Disciple II begins September 13th!

The Disciple I Bible Study proved to be a gift and blessing to the disciple participants.  Now as we are about to begin the Disciple II Bible Study with Pastor Scott, the excitement is building for Into the Word Into the World!  While the time frame committment of 32 weeks is initially intimidating, as the weeks progress the Holy Spirit takes over and you discover... that amazingly there IS time to do this.  Not that folks made every single class, but we made the majority and were always refreshed and renewed by our efforts to be there.  A remarkable comaraderie and prayer community also develops over the weeks. We will be the first to say that we are all works in progress ~ and we prayerfully hope new participants will join us.  Pray, ponder, and make the leap towards an in-depth study of the Word of God.  You won't regret it.

Regardless of your decision, may you recognize God's blessings in your life each day! 

sg

Disciple Class Short Re-Write of John 10:7-18

JOHN 10: 7-18  As re-written by the Disciple Class

Listen Up!

7. You got to go through Me.

8. Love everybody - thieves and bandits - them too!

9. You’re safe with Me. I’m the only way in and out.

10. Only I care about you.

11. I will die for you.

12. You belong to Me. I will not leave you.

13. Don’t be scared. I’m not going to abuse you.

14. I know all of you.

15. I got your back and I’m willing to die for you.

16. I want all of you.

17. Dad loves me. I must die so you can live.

18. What Dad says, I do.

The Book of Job

During last week's Disciple reading of the poignant Old Testament story of Job there was much discussion about one of life's most complex questions.  The "Why?" when bad things happen to good people.  There was the man of faith, Job - with his large and prosperous family, great wealth, admiring friends, and excellent health.  ALL* taken away in an extremely short span of time.  Along come his "best" friends.  At first with their silence, they offered comfort with their respectful presence.  But soon, human nature takes over and their counsel of great debates begin. 

As participants in the study, we all recognized words we may have echoed to others who were struggling with difficult situations for which there are no simplistic answers.  By faith, we gratefully recognize and cling to the knowledge that God will provide restoration in His time and perhaps in unexpected ways.  Pastor David shared on the white board a thoughtful summary of the mystery of human suffering.  You may view a snapshot of the board below...

Thanks be to God for His word and for this study.
sg

*Job lost all except his faith!  Read the story of Job to see that although he had questions and struggles, his faith helps him remember, "My Redeemer LIVES!"

Bible Heroes

"The Lord raised judges, who delivered them [Israel] out of the power of those who plundered them." Judges 2:16


This past week exploring the book of Judges, we met fascinating heroes of the Bible who came during a time of degradation for the children of Israel, struggling under the iron rule of the Philistines. Among several judges some highlights were the amazing story of the prophetess Deborah (4-5) leading her people to battle; a doubting Gideon (6-8) needing bolstering by laying down a fleece; and that Biblical mighty man, Samson (13-16). God often chose the unexpected - a woman; a doubter from the weakest tribe; and an arrogant, strong man with a weakness for women and a penchant for riddles! While the slayings are bloody the stories are gripping - and some wondered how Samson's attitude and notorious exploits qualified him as a judge.

Our DISCIPLE workbook offered this: "But Samson is probably in the Bible because he dramatically symbolizes the people of God - so human, so quick to act without thinking, so prone to folly. We are set apart to be a holy people, capable of great strength against formidable foes, yet weakened by sin, blinded by the enemy, but able through the power of God to experience forgiveness and rise from the ashes to strike a blow for freedom once again." p.62

And at the dramatic ending of his life, Samson certainly strikes a final dramatic blow.

Alas, it is also good to remember as one of our Disciple Study participants shared, to think of the balance of many obedient and devoted persons chosen by God such as Boaz and Ruth (the Book of Ruth). If you haven't read these stories lately, try out the book of adventures and exploits - or sample a great love story. You'll be glad you did.

sg

Ten Commandment Links

 Friends, The first link is a great teaching video on learning the 10 Commandments, from a Hebrew perspective:
 http://www.aish.com/sp/lal/48948961.html .

The second link is a group of men on a mission trip to Alaska, having fun with the 10 Commandments:
http://www.tangle.com/view_video?viewkey=e734d7e1fef22e311eaf .

Enjoy and keep these commandments in mind as we journey together. 

Blessings!  David

Just Think

Last night during out Disciple study on the early chapters of Exodus we focused on character traits (please see photos of work posted near the bottom of this page) of Biblical characters when the children of Israel were under slavery in Egypt.  Included were the powerful saga of Moses' and Aaron's encounters with Pharoah and their reliance on God.  An incredible story!  During our discussions Pastor David led us to think of our own unique personalities, gifts, and callings.  Are we willing to answer?  The study reminded me of a Biblical quote and also a poem by Roy Lessin... found on the back of my calendar! 

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven.
Ecclesiastes 3:4

Just Think

By Roy Lessin

Just think,

you're here not by chance,

but by God's choosing.

His hand formed you

and made you

the person you are.

He compares you to no one else -

you are one of a kind.

You lack nothing

that His grace can't give you.

He has allowed you to be here

at this time in history

to fulfill His special purpose

for this generation.

...........................

How timely are God's ways. 

Thanks to Rachael for taking the pics posted below!

See you next week,

 sg

Wrestling with God - Genesis 32:24-32

We have all struggled with life events we do not understand - I suppose we might sometimes think of this as the groaning "Why me?" syndrome!    But as our faith walk is strengthened something amazing happens - God begins to shape us.    And this marvel transforms that old complaining question into a deeply moving reality that God truly cares.  The "Why me?" becomes  a question of wonder and thankfulness that God can love us so much. 

As we continue in the Disciple Bible study, we'll experience those moments of clarity - thanks be to God.  We will support each other in this walk learning that grace can help us understand stories about definitely not-perfect Biblical people chosen and refined by God to demonstrate His love for us as chronicled in the Old Testament.  And by grace how the only Perfect One died for our sins as chronicled in the New Testament... till we truly are rejoicing and living life more abundantly - walking with Christ!

A great little article about Jacob's struggle is found here: http://www.unionchurch.com/archive/100399.html

A little snippet from the above article is a great quote by G. K. Chesterton...

G.K. Chesterton once said, "Christianity has not been tried and found empty . . . it has been found difficult and left untried." Chesterton read an article in the London Times that asked the question "What is Wrong With the World?" He was asked for his response. He got out a fancy sheet of paper and wrote, "I am. Sincerely, G.K. Chesterton."

See you next week at Disciple!

sg