tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-234713972024-03-07T15:27:18.972-05:00Noel DearLife and Thoughts of a Christian, Husband, Dad, and Pastor...Pastor Noelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17937095915646803913noreply@blogger.comBlogger352125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23471397.post-71961293808129155052014-08-20T06:43:00.001-04:002014-08-20T06:43:39.402-04:00Prayer For My DaughterToday is my oldest daughter's first day of school! I know that sounds odd if you know my family. My oldest daughter is 15 and she's been doing school for a long time. But today she goes to our local public school to take an AP English class. We homeschool and this isn't the beginning of a change on that front, but we feel like this is a step we need to take to fill a gap in her educational experience.<br />
<br />
So 15 or not, we are going through at least some of the normal first-day-of-school anxieties. Hannah is on the high school tennis team, so she is friends with some of the girls in her class, and she has spent much time on the school campus, but somehow today is a little different.<br />
<br />
Making things harder, I'm out of town for the day! I so hate to miss this milestone in Hannah's life. but I'm praying for her. In fact, I wrote out my prayer this morning so I could email it to her before she left. After writing it, I thought it might be something that would encourage others if shared. So here it goes...<br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>Heavenly Father,</i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 13.8px;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>You have put great dreams and aspirations in the heart of my oldest daughter. I thank you for that. I don't yet know what course her life will take, but I love the brave spirit you have given her. She desires to do things of which others never dream. She stretches further than many others stretch. And I believe she will accomplish things others never could.</i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 13.8px;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>So that brings us to this big day, her sort-of first day of school. I know this will not be a big deal in the minds of many since she is 15 years old, but I know this day represents so much. It represents her first step into a different life. It represents her first steps into her preparation for an uncertain but exciting future.</i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 13.8px;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>So, Father, I ask you to give her your presence. With all of the fears and anxieties that accompany this day, I pray that your presence will also be felt.</i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 13.8px;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>I ask that you give her wisdom. Hannah will face some significant hurdles. Some will be intellectual; some will be moral; some will be spiritual. Give her the heavenly resources to make wise, godly and effective decisions and choices.</i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 13.8px;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /></i></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>I ask that you give her influence. Give her influence with her teacher and with the other students so she can be a leader, so she can be a light for your kingdom, so she can be the fragrance of Christ.</i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 13.8px;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /></i></div>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>I ask that you give her peace. Calm her nerves. Remind her you have prepared her for this new day. Remind her that with your help she can do (and endure) all things.</i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>I ask that you protect her. Protect her gentle spirit. Protect her dreams. Protect her modesty. Protect her heart and mind in a world where people often operate from a very different worldview than hers.</i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; min-height: 13.8px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>Finally, I ask that you give her the story of David who defeated the impossible giant Goliath. This will be an academic challenge like Hannah has never faced. This will be a cultural and learning-style challenge like she has never faced. This is her first Goliath. Please let Hannah stand as victor over this giant just like you allowed David to stand victor over Goliath by your amazing power!</i></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;"></span><br /></i></div>
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</div>
<div style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>Amen</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462601743411605368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23471397.post-29464101741832948342014-08-16T16:13:00.000-04:002014-08-16T17:00:26.099-04:00Truths about Suicide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpIAkg0RPrQb8AITzRrtiTHYAfYP4bYxoyYhVtlvXaN4yXhDs6HnWUmhuJ67PDClVYv5WpiQ8Sx08fQri_GpnJ01GOim-o2SJlWN3X5yzX0hWIhROF_bf02pN6WrwRKGqca9psA/s1600/suicide-500p.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOpIAkg0RPrQb8AITzRrtiTHYAfYP4bYxoyYhVtlvXaN4yXhDs6HnWUmhuJ67PDClVYv5WpiQ8Sx08fQri_GpnJ01GOim-o2SJlWN3X5yzX0hWIhROF_bf02pN6WrwRKGqca9psA/s1600/suicide-500p.png" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13.0pt;">Suicide Truths<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the last six days, suicide has popped into my field of
view three different times. For starters
there was the news of famed comedian Robin Williams who took his life on August
11. The next morning I received a call from someone from Donna’s home town
informing me that a friend of hers had been found dead in a suspected suicide
situation. Donna and I left for Mississippi that same day to share
encouragement with her family. I also had a counseling situation this week with
someone who is considering ending her life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While each of these situations is very different from the
others, there are some common truths that link all suicides and suicide
attempts together. Let me briefly share five of those. (Some of this may sound
harsh. No offense intended. But treading lightly around these issues serves no
one’s good.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>A. Depression and despair are <u>complicated</u>
but an abiding <u>connection</u> with <u>God</u> and his <u>people</u> has
great value. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Depression and despair are often at the core of suicide
attempts. These emotional states are real, and they can lead people to do all
kinds of destructive things. The remedy for these conditions is not always
simple. And we do those who are struggling with these a disservice when we
suggest easy fixes. But it is also true that an abiding connection with God and
his people makes a huge difference. If you are struggling with depression and
despair, the good news is that abiding in Christ will yield spiritual fruit in
your life, and in part that fruit will consist of love, joy, peace and patience
(which is the opposite of strife, depression, stress and anxiety).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>B. Suicide is the most <u>selfish</u> act a
person can commit.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Suicide focuses exclusively on one’s own problems. When a person
commits suicide, he has put on the blinders that prevent him from seeing how
his death will affect those around him. The suicide decision is one that says,
“My problems and my pain are more important than anyone else's.” It is the
height of selfishness.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>C. Suicide is a <u>permanent</u> solution to a <u>temporary</u>
problem. <o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Everyone faces problems. Some face bigger problems, and some
burdens are heavier by far, but the existence of problems is universal.
Furthermore, problems are temporary, almost without exception. They may not
seem that way at the bottom of the pit of despair, but it is true. When someone
chooses suicide she has chosen a permanent solution for a temporary problem.
There is always hope. And hope grows stronger when it is tightly embraced.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>D. Suicide always creates more <u>pain</u> than
it <u>erases</u>.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When someone chooses to end his life, his hope is that the
suicide will end the pain. But the truth is that suicide only transfers the
pain (and magnifies it). Whatever pain
is erased with suicide is felt ten fold in the lives of those who remain.
Friends and family hurt badly and usually for a very long time. The wounds that
result from a family member committing suicide are hard to heal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>E. There <u>are</u> people who care. (We must be
sensitive to the <u>hurts</u> and <u>burdens</u> of others.)<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One symptom of depression and despair is a feeling of
aloneness. When we experience this, it is important to remember that this is a
deception. It is not true. There are people who care. There are people who want
to help.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Why do people feel so alone? Two things contribute to this.
First, we often fail to reach out and let people know how much we are hurting.
Secondly, we are often insensitive to the hurting people around us. The church
should be a place and we should be the people for whom this can never happen.
