One Last Fundraiser! The Choir Banquet is Dec. 15, and they have asked for students to serve at tables during the dinner and in the kitchen. We have FOUR spots open for students attending DNOW (April 1-3). Account money is based on tips. Students must wear white shirt, black pants/skirt. Time is 6:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. To sign up, call or email Julie. First come, first served. jjohnson@ridgecrestbaptist.org or 417.885.5232.
Monday, December 13, 2010
Final Fundraiser of 2010!
One Last Fundraiser! The Choir Banquet is Dec. 15, and they have asked for students to serve at tables during the dinner and in the kitchen. We have FOUR spots open for students attending DNOW (April 1-3). Account money is based on tips. Students must wear white shirt, black pants/skirt. Time is 6:15 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. To sign up, call or email Julie. First come, first served. jjohnson@ridgecrestbaptist.org or 417.885.5232.
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
This is what's up!
Winter Retreat Parent (and student) Meeting TONIGHT, 7:30 p.m., FC Foyer. I hope to see you there! Our buses are almost full, but we can probably squeeeeeze another few on them.Julie
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Winter Retreat, Dec. 3 and 4!!!
Dear rbcstudents:Our first-ever Winter Retreat is this week -- Friday through Saturday! Bradley Maybin, from Amarillo, Texas, is our speaker. James Copeland and Nate Bock are leading worship.
Final check-in is at 6 p.m. We leave at 6:30 p.m. We'll be back at 3 p.m. Saturday. The place is Baptist Hill.
Cost is $35. We still have a few spots on the buses! And we'd love to see you there. Let's reFRESH, eh?
Parent Meeting is tomorrow, Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m. in FC Foyer. A notary will be present.
Questions? Comment below or email me at jjohnson@ridgecrestbaptist.org or call me at 885.5232.
Medical Release forms can be found at the top of the page. They must be notarized!
Julie
Friday, November 12, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Kingdom-Focused Prayer Conference
Friday, Nov. 19
6 p.m.
$5 family meal (14 inch pizza & drinks for family) in the FC.
$3 individual meal (3 slices pizza & drink) in the FC.
Please RSVP with Rosetta at 885-5216 or rakers@ridgecrestbaptist.org to place your order, or just come at 6 p.m. and choose from what we order as extra.
7 p.m.
Adults -- Session #1 with Rick Astle in the Worship Center.
Preschool -- Childcare
Children -- grades 1-3 & 4-6 -- Will have specifically designed lessons and activities about prayer.
Students -- grades 7-12 -- attend session with Rick or will help with children.
Saturday, Nov. 20
9 a.m.
Adults –- Session #2 with Rick Astle in the Worship Center.
Preschool/Children -- Play games/inflatables in the FC and in the children's area.
Students -- grades 7-12 -- Attend session with Rick or help with children.
12 p.m.
Kingdom Prayers luncheon with Rick Astle in the Ridgecrest Room.
(You MUST RSVP with Rosetta at 885.5216 or rakers@ridgecrestbaptist.org. No child care provided. Children will eat with their parents.)
Sunday, Nov. 21
5 a.m.
Singles prayer gathering in the Chapel.
9 a.m.
Session #3 with Rick Astle in the Worship Center.
10:30 a.m.
Session #3 with Rick Astle in the Worship Center.
10:31 a.m.
Session #3 with Rick Astle in the Fellowship Center (live feed).
6:30 p.m.
Adults –- FINAL session with Rick Astle in the Worship Center.
Preschool/Children -- Watch Veggie Tales: It's a Meaningful Life in the FC.
Students -- grades 7-12 -- Attend session with Rick Astle or help with children.
6 p.m.
$5 family meal (14 inch pizza & drinks for family) in the FC.
$3 individual meal (3 slices pizza & drink) in the FC.
Please RSVP with Rosetta at 885-5216 or rakers@ridgecrestbaptist.org to place your order, or just come at 6 p.m. and choose from what we order as extra.
7 p.m.
Adults -- Session #1 with Rick Astle in the Worship Center.
Preschool -- Childcare
Children -- grades 1-3 & 4-6 -- Will have specifically designed lessons and activities about prayer.
Students -- grades 7-12 -- attend session with Rick or will help with children.
Saturday, Nov. 20
9 a.m.
Adults –- Session #2 with Rick Astle in the Worship Center.
Preschool/Children -- Play games/inflatables in the FC and in the children's area.
Students -- grades 7-12 -- Attend session with Rick or help with children.
12 p.m.
Kingdom Prayers luncheon with Rick Astle in the Ridgecrest Room.
