SPOTmail!!!!

Lesson Preview

To speak or not to speak:  That is the question we will attempt to answer this Sunday.  When a person stumbles across something pretty spectacular, are they obligated to share the find with the general public?  If so, then why has Coca Cola been successful and adamant about keeping their formula a secret?

In the continuing story of Elisha, we will look at some men who came across something pretty spectacular.  After getting over the shock, they had to answer the question:  Do we keep this find to ourselves or do we share the good news? 

I have not yet titled the lesson, but you now know what it's about.  You can read all about it in 2 Kings, chapter 7.  But to get the context, I suggest you read chapters 6 - 8.

Oh, speaking of good news -- if you have some to share, you will have the opportunity at the beginning of class.  (Remind me if I forget.) 

See you Sunday with some good news.
Don

CSM Trivia Night

CSM's annual Trivia Night is Saturday, March 5.  Put your team together and register in the atrium this Sunday.  The cost is $15 per person; a table of 8 is $120.

Once again, the SPOTclass is assembling a gift basket for the silent auction.  This year's theme is Movie Night.   Check the SPOTclass bulletin board for items still needed for our basket and bring your contribution no later than Wednesday, March 2.

If you selected an item last week, please bring it to class this Sunday!

• Microwave popcorn (movie theatre butter, of course)
• 4 large sodas (1/2 liter or 20 oz.)
• Family-friendly DVDs
• $$ (for movie theatre gift cards)
• Movie theatre-sized candy

Proceeds from the trivia registration and the silent auction will benefit CSM students on mission trips this summer.

BIG CHILLi Dinner

Vegetarian or meat?  Beans or no beans?  White?  Red?  Mild?  Spicy?  Burn-your-tongue-off?  We'll meet briefly after class this Sunday to plan for the Big Chilli Dinner on Saturday, March 19.  If you've signed up to help, be there! 

Easter Eggstravaganza

...will be on Saturday, April 16 from 8:30 -11:30 a.m.  If you can help, please add your name to the sign-up sheet in the SPOTfolder. Volunteers are needed to:

• serve in a game room
• serve in a craft room
• help supervise and hide eggs for the Easter Egg hunt
• donate a gift basket

Direct any questions to Debbie Elder or Lanny McFarland.

Snacks

• February 27 -- Masseys
• March 6 -- Stubbs

Prayer List

• Zenobia's continued recovery from breast cancer surgery  
• Susan Hurt's mother is in ICU after surgery on Monday

Mid-Week Update!!!

Lesson Recap

This Week we continued our study in Kings and the subject "Does My Decision Matter".  We looked at 2 Kings 1:1-5:27.

Bible in Context:
     The Book of 2 Kings is a continuation of 1 Kings.  In the first five chapters a close focus is given to the prophetic ministry, especially the transition from Elijah to his understudy Elisha.
     Misdirected Prayer-1:1-18: When Ahaziah of Israel inquired of a Baal god rather pray to the Lord about a life-threatening injury, the prophet Elijah prophesied that the king would die.  His prophecy proved true.
     Miraculous Succession-2:1-25: In chapter 2 we read of Elijah's exit from the earth by being taken up on a chariot of fire.  Elisha asked for, and was granted a "double portion of Elijah's spirit.  After Elijah was gone, the writer of Kings focused on Elisha as the Lord's prophet.
     Messy Rebellion-3:1-27: Chapter 3 focuses on Elisha's role in advising King Joram of Israel concerning a revolt led by the king of Moab, who at the time was Joram's vassal.  Elisha delivered a prophecy from the Lord that Joram and his allies would successfully quell the Moabite revolt. The prophecy was fulfilled, but a drastic act of child sacrifice by the defeated king led the Israelites to withdraw from their occupation of Moab.
     Multiplied Provisions-4:1-44:   This chapter describes several incidents in which Elisha's prophetic ministry was characterized by gracious acts of compassion and miraculous provision. (verses 8-37 is an interesting section.  Remember what we discovered about the length of Biblical sections?  The longer a section the more important it was for the writer.  Look how much of chapter 4 this section takes!)
      Misunderstood Motives-5:1-27:  Naaman, an Aramean army commander, came to Israel seeking a cure for a skin disease, possibly leprosy.  The Israelite king sent him to wash in the Jordan River.  This lesson covered the rest of the story.

