I Will Give You Rest

Posted on September 3, 2006 by gophumek | Permalink 0

I Will Give You Rest

Matthew 11:28

Dock worker, store clerk, census taker, janitor, data entry clerk, janitor and minister are all jobs I’ve held over the past several years. If the truth must be known, I’ve held some of these positions in higher esteem than others. Some jobs are full of heavy labor, some might even be labeled as burdensome.

In Matthew 11:28, Jesus speaks to two different groups of people, those who labor and those who have burdens. Jesus is simply saying that he is here to help. If there is something difficult for us to handle, Jesus says through him, it can be dealt with properly.

I am about to begin a spiritual survey in which I will be asking pre-Christians various questions. One question will ask how they make it through difficult times. I look forward to see how difficult times are handled by folks who do not possess a hope in Jesus.  I’m sure I  will share the survey results with you in an upcoming tidbit.For Christians, we should take comfort in knowing that Jesus wants to give us rest. And we especially need that rest as we celebrate Labor Day! 

Attributes of God, Struggles

Following Smoke

Posted on August 21, 2006 by gophumek | Permalink 0

Following Smoke
Hebrews 13:16

On our way to worship last night, we witnessed fire trucks and police cars racing down the highway. Over one hour later, we witnessed another fire truck racing in the same direction. On our way home, my son encouraged us to follow the smoke. We did so to please him and as a result of our following the smoke, we saw a devastating apartment fire. A policeman told me they had fire trucks from all over the area. I personally saw emergency vehicles from five different departments.

I called the Red Cross last night to find out about this local disaster.  I was told that 24 units were destroyed and that they were setting up a shelter for the families. This morning I called back to find out how the congregation I attend could help. I’m not sure what will come of this. However, I do know that as Christians, we should do good for those who need help. “Do not forget to do good to others, and share with them, because such sacrifices please God” –Hebrews 13:16 (NCV).

Ministry, Servanthood

a note

Posted on August 14, 2006 by gophumek | Permalink 0

Before sending you today’s devotional tidbit, I wanted to write you this. Many times, I write each Monday whatever happens to be on my heart. Today, I just had to mention the heartwarming feeling I received from a young man at our congregation yesterday. In fact, my eyes twinkled with a few tears just after the event occurred.

In today’s devotional, I also mention a financial need for my family. It just happens that the event described which touched my heart deals with our fundraising need. In no way am I trying to use the event to play on emotions to solicit funds. I hope you know by reading my devotionals that I am a person who sincerely wants to help others with my writing and any other type of ministry I can perform. Our prayer ministry is one of my utmost priorities, and we always welcome prayer needs. The good thing about emailed prayer requests is that we can take them any minute of the day. God has blessed us with a desire to help others, but as you will read in today’s devotional tidbit, I know I should do more. 

In regard to our fundraising effort, many folks already know we are trying to raise funds to attend a church planting discovery lab. This lab is hosted by the Kairos Church Planting ministry and helps determine if a family is well-suited for church planting. The lab takes place on September 17-21 in Portland, OR. If you have yet to receive information about our future ministry opportunity, we will gladly email you a letter from us, a letter from the Kairos Church Planting ministry, and a letter of recommendation from the elders of our home congregation. If you need, we can send our information to you by regular mail. We would be happy for you to share this information with family members, friends, and your church family too if you belong to one. We also desire to raise up a group of individuals that will pray for us specifically during this time as we struggle to discern God’s will for our lives.

Thank you very much for reading this letter. I know time is precious and especially so on a Monday morning :)  

Yours in Christ,
The Humek Family

Servanthood

A Tender Heart and Sixty-Four Cents

Posted on August 14, 2006 by gophumek | Permalink 0

Devotional Tidbit – August 14, 2006

A Tender Heart and Sixty-Four Cents

Luke 21:1-4

 

I would like to share with you a little story about a tender heart and sixty-four cents. But first, allow me to share with you some background. 

 

Yesterday, an elder at our congregation mentioned our need to raise money. God willing, we plan to attend a church planting discovery lab in Portland Oregon, and we are raising money for the cost of the lab and transportation. This lab will help determine if our family is suitable for the important job of church planting. Research has shown that church planting is the number one way to reach out to those who are not part of an existing church family. (If you are in ministry, please think of this as an option.) Mary Ann and I are thrilled to take part in this upcoming lab. We have faith that we will raise the needed money. Today, we welcome anyone who reads this devotional to partner with us financially and prayerfully. Please contact us for more information. 

 

A few minutes after the elder announced our need, I ran into a young man named Parker as he was walking to his car. After I finished talking with his grandfather, Parker came to me with his hand extended. “I want to give this to you,” he softly said as sixty-four cents trickled into my palm, a mixture of pennies, nickels, dimes, and one shiny quarter. To put it plainly, I was touched by the tenderness of his young heart and his giving spirit. His thoughtfulness reminded me of the woman Jesus spoke of who had two coins. She placed them both into the temple treasury although it was all she had.

 

At this point in my life, I have time and physical effort to give. I share those assets with others, but is it enough? I don’t think so. I know I can always do more. My prayer today is to be a more giving person. Jesus was such a person, and while I know a lot about him, my true goal is to be a lot LIKE him. In Christ y’all, Brian Humek P.S. Please say a special prayer today for Parker and his very tender heart.

 

 





Servanthood