithful in Him by the power and grace of His Spirit alive and at work within you, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friends!
I want to encourage you to join me by also sharing with us your thoughts, comments, reflections, and prayers you received from today’s reading in the comment box below.
As The Year Draws To An End, Please Give and Help Us Help Them!
My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over us and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.
Thank You!
TO GIVE CLICK HERE
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website:https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
Good morning, Lord Jesus. Centered in Your Presence, grounded in Your Word, I wait to follow Your leading on my journey of faith in prayer with You today.
"In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, 'Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.... Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son and you will name Him Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His ancestor David. He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there will be no end'" (Luke 1:26-33).
Mary was a "favored one" -she had "found favor with God." And how was she favored? As the angel Gabriel confirmed to her, the Lord was with her. The Lord had chosen her and called her, empowered and anointed her to know her identity and fulfill her destiny.
Though Mary didn't understand at the beginning all it would involve and all it would mean, by faith and obedience, she said Yes. Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word" (v. 38).
Like Mary, we are chosen and we are called. We are favored with the Presence of God who is with us. And like Mary, we are empowered to know our identity and fulfill our destiny, as the Holy Spirit comes upon us and the power of the Most High overshadows us (v. 35). In Christ, we are "filled with the Spirit" -- the same Spirit the conceived Christ in Mary's womb and favored Mary with the Presence of God (Ephesians 5:18).
None of us will carry the Son of God in our womb, but all of us who will say with Mary "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word" will carry "the Spirit of Christ" in our hearts (Romans 8:9). Like Mary, we won't understand from the beginning all it will involve and all it will mean for us, but You invite us to trust Your heart and embrace Your word to "walk by faith" and obedience as favored ones of God (2 Corinthians 5:7).
With the favor of Your Presence, we have nothing to fear, but only our identity and destiny in Christ to embrace. "In Christ we have also obtained an inheritance, having been destined according to the purpose of Him who accomplishes all things according to His counsel and will, so that we, who were the first to set our hope on Christ, might live for the praise of His glory!" (Ephesians 1:11-12) In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
My family, I pray you embrace your identity and destiny as a most favored child of God by the anointing and presence of Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Christ in you. You are a favored one of the Most High God, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same of me. God bless you, my friends!
Please share your reflections and prayers with us on this blog in the comment box below.
As The Year Draws To An End, Please Give and Help Us Help Them!
My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over us and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.
Thank You!
TO GIVE CLICK HERE
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website:https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
Good morning, Lord Jesus. Help me begin my day grounded and surrounded in Your Presence -- embraced by my Father, centered in Christ, and filled with the Holy Spirit.
In the days leading up to Christmas, I am re-reading the Stories of Jesus’ birth in Matthew and Luke, I recommend you do the same.
"The angel said to him, 'Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you will name him John. You will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He must never drink wine or strong drink; even before his birth he will be filled with the Holy Spirit. He will turn many of the people of Israel to the Lord their God. With the spirit and power of Elijah he will go before Him, to turn the hearts of parents to their children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord'" (Luke 1:13-17).
This time of year, in these days before Christmas, people prepare their homes for parties, stores prepare their shelves for shoppers, and churches prepare their sanctuaries for visitors. Everybody seems to be preparing for something.
But before the first Christmas, before the first coming of Christ, God You were preparing as well. Your Holy Spirit was preparing the way of the Lord in the earth. You prepared the wombs of Elizabeth and Mary. You prepared the hearts of Zechariah and Joseph.
And then after the birth of John and Jesus, You would be preparing a people who would turn their hearts in repentance and faith to the Lord their God. By the Spirit and the Word, "in the spirit and power of Elijah," John would help many make room in their hearts for Jesus the Christ, the Messiah of Israel, and the Lord of all the earth. He would "make ready a people prepared for the Lord" (v. 17).
Today, between Your first coming and Your second, by the Spirit and the Word, You are still preparing hearts and releasing hope to "make ready a people prepared for the Lord." Make my heart ready, Lord. Make my world in my generation ready, Lord. May we prepare You room in us, "Christ in (us), the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:27).
In the spirit and power of Elijah that prepared the way of the Lord for Your first coming, may we be Your messengers and ambassadors preparing the way of the Lord for Your second coming (Malachi 4:5-6; Zechariah 14:4; Acts 1:11; Matthew 24:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Revelation 19:11-16). "So we are ambassadors for Christ, since God is making His appeal through us" (2 Corinthians 5:20).
Come, Lord Jesus -- both here in our hearts today and here in our world forever (Revelation 22:12). "The Spirit and the bride say, 'Come!'" (Revelation 22:17) In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
My Family, I pray you set aside time in Scripture and prayer reading the stories of Jesus’ birth in Matthew and Luke. I pray you experience and embrace the Word and the Spirit preparing the way of the Lord in you and that in the spirit and power of Elijah, the Holy Spirit would use your life to prepare the way of the Lord in our generation and our world, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same of me. God bless you, my friends!
Please share your reflections and prayers with us on this blog in the comment box below.
As The Year Draws To An End, Please Give and Help Us Help Them!