(You MUST RSVP with Rosetta at 885.5216 or rakers@ridgecrestbaptist.org. No child care provided. Children will eat with their parents.)
Sunday, Nov. 21
5 a.m.
Singles prayer gathering in the Chapel.
9 a.m.
Session #3 with Rick Astle in the Worship Center.
10:30 a.m.
Session #3 with Rick Astle in the Worship Center.
10:31 a.m.
Session #3 with Rick Astle in the Fellowship Center (live feed).
6:30 p.m.
Adults –- FINAL session with Rick Astle in the Worship Center.
Preschool/Children -- Watch Veggie Tales: It's a Meaningful Life in the FC.
Students -- grades 7-12 -- Attend session with Rick Astle or help with children.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Chili Cookoff and rbcstudents Fundraiser, Nov. 21!
Chili Cookoff at Ridgecrest Baptist Church!!! Nov. 21, 11:45 a.m. $5 for adults, $3 for kids (10 and younger)! Buy your tickets THIS Sunday either in the FC foyer before/after 10:31 Service or the Worship Center foyer before/after services. Or Monday-Friday at the receptionist's desk.
Make a mean chili? Enter yours in... the cookoff ($5) or bring a pot just for good eats. Everyone who enters a pot receives one FREE ticket for all-you-can-eat chili, hot dogs, pb & j sandwiches and homemade cookies! Questions? 885.5232. ALL money raised goes toward mission trips, etc.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Thanksgiving!
In the November issue of the Ridgecrest Baptist Church newsletter, we asked you to submit your memories of Thanksgiving. What makes this time of the year special for you? We want to know.
Julie
Julie
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
"I Heart" Quiz and Survey
Dear rbcstudents:The "I Heart" quiz and survey, found below, is taken from Nate's sermon at 651 on Oct. 13. I urge you to take the quiz and fill out the survey. I warn you, though, the results may be tough to swallow.
note: 651 happens each Wednesday, 6:51-7:45 p.m. in the newly renovated FC. Join us, won't you?
Love is patient.
Am I slow to lose my anger? Yes No
Love is kind.
Am I considerate, generous, gentle? Yes No
Love does not envy.
Am I happy for others when they receive praise or gifts? Yes No
Love does not boast.
Am I modest/quiet about myself and my possessions? Yes No
Love is not arrogant.
Am I humble and unconceited? Yes No
Love is not rude.
Do I respect others? Do I place others’ feelings above my own? Yes No
Love does not insist on its own way.
Am I careful to take turns, to allow others to be right? Yes No
Love is not irritable.
Am I considerate/kind/generous when things go wrong in my world? Yes No
Love is not resentful.
Am I kind to others when they’ve done wrong to me? Yes No
Love does not rejoice in wrongdoing.
Am I upset when I or my friends cause trouble? Yes No
Love rejoices with the truth.
Do I encourage others to do what’s right? Do I favor what’s right? Yes No
Love bears all things.
Do I protect others from harm, lies and ridicule? Yes No
Love believes all things.
Do I have hope that others are truthful with words and actions? Yes No
Love hopes all things.
Do I believe the best in others even when they’ve shown otherwise? Yes No
Love endures all things.
Do I love no matter the cost? Yes No
Total # of “Yes”: _____. Total # of “No”: _____.
How did you do?
Do you think you need to more loving? Yes No
If you answered, “yes,” then how are you going to start?
Who do you need to apologize to?
Who do you need to start showing love toward?
Is there anyone else?
Is there anyone you thought “loved” you but now see he/she doesn’t? Yes No
Who is it?
According to the list of what LOVE is, what makes you think he/she doesn’t love you?
How can you show love to that person but separate yourself from him/her if you’re in a bad relationship? (for example, you should break up.)
Pray! Thank God for His love for you. Ask Him to help you continually love others. Ask Him to give you courage to love people like He does. Ask Him to help you get out of bad relationships. Thank Him for His never ending love.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Talk like a lady.
Dear Ladies and Gentlemen: Yes, this is for you. Sure, the title speaks clearly to those of the female side of things. But I promise the premise is for all. I stumbled across this blog post on Friday, but I dismissed it because I, too, saw it as ladies-only and rbcstudents is SO not that way. Yet, as my Saturday wore on, this post kept replaying in my head. And I quickly realized how we -- guys and gals -- need to hear this. What negative talk do you tell yourself? Parents, I have also posted this on rbcparents.blogspot.com with added commentary.
by Elise Stephens
Part 1: Talking About Yourself
“I’m such an airhead. I don’t know why they haven’t fired me yet.”
“Oh my gosh, I’m a whale. Seriously. Don’t even pretend I’m not.”
