F Is For Fellowship

APR 25 - MAY 1 2010 — F IS FOR FELLOWSHIP — ISSUE 151

Before leaving for the Singles event in Columbus Saturday afternoon, we had only one rule: be back in time for service in Toledo. If some of us seemed happy but had very slow reflexes, a half-dazed look on our face, and merely grunted our responses to your questions Sunday, you can rest assured there's no bizarre, zombie virus running through the ministry. We were simply showing the side effects of keeping true to our word, having arrived home around 4:00 AM. We worshiped, we ate, we fellowshiped, we gamed, we danced. (And by "we danced" I mean "everyone but me." But, hey, someone had to hold up the outside walls so they didn't collapse from all that line-dance, cupid shuffle, Macarena insanity.)

The "Fellowship Monster" was in full effect yesterday, swallowing time, inhibitions, and worldly concerns like the Cookie Monster taking out a dozen chocolate chip cookies.(Does anyone else cry watching so much of his cookies end up on the floor in crumbs? Or is that just me?)  It really is something to behold, seeing so many people from so many different places coming together with really nothing more than God and their dedication to Christ as their link, yet acting as if they were long lost relatives being reunited after decades of separation.

In all my moves throughout three different states, in my experiences with people from all over the world through school and being so close to NYC, and in all the various environments I've been in thanks to my 300 jobs, (Please note, that number is an estimate, the actual figure may be higher) I have witnessed a lot of interaction between strangers, families, colleges, classmates, and friends. Yet never have I seen the instant love, the unbiased approach and warmth, or the immediate depth in conversation that interaction between two newly introduced disciples can bring. It is truly unique because unlike a connection struck up between two sports fanatics, hobby enthusiast, movie lovers, or food connoisseurs, who can seem instantly bonded, the relationship between two followers of our Lord and Savior transcends any one topic. It goes deep, allowing for discussions, challenges, love, support, and understanding in every facet of our lives.

1 CORINTHIANS 6:14-16a - NIV

Gatherings like this do more for my heart and dedication to God than most because it reminds me that when two people put God first in their lives, laying down everything at His feet and seeking His guidance, wisdom and direction in all aspects, it drives home how futile it is to try and build those same type of relationships with people in the world. We are God's children and there is a fundamental difference between us and the them. And though it is our job to infiltrate the world, being a light unto them, we must remember we are not to become the world.  Can we have strong relationships with people outside of the Body? Yes, but in my experience, most of those relationships when tested will often be ruined forever, tossed aside, or neglected when differences and trials arise. The world's answer is to look for a substitution, whereas Godly bonds look for the resolution.

The passage below speaks to some core differences in our mindsets. Take some time this week to look at the relationships you have. What is at the center of them? God or personal interests? Even between relationships in the kingdom, the difference could be the reason they're not as deep, meaningful, or helpful as you desire. And if that separation is giving you thoughts of perusing something more in the world, seek out Godly fellowship with haste. Sharing a like or interest with someone only takes you so far, but sharing a life dedicated to God will create bonds deep and binding. Remember, the world seeks to be friends for life, but Christians seek to be friends for eternity.

2 CORINTHIANS 6:3-10 - NIV

Brett "Today's encouragement is brought to you by the letter 'C'" Hibbler

Phenomenal Cosmic Powers. PERIOD.

APR 18 - APR 24 2010 — PHENOMENAL COSMIC POWERS. PERIOD — ISSUE 150

Every so often messages given by Ryan or communion thoughts given by one of the brothers touch on the very subject I was planning on discussing in the 'C. I had written this yesterday, and had to chuckle during Ryan's message today as he hit on some very similar points. So for some of you, this will be a familiar topic with some similar conclusions, but for others it will only be a bit deja vu if you listen to Ryan's message found on our website — www.toledochurchofchrist.com. (What? It's been like 3 weeks since I've shamelessly plugged something. I can only keep it in for so long.)

EXODUS 9:27-30 - NIV

Something I find interesting about Pharaoh, is that all during the plagues he never once seemed very intimidated. Yes there was reverence and some awe shown about God’s power, but never did he give me the impression he ever realized how big, how powerful, and how omnipotent God was. It’s almost like he never got that God could smite him out of existence at any time, (despite being told this in 9:15) instead of going through the hoops of doing the plagues, not-so-subtly reminding him of His power while giving him a chance to repent. (He's lucky I wasn't God. I'd have been much more poignant with my plagues. I'd have turned him into a hamster and Moses' staff into a your average one-year-old with a fixation with putting everything into its mouth. A couple hours of being gummed to death and he'd have figured it out.)

