In light of Tyrel's Excellent Message Yesterday

"Then Yeshua began to denounce the towns in which he had done most of his miracles, because the people had not turned from their sins to God."

"Come unto me, all of you who are struggling and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Jesus of Nazareth

Mattityahu (Matthew) 11: 20, 28-29 Complete Jewish Bible

Humility & Thomas from Kempen (Germany)

"A humble knowledge of yourself is a surer way to God than an involved intellectual search after learning."

Thomas a' Kempis (1379-1471) from The Imitation of Christ rewritten and updated by Harold J. Chadwick
(Most published book in history, after the Bible)

Be intentional & Pray (spend some time...)

A precious sister in our home group last night asked, "Should we be facing Jerusalem and praying three times a day?" The answer is probably "yes." It pleased God a great deal when Daniel did it. And it was evidently a life line and major encouragement to Daniel.{It may have been the only reason he was able to rule in the midst of his enemies?} But God has made no such rule. Boundaries are good, but rules can stifle or damage relationships. Do what's in your heart. It will mean more to you and to God!!

But as another precious sister shared, "Be intentional."

His Shalom (peace) be yours! -=db=-

CCF Men's Four Day Canoe Trip 2006

Pray Hard

In the men's prayer time Tuesday morning, God revealed to me that sometimes we spend more time "talking something to death" instead of "praying something to life." I want to just encourage our men to consider what it means to "pray without ceasing." I am beginning to believe that means more than I used to think. Maybe we're supposed to bring even the little things to God for consideration, instead of what we think are the big things.
I would like us to keep lifting up some current needs in prayer.....

Steve Gitthens....breakthrough
Rico Miller......breakthrough
Bill Hook.....breakthrough
Justin Blasingame...healing and direction vocationally
Don Bissell...healing & forgiveness
Josh Bell...direction
Mens & Womens Ministry
Tyrel & Mary Beth / Youth Ministry


(more to come)

Blessings

Gary Brock

Spiritual Authority by Bobby Burns

Peter said to the lame man, "Look to me!" The man looked to him expecting alms. Peter continued, "Silver and gold I don't have, but what I have I give to you!" As pastor Craig was paraphrasing this passage a couple weeks ago I caught a glimpse of the scene while Peter listened to Jesus telling the disciples, "I give you authority to trample on serpents and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy," I pictured Peter saying to himself, He is giving me this authority, and now it is mine. Brothers, this is the attitude that we must have, for he is no respecter of persons. On the other hand, we all know that all gifts from God are irrevocable; therefore, when we pray expecting God to do it all we attempt to give the authority that He has given us back to Him. I believe this is insulting, for He not only doesn't want to take it back, He not only won't take it back, but he can't take it back. It is a new day. It is time to claim the authority that has been given to us. God will not do for us what we can do for ourselves. He wants to do the rest. Let us not be a hindrance any longer.

You did a great job!!

Guys you did a great job serving the ladies Tuesday night at the Womens Ministry. You served from start to finish with so much class. I was proud of you! The ladies loved it also. Thank You Very Much. Mr. Bill!! I am proud to be part of you!! This is just a start!!

No Place Like Home!

{We try to keep posts short, but this is from one of our newer friends to the men's ministry and worth the read. -=db=-}

“There’s No Place Like Home”

You might recognize the title from the movie, The Wizard of Oz. It is a line that the character Dorothy uses to get back home. The verse below occurs at the halfway point in the book of Daniel. Even a quick read through this powerful book will leave the reader with the conclusion that the prophet Daniel was never a “halfway” devoted follower of God. He gave his fullest. We read in Chapter 6 about Daniel and the Lion’s Den. A decree is signed by the new king that for the next thirty days anyone who prays to anyone, divine or human - except for the new king - will be thrown to the lions.

Daniel 6:10

On learning that the document had been signed, Daniel went home. The windows of his upstairs room were open in the direction of Jerusalem; and there he kneeled down three times a day and prayed, giving thanks before his God, just as he had been doing before. (Complete Jewish Bible)

Daniel went home. Just as Dorothy had longed for Kansas….Daniel longed for Jerusalem. The verse states that he went to his home in Babylon after he found out about the document (decree) to honor the new King. Now Daniel knew about the providence of God and he left the matter up to God by continuing in prayer.

But where was Daniel’s true home? He had been taken captive as a teenager and when King Darius takes control, Daniel is in his senior years. He had risen to many powerful positions and spent most of his life in Babylon, so what could he possibly remember about a distant land in ruins. Daniel’s true home was his heart for God. Just as we learn from the verse above that his windows were opened, so was his heart. He would not shut the windows and lock the door to the world in which he lived. He would not give up and he would not give in to his circumstances. He understood a compassionate God, a merciful God.

