When Elaine told the theme of the ladies' day I was speaking for last Saturday was "Branded for Christ," I admit the picture that popped into my mind was a room full of women with “JC” seared into their backsides. Not a genteel thought for a pastor’s wife, eh? Well, you know me. I’m not your stereotypical pastor’s wife. Yee-hah! Behold the cowgirls of Olivet Nazarene Church in Olivet, IL. Ain't they purty?
My message title originated from Hebrews 10:24: “Let us spur one another on to love and good deeds.” Using SPUR as an acrostic, I encouraged these Bible totin', devil bustin' ladies to bring out the gifts in one another by:
Speaking words of encouragement—tell another what you admire about them.
Praying for each other—focus on praying, not saying. Spend more time asking for the answer than rehearsing the problem
Understanding others’ points of view— why doesn't everyone think like I do, when I'm so obviously right? God made us different to complement each other.
Rejoicing with those who rejoice—showing genuine happiness for another’s blessings plants seeds of joy in our future.
After a pint-sized teaching on the first three points, I had the ladies circle up into small groups and practice what we'd heard. On the final point, we stayed in one large circle, sharing what favors God had showered on us. As each cowgirl told her happy news, we all yelled, “Yippee-yi- ay!” while I clanged my dinner triangle.
The cowgirls of Olivet Nazarene Church in Olivet, Illinois were one of the best audiences I've ever spoken to. Some people sit with their arms folded across their chest, daring you to help them grow in the Lord. Not these gals. They pulled the Word out of my heart slicker than pulling off your boots at the end of a long day on the trail. And their chow of beef stew, corn muffins and apple crisp made my innards smile, too!
Do you think of "Spurring one another to love and good deeds" as a positive or painful thing? What letter of the acrostic spoke to you today?