I’m not sure how it got popular to talk poorly about ourselves and act like our sense of self-worth is a joke.
It’s one thing to be open about our own shortcomings, and a very different thing to put ourselves down. I had to confess this self-deprecating habit as a sin in front of a group of people a few years ago and another girl approached me afterwards and to say she did the same thing. Negative self-talk is far too common, too easy to do, and often treated too insincerely.
Trash yourself, trash God
We are God’s daughters, created in His image. This doesn’t mean we walk around with self-righteous pride or the incorrect idea that we’re perfect. But this does mean that when we call ourselves names or give harsh judgments of our character, we deface the loving perspective that our Father holds for us. Have you noticed that the commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19:18) implies that you must be loving toward yourself? (Food for thought: Does the way that I talk about myself influence the way that I talk about others?)
“Be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Rom. 12:2) and look at yourself from the eyes of your heavenly Dad. A good friend has a paper taped in the upper corner of her bathroom mirror, reminding herself that she is a Daughter of the Most High. God loves her unfailingly, will never desert her, and promises to give her strength and hope for any challenge that she will meet.
Mirror, mirror on the wall
If you need help in finding these words of love and encouragement, meet with another Christian sister and explore the Scriptures together as you create your own Biblical love letter from God. Type it up and tape it to your mirror. Look that daughter of Christ in the eye and try to say something bad about her.
by Elise Stephens
Part 1: Talking About Yourself
“I’m such an airhead. I don’t know why they haven’t fired me yet.”
“Oh my gosh, I’m a whale. Seriously. Don’t even pretend I’m not.”
I’m not sure how it got popular to talk poorly about ourselves and act like our sense of self-worth is a joke.
It’s one thing to be open about our own shortcomings, and a very different thing to put ourselves down. I had to confess this self-deprecating habit as a sin in front of a group of people a few years ago and another girl approached me afterwards and to say she did the same thing. Negative self-talk is far too common, too easy to do, and often treated too insincerely.
Trash yourself, trash God
We are God’s daughters, created in His image. This doesn’t mean we walk around with self-righteous pride or the incorrect idea that we’re perfect. But this does mean that when we call ourselves names or give harsh judgments of our character, we deface the loving perspective that our Father holds for us. Have you noticed that the commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Lev. 19:18) implies that you must be loving toward yourself? (Food for thought: Does the way that I talk about myself influence the way that I talk about others?)
“Be transformed by the renewal of your mind” (Rom. 12:2) and look at yourself from the eyes of your heavenly Dad. A good friend has a paper taped in the upper corner of her bathroom mirror, reminding herself that she is a Daughter of the Most High. God loves her unfailingly, will never desert her, and promises to give her strength and hope for any challenge that she will meet.
Mirror, mirror on the wall
If you need help in finding these words of love and encouragement, meet with another Christian sister and explore the Scriptures together as you create your own Biblical love letter from God. Type it up and tape it to your mirror. Look that daughter of Christ in the eye and try to say something bad about her.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Tailgating!!!
In the words of Hank Williams, jr., "Are you ready for some football?"
Hope so. Because WE are. What's more, we're ready for some good ol' fashioned tailgating with you and area students.
Students, if you want to be part of the official "Road Crew," please sign up on Sunday or reply back. "Road Crew" t-shirts are $10, each. Hoodies to come. Mock up of t-shirt/hoodie design is at kiosk in FC lobby.
Anyone and everyone is invited to join us for some yummy food, hot games and, of course, the MCU.
Schedule is as follows:
Sept. 17 Glendale at Kickapoo
Sept. 24 West Plains at Parkview
Oct. 1 Willard at Parkview
Oct. 8 Kickapoo at Nixa (Nixa's Homecoming)
Oct. 15 NO tailgating
Oct. 22 tba
Oct. 28 (Thursday) Ozark at Kickapoo
Road Crew must be at site at 5:30 p.m. Tailgating begins at 6 p.m. Game starts at 7 p.m.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Q: When did you realize you need a Saviour?
For the next eight or so weeks, we are going through "Life's Healing Choices" during both Small Groups and all worship services. The study is based on The Beatitudes. Today's focus was Matthew 5:3, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "
Both Pastor Hosea and Pastor Andy gave the example of the whack-a-mole, the arcade game that allows patrons to beat down a furry not-so-lifelike mole in an unrelenting, no holds barred whack-a-match. We all have whack-a-moles in our lives, but instead of moles, we use tags such as, "stress," "over-eating," "lust," "control," "perfection," "ego," and so on. Once we seem to have one round figured out, something else pops up, stronger and faster than before. We shush it. It lays low but then tag teams another issue hiding in the hole to the left on the corner. "Errrr," we say. "I'm just so tired," we say. "If I could find the right lover," we say. "If only I were 3 inches taller and 30 pounds thinner," we say. But it's not and we're not and they're not and he's not. What gives?
