Lessons from Shared Cookies

I came across this little story or parable in a book and I wouldlike to share it with you today.

One afternoon a shopper at the local mall felt the need for a coffee break. She bought herself a little bag of cookies and put them in her shopping bag. She then got in line for coffee, found a place to sit at one of the crowded tables, and then taking the lid off her coffee and taking out a magazine she began to sip her coffee and read. Across the table from her a man sat reading a newspaper. After a minute or two she reached out and took a cookie. As she did, the man seated across the table reached out and took one too. This put her off, but she did not say anything. A few moments later she took another cookie. Once again the man did so too. Now she was getting a bit upset, but still she did not say anything. After having a couple of sips of coffee she once again took another cookie. So did the man. She was really upset by this - especially since now only one cookie was left. Apparently the man also realized that only one cookie was left. Before she could say anything he took it, broke it in half, offered half to her, and proceeded to eat the other half himself. Then he smiled at her and putting the paper under his arm, rose and walked off. Was she steamed. Her coffee break ruined, already thinking ahead of how she would tell this offense to her family, she folded her magazine, opened her shopping bag, and there discovered her own unopened bag of cookies.

I like that story – It makes me think about how, sometimes I forget where my blessings come from. This story reminds me that every blessing comes from God. Take time this week to give thanks.

LIFE IS NOT EASY

(We have been studying on "Exposing the Lies that Can Ruin Life" on Sunday morning. This past week we looked at lies that soceity tells us. One of those myths is that "Life should be easy". )

Roberto Flores is one of our missionaries from Cuba. I will never forget the first time he and his wife came to Ohio. It was Blanca’s first trip to the US. The expression on her face when we walked into Wal Mart looked like a kid who just walked into Disney World for the first time. “This is a wonderland”, she exclaimed. “Look at all the lights! This place has everything you could ever dream of”.

As Americans we do take things for granted. We really do have it made. We have remote controls, garage door openers, and cable TV. We enjoy power steering, air conditioning and cell phones. Over all life is easy when compared to the rest of the world. Now there is nothing wrong with making life easier, in fact that makes good sense. But the danger comes when we fall into the trap of believing that life should be easy. Because we believe this lie we become upset if the cable goes out or the internet doesn’t connect or we get caught at the traffic light.

Christians can be especially tricked into believing this lie. Many think because I am a Christian life should be easier, and if I trust God he will bless me with a problem free life. Nothing is further from the truth.

In fact, Jesus teaches just the opposite. He says, “In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33). God never promises no problems for the Christian but he does promise that we will find purposes in our problems (Romans 8:28). In problems we can discover God’s faithfulness, in trials our faith is strengthened, in difficulties we see God’s grace more clearly and discover his power. Through problems we become more like Jesus and find new ways to glorify God. To the Christian experiencing problems in life take on eternal significance.

No one is saying that we should go out and look for and create problems. However, the person who believes the myth that life should be easy will soon find themselves burdened with bitterness toward God and others. But when that person recognizes that life is made up of problems, he/she can look to God for help and realize that in trials he/she can become a better person not a bitter one when seeking God’s purpose even in problems.

THE POWER OF REMEMBERING

Memorials are good. They cause us to focus on people and events, which mark our history and mold our lives. The Bible is full of memorials. They remind us of the great God we serve. This week we are going to look at six memorials that not only recall God’s character to our minds but also calls us to action as we live the life God desires.

MONDAY: THE PASSOVER REMINDS US OF GOD’S DELIVERANCE (Exodus 12: 1-29)

1. The Passover was to protect God’s people from the 10th plague that was going to strike Egypt. What was this plague? Who did God bring judgment on through this plague (12:11)? Why does God command them to commemorate this meal annually (12:17,24-28)? This passage reminds us that God will deliver his people? From what has God delivered you? What events, ceremonies remind you of the fact that God has delivered you from guilt etc.?

