Today, we completed Part Two of Lesson 11 of The Truth Project in which we discussed the sphere of "Labor" in our lives. Dr. Tackett made the point that Labor is the source of all things in our lives. It pays for homes, cars, clothes, vacations, food, healthcare, etc. It also is the source of some evil things in our lives such as pornography, drug abuse, alcoholism, gluttony, and materialism. Dr. Tackett shared seven general principles related to money and economy:
1. All things belong to God.
2. God has made man a steward of His goods with ownership rights and accountability for the manner in which we manage God's goods.
3. Theft of another's goods is wrong and coveting of another's possessions is wrong as well.
4. The skills and abilities to work come from God.
5. Work is good, profitable, and to be pursued. Laziness is not.
6. Love God and not your goods.
7. Be compassionate and generous with your goods to those in need.
The last principle led to a discussion of our role as Christians in addressing the needs of the poor in our culture and society. Dr. Tackett pointed out that scripture directs us to leave the gleanings of our work for the poor. We talked about what this means. Dr. Tackett points out that it does not mean for us to harvest all the crops and give some to the poor. It means for us to leave some of the crops for the poor to harvest for themselves. In other words, we are not helping the poor by giving them a handout. We help the poor by providing an opportunity for them to work with their hands and provide for themselves. As Dr. Tackett says, it is our responsibility to "see the poor as beings of eternity who have a destiny beyond this world." The most meaningful thing we can do to help those who are poor is to help them find meaningful employment and make it possible for them to work with their own hands.
We also discussed the issue of the influence of the arts and media in our culture today. We debated the axiom, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." While there may be some differences in what one person perceives to be beauty and what someone else perceives to be beauty, Dr. Tackett took the position that all beauty should be measured against the standard of Truth as set out by God. We discussed the role of arts in our society and made note of the fact that there are productive and good roles for art and artists in our churches and in our society. We concluded that we should be encouraging our children to excell in their areas of talent and strength, but we should also be guiding them to use those talents in strength for the glory of God.
Wow! I thought today's lesson had some powerful truths that are especially relevant for this day and time. Of course, I have thought that about each of the lessons in the Truth Project. I am so thankful that God directed us toward this powerful curriculum. I hope it has been as meaningful to you as it has to me. Next week, we will begin the last lesson: Community. See you next Sunday.
The Country Fair is next Sunday evening. I am sorry that we will not be able to join you for this activity. I have a consultant job in San Antonio that will require me to leave right after church on the 2nd. However, I know you will do a great job with the putting booth. Best wishes for a great time with your kids and with the kids of our community.
PRAYER REQUESTS FOR THIS WEEK:
Jackson- Karri's mom's church in Arkansas is going through the process of finding a new pastor. Please pray for guidance and resources for them as they look for the right person.
Please remember all of the kids and teachers that will be undertaking TAKS testing this Tuesday and Wednesday.
Scasta- Praise! The pianist at the church that Tracey grew up in is in stable condition and her heart problem will be able to be treated with medication.
Please pray for Franklin Graham and our nation. Franklin's invitation to the national day of prayer function at the Pentagon was rescinded because of negative comments he made in the past about the Muslim faith. Please pray for him as he stands for truth.
Remember to pray for the President and Congress.
Social:
The Country Fair is next Sunday at 5:00 at the church. Our class is manning the putt putt booth. If you can work a slot, let us know. We're trying to have 2 people for each 30 min. slot. The schedule is:
5:00 Swope
5:30 Gutierrez
6:00 Scasta/Holmes
6:30 Miles/Lowe
Bring your picnic blanket and hang out with us near the putt putt game!
Have a great week!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Sunday, April 18, 2010
LABOR--WHAT SHOULD BE THE CHRISTIAN WORLDVIEW OF WORK?
APRIL 18, 2010
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
We were pleased to have Scott and Melissa Blair visit with us in Sunday School this morning. Please join me in praying for Scott and Melissa this week asking the Lord to show them the place of service and participation that He has for them in the coming days. If the Lord so leads, we would be thrilled to have them join our class.
Cindy and I got to see Zoe Halbert this week. She is a precious little thing and her big sisters and mom and dad seem to be doing a good job of taking care of her. Please continue to pray for Natalie and Kyle and their family as they adjust to a new member of the family---who still does not sleep in synchronization with the rest of the family!
Also, please pray for the saint whom Tracey spoke of who has served the Lord in the Music Ministry for many years--played the piano in the church where Tracey grew up and is now facing issues with her heart and coronary arteries that have closed even after stints were placed in the arteries. In addition, Craig shared a concern about one of his patients who fell and broke her back recently. She and her husband have been married for more than 60 years and he is facing the possibility that his long-time partner may not survive this injury. Please pray for them both this week.