Greed Versus Grace   5:14-27

    An epidemic affects or tends to affect a disproportionately large group of individuals within a population.  Cholera, influenza, malaria, polio, AIDS, and H1N1 are just a few that we have heard of.  We usually reserve the word epidemic to describe disease and sickness but the definition also allows us to include societal, moral and ethical issues .  Greed would be an example of this.

     Our study centers on the live of two prophets.  They are Elisha and Gehazi.  Let's look at the characteristics of Hebrew prophets.  A common definition for a prophet is 'one who is called to speak'.   In this function prophets challenged the people and leaders to remember their covenant with God and to honor and obey Him.  The personality, skills and tenure of Hebrew prophets varied.  There are characteristics that were shared by all of them.  They are: 1) called by God, 2) received a word from God, 3) spoke the word of God, 4) relayed the message by word and deed, 5) performed miracles, 6) relayed the message in writing, 7) ministered to the people, 8) had ecstatic experiences.  Prophets rarely lived a life of ease or popularity.  While the nation of Israel and her leaders enjoyed God's favor, they detested having their sins revealed and warnings of the punishment that was sure to follow.  As a result, many of God's prophets were ignored, ridiculed, threatened, lived on the run or in hiding, or were killed.

     We see greed demonstrated by one of our main characters.  What is the difference between capitalism and greed?  How do you know when another person is greedy?  How do you know when you are being greedy?

Setting 5:1-13

Grace For Sale?  14-16 

     Elisha's refusal to accept Naaman's gifts demonstrated his gracious spirit.  This act was in character with his refusal to greet Naaman or address him prior to the healing.  The purpose was to reflect Naaman's attention and affection from the prophet to the one that did the healing...God.  What are some ways believers today can demonstrate God's gracious nature?

Profit At All Cost  20-23

     Elsiha was content to give freely to Naaman-but not so with Gahazi.  Just as Elisha use an oath formula in v16 to prevent him getting anything from Naaman-Gehazi uses an oath formula to get something from him.  The gifts Gehazi received were enough to provide a comfortable life for him.  This was a 'get rich quick' scheme, and was greedy.  We learn a lot about Gehazi in these verses.

1. He did not understand God's grace-benevolence shown to undeserving, sinful people.
2. He did not understand the nature of ministry-in God's name for His fame.
3. He did not understand God's provision- trusting God to provide for our needs.
4. He did not understand integrity-demonstrated by his need to lie to pull of this scheme.
5. He did not understand humble submission to godly spiritual authority-by going against Elisha's example.

No Good From Greed  24-27

  Verse 24 reads a lot like Joshua 7:20-21.  Both Achan and Gehazi serve as examples of how an attitude of greed can snowball into sinful actions.   In verse 25, Gehazi has already lied to Naaman.  Now he further compromises his integrity by lying to Elisha.  Greed is a lot like sin in general-it will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.  In verse 27 the irony is that Gehazi coveted Namman's riches but instead got Naaman's disease.

Conclusion:

     Grace can not exist where greed controls motives and actions.

Big Chill-i Dinner

This Sunday, right after class, there will be a short meeting of those helping to put this all together.  Ideas will be needed for the menu and such.  

Trivia Night

The 6th Annual Concord Youth Mission Trip Trivia Night/Silent Auction will be held at church on Saturday, March 6th.  Doors open at 6 PM, Trivia begins promptly at 7 PM.  Soft drinks and popcorn provided and you may also bring your own snacks (No alcohol allowed on premises. Cost is $15 per person or $120 for a table (limit of 8 per table.)  You can sign up in the Atrium on Sunday, or call Patti Endejan at (314) 313-1835.  As a class we are putting together a movie basket for the silent auction.  Grab an item description (they are stapled to the class bulletin board!) and help contribute!

Easter Eggstravaganza

...will be on Saturday, April 16th from 8:30 AM -11:30 AM.  There is a sign-up sheet in the SPOT folder looking for help at this great family event.  You can:

• serve in a game room
• serve in a craft room
• help supervise and hide eggs for the Easter Egg hunt
• donate a gift basket

Direct any questions to Debbie Elder or Lanny McFarland.

