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?

THE PRAYER LIFE OF JESUS

Jesus was a man of prayer. It is not coincidental that he always seemed to be in control, was never rushed and accomplished God’s will for His life in a short time. Why? I believe because of prayer. This week we will look at what we can learn from the prayer life of Jesus.

MONDAY:

1. According to Luke 5:16 when did Jesus withdraw and pray? Where did he pray?
2. According to Paul, how are we to pray (I Thessalonians 5:17)? What do you think he means by this command?
3. How would you rate your frequency of prayer? Rarely? Before meals? At bedtime? Continually?
4. Do you have a place of prayer? What “lonely place” can you find and set up as your prayer place?

TUESDAY

1. Read Luke 6:12-13. What major decision was Jesus about to make? Why was this an important decision? Have you ever spent the night in prayer?
2. What major decisions are you facing this week? Have you spent time in prayer asking God to guide you? Why not do so now?
3. Notice how the New Testament church followed Jesus’ examples before choosing her leaders? (See Acts 1:24, 6:6, 13:2-3, 14:23) Can you name three things from their example that you can do to help you when you seek God’s direction in making major decisions? Write them down and put them into practice this week.

WEDNESDAY:

1. Read Mark 1:35. When did Jesus go pray? Where did he go?
2. Read Mark 1:21-34. What had Jesus been doing? How do you think this affected his popularity? When Simon and his friends found Jesus praying what did they exclaim (Mark 1:36)? Why do you think everybody was looking for Jesus?
3. Where did Jesus want to go (Mark 1:38)? Why did he want to go? For what purpose, according to this verse, did Jesus come to earth?
4. Do you sometimes find it easy to get distracted by life and forget what your true purpose is? What type of things distracts you from doing God’s will or doing what is really important? How can prayer help you stay focused?

THURSDAY:

1. Define the word “intercession”? Read the following verses for whom did Jesus intercede?
A. Luke 22:32 – For what did Jesus pray? Do you know someone who is struggling with their faith? Take a few minutes and pray for them?
B. John 17:9-16 – Here Jesus prays for his disciples. For what does Jesus pray (Verse 15)? Who do you know that Satan is attacking right now and needs a prayer of protection? Take a few minutes and pray for that person by name.
C. Luke 23:34 – For whom is Jesus praying? What does he pray for? Who has hurt you that you need to pray for right now? Take a few minutes and do so.

FRIDAY:

1. Read Jesus’ prayer in John 17:20-26. For whom is Jesus praying?
2. What does he want is believers to be? Why does Jesus say unity is important (See verses 21, 23,)?
3. What does Jesus want Christians to see (verse 24)?
4. How have you made the Father known to the world? Unity is important for God’s people (See Ephesians 4:1-3, John 13:34-35). Take a moment to pray for unity among God’s people. What can you do to promote unity in your congregation? (Can you list three practical things?)

SATURDAY:

1. Read some other Scriptures about the prayers of Jesus. Write down what you learn? Is there an example to follow? An attitude to adopt? What else do you learn? (See Luke 22:39-42, John 11:41-43, Hebrews 7:25)

LIVING BY FAITH - Part 4

MONDAY: Moses’ parents (Hebrews 11:23)

1. Read the story of the birth of Moses (Exodus 2:1-10). Why did Moses’ parents hide him (Exodus 1:22)? For how long did she hide the baby? What problems would she have had in trying to hide a baby for that long of a time?
Who gave him the name Moses? Why was he given that name?
2. Return to Hebrews 11:23. Why did they hide the child? What fears would you have had trying to hide a baby for such a long time?
3. What fears do you face now that you need to overcome by faith? Right them down, share them with someone and begin to face that fear by stepping out on faith.

TUESDAY: Moses’ faith (Hebrews 11:24-26)

1. What privileges would Moses have had by being known as “Pharaoh’s grandson”?
2. Have you ever made the hard choice because it was the right choice? Write down a time.
3. What do we learn about sin from this passage? Why did he regard “disgrace for the sake of Christ greater than “the treasures of Egypt”? How does looking ahead to heaven keep you walking by faith? How does it help you when tempted by the temporary pleasures of sin?

WEDNESDAY: Moses’ faith and the flight (Hebrews 11:27)

1. There are two possibilities when this passage talks about Moses’ leaving Egypt. One is after he killed an Egyptian who was mistreating and Israelite (Exodus 2:11-15) or the other option is when he led the Israelites out of bondage. Exodus 2:14 says Moses was afraid when a Hebrew slave confronted about the killing and that he left after the confrontation. It does not say he feared the Pharaoh. No matter which view you adopt both trips took great faith.
2. According to Hebrews 11:28, why did he persevere? In what ways do you see the invisible God in your life? (List three) How can you see something that is invisible? How does seeing “him who is invisible” help you to persevere in tough times?