My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over us and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.
Thank You!
TO GIVE CLICK HERE
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website:https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
Good morning, Lord Jesus. O come, O come, Emmanuel. Come into my heart and every moment of my day, O Lord, my God who is always with me.
"Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a Child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver the Child. And she gave birth to her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in bands of cloth, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn" (Luke 1:4-7).
Joseph and Mary had to get up and go to a different place than where they had been in order to be in the right place at the right time for the purposes and plans of God for their lives. They lived in Nazareth, but their Child, the Messiah, was prophesied and destined by the Word of God to born in in Bethlehem. "But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for Me One who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.... He shall be great to the ends of the earth; and He shall be the One of peace" (Micah 5:2-5).
And just as it was a different place than they would have expected, it was also at a totally different time than they wanted. They planned to be married and they planned to conceive a child together and Joseph planned to impregnate Mary. But Mary was to be pregnant with her Child before the marriage and bear a child as a virgin, as prophesied and destined by the Word of God. "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign. Look the virgin is with Child and shall bear a Son, and shall name Him Emmanuel" (Isaiah 7:14).
And though there were so many prophetic words and dreams, angelic visitations and supernatural encounters surrounding this historic, divine event, it was not an angel or a prophetic word that moved Joseph and Mary from Nazareth to Bethlehem to be in the right place at the right time to fulfill their destiny. Rather, it was the command of a pagan ruler by a secular governmental decree that strategically positioned them for their divine purpose. "In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered" (Luke 2:1).
Though You are the God of the supernatural, Your means are often naturally supernatural -- using natural events, circumstances, and relationships to position us in the right place at the right time to fulfill Your purposes for our lives. And though You are sovereign and You see everything that will happen and You know every choice we will ever make, You also allow us the freedom to make our choices that position us for Your purposes (John 7:17; Galatians 5:13; Joshua 24:15; Deuteronomy 30:15).
Joseph had to make his choices (Matthew 1:24). Mary had to make her choices (Luke 1:38). And they had to make their choices together, which positioned them in the right place at the right time (Luke 2:5). Your hand was at work in it all; and at the same time, so was the freedom of will of the ones You had chosen to accomplish Your will.
Lord, give me grace to sense the leading of Your Spirit in line with the purposes of Your will for my life. Like Joseph and Mary, I want to be strategically positioned for Your divine purposes through me. Let me be found faithful, in the right place at the right time, secure in my identity and fulfilling my destiny. "For we are what He has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand to be our way of life" (Ephesians 2:10). In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
My family, I pray you seek and sense the leading of the Holy Spirit, who desires to strategically and divinely position you in the right place at the right time to fulfill God's purposes for your life. And I pray in your freedom to respond you will have the obedience, courage and peace to go where He leads you, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same of me. God bless you, my friends!
Please share your reflections and prayers with us on this blog in the comment box below.
As The Year Draws To An End, Please Give and Help Us Help Them!
My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over us and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.
Thank You!
TO GIVE CLICK HERE
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website:https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
Good morning Jesus, Father, Spirit, I begin my day standing on your promises.
“Finally, be strengthened in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Clothe yourselves with the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens. For this reason, take up the full armor of God so that you may be able to stand your ground on the evil day, and having done everything, to stand. Stand firm therefore, by fastening the belt of truth around your waist, by putting on the breastplate of righteousness, by fitting your feet with the preparation that comes from the good news of peace, and in all of this, by taking up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. With every prayer and petition, pray at all times in the Spirit, and to this end be alert, with all perseverance and requests for all the saints. Pray for me also, that I may be given the message when I begin to speak - that I may confidently make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may be able to speak boldly as I ought to speak.” (Ephesians 6:10-20)
Ephesians 6:10-20 is one of the go-to passages in the Bible on Spiritual Warfare. It is a war that all believers to prepare for, arm themselves, and join together to attack and push back the gates of hell. As we enter into this holiday season of Thanksgiving of giving thanks and being grateful; And Christmas of renewing hope, joy, and experience God with us in a new way, it is no surprise that we also will encounter in people and situations more negativity and hostility. Satan and his dare forces in this world hate this season and will push back at every opportunity and use everyone and everything possible, including you and me, to spoil and distract us from therein “Reason for the Season.” Our main weapon against spiritual attacks is “the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” So I infused in Ephesians 6:10-20 the Word of God that reading this may help arm you so you can “stand firm.” Save this and read it over when ever you feel attacked.
Ephesians 6:10-20 (in bold italics) with corresponding Scriptures inserted.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might.
“No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” Romans 4:20-21
“You then, my child, be strengthened by the grace that is in Christ Jesus” 2Tim 2:1
“I write to you, fathers, because you know him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the evil one.” 1 John 2:14
Put on
“I put on righteousness, and it clothed me;
my justice was like a robe and a turban.” Job 29:14
“The night is far gone; the day is at hand. So then let us cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light.” Rom. 13:12
the whole armor of God,
“For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds.” 2 Cor.10:4
that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.