That same mindset seems to be around today, though, when you discuss some people's faith in God. Most of the time they’ve seen what God can do, they understand and believe that God can answer their prayers and do mind-blowing miracles, but they don’t believe God will do them. (At least not to them directly.) It's almost like they believe God is an all powerful Genie with “Phenomenal cosmic powers”, but just like the line in Aladdin He has, “an itty, bitty living space.” There’s a limit or a catch to that power, chained to whoever holds the lamp and restrained by a few provisos, which creates a disconnect between God's power and them.

Take a look at Peter and some of the other disciples, and you’ll see a good example of this dichotomy. One of the biggest differences between them was Peter’s unwavering trust in Christ. When Jesus walked on water, something He never mentioned being able to do or that anyone else could, Peter just believed in that ability and never doubted it could be applied to his own life (at least not initially). Even when Jesus rebuked Peter with those famous words, “Get behind me, Satan,” it wasn’t for doubt or lack of faith. Peter really believed Jesus would die, something he didn’t want to happen, and was willing to defend that belief in Jesus’ words to the death.

So where’s your faith? Are you pharaoh, knowing God’s power but never believing it will affect you directly? Are you more of a Thomas, who has strength at times (John 11:16), but still lacking complete faith? (John 20:24, 25) Or are you a Peter, so bold in your faith and trust that God can and will do anything, even physics bending, science defying miracles, that you’ll die on that belief?

Pharaoh's lacking faith lead to tragedy. Thomas' initially prevented his rejoicing in God's power and glory and perhaps limited his walk. But Peter's propelled him at full speed to the feet of Christ and resulted in him receiving the keys to the kingdom. (Matthew 16:19) Be like Peter. Unshackle your faith in God, and reshape everyone around you's view of His power.

JOHN 14:12 - NIV

THINGS TO NOTE: Single's Event on Sat

THIS WEEK:

Monday - wishes it could pay bills with dryer lint instead of money

Tuesday- Pray for our brother's recovery and for the family of our lost sister (in KY)

Wednesday – Normal 7:00 Midweek at the FQ

Thursday – Study deeply about your faith and how make God's power a reality in your life

Friday- No Bible Talk // Wii Party at Justin's at 7:30

Saturday – Singles Event in Columbus at 5:30 - dress casual for devo, dinner, and dancing

Sunday - Normal 10:00 Sunday Service at the MSC

Brett "If I were a genie, an 'itty, bitty living space' wouldn't really be an issue" Hibbler

The Grace Of A Father

APR 11 - APR 17 2010 — THE GRACE OF A FATHER — ISSUE 149

It's official, I'm getting old. Today while doing laundry, (Yes, men can do laundry if needed. Just don't ask me if I separated colors...) I watched some of the Masters. That's The Masters, as in golf. As in, the sport usually only middle-to-old-aged men watch and the one sport on TV that young men will be so bored with they'd rather do anything. Even laundry. Had I just turned it on for background noise I'd declare this a circumstantial faux pas. I turned it on to see how it was unfolding on the final day, though, which means I may as well go buy some Werther's candy and a bath robe and make my new status official. But speaking of slightly older men, Dad's are sort of the subject of Today's C.

EZEKIEL 16:4-6a - NIV

One of my favorite scriptures about God's nature is this one from Ezekiel. (Check out the entire chapter for the full passage) To me it is one of the most intimate looks at God's love for us, our relationship with Him, and, if you read it through, the ugly truth about our conduct and inner nature. Israel's disobedience was disgraceful, but it parallels our society, and in a lot of ways, our lives right down to the dirty details. But God's heart to take care of us, to raise us like a loving Father and wanting nothing but the best for us, is the backbone to understanding grace.

When Jesus taught the disciples to pray in Luke 11, He directed them, and us, to refer to God as Father, setting the tone for how our relationship with Him functions. As a person who struggles with grace —the idea that I can be forgiven time and time again for wronging someone— the only context I've ever heard it put in that makes sense is the father, son relationship. Growing up, there were times I know my dad was upset and disappointed with me. (His hand on my backside was a healthy dose of reality and a pretty sure way to tell when I'd done something he didn't approve of.) But even though I knew I'd upset him, I also knew it wouldn't make him love me any less. It wouldn't cause him to disown me, or to forever cut ties. Some wounds may take longer to heal and perhaps alter our interaction, but I always knew I could depend on him for his support and love regardless of how bad I messed up.