We should be transparent about our own situation and we should be sensitive to
the situations of those around us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Perhaps the hardest question I've ever been asked was asked
by two teenage girls in Newark, Ohio just a few years ago. I will never forget
sitting with them, a younger brother and their mom across a conference table in
the back room of a funeral home. I had never met them before. The funeral home
had called and asked if I would help their family through a difficult time. The
two girls had a look that showed a combination of shock, confusion, pain and
anger. They had one question. They both asked it, phrased a little differently,
but it was the same question: Why would our daddy do this to us?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
How would you answer their question? What would be the most
truthful answer? I know you don't know the whole story, but trust me, it
doesn't matter. The right answer is always the same.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I pray I will never be asked that question by another
anguished son or daughter, or by another parent or wife or husband…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Noel Dear<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462601743411605368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23471397.post-90569629584575816402013-08-03T15:56:00.000-04:002013-08-03T16:09:15.773-04:00Surprised by the Truth of God's Word?Last Sunday I nervously shared something personal with my church family. I wasn't sure ahead of time whether I should share or not. It had to do with giving and my struggle to be faithful in the month of July this year due to some financial stress I had experienced. But when it came time to preach I had a strange peace and liberty about sharing, so I did so. The response has been overwhelming. I have had an opportunity to talk with many about their giving and have had a number of people share with me their renewed commitment to faithfulness in this area. So I thought that God had used my confession and subsequent gift to spur some people on and that was the end of it. Glory to the Lord!<br />
<br />
But my wife just called me upstairs to look at the mail. I was astonished at what I saw. I now believe the Lord wants to use what I shared last Sunday to further highlight his faithfulness to his people and the reliability of his word. So let me now tell you the rest of the story...<br />
<br />
The Lord has provided five <i>gifts </i>since I made my confession and put my offering in the box. I want to tell you about these to highlight God's faithfulness and goodness. Before I do, I want you to know that first, this never happens. I'm just like everyone else. Monetary gifts are appreciated but rare. Second, I honestly did not expect any of these. All five were total surprises.<br />
<br />
So here it goes...<br />
<br />
My wedding anniversary was Monday. I received two anniversary gifts from friends. One was $100 and one was $20. Both were unexpected and greatly appreciated. This is my 18th anniversary, and I think it is the first time I have ever received a gift of money for my anniversary.<br />
<br />
Sub-total: $120.00.<br />
<br />
Carla, my secretary, texted me on Tuesday, while I was away from the office to tell me that someone I had done some work for had dropped by a check for $200. The work was a while back, and they had given me $200 (more as a gift than a payment), but I had lost the check. It was my fault. I had asked Carla to bring it to their attention, but never really expected to receive another check. I had just written that out of my budget.<br />
<br />
So the new surprise sub-total by Tuesday was $320.00.<br />
<br />
Now to today's mail... I received two checks. One from Quest Diagnostics, who I suppose had done some medical tests on someone in my family back in 2010. I don't remember. According to them, I overpaid my bill by $167.25. They would like to reimburse me!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHWHkC0__URrz7j5fHIUOuoaivQ3ClUPigdrp7KISnA-WnbLylk99bPwADAdS-qVo9E0WrpRhWgh2wDB7kdV1qdQPitwTm4og-m3yXRYglVm6LqHykdTFIq73k2fzrEQSQuAMgQ/s1600/photo-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJHWHkC0__URrz7j5fHIUOuoaivQ3ClUPigdrp7KISnA-WnbLylk99bPwADAdS-qVo9E0WrpRhWgh2wDB7kdV1qdQPitwTm4og-m3yXRYglVm6LqHykdTFIq73k2fzrEQSQuAMgQ/s320/photo-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Great! Usually when I get a letter from a medical provider inquiring about three-year-old service, they are demanding money not sending money.<br />
<br />
New sub-total: $487.25.<br />
<br />
The other check was from Amazon. Amazon sells my <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0985069201/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0985069201&linkCode=as2&tag=cnd-awh-20" target="_blank">Illuminating The Darkness</a></i> book. Honestly, they don't sell a lot of them, and for those they do sell, the royalties are transferred electronically to my personal account. But there are a number of different "channels" Amazon sells through (Paper books, electronic books, referral service fees, third party merchants, international sales, institutional sales, etc.) It can be complicated keeping up with it all. Today I got a completely unexpected check for $110.08, for I'm-not-sure-what, something to do with unclaimed Kindle book sales.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXuFlZoeMGV4xG3i3CEJyALKozNvZ1wJqF1DrZC6-3cXEkk9P5crUzbZPFazJB_qQTqAi2T_PT9EhvaGzPMmEd8sj5m0yTjuppkTfhy-0pDRyzhXBrYHy9OG2SIe3k4LC4M8dZA/s1600/photo+(1)+-+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXuFlZoeMGV4xG3i3CEJyALKozNvZ1wJqF1DrZC6-3cXEkk9P5crUzbZPFazJB_qQTqAi2T_PT9EhvaGzPMmEd8sj5m0yTjuppkTfhy-0pDRyzhXBrYHy9OG2SIe3k4LC4M8dZA/s320/photo+(1)+-+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Total: $597.33.<br />
<br />
Now that is not exactly what I gave last Sunday, but it isn't too far off (and there are still 18 hours left before it is a full week).<br />
<br />
So maybe all of this has just been a happy coincidence. I honestly can't remember the last time I got totally unexpected money, much less five times in one week, but stranger things have happened. Maybe all of this would have come to me whether I had been faithful last week or not. But this is what I believe...<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you. (Luke 6:38)</i></li>
<li><i>Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this, … If I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you such blessing that there will not be room enough to receive it. (Malachi 3:10)</i></li>
</ul>
<br />
I am not suggesting that every faithful gift will come back to the giver in seven days. I give regularly, and this has not happened like this before. But I believe God will always be true to his word and that he will take care of those who are faithful to him.<br />
<div>
<br />
I have never written a blog about giving. Ordinarily this is something we keep very "in-house." But I felt like I should share again so that his faithfulness might be praised. Hope no one is offended.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Pastor Noel</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462601743411605368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23471397.post-25087950829260198212012-11-21T20:29:00.000-05:002013-08-03T16:10:08.252-04:00Thanksgiving VideoI recorded a brief Thanksgiving video to help families have a better focus to their Thanksgiving celebration. Take a look. If you like it, use it in your family celebration tomorrow and pass the word on facebook and Twitter!<br />
<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/54047786" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="500"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462601743411605368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23471397.post-63507771974897603942012-07-23T12:38:00.000-04:002013-08-03T16:10:33.133-04:00Welcome Pastor Chad and Natalie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CbrVoPa-T4m5WAsbU0CmXaVRnPLz7UDq8AUibXI4K_AiG865hwQ7dUc_73jjkL0JlGE0RscsjB-c2jLcIBvS2h6utEn7zHVU9Dy9Q-Cg-_ufhWXXU6jiMLvyvZAOoIh2uqW13w/s1600/winder2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6CbrVoPa-T4m5WAsbU0CmXaVRnPLz7UDq8AUibXI4K_AiG865hwQ7dUc_73jjkL0JlGE0RscsjB-c2jLcIBvS2h6utEn7zHVU9Dy9Q-Cg-_ufhWXXU6jiMLvyvZAOoIh2uqW13w/s320/winder2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I would like to welcome pastor Chad and Natalie Winder to our church and community! Yesterday our church overwhelmingly voted to call Chad to serve as our pastor of worship and small groups.<br />
<br />
I am so excited about what I believe the Lord is going to do in and through our church in the years to come. And I am thankful that He has called this family to help lead us to that place of fruitful ministry.<br />
<br />
The Winders will be on the ground before the end August. Pray for them as they search for a place to buy or rent. Pray for them as they make the difficult transition from somewhere they have been serving for a number of years. Pray for their children as they seek to get used to unfamiliar surroundings.<br />
<br />
I want to say thank you to a number of people who made this happen. First, of course, to the Lord for His leadership and guidance. I believe He has led us step-by-step through this whole process. Secondly, our worship pastor search team. The team has done everything that was asked of them. Our church is deeply indebted to them and their prayerful work. Thank you to Ron Baughman, who has been leading our worship ministry for the past couple of years. Ron has done a stellar job under sometimes difficult circumstances. Ron has shown wisdom, leadership, faithfulness, and spiritual maturity in more ways than most of the church is aware.<br />
<br />
Fourth, thank you to First Baptist Church. There are few ministry positions as difficult to fill as that of worship pastor. Music is such an emotional subject, and we all have our preferences. We prayed to the Lord for unity, and we asked the church to come together in this search for God's man for this hour, and the church has done so in historic fashion. I can't say I wasn't nervous at times through the process, but to stand in one of the offices and watch the ballots as they were counted and to see the overwhelmingly positive vote (99.1% with the official ballots, 99.2% if you include the unofficial absentee ballots) made me so thankful to be a part of the faith family of First Baptist Church of Heath.<br />
<br />
If you would like to send a note of encouragement to pastor Chad, he can be contacted at <a href="mailto:PastorChad@fbcho.com">PastorChad@fbcho.com</a>. <br />
<br />
Pastor NoelAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462601743411605368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23471397.post-85319487907114506042012-07-20T11:34:00.002-04:002012-07-20T11:34:24.763-04:00Why Does God Allow Tragedies?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilK-LF8IPuXaI9rAccPjHI-0M2-yBiddVK2iOMVGuxWZTqJjalBhHuz_JdZS-fxQKOwIzN0eDrkbzSs5BpD1qHtCdKEKtMJR2Mvo30JAIyDvtwhgbKwVG3fYYbGZpdR52GXJNzxQ/s1600/2012.07.22.am-b-400.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilK-LF8IPuXaI9rAccPjHI-0M2-yBiddVK2iOMVGuxWZTqJjalBhHuz_JdZS-fxQKOwIzN0eDrkbzSs5BpD1qHtCdKEKtMJR2Mvo30JAIyDvtwhgbKwVG3fYYbGZpdR52GXJNzxQ/s320/2012.07.22.am-b-400.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Early this morning in Aurora, Colorado as hundreds of people gathered for the premier of a comic book movie, a man wearing a gas mask and dressed in black pulled out his weapons and proceeded to shoot over fifty people. As of the writing of this post, thirteen people have been publicly confirmed killed. <div>
<br /></div>
<div>
While this is not the only tragedy this week, it is the one that has the attention of America. The nation is in a state of shock that something so senseless and so violent can happen and happen so often. It makes us ask the hard questions: Where is God in all of this? Did God not know about this? Could he not have stopped it? Was there something about those people in that theater that can explain this? Of all the theaters and all of the movies playing last night and all of the ballgames and restaurants and malls and family gatherings... why did those particular people die?</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Those are difficult questions. They aren't bad questions, just difficult. So here are few things we should know as we seek the answers:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>This is not the first time these questions have been asked. These are age old questions. They have been asked before and unfortunately, they will be asked again.</li>
