History Makers – Leah – Part 3 – Eric Watt
May 31, 2009
History Makers – Leah – Part 3 – PowerPoint
Greenbrier Women’s Fall Retreat Sign-ups!
May 29, 2009
Do you want a seat at His table? Just like in His ministry – there’s room enough for all who come. Here, you will be His guest of honor. Your Host is waiting to meet with you through fellowship, teaching, and reflection. Please accept this special invitation!
Registration begins Sunday, June 7th between services and each Sunday following. Installments are welcomed, making this a must do event!
- Retreat date: September 18th-19th
- Where: Silver Beach Retreat Center on the Eastern Shore
- Cost: $95-$100
Contact Kelly Neklason for additional information.
Why Am I Illogically Irrational?
May 26, 2009
Ronald Nash, in his book Worldviews In Conflict, discusses the test of reason, or what he also calls the law of noncontradiction. Simply put, the law of noncontradiction says a proposition cannot be true and false at the same time and in the same sense; an object cannot be both square and round at the same time; we cannot be both human and dog, and so on. While this seems so elementary, it is a concept many people find difficult to apply to life.
It is amazing how often Christians will violate the law of noncontradiction in the name of faith. We experience this when everything about a person or a situation says “no”, but we ignore the obvious and say “yes” (or vice versa). We then explain this by acknowledging God’s ways are higher than our ways, which somehow justifies our making illogical and irrational decisions. Well, God’s ways are most definitely higher than our ways, but he also gives us all the information we need to make good choices and wise decisions. He is not withholding information we need to make decision that please him. That would contradict his nature. The rules for life and living established by God are clearly presented in scripture and have never changed.
If circumstances and people say no but God says yes, then we must also say yes. To do otherwise is to compromise what God wants to do through us. If, however, everything says no and we are not certain God has said yes, we should not move forward thinking we are giving God an opportunity to work a miracle. Assuming we can force God’s hand by doing what we want and not what He wants simply will not stand up to the test of reason. That is simply illogical. We have all seen too many Christians derailed because of this kind of presumptuous thinking. We cannot force God to perform miracles. That would contradict his sovereignty.
God gave us sharp minds, discerning hearts, and the wisdom of the Spirit to show us what is good and right. Test what you feel God is telling you to do. If it contradicts his nature, his character, or his Word, then it has failed the ultimate test of reason.
We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. –1 John 5:20
History Makers – Rebekah – Part 2 – Eric Watt
May 24, 2009
History Makers – Rebekah – PowerPoint
I Don’t Know Why I Am Afraid!
May 19, 2009
Fear is one of our most primal emotions. It was given to us for a reason. Healthy fear is a preserving part of who we are. The adrenaline rush that follows the sudden triggering of the fight or flight mechanisms in our brain leaves us in a momentary state of heightened awareness and sensitivity with increased heart rate, blood pressure, and other autonomic responses few of us could sustain for any length of time. It is actually an amazing phenomenon that teaches us powerful lessons for our own protection.
Interestingly, the most powerful processes in the brain related to fear take place in the areas of the brain associated with feelings and emotions and not thought. Research has shown these emotion areas of the brain have their own memory that creates conditioned responses based on feelings and not thinking. This is why simply telling yourself not to be afraid is not enough.
Have you ever been in a situation that caused you fear or anxiousness, and you told yourself over and over not to be afraid? Did it work? Probably not. You are negotiating with your rational brain, but your emotional brain is feeding the fear. Are you dealing with fears that embarrass you because they seem so irrational? Well, they probably are irrational, since rationality seems to play a limited role in what makes us fearful. Do you see how this can be debilitating and paralyzing as we walk through life?
When people think out of the box or step out and show initiative only to be shamed or criticized by someone they respect or someone in authority over them, a sense of anxiousness and fear can create a conditioned response that will keep them from ever trying that again. Every time an opportunity to lead or influence comes along, they get a paralyzing anxiety that has no basis in rationality. The fact that they cannot explain why their gifts, talents, and abilities are not being used only magnifies the conditioned response that is now lodged deeply in their emotional being. Does this describe you?
