Faith Matters

IN WHOSE OPINION?
September 02nd 2011 by Staff Writer
IN WHOSE OPINION?
Reprint Compliments of Men At The Cross By Joe White



Matthew 17:1-6


1 After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. 3 Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.
4 Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.”
5 While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
6 When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown to the ground, terrified.


Read Time magazine, U.S. News, or Newsweek around Christmas time or Easter and they'll have their traditional feature about the mysteries of Jesus of Nazareth. You can count on the content being a watered down, liberal viewpoint that will quote various "experts" on exactly who this literary figure that has been the central focus of mankind (positively and negatively) really was.

I always wonder why they don't quote those who knew Him best.

images/Blog Images/show/uk4jFor example, they could begin with God Himself who said, "This is my beloved Son." ... or Peter who said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." ... or John who said, "In Him was life, and the life was the light of men." ... or His ultimate judge, Pontius Pilate, who said, "I find no fault in the man." ... or Jesus Himself who said, "If you have seen me, you have seen the Father ... I and my Father are one." Even His enemies made no mistake who He claimed to be (God) and they crucified Him for it (blasphemy).

Those who knew Him best all agreed. This man was God in the flesh, the second person of the triune God, the Living Word, Immanuel, God is with us.

QUESTIONS:
1. Why does the modern media elites like to belittle the deity of Christ?
2. Why are the eyewitness accounts the most valid viewpoints for discerning truth about Jesus?
3. What was the significance of the transfiguration?

LIFELINE:
Family devotional times in some ways are like going to the mountain with Jesus.


Last Updated on September 02nd 2011 by Staff Writer




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MULTIPLICATION - Men At The Cross Devo
August 29th 2011 by Staff Writer
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Reprint Compliments of Men At The Cross By Joe White



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Matthew 15:32-39


32 Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way.” 33 His disciples answered, “Where could we get enough bread in this remote place to feed such a crowd?” 34 “How many loaves do you have?” Jesus asked. “Seven,” they replied, “and a few small fish.” 35 He told the crowd to sit down on the ground. 36 Then he took the seven loaves and the fish, and when he had given thanks, he broke them and gave them to the disciples, and they in turn to the people. 37 They all ate and were satisfied. Afterward the disciples picked up seven basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. 38 The number of those who ate was four thousand men, besides women and children. 39 After Jesus had sent the crowd away, he got into the boat and went to the vicinity of Magadan.


images/Blog Images/show/uk1lTwo times two is four. Four times four is sixteen. Sixteen times sixteen is ... Since about third grade, we all memorized our multiplication tables and probably all were amazed, like me, at how much faster numbers increased than they did with addition. Jesus is a multiplier.

Give Him a talent, and He makes a career.

Give Him a date, and He builds a friendship.

Give Him a need, and He fills it with extra fulfillment to spare.

Give Him a family, and He creates a home.

Yesterday I was told that a young friend of mine, who I will call Angie, died of a drug overdose. She was a cheerleader, a class officer and seemed to have it all. She was definitely too young to die. When Angie was in junior high, she started drinking. By high school, she was an alcoholic. Before long, drugs were used to fill her hunger for fulfillment, satisfaction and peace.

images/Blog Images/show/uk1jJesus gives food for our stomach no doubt, but His greatest gift is multiplying peace, love and joy to fill our soul. It's a job no earthly life could ever do.

QUESTIONS:
1. What do you hunger for today? How can Christ fill that need?
2. Where do you think Angie went wrong?
3. How can you avoid the wrong "multiplication tables"?

LIFELINE:
What are His multiplication tables? Learn His math today.


Last Updated on August 29th 2011 by Staff Writer




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Bearcat Fans Show Real Spirit
August 27th 2011 by Staff Writer
Bearcat Fans Show Real Spirit
Dexter, MO - There is a lot of excitement and enthusiasm during the Fall, as kids return to school, the summer ends and football begins. It's a very special time that brings a community together in so many different ways.

A local group of Bearcat Fans continued the tradition this past Friday night with a pregame prayer prior to the Bearcat's season opener against the St. Genevieve Dragons. This was simply a pause in the busy action of "life" to ask God for the protection of our young people as we watch them on perform on the field throughout the season.

A non-denominational event, the group gathered in a circle around the flag pole at the North end of Charles "Seed" Bland Stadium. The prayer was lead by Pastor Rich Lee, who admitted he was "Volen-told" (or volunteered) to lead in the prayer time.


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From youth to parents to Bearcat Fans, the spirit shared was that there is more to life than football ... but a common theme was that all hoped for favor from our creator for the boys protection while on the field and good sportsmanship. Ultimately, the praying fans always seek a Bearcat Victory just in case the Lord might need a reminder of where the group's loyalties lie on the football field.