Q: When did you realize you need a Saviour?
For most of my life, I've been in church on Sunday mornings. I don't remember NOT hearing about Jesus. Really, I just assumed that I could be grandfather-claused in, like in history books. Since my family was going to Heaven, I might as well too, right? My brother, though, didn't see it that way. I remember one particular Sunday morning when it was time for The Lord's Supper. He leaned over and said, "You know you're not supposed to take any." Being the big brother whose only goal was to cause me pain and suffering, I said something like, "Whatever."
When I was nine or so, my mom invited Pastor Hosea over to our house in Springfield so he could talk to me about becoming a Christian. I was baptized in winter when the water heater was broken. It was my mom's birthday. Afterward, my Sunday School teacher came up to me and said, "Julie, I didn't know you were being baptized today. Why didn't you tell me?" I think I smiled. Truth is, I didn't know why I didn't say anything. Moreso, I didn't know why I would.
Then came junior high. We were living in Texas at the time, and things were going on with me. I was full of fear. I regularly went to bed with the knowledge that something bad was going to happen to my family. When I would awake the next morning, the people I loved the most would not be okay. How does a 13-year-old girl move past this? She doesn't. It took awhile, but I arrived at a point where something was going to give. Though I don't remember doing so, I must've told my mom how scared I was. Thing is, there wasn't anything she could do. She could have reassured me. Slept in my bed. Told me I was crazy and to just go to sleep. But what good would any of that had done? Years later, what if those thoughts were still inside my noggin? Would my mom still be sleeping in my bed??? That would make for one really awkward honeymoon, given the chance.
What I do remember is realizing that I needed someone bigger than myself. I needed a Saviour. I was 13, on my bed, grieving to God. Lamenting. I poured out my heart and gave all of that to Him because I knew I couldn't do diddly squat myself. Through nothing but Grace, Jesus rescued me.
Q: When did you realize you need a Saviour?
So, when did you? If you haven't, I am praying now that your heart will be open to Him. Let us know if you wish to talk. 417.885.5232.
Final note: Pastor Andy's challenge. If you don't believe that God is God, Andy is giving you eight weeks to prove it. If he's in the office, his door is open for the proof.
Both Pastor Hosea and Pastor Andy gave the example of the whack-a-mole, the arcade game that allows patrons to beat down a furry not-so-lifelike mole in an unrelenting, no holds barred whack-a-match. We all have whack-a-moles in our lives, but instead of moles, we use tags such as, "stress," "over-eating," "lust," "control," "perfection," "ego," and so on. Once we seem to have one round figured out, something else pops up, stronger and faster than before. We shush it. It lays low but then tag teams another issue hiding in the hole to the left on the corner. "Errrr," we say. "I'm just so tired," we say. "If I could find the right lover," we say. "If only I were 3 inches taller and 30 pounds thinner," we say. But it's not and we're not and they're not and he's not. What gives?
Q: When did you realize you need a Saviour?
For most of my life, I've been in church on Sunday mornings. I don't remember NOT hearing about Jesus. Really, I just assumed that I could be grandfather-claused in, like in history books. Since my family was going to Heaven, I might as well too, right? My brother, though, didn't see it that way. I remember one particular Sunday morning when it was time for The Lord's Supper. He leaned over and said, "You know you're not supposed to take any." Being the big brother whose only goal was to cause me pain and suffering, I said something like, "Whatever."
When I was nine or so, my mom invited Pastor Hosea over to our house in Springfield so he could talk to me about becoming a Christian. I was baptized in winter when the water heater was broken. It was my mom's birthday. Afterward, my Sunday School teacher came up to me and said, "Julie, I didn't know you were being baptized today. Why didn't you tell me?" I think I smiled. Truth is, I didn't know why I didn't say anything. Moreso, I didn't know why I would.
Then came junior high. We were living in Texas at the time, and things were going on with me. I was full of fear. I regularly went to bed with the knowledge that something bad was going to happen to my family. When I would awake the next morning, the people I loved the most would not be okay. How does a 13-year-old girl move past this? She doesn't. It took awhile, but I arrived at a point where something was going to give. Though I don't remember doing so, I must've told my mom how scared I was. Thing is, there wasn't anything she could do. She could have reassured me. Slept in my bed. Told me I was crazy and to just go to sleep. But what good would any of that had done? Years later, what if those thoughts were still inside my noggin? Would my mom still be sleeping in my bed??? That would make for one really awkward honeymoon, given the chance.