Baskets for Babies

The Treasure Seekers Women's Bible Study needs help in providing baskets and bags given to mom's and babies throught Hand n' Hand Pregnancy Help Center in Barnhart. Donations can be put in the hot pink envelope in the SPOT folder.  There is also a sheet with all the particulars in the folder.

Snacks

• 2/27 the Massey's
• 3/6 the Stubbs
• 3/13 the Robbins

Prayers

• Continued prayer for Zenobia
• Susan Hurt's mother had surgery Monday.  They did not remove the mass they found it was not cancerous.  However, last night they put her in ICU.  There might be internal bleeding which might mean another surgery.

  

Zenobia Update!!!

Dear Friends and Family,

I gotta admit that waking up at 6:15a for the 2nd shower this morning was not that bad.  My friend Laura Roodman-Edwards-Roodman-Edwards-Roodman-Ray (not a typo - she marred the same crazay man twice) came to pick me up and off to the hospital we went.

First stop:  When I arrived, to my wonderful surprise Pastor Gene and his twinkly-eyed Chris met me in the parking lot.  I was hoping they weren't there to tell me that I'd been fired from my job :)  We all went to the waiting room and there they prayed for me before going into my procedures. (Thanks so much!)

Second stop:  I had a mammogram done, but they didn't mechanically flatten/squeeze/decompress/torture my boobie as much as usual..  THEN while STUCK in this machine, the doctor came over and gave me 2 shots of local anesthesia on my breast!  Yup, like I could escape even if i wanted to!  Somewhere amidst this procedure, she inserted a very thin wire(?) inside the boob, then blue dye, then another mammogram picture was taken.  Then the wire was taped down.

Third stop:  I was rolled to Nuclear Medicine.  Something about that title is just a bit scary - like a bomb was gonna be implanted or something.  The door opened and the entire room was filled with this gargantuan machine.  The area where I was to lay down was a good 20' long, and then who knows what was gonna happen to me once I was under this contraption.  I was hoping I could push a button and be "poofed" to Hawaii, but no go.  I was ready since I brought my Hawaiian shirt from Goodwill!  Instead, this very nice nuclear medicine admistering person announces that i am going to have 4, yes read FOUR shots to the boob yet again, but she would use this freezing topical spray!  i'm not sure which was worse - the below freezing topical spray spraying into my eye or the needles!  I then was instructed to hold still for 2 Five minute pictures.  I think I jerked at one point bc I snorted in my sleep :)

Fourth stop:  So..now is the time to be prepped for my surgery.  I'd say by the time I was rolled to surgery, I met 8 female nurses, techs, anesthesiologist, surgeons, etc.  And they all looked alike because they were all white, had glasses on, and wore the same designer poofy hospital cap on (just kidding :)  I was given a beautiful faded gown that had so few ties that I'm pretty sure I now have freezer burn on my back and butt from beging exposed to the temperature of the hospital!  Oh and the slippers?  One size fits all, woohoo! 

Fifth stop:  Can you even believe there were no sentinel nodes removed???  I'm not sure how much, if any, breast tissue was removed around the clip where the tumor was.  I was still very out of it when the doctor came to gives us a report.  Well, maybe I was very much under anesthesia.  Incisions hurt, thank God for Tylenol with codeine.  And now i am the proud owner of a white designer bra that velcros on the shoulders, and zips/hooks down the front.  Let me know if you ever want to borrow this thing.  Angela (wonderful friend from church and breast cancer survivor!) drove me home around 1:30p and I crawled into my clean sheeted bed.  She stayed with me til this evening making sure I remained drugged, hydrated, and rested.

Last and final stop:  I'm home, I've been resting, I ate, and now I thank you for every single prayer and thought that you sent my way.  There must have been a lot of Asian women and bald men walking around today wondering why so many people lowered their heads when they saw them :) 

You are the best!

--
Zenobia Perry, MMT
Music Therapist & Private piano instructor

SPOTmail!!

Lesson Preview 
  
This Sunday's lesson begins our study of 2 Kings.  The background material is in chapters 1 - 5.  The lesson is taken from the last half of chapter 5.  The subject is greed.