THURSDAY: Moses’ faith and the Passover (Hebrews 11:28)

1. Read about the first Passover Exodus 11:1-12:30. Write what you would think it was like celebrating the first Passover? What sounds would you hear? Would you be afraid? What would you tell the children in your household about the blood over the door? What would you tell your firstborn?
2. Why would keeping the Passover and sprinkling the blood take faith? Why would it take faith to do this on an annual basis?
3. In our fellowship today how does partaking of the Lord’s Supper take faith? Can you take it without faith? Can you sing, pray and give without faith? What role does faith play in your participation of these things?


FRIDAY: Faith at the Red Sea (Hebrews 11:29)

1. Read the story of the crossing at the Red Sea. (Exodus 13:17-14:31)
2. Did it look like the Hebrews had much faith when Pharaoh approached (Exodus 14:10-12)? How did Moses respond to their doubts and fears (Exodus 14:13)? What did God tell Moses to tell the Israelites to do (Exodus 14:15)? Why would moving on toward the seas take faith?
3. Have you ever felt trapped by a relationship, job, fear, etc? Has God told you to “move on” and yet you haven’t? What “trap” do you need to face by faith? Find someone to help you and begin moving.

SATURDAY: On the internet or using a hymnal look up some songs of faith. Spend a few minutes reading the lyrics or singing the songs before asking God to help you live like Moses when facing impossible odds.

LIVING BY FAITH - Part 3

I know it has been a few weeks since I have posted. We will return to our study of Hebrews 11.



MONDAY: By Faith Abraham became a father (Hebrews 11:11-12)

The Hebrew author gives more space than to anyone else mentioned on his list. Abraham accepted God’s promises and acted on them even there was nothing indicated that they could possibly be fulfilled.

1.What couldn’t happen did happen because Abraham considered God “faithful”. Write down a definition of “faithful”?
2.What promise did God make to Abraham (Genesis 22:17)? Was it fulfilled (Deuteronomy 1:10)?
In what area of your life did you need to depend on the faithfulness of God?

TUESDAY: Looking for a new country (Hebrews 11:13-16)

1. The Hebrew writer is urging his readers to do remain faithful. Read Hebrews 3:14, 6:11. For how long does he want us to remain faithful?
2. Did the people in this passage receive all God had promised while here? Did they remain faithful?
3. What were they looking for? What can you do to keep from seeing this world as a place of permanence?
4. What makes heaven a “better country”?

WEDNESDAY: Hebrews 11:17-19 - A third illustration of Abram’s faith

1. Here it says that “God tested” Abraham. Contrast this verse to James 1:13-14. Is there a difference between a testing and a tempting? Why does God test us? (James 1:3-4; Job 23:10). 2. What is the purpose of temptation (James 1:15, I Peter 5:8)?
3. What did Abraham think God would do after he sacrificed Isaac (Hebrews 11:19)? Has God ever tested you? Did you pass the test? What tests are you going through right now? Who can help you pass these tests?

THURSDAY: Isaac and Jacob’s blessings and faith (Hebrews 11:20-21)

1. Isaac bestowing his blessings upon Jacob and Esau was filled with deceit, by Jacob, and controversy (See Genesis 17). However the Hebrew writer is not concerned with these details but is focusing on Isaac’s faith. When did Isaac give his son’s their blessings (Genesis 2,4)? The point is that Isaac blessed his son’s regarding their future and trusted God to help the boys fulfill their purpose.
2. When did Joseph’s bless each of Joseph’s sons? To whom does Joseph give the “greater blessing” (Genesis 48:1-22)? The lesson for us is that God is not bound by human rules. He fulfills his purposes as He chooses. Why did these actions take faith? Part of the reason lies in the fact that they were recognizing that God would take care of their future generations. Spend time in prayer asking God to bless your family’s future – even after you have left this earth.

FRIDAY: Joseph – by faith (Hebrews 11:22)

1. What did Joseph speak about by faith? (Genesis 50:24-26). What did Joseph want done with his bones?
2. We need to remember that it wasn’t until some 400 years later that this incident Joseph spoke about came to be. Did they remember to carry Joseph’s bones (Exodus 13:19)? We need to remember that somebody kept those bones for the 400 years they were in Egypt and carried them for the 40 years they were in the wilderness. Yet his descendents kept their promise.
Joseph’s faith is seen in his dying wish because he knew that God would keep the promise made to Abraham (Genesis 15:13-21) and that in God’s time He would act. What can you learn about the Israelites faith by keeping the bones for 400 years? How does that compare to your faith as you wait on God to fulfill his promises?

SATURDAY: Waiting by faith

1. Reviewing Hebrews 11:19-22 what one thing links these three examples of faith together (Genesis 27:2, 47:29, 50:22-26)?
2. All three men died without entering into the land God had promised them. Isaac was a nomad when he died; Jacob lived in exile in Egypt and Joseph although successful was living in a foreign land. Yet they never doubted that the promise would come true, they never lost hope.
They lived and died knowing that God promises are true. They may have not seen it fulfilled but they were a link in its fulfillment and their family for generations will be blessed because they did not doubt and in death they were rewarded with a heavenly home.
Have you given up on God because of a lack of faith? Take some time to rededicate yourself to trusting God and his word no matter what. And if the answer does not come in this life – stay faithful and be ready to receive the reward in the next life.