Doing Something INCREDIBLE!

Sometimes in life, we are given opportunities to lay ourselves aside…our own selfish desires, our own agendas, our own plans…and we get to do something INCREDIBLE.

Hands and Feet is one such time for my family.

Our church… Eastwood Baptist Church, in Tulsa, Oklahoma is a little different from your normal, run of the mill church. Our Pastor and our staff strive to build a community within its walls…

…and out….

all photos are copyright protected.

(Not the official photo for it, although, I think it could definitely work!)

Our church has a monthly activity called “Hands and Feet”. The Youth gather together one Saturday a month to do some kind of service project for our elderly church family. The work could be as little as weeding a garden, or more in depth like cleaning gutters or painting a shed. This particular Saturday, we had quite a few projects going on, but this is the one that my family completed.

The particular couple we worked for, are in their 70s and active in the church as well, but when it comes to things like painting a good-sized shed, this is stuff they shouldn’t be doing.

copyrighted photo

So this is where our family came in.

And even though, technically, the only teenager we had with us was Austin, we do most things together as a family. So, we all participated.

Even Brooklyn:

The work was tiring, tedious at times, but God was kind to us and dropped the temperature down from the 100s where it has been for weeks, to the low 90s. And we were very pleased with that.

It was one of those times that the work didn’t really seem so much like work. We laughed, we talked, we had chips and cookies….and we got to know another couple at church. Yes, older than ourselves, and the very sweetest people….ones we have promised to visit more often.

See? Our church is different. It not only cares about where we sit spiritually, they care about us as people. They encourage us to memorize scripture, read our Bibles daily, and pray together. We have intercessory prayer during all the services. We have “fishing” trips where we go and share Christ with people in the city. We have several mission opportunities out of the country. And we are encouraged to love and support our church family. We are a community of people that care about one another inside the church…

…and out.

You can’t beat that.

So if I had to miss my ONLY day to sleep in, that’s alright.

If we ruined some clothes with paint…that’s alright too.

We were a family and we were given an opportunity to help someone else.

And that was worth it.

Dana Suggs
www.momof3darlings.wordpress.com

 

Learn to write “Jesus Loves You” in Chinese

Jesus in Chinese

Check out this link: http://easia.imb.org/wp-content/downloads/characters.pdf that will walk you through the steps of writing Jesus Loves You in Chinese. If you don’t want to learn to write it, read it below and memorize it:

Yea Sue Eye Knee: Jesus Loves You

Then go to Woodland Hills Mall on the lower level under the escalator and say it to one of the Chinese massage therapists!

Gordon

 

Romans 11

Chip will be preaching this Sunday morning on Grandparent’s Day. On Sunday evening we will resume our study through the Book of Romans.

We are beginning Chapter 11. Let me encourage you to read the chapter before Sunday night so that you can have some idea about what we will be discussing.

Grace, foreknowledge, election, salvation, Israel are heavy theological subjects that need hard thinking and meditation. Bro. Gordon

 

Rosh Hashanah-Yom Kippur

Two important events occur for the Hebrew people this month. On the evening of September 18 Rosh Hashanah begins and ten days later Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement.

Rosh Hashanah occurs on the first and second days of Tishri. In Hebrew, it means, literally, “head of the year” or “first of the year.” It is commonly known as the Jewish New Year.

The name “Rosh Hashanah” is not used in the Bible to discuss this holiday. The Bible refers to the holiday as Yom Ha-Zikkaron (the day of remembrance) or Yom Teruah (the day of the sounding of the shofar). The holiday is instituted in Leviticus 23:24-25.

The ten days starting with Rosh Hashanah and ending with Yom Kippur are commonly known as the Days of Awe (Yamim Noraim) or the Days of Repentance. For the Jews this is a time for serious introspection, a time to consider the sins of the previous year and repent before Yom Kippur.

Yom Kippur is probably the most important holiday of the Jewish year. Many Jews who do not observe any other Jewish custom will refrain from work, fast and/or attend synagogue services on this day. Yom Kippur occurs on the 10th day of Tishri. The holiday is instituted at Leviticus 23:26.

