Partnership Around the World

Have you been wondering about what's happening with the Water Well and Church project in Africa? Have you been waiting to see how and when you can participate in the needs of Japan? Then make sure you are here on Sunday. We'll tell you what opportunities are available for help, and we'll pray for Carol Perkins as she prepares to head to Africa for a month.

Don't forget to pray for the Sportsman's Dinner on Saturday as many friends from outside Old North will be here. Each year, Steve Scott leads one of our best outreach events and has built a reputation for using his avocation for hunting to tell people about Jesus. Pray that God uses Saturday's event in a mighty way! And finally- if you haven't heard by now- last week, we voted to invite Cyle Young to be our next Children's Pastor. Cyle and Patty have already found a house and will begin here working with Steve on April 4th.

God is working in some incredible ways and He invites us every week to be Partners in the Gospel, so I'm looking forward to telling you more about that on Sunday!

Brent

God's Grace at Every Turn

"All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God." (2 Corinthians 4:15)

As I look back at 2010, I see quite a few more curves in the road than I expected.  Oh, don’t get me wrong, there have been incredible blessings and outstanding outcomes; but there have also been some ugly challenges.  Some of us have lost jobs and seen our resources become scarce.  Illness has attacked some, and others have been hurt by people, misunderstood, or judged unfairly.  Still others have suffered losses; from the departure of a trusted friend, to the death of a spouse or parent.

I’ve personally had a few of those things happen in my life this year; and as much as that road is difficult to travel, I can also tell you that God’s grace has been at every turn.  I don’t ever doubt that He’s there, and I’ve been amazed and encouraged to find that He blesses through challenges, He guides through trials and, He provides through loss.

I’d love to tell you some of the specifics of how friends and family and His Spirit have done that, but it’s probably better in person than here on the blog - so join us over these next Sunday mornings and I’ll tell you more.  As we begin a new year, be assured that there will be more curves, but God’s grace will be at every turn!  

Pastor Brent 

Lord of Every Season

Have you noticed how perfectly the calendar has coordinated with the weather this year?

We had the most beautiful summer most of us can remember in Ohio. The skies were blue and the clouds formed pictures for us almost every day. Fall arrived on the day the calendar announced it, as the weather began to turn cold. There were still beautiful days, and the leaves fell with time for us to rake and blow them to the appropriate places. This week, snow began to fall on December 1st, and it’s beginning to feel like Christmas. I love the sights and sounds of this time of year. I’ve been streaming “classical Christmas” on my computer and enjoying the nostalgia of each song that is being played.

As “perfect” as this season has been, it fades in comparison to the reality of the meaning of Jesus Christ’s coming into our world. Paul write in Galatians 4:4, “But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons.” That’s perfect timing! That’s a perfect plan- and I pray that whatever we experience this month, we’ll appreciate what Jesus has done for us, in each and every season.

Brent

Fruit of the Spirit Video Series

Our entire Fruit of the Spirit video series is now available via the Old North YouTube channel.  Thanks to all those who participated in the series and Eric Harper, our outstanding video producer.

Enjoy!

Fruit Filling

As we continue and wrap up our “Fruit of the Spirit” series this month,  I find myself coming up short.  In every aspect of this singular way we are to nourish others and reproduce our faith, I can give myself some “atta boys!”, but I am also very convicted about my own needs to grow.  Especially when we’ve talked about love, patience and even faithfulness; the Lord is reminding me that I must be filled in order to bear fruit.

So here’s what I’ve been reminding myself about:  According to Ephesians 5:18, the filling of the Spirit is a matter of His offer and my obedience.  Technically, His “offer” “…be filled with the Spirit” is really a command, so I have to determine whether or not I will do what He asks me to do.

I’m so thankful that my relationship with Jesus is secure, and I can seek His control. When I submit to Him, I am filled with Him.   Just like I have to remember to dress correctly for the day, make sure there’s gas in my car to get me where I need to be, plan where I’ll eat lunch and how I’ll spend my day;  I need to remember to be aware of His offer and my obedience. 

“Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me.  He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”    -John 14:21

Brent Allen