Thursday, November 24, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
The Mid-Week Update!!!
Lesson Preview
This week starts a short three-week study of Leviticus. Moses is leading the people on a long journey to Canaan. To get there they must travel through countries and encounter people that do not live by the same standards God has set for His people. The Israelites are going to be tempted at most every aspect of life. Our study will look at how they responded to the challenges.
This Sunday, November 20, our lesson is titled - "Make the Wrong Thing Right." It will remind us of the importance of admitting our wrongdoings and making restitution for any damages. When we do the wrong thing, getting right with God and others is important.
See You Sunday,
Don
This Sunday, November 20, our lesson is titled - "Make the Wrong Thing Right." It will remind us of the importance of admitting our wrongdoings and making restitution for any damages. When we do the wrong thing, getting right with God and others is important.
See You Sunday,
Don
Lesson Recap
Exodus 35-40
You Want What? 35: 4-9, 30-36:11; 40:12-15
Summary of Background Material
35:1-36:7 Moses assembled all the Israelites and reminded them not to work on the Sabbath. He then called on them to bring offerings to be used in the construction of the tabernacle. Moses asked skilled craftsmen to provide their services. The wide range of materials and skills needed allowed everyone to provide something for God's work. The people brought materials, and the skilled workers came to assist. The Israelites responded in such an overwhelming fashion, Moses was able to tell them they had enough resources to complete the work.
36: 8-38:31 Using the donated materials, the skilled craftsmen fashioned everything for the tabernacle precisely as God had instructed.
39: 1-43 Bezalel supervised the creation of the ephod and breastpiece, using his God-given skills for the delicate work, and at the same time teaching other his craft. Israel's craftsmen made the high priest's robe and the other priestly garments. When the craftsmen had completed their work, Moses inspected all they had made, found it to be exactly as God commanded, and blessed the craftsmen.
40: 1-38 God commanded the people to set up the tabernacle, and they did so under Moses' supervision. After it had been set up, Moses offered incense and animal sacrifices, consecrating Aaron and his sons as priests. A cloud descended on the tabernacle, and God's glory filled the structure. Whenever the cloud lifted from the tabernacle, the Israelites resumed their journey. If the cloud remained on the tabernacle, they remained in camp.
Thing of some things that are offered (advice, second chances, etc.). We often think in terms of things that can be offered to us. But we also need to think about things we can offer to others. This lesson was the last we will have in Exodus by examining the different invitations God offered to the Israelites to be involved in His work. What are some different way believers today can contribute to God?
First, a little background. Read Exodus 35:1-3. As we read those verses, our tendency is to get caught up in the strict requirements handed down from God. But to get the full impact we must remember the context. The people had recently disobeyed God by creating and worshiping a golden calf. Some may have believed that building the tabernacle quickly by working non-stop would please God and make up for their sin. These verses are all about Moses preempting any such notions by reminding them God desires obedience over sacrifice.
Are You Willing To Contribute? 35: 4-9
When do you recall a time when a special offering was taken either at church or at work? What was the general attitude of the people that gave? Some people give freely when offerings are taken. However, others give because they think peers might be watching them and they want to impress them. Or they give grudgingly, knowing that they would rather use the money or time for themselves. Or they give with the idea that God will repay them by letting only good things come their way. Sometimes they compare their contribution to that of others, hoping to demonstrate that they are just as god if not better.
According to v. 5, why does it appear the Israelites were giving to the project of the tabernacle and priestly garments from nothing other generous hearts? God was requiring some pretty expensive stuff. Until the last few months these people were slaves. Where would slave acquire such expensive goods? Giving to the Lord's work is not a contest. We need to give because our hearts and lives overflow with gratitude for God's salvation, forgiveness, care, and grace.
Do You Have Skills To Use? 35:30-36:1
These verses are full of difficult names and detailed information. The main topic is that God gifted people with the ability to get His work done.. God gave Bezalel and Oholiab everything they needed to get the job done. We are told that they acquired their skills from God. However it was probably not a instant giving. They probably learned and honed these skills back in Egypt.
Think of some of the skills you have acquired over the years, either through formal education, on-the-job training, or natural ability. Which of these can God potentially use for His kingdom work. Offering our talents are different than giving money, and can be more sacrificial, because it involves time and personal investment.
