Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Mount Carmel Newsletter Issue 34 (Reminder about Operation Christmas Child) from The Mount Carmel Church of the Nazarene in San Diego, California, United States for Tuesday, 6 November 2018

Mount Carmel Newsletter Issue 34 (Reminder about Operation Christmas Child) from The Mount Carmel Church of the Nazarene in San Diego, California, United States for Tuesday, 6 November 2018

Thoughts From Our Pastors

Written by Associate Pastor, Chelsea Peugh

We don’t have to think back too far in order to think of a time we’ve experienced pain and struggle during our lives. Some of us might be smack dab in the middle of a painful season, a time of struggle. Maybe the pain you’ve experienced has been the unfaithfulness of a spouse, or a friend or co worker disregarding your thoughts and opinions. It might be the sudden passing of a family member, who was taken too soon, or a son or daughter who’s not walking with the Lord. We don’t have to look too far in our world to see the presence of pain and suffering. One of the most important things we can do while we’re in the middle of a struggle, is GO TO GOD with our pain.
God’s word has quite a bit to say about pain and suffering doesn’t it? Let’s take a look at 2 Corinthians 4: 7-12, 16-18. In this passage Paul is talking about dying to himself and living for Christ and he’s asking the Corinthians to do the same.
In this passage in 2 Corinthians we see Paul urging the people of Corinth to look to Christ even amongst their trials and pain. He says in verse 8, “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed.” In verse 11 he says, “for we who are alive in Christ are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.” Paul says there, “So that HIS life may be revealed in us”. It’s a great paradox, we die to ourselves, so that HE can fully live in and through us.
Take a look at what it says in verse 16: “That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed day by day.” Paul is saying here that if we want to be able to be pressed but not crushed; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed then we have to be RENEWED DAY BY DAY.
Sometimes when we’re in the middle of a painful time it’s like we have tunnel vision. We get into survival mode and we can only see what’s happening right now, right in front of us. That’s ok, this is a natural initial response. This scripture in verse 18 is reminding us that we need to, “fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary.” It makes me think of night vision goggles. Night vision goggles allow for us to see the unseen right? Not with perfect clarity, but at least better than our natural eyes would allow us. It would be like putting on our eternal vision goggles, so that we can experience and understand that which is unseen and eternal. This is easier said than done right? It is not easy to always have the eternal in mind.
What would the world around us look like if we were all able to keep eternal things as our priority? Remembering that God has a purpose for our pain, a reason for our struggle and a reward for our faithfulness. We need to trust Him and never give up, no matter what situation we're facing. Has there been a time where you have experienced this statement being true in your life? How would we look at our current circumstances differently if we kept in mind the eternal things? How would that affect our families? How would that affect our church? How would that affect our relationships with co-workers or friends?

Operation Christmas Child, a project of Samaritan's Purse, brings good news and great joy to children around the world. And the work doesn't stop there. Through The Greatest Journey, our discipleship program for those who receive shoeboxes, whole communities are being transformed by the Gospel. A great overview video to share with your church or group, available in three different lengths.

Coming Up At Mount Carmel

Wednesday Food Sign up:
So let's talk about food and Bible Study, we would love for you to join us on Wednesday for dinner and Bible study. To make sure we have everything we need, here is the link for this week Wednesday, November 7th.
Operation Christmas Child:
This is the last week to get in your Operation Christmas Child shoe boxes and donations in. We will be collecting these donations this Sunday, November 11th. Thanks for your support as we reach out to children all over the world this Christmas Season. Talk to Barbara if you have questions!
Hanging O’ the Greens:
Sunday, December 2 after church. Stick around to help us decorate the church for the Advent/Christmas season. We need guys and gals to plan to come!
Family Christmas Party:
Friday, December 14, 6-8pm. Save the date for our all church family Christmas party. We’ll have a free dinner, we’ll decorate Christmas cookies and have a photo booth! This is a great and casual event to bring a neighbor or a friend to!
Offering:
To all those who give during out service or online, THANK YOU!!! The money you give goes to helping our community and the global church. If you missed giving this week, just visit our giving page here and give online.
We also are set up to receive Faith Promise through our online giving here just make sure that you select Faith Promise instead of general offering.
Tithing is a discipline that will strengthen your faith and the church cannot function properly without your support. If you consider Mount Carmel your church home, please pray about being obedient to the Lord in this way.

Operation Christmas Child shoebox gifts create unique opportunities to share God's love with children living in remote communities across the world that have never heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Learn More: https://sampur.se/2ynVGmq