<li>This is not the time for hasty answers. It is inevitable that some misguided people who have more words than wisdom will try to use this tragedy to promote their own agenda, political or otherwise. That too is unfortunate.</li>
<li>The word of God speaks to this. There are few questions the Bible does not answer if we will only be humble enough to listen and careful enough to study.</li>
</ul>
<div>
I had planned to wrap up our series on David this Sunday in our 10:45 worship service, but I believe the Lord is leading me to speak to this tragedy. People have questions, good questions. Thankfully the Bible has answers, good answers. You have friends and family who will be asking questions. Let us be prepared to honestly and humbly give a reason for the hope we have.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I hope you will join us this Sunday as we focus on the question, "Why does God allow Tragedies?" This would be a good weekend to invite your friends and family to join you for this time of worship.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you out of town and unable to attend Sunday, I plan to post a few comments on this next week at www.AbideWithHim.com.</div>
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462601743411605368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23471397.post-56525113288569480672012-06-30T07:35:00.003-04:002012-06-30T07:37:57.351-04:00Power Outage<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">FBC Heath -- The 10:45 am worship service is a go tomorrow with or without electricity. Pass the word.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">If no electricity then no connect groups or Sunday school.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Email pastor@fbcho.com if you know of any church members with special needs due to power outage. If any members need a cool place to spend the day due to medical concerns, my home is open (we have power). Call 740-877-4211 and leave a message.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">If you can help with generators for tomorrow's service also call me.</span>
<br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Pastor Noel</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462601743411605368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23471397.post-32764333911874613572012-05-02T10:22:00.000-04:002012-05-02T10:22:48.965-04:00Five and a Half Ways to Recognize a Sluggard (and How to Know if it is You)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYGAMl31HQKIYY_hxowj02IeYZsLkzRaWzr6RwpE6G0iv3pXqIzptqZS-WG0QLqErgdj2UgdE_5vY1jMI4Hyle-Hl0zb23YiR97wew3rm-r46SaoodF_bfyyhlZ_CbeFx9nijew/s1600/slug.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWYGAMl31HQKIYY_hxowj02IeYZsLkzRaWzr6RwpE6G0iv3pXqIzptqZS-WG0QLqErgdj2UgdE_5vY1jMI4Hyle-Hl0zb23YiR97wew3rm-r46SaoodF_bfyyhlZ_CbeFx9nijew/s200/slug.png" width="200" /></a></div>
Read the article, "Five and a Half Ways to Recognize a Sluggard (and How to Know if it is You)" on my other blog site: <a href="http://www.abidewithhim.com/">www.AbideWithHim.com</a>.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462601743411605368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23471397.post-89087907879474882662012-04-30T12:14:00.001-04:002012-04-30T12:14:47.598-04:00What is the Opposite of Depression?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSfbamYZLFaWkIMabU7rkg6ifJBb5M94o957wt5HsfWYTi5QhNAA9CQrYfrFSpIAu62WkYgSpK9ulRriDjVshIXGnZXGFXdn1rhBk_0zSyHMSKgk6HMg952LcCfQGH-jhPk437w/s200/opposite2.png" width="200" /></div>
<br />
<br />
Read the article "What is the Opposite of Depression" on my other blog site: <a href="http://www.abidewithhim.com/">www.AbideWithHim.com</a>.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462601743411605368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23471397.post-35715766080966767312012-04-09T15:40:00.000-04:002012-04-10T06:45:50.232-04:00Illuminating The Darkness -- A Fresh and Effective Solution to Depression, Stress, and Anxiety<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7V0ounK2KDuB9dWYrRKzlfExxBBxBCw73u5_YVlEBmhFLa_jd3HzkYPibX4FE2FnBTMx0aYOm80E8h4f0iZGwiaDCQLhULyDhx48h0bt4uawBHTsYnNKYy08VomagEjouidoNQ/s1600/itd+web+logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH7V0ounK2KDuB9dWYrRKzlfExxBBxBCw73u5_YVlEBmhFLa_jd3HzkYPibX4FE2FnBTMx0aYOm80E8h4f0iZGwiaDCQLhULyDhx48h0bt4uawBHTsYnNKYy08VomagEjouidoNQ/s400/itd+web+logo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
One of the most common struggles that lead people to ask pastors for help is depression. It seems depression and the related problems of stress and anxiety have reached epidemic levels in our culture. When people come to me as a pastor and share their stories of emotional pain, the question they are asking is this, “Does the Bible offer any real hope?”<br />
<br />
Over the past years I have studied the Scriptures in search of the answer to that question. The good news is… THERE IS HOPE! The Bible gives a clear, positive, life-changing answer to this pain. The answer is probably not what you expect. The answer is probably not something you’ve heard before. And the answer is probably not anything like the strategies you may have tried in the past. But the answer is true, and it is good, and it is effective.<br />
<br />
I have shared this with many people through the years, and I have seen the truth of God’s Word do amazing things in their lives as they discovered the joy that replaces depression and the peace that replaces stress. So, I decided to write these biblical insights down and publish a book. That is how <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0985069201/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=cnd-awh-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0985069201">Illuminating The Darkness</a> came to be.<br />
<br />
The book came out about a month ago and I’ve been busy sending it out to family and friends. Already I have been encouraged with how the Lord is using it both in the lives of those who have struggled with depression, stress, and anxiety and also those who just desire to know more of the Lord’s peace and joy. So it is time to start getting the word out. Unless you are local to where I live, the best way to purchase the book is through <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0985069201/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=cnd-awh-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0985069201">Amazon.com</a>. <br />
<br />
Amazon is currently running my book as a part of a promotion they are doing, so the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0985069201/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=cnd-awh-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0985069201">print edition</a> is 10% off. (I don’t know how long they will run this special.) I have lowered the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0985069201/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=cnd-awh-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0985069201">Kindle</a> price to $4.99 for one week. (And if you are an Amazon Prime member you can get the Kindle edition for free.)<br />
<br />
Soon I will release some blog posts that dig a little deeper into the contents of the book. If you would like to follow the details you can follow me on twitter at <a href="https://twitter.com/noeldear">@NoelDear</a> or <a href="https://twitter.com/KnowDepression">@KnowDepression</a>. I will be posting info here at <a href="http://blog.noeldear.com/">blog.NoelDear.com</a> and also at a new site I am developing <a href="http://www.abidewithhim.com/">www.AbideWithHim.com</a>. The book website is <a href="http://www.illuminatingthedarkness.com/">www.IlluminatingTheDarkness.com</a>. You can also check out the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Illuminating-The-Darkness-by-Noel-Dear/258439127569628">facebook discussion site</a> for the book.<br />
<br />
Email me at <a href="mailto:NoelDear@IlluminatingTheDarkness.com">NoelDear@IlluminatingTheDarkness.com</a> with any questions related to the book or depression, stress, and anxiety.<br />
<br />
<br />
Noel Dear<br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?lt1=_blank&bc1=FFFFFF&IS2=1&npa=1&bg1=FFFFFF&fc1=000000&lc1=0000FF&t=cnd-awh-20&o=1&p=8&l=as4&m=amazon&f=ifr&ref=ss_til&asins=0985069201" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
--------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
P.S. Here is the back cover text of the book…<br />
<br />
<br />
<h3>
<i>Are You Ready For A Change?</i></h3>
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>Every day there are new approaches and drugs to help people overcome the emotional pain of depression, stress, and anxiety. More people are being treated for these than ever before. So, one would presume emotional health and happiness would be at an all-time high. But you know that isn’t the case, not even close. In fact, the only thing that seems to be gaining prevalence faster than antidepressants is</i><br />
<i>depression itself!</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>Is there a way of escape? Is there a different approach from the failed strategies most often presented in self-help books and the doctor’s office? Is there hope for me? Can I live a life of real peace and joy?</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<h3>
<i>Yes. Lasting joy and peace can be yours! </i></h3>
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>This is no idle promise from some new-fangled philosophy or rediscovered ancient herb. This truth has the authority of the Bible, the simplicity of fruit on a vine, and the track-record of many generations who have discovered the real source of mental and emotional health.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>This is not another strategy to try, rather it is the genuine truth about why people suffer from depression, stress, and anxiety, and how those pains can be replaced with joy, peace, and patience.</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>The truths presented here are…</i><br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Easy to understand</i></li>
<li><i>Practical in their everyday application</i></li>
<li><i>Powerfully effective in both the short and long term </i></li>
<li><i>Proven</i></li>
</ul>
<br />
<i><br /></i><br />
<i>This book is both a challenge to everything you have heard about the cause and cure of emotional distress, and a real offer of hope. Learn here what thousands of others have learned and, enjoy an enduring harvest of the fruit of real joy. </i><br />
<div>
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462601743411605368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23471397.post-9023734536778865422012-03-24T07:43:00.001-04:002012-03-24T07:43:47.663-04:00Sunday Preview<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I am really looking forward to worship tomorrow! I have heard so many stories about decisions
that have been made during these five weeks of revival at our church. It is encouraging to see how the Lord still
works in the lives of those who humble themselves before Him.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Tomorrow I will be preaching on the story of Jacob from
Genesis 32. This is one of the most unusual
stories in the Bible. After living a
life with so many twists and turns that it could a modern soap opera to shame,
Jacob finds himself alone in the wilderness, in the dark of night, when a
shadowy figure approaches. The next
thing you know Jacob and the unknown figure are locked in a wrestling match
that lasts hours. Who is the shadowy
figure? If you don’t already know the
story, it would be the very last person you would guess. You can read Genesis 32 to find out or just
wait until tomorrow. Through this
struggle, though, Jacob becomes a changed man.