Is the Lord Calling You to Serve? 40:12-15
An interesting point to note is that the garments of the priests were made of the same material as the tabernacle. This allowed the priests to serve as a sort of "living tabernacle" connecting the people to God. The function of a priest is the connecting of people to God. According to 1 Peter 2:9, we are priests. How can I use my position as a priest to serve God in my daily life?
Conclusion: This week, evaluate your willingness to contribute to God's work. In your evaluation be sure to include your time, talents, and vocation along with your financial resources.
SPOT Christmas Party
...as mentioned before at Zenobia's house on Dec. 10 at 6:30 PM. Directions to follow soon!
Snacks
- 11/20 STUBBS
- 11/27 GABLE
- 12/4 BRADSHAW
Prayer Requests
- Praise and thanksgiving for Ginger's kitchen sink!
- Stan's family. His dad had a stroke last Thursday. He was the primary caregiver to his mom who has been diagnosed with cancer and recovery from surgery.
- Billie Jean-daughters friend who comes to church with the Stanfields. Her mom is going to jail at the end of the month. Her dad is in jail. She thinks she wants to stay with the Stanfields. Pray for God's providence.
- Safety as people begin to travel for the holidays.
Friday, November 11, 2011
It's What You Scatter
Here is a story that Jeff Bradshaw sent along....enjoy!
IT'S WHAT YOU SCATTER
I was at the corner grocery store buying some early potatoes... I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily appraising a basket of freshly picked green peas.
I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes.
Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller (the store owner) and the ragged boy next to me.
'Hello Barry, how are you today?'
'H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. They sure look good.'
'They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?'
'Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time.'
'Good. Anything I can help you with?
'No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas.'
'Would you like to take some home?' asked Mr. Miller.
'No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with.'
'Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?'
'All I got's my prize marble here.'
'Is that right? Let me see it', said Miller.
'Here 'tis. She's a dandy.'
'I can see that. Hmm mmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?' the store owner asked.
'Not zackley but almost.'
'Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble'. Mr. Miller told the boy.
'Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller.'
Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me.
With a smile she said, 'There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever.
When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, when they come on their next trip to the store.'
I left the store smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Colorado, but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys, and their bartering for marbles.
Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died. They were having his visitation that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could.
Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts...all very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her husband's casket.
Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one; each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes.
Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and reminded her of the story from those many years ago and what she had told me about her husband's bartering for marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket.
'Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about.
They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim 'traded' them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size....they came to pay their debt.'
'We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world,' she confided, 'but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho ...'
With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles.
The Moral:
We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath.
IT'S WHAT YOU SCATTER
I was at the corner grocery store buying some early potatoes... I noticed a small boy, delicate of bone and feature, ragged but clean, hungrily appraising a basket of freshly picked green peas.
I paid for my potatoes but was also drawn to the display of fresh green peas. I am a pushover for creamed peas and new potatoes.
Pondering the peas, I couldn't help overhearing the conversation between Mr. Miller (the store owner) and the ragged boy next to me.
'Hello Barry, how are you today?'
'H'lo, Mr. Miller. Fine, thank ya. Jus' admirin' them peas. They sure look good.'
'They are good, Barry. How's your Ma?'
'Fine. Gittin' stronger alla' time.'
'Good. Anything I can help you with?
'No, Sir. Jus' admirin' them peas.'
'Would you like to take some home?' asked Mr. Miller.
'No, Sir. Got nuthin' to pay for 'em with.'
'Well, what have you to trade me for some of those peas?'
'All I got's my prize marble here.'
'Is that right? Let me see it', said Miller.
'Here 'tis. She's a dandy.'
'I can see that. Hmm mmm, only thing is this one is blue and I sort of go for red. Do you have a red one like this at home?' the store owner asked.
'Not zackley but almost.'
'Tell you what. Take this sack of peas home with you and next trip this way let me look at that red marble'. Mr. Miller told the boy.
'Sure will. Thanks Mr. Miller.'
Mrs. Miller, who had been standing nearby, came over to help me.
With a smile she said, 'There are two other boys like him in our community, all three are in very poor circumstances. Jim just loves to bargain with them for peas, apples, tomatoes, or whatever.