“so that we may no longer be children, tossed to and fro by the waves and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by human cunning, by craftiness in deceitful schemes.” Eph 4:14
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood,
“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son” Col. 1:13
but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.
“When I was with you day after day in the temple, you did not lay hands on me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” Luke 22:53
in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience” Eph 2:2
Therefore take up the whole armor of God,
“Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin” 1 Pe 4:1
that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.
“making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” Eph. 5:16-19
Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth,
“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ” 1 Pet. 1:13
“Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist, and faithfulness the belt of his loins.” Isa. 11:5
Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
and having put on the breastplate of righteousness,
“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness,” Isa 61:10
“He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak.” Isa 59:17
and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace.
“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation,” Isa 52:7
“And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” Rom 10:15
In all circumstances take up the shield of faith,
“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith.” 1Joh 5:4
with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.“ Heb 4:12
“He made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand he hid me; he made me a polished arrow; in his quiver he hid me away.” Isa 49:2
praying at all times
"And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart" Lk. 18:1
in the Spirit,
But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit" Jude 1:20. "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words." Romans 8:26
with all prayer and supplication.
"Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak" Col 4:2-4
To that end keep alert with all perseverance,
"But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake." Mark 13:32-34
making supplication for all the saints,
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people," 1 Tim 2:1
and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth
"At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—" Col. 4:3. "Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you," 2Th. 3:1
boldly to proclaim
"And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness," Acts 4:29
the mystery of the gospel,
"how the mystery was made known to me by revelation, as I have written briefly." Eph. 3:3
for which I am an ambassador
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God" 2Cor. 5:20
in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak."
"For this reason, therefore, I have asked to see you and speak with you, since it is because of the hope of Israel that I am wearing this chain.” Acts 28:20
My family, I pray today in the power of the Holy Spirit you examine your “armor” for weaknesses and/or where pieces are missing and make intentional plans to renew and restore it so you can “stand against the schemes of the devil.”
Please share your reflections and prayers with us on this blog in the comment box below.
As The Year Draws To An End, Please Give and Help Us Help Them!
My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over us and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.
Thank You!
TO GIVE CLICK HERE
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website:https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
Good morning, Lord Jesus. Help me hear what You would speak to my heart, as I begin my day in communion with You -- Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. ...
"Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back" (Luke 6:37-38).
Yes, Lord. In many ways, what goes around, comes around; and we tend to get back what we dish out. Help me "do to others as (I) would have them do to (me)" (v. 6:31). I need lots of grace, so help me give lots of grace. I need lots of encouragement, so help me give lots of encouragement.
And I sure don't need lots of judgment or condemnation or un-forgiveness or stinginess, so help me not be on the serving end of any of these listed so that I don't have to be on the receiving end. I don't want to reap it, so help me not sow it. I don't want to lay in it, so help me not make a bed out of it. As Your Word warns, "Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you will reap whatever you sow. If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit" (Galatians 6:7-8).
The name for the holiday yesterday was “Thanksgiving” not “Thanksrecieving.” Today is “Black Friday” and it is the ultimate reversal and perversion of the real “Black Friday,” which we call “Good Friday”; the day you Jesus sacrificed and gave your life for me. Jesus, Your Black Friday was about giving however today it is about getting. Your Black Friday was about others, however todays Black Friday is about “me”. You Jesus were the ultimate giver, and we who call ourselves Christians are called to imitate your life. So as we go through this holiday season of Thanksgiving, and then Christmas that honors your birth, what better way to honor you than be ultimate givers ourselves. As Paul reminds us, “In all things I have shown you that by working hard in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35) By the power of Your grace, help me sow to the Spirit today. Let me "not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time" (Galatians 6:9). And as I give in Your grace and sow in Your Spirit, help me not hold back but to give extravagantly! . "The one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.... God loves a cheerful give" (2 Corinthians 9:6-7). Let me be a cheerful giver of a good measure of Your grace by Your Spirit today. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
On Thanksgiving Day and Black Friday there are many people and families in your community that are struggling to make ends meet, buy food, pay rent, and pay utilities that out of necessity, will haver to work all day both these days. Waffle House employees, other restaurant workers, retail workers, and others had 12 hour shifts to look forward to yesterday, and the same today. Going to one of these businesses with a plate of Thanksgiving leftovers, or desserts with a kind word and prayer would brighten their day. Think of ways you can “give a good measure” to those around you.
My family, I pray you will be an ultimate, extravagant giver of a good measure of God's grace through your life today and this holiday season and reap a good measure of God's grace in the harvest to come, in Jesus' name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friends!
Please share your reflections and prayers with us in the comment box below.
My prayer every morning is, “Please send me the ones no one else wants.”
As The Year Draws To An End, Please Give and Help Us Help Them!
My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over us and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.
Thank You!
TO GIVE CLICK HERE
.
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website: https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC.
“Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” (Hebrews 13:1)
I love the passage above. There is a whole world of blessings, experiences, and new ways God wants to bless each of us if we just step out of our safe circle of familiarity and structured life and step into something strange, foreign and unfamiliar. Taking time to say “hello” to a stranger, someone new, and invite them into a conversation opens the door to God’s grace. Jesus was “strange”, “foreign” and way outside the life structure and comfort circle of the people he lived with. However, those who dared to step “just outside the bubble they lived in” experienced amazing love and grace. And stepping “Just outside the bubble we live in” does not take going on a mission trip, but as this beautiful 2 minute video on a real encounter in life reveals, it is as simple as sitting down in a booth in a restaurant.
My family,
I pray as we all plan to spend a day with family and friends in our circles, you also remove your blinders and see ways to encounter Jesus just outside the bubble you live in, in Jesus name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you my friends!
As The Year Draws To An End, PLEASE Help Us Help Them!
My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over us and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758. Thank You Thank You!
TO GIVE CLICK HERE
.
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website: https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC.
Dear God,
Thanks for everything….
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:15-17
“Do everything in the name of the Lord, giving thanks” v.17. Christians, those forgiven, redeemed, restored, and saved by love and grace of God through Jesus Christ are to be the most thankful people on earth. We are to be people a people infused with the “Attitude of Gratitude!” Christians should be known to everyone: co-workers, classmates, neighbors, friends, family, as a thankful people full of gratitude towards God and others. We are to known as a person who rarely complains or is negative, who is generous, who sacrifices time and resources, who is joyful and a source of encouragement of others. We are to be people who smile a lot, and who bring a smile to others when we walk in the room because they know we are going to share a kind word with them and somehow make their day a little better.
In a couple days is the day we center around Thanksgiving and reminding and re-centering our life around gratitude. “Thanks Giving” is not a noun, “Thanks-giving” is a verb. To exist It requires the intentional action of the giving of thanks. To God first, and as importantly to others
My family, I want to thank everyone of you for even the smallest act of love, encouragement, support and friendship you have ever shown me. I am so gracious of even the shortest span of time I was invited into your life to share a moment together. I thank you for any prayers directed towards me and times we have prayed, worshipped, and read Scripture together. I thank you for any time your shared a beer or a cup of coffee with me or got your hands dirty working or serving with me. I thank you for when you took the time to encourage or to correct me. I thank you for the gift you are to my life that was given me all in and through the grace of God and Christ Jesus. And though I end every blog posts of mine with the same five words, this morning they are even more from my heart; “God bless you my friends”!!!
Pease share your reflections and prayers with us in the comment box below.
My prayer every morning is, “Please send me the ones no one else wants.”
As The Year Draws To An End, PLEASE Help Us Help Them!
My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over us and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758. Thank You Thank You!
TO GIVE CLICK HERE
.
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website: https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC.
Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, I begin today in the spirit of complete gratitude for your Gospel of Grace.
"Always rejoice, constantly pray, in everything give thanks. For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
This morning, instead of a personal reflection of mine, I want you to take a moment to watch this short 4 minute video. This video is my Thanksgiving go-to every year as it is a great reminder of all we have to be thankful and the many ways we are blessed.. I probably need to watch this video once a week as a constant reminder of to be grateful, and remove any feelings of entitlement or reasons to complain I may feel about my life. Share this video with your family and guests before you sit down for your Thanksgiving meal.
My family, I pray today as we prepare for the day of gratitude and thankfulness you will reflect on all God has done, is doing, and will yet do in your life, in Jesus name! Please pray the same for me. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and God bless you my friends!
Please share your reflections and prayers with us in the comment box below.
My prayer every morning is, “Please send me the ones no one else wants.”
As The Year Draws To An End, PLEASE Give and Help Us Help Them!
My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over this season in my life and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758. Thank You Thank You!
TO GIVE CLICK HERE
.
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website: https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC.
Good morning, Lord Jesus. Put Your thoughts in my mind and Your desires in my heart to align my steps with Your path for my life.
If you have been following my reflection posts, you know that recently my life and the life of my family has been crazy. My daughter moving to Chicago has required me to drive up there and back 3 times recently to help her in finding a home. I have had to spend time in Birmingham helping my other daughter with her home. Our finances are tight, and my wife and I have recently got over some health issues.
The past two days I have been helping a couple doing needed repairs on their home. In talking, and mainly listening to the father, I came to understand all they have going on in their lives. They are in their mid 60s. They have a son who is Autistic and though can function and works at McDonalds, he will never be able to live on his own and will always live with them. Their daughte, who has two young daughters ages 7 and 5 is an addict. Because of this and abuse and neglect to her daughter, this couple now has custody and is raising their grand children. The oldest daughter who is 7, because of the abuse and trauma has suffered mentally. She still is not potty trained and wears diapers that are needed to be changed, hardly talks, does not often respond when her name is called, and has frequent outbursts of anger. His wife has a heart issue that keeps her tired and without energy, and she sleeps allot. So this man is struggling now daily to take care offend support his wife, son, and two grandchildren. He loves his family dearly, however he said this is not what he signed up for.
I listened to the pain and struggles coming from the man’s heart. We prayed together and after I did I thought I have no reason to complain about any of the struggles and challenges I now have in my families life.