JONAH 4:2b - NIV

The very reason Jonah was upset with God was because of this same mentality. God is gracious beyond our wildest comprehension, and like any good father, His love for us will override our darkest moments.

Don't let anything you've done destroy your relationship with God. Don't let it cloud your mind and hinder your confidence to stand before His thrown. He's Dad, firm in His beliefs and disappointable, but His love, support, compassion, help, and open arms await when we turn from our rebellious ways. The key is that we have to be the ones to come home. He didn't go anywhere, we did. But if we're too proud, or scared, or ashamed to come back, we not only mark our own grave, but we also break our Father's heart. Losing a child is the worst tragedy in life, and He gave one up to gain the rest back. Don't ever think He's finally through with you. The idea that He wants us with Him more than He wants to punish us is hard to comprehend at times, but that's God; a being beyond us in every way imaginable. (Isaiah 55:8)

He said to us, "Live!", not so that we can wallow in our pity and disgrace over our failures and mistakes, but so we can rejoice and live freely. And in doing so we can share that love with the world, pointing them in the direction of home where their Dad awaits with open arms — bathrobe, hard candy, golf on and all.

EZEKIEL 33:14-16 - NIV

THINGS TO NOTE: Family Group Midweek at Mike's // Pre-Teen Bowling Party // Single's Event in two weeks

THIS WEEK:

Monday - was the 12th of April. Yeesh time be flying.

Tuesday- Pray for our brethren in Haiti and Chile who still have a long way to go in their recovery

Wednesday – Family Group 7:00 Midweek at the Mike's (See directions below)

Thursday – Dig deep in your quiet time

Friday- Normal 7:30 Bible Talk

Saturday – Pre-Teen Bowling Party

Sunday - Normal 10:00 Sunday Service at the MSC

Brett "My robe will be have flames and guns on it, making it the manliest robe ever" Hibbler

The Big Hunt

APR 4 - APR 10 2010 — THE BIG HUNT — ISSUE 148

Yesterday it was perfectly legal to bury candy in your backyard, make your kids spend long hours in the sun looking for it and digging it up, and then limiting their candy-intake to three pieces while you consumed 10lbs of it.

Isn't this place great?

Do you remember doing Easter hunts when you were a kid? (Or perhaps yesterday for us older kids.) Do you remember the anticipation before the hunt? The excitement of the search?  The intensity with which you scoured the ground? The joy of finding an egg, candy, bunny or basket?

MATTHEW 13:45-46 - NIV (Click to read)

As Christians, we have already found our Easter basket. Only instead of a six-pack of coma-inducing, sugar-laden Peeps, we have an entire Body of believers filled with amazing brothers and sisters to join us on our journey. Instead of a squirt gun, bubble blower, or other toy that was probably going to break within the next 20 minutes, we have a Bible to serve every purpose and need we will ever encounter. Instead of guilt or a stomach ache from consuming way too much of the basket's contents, euphoria and jubilation pour out in abundance every time we dip inside. Instead of a two foot chocolate rabbit that we know we shouldn't eat all at once but rarely have the self control to not, we have Jesus, the greatest Friend, Leader, and Savior imaginable. And even though it's a basket we only discover once, its contents will never run out and its effect on our lives is eternal.

Enjoy your basket. Use your basket. And never forget what you found at the end of the most important hunt you'll ever partake in.

THINGS TO NOTE: Women's Midweek // Mud Hen's Frenzy! - Thursday to Sunday

THIS WEEK:

Monday - managed to not eat all of its leftover candy and rewarded itself by eating another piece of candy

Tuesday- Pray for the funds we raise through the Mud Hen games to go to do great things for God's Kingdom

Wednesday – Women's 7:00 Midweek at the FQ

Thursday – Mud Hen's DAY ONE

Friday- NO Bible Talk - Please work the game to support our brethren = MHD2

Saturday – MHD3

Sunday - Normal 10:00 Sunday Service at the MSC // MHD4

Brett "If I were a chocolate bunny, I'd probably nibble off my own ears" Hibbler