God's Leadings

Jim Groome reminds us of something important!!

2009-08-18T18:33:00.000-07:00

Subject: Inviting People to ChurchMessage: LifeWay Research, an arm of the Southern Baptist Convention, found that 82percent of un-churched people surveyed said that they'd be open to visit a church,if a friend or family member invited them. What sort of difference would it make ifwe each not only invited, but physically brought someone to church with us? Jesus is in the business of changing lives... Why don't we give Him something to work with?.....

Thanks from Keith Byrd

2009-08-04T06:14:00.001-07:00

I am so blessed by God who watches over all of us through seen and unseen danger! I am blessed to serve God at Wesley because we are a praying congregation that care for one another. The body of Christ is alive here Praise God!

Ministry with a purpose by Jim Groome

2009-07-27T20:30:00.000-07:00

There are vessels in our nation's navy that carry the designation "tenders". There are submarine tenders, destroyer tenders, and on and on. Their mission is to come along side another ship and in some instances they will refuel, resupply or replenish, doing all they can to insure that the ship they are tending can go forward toward completing its mission. I think it's like that with us as Christians. We're called to "come along side" our pastors, our brothers and sisters in Christ, our family members, anyone in need of support so they can continue on their "mission". Father God, help me to encourage where I can, lift up who I can, and serve those you lead me to and call me to... Amen

"God's Reassurance" by Amity Moore

2009-07-14T05:21:00.000-07:00

I had another moment with Him today at a time when I truly needed it. For those who don't know, I am moving to Colorado at the end of this month. I'm not going to lie, I'm anxious. The decision wakes me from a deep sleep some nights (like tonight at 2:45 am). From the outside, it looks like a crazy decision: I'm leaving a decent-paying job to move where I do not have one; I'm leaving loving family and friends for a place with minimal support; I'm leaving all the comfort, security and familiarity that comes with knowing a place for 5 years. It's a huge leap of faith. I'm gaining the opportunity to work for myself. I have one freelance client, now I need at least 4 others. I'm gaining cheaper, one-stop flights between my son and his father. I'm gaining the opportunity to be home again with my son after school, especially if my entrepreneurial endeavors bear fruit. I'm gaining friends I haven't spent much time with in the past 7 years. I'm gaining a life in a beautiful place that aligns with my lifestyle values. I'm gaining trust in God. I have truly struggled with discernment, and I still question each day if I'm making the right decision. I want to do right by God. More than anything, I want to be where He wants me to be, living and doing His will. But I need a neon sign from Him. But there's no neon, just gentle nudgings and whispered encouragement. God has basically said, "Child, go where you need to go, I am with you wherever you are." Today I told my boss I was moving and that I would enjoy continuing to work for the company on a contract basis (which I had been doing up until February of this year). HR came back with a firm "no." I thought, "Oh no. Where's God? I thought He was in favor of this decision." It was the first bump in the road to Colorado. Or was it? I left work (feeling uncertain) to pick up my son who is spending the week at a basketball day camp. When I arrived, he was in tears, saying he missed me. Highly unusual. He's 8 and hasn't missed me since he was 3. He's been going to preschools, camps, day cares, after-school programs, etc. for more than 5 years. What were these tears all about? Turns out that he felt a little abandoned (my word, not his). All the other kids' parents had picked their children up from the camp at 3 instead of opting for the extended day. He wanted to be like those kids. When I finally understood this, it was as if God whispered into my ear and patted me on the head. "Everything's going to be okay. You just gave up your job so you can help your child avoid feelings like the ones he had earlier. You are doing what you need to do. Do not worry, I am with you." Lord, I pray that you are, on every step and mile of this journey. I cannot do it without You.

anticipation and blessings from Brenda Bradner

2009-07-10T19:01:00.000-07:00

What a blessing it has been to me to share the walk to becoming a Lay Pastor with the other members of our church who feel called to do the same. We have had some wonderful learning experiences and have shared God's love and direction of the Holy Spirit together in powerful way. It is exciting to anticipate how this group will be used by God to minister to others as we listen to The Holy Spirit's direction

Sports news congratulations from Ruth Summey

2009-06-19T12:59:00.001-07:00

What a thrill to see Drew Weaver competing at the US Open Championship Golf game at Farmingdale, NY

Jim Groome shares important words!

2009-06-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

Message: Pilots tell us that when nearing a stall, the plane's controls become unresponsive and tedious. Once forward momentum is regained, the controls work effortlessly. Also, a ship at anchor has no need of a rudder. The rudder is useless without the resistance of the water and the forward motion of the vessel. When we wait on God, we are sluggish, we lack direction, our rudder is useless. But magically when we move, suddenly the controls work again, the rudder will change our course. I pray today that I will keep moving and ask that God's hand be with mine on the ship's wheel of my life. Bless me with movement this day, O God. In Jesus' name...

Great witness from Vicky Jarrett

2009-06-01T10:20:00.001-07:00

I have a growing passion and calling for studying and teaching God's word. I'd like to find out what I can do to become a lay pastor and possibly continue further in the ministry

Great words of appreciation by Ceci Thomas

2009-06-01T09:49:00.000-07:00

God's Love for PapaMessage: We lost our family patriarch this past spring. He was the last of the grandparent's to be called home. However, his death has inspired our family to come closer together and know that God always has a purpose for each and everyone of us. We know that Papa is now safely home and reunited with his one love, Jewel and the rest of his family. How wonderful to know that he is now in God's World and is looking down on us, giving us the thumbs up when we need a boost. God is our maker and our one true friend. I don't know what my world would be like if I hadn't accepted Jesus Christ and God into my life. He makes each day for me a blessing and a true reminder of how lucky I am to have found the true way of life. God Bless!