That will be our focus tomorrow.
I cannot wait!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><u>Special Singer</u></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Also tomorrow we have a special singer sharing a mini
concert in both the morning and evening services. Stephanie Lambert comes to us from Lynchburg,
Virginia where she regularly sings alongside Charles Billingsley at Thomas Road
Baptist Church. Stephanie has been
singing for the Lord for many years at churches and events around the country such
as the Jerry Falwell Old Time Gospel Hour and Mark Lowry’s National Christian
Singing Competition. In addition to her
singing in both services, her husband, George Lambert will be preaching in the
6:00 p.m. service.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So I hope to see you tomorrow at 10:45 and 6:00. It will be a good day.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><u>New Book</u></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
On another note, about three weeks ago I published a book
that I have been working on for some time.
I haven’t said much about it because my focus has been on other things
in recent days, but next week I will begin to publicize the book and try to
begin to get the word out. It is titled,
<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0985069201/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=cnd-awh-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0985069201">Illuminating The Darkness: A Fresh and Effective Solution to Depression,Stress, and Anxiety</a></b>. It gives a thoroughly
biblical perspective to the mental and emotional struggles so many people
face. I will say much more about it in a
blog post I will post on Monday but you can take a look at a few pages of the
book by going to its <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0985069201/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=cnd-awh-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0985069201">Amazon.com</a> page.
The cost of the book is $12.99 (8.99 for the Kindle book), but for FBC
Heath people and for people in the Heath-Newark-Granville area I want to make
the book available for as little as possible.
Therefore, books will be available tomorrow on the “Sermon CD Table” in
the main foyer for $6.00. Just pick up a
book and use the envelope that is in it to put $6.00 in the box that is
provided.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In Christ,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pastor Noel<o:p></o:p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462601743411605368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23471397.post-6326767207375393072012-03-12T09:14:00.000-04:002012-03-12T09:14:10.639-04:00Are You Being Deceived By Your Own Good Intentions?Read this article on my ministry blog: <a href="http://www.abidewithhim.com/">www.AbideWithHim.com</a>.<br />
<br />
Noel DearAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462601743411605368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23471397.post-17002718389338393882012-02-14T04:55:00.000-05:002012-02-14T04:55:00.964-05:00The Principle And The Path<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are many books I read once and enjoy. There are some
books I read once and regret that I lost those hours out of my life. And then
there are some books I read over and over again. Yesterday I finished one of those books. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0849946360/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=firstbaptis00-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=0849946360%22%3EThe%20Principle%20of%20the%20Path:%20How%20to%20Get%20from%20Where%20You%20Are%20to%20Where%20You%20Want%20to%20Be%3C/a%3E%3Cimg%20src=%22http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=firstbaptis00-20&l=as2&o=1&a=0849946360%22%20width=%221%22%20height=%221%22%20border=%220%22%20alt=%22%22%20style=%22border:none%20!important;%20margin:0px%20!important;">The Principle and the Path</a>, by Andy Stanley,
is one of those books that doesn’t tell you anything you don’t already know,
but it tells you in a way that grabs you by the collar and demands your
attention. Where we end up in life, in
every aspect of life, is determined by the direction we have traveled. Sounds simple, but how often do people end up
in a bad place in life and then act surprised, when at the same time, everyone
around them sees their predicament as the expected result of the direction they
had been traveling.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We all think we are the exception to the rule. When it comes
to our marriages, our kids, our money, our health, and our walk with the Lord,
we think that somehow things will just work out for us. Even though most people’s
neglect of those key areas of life end in destruction, it will be different for
us. Andy Stanley reminds us that this is
an absurd way of thinking. We are not
the exception!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our destination is not determined by our desire or our
intentions. Our destination in every
area of life is determined by the day-by-day direction we have been heading for
months and years.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Yesterday was the first day of my annual study retreat. This is a time I get away and read, pray and
write. These are such refreshing times
for me. And I don’t think there could
have been a better book to start the week. I recommend this short book to every
father, mother, teen, ministry leader, influencer… <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you need a wake-up call, you will find it in this book!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pastor Noel<o:p></o:p></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462601743411605368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23471397.post-42749145448298061172011-12-31T14:27:00.000-05:002011-12-31T14:28:31.043-05:00God-Truths I Have Learned Through Adoption<br />
We returned last night from our seventeen day journey through China to adopt Rae Michelle Dear (formerly Yang Rui). It was a memorable trip, no major issues. We are thankful to be home and we are so very thankful for Rae. I know the journey has really only just begun, and there is much for me to learn, but I wanted to share a few thoughts that came to me as I was pondering the events of the last week or so while flying home yesterday. Already, through being Rae’s earthly father for about ten days, I have learned some important truths about my heavenly Father.<br />
<br />
<b><i>#1: God loves me more than I know!</i></b> We have had some difficult days with Rae, especially in the beginning. Everything we did to try to help her, whether it was getting her to take a bath, brush her teeth, or stop jumping on the bed was because we loved her and wanted what was best for her. But she didn't understand that. Our actions didn't seem like love from her perspective. She often stubbornly rejected our warnings and instructions. If only she could understand how much we love her and how everything we say or do is an expression of that love. <b><i>That makes me think…</i></b> How often does the same situation happen between the heavenly Father and me, his adopted son? How often do I reject His warnings and instructions because on some level I foolishly question His love?<br />
<br />
<b><i>#2: There is a better way to live!</i></b> Rae doesn't understand how much better life will be. She has been living in poverty. She has been living without the benefit of a family. She hasn't had proper medical care. Her future as a special needs child in the orphan system in China was very bleak. I know there is no guarantee her life will now be a bed of roses, but she will at least have her basic needs met, she will have a loving family, she will have good medical care, and she will have the hope of a great future. But she just doesn't understand. The institutional life of the orphanage is all she knows. She cannot comprehend what 'better' even is. She has no idea what she has missed out on. <b><i>That makes me think…</i></b> Is the same thing true when I push against the life my heavenly Father wants me to live? I am afraid that too often I wrongly think my life of selfishness and sin is the best life for me. I wonder what I am missing out on.<br />
<br />
<b><i>#3: I can never comprehend the depth of God’s love and the cost of the cross!</i></b> Rae doesn't understand the sacrifice her family made to adopt her and bring her to America. She has no idea. She has no comprehension of what a thousand dollars is, much less many thousands of dollars. And not only was there a financial sacrifice but the major lifestyle change that comes with adding a new six-year-old to a family that is just beginning to enjoy the fruits of maturing children. She understands none of this, nor could she understand if we tried to explain it. <b><i>That makes me think… </i></b>How much do I really comprehend about the price the Lord paid to make my adoption as His son possible? I claim to have some understanding of the cross, the agony, and the shame that Jesus faced, but do I really? Or is it beyond my ability to understand just as our family’s sacrifice is beyond Rae’s ability to understand?<br />
<br />
<b><i>#4: My salvation does not correlate with my merit!</i></b> Rae doesn't understand the significance and the value of her being chosen out of so many orphans in China and around the world. There is a better biblical word for this, but it could be said that she is pretty LUCKY. She was not chosen because of any merit of her own. She was not chosen because she had something to offer. She wasn't chosen because of her parents, her intelligence, her goodness, her beauty, or any other human measurement of worthwhileness. She was simply chosen by the providence of God. Only a handful of orphans get the chance that she has been given. <b><i>That makes me think…</i></b> The most valuable thing I have is my relationship with God. I am reminded of Ephesians 1:4-5 which says, “He chose [me] in Him before the foundation of the world, that [I] should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined [me] to adoption as [a] son … according to the good pleasure of His will.” Not because of any merit, but simply because of his grace, I am blessed beyond measure with salvation! The Lord convicted me; I responded to His working; He saved me by His grace.<br />
<br />
<b><i>#5: I need to better accept the Lord’s help! </i></b> Maybe it is due to her institutional life for the last several years, but Rae is fiercely independent. She doesn't want me to help her with anything. There have been so many times in the last few days that I could have been such a blessing to her if she would have just let me help. I have watched her carry around a banana for an hour while being terribly hungry but refusing to let me help her peel it. As I am writing this we are in an airplane somewhere over Canada. She is trying to play a video game but can't get it to work because she is starting at the wrong spot. She refuses to let me help. She is angry because she can't get it to work. The solution is sitting next to her and it would take less than five seconds, but she wants to be independent. <b><i>That makes me think…</i></b> I wonder how frustrating it must be for the Lord when I insist on doing things my own way instead of leaning on His word and wisdom. I wonder how sad He must be when he sees me struggle in life when help is only a prayer away.<br />
<br />
<b><i>#6: The God of the universe takes pleasure in me when I honor Him! </i></b> Rae has no idea about the pleasure and joy she brings to her new parents. Even on the most difficult days, we have rejoiced over her. The simple times when she has looked at me and said, "Xie xie babba" (thank you daddy) when I have done the smallest favors for her have set my heart ablaze with joy. <b><i>That makes me think…</i></b> I often forget (and I am sure I have never really understood) how the heavenly Father takes pleasure in me and my praise and worship of Him.<br />
<br />
I could go on, and I probably will in the days to come. But for now I am enjoying my new daughter for the joy she brings and the lessons she teaches!<br />
<br />
Noel<br />
<div>
<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462601743411605368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23471397.post-91960036122057934892011-12-17T16:05:00.000-05:002011-12-17T16:05:01.653-05:00It All Begins Tomorrow<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As I write this it is 3:30 a.m. on Sunday morning. Looking out my hotel window, it appears that
Beijing is asleep. Me and my friend,
Jetlag, are answering a few emails and pondering what is going to happen
tomorrow. There have been some big
events in my life, and I have even been privileged enough to check-off a few
bucket list items through the years, but somehow tomorrow seems like a bigger
deal than anything I have ever done before.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Twenty-six years ago, I accepted Christ as my Savior. Of course, that has to be the most
significant thing that has ever happened to me.