For Christians it is important to remember that the Hebrew people continue to follow their traditions. We can learn more about their practices in order to share the good news of Jesus Christ’s atonement for the sins of the whole world.

Since the temple was destroyed in 70AD there is no place for Jews to offer the required blood sacrifices for sins. They believe that God will forgive the repentant sinner. Christians also believe in repentance and God’s forgiveness. However, the forgiveness is based upon the acceptance of the all sufficient sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

If you would like to learn about modern Judaism go to Judaism 101 at the following address: http://www.jewfaq.org/index.htm ; it is the best one that I know of. It will give you a desire to share Christ with your Jewish friend.

 

God’s Word

We would all agree about the importance of reading God’s Word on a daily basis.  The struggle for most of us is the actual reading of God’s Word on a daily basis!  For many of us the desire is there, but we aren’t exactly sure how to go about beginning a daily time in the Bible.  The Bible can be a very intimidating book, my copy of the Scriptures has more than 11oo pages!  But it is possible, and I would argue necessary for a growing disciple of Jesus Christ to master this book.  I want to take a moment and give you some suggestions for developing an ongoing time of daily reading the Bible.

1.  Make reading the Bible a matter of prayer, asking God to give you the desire to read His Word on a daily basis.

2.  Set aside a time each day for reading and prayer.  This may require setting your alarm a little earlier or turning off the T.V. a little earlier in the evenings.

3.  Follow a plan.  There are many great reading plans out there from which to choose.  One of my favorites is the reading plan developed by The Navigators.  This is a plan that will allow you to read through the Bible in one year, but also gives you 5 days off a month in order to catch up if you get behind.  You can find this plan here…                                                                                                                                                                            http://centenarylex.com/bible/.

Another simple plan is to read the “Proverb of the Day”, read the proverb that corresponds to the day of the month (there are 31 days in most months and there are 31 chapters in Proverbs).  I am writing this on September 8th, so the proverb of the day would be Proverbs 8.  Proverbs is a book of wisdom and is a great way to start a busy day.

As you grow in your reading you may want to add a chapter from Psalms each day.  For the really adventerous you may want to read 5 Psalms each day, again using the day of the month.  For example, today is the 8th so you could read Psalm 8, 38, 68, 98, and 128 (take the day and keep adding 30 until you run out of chapters).  This would allow you to read the book of Proverbs and the book of Psalms each month!

It is also good to read a chapter from the New Testament each day.  As I said, there are many ways to read the Word, experiment a little and find what works best for you.

4.  Look for opportunities to discuss what you have read each day.  Find a friend and hold one another accountable to read each day.

These are just a few suggestions to help you get started on the adventure of exploring and learning the Word of God.  I know that this sounds like it may take a great deal of time, but honestly you could follow these plans in less than 30 minutes a day.  The most important thing is to get started!  Make the decision to start consistently spending time in God’s Word and then “Just Do It”!!

That all may hear!

J

 

Wednesday Night Message

From time to time I will post the outline from the Wednesday night Bible Study and Prayer Meeting. This outline is from Luke 24:13-35.

We are often like the two on the road to Emmaus. We misinterpret the facts as we see them because our perspective is limited. This in turn affects our emotions. Re-read Luke 24 and use the outline below to help you.

What is Your Perspective? Luke 24:13-35

…“What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?” Luke 24:17

Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. Luke 24:30-31

I.       Perspective                  vs. 17, 21

2 Kings 6:17-18

II.      Interpretation   vs. 22-24

2 Peter 1:19-21

III.    Explanation                  vs. 25-27

-διερμηνεύω: to explain thoroughly, to interpret

-διά through (a channel) + ἑρμηνεύω translate (hermeneutics)

Acts 17:3-4

IV.     Revelation          vs. 30-32

1 Samuel 3:1

Proverb 29:18

Luke 2:32

Galatians 1:12; Ephesians 3:3; Romans 16:25; 2 Corinthians 12:1-7

Ephesians 1:17

The two on the road to Emmaus had the wrong perspective AND interpretation of the facts… v18, 25-26

Bro. Gordon

 

History of Labor Day

Labor Day: How it Came About; What it Means

Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Founder of Labor Day

More than 100 years after the first Labor Day observance, there is still some doubt as to who first proposed the holiday for workers. Some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a co founder of the American Federation of Labor, was first in suggesting a day to honor those “who from rude nature have delved and carved all the grandeur we behold.”

