Family News

September 18, 2005

Christian     By
Counseling  Ralph Crump

Twelve Attitudes for Successful Search into God's Word - Part 2

III. God never made a rule that was designed to hurt man!

By the time Jesus came to earth, the Jewish religion had deteriorated to the point of being legalistic, impersonal, and burdensome. The man-made traditions had destroyed any benefit man could have had from obeying God's Word. Jesus' disciples were accused of being lawbreakers when they gathered food on the Sabbath (Mark 2:24). Tradition did not allow the hungry to be fed on Sabbath if the food was still in the field. After discussing the Pharisees' corrupted logic He proclaimed a principle that man had forgotten: 'The Sabbath was made for man and not man for the Sabbath.' In other words, man was not created to become a slave to a Sabbath full of rules and regulations governing man's every move. Rather, Sabbath was created for man's benefit. Everything about the Sabbath was designed to enhance man's physical, emotional, and spiritual life. It was a day of rest (physical, emotional). It was a day that had to be prepared for (setting goals, accomplishment - emotional). It was a day in which man could devote himself, unhindered, to the Creator (spiritual). Man was rested, refreshed, and renewed each and every Sabbath.

Look at every command and direction in the Bible. Each and every one of them was designed for our benefit. For example, consider God's law prohibiting sexual relationships outside of marriage. It was not an attempt to keep man from having (immoral) fun. Rather, it was designed so that man could experience the most wonderful kind of sexual relationship-intimacy within an atmosphere of total trust and commitment in marriage.

There has never been a law from God that was designed to hurt man. So look for the answers. They will bless your life abundantly. 'These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full' (John 15:11; see also Matthew 11:28-30).

IV. God's ways are not man's ways.

One of the greatest reasons man has a hard time finding or trusting in God's answers to everyday problems is that God's answers many times are different than man's answers. While man pursues building up self, meting out vengeance, and demanding rights, God desires that man put away self, never repaying evil for evil, and that man become a servant to those around him.

'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways... For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.' (Isaiah 55:8-9)

God's ways are foreign to many. This is why biblical counseling is looked upon with disdain. When man compares humanistic psychology that is endorsed by the 'educated' in our society to the simple statements of Jesus, it appears to them as foolishness. But it is humanistic psychology that is foolishness. It is foolishness to try to find answers to life in one's own psyche. God has infinite wisdom. He created the earth and mankind. He is the one who knows how everything works. He is the source of all blessings. His ways are different because they are better and they work!

V. We must be willing to accept God's answers.

The story of the Rich Young Ruler is a classic example of a man who wanted God's answers, at first, but later he was unwilling to accept them (Matthew 19:16ff). In his own mind, in his own eyes, through his own rose-colored glasses, he was perfect. But when he saw himself in the mirror (James 1:25) of God's Word, he saw himself in need of change. When confronted, he refused to change and walked away from the Lord grieved in his heart.

God's answers to life are not complicated neither are they burdensome (Matthew 11:30; 1 John 1:3). But they are indeed different from man's answers. It requires courage and sometime a leap of faith to accept His answers. (Read Matthew 26:39ff and II Corinthians 12:1-10)

Dalton Gardens Church of Christ

A Christ focused family committed to WINNING the Lost, MATURING the Saints, and KNITTING the Body together in love.

Potluck/Congregational Meeting Today
Be sure to stay and join us today following worship for the potluck and a time for fellowship. Then following will be the congregational meeting in the small auditorium. Some of the agenda items will include a financial update, and discussing the refurbishing and upgrading of the facility. Your input is very valuable. Be sure to come and be an active participant in the work of the church. The LIFE groups will not be meeting this evening to encourage participation.

Make sure to check your mail box today
for your new prayer trio assignments.

