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

Eternal Fools

MAR 28 - APR 3 2010 – ETERNAL FOOLS – ISSUE 147

Health care is undergoing a massive overhaul, two five seeds are crashing the Final Four, and I witnessed only the second major breakdown of Nick's car, which has over 288,000 miles on it, all in one week. I was going to make a joke about the correlation between those things, but I realize most of you are probably hung up on the mileage on Nick's car. Technically he's driven enough miles to have reached the moon and already be on his way back. You know, if his car could fly, could manufacture oxygen, and somehow not be incinerated entering the atmosphere. Nothing big.

If you've ever been pranked on April Fool's Day, there's a good chance you know the sting embarrassment and the frustration having been "had", can bring. If you've ever delivered a good prank, though, you know the joy successfully pulling the wool over another's eyes can have and the drive obtaining a successful ending can create. Regardless of which side you've been on, in order for the prank to work it takes planning, craftiness, and usually subtle lies or "half truths" to lure the unsuspecting target into position.

What if I were to tell you that someone is pranking you right now. In fact, it's been going on since the day you were born, and with every step you take toward the end of your life it only gets more devious. The players became harder to spot, the lies became thicker and more clever, and the stakes reach eternal proportions. And unlike the ending of most April Fool pranks where both parties share a good laugh, this one only ends in weeping, pain, and absolute failure.

There is a way to come out unscathed though, to deny the pranker their victory and to avoid being the butt of the greatest prank in the history of mankind. When the stakes are this high, and the outcome so important, you can imagine it won't be easy. To be victorious it will require perseverance, wisdom, humility, love, and perhaps most importantly, self control. You cannot hesitate, you cannot waver in your allegiance and dedication, and you must be absolutely clear on what your goal is. No mercy will be shown to you and so none should be given to anything that stands in your way of victory.

JAMES 1:12 - (Click to read)

We are striving for that eternal crown, the one which will never perish. Satan has become very good at getting us to chase those pathetic wreaths, though, diverting our attention and focus through clever plans and elaborate strategies. Without realizing it he can twist goodhearted interests into loyalty stealing distractions. But when the world is his play house, it only makes sense for him to use everything at his disposal, which makes our time here that much more dangerous because his involvement isn't always obvious. Add in that he's been doing this for thousands of years, and we must realize our foe is an experienced prankster who considers no line too far to cross and no rule too good to be broken.

Thankfully, God has given us the Bible for us to study and learn about our enemy so we can know his tactics. We can be prepared and focused. He has given us His Spirit to guide, direct, and strengthen us during our journey. We can discern truth and be humble to it, accepting our need to repent. And He has given us His promise to motivate us to the end. We can know where our loyalty should lie and remain on that narrow path instead of pursuing alternative routes that promise the same destination but only lead to destruction. Don't finish this race only to discover that the king of all pranksters stole your eternal crown and duped you into chasing an idol. Don't be the fool in the Devil's April.

REVELATION 3:11 - (Click to read)

THINGS TO NOTE: Normal Midweek // Resurrection Sunday

THIS WEEK:

Monday - came, saw, and fell asleep

Tuesday- Conquer that idol smashing challenge you created for the final week of the campaign

Wednesday – Normal 7:00 Midweek at the FQ

Thursday – April Fools Day - Go ahead, prank your boss, I'm sure they'll love it

Friday- Bible Talk TBA

Saturday – Focus on the celebration of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection in an extended quiet time

Sunday - Normal 10:00 Sunday Service at the MSC

Brett "I keep hoping my inability to grown facial hair is just one elaborate April Fool's joke" Hibbler

Facts Are Facts

MAR 21 - MAR 27 2010 — FACTS ARE FACTS — ISSUE 146

Word has it this has been an incredible March Madness tourney, and normally I'd be in the thick of it to help confirm those claims. Right now, as most of you know, I'm a tad busy, so I have to live off small snippets and comments I'm given from others. If one of you could put together some sort of highlight reel, that would be really cool. I'll check it out when things slow down. October's looking pretty clear, so if you could have it ready by then that'd be great.

In order to watch some games, or even parts of them, I'd have to make some sacrifices. I'd either have to not go into work, or miss a church event, or neglect paying some bills and getting groceries, none of which would make much sense for just a basketball game. Sometimes I wonder, though, what we do sacrifice for in our lives, and if it's really worth it.

1 CORINTHIANS 9:25-27 - (Click to read)

In this passage Paul refers to well known games of those times. (Think the Olympics, but instead of gold they competed for a wreath of pine needles — hence the whole "not lasting" part) The participants would undergo intense training in self control, giving up certain foods, wine, cold drinks and sensual desires, and they'd stick to regimented schedules of exercise, no matter the weather or other responsibilities, for long periods of time. It's easy to wonder why people would do this just for a wreath of pine needles that  just dry up and die. Regardless of how you explain it, in the end it seems a bit foolish. Yet, if we dig deep enough, I bet there are a few "pine wreaths" in our lives that we're competing for.

If you were to make a list of the sacrifices you made during the last month, what would come out on top? What did you sacrifice the most for, and what was sacrificed the most in order to obtain other things?  I've known people who go to extremes to afford a trip or purchase, yet struggle to come up with a few bucks for something church related. I've seen people give up sleep and great amounts of time for work, yet grumble about getting up early or giving up free time to do something for God or to encourage their brothers and sisters in Christ. So here's my question for you as we continue to look at idols in our lives this week:

If the world were to look at your list of sacrifices, and you were not able to give any explanations, meaning, the list speaks for itself and the facts stand on their own; which god would they think you serve?