"Then Moses ordered Israel to set out from the Red Sea and they went into the wilderness of Shur. They went three days in the wilderness and found no water. When they came to Marah, they could not drink the water of Marah because it was bitter. That is why it was called Marah. And the people complained against Moses, saying, 'What shall we drink?' He cried out to the Lord; and the Lord showed him a piece of wood; he threw it into the water, and the water became sweet" (Exodus 15:22-25).
In You, we're on a spiritual journey out of the bondage of Egpyt, through the wilderness, and into the promised land of our destiny. And along the way we can grow weary and worn. We can give in to the negative attitudes of murmuring and complaining and criticizing. We can let our faith waiver as we begin to forget Your faithfulness for salvation and deliverance so many times before and start to lose our vision and hope for the destiny You've set before us. We focus on the cup of bitter waters we may be drinking from in the present.
But You are the God who makes our bitter waters sweet. Just like You showed Moses a piece of wood, you remind us of a piece of wood. You remind us of Your cross. The power of Your cross and Your sacrifice of love for every one of us is the power of God for our salvation, for our healing, for our deliverance that refreshes us and renews us to continue the journey. Just as You showed the children of Israel that day, You show us every day You are "the Lord who heals you" (Exodus 15:26) In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
My family, I pray you may drink deeply from the Living Waters every day, from the One who makes your bitter waters sweet, in Jesus' name! Please pray the same for me. God bless you, my friends!
Help Me Help Others Out Of Their Graves!
Help Me Share The Gospel!
I could use your financial support for One Direction Community and my family to jump down into the pits and help lift up those on the margins God has placed in my path I refuse to walk around. Please commitment to partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758. Thank You!!
CLICK HERE TO GIVE
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website: https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
“for I have learned to be content in any circumstance. I have experienced times of need and times of abundance. In any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of contentment, whether I go satisfied or hungry, have plenty or nothing. I am able to do all things through the one who strengthens me.” Phillipians 4:11-13
In September 1620, a small ship called The Mayflower left Plymouth, England, carrying 102 passengers—an assortment of religious separatists seeking a new home where they could freely practice their faith and other individuals lured by the promise of prosperity and land ownership in the "New World." After treacherous and brutally uncomfortable trip that lasted 66 days, over two months in the small ship, they landed in America.
Throughout that first brutal winter, most of the colonists remained on board the ship, where they suffered from exposure, scurvy and outbreaks of contagious disease. Only half of the Mayflower’s original passengers and crew that sailed from England lived to see their first New England spring. In March, the remaining 50 of so settlers moved ashore. That is when they received an astonishing visit from a member of the Abenaki tribe who greeted them in English.
Several days later, he returned with another Native American, Squanto, a member of the Pawtuxet tribe who had been kidnapped by an English sea captain and sold into slavery before escaping to London and returning to his homeland on an exploratory expedition. Squanto taught the Pilgrims, weakened by malnutrition and illness, how to cultivate corn, extract sap from maple trees, catch fish in the rivers and avoid poisonous plants. He also helped the settlers forge an alliance with the Wampanoag, a local tribe, which would endure for more than 50 years and tragically remains one of the sole examples of harmony between European colonists and Native Americans.
In November 1621, after the Pilgrims’ first corn harvest proved successful, those 50-60 survivors who saw their love ones die and endured indescribable hardships and tragedies, had a celebratory feast and invited their Native American allies. Now remembered as American’s “first Thanksgiving”
Thanksgiving is not a season or a holiday, it is a condition of the heart.
When you maintain a thankful heart, when you maintain an attitude of gratitude, when you realize that everything you have is a gift given to you, you lose feeling that you deserve or are entitled to things.
You no longer feel you are owed or deserve anything.
Envy disappears, jealousy disappears, hoarding disappears, selfishness disappears, and the list goes on. Greed and materialism have no control over you.
And you become content
You become at peace with your life.
You are satisfied with who you are and what you have.
You become generous.
When you are thankful for the people around you, you love more.
My family, I pray the simple pray over you that you will check the “Thanksgiving” condition of your heart, in Jesus name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you my friends!
Please share you prayer requests in the comment box below.
CLICK HERE TO GIVE
My wife Nancy and I our pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over this season in our lives and that of our family and ODC. Please partner and support us and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758. Thank You Thank You!
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website: https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC.
The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you
and be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
and give you peace! (Numbers 6:24-26)
I am so thankful to the Lord and to you for your friendship as we journey together in these daily reflections. I thank God for all your encouragement, prayers and support for my family and One Direction Community that help us minister the healing love of God—healing from the inside out, preparing the way of the Lord. With your encouragement and support we are able to with “boots on the ground” both meet people out in our community and invite them into our home and help people beset free from all that would hold them back from being all God created them to be in their identity, maturity, and authority.
May the love and blessings of God our Father overtake you and His favor rest upon you in this season of Thanksgiving and the hope and joy of Christmas to come. May you receive today all the goodness of God.