When they come back with their red marbles, and they always do, he decides he doesn't like red after all and he sends them home with a bag of produce for a green marble or an orange one, when they come on their next trip to the store.'
I left the store smiling to myself, impressed with this man. A short time later I moved to Colorado, but I never forgot the story of this man, the boys, and their bartering for marbles.
Several years went by, each more rapid than the previous one. Just recently I had occasion to visit some old friends in that Idaho community and while I was there learned that Mr. Miller had died. They were having his visitation that evening and knowing my friends wanted to go, I agreed to accompany them. Upon arrival at the mortuary we fell into line to meet the relatives of the deceased and to offer whatever words of comfort we could.
Ahead of us in line were three young men. One was in an army uniform and the other two wore nice haircuts, dark suits and white shirts...all very professional looking. They approached Mrs. Miller, standing composed and smiling by her husband's casket.
Each of the young men hugged her, kissed her on the cheek, spoke briefly with her and moved on to the casket. Her misty light blue eyes followed them as, one by one; each young man stopped briefly and placed his own warm hand over the cold pale hand in the casket. Each left the mortuary awkwardly, wiping his eyes.
Our turn came to meet Mrs. Miller. I told her who I was and reminded her of the story from those many years ago and what she had told me about her husband's bartering for marbles. With her eyes glistening, she took my hand and led me to the casket.
'Those three young men who just left were the boys I told you about.
They just told me how they appreciated the things Jim 'traded' them. Now, at last, when Jim could not change his mind about color or size....they came to pay their debt.'
'We've never had a great deal of the wealth of this world,' she confided, 'but right now, Jim would consider himself the richest man in Idaho ...'
With loving gentleness she lifted the lifeless fingers of her deceased husband. Resting underneath were three exquisitely shined red marbles.
The Moral:
We will not be remembered by our words, but by our kind deeds. Life is not measured by the breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath.
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Lesson Preview!!!
This week we will ask the question, "How do I contribute?" The context for the question is the people giving of their resources (time, talents, finances) to build the tabernacle and support the ministry of the priests.
Our own needs can sometimes make us hesitant to give to God's work. In difficult circumstances, we may not have much money and thus feel we have nothing to give.
This lesson is not designed to make anyone feel bad or take a guilt trip. However, it will help us, as mambers of the family, think about - "How do I contribute." The lesson comes from the following section in Exodus: chapters 35:4-9, 30-36:1 & 40:12-15.
See You Sunday,
Don
Our own needs can sometimes make us hesitant to give to God's work. In difficult circumstances, we may not have much money and thus feel we have nothing to give.
This lesson is not designed to make anyone feel bad or take a guilt trip. However, it will help us, as mambers of the family, think about - "How do I contribute." The lesson comes from the following section in Exodus: chapters 35:4-9, 30-36:1 & 40:12-15.
See You Sunday,
Don
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The Mid-Week Update!!!
Lesson Recap
EXODUS-32:1-34:35
Oops 32:1-4,30-34; 34:6-9
Summary of Background Material:
Ex 32: 1-35 Moses had a prolonged absence from the Israelites while he was on the mountain receiving instructions from God. This absence led them to demand that Aaron make a representation of God. Taking gold earrings from the women and children, Aaron fashioned a golden calf; and the people held a great feast sacrificing to this idol. God commanded Moses to return to the people, stating that He intended to destroy them. Moses pleaded with God to spare Israel, and God honored Moses' intercession. When Moses saw the people's sinful actions he condemned them. Aaron feebly tried to excuse his actions. Moses called those faithful to God to come to him. The Levites gathered around Moses, and he instructed them to kill the unrepentant idolaters. After Moses sought God's forgiveness for the people, God pledged to guide them; but He punished them with a plague.
Ex 33:1-23 God declared to Moses that He would send an angel before His people to lead them, but He would not go with them because of their constant disobedience. Moses set up a tent of meetings outside the camp where he went to God and to receive His guidance. Moses asked God to send His presence with the Israelites and to teach him His ways. When Moses asked to see God's glory, God instructed Moses to wait in the crevice of a rock as He passed by. God allowed Moses to see His back but not the overwhelming glory of His face.