But Peter McGuire’s place in Labor Day history has not gone unchallenged. Many believe that Matthew Maguire, a machinist, not Peter McGuire, founded the holiday. Recent research seems to support the contention that Matthew Maguire, later the secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882 while serving as secretary of the Central Labor Union in New York. What is clear is that the Central Labor Union adopted a Labor Day proposal and appointed a committee to plan a demonstration and picnic.

The First Labor Day

The first Labor Day holiday was celebrated on Tuesday, September 5, 1882, in New York City, in accordance with the plans of the Central Labor Union. The Central Labor Union held its second Labor Day holiday just a year later, on September 5, 1883.

In 1884 the first Monday in September was selected as the holiday, as originally proposed, and the Central Labor Union urged similar organizations in other cities to follow the example of New York and celebrate a “workingmen’s holiday” on that date. The idea spread with the growth of labor organizations, and in 1885 Labor Day was celebrated in many industrial centers of the country.

Taken from United States Dept. of Labor web site

To read more go to: http://www.dol.gov/OPA/ABOUTDOL/LABORDAY.HTM

 

Perspective

Perspective: from Latin perspicere, to see through…

For those who have seen the Earth from space, and for the hundreds and perhaps thousands more who will, the experience most certainly changes your perspective. The things that we share in our world are far more valuable than those which divide us. Donald Williams

Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts. In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity.

Albert Einstein

The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight, but has no vision. Helen Keller

Tonight, at the Wednesday night Bible study and Prayer time we are going to look at “perspective” from Luke 24. This will be a facinating study on how the early diciples viewed the events of the crucifixion from their limited perspective.

We can learn from their mistakes. I hope to see you there!

Bro. Gordon

 

A Glimpse of Heaven

This past Sunday, August 30th, the Eastwood and Agape congregations gathered together to worship in two languages, with one focus. What a privilege it was to get a glimpse of what heaven will be like when people from ALL languages will be worshiping around the throne – from every tribe, tongue, people and nation. We enjoyed singing together as we alternated between English and Spanish. Pastor William Jaimes delivered a message titled “Give Me a New Heart, Lord!” You can listen to this sermon at the following link. http://eastwoodtulsa.sermondrop.com/sermons/1729-Give-Me-a-New-Heart-Lord-

Maria Collier blessed us with special music, a blend of gospel and mariachi. Perhaps the highlight of the service was the blessing of seeing two new believers follow in obedience in baptism. What a joy to see Pastor William  baptize his own son, Fernando. There was a delicious lunch fellowship following the joint service.

Thank you to everyone that helped serve in different areas Sunday, and thank you for helping our Hispanic congregation feel a part of the Eastwood family.

Blessings, Bro. Kyle

Worshiping with our lives…Not only with our music.

 

September 2009 Memory Verse-1 Corinthians 15:58

Find your version below and begin reading the verse out loud several times. Write it out and keep it with you. When you have to wait for something or someone read the verse again. This Sunday say it at the welcome center or to someone you know.

Enjoy the fruits of hiding God’s word in your heart!

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. (NKJV)

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. (KJV)

Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord. (NASB)

Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (NIV)

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. (NLT)

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (ESV)

My dear friends, stand firm and don’t be shaken. Always keep busy working for the Lord. You know that everything you do for him is worthwhile. (CEV)

Therefore, my dear brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the Lord’s work, knowing that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (HCSV)

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (TNIV)

Así que, hermanos míos amados, estad firmes y constantes, creciendo en la obra del Señor siempre, sabiendo que vuestro trabajo en el Señor no es en vano. (RV)

Ijcon, tej, notlajsojcaicnihuan, xmelajcanemican ipan nemotlaneltoc. Ma ca xcahuilican itlaj ma mechejcuani itech nemotlaneltoc. Nochipa xchihuacan itequiu toTeco ican nochi nemoyojlo, pampa ye nenquimatztoquej ica on tequitl xsanencaj nenquichihuasquej ijcuac nenquichihuaj san secan ihuan toTeco. (Nahuatl)