TODAY'S LESSON:
Today, in our DVD presentation, Dr. Tackett introduced the discussion of the "Labor Sphere." He made reference to Exodus 20:9-11. Some of you have heard it called "The Sabbath Commandment." Dr. Tackett labeled it "The Labor Commandment." He talked about work and labor as something that God gave clear directions about: "Six days you shall labor and do all your work..." Dr. Tackett pointed out that "work" is an opportunity for God's people to create, to be creative, to accomplish things that make a difference for the world.
He made reference to Gutenberg's work: the invention of the printing press in 1455. This single invention, perhaps more than any other, made it possible for the word of God to be shared with the world. Prior to the printing press, the scripture had to be copied by hand, usually taking about one year to create one copy. The Bible was the first book to be printed on the Gutenberg press. In 10 years after the printing press was developed, the number of books in the world went from 50,000 to 10 million. Indeed, the work of Gutenberg made a difference in the world and contributed to God's work on earth.
Dr. Tackett also made reference to the creative work of God and a segment of the DVD showed examples of God's creative handiwork displaying mountains, forests, seas, beaches, animals, insects, flowers, trees, and stars. He also referred to our role as stewards of God's handiwork. Perhaps, this could be viewed as a scriptural basis for green practices such as recycling and conservation.
One analogy made by Dr. Tackett in today's lesson did generate some debate in our car on the way home from church. In every other lesson from The Truth Project, our discussion has been one of complete agreement with the statements and assertions made by Dr. Tackett. However, on the way home today, Cindy took issue with Dr. Tackett's analogy of the sabbath command with a child being told that he must put up his toys and quit playing with them for one day of the week. As Cindy argued, and I tend to agree, most of us are looking forward to a day of rest when it finally comes each week and we do not view the Sabbath as a time when we are forced to put up our toys, but more as a day when we are allowed to put down our tools and focus on our Lord and restoration of our minds, souls, and bodies.
Next week, we will see examples of how the labor sphere is impacted and influeced by other components of labor such as the media, art, music, and literature. I asked the class today to be especially cognizant of the influence of the media and our culture on each of us as we go through this week. In the next section of the DVD, we will actually join the camera on the streets of Time Square where we will experience the sound, lights, people, and atmosphere that is indicative of our cultural influences. Finally, next week, we will see that God sets the standard for what is good in our work, whatever that work may be. Dr. Tackett will make reference to the standard that we should all be striving toward: "for God's glory alone!" In the meantime, I trust that you will work toward that end as you labor this week. Have a great week.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
We were pleased to have Scott and Melissa Blair visit with us in Sunday School this morning. Please join me in praying for Scott and Melissa this week asking the Lord to show them the place of service and participation that He has for them in the coming days. If the Lord so leads, we would be thrilled to have them join our class.
Cindy and I got to see Zoe Halbert this week. She is a precious little thing and her big sisters and mom and dad seem to be doing a good job of taking care of her. Please continue to pray for Natalie and Kyle and their family as they adjust to a new member of the family---who still does not sleep in synchronization with the rest of the family!
Also, please pray for the saint whom Tracey spoke of who has served the Lord in the Music Ministry for many years--played the piano in the church where Tracey grew up and is now facing issues with her heart and coronary arteries that have closed even after stints were placed in the arteries. In addition, Craig shared a concern about one of his patients who fell and broke her back recently. She and her husband have been married for more than 60 years and he is facing the possibility that his long-time partner may not survive this injury. Please pray for them both this week.
TODAY'S LESSON:
Today, in our DVD presentation, Dr. Tackett introduced the discussion of the "Labor Sphere." He made reference to Exodus 20:9-11. Some of you have heard it called "The Sabbath Commandment." Dr. Tackett labeled it "The Labor Commandment." He talked about work and labor as something that God gave clear directions about: "Six days you shall labor and do all your work..." Dr. Tackett pointed out that "work" is an opportunity for God's people to create, to be creative, to accomplish things that make a difference for the world.
He made reference to Gutenberg's work: the invention of the printing press in 1455. This single invention, perhaps more than any other, made it possible for the word of God to be shared with the world. Prior to the printing press, the scripture had to be copied by hand, usually taking about one year to create one copy. The Bible was the first book to be printed on the Gutenberg press. In 10 years after the printing press was developed, the number of books in the world went from 50,000 to 10 million. Indeed, the work of Gutenberg made a difference in the world and contributed to God's work on earth.
Dr. Tackett also made reference to the creative work of God and a segment of the DVD showed examples of God's creative handiwork displaying mountains, forests, seas, beaches, animals, insects, flowers, trees, and stars. He also referred to our role as stewards of God's handiwork. Perhaps, this could be viewed as a scriptural basis for green practices such as recycling and conservation.