Is your job worth giving up eternal life with God? Is that hobby, sport or activity worth sacrificing God's promise and making a mockery of Jesus' sacrifice? Is sleep worth hindering the work of the kingdom and possibly slimming someone else's chance at hearing the Truth? Sure these things pull on us since they are what we're surrounded by 24/7, and seem as if they are the most important thing since they affect our immediate future,  but we cannot lose sight of our final destination. We need to seek that much deeper to understand our ultimate goal, of what we are to be sacrificing for, so that it may take precedent in our lives. No one wants to get to the finish line only to discover they ran the wrong event. These things aren't inherently bad, but if you'll do it for the world, you'd better be willing to do more for God.

JAMES 1:22 - (Click to read)

It's easy to get defensive and try to justify our lists, but in the end our sacrifices and how we spent our time will reveal our true hearts and what really mattered most to us in our lives. Let's be doers. Let's be Christians. Let's be God's people, striving for an nonperishable crown, not a useless wreath.

THINGS TO NOTE: Family focused Bible Talk at Young's on Fri

THIS WEEK:

Monday - had enjoyed the warmer weather but hopes to be able to wear its Moon Boots one more time before summer hits

Tuesday- Continue praying for the sisters' idols

Wednesday – Normal 7:00 Midweek at the FQ

Thursday – Go out and conquer some more Idol Smashing Challenges for the campaign

Friday- 7:30 Bible Talk at the Young's - Don't forget your family photos

Saturday – Pray for God's love to reclaim those struggling in their walk

Sunday - Normal 10:00 Sunday Service at the MSC

Brett "A pretty tall dude for a short guy" Hibbler

Numero Uno

MAR 14 - MAR 20 2010 – NUMERO UNO – ISSUE 145

See what happens when you steal an hour of my sleep just to save billions of dollars in power bills? I start speaking other languages and claiming I can time travel. (Think about it, I went from 2:00 to 3:00 in the blink of an eye — that's time travel.) As cool as those powers are, I'd much rather just fall back every time we change the clocks. And to prevent us from having entire days in the night (which would happen if all we ever did was fall back an hour), we'd just have to fall back like 7 hours at some point. We'd all get really good nights of sleep and put an extra half day on our lives, keeping us younger longer. This could give the world over a renewed vigor and joy, resulting in mass euphoria and global peace.

Maybe I should go back to bed. Clearly I'm losing my sanity.

At the end of last weeks 'C, I mentioned how God takes the idea of idols incredibly serious. I nearly rewrote the entire issue as I realized just how serious that was, but decided to save it for this week.

As New Testament Christians we tend to view sin in a little different way than the Jews did under the Law. They had ten specific things that laid the foundation for acceptable behavior, (which rabbit trailed into all sorts of other laws) while we focus on a person's heart as well as actions that stem from nine of those original ten. Sometimes I think we forget, though, that God hasn't changed his heart or thoughts about that original "list" He made. And even though sin is a bit more complicated than some tangible list of Dos and Don'ts, the ones He did list should still be held in high regard and be considered very specific things we definitely should not violate.

Guess what's number one on that "list"?  I'll give you a hint, it has something to do with idols and not having anything be more important than God. (Exodus 20) I realize God didn't emphasize any of the Commands over the others, or tell Moses to number them, but if the first thing out of His mouth is "don't worship idols", I have to believe there's a reason He said that first. We know He's a jealous God who's always vying for our attention, striving to win our hearts and affection from a world that will leave us empty and unfulfilled. So maybe it's first because He desires our love above all else. Certainly you could make a strong Biblical case for it.

Or maybe He mentions it first because He knows how easily our mind, heart, and attention are given elsewhere, and the dangers of what we tend to always give ourselves to. Perhaps this was His way of warning us of a very real danger, one we tend to overlook, and trying to protect us from the repercussions pursuing worldly treasures and pleasures will bring. Regardless of why it was the first of His commands, it emphasizes the importance of making sure we have no idols in our lives.

As we continue through this month, keep digging deep to unearth idols that are stealing your heart, affection, and usefulness from the Lord. And then take any steps necessary to destroy them. Jesus made it clear that it was better to be radical in ridding sin from your life than "trying to control it." And if God and Jesus were both so concerned with this issue, shouldn't we be, too?

MATTHEW 18:8, 9 - (Click to view)

THINGS TO NOTE: Ohio Valley Women's Retreat Sat and Sun // Sunday = All brother service at Young's at night

THIS WEEK:

Monday - is tired of eating all those carrots and celery it brought to the brunch that people passed over in favor of amazing food and fantastic desert. Not that Monday's bitter or anything...

Tuesday- Keep smashing idols on that list and/or doing your own

Wednesday – Normal 7:00 Midweek at the FQ

Thursday – Pray for your sister's and their conquering of idols

Friday- Normal 7:30 Bible Talk at Biggby's

Saturday – Ohio Valley Women's Retreat

Sunday - No normal Sunday Service. Night Service for brothers at the Young's

Brett "You call it Day Light Savings, I call it a super power" Hibbler