Please let me know if there are any particular ways my family and those of One Direction Community can be praying for you. This evening will gather in my home to share a meal, worship, open God’s Word, and pray. I would love to offer your prayer requests up at our gathering for us to petition the Lord on your behalf in prayer. Post your prayer requests in the comment box below to grant us, and others join in these morning reflections the opportunity to pray over your requests. You can also email your prayer requests to garyl@onedirection,community. We couldn't do this ministry and fulfill our calling and destiny in Christ without your encouragement, support and prayers, and you can not fullfill your calling and destiny without encouragement, prayers and support.
My family, I speak Paul’s prayer over you this morning and pray you receive and claim it. “I do not cease to give thanks for you when I remember you in my prayers. I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you spiritual wisdom and revelation in your growing knowledge of him, - since the eyes of your heart have been enlightened - so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the incomparable greatness of his power toward us who believe…” (Ephesians 1:16-19) In Jesus name. Please pray the same over me. God bless you my friends!
Please share you prayer requests in the comment box below.
CLICK HERE TO GIVE
My wife Nancy and I our pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over this season in our lives and that of our family and ODC. Please partner and support us and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758. Thank You Thank You!
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website: https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC.
Jesus, I welcome you into my life with the same radical hospitality in which you welcome me.
My reflection this morning continues reflections of “Dirty Glory” and the radical image of Jesus and His ministry on earth.
“Then the king will say to those on his right, ʻCome, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me.ʼ Then the righteous will answer him, ʻLord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or naked and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?ʼ And the king will answer them, ʻI tell you the truth, just as you did it for one of the least of these brothers or sisters of mine, you did it for me.ʼ” (Matthew 25:34-40)
I was in the Waffle House (WH) yesterday sitting at the counter and I started up a conversation with a young man sitting at the bar next to me. He looked in his early to mid 20s and had piercings and tattoos. As we talked he told me he moved up here when he was 18 to attend college at UAH. His major was Chemical Engineering and he had one more semester to go and will graduate this spring. He said when he graduates it will have taken him 6 years to get his 4 year degree because it has been a struggle at times, but he hasn’t given up.
Our conversation got around to family and Thanksgiving and I asked him about his plans. He got a little quite as he talked. He said I really don’t know where my mother is, she left us when I was little. My dad is in Montana and we talk now and then. I have a sister in Las Vegas and a brother who I think is in North Carolina. We don’t talk much. I replied, so you do not have any family support at all do you? He said no, for the past 6 years I have been pretty much trying to make it on my own.
I though to myself Wow! My two daughter both graduated from College a few years ago. One of my daughters is attending Medical school for 3 years ar UAB and my other daughter has moved to Chicago for her art career. I thought about of all the help they had from family moving into their dorms, and then into a house in Birmingham and setting it up and getting what they needed. I was just in Chicago helping my daughter purchase a home. All the phone calls and visits of encouragement, and financial support they received that continues to today as they fallow their calling and dreams. However, this young man received nothing, no support at all. Then I also thought, he has no place to go to, no table to sit at for a Thanksgiving or Christmas meal.
As I spend time intentionally and missionaly hanging out in my community, I am discovering there are many, many people out there like this young man. Young adults from broken families, single moms struggling to make it on their own, elderly on welfare who are isolated and alone. During the holidays there are lots churches, agencies and ministries that provide food, food boxes, and meals for those with low income, isolated, and marginalized in their community. If you have followed my posts, our house church is smoking 70 turkeys this Sunday, pulling the meat and putting it in aluminum pans to be served at the Downtown Rescue Missions Community Dinner that will serve hundreds of Thanksgiving meals.. All of these are good! However, as much as people need food, they need something even more; Fellowship, belonging, acceptance, and someone to listen to them.
Some of these churches/agencies/ministries ask their congregations and people to drop off food items to be handed out to those in need. People giving come and bring food and drop it off for the food boxes to be handed out. People receiving come and get a box from a church , dropped off at their home, or from a food line. The people dropping off the food or serving food in the line walk away satisfied they have given. The people receiving walk away satisfied they have received. Again, this is good as it helps fill an immediate need. However, it is all a transaction and it does not foster transformation. These church ministry outreaches actually insulate people from contact with the poor, isolated and marginalized. As dropping off food to a church, food bank, or other agency removes all contact with the poor. And dropping off a box of food to a home, handing out groceries at a food donation site or serving a scoop of mash potatoes onto their plate in a food line as the poor pass by in a community dinner keeps contact with the poor and lonely to a polite, transitional minimum.
As I pray over this it leads me to think, what if Instead of churches/agencies collecting names of people who need a meal to collect a box of food to hand out or deliver to them, What if they simply hand out names of people who need a meal to their congregations and have them then invite that poor or marginalized neighbor over into their house to share a meal with them at their table. Then it is no longer a transaction but goes beyond that to an invitation that allows transformation. It becomes what Jesus speaks into in the passage above, When he says, “You gave me food” he does not mean you dropped off can goods and mac and cheese boxes at your church or a box at their door, He meant you personally invited Him to your table and shared a meal with him. When Jesus says, “I was a stranger and you invited me in” he did not mean you scooped mashed potatoes in a serving line somewhere, he meant you invited him in, into your home. When ha says “I was naked and you clothed me,” He did not mean you dropped your second hand clothing off to Good Will, he meant you personally gave me cloths. That young man at the WH bar would be glad to receive a food box in a transaction, but how much more grateful and transformational would it be to his life, and yours, if he received and invitation to your table?
