The Tabernacle FUMC: Discipleship & Study

10/23/2024

This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.

I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake.

Life is no ‘brief candle’ for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.

-G.B.Shaw

06/09/2024

"God takes our titles and accomplishments and makes confetti out of them to celebrate the poor and the weak." - Bob Goff

04/02/2021

Wednesday's devotion from The Upper Room, you are loved!

Everything I Do

I became a Christian in my senior year of high school, and my Christian youth leader encouraged me to share my faith with the student body. I was scared, but I knew I should do it, and I wanted to do it. The day came, and in a trembling voice, I told the students of Christ’s love. I did not think I had much impact; I was just happy it was over.
But then as I walked home a few days later, I saw a student from my school standing on her porch with an older relative. As I passed, she shouted an insult at me, and they both laughed. It took a while before I realized that her words were mocking my testimony of faith. My knees knocked together, and I continued home meekly, filled with despair. I had never been ridiculed like that.
The next day I read Matthew 5:11. I could not believe my eyes when I saw a description of what I had experienced. Immediately, I was filled with joy. All my sadness left, and I thanked God for being faithful and reminding me that God sees everything I do.

Jacqueline London (Trinidad and Tobago)

TODAY'S PRAYER
Faithful God, help us to share your word and strengthen us so that we will not fear ridicule. Amen.

03/28/2021

Thank you to our incredible scouts! Cub Scout Pack 185 you are a blessing! They've got this down to an art- start to finish including clean up was 15 min for 75 bags for FUEL.

03/23/2021

Beautifully broken...

MARCH 23, 2021
Mosaic

We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. - Romans 8:28 (NIV)

While driving home from a trip, I encountered a spectacular scene at a rest area. From the outside, the building looked like any other plain brick structure. However, when I opened the door, I saw a beautiful mosaic celebrating the state of Missouri that filled an entire wall. I gasped in awe as I saw ornate scenes of butterflies landing on brilliantly colored flowers, steamboats on the swirling river, and images of people who made an impact in the state. When I stepped closer to try to get a better view, I saw the broken pieces of pottery and glass that were carefully placed in cement to create this beautiful picture.

The mosaic reminded me that God can use the broken pieces of our lives to create a beautiful story. When I give God my broken pieces — heartache from losing a job, pain from a failed relationship, suffering from a serious illness — God can mold me to become more like Christ. I can trust God to work for me even when I do not see how the brokenness in my life will turn out for good.

As the broken pieces of pottery created a beautiful story, God can use our brokenness to give others hope. Together we can tell a beautiful story of God’s restorative love.

TODAY'S PRAYER
Heavenly Father, we give you the broken pieces of ourselves. Help us to trust that you will restore us and create something beautiful from our brokenness. Amen.

Heather Hagstrom (Kansas, USA)