Reprint Compliments of Men At The Cross By Joe White

Mark 6: 41-44

“41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. 42 They all ate and were satisfied, 43 and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish. 44 The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand. ”


Each summer 20,000 kids from around the world come to our Christian sports camps here in Missouri to have the time of their lives. Each spring almost 2,000 are on the waiting list and can't get in because it's full. Why the abundance? The only thing I know is that we just try to glorify God and His word here the best we know how.

images/Blog Images/show/uk4i" src=" " alt=" " />I love my wife more than words can describe. I can't contain my love for her. I'd rather die than cheat on her. Why the abundance? Again, it is God's amazing provision. My four kids and I share a mutual respect that is indescribable. Yes, we've had our crazy times when we wanted to attempt "gang warfare" in the home, but through it all our mutual admiration for each other cannot be contained in words. Why? The answer is still the same.

When I consider God, I am overcome with gratitude. His love overawes me. Why He would not only put up with me, but also actually be my dad, my best friend, and my guide, is beyond my wildest dreams. His love cannot be contained in my mind. Why? It's the same reason.

On days when I go to the world for fulfillment, I find my plate half empty and I get selfish, irritable and inpatient with God, my family, and myself.

Jesus "fed the five thousand" and had twelve baskets left over. In the same way, He feeds His children love, peace, and fulfillment, and there's always an abundance left over. He gives us love for each other and we find an abundance of that as well.

QUESTIONS:
1. How do you personally find God's abundance each day?
2. Have you been going to Him for daily bread lately, or to the world's ideas of abundance? Explain if you can.
3. What's the secret of the abundant life?

LIFELINE:
If Christ can feed five thousand men, plus women and children, on a few loaves of bread and a few pieces of fish, think what He can do with a family totally yielded to Him.

Reprint Compliments of Men At The Cross By Joe White

Mark 6:1-4

A Prophet Without Honor

“1 Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples. 2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. 2 “Where did this man get these things?” they asked. “What’s this wisdom that has been given him? What are these remarkable miracles he is performing? 3 Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t this Mary’s son and the brother of James, Joseph,[a] Judas and Simon? Aren’t his sisters here with us?” And they took offense at him 3 4 Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home.” ”


images/Blog Images/show/uk4i" src=" " alt=" " />The summer of my junior year in high school I became a Christian. It was the most wonderful night of my life! I couldn't wait to tell my best friend, Wade. Both of us needed the change Christ would make in our friendship and in our lives. Telling Wade couldn't have gone better! The real test was when I went home. It was the most difficult telling my older brother about my new relationship with Christ. He knew my weaknesses best. He knew my many failures. He was so right when he said, "Who are you to tell me how to live?"

But I limped along as best I could. My failures and inconsistencies continue to this day. It's hardest to be a witness at home, but it's well worth the effort! I'll never, ever forget the night years later when that same brother's son was very, very sick and God allowed me to be with the brother I loved so much as he bowed his head and asked Jesus to come into his heart.

My wife witnesses to me when she does special deeds of kindness for me each day. My kids witness to me when they are obedient at times they want to go a different way. I witness to them when I serve them (my favorite hobby). I know I get the best end of the deal.

Home may be the most difficult, but it is and will always be the best place on earth to let your light shine for God.




QUESTIONS:
1. Why was it hardest for Jesus to be effective in his home town?
2. Why is it hardest for you at home?
3. How can your family support you as you try to be an effective witness at home?

LIFELINE:
A family that is quick to forgive and slow to judge is the home where witnessing is easy!

Reprint Compliments of Men At The Cross By Joe White

Mark 1 1-4

Preaching of John the Baptist

“1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “BEHOLD, I SEND MY MESSENGER [a]AHEAD OF YOU, WHO WILL PREPARE YOUR WAY; 3 THE VOICE OF ONE CRYING IN THE WILDERNESS, ‘MAKE READY THE WAY OF THE LORD, MAKE HIS PATHS STRAIGHT.’” 4 John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness [b]preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. ”







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He's an American hero who'll never be forgotten. Paul Revere-the chosen messenger that told them the British were coming and America was ready to fight to the death for her independence as a nation.

What an honor. "We can depend on Paul Revere." I can almost hear the generals talking with words of faith and assurance.

