Monday, January 24, 2011

Facebook

I'm excited about the growing number of followers of the Susquehanna Xpress Facebook page. The reason I'm excited is not so that we can tout the number of fans, but rather because there are more people that can give us feedback on the webcast. Social media is a great way to make connections with others with similar interests, in this case the United Methodist Church. It's a way for us to network and discover christian outreaches and programs in our connection of churches. Hopefully, it will encourage a more unified effort in the fields of missions, and evangelism. If your church has an outreach or story that you think other United Methodists in the area would enjoy learning about, please contact me through the facebook page, or bspriggle@susumc.org

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

God Will Provide a Way Out

Out of all of the verses in the bible, when the same scripture is part of a lesson twice within two weeks it makes one think God might be trying to make a point. That happened to me this week. I'd like to share that scripture with you. 

1 Corinthians 10:13  
No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

 I first read this scripture in my youth sunday school class, which was fun, because we put motions to it so that it was easier to memorize. It helped, and the memorized scripture has stuck in my head. I've been told that we should "Hide God's Word in our heart." What better scripture to memorize than one that reminds us that we can beat temptation? This memorized scripture can be a source of strength for us when faced with alluring sin.

In devotions today at work, I heard this scripture used for the second time. This time it included verse 12 as well.

1 Corinthians 10:12
So if you think you are standing, watch out that you do not fall.

The devotional lesson by David C. McCasland reminds us not only to point out that all people sin when we have faltered, but to remember that we too are guilty of sin when others misstep. The common response to the sins of public officials is simply to shake our heads. However, McCasland suggests a better response would be to admit that we too are capable of sin, and then bow "in prayer for the one who has fallen and the one who thinks he stands."

Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. -Proverbs 16:18


Casting Crowns sing a song called Slow Fade. The lyrics really pertain to these scriptures. Here are some of the verses.

It's a slow fade when you give yourself away
It's a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you're thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

Monday, January 10, 2011

Where is God Calling You?

On Saturday, I traveled up the snow covered roads to State College, PA to the God's Call event. God's Call is a weekend filled with workshops, speakers,and worship that help young people discern God's Call in their lives. The Bishop said in her video that the question is not whether God is calling you, but into what ministry are you being called.

 I went to a workshop in which we completed a spiritual gifts inventory. The point was that God has given EACH of us certain gifts and abilities which we can use to grow the Kingdom of God. All of us are part of the body of Christ and the church and have an important role to play. Even if you feel like your gifts are insignificant they are not because God tells us that the body cannot function unless each part does its job. 1 Corinthians 12:21-22 says, "The eye cannot say to the hand, “I don’t need you!” And the head cannot say to the feet, “I don’t need you!” 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable."

God may use your talents in ways you never imagined. Ericka Conklin, a theater major, said that when she watched a dramatization of Jeremiah at the event, she realized that she could use her acting to bring the scriptures alive.

I shared with the group how glad I was that there is a program such as God's Call that helps young people discern God's leading in their lives. I told them that it was a struggle for me to figure out where God was leading me in my choice of college major. I said that I took a leap of faith going from a major that would have had job security and a high income to a communications major and I had no idea where I would get a job but I was excited for the future. I spoke of how blessed I was to be able to work on launching the Susquehanna Xpress and work in a christian environment.

Austin Ulsh, came up to me after I spoke and said that he too has switched majors and now is preparing to make another big change. He has felt God tugging on him to reevaluate his life. He currently is working at a job he loves, but in January 2012 he will be leaving for a year of mission work with a Christian organization called The World Race. If anyone is interested in more information about the World Race or his mission you can check out his blog at austinulsh.theworldrace.org

Perhaps all of us need to pause and reevaluate our lives to see if we are truly listening to God's Call. I encourage you to spend some time in prayer and silence earnestly seeking to hear God speak to your soul.

Thursday, January 6, 2011

Improvements for the New Year?

The production of this webcast has been a new territory for all of us here at the conference. We have learned about the process as we have gone along. I love hearing your comments about what you would like to see more of on the webcast, and what you parts you liked and disliked. Your feedback helps us to tweak the program so that it is more clear and enjoyable for viewing.

You may have noticed we have made some changes since the first webisode. Several people had mentioned that the scrolling text at the bottom of the screen on the first one was distracting. We reviewed it and agreed that it is not necessary for every piece. We have since removed it and only used title bars that fade in and out. 

Another change we have made is removing the couch and replacing it with oversized chairs so that the guests can sit upright more comfortably. Also, we have made some seasonal changes to the look of the webcast as the year progresses.

I'd love to hear more comments about other ways enhance the webcasts's effectiveness. You can comment here, or send me an e-mail at bspriggle@susumc.org