Greed is an interesting concept.  For example -- we live in a capitalistic society.  In other words, you have what I want or need.  You are willing to sell it to me for a price you establish.  If I want it badly enough, then I am willing to pay your price.  This transaction usually benefits the seller, allowing him/her to make a profit.  So, what's the difference between capitalism and greed?  Let's start here Sunday morning.

Peace,
Don

CSM Trivia Night

CSM's annual Trivia Night is planned for Saturday, March 5.  If you haven't already put your team together, time is running out!  You can register in the atrium this Sunday.  The cost is $15 per person; a table of 8 is $120.

Once again, the SPOTclass is putting together a gift basket for the silent auction.  This year's theme is Movie Night.  You can help by bringing in one of the following items for our basket.  Select the item you want to bring from the SPOTclass bulletin board this Sunday.

• Microwave popcorn (movie theatre butter, of course)
• 4 large sodas (1/2 liter or 20 oz.)
• Family-friendly DVDs
• $$ (for movie theatre gift cards)
• Movie theatre-sized candy

Proceeds from the trivia registration and the silent  auction will benefit CSM students on mission trips this summer.

SPOTlunch

Another SPOTlunch is planned for this Sunday, February 20 at the Cracker Barrel restaurant at I-55 and Meramec Bottom Road.  At Cracker Barrel, you can enjoy a down-home lunch with several of your closest SPOT friends and check out the gift shop, to boot!  Is it a country store with a restaurant or a restaurant where you can shop?  Join us after class this Sunday and figure it out for yourself.  (Check with Don and Lori about the best deals on the menu!) 

BIG CHILLi Dinner

Vegetarian or meat?  Beans or no beans?  White?  Red?  Mild?  Spicy?  Burn-your-tongue-off?  We'll meet briefly after class on February 27 to decide and plan for the Big Chilli Dinner on Saturday, March 19.  If you've signed up to help, be there! 

Snacks

February 20 -- Deckers

February 27 -- Masseys

Prayer List

• Kim (Skiles) Hebenstriet has colon cancer and had surgery this past Tuesday.
• Zenobia had surgery on Thursday.  (Check the blog for more details)
• Pray for the church's financial situation.

The Mid-Week Update!!!

Lesson Recap

On Sunday we continued looking at the topic of  "Does My Decision Matter" by looking at 1 Kings 16:29-22:53.

Bible In Context:

Ahab is now the new king of the northern kingdom of Israel. After previewing Ahab's reign as an evil one given over to Baal worship, the biblical writer introduces us to Elijah, whose prophetic ministry became intertwined with the lives of Ahab and his Baal worshiping wife Jezebel.  Elijah spoke in the Lord's name to say that a famine causing drought would come upon Israel.  The Lord miraculously provided for Elijah during this drought.  Then the Lord directed the prophet to go to the village of Zaraphath, where He had commanded a woman to provide for Elijah, and that Elijah would help the widow in return.  When the widow's son became ill and died, Elijah successfully prayed for the boy to be returned to life. (relates to Paul, see Acts 22:7-10).

In an effort to call the people of Israel back to the Lord, Elijah boldly challenged the prophets of Baal to a contest on Mt. Carmel. After putting to death the prophet of Baal, Elijah learns that Queen Jezebel had put a price on his head.  He fled south to the wilderness, where the Lord encouraged him concerning his ministry.

 

The King of Aram brought a huge army against Ahab to subjugate the norther kingdom.  Through a prophet, the Lord told Ahab the king of Aram would not succeed.  The Israelites won the war, but Ahab made a treaty with the King of Aram.  The Lord condemned Ahab for this disobedient act.

Following his wife's evil scheme Ahab confiscated the vineyard of an Israelite named Maboth by conspiring to have the man falsly accused, condemned and executed.  Elijah confronted Ahab and declared the Lord's judgment on the king and his family.

In and alliance with King Jehosaphat of Judah, Ahab led his troops against the Arameans, who were occupying a town called Ramoth-Gilead.  Ahab was killed in the battle, and his son Ahazikiah became king.  Jehosaphat reigned in Judah for 25 years, and then was succeeded by his son Jehoram.

