Small Groups

Today was our last Men's Fraternity meeting until the fall. I've written about MF before, but I have to say again how much I have been blessed by this ministry. It has helped me to be a better husband, father, and man of God. This session we identified "10 Key Moves" that each of us can make in our lives in order to be more intentional about the roles God has given us as men. A few of mine are to write down "life lessons" that I want to pass down to Hope, plan memory making events for our family, and be more diligent about doing my work well as a way to honor God and bless others.

The thing I appreciate most about MF is our small group times. Our group has shared alot of deep stuff with each other over the last sixteen weeks, and we are going to continue to meet so that we can keep encouraging each other and holding each other accountable. Having a small group to share life with is an invaluable resource for a Christian.

If you are currently meeting with a small group (Life Group, accountability group, etc.), how has that blessed your life?

Fighting in the Church

One of the ladies in the office gave me a bulletin article written by Richard May, who is the preacher at the South Yukon Church of Christ. The article was a response to the recent advertisement from "faithful churches of Christ in the OKC area" in the Daily Oklahoman that disfellowshipped the Quail Springs Church of Christ and their preacher Mark Henderson for adding an instrumental worship service. Here is an excerpt from Richard's bulletin article:

"That's a lose-lose-lose deal. Both sides in the fight lose. And the world that we are trying to influence for good and for God; the world that is supposed to see the light of Christ in us loses, too. The lost see in us the same kind of fight that they see in their homes, their hangouts, their alleys, their workplaces, their parks and their playgrounds. They have fights all around them all the time. Why come to Christ to find another?

Other churches don't always do what we believe they ought to do in the way we believe they ought to do it. Still other churches who don't like what other churches have done don't always respond in the way that we believe they ought to respond. While all that has happened around us is very disheartening and tragic, this is a trustworthy saying: On our watch right here and now, there are orphans and widows who need care, families who need uniting, poor who need fed and warmed, addicts who need a hand, abused children who need protection, and unbelievers who need faith and hope. And we must serve them."

Well said, Richard.

Jesus Loves You - Even When You Have Cancer

There's a story in today's edition of The Daily Oklahoman about a 9-year-old boy named Brian Briscoe. He is from Altus and he has cancer. He and his mother are going to New York next month to undergo a series of treatments. As I was reading the article I was thinking to myself, "Wow, this is an incredible kid," and then I read the last paragraph of the article:

"But the talkative freckle-faced boy also cheers on the children who, like him, are battling a disease with no cure. 'We had these T-shirts made that said, 'Jesus loves you,' on them,' Brian said. 'A lot of kids that I knew didn't think Jesus loved them because they got cancer. I just wanted them to know that Jesus loves everybody equally.'

Be encouraged today because Jesus loves you - even when you have cancer.
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If you have a little extra time, please leave a comment on Friday's post about Wednesday nights.

Wednesday Nights at Church

Are Wednesday night services still valuable? When I look around at Alameda and see the dozen or so people attending Grief Share, the men learning how to be better husbands and fathers in Men's Fraternity, the adults being trained to become "Contagious Christians", and the kids learning God's Word, I think, "Of course, it's valuable!" But our attendance doesn't back that up. I used to worry about that alot, but about a year ago I made the decision to stop beating myself up over the people or weren't there and start investing myself in the people who come. Alameda is not the only church to struggle with this. Take the time to read the following post from Terry Rush's blog (he's a preacher in Tulsa) and comment on his question.

"Are we doing all right? I mean is the way we do Wednesday nights valuable? The question could imply I'm for ridding us of the mid-week repetition. Such isn't my intent. I'm simply asking are we believing our approach to Wednesday nights is valuable or is there need to adjust. Let's say we cancel Wednesday nights. We say we are too busy and these nights simply press an already smothering schedule. So, how do you feel about it? I don't like it. Why? I love being with my church family. It's a mid-week reunion to me. Each gathering is like I won some sort of shopping spree where I can visit as many as I can within a certain time limit. Tonight, as hurried as I visited, I still let some whom I love to be near get away before I could get in my gab time with them.Yet, there seems to be a problem. Gradually, fewer of my family (church family) shows up. For me, the issue isn't what's going on that's valuable. It's the fact we get to see each other. I don't necessarily need to sing or pray or study. Fine if we do. Okay with me if we don't. I just want to be connected. I want to relate to the people. Sometimes I can't wait for us to dismiss so I can engage in the good stuff. Other times, I feed from the thoughts and songs shared. Does anyone else go through these hoops?The fact is fewer seem to be assembling on these nights. I'm for evaluation and adjustment if such would be beneficial. I'm not proposing to start a movement, understand. The reason for this discussion is you may have experienced a Wednesday night breakthrough you would share. Or, you may have a thought as to why you think what we are doing is right on track.What would be your take?"

Roger Clemens

I've been checking on the congressional hearings involving Roger Clemens throughout the day. The highlights that I have seen and heard from both Clemens and Brian McNamee reminded me of this passage from Proverbs 6:16-19:

"There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers."

Faith in College

A few days ago I spoke to our college students at their weekly "Christ Connection." It reminded me of my time in college and what an important period that was in my life. In college, I decided what career path I would travel and what values were most important to me. I met my wife and I made life-long friends. But I also grew in my faith. As I studied the Bible more deeply than I ever had before, God became more real and my faith in Him become more firm.

How did your time in college impact your faith?

Lent

I know it's not our tradition, but Lent starts today. Lent is 40 days of reflection, repentance, and renewal leading up to Easter. If you would like to read more about Lent you can click on this link: http://zoewineskinsdevotional.blogspot.com/

One of the practices of Lent is choosing something to give up for 40 days that would help you to refocus on your relationship with Christ. If we in churches of Christ observed this practice, what would you give up for 40 days?

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If you haven't checked out our online book club, go to www.alamedabookclub.blogspot.com

Your Thoughts on Social Justice Series

Sunday will be the last sermon in our social justice series and I'm curious to get your thoughts on it. What have you thought of the series? What has stood out to you? Have you been motivated to get more involved with social justice issues? If so, what are you planning to do?

As I stated in the very first sermon, this series has been a learning experience for me as well. So, I hope you will take the time to share your thoughts.