Devotion for the Week: What Is God Calling You Out Of?
Genesis 12:1 – “The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.’” (NLT)
I can't imagine what it must have been like to be Abram. When God called him, He didn't give Abram a map, a destination, or a detailed explanation of what would happen next; He simply told him to go.
But part of what is really easy to miss is that God's calling wasn't just about where Abram was going. If you notice, there were three specific things that God said were what he needed to leave behind.
Abram was being called away from the familiar culture that had shaped him, the relationships that had defined him, and the identity he had always known. God was inviting him into something greater, but following that invitation meant trusting God enough to leave some things behind.
We often think of God's calling as something we're supposed to do. Sometimes, though, the first step isn't doing something new. It's sometimes something much harder and it's letting go of something you currently cherish.
Maybe it's a habit that has become comfortable, a relationship that has taken priority over God, or an identity we've built around what others think of us. God doesn't always tell us where the journey will lead, but He promises to walk with us as we follow.
This week, ask yourself:
– What has become so familiar in my life that I struggle to imagine leaving it behind? – Are there relationships, expectations, or priorities that I've allowed to shape my identity more than God? – What might God be inviting me to surrender so I can follow Him more faithfully?
Abram's journey began with a willingness to leave, long before he knew where he would arrive. Sometimes the greatest step of faith isn't moving toward something we can see. It's trusting God enough to leave behind what we've always known. … See MoreSee Less
We had such a wonderful, meaningful morning with our kids today! Here is a little peek at what they learned and created: • Letters to Ecuador 🇪🇨 The children poured their hearts into writing sweet letters to our sponsor child in Ecuador. It is beautiful to see them growing a heart for global friendship and sharing love across the miles. • Pumpkin Painting 🎃 We embraced the fall season with some colorful creativity! Everyone got to paint their very own pumpkin to take home. • Discovering Our Gifts 🎁 Most importantly, we learned about the unique gifts and talents God has given to each and every one of us. We love watching these kids grow in faith, friendship, and creativity every single week! Thank you to everyone who helped out and made this morning so special. #ChildrensMinistry#BatesChurch#FaithAndFun#Community… See MoreSee Less
The builders of Babel wanted to make a name for themselves. Jesus invites us to use our gifts so others can see the goodness of our heavenly Father. Genesis 11:4; Matthew 5:16.
🍂 Thank you, Snow Hill! 🍂 We want to send a huge, heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who came out to support our Annual Fall Harvest Festival today! A special shout-out to our wonderful artisan vendor who shared their beautiful work, our amazing volunteers, and every neighbor who stopped by. You all made this day a wonderful success, and we are so grateful for your support of Bates Memorial United Methodist Church!
Didn't get enough treats today, or missed out on the festival? You're in luck! We have extra stock of our delicious chicken salad and baked goods up for grabs tomorrow, Sunday, Oct 18, at noon in the church basement (right after our service). Everything is first-come, first-served, so come ready to stock up!
🧁 Festival Baked Goods: • All remaining items are HALF PRICE! Stop by the basement at 12:00 PM to grab these festival favorites before they are gone! See you tomorrow at 102 E Market Street!
In Psalm 23:4, David’s words become a personal prayer to the Shepherd beside him. Whatever valley you’re walking through, bring God your fears and ask for strength for the next step.
We often ask God to bless plans we’ve already settled. Genesis 11 and James 4:13–16 invite us to seek His direction and remain willing to follow.
#Humility #GodsWill #ChristianDevotional #TheOrdinaryMethodist #SnowHillMD … See MoreSee Less
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Devotion for the Week: What Is God Calling You Out Of?
Genesis 12:1 – “The Lord had said to Abram, ‘Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you.’” (NLT)
I can't imagine what it must have been like to be Abram. When God called him, He didn't give Abram a map, a destination, or a detailed explanation of what would happen next; He simply told him to go.
But part of what is really easy to miss is that God's calling wasn't just about where Abram was going. If you notice, there were three specific things that God said were what he needed to leave behind.