One analogy made by Dr. Tackett in today's lesson did generate some debate in our car on the way home from church. In every other lesson from The Truth Project, our discussion has been one of complete agreement with the statements and assertions made by Dr. Tackett. However, on the way home today, Cindy took issue with Dr. Tackett's analogy of the sabbath command with a child being told that he must put up his toys and quit playing with them for one day of the week. As Cindy argued, and I tend to agree, most of us are looking forward to a day of rest when it finally comes each week and we do not view the Sabbath as a time when we are forced to put up our toys, but more as a day when we are allowed to put down our tools and focus on our Lord and restoration of our minds, souls, and bodies.
Next week, we will see examples of how the labor sphere is impacted and influeced by other components of labor such as the media, art, music, and literature. I asked the class today to be especially cognizant of the influence of the media and our culture on each of us as we go through this week. In the next section of the DVD, we will actually join the camera on the streets of Time Square where we will experience the sound, lights, people, and atmosphere that is indicative of our cultural influences. Finally, next week, we will see that God sets the standard for what is good in our work, whatever that work may be. Dr. Tackett will make reference to the standard that we should all be striving toward: "for God's glory alone!" In the meantime, I trust that you will work toward that end as you labor this week. Have a great week.
Sunday, April 11, 2010
The American Experiment--Part 2
Thanks to all of you who were able to join us for the class social last Friday evening. I love the "Pot-Luck" format for enjoying a nice meal together. It seems like good food always shows up. We all sat on the patio and enjoyed the comfortable spring climate as we ate and visited. Then, we spent the evening just socializing. I hope that everyone enjoyed it as much as Cindy and I did. If you have any ideas for class socials, please let me or Craig know. We cherish the time we have together when we can get to know each other better.
TODAY'S LESSON
In our lesson today from The Truth Project, Dr. Tackett referred to the change in the curriculum of American Law Schools and the application of the theory of evolution to our legal system...a system that now uses case law as the basis for determining right and wrong. In contrast to early legislation in which legislators proposed laws based on their perception of what the scripture required, we now have a system in which legislators often propose legislation based on what is best for their constituents or for their geographic area, many times with little or no concern for what God would have us do. Indeed, because of the doctrine of the separation of church and state, we avoid any reference to guidance from God and from His Word. I fear that Hosea 13:6 is becoming more and more descriptive of the American culture: "As they had their pasture, they became satisfied, and being satisfied, their heart became proud; therefore, they forgot Me."
Lord, let it not be so. Let the scripture above not be used to describe the people of America. Amen. We talked in class today about how propserous our country has been because our nation, our laws, our government, our system is based on the foundation of morality and religion--God's principles of right and wrong, God's guidance, and His light. Dr. Tackett talked about the fact that darkness does not overcome light. The only time darkness prevails is when the light is blocked or is withdrawn. If darkness is spreading across our land, there can be only two explanations. Either someone is hiding the light or the Lord is withdrawing His lampstand from our land. Either way, we must take a stand to bring God's light back onto our land. 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 provides the ONLY solution: "If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
We talked about the fact that we as parents should be teaching our kids to "Remember" what God has done for His people--teach them to understand the memorial stones of our nation and our faith. We should be going beyond the limitations of the public education system in helping our kids to understand the role God plays in the success and prosperity of our country, our families, and our people. Let us this week seek to humble ourselves before the Lord, let us pray diligently, seek His face, and turn from our ways that are not pleasing to God. He has promised to hear our prayer, forgive our sin, and heal our land. Let us all do our part to restore our nation, to restore our families, and to restore our culture to one that worships and serves the God of the Universe.
TODAY'S LESSON
In our lesson today from The Truth Project, Dr. Tackett referred to the change in the curriculum of American Law Schools and the application of the theory of evolution to our legal system...a system that now uses case law as the basis for determining right and wrong. In contrast to early legislation in which legislators proposed laws based on their perception of what the scripture required, we now have a system in which legislators often propose legislation based on what is best for their constituents or for their geographic area, many times with little or no concern for what God would have us do. Indeed, because of the doctrine of the separation of church and state, we avoid any reference to guidance from God and from His Word. I fear that Hosea 13:6 is becoming more and more descriptive of the American culture: "As they had their pasture, they became satisfied, and being satisfied, their heart became proud; therefore, they forgot Me."