Daniel would not turn his back on God. He would pray facing Jerusalem, God’s holy mountain. He would pray every day to honor his Lord. He had been taught this from his youth that he could not and did not stray from his appointments with the creator of the universe. Just as our fictional character Dorothy had a relentless search for home….the real life prophet Daniel searched his heart to be pleasing in the unobstructed sight of God. When the troubles and pressures became too much to bear, Daniel heard the message, “Don’t be afraid, for you are deeply loved by God. Be at peace; take heart and be strong” (Dan. 10:19, New Living Translation).

In our make believe Oz movie, Dorothy is required to click her heels together three times to get home. In the Divinely Inspired Word of God, we find that Daniel is praying three times a day. This was and is the custom of the Jewish people to honor the patriarchs; Abraham with the Morning Prayer, Isaac with the Afternoon Prayer and Jacob with the Evening Prayer. What it reminds us to do is to remember all the men and women of faith who have walked before us in service to the Lord.

There are many lessons we can learn from the Book of Daniel, so we end with this one. In the movie, Dorothy finds herself far from home and the search ends when she realizes that she was only 12 inches away. The distance from her heart and mind. Have you lost your way? The Bible says, “But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you look for him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deut. 4:29, NIV). With the heart of God living inside you, there really is no place like home.

Blessings,

Chris Pendleton

"Pray and [don't] give up." Jesus

"Then Jesus told his disciples a parable to show them that they should always pray and not give up." Luke 18:1 NIV

Please pray this week for the following needs among the CCF men and the larger Community of Christ.

*)Brian Fields & Brent Proctor and their families in the loss of their mother-in-law.
*)Bill Barnes needs a job, in the computer field, or wherever.
*)Josh Lindsey needs a job.
*)Justin Blasingame needs total healing from his broken leg and spiritual renewal during the recovery time. Perhaps God's leading the same or different vocation once healed. Provision for his family in this time.
*)Dwayne Bell asks prayer for his father-in-law Russel Hogue who has lung cancer. Eighty-two years young and a very honorable servant of our Lord.
*)Men, pray for your own wives and children, daily. You have more power and authority in this realm than you know. -=db=-

If you'd like to have items placed on this list email Gary Brock or call him. Or just use the comment feature below this post and it'll be available to all immediately.

Next Men's Meeting - February 27...See you there!

Gary is a graduate of the School of Bible Theology of San Jacinto, California. His 25 year ministry has included Associate Pastor, Senior Pastor, Church Planter, District Youth Director, co-presenter of Marriage Enrichment Seminars nationally and speaker for conferences, youth camps, and men’s retreats. Currently Gary is serving as a church planter in Fayetteville, Arkansas, is the Director of Foursquare Men’s Ministry and is a member of the National Church Multiplication Team coaching various church planters and pastors. He and his wife, Tammy, have been married for 27 years and have two children, Josh (24) and Ashlee (22) who is married to Jeremy Booth.


Speaker: Gary Dunahoo
February 27th, City Christian Fellowship

I urge you, brothers...Do not conform....

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God--this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing, and perfect will" (Romans 12:1-2).

Pray for Louis Woodall and his Mother's Family

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. I Corth 13:4-8

Louis Woodall's mother went to be with Jesus last week. Please pray for Louis and the family. Louis sent me the following words about his Mom, Mary Ruth Woodall.

Louis said,"The Lord did bless us with peace. The Lords purpose for her life continues even after she has left this physical life into total spiritual life. l Corinthians 13:4-8 describes her character." -=db=-

SEASON OF SADNESS

GUYS: Even though I am very excited about the mens ministry, even though I am hooked in, even though I have victory in my heart, even though I am in a spiritual place as good as I have been in my life. I am suffering in a season of sadness. I desire to move forward! I have some good direction! I have received good council. i need your prayers in this area!! Pray for me!! I will pray for you!!

The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey

Book Review by Dwayne Bell

I just finished reading Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey. I found it very sound and hard hitting. Succinct and much needed in our day, I feel this book is the latest and greatest “how to” book on money management. It’s tailor made for our day, and the best I’ve read to date, with all due respect to Larry Burkett and Howard Dayton, who preceded Dave in communicating these truths marvelously during the past couple decades.

I enjoyed it immensely, because of his insights, plan, and communication style. He comes straight at you with just what you need, a doable plan, and the motivation to help you get it done.

Get this book and read it!!! Hopefully with your wife, together – perhaps after you read it once through. Be a leader. It’s been said, “Leaders are readers.”

I haven’t read his first best seller Financial Peace or listened to him on the radio, but I could easily recommend that as well. He’s solid and fun. We need the help!

I’m very excited that Bill & Debbie Stuckey are leading a home group that just started called “Financial Peace University.” They have 12 couples or 24 people enrolled and attending. This teaching has the potential of helping you, your family, and our church family as much as anything else we’re doing. Go for it! And soon! -=db=-