I remember people telling me way back then that it wouldn’t last, and I
feared they were correct. However, as it
turns out, that was real, and the Lord is real, and by his grace, he has stuck
with me for a very long time. I was
married sixteen years ago. That was a
big change, and a good one, and a lasting one.
Donna and I have been blessed with two children (the biological way),
and of course those were life-changers.
And there have been some other big events through the years that have
stretched me and my family. I think of
leaving engineering school to go into the ministry. I think of leaving the familiarity of the
South and moving to Ohio. But somehow,
what is going to happen tomorrow seems bigger than all of that.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I suppose it has something to do with pushing the boundaries
of my comfort zone, or maybe it is the factor of the unknown, or maybe it is
the fact that once done, this cannot be undone, but tomorrow feels like the
biggest step in my life.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This isn’t the biggest step because I am fearful. I believe the Lord has been preparing my
family for this for a long time. I am
blessed with a very strong marriage and two godly daughters who I know are
willing to make the sacrifices this adoption may require. I have exceptionally good friends and a
wonderful church family standing behind me.
I know there could be some hard days ahead, but I am ready for the
challenge.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This isn’t the biggest step because of any hesitation or
doubt. I think I have always known I
would adopt. Years ago the motivation
was for reasons too personal to write in this blog, but for the last twenty
years it has been something I just felt like would happen. Through this eighteen-month
adoption-paperwork-pregnancy there have been many questions. There have been questions about special
needs, domestic versus international, and questions about finances. But never have we questioned the fact that we
should adopt.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This isn’t the biggest step because of the words of the
critics. I have learned that if you are
going to do anything important in life, there will be critics. People have told us that we are squandering
our money. People have told us that we
are being unfair to our first two daughters.
People have told us that we are ruining the American economy by bringing
foreigners to the land. None of those
kinds of comments have done anything but cause us to loose respect for some really
selfish people.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I believe this feels like the biggest step in my life
because I am convinced that somehow my life is intersecting with the Kingdom of
God. As I write that, I am not even sure
what it means, but I believe it just the same.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
James, the half-brother of Jesus wrote that real religion
consists of three things. One of those
three is taking care of orphans. I know
there is much more to the Christian life than orphan-care and there are many other
significant ways to serve the Lord, but James’ list does give real insight to
the heart of the Father. James isn’t the
only Bible writer that speaks of adoption.
Paul talks about believers eagerly waiting for the day when they will
receive their full inheritance as adopted sons of God. He writes of how the Father adopted us out of
sin and suffering and has given us new hope and new life. So, the first one to choose to adopt was none
other than God himself. (I wonder if he
had to fill out the stacks of paperwork we had to complete.)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I don’t know today if my adopted daughter, Rui, is ‘eagerly
waiting,’ as the apostle Paul describes or not.
I have no idea if she has any idea of how her life is about to
change. (I wonder if she is lying wide-awake
in the middle of the night right now, like her new dad, wondering what tomorrow
holds.) But I do know this: God, in His wisdom and sovereignty, has
chosen a little girl, living in the squalor of poverty and hopelessness in a
pagan country, and he has seen fit to put her in a family where she will hear
the gospel and among friends and in a church that will show her the love of
Christ. And I know that whatever God is
up to in her life and around the world, He has chosen to let me be a part of
that… and it begins tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Noel Dear</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462601743411605368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23471397.post-36871501079292481402011-10-21T08:29:00.000-04:002011-10-21T08:29:19.222-04:00Weekly Email<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
We send out an email each week to those on our church email list. Occasionally we post these emails to this blog just as a reminder that if you are not on the list and would like to be, just send us an email (info@fbcho.com).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<img alt="FBC Heath Logo" height="125" src="http://www.fbcho.com/images/fbcheathlogo%20small.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; vertical-align: bottom;" width="234" /><br />
<address style="text-align: center;">
525 S 30th St -- Heath, OH -- 43056<br /><a avglsprocessed="1" href="http://www.firstbaptistheath.com/" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank">www.FirstBaptistHeath.com</a><br /><a href="mailto:info@fbcho.com" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank">info@fbcho.com</a> -- <a avglsprocessed="1" href="tel:740.522.5245" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank" value="+17405225245">740.522.5245</a><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></address>
<hr />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
From the Pastor's Desk</h2>
<hr />
Dear Church Family,<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoyed "Exotic Animal Week" here in central Ohio! I know the Bible says there is nothing new under the sun, but we came close last week with our lions, tigers, and bears. It has been a week to remember.<br />
<br />
Last Sunday was a memorable day as well. We had a great crowd and a sweet spirit. I have heard so many comments this week about decisions made. Praise the Lord for His goodness.<br />
<br />
Last week we wrapped up our nine week series of messages on "Knowing the Real Jesus" from the gospel of Mark. This week we begin something new with a series titled:<br />
<br />
<h1 style="text-align: center;">
I'm All In!</h1>
<br />
We are going to talk about what it means to be "all in" with the Lord. This is going to be a little different than what we usually do. I am very excited about what I believe the Lord will accomplish in and through us these next five weeks.<br />
<br />
If you want to read ahead, we will be focusing on John 6:5-14 and Mark 6:32-44 this first Sunday.<br />
<br />
Of course, the times are as usual: Connect Groups (Sunday School) at 9:30 and our morning worship at 10:45. I love you and I look forward to seeing you this Sunday.<br />
<br />
Pastor Noel<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462601743411605368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23471397.post-594927597425241442011-09-08T16:12:00.000-04:002011-09-08T16:12:28.223-04:00Sunday Preview! (9.11.2011)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span><br />
<br />
<img alt="FBC Heath Logo" height="125" src="http://www.fbcho.com/images/fbcheathlogo%20small.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; vertical-align: bottom;" width="234" /><br />
<address style="text-align: center;">525 S 30th St -- Heath, OH -- 43056<br />
<a href="http://www.firstbaptistheath.com/" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank">www.FirstBaptistHeath.com</a><br />
<a href="mailto:info@fbcho.com" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank">info@fbcho.com</a> -- <a href="tel:740.522.5245" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank" value="+17405225245">740.522.5245</a><span style="font-style: normal;"> </span></address><h2 style="text-align: center;"><hr />From the Pastor's Desk</h2><hr /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
It has been a short but busy week in the church office, but it has been good. Just some of what has been taking place…<br />
<ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;">This was the first week back in AWANA, our Wednesday children’s ministry.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">We kicked off our new Mom’s Day Out program this week. It is called Tuesday School.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">We have been getting ready for the Beth Moore Simulcast that happens Saturday. We have had to stop selling tickets at 200 because of a capacity crowd.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">We are gearing up for our new Connect Groups to start on Sunday. A ton of brand new adult groups will begin this week!</li>
</ul>We are really looking forward to this Sunday. As we continue to focus on “The Real Jesus” in our Sunday morning message series, I will be preaching this week from Mark 2:1-12. I have preached on this passage a number of times, but as I studied for the message this week, the Lord showed me a completely different direction to go. The passage speaks to the one need that everyone has. We struggle and strive for many things that will not ultimately bring any joy or peace to life, but if we can seek after this one thing, then we will find satisfaction.<br />
<br />
In our service, we will also spend a little time remembering what happened on this day ten years ago. Do you remember where you were when the buildings came down on 9/11?<br />
<br />
I hope you will join us for one of our small groups this Sunday. All of the groups are starting over this week so this will be a great week to jump in. The groups all begin at 9:30. If you haven’t signed up for a group, that is fine.<br />
Just come a little early to the main foyer outside the worship center. There will be people there to help you and your family all find the perfect group.<br />
<br />
Below the line are a few announcements I encourage you to read through.<br />
<br />
I love you and I look forward to seeing you this Sunday in worship.<br />
<br />
<h2>Pastor Noel</h2><br />
<hr /><br />
<h1 style="text-align: center;"><em> FYI!</em></h1><ul><li style="margin-left: 15px;"><address> This Sunday night we will be worshipping the Lord by taking the Lord’s Supper. The service begins at 6:00 p.m.</address></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><address> If you know of someone who would like to receive one of these weekly emails, ask them to send their name and email address to <a href="mailto:info@fbcho.com" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank">info@fbcho.com</a>.</address></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><address> Children’s Choir starts back this Sunday evening at 6:00 p.m.</address></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><address>The long standing Men’s Thursday Night Bible Study begins back this coming week (9/15) at 6:30 p.m.</address></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><address>The next New Member’s Class will be Wednesday, September 21 at 6:30 p.m. Email (<a href="mailto:info@fbcho.com" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank">info@fbcho.com</a>) or call <a href="tel:740-522-5245" style="color: #0000cc;" target="_blank" value="+17405225245">740-522-5245</a> if you would like to attend.</address></li>