Lord, let it not be so. Let the scripture above not be used to describe the people of America. Amen. We talked in class today about how propserous our country has been because our nation, our laws, our government, our system is based on the foundation of morality and religion--God's principles of right and wrong, God's guidance, and His light. Dr. Tackett talked about the fact that darkness does not overcome light. The only time darkness prevails is when the light is blocked or is withdrawn. If darkness is spreading across our land, there can be only two explanations. Either someone is hiding the light or the Lord is withdrawing His lampstand from our land. Either way, we must take a stand to bring God's light back onto our land. 2 Chronicles 7:13-14 provides the ONLY solution: "If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, and My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
We talked about the fact that we as parents should be teaching our kids to "Remember" what God has done for His people--teach them to understand the memorial stones of our nation and our faith. We should be going beyond the limitations of the public education system in helping our kids to understand the role God plays in the success and prosperity of our country, our families, and our people. Let us this week seek to humble ourselves before the Lord, let us pray diligently, seek His face, and turn from our ways that are not pleasing to God. He has promised to hear our prayer, forgive our sin, and heal our land. Let us all do our part to restore our nation, to restore our families, and to restore our culture to one that worships and serves the God of the Universe.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
He is risen!--April 4, 2010
"The angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you are looking for Jesus who has been crucified. He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying."--Matthew 28: 5-6
He is arisen! He is ALIVE! On Easter, Christians all around the world celebrate this fact. Jesus was crucified, died, and lay in a tomb until the first day of the week. On that day, the words above were spoken when two women came to visit Jesus' grave. Up from the grave He arose with a mighty triumph o'er His foes, He arose! Thank God, He arose.
Everything about Easter speaks of life. This week, I began to notice green leaves of grass in my otherwise dead lawn. For the first time since November, I mowed the lawn. This week, Cindy and I enjoyed the absolutely beautiful wild flowers on the side of the road as we traveled from one part of the state to another. The colors were vibrant, the fragrance was sweet and fresh. New life in all its varied forms manifests itself at Easter. All life celebrates this fact--Jesus died on an old wooden cross, but he did not stay dead. As the evangelist David Ring says, "Jesus is NOT dead. He is not even SICK!" He is alive and well, praise God!
As you worship this Easter and as you enjoy spending time with your family...even as you help little ones find Easter Eggs, I know you will continue to give thanks and praise to our God! He lives! Happy Easter!
SUNDAY SCHOOL SOCIAL:
I hope you are all able to join us next Friday evening around 6:30 p.m. for a class "get together" at our home (8431 Turtle Rock Loop in Emerald Forest Subdivision). If you need childcare, please sign up with the church by Monday, April 5. We are looking forward to a time of fellowship and fun. The meal will be potluck, so bring whatever and come join us for a good time in Christian fellowship. If you know you are coming, please shoot me an e-mail to let me know you are coming and let me know what you plan to bring so that we can be sure we don't have all vegetables or all desserts. On the other hand, if we had all desserts, I wouldn't have any choice....I would have to eat sweets. If you are not sure of your availability and cannot make a commitment but find out that you can attend at the last minute, just come on! Our time together is informal so just come join us. Here is my contact information if you need to reach me or Cindy:
E-Mail: jimmycreel@suddenlink.net cindycreel@suddenlink.net
Home Phone: 979-695-1684
Cell Phone: 979-229-6606
Looking forward to seeing you all Friday Evening.
He is arisen! He is ALIVE! On Easter, Christians all around the world celebrate this fact. Jesus was crucified, died, and lay in a tomb until the first day of the week. On that day, the words above were spoken when two women came to visit Jesus' grave. Up from the grave He arose with a mighty triumph o'er His foes, He arose! Thank God, He arose.
Everything about Easter speaks of life. This week, I began to notice green leaves of grass in my otherwise dead lawn. For the first time since November, I mowed the lawn. This week, Cindy and I enjoyed the absolutely beautiful wild flowers on the side of the road as we traveled from one part of the state to another. The colors were vibrant, the fragrance was sweet and fresh. New life in all its varied forms manifests itself at Easter. All life celebrates this fact--Jesus died on an old wooden cross, but he did not stay dead. As the evangelist David Ring says, "Jesus is NOT dead. He is not even SICK!" He is alive and well, praise God!
As you worship this Easter and as you enjoy spending time with your family...even as you help little ones find Easter Eggs, I know you will continue to give thanks and praise to our God! He lives! Happy Easter!
SUNDAY SCHOOL SOCIAL:
I hope you are all able to join us next Friday evening around 6:30 p.m. for a class "get together" at our home (8431 Turtle Rock Loop in Emerald Forest Subdivision). If you need childcare, please sign up with the church by Monday, April 5. We are looking forward to a time of fellowship and fun. The meal will be potluck, so bring whatever and come join us for a good time in Christian fellowship. If you know you are coming, please shoot me an e-mail to let me know you are coming and let me know what you plan to bring so that we can be sure we don't have all vegetables or all desserts. On the other hand, if we had all desserts, I wouldn't have any choice....I would have to eat sweets. If you are not sure of your availability and cannot make a commitment but find out that you can attend at the last minute, just come on! Our time together is informal so just come join us. Here is my contact information if you need to reach me or Cindy:
E-Mail: jimmycreel@suddenlink.net cindycreel@suddenlink.net
Home Phone: 979-695-1684
Cell Phone: 979-229-6606
Looking forward to seeing you all Friday Evening.
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