In Matthew 7:21-23 People tell Jesus “Didn’t we do miracles, attend church and Bible studies, and hand out food to one of the least of these? But Jesus answered, “I never knew you.”
We Christians, church goers, we need to love Jesus enough and love our neighbors enough to go beyond ministering as a transaction and go deeper into ministering as transformation. We need to be brave and bold enough to allow ourselves to be personally involved with those we minister to love them, and even braver and bolder to accept and allow them to love us.
My family, I pray as you plan your charitable holiday giving and holiday meals the Holy Spirit will convict and remind you of the way Jesus personally and intimately saves, provides for and ministers to you. How he always seeks to know you and you to know Him. How he always seeks a transformational relationship with you in which he can love you and you can love him. I pray the Holy Spirit will encourage you to imitate Jesus and minister to others in the same way, In Jesus name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you my friends!!!
Pease share your reflections and prayers with us in the comment box below.
My prayer every morning is, “Please send me the ones no one else wants.”
As The Year Draws To An End, PLEASE Help Us Help Them!
My wife Nancy and I are in a season of our ministry of pouring completely into planting and growing simple house churches in our neighborhoods, and having “boots on the ground” serving in our community.. Please pray over this season in my life and that of my family. Please partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation now for next year, or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758. Thank You Thank You!
TO GIVE CLICK HERE
.
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website: https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
This coming Sunday November 24th we will again for the 11th year gather and smoke 70 turkeys and pull the meat off them to be used in Huntsville Downtown Rescue Mission’s Community Thanksgiving meals served to people in Huntsville and Madison who would not otherwise have a Thanksgiving meal.
We would love for your help and partnership in our community outreach! Here is how!
1. Pray! My daily prayer is "Lord. please send us the ones no one else wants." Please pray our simple outreach of food will not only physically feed those experiencing physical hunger, but also form a connection where we can impact their Spiritual hunger with the Gospel of Grace in Christ Jesus.
2. Donate a turkey! Every donation of $20.00 enables us to buy a turkey to smoke and use in Thanksgiving meals! Click the "Donate" link below to donate, or send checks payable to ODC to: P.O. Box 1293 Madison Al, 35758. You can also Venmo or PayPal me at Gary Liederbach, Strat318@gmail.com. Thank you!
Come serve: Help us smoke and pull meat from Turkeys on the 19th!
*We will start at 7:00am firing up smoker, unwrapping turkeys, removing necks and giblets, applying dry rub and loading half the turkeys into smoker by 9:00pm. We need 8 -10 people for this hour.
*From 8:00-2:00pm we are tending smokers. At 11:30am we will unload first batch of turkeys and put into coolers and put in second batch. Myself and another couple people can do this.
*2:00-4:00 is when we set up tables and pull all the meat from the cooked turkeys and put into aluminum pans that will go into the service line to feed people going through getting a meal. We need the most people for this time.
You are welcomed to hang out all day. However, we really need the most people in the beginning 7:00am-8:00am prepping all the turkeys, and the last 2 hours, 2:00pm-4:00pm to pull meat from all the turkeys which takes the longest. So you can come in the morning and leave and come back in the afternoon, or just serving one time would be great.
All are welcomed to come help serve. Invite your family and friends!
We will smoke and pull the turkeys in front of our house located at 102 Champions Green Drive, Madison.
What to bring:
No telling yet what the weather will be like that day, it could be cold or warm. We will be outside all the time so dress for the weather.
Bring an apron if you have one, and wear clothes you do not mind getting turkey on them!
A knife and carving fork if you have one.
A love to help your neighbors!
Let me know if you have any questions!
Gary and Nancy Liederbach
garyl@onedirection.community
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website: https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
Good morning Lord Jesus fill me with the power of your presence so I can impact today with the power of my presence.
Yesterday morning I reflected on the changes of life in my family and in the church. I spoke into the need for both to “leave the harbor.” I am still in Chicago helping my oldest daughter find a new home, and I will be driving back tomorrow. It was a blessing to have an extended period of time to listen to my daughter, and hear and learn deeper of what and where she is now in life. In these extended conversations where we were able to talk and share about our lives. And it gave me as I listened to my daughter a greater understanding of her accomplishments and challenges, and the opportunities to pour into her out of my experience and faith and speak into her life. It gave us clarity on the current inner realities of each other and how to specifically pray over our family.
I have invested in, pastored and help lead many churches and ministries, however the most important church I will ever need to invest in is a church of four members: myself, my wife, and my two daughters. Because if I fail in leading that church of 4 people, it will haunt me more than failings of leading churches and ministries of hundreds.
