INTERESTING INFO: (PLEASE NOTE: CHARITABLE REMITTANCE FORM:) You can download this Charitable Remittance Form here:  HERE * Please note that there are 3 copies of the same form on this one page   Read my blogs at Port Side Reflections http://www.portsidereflections.blogspot.com

A Lesson From The Ducks     The fall season is not too far off.  Then, before you know it, winter will be settling in on us here in lovely Northern New England.  If you are anything like me, you are already thinking about the rising fuel costs.  They will probably double our previous season’s fuel bill.  How are we going to make it and keep warm this winter?  It was only a few weeks ago that I was sitting in my boat watching a momma duck float by with her little ducklings following close behind her.  As I replay that scene in my mind, I am struck by the seemingly lack of concern or care that they seemed to show.  The scene reminded me of Jesus’ words, “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?” (Matt. 6:26 NIV) In the greater context of this passage, Jesus could have summed it all up in two words: worry and finances.  Jesus used birds as a way to illustrate God’s care for us.  If He will take care of ducks, how much more is He interested in us?  In fact, Jesus sums up the context of this passage with these words, “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matt. 6:33 NIV)  One word could sum up these words of Jesus: priority.  You are a priority in God’s greater plan and purposes.  God is to be of greater priority in your life.  Here are some prioritizing steps that you and I can take toward aligning ourselves with God. Step One: Make sure you are honestly (a matter of integrity) tithing to the District and to your church.  This opens the windows of blessings from God (Mal. 3). Step Two: Ask the Lord, prayerfully, to help you distinguish between personal needs and personal wants.  Learn how to say “no” to your appetite for more possessions. Step Three: Avoid the easy credit trap.  If you can’t afford it without borrowing, don’t buy it.  Apply as much as you can above the minimum monthly amount to pay off your debt. Step Four: Live within your means (reality check).  Reject the mindset of this world in which we live that says you deserve more. Our Heavenly Father wants to give the very best to His children, regardless of our economic situation.  He often withholds the very best from those who fail or refuse to live within the reality of their provisions and giving.  Realign and prioritize your finances according to biblical principles in preparation for this winter season. These steps will result in greater joy, greater peace, and greater fruitfulness during the coming winter season.

Correct Use Of The Assemblies of God Name   The corporate name, reserved for use when referring to the legal entity is:                                                 The General Council of the Assemblies of God             Note: The is part of the official name and should always be capitalized. Each session of the corporation is referred to as a:                                     General Council The entire constituency, and popular term by which the church is known, is:                                     Assemblies of God             Usage:             Assemblies of God is a collective term and takes a singular verb form:                                     The Assemblies of God is a growing church.                                     The Assemblies of God has many missionaries. Notice the use of Assemblies of God when referring to several churches but not to the organization as a whole:                                     The Assemblies of God churches are sponsoring a revival.                                     The Assemblies of God of Springfield have worked jointly. When the term Assemblies of God describes an individual or a church, it should always be used in the plural:                                     An Assemblies of God church . . .                                     An Assemblies of God minister . . .                                                 NOT: Assembly of God minister or church             The only time Assembly of God is used in the singular is when the words are part of the individual church name or serve as a substitute for the word church.  It is correct to say: Hope Assembly of God; First Assembly of God; or the Assembly of God.  Since the word Assembly is synonymous with Church, it is redundant and incorrect to say Assembly of God Church.  A church in the organization is an Assemblies of God church.             The correct abbreviation for Assemblies of God is A/G.  This should be used only when absolutely necessary.  In any event, the first reference to Assemblies of God in an article or other printed materials should be spelled out in full.  Then the abbreviation A/G may be used for subsequent references.