Thursday, April 29, 2010

Congratulations!

Scott and Lauren Bowers with new baby Emily!

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

The Reject

A quick Google Search will yield the Top 20 Illegitimate Children in history. The ranks include Pope Clement VII, the once spiritual head of the Catholic Church; Leonardo da Vinci, Napoleon's wife, Josephine; Marilyn Monroe; and James Smithson, the inceptor of the Smithsonian Institution. Not a bad list for kids whose parents just hooked up!

The list of the Top 20 Illegitimate Children is missing one very important person...Jephthah, the 9th Judge of the nation of Israel (See Judges 11). He had an adulterous dad and a prostitute for a mom. He REALLY DID have a prostitute for a mom...unlike WR Dez Bryant who was the Dallas Cowboys 24th pick in the first round in last weekend's NFL draft. In a pre-draft interview, the General Manager of the Miami Dolphins asked Bryant if his mother was a prostitute...ouch! He apologized today for his classless inquiry.

In addition to having a mom and dad of questionable character, Jephthah had several jealous brothers who led a crusade to run him out of town. But even with his tarnished family background,God was able to use him to lead the nation of Israel to a military victory over the hated Ammonites.

You should read the story...its not that long....and it will remind you that no one is disqualified for God's service if he comes with a humble and willing heart to be used...even if your mother WAS a prostitute! ...*Bro. Jerry

Monday, April 26, 2010

Welcome New Members!

We had two new couples yesterday in Sunday School! They are Wes/Melanie Gibson and Scott/Valerie Davis. Welcome!

There were 28 present in class yesterday and we had a lively discussion about how we should "study our spouse." We discussed learning more about our spouse's spiritual history, family relationships, and events of the past that can impact the present and future health of your marriage. Have a great week! ...*Bro Jerry

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Sunday, April 25 Lesson

Based on what you know about your spouse's likes and dislikes, what degree do you hold in your marriage? A Master's degree? A Doctorate? A GED? Are you still in Elementary School? Our lesson this week will be on "Understanding Your Spouse" from Session 4.

Invite a friend and join us at 9AM this Sunday...even if you have never attended before!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

The Elaeagnus Bush

One of my friends had a disagreement with his weekend neighbor over some minor irritation. They both had cabins on a lake, and the neighbor had to look across the property of my friend to enjoy the beauty of the lake. After their little dust up, my friend went to Callaways Yard and Garden and asked for information about the "fastest growing hedge" they sold...they said, "the elaeagnus bush." My friend bought 30 or so bushes and promptly went to his lake house and planted a hedgerow so as to block the view of the lake from his neighbor.

He was relentless in his care for the elaeagnus bushes...he watered them each day with a mixture of Miracle Grow and bitterness. And boy did they thrive! They grew as fast as his resentment, and after several growing seasons, the neighbors view of the prettiest part of the lake was completely cut off!

The Apostle Paul counseled the christians at Ephesus, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." (Eph. 4:32) Here's the application:
1. If you are considering buying some elaeagnus bushes...DON"T!
2. If you have planted some elaeagnus bushes in your marriage...STOP WATERING THEM!
3. If you consider how much the Lord has forgiven you, I'm sure you should be able to find some kind of tool of forgiveness to CUT THOSE BUSHES DOWN! .....*Bro Jerry

Friday, April 16, 2010

Out and About - Who dat?


Two of our class members, Courtney & Joshua Friedel Went to Super Bowl 44
and supported the Who Dat? Nation in January of this year. Joshua says, "We loved Miami, Florida and the people there were really great and it was capped off by an incredible football game! IT was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for
Courtney & I and we were very fortunate to have gone to the Super Bowl - Even though, my heart bleeds NY Jets, for one important day, It was all about the Saints for us and watching history unfold."

Go Saints!

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

New Blog Site!

Thanks to Ashley Dykman for getting our blog set up and going. We will use this space to share thoughts, devotionals, pictures, and prayer requests. It will serve as a good way for all of us to stay connected for the purpose of encouraging one another in our walks with Jesus as well as strengthening one another in the trials/tribulations of life.

Thanks Ashley!!

Bro. Jerry