I believe for any church to press deeper into their calling, grow stronger together and grow their ministries together as a church family in Christ. I also believe for us to do this as a church, we must first strengthen and grow our personal families in Christ. I strongly believe in the importance that we are all called to be part of and lead houses churches, Band groups, and other small groups. However, as important as these groups are, the most important small group we are part of and are called to lead is our family. As I pray and reflect on my last day in Chicago before I drive back in the morning, “Back to the real world”, I want to focus my prayers and your prayers and reflections today on your family.
Pray for clarity and how to specifically pray over the real physical, financial, emotional, and spiritual needs of the members of your family. If you are honestly not sure of what these are, pray for the opportunity and space to learn them.
Pray and reflect for a moment how your living out your faith has affected, and more important, is affecting your family: spouse, sons and daughters, parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, cousins.
Reflect on: How do you share your faith with your family? Pray that you may witness to those in your family more bolder. Pray for the faith of your family. Spend your time at lunch praying over your family. Plan to spend a day soon in fasting in prayer over your family.
In areas of conflict and division in your family, Pray that peace and reconciliation in your family may occur, and the presence and Spirit of Christ may break through these divisions, bond you, instill forgiveness, acceptance and respect and heal all that divides you.
Pray a prayer of thanks over family members, who like go of their way on your behalf, and currently pray and minister to you and allow you to be where you are in Christ today.
Pray for the forming of a sturdy covering of prayer over your family, your home and your relationship with them. Pray your home can be encouraging to each of you individually, where real conversations and learning take place, and that your home and can be an outpost of the kingdom of God.
Pray over ways you can engage your family and together as a family to serve and share the love of Christ with those in your community. You are called to encourage your family to love God and also love their neighbor.
Pray that your church, The Church, will become an even stronger family bound by prayer that stands up for and supports each other, serves Christ together, and proclaims the gospel together.
My family, I pray the Holy Spirit will lead you in prayer over what immediate action you need to take today. Perhaps make plans to share this message with your family to open a conversation with them and pray with them. Call at least one family member today and let them know you love them and are praying over them, Jesus name. Please pray the same for me. God bless you my friends!
Please share your comments and reflections on my post in the comment box below.
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Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website: https://www.onedirection.community
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"These words I am commanding you today must be kept in mind, and you must teach them to your children and speak of them as you sit in your house, as you walk along the road, as you lie down, and as you get up. You should tie them as a reminder on your forearm and fasten them as symbols on your forehead. Inscribe them on the doorframes of your houses and gates. “ Deuteronomy6:7-9
Tuesday and today I did not write a blog post. This past Friday morning I drove down to Birmingham to my youngest daughter Milan’s house. And I spent the weekend working on projects and repairs that needed done to her home then drove back Sunday evening. Monday I worked all day. Then Tuesday morning I left at 3:30am and drove up to Chicago. My daughter Paris has just moved up there and I went up to spend the week helping her and working with her real-estate agent in finding her a home to purchase. If things go as planned I will drive back this Saturday. Ah the things we do for our children!!
I remember back to before Nancy and I left our home after her water broke with our first daughter Paris and we were walking out the door to head to the hospital. Nancy stopped at the front door and told me to turn around and look back into our house. And we did. She said, When we return it will never be the same.” And she was right! And now 25 years later, Nancy and I are walking into a home that again will never be the same, as our daughters have moved out to live on their own and begin their new lives.
And as my wife Nancy and I try to help our daughters with all of the unknown and uncertainty that lies ahead of them, it was a reminder to me of all the inevitable, constant, continual change that occurs in our lives. For Paris to continue on in all that God has in store for her it requires a change in her life’s structure and surroundings, A release of the comfortable, the famiilar places and faces, and a going forth into the new, uncertain, yet wonderful adventure God has for her. And it requires a releasing and encouraging to go by her family. The only thing that is constant in life is change.
In our walk with Christ the only thing that is constant, besides the Father, is change. For us and the church to continue into all God has in store for us and our calling also requires a change in The Church’s structure and surroundings. A release of the comfortable and familiar and a going forth into the new, uncertain, yet wonderful adventure Jesus has for us as his bride.
I am reminded of a quote, “A ship in the harbor is safe — but that is not what ships are built for.” John A. Shedd. My daughters were safe at home, but that is not what God designed them for. And The Church is safest gathered in a building, but that is not what God designed it for.
My family, I pray today you will listen to the Holy Spirit and embrace the calling and adventure God is calling you to enter into outside of your comfort zone: your structured life; your familiar faces; your safety net of familiarity, family and friends; your churches “Sanctuary”. All these things which have become your “safe harbor.” And I pray you will set sail out into the adventure you were built for by God. Please pray the same for me. God bless you my friends!!!
Please share your reflections and prayers in the comment box below.
Gary Liederbach- Lead Follower
One Direction Community/
Email: garyl@onedirection.community
Website: https://www.onedirection.community
Facebook: One Direction Community-ODC
Please commitment to partner and support myself and One Direction community through setting up a monthly donation or a one –time gift by clicking the link below. Donation checks can be made out to ODC, PO Box 1293 Madison, Al 35758.
Thank You!