</ul></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462601743411605368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23471397.post-6205417264649520652011-07-28T07:31:00.000-04:002011-07-28T07:31:05.722-04:00John the Baptist OutlinesTo my regular readers... The file below is for submission in a grad school class I am taking. It is posted here for others in the class to download. Read at your own risk :).<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.scribd.com/doc/61119368/John-the-Baptist-Outlines-First-Draft" style="-x-system-font: none; display: block; font-family: Helvetica,Arial,Sans-serif; font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 14px; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 12px auto 6px auto; text-decoration: underline;" title="View John the Baptist - Outlines - First Draft on Scribd">John the Baptist - Outlines - First Draft</a> <object data="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf" height="600" id="doc_58505" name="doc_58505" style="outline: medium none;" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="100%"> <param name="movie" value="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf"><param name="wmode" value="opaque"><param name="bgcolor" value="#ffffff"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><param name="FlashVars" value="document_id=61119368&access_key=key-180g2ghnhkyxg6vizhob&page=1&viewMode=list"><embed id="doc_58505" name="doc_58505" src="http://d1.scribdassets.com/ScribdViewer.swf?document_id=61119368&access_key=key-180g2ghnhkyxg6vizhob&page=1&viewMode=list" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" height="600" width="100%" wmode="opaque" bgcolor="#ffffff"></embed> </object>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462601743411605368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23471397.post-56172160621045232682011-07-20T15:09:00.002-04:002011-07-21T10:59:41.895-04:00Theology 101 -- The Word of God<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;">Theology 101 — The Word of God</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Sundays at 6:00 p.m.</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">July 31, August 7, 14, 21</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Are you ready to go to the next level in your understanding of God and His word? Do you sometimes struggle to understand how all of the pieces of Bible truth fit together? Would you like to be better able to lead a class, teach your children, or answer a friend's questions about the Bible?</i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">We have what you need!</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">On August 1, we will begin a series of messages taking a deep look at the theology of the Bible. In the beginning, we will spend four weeks focusing on the doctrine of the Word of God. Following these four weeks we will begin to walk through the other doctrines of Scripture like the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">doctrine of God</i>, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">doctrine of Christ and the Holy Spirit</i>, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">doctrine of sin</i>, the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">doctrine of eternal punishment</i>, and so forth. It will likely take about one year to cover all of the major doctrines, especially since we will do these in bite size pieces of four to six weeks each.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Each week, we will pass out notes formatted for a three-ring binder. We will make audio CD's and spiral bound notes available at the end of each doctrine study (four to six weeks). We will also have available for purchase a recommended resource for further study ("Systematic Theology" by Wayne Grudem, $28.00). Binders, CD's, and books will all be available in our bookstore.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">To keep things interesting, there will be an opportunity to submit questions via texting pertaining to the focus of each lesson while the pastor is teaching. At the end of the worship service each night, the pastor will expand his teachings and try to answer the pertinent questions. Also, a take-home test will be provided at the end of each doctrine study so you can see just how much you have learned.</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">Join us for this study which we trust will be enlightening, informative, and fun!</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462601743411605368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23471397.post-42046762591303253282011-05-07T11:13:00.000-04:002011-05-07T11:13:10.177-04:00Prep for TomorrowTomorrow's message outline is printed in the bulletin, and Carla did the projection slides for me yesterday, but I need today to polish things up a bit. So it is a study day.<br />
<br />
I will be preaching on the <b>Six Actions of a Healthy Family</b> from Ephesians 5:22-25; 6:1-4. I am really looking forward to sharing this on Mother's Day.<br />
<br />
I ran across an illustration in my reading today that is way too corny to use in a message, but some of you will enjoy. Here it is:<br />
<br />
<i>Recipe For Child Raising<br />
1 cup of Proverbs 22:6<br />
2 Tablespoons of Proverbs 19:13<br />
1 Dash of Proverbs 23:13<br />
1 Teaspoon of Proverbs 3:5<br />
1/2 cup of Titus 2:3 through 7<br />
Mix all the ingredients, add a pound of persistence, one cup of love, and whip until right consistency. This recipe is recommended by the Creator of Mankind. <br />
Please add a pinch of Ephesians 6:4</i><br />
<br />
(I will list the Scripture verses below.)<br />
<br />
So now I am going to sit out on the deck, and obey 1 Timothy 4:13, <i>"Till I come, give attention to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine."</i> I'm reading "The Fulfilled Family" by John MacArthur. Good book. You can purchase it from Amazon. (Soon, when our construction is complete, we will have books like this that relate to Sunday's messages for sale in our bookstore each week.)<br />
<br />
Remember, our new Connect Group semester begins tomorrow. If you haven't yet signed up for a group, just come a little early, and you can get signed up at the main welcome center in the worship center foyer.<br />
<br />
Hope to see you tomorrow! <br />
<br />
Pastor Noel<br />
<br />
--------<br />
<br />
<i><span lang="en-US">Proverbs 22:6 - Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. </span></i> <br />
<i> </i> <i><span lang="en-US">Proverbs 19:13 - A foolish son </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-style: italic;">is</span><span lang="en-US"> the ruin of his father, And the contentions of a wife </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-style: italic;">are</span><span lang="en-US"> a continual dripping. </span></i> <br />
<i> </i> <i><span lang="en-US">Proverbs 23:13 - Do not withhold correction from a child, For </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-style: italic;">if</span><span lang="en-US"> you beat him with a rod, he will not die. </span></i> <br />
<i> </i> <i><span lang="en-US">Proverbs 3:5 - Trust in the </span><span lang="en-US" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><span lang="en-US"> with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; </span></i> <br />
<i> </i> <i><span lang="en-US">Titus 2:3 - the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things— </span></i> <br />
<i> </i> <i><span lang="en-US">Ephesians 6:4 - And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord. </span></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462601743411605368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23471397.post-68559468408152332082011-04-29T07:45:00.000-04:002011-04-29T07:45:10.991-04:00Help for Tornado Victims in Alabama and MississippiI spoke with several pastors last night who are helping with the effort to assist and minister to victims of the tornados that tore through the south this week. The stories are heartbreaking. One pastor told me of finding a family digging through the rubble of their home to desperately find enough pieces of clothing to be able to dress their kids. Another pastor told me of the death of a man who laid over his kids to protect them from flying debris.<br />
<br />
I told these pastors that our church family will want to help. I have pledged that we would stand with them in any way we could as they seek to meet needs in the name of Christ and minister to these hurting families.<br />
<br />
I hesitate to do this via a blog because at FBC Heath we never ask for money from those outside our church, but let me give an appeal to our members and regular attenders. If you would like to help with this, above your regular giving, you can go to our church website and give electronically (by credit/debit card or by ACH from a bank account) or you can call the church office today and someone will assist you with electronic giving. We will also provide an opportunity for people to give in our services this Sunday.<br />
<br />
I will share more with everyone on Sunday. Keep these churches in your prayers as they reach out.<br />
<br />
Pastor NoelAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462601743411605368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23471397.post-51708314877799784632011-04-14T09:59:00.000-04:002011-04-14T09:59:35.040-04:00Getting Ready For Easter 2011Here is a letter I just emailed to our church family. In case you aren't on our email list...<br />
<br />
<br />
---------------------------------<br />
Dear FBC Heath Family,<br />
<br />
We are very excited about Easter 2011. This is the best time of the year for believers to worship and honor the Lord! Let me highlight two events designed to help us do that.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Secret Church</strong></span></span><br />
<br />
Secret Church will be an event like none you have experienced before. It will take place on Friday (4/22) night. We will gather in the worship center and watch a simulcast along with tens of thousands of others accross the country as Dr. David Platt teaches about the crucifixion and the resurrection. This event begins at 7:00 p.m. and goes until 1:00 a.m. the next morning. It will be intense. It will be educational. It will be inspiring!<br />
<br />
Read one of my recent <a href="http://blog.noeldear.com/2011/03/good-friday-secret-church.html" target="_blank">blog posts</a> for more details (<a href="http://blog.noeldear.com/2011/03/good-friday-secret-church.html" target="_blank">click here</a>).<br />
<br />
<br />
If you are planning to attend, please let us know in one of these four ways:<br />
<ul><li>Registering on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=207499985929787" target="_blank">FBC Heath Secret Church Facebook page</a> (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=207499985929787" target="_blank">click here</a>).</li>
<li>Emailing us at <a href="mailto:SecretChurch@fbcho.com" target="_blank">SecretChurch@fbcho.com</a>.</li>
<li>Filling out a Secret Church card in one of our Sunday services and dropping the card in the offering plate or a Connection Box.</li>
<li>Calling the church office <a href="tel:%28740.522.5245" target="_blank" value="+17405225245">(740.522.5245</a>).</li>
</ul><span style="background-color: yellow; text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Easter Services</strong></span><br />
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On Easter day we will have services at 9:00 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.. These services will be identical so join us for whichever is most convienent for your family.<br />
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Invite your friends and family to join us. This is such an important day and you have such a good opportunity to encourage people who might not ordinarily come to join us. I hope you will take this opportunity.<br />
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Our focus this Easter will be on the ressurrection, as usual, but maybe from a little different angle. We will be asking the question: What if you only had FIFTY DAYS TO LIVE?<br />
