The Night of Appreciation for Mature Singles exemplified growth in the ministry.  Tables topped with gourmet cheeses and crackers, appetizing pasta dishes and various finger foods was a far cry from past events.  The fellowship hall was filled with a spirit of camaraderie - meeting old friends and making new ones prepared our hearts for worship. There was a sense of deep gratitude for an evening to fellowship with believers with whom we share a level of spiritual and/or physical maturity and experiences unique to this particular group. We are thankful to the small group of brothers and sisters who poured their hearts into making this event excellent and substantive. After the meal, we were called in for worship. Everything from the food, fellowship and songs prepared our hearts to wholeheartedly receive the message from Al and Gloria Baird. The Spirit was definitely upon the Bairds, who brought a power-packed message.

After we ate spiritual food, we were ushered back into the foyer where dessert and coffee awaited us. This break in the program was the perfect opportunity to have meaningful conversations with one another about what we had just heard. While we chatted and enjoyed the scrumptious desserts, the jazz band set up. The band did a phenomenal job providing entertainment to balance of the evening. We deeply appreciate the love and care that was put into this event. It was a successful and meaningful night of appreciation. Below are notes taken from Al and Gloria Baird's message.

(Notes taken by Lisa Brown)
 
Speakers:
Al & Gloria Baird
 
Scriptures shared by Gloria (directed to the women) & Al Baird
Isaiah 32:9 You women who are so complacent, rise up and listen to me; you daughters who feel secure, hear what I have to say.

• As women, are we complacent  where we are at? We are called to fulfill God's purpose for our lives.
• We are to be more than just complacent because God has given us gifts, talents, and a spirit of fire to do greater things.
• Are we secure in our insecurities?
• We can be secure in our insecurities by just using our insecurities as an excuse not to grow, change or be challenged. We can hide behind them and lack the faith to be what God intended us to be.
• If we see weaknesses in our character, it is not ok to just think, "I'll always be this way." We have to do something about it.
• If we abandon God's purpose for our lives, we also abandon his help.

Isaiah 33:6 He will be the sure foundation of your times, a rich store of salvation and wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is the key to this treasure.

• God is in charge of "our times." (Psalm 31:15 -- My times are in your hands, deliver me from my enemy and from those who pursue me).
• God has us exactly where he wants us to be and he desires to use us for his purpose exactly where we're at.
• Don't allow Satan to tell you that your life has passed you by. Some of the greatest examples in the Bible were from singles. (Paul, Jesus, etc.)
• Maturity comes with age, but age doesn't make you mature! You have to be willing to learn from experiences, challenges and struggles in order to grow into the maturity that God desires.

1 Cor 7:17 And don't be wishing you were someplace else or with someone else. Where you are right now is God's place for you. Live and obey and love and believe right there. God, not your marital status, defines your life. Don't think I'm being harder on you than on the others. I give this same counsel in all the churches. (The Message Bible)

• We are called to God's work exactly where we are!
• We can do God's work and demonstrate our faith anywhere.
• You don't have to be married to remain a faithful Christian. In fact, there's nothing magical about being married.
• Use the freedom you have to devote to doing God's work now, exactly where you are.

Phil 1:26 ... so that through my being with you again your joy in Christ Jesus will overflow on account of me.

• Our joy should be like Paul, who even in chains, remained joyful because of his purpose of seeking and saving a lost world.
• Do we have this type of impact on others? Do we demonstrate God's peace and joy even in our suffering?
• Are we complacent or content, or do we rejoice in the position that we are currently in?
• Are we just waiting for certain circumstances to happen to dictate when we'll be happy such as being married, having children, having a career, etc.?

Questions to ask ourselves:
What is the ONE thing that Satan could use to rob you of your faith?
Ø  If you know what it is, pray about it fervently
Ø  If you don't know what it is, pray for God to reveal it
Ø  Tell others in your life what it is so that they will also be on guard for you
How do we handle "desert detours"? (We've all had times in our walk where we feel like we've wandered into the desert. We end up in a barren land that we did not want to be.)
Ø  How do we deal with suffering?
Ø  Do we waste our suffering?
Ø  Don't waste your suffering! There are many things we can waste - time, energy, worry  - but, don't waste your suffering!
Ø  Suffering matures us and provides opportunities for growth
Quote: "A man is not old until regrets take the place of his dreams"
 
Practicals for our lives:

1. Get a spiritual partner. If we don't have one, get one. We have no excuse!
2. Get in the habit of spiritually sharpening others and being spiritually sharpened. (When's the last time you rebuked someone or got rebuked?)
3. Be an encourager to others (Are we described by others as being this way?)
4. Write down your eulogy, what you want to be remembered for, and then live it.
5. In fellowship, as singles, be the first to come and the last to go.
6. Sacrifice financially.
7. Look for ways to serve.
8. Buy a house. Get stability.
9. Be focused on the mission and be about your mission.
10. Take a mission trip.