Actually, the “shadows” are not shadows. Nor are they reflections. Instead, they are projections. Stained glass does not reflect light. Rather, it permits light to pass through it.

As I sit in the worship area early in the morning, the image projected on the wall is far from clear. As the sun comes up and moves across the sky, the image formed by the light coming through the stained glass also moves. It slowly makes its way to the front of the church where, at one point, it frames a large cross. The closer the image gets to the window, the clearer the projection becomes.

This reminds me of how clear my own life becomes when I stay close to Christ and the forgiveness he freely gives through his cross. As I invest time in prayer and Bible study, a quiet peace settles in my heart, despite the changes and disturbing events swirling around me. As I take time to give of myself, I find clarity about life’s real priorities. But when I let life grow too busy, the peace and clarity fade. And I project a more distorted image of God’s glory. How thankful I am that he forgives our failures—every one of them!

And how exciting it is to think about what could happen if all of God’s people were growing daily in the kind of Son-shining-through lives he wants for us.

How will you stay close to him this week?

For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:6 NIV

 Now he’s arrived on the doorstep of your church. You are strangers to him, and he’s a stranger to you, too. But after a few months of intentional friendship building, you start to see leadership potential in Sam. Might you consider inviting him to step forward as a lay leader?

 He may be hesitant. He may have questions:

• Do I have enough Bible knowledge?
• What if compassion isn’t my strong suit right now?
• Could this be a nudge from God to test the waters? Can I trust him?
• Is this a safe enough place to plunge in?
• How will my wife feel about it?
• Will my mentors throw me in to sink or swim alone?

If you befriend a young adult, especially one new to your church, think about opening doors for service. But think, too, about the questions and concerns that might arise. Promise to be there—and then keep your promise. Help your “Sam” to see that he can lean on Jesus, he can trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3:5).

 If you’re not sure how to say that or if you’d like to reinforce that message, consider giving “Sam” a copy of Shaped to Serve: Celebrating Your Gift of Service.

 Will you leave a legacy at your church by encouraging the next generation to step forward to serve–and then helping to equip them to do it? Their gifts are a blessing to others; help them explore the possibilities.

2010 Thanks be to God Pocket Calendar

But wait! What about the month? What about a Happy Thanksgiving month?! 

I’ve always enjoyed sharing Thanksgiving Day at church and with my family. But this year, I’ve decided to observe a personal thanksgiving month. I want to take some time and effort to say thanks to people who have been a such blessing to me—and to my family, and in my ministry.

Personal notes of thanks have all but been replaced by quick e-mails or even text messages. But these don’t always say thanks in a personal enough way.

CTA has some great items that will help me let people know how thankful I am for their service, their heart for my ministry, and their friendship. Maybe you’ll find them helpful, too:

• I can use the Thank You for Serving with a Heart Like Jesus note card set to write and send personal notes to six people—and for only 99 cents while the cards are on sale!
• The Thanks Be to God Pocket Calendar can be a year-long thank-you to those who bless me in special ways.
• So can the Thanks Be to God Magnet .

This year, put the thanks in giving by giving and sending thanks!

• Those volunteers at your church do so much. You want to remember them at Christmas with a meaningful gift. But what!?
• You work with a great group of professionals on your church staff. You want to share your respect and affection for them this Christmas. But how?!
• The teachers and Sunday school teachers, janitors, and teacher aides make an enormous impact on the families and young people of your church, parish school, and community. You want to encourage them all with Jesus’ love. But the budget won’t cooperate. So now what?!

Scenarios just like these led CTA to create and trademark the very first Ornaments of Faith® in 2002. Since then, they’ve become a year by year favorite of CTA customers. Are you among our fans yet?

Here’s what CTA co-founder, Steve Darr, says about these popular products:

The purpose of the Ornament of Faith® products is to provide unique and attractive ornaments to encourage the faith of believers and to plant the seeds of faith in pre-Christians.  We do this by combining traditional Christmas and biblical symbols designed in interesting and engaging ways and packaged attractively with a simple poem and corresponding Scripture. 

All these elements work together to share the truth about Christmas and the good news of Christ’s coming.  Ornaments of Faith® products include children’s ornaments, unique ornament Christmas cards, as well as a line of quality pewter –finished ornaments manufactured in the U.S.A.    

 It seems so natural now that a company like CTA would offer Christian Christmas ornaments, but seven years ago, it was unheard of—especially at a price under $4.00 per ornament. What set off the spark  that brought this idea into reality?     

Steve says:

We started very modestly with the Ornaments of Faith® line by producing a couple of unique designs in various types of materials.  We found that customers really seemed to appreciate the pewter-finish ornaments the most, and thus we have responded to that feedback by providing even more unique and purposeful designs that that could use to encourage the faith. 

Many customer have started collecting these ornaments and purchase them annually to give each Christmas. Our customers really seem to appreciate the value and the purposeful designs of the Ornaments of Faith® that our product development team creates each year.

Looking for a unique and meaningful gift for all those colleagues who mean so much to you and add so much to your ministry? Take a look at this year’s Ornaments of Faith® collection. You won’t be disappointed!

View a video about this year’s Ornaments of Faith®.

View a video about how one pastor has built a tradition around Ornaments of Faith®.

As you walk or run today, think about the Scripture below. Ask yourself the questions. Talk with Jesus about your answers. Enjoy your time with your Savior!

We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us. (Romans 8:26 NIV) 

† When do I “breathe in,” spiritually speaking? When do I “breathe out”?

† What will I ask Jesus to do for me, personally, today?

† What will I ask him to do for those I serve?

Lord Jesus, you once said, “I . . . enabled you to walk with heads held high” (Leviticus 26:13). And you have! Because of your cross and the grace poured out there, I walk with my head high—in forgiveness and hope! 

Help me as I breathe in your love today. Help me sense the aroma of heaven, and let it remind me why I do what I do for your people. Especially right now . . .

As you walk or run today, think about the Scripture below. Ask yourself the questions. Talk with Jesus about your answers. Enjoy your time with your Savior!

 Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross. (Hebrews 12:1–2 NIV)

† What motivated me to get out of bed this morning?

† How is my service today a reflection of the mission my Savior has given me?

† How happy am I with my answers to these questions?

† What do I want to say to Jesus about this?

 Thanks, Lord, for the path you’ve marked out for me and for saving me, making my service possible. Keep me moving forward in your love, step by step. Show me today . . .

By ignoring problems, though, we won’t make them evaporate. In fact, they will usually grow! Attendance drops off. Other volunteers suddenly remember previous commitments. The “misfit” becomes more uncomfortable, and perhaps irritable. Important work goes undone and goals go unmet. 

Are you facing an awkward situation like this? Then subscribe to CTA’s Grab N’ Go newsletter. It’s free, and the October issue (which will hit in-boxes October 6)  includes an article detailing eight ways to face the issue head-on, with kindness and compassion. You can use all or some of the ideas to create a plan. Then act. You’ll be glad you did!

Each month, CTA’s newsletter includes articles written with you in mind! We want to see you highly effective in your ministry so that the Kingdom of our Lord is strengthened and expanded.

NOTE: Link to CTA’s email subscription page.