Up-date on Youth & Family Minister Search
Chad Chapman was the first candidate to come for an on site try out. We truly appreciate everyone welcoming him and those who assisted with activities gave generously of their time. Special thanks to Warren and Lynn Brown for lodging during his visit! Our search approach has been of a participatory one. Your observations and insights were important to coming to the decision that Chad isn't the best fit for Dalton Gardens. This has been communicated to Chad. He wished to let all know our youth are great and he will be praying for us as we continue the search.

Matt Peacock and soon-to-be bride, Megan Towery, will be here next week. He graduated from Abilene Christian University this past May with a degree in Christian Ministry and minor in Philosophy. Two of his professors, David Wray and Randy Harris, have given him their highest recommendations. Randy commented additionally, " He is an outdoor sort of guy and Idaho would be a good location for him." Please welcome these two! -Ivan

Please Note......
To all who have left their coats hanging on the coat rack in the foyer since last winter/spring, please claim them or they will be soon be donated to the Astoria Church of Christ coat drive. Thanks!

Attention Ladies & Teenage Girls Ladies Fall Fellowship Meeting
There will be a Ladies Fall Fellowship meeting on Monday, September 19, 2005 at 6:30 p.m., in the kitchen at the church building. This will be our last meeting before the Ladies Fall Fellowship day, and we would like all our ladies and teen girls to please attend. This will be a meeting to finalize last minute details and your input is very important.

Calendar of Events
Sept. 18 - Today -Potluck/Congregational Meeting
Sept. 20 - 6:30 a.m. - Prayer Breakfast at JB's
Sept. 23-25 - Teens Valley Rally
Sept. 25 - Guest Speaker - Matt Peacock
Sept. 31 - Set-up for Ladies Fall Fellowship
Oct. 1 - Ladies Fall Fellowship

Prayer Requests

Carol Fredrikson is home recovering from surgery. Keep her healing and upcoming test results in your prayers.

Kathy Shaner is suffering from sciatica in addition to the hives. She had a MRI scheduled on Saturday.

Ruby Rude & Family are in our thoughts and prayers during this time of loss.

Dana Barbarick, daughter of Judie Sanborn, is continuing chemo treatments.

Keep Michael & Emily Ward in your prayers for their recovery.

Joyce Rude has contracted Bell's Palsy and has asked for prayers for healing.

Debra Dupey has a bone spur on her spine that is causing extreme pain.

Kay Robinson, a friend of Frances Criswell, is being treated for lung cancer.

Sandra Edmonds, Betty Wilhoite's friend, has cancer and is going through chemo treatments.

Brenda Canham, a friend of the Fredriksons, has cancer in several places. She is a young mother of five girls.

Linda Almond is recovering from leg surgery. Also, keep Jeff Almond in your prayers as he may be coming home soon.

Please keep Jim & David Rude in your prayers as they are in Mississippi and Louisiana helping the people who were affected by the hurricane.

Remember to keep in your prayers: Andrew Crump, Mike Kish, Matt Rude, Terry Morgan, Phillip Kirkham, who are serving in Iraq.

Pray for the Kabiye Christians and the Team of Missionaries in Togo, West Africa.

Secret Sister Revealing Potluck
It's that wonderful time again: time at last to disclose your identity to your Secret Sister at the Secret Sister Revealing Potluck, Saturday, October 8th. More details to be announced. This means you still have three more weeks to encourage your Secret Sister.

Leadership Training for Christ
We are looking forward to another year of Leadership Training for Christ. This year's theme is 'Take the Lead' and the Bible bowl books are Joshua, Judges and Ruth. We are excited about the wonderful opportunity our children have to learn to use their gifts to glorify God in multiple different ways like drama, puppets, art, poetry and many other different areas. We hope to spend more time this year on Christian service and the practical application of that within the church family and our community. All 3rd Ð 12th graders, along with their parents are encouraged to participate in this spiritual rewarding program. Please see Mark or Kim Borsheim, Robert Frisk or Kim McIntire if you are interested in being part of this group. Bible Bowl will start this Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. and the LTC program will begin Sunday, September 25 at 5:30 p.m. here at the building.

