November 30, 2010 by Worship Director.

Then these righteous ones will reply, “Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?  When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?”  The King will say, “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!”  - Matthew 25:37-40

Have often do we walk by people on the streets - judging them, ignoring them, showing our fear or disdain for them? We may, in fact, not have a dollar to spare at that moment, but our love and empathy costs us nothing.  If we have a roof over our heads, we do have the means for serving these in our community - from writing a check to a charity or mission project, providing a used coat for a teenager, dropping off a few canned goods at the local food bank, to adding one small gift to our Christmas list for someone else’s child.

Jesus taught that is not the size of the gift, but the size of our heart that matters.

Watch the original drama “The Least of These” here.

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November 27, 2010 by Worship Director.

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.  - Luke 2:6-7

Mary and Joseph were looking for shelter from the elements and the innkeeper was able to provide a humble sanctuary.  How do we care for the homeless and those in need of refuge in our community?  God is with us in ways we least expect and we should be challenged to care for Him in the form of “the least of these” among us.  That may mean providing a room for a night, a shoulder to cry on, a safe place for someone to share their heart.

Jesus was impacted by His humble beginnings and we should let that example impact our lives as well.

Watch the Advent Service “The Candle of Presence” here.

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November 24, 2010 by Worship Director.

Psalm 100

Shout with joy to the Lord, all the earth!
Worship the Lord with gladness.
Come before him, singing with joy.
Acknowledge that the Lord is God!
He made us, and we are his.
We are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
Enter his gates with thanksgiving;
go into his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and praise his name.
His unfailing love continues forever,
and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

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November 23, 2010 by Worship Director.

Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God. - 2 Corinthians 9:11

God will always bank roll a generous spirit.  When His purposes are fulfilled and His name glorified by working through faithful stewards, we are a sure investment.

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November 21, 2010 by Web Admin.

1) O Lord, You have searched me thoroughly and have known me.

2) You know my down-sitting and my uprising: You understand my thought afar off. (Matt. 9:4, John 2:24,25).

3) You sift and search out my path and my lying down, and You are acquainted with all my ways.

4) For there is not a word in  my tongue still  unuttered, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. (Heb. 4:13)

5) You have beset me and shut me in - behind and before, and You have laid Your hand upon me.

6) Your infinite knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high above me. I cannot reach it.

7) Where could I go from Your Spirit? Or where could I flee from Your presence?

‘8) If I ascend up into heaven, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol-the place of the dead, behold, You are there. (Rom. 11:33).

9) If I take the wings of the morning or dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,

10) even there shall Your hand lead me, and Your right hand shall hold me.

11) If I say, Surely the darkness shall cover me  and the night shall be the  only light about me,

12) even the darkness hides nothing from You, but the night shines as the day; the darkness and the light are both alike to You. (Dan. 2:22)

13) For You did form my inward parts: You did knit me together in my mother’s womb.

14) I will confess and praise You for You are fearful and wonderful and for the awful wonder of my birth! Wonderful are Your works, and that my inner self knows right well.

15) My frame was not hidden from You when I was being formed in secret and intricately and curiously wrought as if embroidered with various colors in the depths of the earth- a  region of darkness and mystery.

16) Your eyes saw my undormed substance, and in Your book all the days of my life were written before ever they took shape, when as yet there was none of them.

17) How precious and weighty also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How vast is the sum of them! (Psalm 40:5)

18) If I could count them, they would be more in number than the sand.  When I awoke, could I count to the end- I would still be with You.

19) If You would only slay the wicked, O God, and the men of blood depart from me (Isa. 11:4)

20) who speak against You wickedly.  Your enemies who take Your name in vain! (Jude 15)

21) Do I not hate them, O Lord, who hate You? And am I not grieved and do I not loathe those who rise up against You?

22) I hate them with perfect hatred; they have become my enemies.

23) Search me thoroughly, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts!

24) And see if there is any wicked or hurtful way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

How wonderful to know that God knows us best.  He created us and cares for you and me.  He wants us to do well in our everyday life’s journey. When we are faithful and obedient to His word- He promises to make a way for us. Trust Him- You’ll be glad you did!

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November 19, 2010 by Worship Director.

