40 Days of Purpose

As I have been going through the 40 Days of Purpose I ran across this excellent article I wanted to share. What is being described is a purpose-driven life. - Pastor Joel Sutton

This week I spent time with a seasoned, older man who has walked with God for sixty years. Observing this war-horse of the faith, and reflecting back on others of his stripe, two traits seem to characterize their lives:

INTIMACY (The Great Commandment - Matt. 22:37-39)

I notice that they have cultivated the practice of communion with Christ through the day. That is, they exhibit dependency upon Jesus in the details of their lives, being highly sensitive to His prompting, and acutely aware of personal sin. Unwittingly, they project a spirit of humility and gentleness -- perhaps even brokenness.

Absent is any air of superiority or self- promotion. "We take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. It is the man who shares my life and whose life I share who proves fruitful. Clothe yourselves with humility, gentleness and patience" (2 Cor. 10:5b - NIV; Jn.15:5a - Phillips; Col. 3:12b - NIV).

IMMEDIACY (The Great Commission - Mt 28:18-20)

It seems that they are forever, and everlastingly "at it." That is, their antennas are up, utilizing every opportunity to lovingly and graciously share the love of Christ with those who enter their orbit. Theirs is a mind-set reflective of Paul's: "Naturally, we proclaim Christ! We warn everyone we meet, (evangelism) and we teach everyone we can, all that we know about Him, discipleship) so that, if possible, we may bring every man up to his full maturity in Christ Jesus. This is what I am working at all the time, with all the strength that God gives me" (Col.1:28,29 - Phillips).

Their sense of immediacy is mirrored in the saying, "IF NOT YOU - WHO? IF NOT NOW - WHEN?" Yet, with this sense of immediacy, there is not the slightest hint of pushiness. Again, reflective of Paul's approach: "Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. And the Lord's servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth" (Col. 4:5,6; 2 Tim 2:25-26a).

In summary, the above passages instruct us on how to relate to our lost friends and associates:

• Be wise: Clever and skilled
• Utilize every opportunity: Immediacy.
• Be gracious: Gentle, meek, humble, mild, patiently enduring evil
• or ill will.
• Be salty: Pointed; not insipid; "an edge of liveliness" (Knox
• Translation)
• Be willing to correct error or false teaching: Chasten, educate,
• teach and train.
• Not be quarrelsome: Don't dispute or strive. Rather, be kind.

SUGGESTION: Would you take a moment now and pray, "Lord, if my walk with you is not characterized by a spirit of INTIMACY and IMMEDIACY, why? What needs to change?"

(C) 2001 Dwight Hill, Business & Professional Ministries; a ministry of THE NAVIGATORS. Unlimited permission to copy or use is hereby granted subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.

From Eric Twietmeyer
Pastor of Worship and Youth Ministries

Less than two months ago, I couldn't imagine where I would be today. I was in the middle of discerning where God might be calling me. As a grad student, I had just finished my course of study, and had real job opportunities in Schaumburg, IL and Minneapolis.

The candidating process at First Free was exciting and challenging for me. As I had some time to think about the church over the summer, here are some of my musings from my journal from August 1st . . .

"Getting out of the boat is hard-but I believe worth the risk. First Free wants someone to develop music/worship teams and to try some new songs, sounds, and people in praising God. I want to sink my teeth into some of the older selections of praise and worship that are excellent, Bible-worthy, and reflective of current experiences. I see the diverse neighborhood and wonder if there is a possibility of a diversified church. I want to encourage other musicians and worshipers to lead, as well, not making this a one man show, but a team effort. I can't really make it happen, but want to be available to work with God as He works in other's lives."

As I reflect on those thoughts, I know that this was the right decision for me. The partnered ministries of youth and worship are a joy to me. There are so many changes I'm making yet in adjusting to Minnesota in terms of living (getting around being one of the biggest), that I have most recently appreciated the reminder my brother gave me to "take it one day at a time." Through him, I was reminded of Christ's words in Matthew 6:34, "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." I am excited about what God wants to do at First Free. So many of you have been very welcoming and encouraging to me. I appreciate you! Please pray for me as I continue to sort out the work I am called to at FEFC!

You Are Invited to Celebrate The Marriage of Susan Mondy & Eric Stabnow

The ceremony will be held at First Free on December 21, 2002, at 4:30 PM. If you would like to attend, please pick up an invitation at the information booth in the church foyer. RSVPs for the wedding dinner need to be returned by November 18th.

Dinner & a Movie Neighborhood Outreach

5:45 pm, Monday, November 18th

Invite friends and neighbors for a great home-style rib dinner and family movie.

Volunteers are needed to help with food preparation the day of the event and also helpers are needed for clean up. If you can help, please contact Rose Hecker at (612) 729-9053.

Anticipating Christmas

Angel Tree kickoff will be Sunday, November 10th. You can select (adopt) your angels on Sundays, November.17, 24 & December 1st. Choir Concert, A Christmas Tapestry, will be held Sunday, December 15 during the morning worship service. Join the choir Tuesdays at 6:45 PM! Christmas Eve Service, Tuesday, December 24th at 4:30 PM.

Open House Bridal Shower for Susan Mondy

Sunday, November 10th
3:00 PM at church

Susan is registered at Marshal Fields, Crate & Barrel, Bed Bath & Beyond, and Sears.

November Highlights

Women's Guild-Memory Magic
Tuesday, November 5, 1:00 PM
Come hear a one-hour program you won't forget!

Angel Tree Kickoff
Sunday, November 10th
Adopt an Angel on Sundays, November 17, 24 & December 1st

Manna Lifeline Food Drive
Food bags will be distributed on Sunday, November 17
Bring bags back to church filled with food on November 24

40 Days of Purpose, CELEBRATION SUNDAY
November 24, 9:30-11:00 AM, Celebration Service
11:30 AM-1:00 PM Catered Celebration Dinner

Harvest of Praise Service and Pie Social
November 27, 7:00 PM
(Each family of four or more bring a pie to share.)