Only the Holy Spirit can address these issues in our lives. The Spirit both renews the mind and heals the heart. Breaking free of the conditioned responses that keep us in an unproductive cycle of repeated behavior requires us to cry out to Jesus with a deep and sincere humility and a willingness to be healed in our emotions, not just in our mind. Failing to do this ensures tomorrow and the days to come will only be a repeat of today. Pray specifically that the Holy Spirit will reveal the fears that have taken root in your heart and emotions and then be courageous enough to act on what is revealed. God is not asking you to break a secret code to be free of debilitating fear. He wants to make what is holding you back crystal clear so tomorrow can be the first step on the journey of effectiveness and kingdom productivity He created you to walk from the day you were born.
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future (Jeremiah 29:11). If your mind gets excited about this, but your heart is filled with doubt that it is true, ask God to remove the conditioned responses that fear has created.
History Makers – Sarah – Part 1 – Eric Watt
May 17, 2009
History Maker – Sarah – Study the PowerPoint
inROUTE for the Summer
May 14, 2009
inROUTE summer planning is beginning to take shape. Here are some of the events being planned:
Beginning June 4, The inROUTE Ladies Connection Small Group will be meeting at various homes for opportunities for swimming, play dates for the kiddos, and fellowship on Thursday afternoons between 12 and 2. Contact Kristi Ruckel at kristi.ruckel@gmail.com for details as to the meeting place of the week. Bring your own lunch and join the party!
On Saturday, June 13 there’s a BBQ being planned by Dana Carey and Dana VanValin. It will be held on the church campus. To help with the event or to get more information contact Dana VanValin at dvanvalin@gmail.com. Doesn’t that sound delicious?
On Thursday, June 18 the Annual Greenbrier “Young Guns” VS Greenbrier “Legends” softball game takes place at the Western Branch field at 8:45PM. Come to the pregame tailgate party at the church at 6:15 to get geared up for the event. Or just come and eat a hot dog. Bring a bag of chips or a side or dessert to share, your fav 2 liter carbonated beverage and a lawn chair. Afterwards, if you’re a night owl, come out to the park in WB for the game. It’s sure to be full of excitement!!
Intense competition continues on Saturday, July 18 in the church fellowship hall at 6:00PM. Bethann Zimmerman is planning a Game Night Extravaganza. Contact Bethann at bethiez2003@yahoo.com for more information or to help with the planning.
Finally, on Friday, August 21 at 7:15 PM join your fellow inROUTEE’s as we GO TO THE TIDES game in Norfolk. Brent Van Norman has all the details. Contact Brent at bvannorman@hunton.com. Hey batter, batter….SWING!
Greenbrier Women Blessing Others!
May 11, 2009
The women of Greenbrier rallied together to honor our friends and their daughters at the Geneva Mobile Home Park on Saturday. We enjoyed songs, laughter, fellowship and food while celebrating the unique relationship that exists between mother and daughter. A big thank you goes out to each woman and small group that helped to make the event a huge success!
Hello Summer BBQ
May 11, 2009
We are so excited to have Deon and Robin Brewley taking over “20th Street”, our college age ministry. They are tons of fun, and excited to take you guys deeper into your relationship with the Lord.
Don’t miss the “Hello Summer BBQ” onTuesday, May 12 at 7:00 PM at Kyle Krajenka’s home, 1413 Baffy Loop, Chesapeake, VA. Get connected with other college age students your age and get to know Deon and Robin better! Email Robin with questions or more info at: <peteacher03@gmail.com>
What Does it Take to be a Godly Mom? – Becky Watt
May 10, 2009
What Does it Take to be a Godly Mom? – Becky Watt – Study the PowerPoint