Quote from Forum Archives on January 22, 2003, 3:09 pm

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

Larry Davies writes an article this week about how we can
encourage and support one another. Steve Green, in his "Hide it
in Your Heart" series for children, sings a song directly from
scripture:

Encourage one another
And Build each other up
Build each other up
Build each other up
Encourage one another
And Build each other up
Up up up up up up up up up

This is based on 1 Thessalonians 5:11: "Therefore encourage one
another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing"
(NIV).

Larry captures another scripture passage from Hebrews 10:23-25
that says essentially the same thing.

Where is God taking us? What does He plan to do with us? I
believe that God has a purpose for each of our lives.
Ultimately, our purpose is to earnestly seek Him and return to
Him the love and attention that He has so richly lavished on each
of us. But there are also daily roles for each of us as we live
each day of our lives. I encourage you to live each day of your
lives to the fullest extent possible, to seek God in all things,
and to respond to whatever He's leading you into and even to go
wherever God is sending you.

I think that Sowing Seeds of Faith is all about taking steps a
bit beyond what we're used to or comfortable with and trusting
God for the result.

Let's look at Larry's perspective on Barbecue pits and a sermon,
and look at how the events in the history of the Pierce's Pitt
Bar-B-Cue have some parallels --- both had support and
encouragement. We all need encouragement and support, so let's
consider how to encourage one another.

Yesterday I wrote about encouraging my pastor. But this is about
a lot more than that. It's about encouraging people every day,
wherever we happen to be. Becoming a pastor might be a direction
that a few may take, perhaps even among us. But we can minister
to one another no matter who we are or what we do each day. I
encourage you to do that, and do so, not through your own means,
but by grasping the strength and power of God's Spirit, then
using the resources of His vast and never ending love to share
with others. That's what works, and I can say that from personal
experience.

Your Brother in Christ,
Brian

Sowing Seeds of Faith...

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filled with excellent teaching illustrations and great stories.
Normally $24.95 now just $10. Each book signed by the author.
Limit of four books please. Click here for more:
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"1971, Barbecue and a Sermon?" Larry Davies

In 1971, a roadside food-stand opened near Williamsburg, Virginia
called Pierce's Pitt Bar-B-Cue. This so-called restaurant was
nothing more than a shack with an order window. Only one meal was
served: barbecue on a bun, with coleslaw or without, plus French
fries and a drink. No one complained because Pierce's Pitt simply
served the best barbecue in the world. Their meat was slow-cooked
in a special pit behind the store and mixed in a tomato sauce
that can only be described as... heavenly. Truckers from Florida
to New York spread the word on their CB radios and the rest is
history.

Several years later the two-lane highway became four and a wire
fence was erected cutting off Pierce's Pit Bar-B-Cue but by now,
it made no difference. Cars and trucks by the dozen simply
stopped along the side of the road while people scaled the fence
to walk over and place their order. Later an exit ramp was built
nearby partly because of the traffic jams caused by this little
food-stand.

Over the last thirty years, the roadside stand became a full
service restaurant and the surrounding area is now full of outlet
stores, hotels, other restaurants, Christmas shops and many other
attractions in addition to nearby Colonial Williamsburg. Was the
success of Pierce's Pitt Bar-B-Cue the reason why all the change
occurred? Of course not... but it is an interesting part of the
story.

Why am I telling you this? Because I discovered Pierce's Pitt in
1971 while traveling from home to college. I was one of those
nuts who parked a car on the side of the road to climb the fence
and place an order. At least once a year, I still visit the
Williamsburg area and you can bet that I will find an excuse to
eat one of those delicious barbecue sandwiches. Are you getting
hungry yet?

Editors Note: Speaking of encouragement you may be interested in
this:

-----Original Message-----

From: Baron, Roger [mailto:rbaron@usd.edu]

I just wanted to give you an update on my AA bible meditation. I
have been sending e-mail meditations since last June. Being an
alcoholic in recovery, it was my desire to show how Christianity
and recovery in A.A. have so much in common. I have been writing
daily meditations which incorporate bible passages and literature
from Alcoholics Anonymous. My goal is to eventually publish a
book with 365 daily meditations. In the meantime, I am happy to
share by e-mail with anyone who wants to receive them, at no
charge of course. Thanks for all your good work, Larry. Roger ...
mailto:rbaron@usd.edu

Also in 1971, I preached my very first sermon in church. Now
don't get any ideas. I was not yet a minister. You may wonder if
I was even born in 1971 because I look so young. (Please don't
answer. Let me enjoy the fantasy.) Actually, I was in my first
year of college and not doing well. I was lonely, homesick and
scared. Grades were terrible and I was worried about telling mom
and dad. One night, there was a call from the pastor of our
church asking me to preach in December for youth Sunday.

His invitation changed my whole outlook. Never once, had I
seriously imagined myself standing in a pulpit. Preachers were
people to admire but me actually preaching? Never! Suddenly my
life had meaning again. The library rather than the local tavern
became my next stop that night in order to research a topic.
Within days there were seven pages of notes in my folder. I was
ready.

On the big day, I wore my finest (and only) suit. The service
seemed to last forever before finally coming to my part. When the
big moment came, I confidently strode to the pulpit area, laid
out my notes and began to speak. There was so much to say... my
hopes and dreams. What a real church should and could be. Was it
me or did time fly? I finished, sat down, looked at my watch and
gasped. It was only 11:30. My entire sermon lasted six minutes...
six minutes. It was probably the shortest worship service ever.
People still remember how early they got out of church one day,
because of me.

Fifteen years went by before I would again stand in the pulpit. I
never had any intention of becoming a preacher. Looking back,
however, I've discovered that every experience along the way was
carefully crafted by God to shape and mold me. The encouragement
of a church and pastor who believed in me was an invaluable aid
toward shaping my future. I will always be grateful.

In 1971, I had a lot in common with a little roadside stand,
Pierce's Pitt Bar-B-Cue. We were both just beginning and our
future success depended upon so many factors. Looking back, I
realize the reason we are both still around is because of the
support we received along the way. Maybe this is why I encourage
youth to become a visible part of our worship. I pray we will
play a role in someone's life.

"Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we
have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Think of ways
to encourage one another to outbursts of love and good deeds."
(Hebrews 10:23-25) Do you see the promise that God is in control?
Our part as followers of Christ is to be a source of
encouragement along the way whether the road leads to the pulpit
or to a barbecue pit.

If you like this devotion you will love the book: "Breaking the
Peanut Butter Habit: Following God's Recipe for a Better Life"
now on sale only through this website. Click here for more
information: www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/peanbutt.htm

Join our prayer ministry by clicking here:
www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/sign-up.htm

Jesus said: "You are the light of the world--like a city on a
mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your
light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it shine
for all." (Matthew 5:14-15)

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--
Brian Masinick, mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/

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