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Most of us, if we knew we only had fifty days to live would live very differently. We would squeeze all the life we could out of those days. We would strive to make those days the best days of our lives. So… What keeps us from living like that now? <br />
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This Easter and in the weeks to follow, we will learn the answer to that question, and we will learn how we can live our lives the the fullest. This will be a life changing opportunity for everyone who attends.<br />
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Here are some ideas for how you can invite your friends, co-workers, and neighbors:<br />
<ul><li>Invite them to the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=100131226742516" target="_blank">FBC Heath Easter Service</a> facebook event (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=100131226742516" target="_blank">click here</a>).</li>
<li>Ask friends and family the question, "What would you do if you only had fifty days to live?" Share with them that we will be focusing on that this Easter Sunday.</li>
<li>Let your friends and family know we have two different service times for their convienence.</li>
<li>Stop by the church and pick up a handfull of invitation cards. Hand them out to those you see and those in your neighborhood.</li>
<li>Pray specifically for six people you would like to invite. Then call them up and see if they will join you.</li>
</ul>You can think of many more ways. The important thing is to not wait too late. This is going to be a great day. I hope to see you and your friends and family there!<br />
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(To keep up with new information the week of easter, visit our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/firstbaptistheath" target="_blank">church facebook page</a> and click 'like'. That will put our updates on your newsfeed.)<br />
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Pastor NoelAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462601743411605368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23471397.post-26459641125592832802011-04-01T07:34:00.000-04:002011-04-01T07:34:15.682-04:00Vacation Bible SchoolVacation Bible School is something we look forward to every year. It is one of the very best weeks of the year in our ministry because we get to minister to so many children and families. This year VBS is going to be a little different. First, the date. Due to the construction going on at the church and some other scheduling priorities, we have decided to do it much later in the summer. Our dates this year will be Monday, August 1 through Friday, August 5. Not only does this avoid some facility and scheduling conflicts, but we believe the timing will give us a great push into the next school year.<br />
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Another change is our mission/outreach emphasis this year. A few weeks ago in a meeting with pastor Wally and Christine, we made some block party arrangements for a couple of places in Heath where there are a ton of children and young families we would love to reach. Those events will happen the week prior to VBS. (The dates are still pending because we have to get approval from the city.) These will be great times for us to draw some young families out to large outdoor parties and get their kids registered for VBS.<br />
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Our prayer is that through these two events and our annual VBS bus route that we will be able to utilize both busses to accommodate all the kids. Wouldn’t that be a great first!<br />
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We have decided to do VBS this year in the evening. That is a difficult decision. Originally, when we set up the block parties, we were planning to do a noon to three schedule. There are pro’s and con’s with each of the possible time slots. It’s not an obvious decision. The biggest problem with the evening is workers. Last year in the morning we had about 65 workers, the most we’ve ever had. (Several people even took a week’s vacation to work last year.) To do an evening VBS with our block party focus, it is going to require at least 110 workers. In order to make sure we can handle things safely, we will be asking workers to make commitments in the next couple of months, and we will have to limit the number of kids we can register based on the number of workers we have. So it so important that everyone gets on board quickly. We will need many people to serve this year who haven’t traditionally been VBS workers. This is going to need to be a whole church effort.<br />
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I am excited. I believe these block parties are going to help us reach many kids who have never been a part of our VBS or any of our other ministries before. I believe this is going to be a great step into our fall ministries. I believe we will see lives changed and changed for eternity. What a great way to break in our new children’s ministry facility!<br />
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The first organizational meeting is this Sunday (4.3) at 4:30 in Harmon Hall. Join the team now, it will be the best thing you do this summer!<br />
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Pastor NoelAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462601743411605368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23471397.post-7087287235595535412011-03-15T09:49:00.000-04:002011-03-15T09:49:14.111-04:00Good Friday - Secret ChurchOn Friday, April 22, we will have SECRET CHURCH!<br />
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I have been looking forward to this for weeks. This will be a life-changing, God-honoring event.<br />
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So, you are thinking, "What in the world is SECRET CHURCH?" Good question.<br />
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Several years ago, a large church in Birmingham, Alabama began to have marathon Bible study nights that they called "SECRET CHURCH". The name came from the secret church in China that often meets late at night and often all night long. As the people in this Birmingham church (The Church at Brook Hills) would meet and study the Bible, they would also pray for their persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ in the underground church in China and other places around the world where Christians have to meet in secret.<br />
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This SECRET CHURCH event has taken on a life of its own over the years, largely because of the incredible preacher/teacher, David Platt. Dr. Platt is probably one of the top two or three Bible teachers today. He has a way of taking very complicated truths and making them clear and easily understood.<br />
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I have eagerly waited for and listened to audios of most of the past SECRET CHURCH sessions and I have done this for years. I grow so much from this concentrated Bible study.<br />
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So what makes this different from any other Bible study? Another good question.<br />
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One thing is simply the gifted teaching from such an effective communicator as David Platt, but there is another reason this teaching is so valuable. In each SECRET CHURCH event, David teaches everything the Bible says about the topic of the night. This is a complete study. How does he do that? How can he be so thorough? Well, are you sitting down? Then, I'll tell you: He teaches for six hours straight! Well maybe not straight, there are a few breaks, but SECRET CHURCH immerses you into the Bible as you study the chosen topic with an exhaustive and in-depth study. This is exhaustive but not exhausting. In fact, to attend one of the actual SECRET CHURCH events which they host at a very large venue, you have to get tickets months in advance. This is an incredible experience.<br />
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So on Good Friday, the day that commemorates the crucifixion of Christ, we are going to broadcast a live simulcast of this year's SECRET CHURCH event from the Church at Brook Hills.<br />
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David will take about six hours and teach everything you ever wanted to know about the crucifixion of Christ. Here is the official description of the topic:<br />
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<i>Crucifixion, Salvation, and the Glory of God - From cover to cover in Scripture, God’s grand design is to display His glory in the salvation of sinners. The climax of this redemptive plan is the cross of Christ, where God pours out His wrath due sin upon His Son so that we might receive His mercy. But how is Christ’s work on the cross applied to our lives? In the words of the Philippian jailer, “What must we do to be saved?” During this Secret Church, we will explore how the Bible answers this question as we consider God’s love, Christ’s atonement, and the Christian’s conversion, regeneration, justification, sanctification, and eventual glorification. In the end, we will find ourselves boasting only in the cross of Christ, through which we have received the grace of God and by which we now live for the glory of God. </i><br />
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This will be a great night.<br />
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Here is how the logistics will work:<br />
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The event begins at 7:00 p.m. Adults and youth will be in the worship center. We will have study guides for everyone so you can follow along and take notes. The teaching will go until around 1:00 a.m.. There will be breaks through-out the night at which time we will have snacks and refreshments. There is no cost for the event. The books cost us $7, so we will collect an offering at some point in the night to help defray some of that cost. If we collect more than is needed, we will send the rest to be used to support the underground church in China.<br />
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Childcare will be provided for children from kindergarten to fifth grade. There will be no cost for the child care. We ask that parents secure there own arrangements for children younger than that.<br />
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Much more information coming soon. Mark this date, though, on your calendar. Let this Easter season be one with a very strong focus on Christ. Let this event be the cornerstone of that!<br />
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Pastor Noel Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462601743411605368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23471397.post-49672539349624916382011-03-11T04:52:00.004-05:002011-03-11T06:02:33.644-05:00Do You Take Advice Well?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:DontVertAlignCellWithSp/> <w:DontBreakConstrainedForcedTables/> <w:DontVertAlignInTxbx/> <w:Word11KerningPairs/> <w:CachedColBalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:BrowserLevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border: none; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; margin-bottom: 8.0pt; margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 8.0pt; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; padding: 0in;">How are you at taking advice? In preparation for a Bible Study, I looked for all of the verses in Proverbs that say something about taking advice from people. Take a poke through these... (I included both the New King James and the New Living Translation. For me, I love reading Proverbs out of these two side by side.)</div></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoNormalTable" style="border-collapse: collapse; mso-padding-alt: 0in 0in 0in 0in; mso-table-layout-alt: fixed;"><tbody>