Abram was being called away from the familiar culture that had shaped him, the relationships that had defined him, and the identity he had always known. God was inviting him into something greater, but following that invitation meant trusting God enough to leave some things behind.
We often think of God's calling as something we're supposed to do. Sometimes, though, the first step isn't doing something new. It's sometimes something much harder and it's letting go of something you currently cherish.
Maybe it's a habit that has become comfortable, a relationship that has taken priority over God, or an identity we've built around what others think of us. God doesn't always tell us where the journey will lead, but He promises to walk with us as we follow.
This week, ask yourself:
– What has become so familiar in my life that I struggle to imagine leaving it behind?
– Are there relationships, expectations, or priorities that I've allowed to shape my identity more than God?
– What might God be inviting me to surrender so I can follow Him more faithfully?
Abram's journey began with a willingness to leave, long before he knew where he would arrive. Sometimes the greatest step of faith isn't moving toward something we can see. It's trusting God enough to leave behind what we've always known. … See MoreSee Less
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God gave you gifts to use. Romans 12 invites us to recognize those gifts honestly and put them to work serving others with gratitude and humility.
#humility #spiritualgifts #christiandevotional #theordinarymethodist #snowhillmd … See MoreSee Less
6 CommentsComment on Facebook
🌟 This Morning in Children's Church! 🌟
We had such a wonderful, meaningful morning with our kids today! Here is a little peek at what they learned and created:
• Letters to Ecuador 🇪🇨 The children poured their hearts into writing sweet letters to our sponsor child in Ecuador. It is beautiful to see them growing a heart for global friendship and sharing love across the miles.
• Pumpkin Painting 🎃 We embraced the fall season with some colorful creativity! Everyone got to paint their very own pumpkin to take home.
• Discovering Our Gifts 🎁 Most importantly, we learned about the unique gifts and talents God has given to each and every one of us.
We love watching these kids grow in faith, friendship, and creativity every single week! Thank you to everyone who helped out and made this morning so special.
#ChildrensMinistry #BatesChurch #FaithAndFun #Community … See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
The builders of Babel wanted to make a name for themselves. Jesus invites us to use our gifts so others can see the goodness of our heavenly Father. Genesis 11:4; Matthew 5:16.
#humility #TowerOfBabel #christiandevotional #theordinarymethodist #snowhillmd … See MoreSee Less
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
🍂 Thank you, Snow Hill! 🍂
We want to send a huge, heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who came out to support our Annual Fall Harvest Festival today!
A special shout-out to our wonderful artisan vendor who shared their beautiful work, our amazing volunteers, and every neighbor who stopped by. You all made this day a wonderful success, and we are so grateful for your support of Bates Memorial United Methodist Church!
#fallharvestfestival #thankyou #CommunityStrong #snowhillmd #BatesMemorial … See MoreSee Less
4 CommentsComment on Facebook
🍂 Fall Festival EXTRAS for Sale Tomorrow! 🍂
Didn't get enough treats today, or missed out on the festival? You're in luck! We have extra stock of our delicious chicken salad and baked goods up for grabs tomorrow, Sunday, Oct 18, at noon in the church basement (right after our service).
Everything is first-come, first-served, so come ready to stock up!
🥗 Harvest Chicken Salad:
• Pints: $8.00
• Quarts: $16.00
🧁 Festival Baked Goods:
• All remaining items are HALF PRICE!
Stop by the basement at 12:00 PM to grab these festival favorites before they are gone! See you tomorrow at 102 E Market Street!
#SnowHillMD #BatesMemorial #HarvestFestival #SupportLocalChurch … See MoreSee Less
3 CommentsComment on Facebook
In Psalm 23:4, David’s words become a personal prayer to the Shepherd beside him. Whatever valley you’re walking through, bring God your fears and ask for strength for the next step.
#TrustGod #Psalm23 #GodIsWithYou #ChristianShorts #SnowHillMD … See MoreSee Less
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Today is our annual Harvest Festival! Oyster sandwiches, baked goods, and more! … See MoreSee Less
1 CommentsComment on Facebook