God has blessed us richly!

Our little church family has been richly blessed in many ways:

Thanks be to God for the Weaver family and their long standing faith over many years. They have always stood strong to keep the church going and viable no matter how many or how few come to worship. For Mike who is always sure to keep the mundane tasks necessary to the upkeep of our earthly place of worship done and is always first there and leads us unerringly through services to our Lord. For Terry, who is looked up to and adored by the blessed children whom the Lord loves and cherishes. She patiently does a wonderful job of teaching these young souls of the love and care of our God.

For the Landes family with their up and coming servants for the Lord-- 3 vibrant, strong willed, and energetic children being raised to be faithful in the Lord. For Donna & Matt, without whom this blog would not be. Their tireless work and inspirational ideas are indeed an inspiration to all, and let us not forget that the church is a bit cleaner each week thanks to this family.

For the young Weavers, Brad and Jenny who share home, warmth, love, and caring to foster children who might not otherwise be exposed to God's love for them. We are thankful for the bright eyed little ones who depend on Brad's strong devotion to the Lord, and who, in spite of many barriers, brings them regularly to learn at Jesus' feet. Their own children bring liveliness and cheer when they are about.

For the young Misses Stabler and Weaver who bring a bit of sunshine each time they come, with a rich sense of humor and beauty of spirit that brightens the way for all.

For John Weaver, who makes us reach deep into the Word and our own souls for the deeper meanings there.

For Mike and Emma whose presence is sorely missed when not able to be with us. Their smiles and ideas are an encouragement.

2010 was a year of many trials for this congregation. There were many, many prayers sent up for our members and those loved by these servants of the Lord. Too many prayers to be enumerated have been answered, most in ways far beyond the expectations of this congregation. Healing, financial and emotional needs full-filled, safe travel, and educational success are but a few of the blessings our Lord has bestowed on us. He has helped and comforted us throughout the entire year fraught with hardships that seemed at times insurmountable. A faithful aid dog, a miracle baby, and clean cancer tests are but a few of these blessings.

Thank you, Lord for your everlasting care and comfort.

1-16-11 A Heavenly Home

Today's lesson was done by Matthew Landes

We focused on our reward when our work here is done - HEAVEN!

1 Peter 1:3-5 talks about a living hope an eternal life that never perishes, never fades or spoils, when we die it is only a mortal death, Peter tells us we will live on in Heaven

John 14:1-3 talks about divine preparation, God is preparing a place for us in heaven. These verses were meant to offer the disciples comfort to let them know that you may not have everything here but your eternal home will have everything and more; it will be a life of luxury one you can't imagine. God has been preparing and is still preparing.

Col 3:24 the key of this verse is you know you are getting a reward (a place in heaven) it is not a question

Rev 21:3-5 this is one of several descriptions of Heaven the promise is no more tears, and no more suffering, God is there with you to wipe away the tears

2 Cor 5:1-9 Our Goal is Heaven, our tent/body is where we are at now (here on this Earth) Heaven is where we want to be. So we want to be diligent in our works and faith and stay steadfast to the course so we can reach the goal.

Eccl 12:5-8 This verse is very poetic. We think it is talking about the death of one individual, possibly old. The simplified meaning we came up with was that: Life is meaningless with out God, because we will not receive the heavenly dwelling after the journey is over

To sum it up God promises if we abide by his will and are obedient to his commandments then we will receive the gift of ever lasting life in a glorious place called Heaven. In this case the promise is most focused on the joy that Heaven will bring to us and that it will be so much better than what we are facing here on Earth.

I thought of it this way, most people will never be able to afford to live in a gigantic mansion and have servants and beautiful things etc... But in Heaven there will be one for each one of us and it will be bigger and better than any mansion that was built on Earth.

1-9-11 The Understanding of Gods Assurance

Mike Weaver has been working on a lesson involving Assurance and what that means.

1) In Lesson 1 of this series we discovered that God has promised us assurance of Salvation

2) In Lesson 2 Gods assurance can only be truly understood by gaining Knowledge, by learning gods written word

3) In Lesson 3 We learn about receiving the Gift of the Holy Spirit and being adopted into Gods family

4) In Lesson 4 We learn about True Wisdom (not wisdom we get from the world but wisdom we gain from Gods word

5) Understanding - This is Today's Lesson

Det 4:4-6 Talking to the chosen ones (Israelites) It says hold fast to the old laws your going to be watched so set a good example for others

1Chr-22:12-13 Assurance that we will Prosper

Ps119:97-104 Obeying the Law will provide us understanding and Peace

2Tim 2:1-7 Stick to Gods rules and laws it helps you gain understanding and insight, keep your eye on the goal (Guard yourself 1st so you can help others focus on your heart)

Prov 2:1-8 Understanding

Prov 8:14 Understanding of Gods Laws

Prov 11:12 Understanding holds his tongue

13:15 Good understanding wins favor

14:29 A Patient man has great understanding

17:27 Man of understanding are even tempered

Through out these scriptures there is one word that is repeated over and over again, understanding. This again is not the understanding of the world but of Gods written word. Without knowledge you cannot hope to have true understanding and wisdom without the Holy Spirit you cannot hope to clearly see Gods scriptures. God provides us with Assurance that if we obey his laws and are obedient to his will that we will receive the Holy Spirit and gain a new life with him in heaven. As we continue to grow we will continue to gain knowledge and understanding and wisdom in the written word.

Bible Study 11/6/2010 Promises to a Believer from the Bible

Presented by Matthew Landes
      Our interpretation in connection with the Definition of Abundant Life

1. John 10:10 -- Through Christ we gain that abundance, with out Christ we will lose that abundance if our trust and faith are placed in others.  Not necessarily riches, but our needs are fulfilled. 
2. Romans 6:23 -- In context with the definition of abundance; death is not the end for those who are saved, Gods abundance is eternal life.
3. John 3:16 -- Another way God provided us with his abundance was giving us his only son to teach us.  His ultimate sacrifice was to show us how much he loved us.  
4. Philippians 4:15-19 -- If you help others God will provide for your needs, but make sure your heart is focused on the desire to help and not on getting rewards from God. 
5. 1st Timothy 6:17 -- Worldly riches don't matter, but God provides riches as he sees fit, not always with money.
6. Proverbs 14:12 -- What seems right to man could lead to death.  Abundance is being able to see God's way and the reward is eternal life.

Overall we have noticed a reoccurring theme with these scriptures:

• Everlasting Life
• Worldly riches don't count

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