“By the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain . . .” —1 Corinthians 15:10
The way we continually talk about our own inabilities is an insult to our Creator. To complain over our incompetence is to accuse God falsely of having overlooked us. Get into the habit of examining from God’s perspective those things that sound so humble to men. You will be amazed at how unbelievably inappropriate and disrespectful they are to Him. We say things such as, “Oh, I shouldn’t claim to be sanctified; I’m not a saint.” But to say that before God means, “No, Lord, it is impossible for You to save and sanctify me; there are opportunities I have not had and so many imperfections in my brain and body; no, Lord, it isn’t possible.” That may sound wonderfully humble to others, but before God it is an attitude of defiance.
Conversely, the things that sound humble before God may sound exactly the opposite to people. To say, “Thank God, I know I am saved and sanctified,” is in God’s eyes the purest expression of humility. It means you have so completely surrendered yourself to God that you know He is true. Never worry about whether what you say sounds humble before others or not. But always be humble before God, and allow Him to be your all in all.
There is only one relationship that really matters and that is your personal relationship to your personal Redeemer and Lord. If you maintain that at all costs, letting everything else go, God will fulfill His purpose through your life. One individual life may be of priceless value to God’s purposes, and yours may be that life. –Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for his Highest, November 30th: By the Grace of God I Am What I Am
Thankfulness in Adversity
“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” -1 Thessalonians 5:18
There is an old saying, “When it rains, it pours.” Sometimes, in ministry, I feel that way. Things had been going fairly well for Cornerstone: our attendance has been steadier than usual, more students have been involved, and there seems to be an overall excitement at what God can do on Pitt’s Campus. It should come as no surprise that when there is a gradual incline, there are going to be a few bumps in the road…or in our case, potholes.
Despite the building momentum in Cornerstone, we have hit more than a few snags. Not to go into too much detail, but we have had numerous students suffering from physical, mental, and/or emotional damage. This just serves as a reminder that when we are doing something right for God, there is an adversary who will stop at nothing to mess things up.
It is so easy to let circumstances around us dictate how we live, work and play. We can get down from all these things, or we can look to a savior that is above all these things. Nothing is too big for God. Not depression or physical ailment. When it pours, we have to let God take control.
Thankfulness for Supporters
“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you.” –Philippians 1:3
Meet Adam Sloan, a junior Chemical Engineering major at the University of Pittsburgh. Though he has never officially been on leadership, Adam has been involved with Cornerstone for the past two years. Learn more about him:1. What is your favorite movie, book, and band/music? My favorite movie is either Shaun of the Dead or Sweeney Todd. All about zombies. And Johnny Depp singing. I haven't read much lately, but the last book I totally loved was Water for Elephants. As far as music, I'm pretty open to everything, although I tend to listen to more indie folk stuff: Good Old War, The Avett Brothers, Ryan Adams, stuff like that.
2. What has been your involvement in Cornerstone? I started coming to Cornerstone my sophomore year after I stopped performing with Pitt Men's Glee Club. Since then, I've been involved in the racquetball tournament, Thursday night Frisbee, Outreach, bible study, and worship team, which I'm hoping to help lead next semester.
3. How has Cornerstone helped you during your years at Pitt? Before I came to Pitt, I wouldn't have considered myself religious at all. Once I got here, I met some amazing people whose love for God was so prominent in their lives and just completely overwhelming. If it weren't for the people I've met and the things I've done with Cornerstone, I wouldn't even be close to where I am now spiritually.
You may have seen from the chart that our monthly giving remained at $3200, 91% of where we need to be. There has been so much to be thankful for. I thank God for his love and provision. I thank every single one of you for reflecting those Christ-like qualities. It is because of all of you, I have been raising this support so I can minister to students like Adam, and see how God has worked in her life during his years at Pitt. Working with College students, and seeing God transform them, is a true blessing and I thank God every day for this opportunity. If you would like to help this ministry, we are always looking for new supporters. This is what makes ministry possible. Now that I have gotten a raise, this is more important than ever! If God leads you to do so, we would love for you to be a part of this ministry through gift and/or prayer. I am asking that my current supporters give an extra 10% on top of their usual giving. This will help to make up the difference from what I currently make and from my goal. We trust for you and for us that God will provide. He always has, and He always will. Remember that any gift is a good gift. We thank you, and may God bless you richly because you have given to advance His kingdom! Please be in prayer that God will continue to build our support team and that we would be faithful in doing our part.Thankfulness For Family
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” -3 John 4
Watching children grow up is both joyous and sad. It’s is joyous in the sense that you get to see them mature and discover new things that just adds to their personalities. It is sad in the sense that sometimes you look at your children, and wonder where the time has gone. You wonder how they got so big, or smart, or energetic, and it makes you appreciate the time that you do have with them. I love my wife and children more than everything except the Lord. They bring me such joy and contentment that I cherish every single millisecond that I have with them. It is often that I need to remind myself at how precious a family is.We thank you all for your faith in Jesus, your love, and support. My God bless you in everything that you do! “And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” –Philippians 4:7
In Christ,
Andy Moore