A Hill on Which to Stand -1 Kings 18:20-19:18

We asked a few questions before getting to the lesson.  Why do our decisions matter?  Why do we take a stand on some issues (hills) but not others?  When was the last time you decided to make a stand?  What was the hill?  What was the cost?

In this lesson we discussed the prophet Elijah and the hill on which he chose to stand.  "He experience the sting of opposition to the worship of the one, true God.  In some ways, Elijah lived in a culture much like ours.  Two rival worldviews competed for dominance on ancient Israel-the worship of the Lord God on one hand, and the worship of Baal on the other.  In that chaotic context, Elijah demonstrated that those who take a bold stand for the Lord can count on His abiding presence, power and encouragement."  We looked at why Elijah chose to make a stand.  We also observed the personal cost and reward of his stand.

Choose Your Camp-18:20-21

From this point on, Israel refers to the northern kingdom, while Judah refers to the southern kingdom.  Baal is the Hebrew word given to identify the Canaanite storm god responsible for agricultural fertility and fruitfulness.  Baal worship was very popular throughout the Near East in the days of Elijah.  The god was usually symbolized by a bull, sometimes accompanied by a thunderbolt.  Baal was believed to have power over rain, wind, and clouds.  This is significant because the Hebrew people were an agrarian society, so they were very dependent upon the climate for survival.  Elijah's charge against the people was their failure to declare their allegiance to God.  The people decided to make no decision.

Trust in God's Help-18:37-39

Here Elijah asked God to perform a miracle to prove that Yahweh is the one, true God.  His faith was very important in asking God to act against Baal.

Watch For Slips-19:1-3

Elijah has just experienced perhaps the most spiritual victory in his life.  Why do you suppose fear and depression has overtaken him?  Elijah's perception was that he was standing alone, with no support.  Why do believers sometimes fail to support a Christian who is taking a bold stand for God?  What are some hills our teens might find themselves having to decide whether to stand or not?

Climb Back Up-19:13-18

Why do you think that Elijah has focused on himself in this situation?  Go assigned Elijah a task to move outside himself. (Go anoint...).  God told Elijah that he would spare 7000 who had been faithful to God.  What impact do you think that had on the prophet?

Conclusion:

"Perhaps we just don't want to think it could happen here.  I'm referring to life-threatening persecutuon of Christians.  Jeses warned that His followers would face increasing hostility from those who oppose the gospel.  In the history of western civilization in particular, Christianity has been viewed generally in a positive light.  That view is rapidly deteriorating with the rise of aggressive multiculturalism and the new atheism.   Some influential groups would rejoice to see Christianity, with it's strong moral traditions, swept into the dustbin of history.  Increasingly, believer who take bold stands for the Lord face bitter opposition from a rival culture that considers itself morally superior, intellectually justified, and socially advanced.  We ma not want to admit it, but our current dominant culture despises the things of Christ."  Is it possible that one day you and I will be forced if this is a hill on which we stand?  If not us, what about our children?  If our children, are they prepared to make a desicion-the right decision?  What might be the cost?  The reward?

SPOT Lunch

...will be next Sunday after class.  This month it will be at Cracker Barrel at Meramec Bottom Road and I-55.  Come enjoy some vittles and fellowship! 

BIG CHILLi Dinner

There will be a brief meeting after class after class on February 27th to discuss this upcoming event.  This way we can make some decisions on what to serve with the chili, etc.

The Votes Are In...

...and it looks as if once again we will be making a movie night basket for the silent auction on Trivia Night.  There will be a list forthcoming of ideas for items for us to donate to put into the basket!

Trivia Night

In addition to the basket we will be donating, don't forget to come participate in the trivia night!  It's on Saturday, March 5th.  Doors open at 6, trivia starts promptly at 7.  Soft drinks and popcorn will be provided (No alcohol allowed on the premises!).

The cost is $15 a person, or $120 per table (max 8 people per table!).  Come, have some fun, and support our youth and their mission trips!

Prayer Requests

• Kim (Skiles) Hebenstriet has colon cancer and had surgery this past Tuesday.
• Zenobia is having her surgery today (Thursday).
• Pray for the church's financial situation.