My longtime friend, Michael W. Smith, led the way for Amy Grant and her electrifying concerts faithfully in the early days of his career. Since Smitty's own career has taken him to the top of the charts, he's chosen young unknown groups like D.C. Talk and Jars of Clay to lead the way and open up his concerts. Before long, D.C. Talk and Jars of Clay were well-known and on their way to stardom in their own right.

Imagine the honor of being chosen by God to "Open Up" for Jesus. "I chose you, John the Baptist" to lead the way for my Son. Pave the highway. Prepare the coming. My Son will only come to the earth once in all of lifetime to live as a man and die for people's sins. His second coming will be so majestic, I'll not need an envoy.


QUESTIONS:
1. How are you as a Christian like John the Baptist?
2. What character qualities does God want for Jesus' modern day messenger?
3. As Paul Revere warned of the British attach for America, how can you warn your friends and family of Satan's modern day attacks as you represent Christ?

LIFELINE:
There's even a way to be like "John the Baptist" in your home. Consider your role in that and embark on that fantastic chosen ride today!

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Samford University's School of the Arts has created a choral music series that formally combines the university's sacred spaces and Christian mission with several musical ensembles.

Inspired by the ancient practice of monastic prayer, the Samford Choral Vespers Series is an opportunity to experience exceptional choral music through contemplative worship.  

The first of seven services--this one featuring the A Cappella Choir--will be Friday, Sept. 30 at 5:30 p.m. in Hodges Chapel. 

Other services in fall and spring will feature University Chorale, music faculty and the Samford Baroque Ensemble. The Vespers services will alternate between the university's Hodges Chapel and Reid Chapel. 

"The events aren't concerts--they are designed as worship services," said Dr. Philip Copeland, Director of Samford's A Cappella Choir. "During these services, we will incorporate some ancient practices in a modern setting that focuses on prayer, liturgy, and song."

Dr. Eric Mathis, who coordinates Samford's new Worship Leadership minor, said the series will add a unique new element to a university community already rich in worship opportunities. He said the series--"rooted deeply in the tradition of monastic and cathedral prayer"--will join Reformed University Fellowship, Shiloh, Rain, Campus Outreach, and Tuesday convocations as a way for the university and local community to explore and celebrate faith. 

All of the Choral Vespers Series events are free-of-charge and open to the public.

Reprint Compliments of Men At The Cross By Joe White

Matthew 24:3-5

“3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately. “Tell us,” they said, “when will this happen, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the end of the age?” 4 Jesus answered: “Watch out that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am the Messiah,’ and will deceive many.”


I travel and recruit Christian athletes for our sports camps as a profession. I agree with Chuck Swindoll who says that, "Happiness is seeing anything but home in the rear view mirror of my car." To put it flatly, I hate leaving home. But, alas, I'm on the road 40-50 days a year. Now, there's nothing special about the real estate my home occupys, but my wife and four kids have been the strongest magnet I've ever known. Those five magnets drew my heart home from a recruiting trip like honey draws bees to the hive. I'd drive a million miles if that's what it took to get home to be there when my kids woke-up in the morning. When they were small, sometimes after I'd been gone a week or two, I'd come home to "Daddy's home" and "Welcome Home Dad" banners and posters strung all over the house. More often than now, I came home with little gifts for all the kids ... a pack of baseball cards, a Precious Moments doll, an N.B.A. T-shirt. "Dad, what did you bwing me?" four-year-old Cooper would always enunciate with his childhood language of love.

images/Blog Images/show/uk4i" src=" " alt=" " />"I brought you ... me!" I'd reply.

"I know dat, Dad, but what did you really bwing me?"

Late one night, I arrived at my door after a week of travel away from home to find one of my little girls asleep with her blanket by the front door, so I wouldn't miss her when I first walked in. I wept with joy inside as I picked her up and carried her to the room, cuddled as lovingly to my chest as I could possibly hold her.

If my homecomings were that much fun, how incredible do you think the final homecoming when the real "Daddy's home" will be?


QUESTIONS:
1. How do you know that Jesus will include you when He returns to earth? (Hint: Good dads never forget their kids!)
2. Why do you think He's coming back someday?
3. When do you think it will be?

LIFELINE:
Help your family get ready!