TUESDAY: THE MANNA REMINDS US OF GOD’S PROVISION (Exodus 16:1-36)

1. Why do you think God gave them only one day’s supply of manna? What lesson does that teach us about trusting God? Why did Moses command Aaron to keep some manna for the generations to come? How does it feel knowing that God wants to meet all your needs (Philippians 4:19)? What if that included “Quail pot pie” and “manna toast” every day? Would you still be thankful? What need do you have that you need to ask God to provide? Do so today?

WEDNESDAY: THE CENSERS REMIND US OF GOD’S HOLINESS (Numbers 16:1-40)

1. What complaints did Korah and his cohorts have against Moses (3,13-14)? How could this revolt undermine the Israelites success? Why did God destroy the rebels and not Aaron? What does this teach you about God’s holiness? If you have a concordance, look up the word holy in Scripture and write down three things about the holiness of God. What are ways people today disregard God’s holiness? Read verses 36-40. What was Eleazar told to do with the censers? What would this remind the Israelites of?

THURSDAY: THE STONES FROM THE JORDAN REMIND US OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS (Joshua 4:1-9)

1. For 40 years God’s people, because of their unfaithfulness, wandered in the desert. When
they reached the Promised Land, what did Joshua tell 12 men to do? Why? God keeps His promises. What has God done in your life that you can you share with your family and friends as a reminder to them and you that God is faithful? Write it down and read it to someone.

FRIDAY: “Ebenezer” reminds us that God is our Helper. (1 Samuel 7: 2-17)

1. How would you describe the spiritual condition of God’s people before the meeting at Mizpah? What role does confession of sin play in receiving God’s blessings? What role does “forsaking idols” or sacrifice have in receiving God’s blessing? Why does Samuel set up the stone (verse 12)? Have you set up and “Ebenezer” in your life? What can you do to keep track of God’s blessings in your life? Take some note cards, write in big letters one blessing/victory that God has given you and “set them up” around the house or workplace as a reminder of how God has helped you in your life.

SATURDAY: THE LORD’S SUPPER REMINDS US OF GOD’S LOVE (Luke 22:7-20)

1. Review the Passover (Exodus 12:1-13,21-28). How does Jesus’ use of the bread and wine change the emphasis of the Passover? The Passover reminded Israel of God’s deliverance from Egyptian slavery? The Lord’s Supper reminds us that Christians have been delivered as well? From what have you been delivered? Write a few sentences on what taking the Lord’s Supper teachers you about God’s love.

Standing in the Midst of Heroes

A few Sundays back we honored one of our members, Carlos Easterday, who has recently been nominated to the Ohio Military Hall of Fame. What a special day it was! Mike Art, a brother from the Cambridge congregation, did a great job in honoring Carlos in hid presentation. Carlos, a Korean War veteran, was truly humbled and it was the firs time I ever have seen him speechless :). Carlos and Mike are both members of our local Military Order of the Purple Heart Chapter. We are honored that they meet every month at our building. It allows me to surround myself with heroes on a regular basis and get some great food as well. Recently at our local courthouse a new monument remembering our local Purple Heart veterans was unveiled. Please take time out to thank God for those who have served and who are serving our country in the military. Because of them we are free.

On a side note our teens leave for our mission trip to Nashville on Saturday. Pray for our success and for a safe return.

Vocal Union coming to Stop Nine

Vocal Union, an acappella, contemporary Gospel group from Nashville, Tennessee will be performing a benefit concert, to help local veterans, at the Stop Nine church of Christ on Saturday August 2nd at 6:30 PM. Since 1998 Vocal Union has traveled through out the United States, Canada and the Caribbean presenting their unique style of Christian music. They have won many awards including Best Religious Album of the Year from The Contemporary Acappella Society of America. The group’s style ranges from high-energy traditional, to tight-harmony jazz and soulful spirituals, to contemporary street corner acappella. Everyone from the very young to the very old will find something to enjoy during their concerts. The concert is free but a love offering will taken with 100% of the proceeds going to help the local Purple Heart chapter provide Christmas gifts to veterans that are shut in or placed in nursing homes. Stop Nine church of Christ is located at 60330 Southgate Road, Byesville, Ohio. For more information you can call (740) 685-2591