We enjoy these Friday nights as we watch kids grow in their spirit of competition, their desires for success and the good things that competitive sports brings into their lives. Life just doesn't seem to get much better than the smiles, the cheers, and especially when your team is winning.

But life is a longer race than a football season. The Bearcats were able to deliver that victory Friday night, but these praying Bearcat Fans know that the true ultimate victory in life is found in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ and "these things pass away."

But in the mean time, life is good in the fall. We are all thankful to God for His blessing of health and the pure enjoyment found in stadiums across America where we can worship Him and relish in the good times of our families and friends.

Last Updated on August 27th 2011 by Staff Writer




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'Leadership Labs' Coming The Fall To Region
August 26th 2011 by News
'Leadership Labs' Coming The Fall To Region
A unique new concept to help develop leadership in the region will begin right here in the area. It's called the Heartland Leadership Labs. The labs are focused on bringing high-level nationally known leaders to the region to help nurture and develop leadership.

"Strong leadership can impact our families, communities, organizations, and an entire country," says Brad Aycock, one of the organizers. Growing up in southeast Missouri, then starting a business, Aycock saw a shortage of these opportunities.

"Whenever we wanted to learn from the gurus, we'd have to read their books or drive to St. Louis or Memphis for their conferences. Not anymore," Aycock notes. Aycock adds that there are future teachers, CEO's, and Presidents walking the streets of southeast Missouri. Many make it, but sadly some don't.

"We want to be intentional and focused on creating opportunities for all of us to learn from the best in the country, right here in our area, at a very affordable price," says Aycock. Oftentimes conferences can provide energy for awhile, but it sometimes wears off. With the Leadership Labs concept, people will get the frequency needed to make it stick. The speaker lineup rivals any conference you may see in the larger cities. On Sept. 30, Dr. Tim Elmore will teach on Habitudes. Dr. Elmore is the founder and president of Growing Leaders (growingleaders.com) and consultant for Chick-fil-A, as well as many major league baseball and NCAA football teams. He also works with schools across the country to help identify and develop the next generation of leaders.

His latest groundbreaking book, "Generation iY: Our Last Chance to Save Their Future" has been a major benefit in helping corporations and franchises work with and understand the next generation.

On Oct. 28, Sue Nilson Kibbey will bring her expertise in Strengths based leadership. Kibbey consults with organizations on leading by strengths - based on the best selling book "StrenghtsFinder 2.0." In 2005 she was recognized as one of the top ten non-profit business administrators in America.

On Nov. 18, former St. Louis Ram and future Hall of Famer Aeneas Williams will be discussing the importance of teamwork in an organization. Williams had a stellar NFL career and eventually helped lead the Rams to a Super Bowl in 2001. His latest book, "It Takes Respect" discusses how leaders must earn the respect of their peers in order to take the organization to the next level - Teamwork makes the Dream work.

"If a business person, educator, church leader, or civic leader can make it to these labs, you'll see a difference. That difference can have a great ripple effect. Our hope is that these rare opportunities could tap into our potential and unleash a movement to greatly impact our region and the world." says Aycock.

The Heartland Leadership Labs will be held in the Family Life Center at First United Methodist Church in Sikeston.

For information on pricing, speakers, dates, and tickets, visit heartlandleadershiplabs.com or call 573.421.1824.


Last Updated on August 26th 2011 by News




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MEN AT THE CROSS: Following Finds Family Favor
August 23rd 2011 by News
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I'll never forget the sting of rejection I felt as a shy and insecure seven-year-old when I asked for Elvis Presley's autograph after a small concert in his early days of performing before he hit the big time. To the young singer's credit, he had already given me his "John Henry" earlier, and I had lost it somewhere in the crowd.

He must have remembered my nervous and embarrassed face the second time around because he rebuked me and said, "Hey kid, didn't I already do this once tonight?" After I fumbled a torn piece of paper and a pencil into his hands, he reluctantly scribbled "Elvis Presley" a second time.

I ducked my head in sheer embarrassment and scurried off to find my bicycle and peddle home.

Some people collect Elvis albums like diamonds and even call him "the King of Rock and Roll". To each his own, I guess, but for me, I think that the real King not only gave me His autograph (in blood no less), He actually calls me a family member and re-autographs my page in the Book of Life every time I fall. This is a feat I appreciate more than any other event in my life on this earth! Jesus calls me family. Jesus invites me to dinner every day. Jesus signs autographs just for the asking. As I choose to follow Him, He chooses me to be His son.

Guess what? The same family invitation is yours for the asking!

QUESTIONS:

What does it mean to you to be invited into His family?

Why does He regard His obedient followers with as much regard as His own mother and brothers?

What does it mean when He gives you His autograph each and every day?

LIFELINE:

As each of us in this home are members of God's family, how should we act towards each other?


Last Updated on August 23rd 2011 by News




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