Thank You!
A BIG "Thank you" to Irene Clark for doing "Grace Notes" for this past year. She is taking a leave of absence because of work and health problems. If you would be interested in working in this ministry, please see Betty Rude.

For some, this might be a "Thank you", but to me it is a blessing. Yes, you reached out during our family illnesses. Your prayers, calls, food, visits and cards warms my heart, as tears flow. So for all who love the Lord, 'What a blessing'. -Lillia McCracken

Dear Church Family,
Thank you for all your many prayers, calls and concerns. God answers prayer. I love you all. -Carole Fredrikson

Magi Project
The Magi Project is a program that sends Christmas gifts to underprivileged children. You can make up your own box or you can turn in supplies and we will make up a box for you. Please have supplies turned in by October 23rd. Full complete boxes may be turned in by October 26th. Anyone interested in helping pack up and wrap the boxes can meet Wednesday, October 26th after Bible class in the small auditorium. For additional information see Alyssa Frahm.

Baked Goods Needed
There is a sign-up sheet on the kiosk if you can help with breads, muffins, etc. for the Ladies Fall Fellowship Coffee Hour. If you have any questions please see Ruby Rude.

C.C.S. School News
The biggest lesson that I have learned from teaching at Coeur d'Alene Christian School is that God has a plan and he answers prayers. Oh, how we wish that He would reveal that plan to us. We have all had times when we just wanted to know so that we could make our own plans! Instead He wants us to have faith and trust Him. I don't know about you, but most of the time I would just rather know the plan. Yet every year the school faces some uncertainties and the Father tells us not to worry because He has a plan. This year the school has been blessed with a new secretary, Carrie Forbush. A month ago we did not know that this was God's plan, but once again He has provided. Now let me tell you how the Father keeps amazing me. Those of you who have known me very long know that I have been praying for years for my husband to draw closer to God. His father has been very ill for about a year now, and over the course of this illness, John has realized both his need for God in his life and his father's need. Well with encouragement from my husband and his sister, contact with members of the church in Midvale, and a letter written with much prayer, John's father was baptized.

It is a loss for our family that his father passed away last Sunday, but you can imagine my feeling of contentment when I was talking to John last night and he told me that the memorial service would be held at the Weiser Church of Christ. The same place where John and I were married. Continue to pray for me, my family, and the Christian school, and always praise God for answered prayers.

-Marci Nelson

Laser Tag for the Tweeners
Mark your calendars now for Laser Tag on October 22nd. All Tweeners are welcome, older children are welcome if you want to keep up with them. We can check in at 6:40 p.m. and start playing at 7:00 p.m. The cost is $13.50 per person for 4 games. We are getting one game FREE, last year same price for only 3 games. We should be done around 9:30 p.m. There are only 30 spots so the first to sign up at the kiosk and pay the Frahms will get you a spot. IMPORTANT! Please pay the Frahms before the night of the event! Also, if you wish we will have dinner at RED ROBIN, downtown (across from the downtown mall, not the Valley Mall) This is optional, some will meet there for dinner and then head over to Laser Quest. Please sign-up for the dinner so we know how much seating to get. Be at RED ROBIN by 5:00 p.m. to eat . If you want to meet us at Laser Quest go to 202 W. 2nd St. and be there by 6:40 p.m. See Tim or Alyssa Frahm for any questions.

TO SERVE September 25^th, 2005

Contact Warren Brown ASAP if you are unable to serve.

Assembly Times:

Love Involvement Fellowship Evangelism Groups:

Dalton Gardens Church of Christ
6439 N. 4th Street
Dalton Gardens, Idaho 83815
(208)772-0541
Fax # 772-2963
E-mail: office@dgchurch.org
web site: http://www.dgchurch.org/

Church Office Hours:
8:00 am to 4:30 pm Monday-Friday
Closed daily from noon-1:00
Phone messages can be left any time.

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