TAKING A WALK IN A SMALL TOWN

For the past few weeks I have been walking about two miles a day. My schedule is such that I don’t have a regular time – sometimes it is early in the morning but today I just got back in from an evening walk. I am not an expert by any means but I am told that a good walk includes three parts: Five minutes of slow walking followed by fifteen minutes of face paced walking before ending your walk with five minutes of slower walking. I good walk is suppose increase your heart rate gradually, beat at fast rate for a certain period of time and before gradually returning to normal. While I attempt to do this I am finding that it is difficult to do in a small town

For example, I left the house this evening and began my normal route toward the cemetery where I usually walk. Before getting there I met a lady who has been visiting our church for several weeks – we stopped and chatted about how things were going and about how she enjoys the church. Finally making it to the cemetery I was immediately greeted by a couple of neighborhood teens also out for a walk. We shared pleasantries before going our separate ways. I turned the corner and went down the hill only to be met by some neighbors who were also out for an evening stroll. We both tried to keep up our pace as we laughed and talked about climbing the big hill in the back of the cemetery. After taking my laps I began back up the road to the house only to be greeted by a friend who was out working in his yard we talked a minute about family and friends. I took a few more steps before one of the kids on my basketball team came out of the house with his girlfriend. Again I found myself in conversation, this time about the end of school and summer plans. Two doors down another neighbor was rocking on the front porch. We exchanged congratulations as both our children graduated form school the night before and talked about God’s plans for our children. Finally I got up some speed and started up the hill to my house. Halfway up I saw a couple from church coming down the hill on their evening walk. I shouted don’t stop me or I want make it up the hill – they laughed and we exchanged high fives as we passed and I finally made it home.

I thanked God for my town as I went in the house for a cool drink of water. I may not have done it the way the experts say it should be done but it did my heart good – in ways you would never expect. You get a lot more benefits than physical ones when you take a walk in a small town.

Excuses

I am a Southern Gospel Music fan. I love the harmonies and the message when quartets sing those fast paced convention songs. One of my favorite songs is the1981 hit “Excuses” by the Kingsmen. The song begins with these lyrics: “Excuses, excuses, you'll hear them every day. And the Devil he'll supply them, if the church you stay away.”

The chorus as some humorous lines as well:
“Well, the church benches are too hard.
And, that choir sings way too loud.
Boy, you know how nervous you get when you're sitting in a great big crowd.
The doctor told you, "Now, you better watch them crowds. They'll set you back." But, you go to that old ball game because you say "it helps you to relax.

Well, a headache Sunday morning and a backache Sunday night.
But by work time Monday morning, you're feeling quite alright.
While one of the children has a cold, Pneumonia, do you suppose?
Why the whole family had to stay home, just to blow that poor kid's nose.

Well, the preacher he's too young. And, maybe he's too old.
The sermons they're not hard enough. And, maybe they're too bold.
His voice is much too quiet-like. Sometimes he gets too loud.
He needs to have more dignity. Or, else he's way too proud.

Well, the sermons they're too long. And, maybe they're too short. He ought to preach the word with dignity instead of "stomp and snort." Well, that preacher we've got must be "the world's most stuck up man." Well, one of the lady's told me the other day, "Well, he didn't even shake my hand."

This past Sunday we talked some about excuses that Christians can make when trying to ignore God’s missionary call. Remember some of Moses’ excuses? Read Exodus 3 and 4.

What excuses did Moses make? How did God answer those excuses? Why was God angry at Moses?

What excuses do you use to keep from doing God’s Will? What do you think his answer to you would be?