The Kingdom of heaven is compared to a King, who gave a wedding feast for his son, and he sent out his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding feast, and they were unwilling to come.  - Matthew 22:1-14 (2-3)

In the culture in which Jesus lived, two invitations were expected when wedding dinners were given. The first invitation asked the guests to attend; the second announced that all was ready. When God sent His son to earth, He invited everyone to a wedding feast. Those who accept the invitation became part of the Church and the bride of Christ; but there were many more that refused the invitation and offered feeble excuses. The son is the bridegroom for whom the wedding feast is prepared.

Has that ever happened to you? Maybe you have never experienced a total rejection; but perhaps 60-80% of your invited guests did not show. How disappointing and crushing to have people cancel at the last minute, without even a decent excuse. You’ve put in long hours in preparation, and you have bought enough food for the entire guests list. Who are these “ungrateful people?”

There will be an appointed day in the future (in the fullness of time) when the bridegroom will call the bride to the wedding feast. Those in attendance will receive “wedding clothes.” Jesus, the heavenly Bridegroom will clothe them in “His righteousness”. Those not wearing these garments will be cast out because they refused Christ’s invitation, and in so doing rejected His salvation. God wants us to join Him at His banquet, which will last for eternity.  This is  the reason He sends us invitation after invitation. Have you accepted His invitation?

Prayer: Jesus, my Heavenly Bridegroom, you’ve invited me to dine with you. I graciously accept your invitation, and my “wedding clothes”  are ready so that I may be in attendance at the “Marriage Feast of the Lamb.” Amen

- Rev. Barbara McFarlane

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November 18, 2010 by Worship Director.

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.  - Daniel 6:10

It is easy to give thanks for all the things we have.  We are not so good at giving thanks for what we don’t have, for difficult times, for circumstances we don’t understand – but it is exactly in these times that God works best, surprises us most, and is glorified more than ever.  The account of Daniel in the Old Testament is an example to inspire us.  Taken from his conquered people, forced to serve pagan overlords, Daniel was not disrespectful or despairing, but remained obedient to God’s principles, giving thanks daily.  By doing so, he gained favor with his captors without compromising his faith, and in the process, led the Persian King to believe in the power of our God.

Gratitude ignites miracles!

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November 18, 2010 by Worship Director.

The Church of God in Angola continues to grow and thrive with a new plant in Viana.  Jim and Dulci Doty, missionaries in that country, report that many are coming to worship and inviting others.  The Church there is especially a musical church with Women’s, Youth and Children’s chorale groups.  Join us in prayer for the people of Viana, Cabinda and all the Christians in Angola.

Read more about the work there in the The Informer Newsletter from Angola

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November 17, 2010 by Worship Director.

Community Bible Fellowship invites you to drop off new or gently used winter coats for children or teens at the church building on Sunday, November 21 or 28.  The Missions Committee will see that all donations are cleaned and taken to the Junior League for city-wide distribution in December. Give the gift of warmth this winter!

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November 16, 2010 by Worship Director.

Sponsored by the Christian Women Connection for ladies of all ages

Saturday, December 4, 2010
10:30 am – 12 noon
At Community Bible Fellowship
5209 Duval Rd

 Free Admission

We invite you to bring an unwrapped gift for a child at SafePlace

RSVP by 12/1/10 to Sue@AustinCBF.org

All donations collected are displayed in the SafePlace shelter so clients and their children can go “shopping.”  This allows clients to pick gifts for their family members staying with us.  The need for this program is great and all donations are much appreciated.

Please leave gifts unwrapped. The donation of wrapping paper and tape are greatly appreciated. Please include batteries with gifts that need them.

Please select from these items for a child’s Christmas at SafePlace

• Art supplies of all kinds
• Batteries- AA, AAA, C, 9V
• Board games
• Books
• Cars/Trucks
• Gift Cards
• New clothes in season
• New Dolls (various ethnicities)
• New Toddler manipulative (blocks, etc)
• Non-violent Action Figures
• Science/craft kits/play dough/clay
• Sports equipment/balls

***Please no toy guns/Knives/Swords***

SafePlace…

• Provides Safety for individuals and families affected by sexual and domestic violence.
• Helps victims in their Healing so they can move beyond being defined by the crimes committed against them, and become Survivors.
• Promotes safe and healthy relationships for the Prevention of sexual and domestic violence.
• Works with others to create Change in attitudes, behaviors and policies that perpetuate the acceptance of, and impact our understanding and responses to, sexual and domestic violence.
• SafePlace exists to end sexual and domestic violence through safety, healing, prevention and social change.

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