Ex 34:1-35 God instructed Moses to prepare two new tablets on which He would write the Ten Commandments. When Moses ascended Mt. Sinai again, God declared His name and nature; and Moses worshiped Him. God stated that He would drive out the inhabitants of Canaan so the Israelites could settle in the land. God instructed the Isrealites not to make treaties with the people of Canaan or to engage in idolatry. Instead, they were to observe the sacred times of the year and to offer worthy sacrifices. After Remaining with God on Mt. Sinai for 40 days and 40 nights, Moses returned to the people, his face shining with the reflected light of God's glory.
Introduction:
Picture an inflatable mattress. They are beneficial for camping and housing guests when you don't have enough beds. Have you ever slept on one of these mattresses that slowly lost it's air during the night? This lesson was about those who have experienced a slow leak in their own lives and have faltered publicly in their walk with the Lord.
What would you say is the first step in repairing a leaking mattress? First, you have to realize there is a leak! We usually do not know there is a leak until the mattress is put under pressure. We are going to see Israel under pressure in these verses.
How We Falter 32:1-4
What would you say were some of the pressures the people faced as Moses delayed his departure? Aaron was the person in charge in Moses' absence. Why do you believe the pressure on the people created even more pressure on Aaron? What big oops did Aaron make? What factors may have contributed to Aaron's falter? What are some factors that lead to out faltering today?
Back to the air mattress-just knowing there is a leak in the mattress is not enough. If I know there is a leak but still fill it full of aire and ask you to sleep on it, you will have a miserable night! Likewise, many have had miserable nights because they know they have faltered, but have not done anything about it. In the next set of verses we will discover what Moses did about Aaron and the people's big oops.
When We Falter 32:30-34
Moses described the peoples sin as great sin. We can learn from Moses how to respond when a Christian, including yourself blows it. We can go to God on people's behalf. The air mattress we have been referring to gives us three options. We can ignore it, throw it away, or repair it. Why would some opt to throw the mattress away? Why do some choose to repair it? In these next verses we will see what choice God made when the people sinned against Him.
Moses has gone back up on the mountain and has asked God to allow him to see His glory. God allowed Moses to see his backside because Moses would not be able to withstand the glory of God's face. Then God had Moses prepare two more stones so he could rewrite the Ten Commandments.
Although We Falter
Bonus Notes!!-in verse 7 we hear of God punishing future generations. God does not make children and grandchildren suffer for the sins of their forefathers. The point made is that the consequences of sin persist so strongly they pass from one generation to the next.
In verse six God described His essential nature by listing five of His characteristics. They are:
- Compassionate: God consistently loves and tenderly cares for His people even when they sin against Him.
- Gracious: God acts to bless and provide for us.
- Slow to Anger: He provides opportunity after opportunity for people to come to and return to Him.
- Abounding in Love: God maintains loyalty to His people even when their sins strain the covenant to the breaking point.
- Abounding in Faithfulness: We can depend on what God says because His Word is completely reliable.
Conclusion: God delights in saving, not destroying. Therefore I will not hesitate to go to Him and seek forgiveness when I falter in my faith.
New CSM Website
There is a new website so that students and parent can keep tabs on all that is happening with the youth. It can be found here.
SPOT Class Christmas Party
Zenobia has been kind enough to open her home to us for our annual Christmas party. It will be on Dec. 10the at 6:30 PM. We will all bring appetizers, and we will also have a white elephant gift exchange (so start looking for something around your house you don't want!).
Servant Opportunity
The sign-up sheet has already been turned in , but the is still a need for couples to volunteer to help with children for four Sundays throughout the year during worship. You can sign up at the Welcome Center
Snacks
- 11/13 Phillips
- 11/20 Stubbs
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
The Mid-Week Update!!!
Lesson Preview
Hey, play along with the following. Think back to when you were a teen. What was a pretty big "no-no" you did? How long afterwards did it take for you to feel remorse? Did you find it easy to confess and ask forgiveness?
Sometimes Christians who have been believers for a long time forget they are still sinners who need to confess their sins and receive forgiveness. Unbelievers sometimes do not recognize they are sinners or sometimes think God could never forgive them for their thoughts and deeds. Truth is, we all continue to be in need of God's grace and forgiveness. This week's study comes out of Exodus 32 - 34.
