Friday, September 29, 2006

Good Morning    

 

Looking forward to seeing everyone on Sunday.  Here's what we will be discussing:  Chapter 8 -- Applaud God, Loud and Often, and the questions for this chapter on pages 183 - 185.  

 

We had talked about having a diaper shower for Wes and Susanne this Sunday, but we are not going to do that -- in talking to Monica -- Wes and Susanne are very appreciative, but feel we've already done plenty for them, so we'll just hold off on the diaper shower.

 

Today's Scripture 

 

Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.  Honor one another above yourselves.   

Romans 12:10      

Today's prayer requests:    Don Thaxton, Kelley's husband

Don was in a very bad automobile accident a few months ago - update is that he is going back to work on Monday, which is great news.  It is the start of getting back to normal, though they still have some hurdles to get over to get back to normal.  Just need to continue to remember Don, Kelley and the kids.      

Today's class member prayer:   

 

Susanne Russell -- (Mama to be) 

  

Jay 

Thursday, September 28, 2006

Good Morning 

 

This week's reading: 

 

This week, we want to read Chapter 8 -- Applaud God, Loud and Often, and to do the questions for this chapter on pages 183 - 185.  

 

In the questions for Chapter 8 on pages 183-185, there is an interesting set of questions that start with the statement -- "Worship humbles the smug.  By the same token, worship lifts the deflated."  The questions that follow ask about your own experiences with that effect.  When did you have a worship experience where you felt humbled?  How does worship lift the deflated?  What worship songs or moments lift you when you're deflated?

 

I think that it is easy to see how worship can lift us when we are down --- of course, as I write that, I realize that when you're deflated, you don't have any expectations that anything will lift you up, so coming to worship doesn't look like an obvious solution.  Sometimes, doing anything at all is a struggle when you're deflated and down, and coming to worship seems like one more obligation that is weighing you down.  But God is there, waiting for you, and best of all, there is always something you find in worship that you can take away with you -- a song, a verse -- something to help you when you are away from worship to help lift you just a bit, to make you just a little stronger, when you're feeling down.  

 

Today's Scripture 

 

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  

Romans 12:18      

Today's prayer requests:      

Today's class member prayer:   

 

 Jake Barrett    

  

Jay 

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Good Morning 

 

This week's reading: 

 

This week, we want to read Chapter 8 -- Applaud God, Loud and Often, and to do the questions for this chapter on pages 183 - 185.  

 

If you haven't yet read Chapter 8, I think you'll be lifted up by it.  Max makes a very nice case for the role of worship in helping us adjust our self-image --- either down or up, as needed.  When we are too full of ourselves, worshiping God helps bring a sense of perspective to us, and when we are too low, our worship can lift us up as we acknowledge God's care and concern for us.  

 

On page 76, Max says "God has never taken his eyes off of you.  Not for a millisecond."  Isn't that a grand and comforting thought?  In general, we think of God watching out for us, but we don't really "get" the idea that he is able to watch us every moment of every day.  There are a lot of little good things that happen to me every day, slight little conveniences that help my life -- for instance, last night I brought some things up out of the car about 930P, and usually I would have never gone back downstairs until this morning.  But last night, Valerie needed me to take something downstairs, and so I had to go back out to the car, and there was my belt, which had fallen out of my gym bag as I was coming in. If I hadn't gone back downstairs, I would have been going crazy looking for it this morning -- plus, one of my neighbor's dogs would have probably come by and made it a chew toy.  A little thing, but I give credit to God for simply looking out for me for those little things -- little things just like we would do for our own children, because we love them.  

 

Today's Scripture 

 

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world,

but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  

Romans 12:2      

Today's prayer requests:      

Today's class member prayer:   

 

Nicole McKinney   

  

Jay 

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

Good Morning 

 

Hello everyone -- sorry I've been away -- almost every morning I've had to be early working on some project.

 

I'm back at church this Sunday, so we will be able to pick up with some of the conversation.

 

This week's reading: 

 

I thought I would list it a different way -- the book doesn't necessarily lend itself to daily divisions

 

This week, we want to read Chapter 8 -- Applaud God, Loud and Often, and to do the questions for this chapter on pages 183 - 185.  

 

Today's Scripture 

 

 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well-fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.  

Philippians 4:12-13       

Today's prayer requests:      

Today's class member prayer:   

 

April Walker  

  

Jay