<tr style="mso-yfti-firstrow: yes; mso-yfti-irow: 0; page-break-inside: avoid;"> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 75.0pt;" valign="top" width="100"> <div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="logosres:nkjv"><span style="color: blue;">The New King James Version</span></a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal"><b><a href="logosres:nlt"><span style="color: blue;">New Living Translation</span></a></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 1; page-break-inside: avoid;"> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 75.0pt;" valign="top" width="100"> <div class="MsoNormal"><a href="logosref:BibleNKJV.Pr10.17"><span style="color: blue;">Proverbs 10:17</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">He who keeps instruction <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is in</i> the way of life, But he who refuses correction goes astray. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">People who accept discipline are on the pathway to life, but those who ignore correction will go astray. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 2; page-break-inside: avoid;"> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 75.0pt;" valign="top" width="100"> <div class="MsoNormal"><a href="logosref:BibleNKJV.Pr12.15"><span style="color: blue;">Proverbs 12:15</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">The way of a fool <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> right in his own eyes, But he who heeds counsel <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> wise. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 3; page-break-inside: avoid;"> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 75.0pt;" valign="top" width="100"> <div class="MsoNormal"><a href="logosref:BibleNKJV.Pr13.10"><span style="color: blue;">Proverbs 13:10</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">By pride comes nothing but strife, But with the well-advised <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> wisdom. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 4; page-break-inside: avoid;"> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 75.0pt;" valign="top" width="100"> <div class="MsoNormal"><a href="logosref:BibleNKJV.Pr13.13"><span style="color: blue;">Proverbs 13:13</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">He who despises the word will be destroyed, But he who fears the commandment will be rewarded. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">People who despise advice are asking for trouble; those who respect a command will succeed. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 5; page-break-inside: avoid;"> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 75.0pt;" valign="top" width="100"> <div class="MsoNormal"><a href="logosref:BibleNKJV.Pr13.14"><span style="color: blue;">Proverbs 13:14</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">The law of the wise <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> a fountain of life, To turn <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">one</i> away from the snares of death. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">The instruction of the wise is like a life-giving fountain; those who accept it avoid the snares of death. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 6; page-break-inside: avoid;"> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 75.0pt;" valign="top" width="100"> <div class="MsoNormal"><a href="logosref:BibleNKJV.Pr13.18"><span style="color: blue;">Proverbs 13:18</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">Poverty and shame <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">will come</i> to him who disdains correction, But he who regards a rebuke will be honored. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">If you ignore criticism, you will end in poverty and disgrace; if you accept correction, you will be honored. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 7; page-break-inside: avoid;"> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 75.0pt;" valign="top" width="100"> <div class="MsoNormal"><a href="logosref:BibleNKJV.Pr15.10"><span style="color: blue;">Proverbs 15:10</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">Harsh discipline <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> for him who forsakes the way, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">And</i> he who hates correction will die. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">Whoever abandons the right path will be severely disciplined; whoever hates correction will die. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 8; page-break-inside: avoid;"> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 75.0pt;" valign="top" width="100"> <div class="MsoNormal"><a href="logosref:BibleNKJV.Pr15.12"><span style="color: blue;">Proverbs 15:12</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">A scoffer does not love one who corrects him, Nor will he go to the wise. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">Mockers hate to be corrected, so they stay away from the wise. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 9; page-break-inside: avoid;"> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 75.0pt;" valign="top" width="100"> <div class="MsoNormal"><a href="logosref:BibleNKJV.Pr15.22"><span style="color: blue;">Proverbs 15:22</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">Without counsel, plans go awry, But in the multitude of counselors they are established. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">Plans go wrong for lack of advice; many advisers bring success. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 10; page-break-inside: avoid;"> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 75.0pt;" valign="top" width="100"> <div class="MsoNormal"><a href="logosref:BibleNKJV.Pr15.32"><span style="color: blue;">Proverbs 15:32</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">He who disdains instruction despises his own soul, But he who heeds rebuke gets understanding. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 11; page-break-inside: avoid;"> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 75.0pt;" valign="top" width="100"> <div class="MsoNormal"><a href="logosref:BibleNKJV.Pr18.2"><span style="color: blue;">Proverbs 18:2</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">A fool has no delight in understanding, But in expressing his own heart. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">Fools have no interest in understanding; they only want to air their own opinions. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 12; page-break-inside: avoid;"> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 75.0pt;" valign="top" width="100"> <div class="MsoNormal"><a href="logosref:BibleNKJV.Pr19.20"><span style="color: blue;">Proverbs 19:20</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">Listen to counsel and receive instruction, That you may be wise in your latter days. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">Get all the advice and instruction you can, so you will be wise the rest of your life. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 13; page-break-inside: avoid;"> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 75.0pt;" valign="top" width="100"> <div class="MsoNormal"><a href="logosref:BibleNKJV.Pr19.27"><span style="color: blue;">Proverbs 19:27</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">Cease listening to instruction, my son, And you will stray from the words of knowledge. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">If you stop listening to instruction, my child, you will turn your back on knowledge. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 14; page-break-inside: avoid;"> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 75.0pt;" valign="top" width="100"> <div class="MsoNormal"><a href="logosref:BibleNKJV.Pr20.18"><span style="color: blue;">Proverbs 20:18</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">Plans are established by counsel; By wise counsel wage war. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">Plans succeed through good counsel; don’t go to war without wise advice. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 15; page-break-inside: avoid;"> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 75.0pt;" valign="top" width="100"> <div class="MsoNormal"><a href="logosref:BibleNKJV.Pr24.5-6"><span style="color: blue;">Proverbs 24:5–6</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal"><a href="logosres:nkjv;ref=BibleNKJV.Pr24.5"><span style="color: blue;">5</span></a> A wise man <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is</i> strong, Yes, a man of knowledge increases strength; <a href="logosres:nkjv;ref=BibleNKJV.Pr24.6"><span style="color: blue;">6</span></a> For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, And in a multitude of counselors <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">there is</i> safety. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal"><a href="logosres:nlt;ref=Bible.Pr24.5"><span style="color: blue;">5</span></a> The wise are mightier than the strong, and those with knowledge grow stronger and stronger. <a href="logosres:nlt;ref=Bible.Pr24.6"><span style="color: blue;">6</span></a> So don’t go to war without wise guidance; victory depends on having many advisers. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 16; page-break-inside: avoid;"> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 75.0pt;" valign="top" width="100"> <div class="MsoNormal"><a href="logosref:BibleNKJV.Pr25.11-12"><span style="color: blue;">Proverbs 25:11–12</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal"><a href="logosres:nkjv;ref=BibleNKJV.Pr25.11"><span style="color: blue;">11</span></a> A word fitly spoken <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">is like</i> apples of gold In settings of silver. <a href="logosres:nkjv;ref=BibleNKJV.Pr25.12"><span style="color: blue;">12</span></a> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Like</i> an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Is</i> a wise rebuker to an obedient ear. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal"><a href="logosres:nlt;ref=Bible.Pr25.11"><span style="color: blue;">11</span></a> Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket. <a href="logosres:nlt;ref=Bible.Pr25.12"><span style="color: blue;">12</span></a> To one who listens, valid criticism is like a gold earring or other gold jewelry. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 17; page-break-inside: avoid;"> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 75.0pt;" valign="top" width="100"> <div class="MsoNormal"><a href="logosref:BibleNKJV.Pr27.17"><span style="color: blue;">Proverbs 27:17</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">As</i> iron sharpens iron, So a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 18; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes; page-break-inside: avoid;"> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 75.0pt;" valign="top" width="100"> <div class="MsoNormal"><a href="logosref:BibleNKJV.Pr29.1"><span style="color: blue;">Proverbs 29:1</span></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">He who is often rebuked, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">and</i> hardens <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">his</i> neck, Will suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> <td style="padding: 0in 0in 0in 0in; width: 178.5pt;" valign="top" width="238"> <div class="MsoNormal">Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></td> </tr>
</tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal"> Pastor Noel</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02462601743411605368noreply@blogger.com