See You Sunday,
Don
Last Weeks Lesson
EXODUS-25:1-31:18
Worthy of Worship 25:8-9, 17-22, 29:38-46
Summary of Background Material:
25:1-27:21 God instructed Moses to gather an offering from the Israelites for the purpose of building a place of worship. Since the materials to be used included precious metals, fabric, animal skins, wood, oil, spices, and gemstones, everyone could provide something required. Go gave detailed instructions regarding the construction of the ark of the covenant, the table, the lamp stand, the tabernacle, the sacrificial alter, and the courtyard.
28:1-29:46 God also provided instructions for the creation of the priestly garments, particularly the robes, ephod, and breastpiece worn by the high priest. Once the tabernacle had been constructed and furnished and the priestly garments had been created, everything needed to be dedicated and consecrated for worship. God gave specific instructions for the consecration service, emphasizing the responsibility of the priests and the need to consecrate them.
30:1-38 God designed worship to engage all the senses. He directed the Israelites to offer incense made from a select mixture of fragrant spices. He also commanded them to create a bronze basin that could be filled with water and used by the priests for washing. God directed the men to contribute half a shekel to the tabernacle to be used to support the worship center and to remind them that they belonged to God.
31:1-11 God gifted two men with the ability to work with metals, gemstones, and wood. Then He appointed them to design, craft, and supervise that aspect of the sacred project.
31:12-18 God's final instruction was to remind the Israelites not to work on the Sabbath. Even as the people constructed the worship place, they needed to worship God regularly. After giving Moses instructions for building the sanctuary, God gave him the two stone tablets on which He had written the Ten Commandments.
Affirming the Lord's Presence 25:8-9
See 40:34-38 to see what made the tabernacle holy. Some churches today meet in schools, storefronts, traditional settings, etc. They are made holy by the presence of the Lord. The tabernacle affirmed God's presence for Israel. How do we acknowledge/affirm God's presence in our worship at Concord?
Hearing the Lord's Message 25:17-22
The mercy seat is the main topic of these verses. The mercy seat was a cover of solid gold covering the top of the ark, described in vv 10-16. Mercy seat comes from the Hebrew verb "to cover". This mercy seat symbolized the covering of sin and reconciliation that could only be found in God. God's words to Moses were extremely valuable. How can we treat what we hear from God as extremely valuable? How has God spoken to you in a worship service?
Giving the Lord Offerings 29:38-42
2 lambs per day at 362 days a year for 40 years = 29,200 lambs. This is a group of over 1 million people wandering in a barren region constntly grumbling about a lack of food. Do you think these people considered these offerings as sacrificial? Do you think they were ever tempted to withhold some of the lambs for more practical use? What are some things we can offer God instead of money? Why would regularly giving to God our best lead to more meaningful worship and a deeper relationship?
Acknowledging the Lord's Greatness 29:43-36
God declared He would consecrate the tent of meetings, the altar, and those who served as priests. He also stated that He would make Himself available to the people and would provide guidance and blessing. The sanctuary and sacrifices would remind the people of God's presence and blessing in the past and the present. Their obedience would demonstrate their commitment to Him in worship and daily life. How does worship with other believers remind you of who God is and what He has done?
Conclusion: By worshiping regularly as a community of faith, God's people please Him and deepens our relationship with Him. The following action is suggested as a result of this study. Endeavor to participate regularly and meaningfully in congregational worship.
Spooknik Is Over
Even though the fire had difficulty starting, and there was a stiff, cool breeze...there was a lot of good fellowship and food. Plan on joing us when we have our spring version of the class picnic!
Concord Need
Concord has a need for people to volunteer to serve for 4 one hour slots during the year. This will be four different one hour time slots of your choice during a worship service over the whole year. You will serve in one of the Child Care classes with an experienced teacher to assist the teacher who will be in the classroom, and who knows each of the children. You will be giving parents the opportunity to worship the Lord freely without worrying about their small children. Please accept this responsibility so no one else has to do your share. There is a sign up sheet in the SPOT folder for the next few weeks.
Snacks
- 11/6 Grable
- 11/13 Phillips
Prayer Requests
- From Ed Stanfield...pray for Robert, a teenager who tried to commit suicide. His family is poor. The father killed himself in front of Robert. Need wisdom to seek out family and help them