Jim Royal's reflections about reluctance

2009-06-01T05:13:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a battle with call reluctance? Not really wanting to phone, but also not being able to get the person out of my thoughts, I finally made the call. My friend, who is processing news that he has an illness he will not survive, spent several minutes of conversation using encouragement and humor, then blessing me with his wisdom and his life's perspective. Only the love of God, the grace of Jesus Christ, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit could make this courage possible

Reflections of a personal faith story- Jim Groome

2009-05-18T05:19:00.000-07:00

The Praise Band's offering this morning of "My God" by Jonathan Stockstill got me to thinking. There is a line that says:(paraphrased) "We're not going back to the way we used to be, not backing down to the place we used to be." It reminded me of how God pursued me for years, when finally in 2001 I allowed him to "catch" me. He met me and embraced me where I was but refused to let me stay there! He has moved with me through my trials and constantly reassures me and lets me know he is there. I've had some dark times recently, like the times David spent hiding in caves. David believed that God was protecting him and growing his faith so he would be ready for the entire blessing when the time came for him to receive it. I believe God works in us the same way. The blessing God has for me is going to involve some growth and preparation on my part. I have to be ready for the blessing when it comes. I only pray that others who are struggling with job loss or financial uncertainty will realize that God is enough. Like he says in II Corinthians 12:9 "My grace is sufficient for you, for my strength is made perfect in weakness." God is good!

Amity Moore's "God's Touch"

2009-05-12T13:39:00.000-07:00

I wish I could remember the precise moment, but sadly I didn't write it down. It was about three weeks ago. It was one of those moments when I thought "I'll remember exactly what I prayed about since God responded actively." Whatever it was--outwardly inconsequential in the face of prayerful pleadings for a dying child or a dying marriage (although consequential and large to me at the time)--God responded with such immediate decisiveness that I smiled. "Thank you for affirming your presence." I used to chalk those serendipitous moments as coincidences, but as my relationship with God has matured, I see things differently. And honestly, it was that little moment that ultimately nudged me to share the blog idea with Barry. To me that's proof of God's daily presence that my small answered prayer has had reverberations throughout Wesley Memorial Church body. Wow.

Donna Machen's Mothers Day reflections

2009-05-12T04:16:00.000-07:00

I was so blessed by my Mom yesterday at the 11 o'clock service. She is 93, and I take her to church as much as possible. She has some memory loss, but she doesn't miss a note singing! I loved hearing this former choir member sing alto to the great old hymn, "Great is Thy Faithfulness"! It brought tears to my eyes. She may forget to say her prayers, but I know God understands. She has been a faithful servant, and witness of her faith all of her life.... especially to me. HALLELUJAH

Brenda Bradner's Mothers Day blessings

2009-05-11T09:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I had many Mother's Day blessings. Among them was the beautiful music and message at the 11:00 Worship Service. The songs by the Youth Choir and the solo by Thomas Gooding, "The Hardest Part of Love is Letting Go' from the Children of Eden had me in tears of Joy

Ruth Summey's witness to her faith

2009-05-11T08:13:00.000-07:00

How can I thank God after my sister's husband died suddenly last Saturday? ...after the shock lessened I knew that since I had had the same experience I could emphasize with her feelings. And I can thank God for answering my prayer to comfort and bless her...

Jim Royal's statement on honoring mothers

2009-05-11T05:44:00.000-07:00

What a joy this day has been. Our family spent some time, as did many, just reflecting on the blessing of motherhood. Our God knew that His creation would be needing the nurturing, loving, caring and selflessness of Mothers to stabilize our families. We honor those Moms with us and we hold dear to the memories of those gone before us

Mary Drummond's blessings

2009-05-08T02:40:00.000-07:00

May 7th is a blessing for the Drummond family because Nelson turned 12 today. I was thinking about his birthday last year vs. this year. Last year I had major surgery on his birthday and could not be a part of his special day. Today I felt God's blessings because Nelson turned 12 and I was able to celebrate with him.

Thanks from Mary Mason

2009-05-07T13:31:00.000-07:00

Message: To all of my church friends, I say thank you and how your visits have blessed me, your prayers and encouragement hve meant the world to me. I am so happy to be a part of WMUMC. My goal is to be back in the midst of all the church activities very soon! God bless all of you!

Ruth Summey's "Let's count our blessings"

2009-05-07T08:32:00.000-07:00

One way God blesses me today is by gently revealing all my blunders, insensitive actions or thoughts. Had I been made aware of them as a 'baby' believer I would have been devastated. My self esteem would have flown out the door and I might have questioned my new gift of faith.

A fresh green morning from Barry

2009-05-07T06:07:00.000-07:00

Wow! What a gorgeous day! With threatening storms all over the place last evening, and many of us clinging to the weather radar, the day went through its cycle, and God stepped out today in the sunshine, and once again proclaimed, "it is GOOD." I already sense God's freshness in all the bright greens of nature, well watered, and growing. I plan to keep looking today...for new growth in myself!