What I do remember is realizing that I needed someone bigger than myself. I needed a Saviour. I was 13, on my bed, grieving to God. Lamenting. I poured out my heart and gave all of that to Him because I knew I couldn't do diddly squat myself. Through nothing but Grace, Jesus rescued me.
Q: When did you realize you need a Saviour?
So, when did you? If you haven't, I am praying now that your heart will be open to Him. Let us know if you wish to talk. 417.885.5232.
Final note: Pastor Andy's challenge. If you don't believe that God is God, Andy is giving you eight weeks to prove it. If he's in the office, his door is open for the proof.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Ski | MISSIONS 2011
What it is.
We have your ski trip. And we have your snowboard option. But we also have what makes this annual bus ride to Colorado like nothing else. During the day, we’ll spend time on the slopes. But once evening rolls around, we’ll do what we can for area workers. In the words of Nate Bock, “It’ll be awesome!”
The When and Where.
We’ll be on our merry way Jan. 13. We’ll arrive back in Springfield Jan. 17. In the meantime, we’ll be staying at River Run Village, the most popular lodges at Keystone Resort.
The meetings.
Jan. 9
Parent Meeting & MTT, 6:30 p.m.
Last-minute information will be given to parents. Mission Trip Training is mandatory for students and sponsors. Meet in FC
One more detail.
The deposit schedule is as follows. Please note one very important note: Your first deposit holds your spot.
__ Now Deposit #1 $150
__ Oct. 3 Deposit #2 $100
__ Nov. 7 Deposit #3 $100
__ Nov. 30 Final Balance
We have your ski trip. And we have your snowboard option. But we also have what makes this annual bus ride to Colorado like nothing else. During the day, we’ll spend time on the slopes. But once evening rolls around, we’ll do what we can for area workers. In the words of Nate Bock, “It’ll be awesome!”
The When and Where.
We’ll be on our merry way Jan. 13. We’ll arrive back in Springfield Jan. 17. In the meantime, we’ll be staying at River Run Village, the most popular lodges at Keystone Resort.
The meetings.
Jan. 9
Parent Meeting & MTT, 6:30 p.m.
Last-minute information will be given to parents. Mission Trip Training is mandatory for students and sponsors. Meet in FC
One more detail.
The deposit schedule is as follows. Please note one very important note: Your first deposit holds your spot.
__ Now Deposit #1 $150
__ Oct. 3 Deposit #2 $100
__ Nov. 7 Deposit #3 $100
__ Nov. 30 Final Balance
Decisions to be made.
Registration forms and packets available in FC foyer and Worship Center foyer. Forms include price charts.
Friday, August 13, 2010
The Hosea Bilyeu Family Concert
Join us Sunday, Aug. 15, for the 26th Hosea Bilyeu Family Concert. Admission is free. Times are 9 and 11 a.m. at Ridgecrest Baptist Church and 6 p.m. at Remington's. please note: no small groups or student ministry activities on Sunday!
THEN, come back Aug. 22 for Promotion Sunday. We're excited for the upcoming year and oh so happy to meet the incoming 7th Graders!
For questions, please call 417.885.5232, M-F, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Friday, July 23, 2010
40 Days.
Oy. In the days leading up to CAMP, I wondered that if the sky were to fall, would I know? It's really quite possible that I wouldn't have. I would have been working away in my office, unaware of the goings on outside. Meatballs and spaghetti and ice cream and jell-o could have been piled outside my window, but all I would have seen was CAMP.
I'm SO not complaining. I really love the excitement leading up to the event. It's so busy and so full of people and so wait-to-be-organized and so that-needs-to-be-done-now-why-are-you-looking-at-me-like-that crazy.
But it's July 23, and CAMP is over for another year. However, it's not done. Everyone who went to CAMP received a CAMP booklet with 40 days of devotionals and a challenge packed inside.
Pastor Hosea Bilyeu has challenged us to spend 24 minutes a day, seven days a week reading the Bible. He calls it the "7/24 Challenge." We do the same. And we encourage you to use the 40 Days of Devotionals to partake in it.
For those at CAMP, today is Day 9. Read the book of Ruth. It's only four chapters and doesn't even take up three pages in my Bible. Who was Naomi? hint: this has nothing to do with the country mother-daughter act, The Judds. What happened to her husband? And her sons? And her land? And her daughters-in-law? Why did Ruth cling to Naomi, while Orpah (not Oprah!) only kissed her? Who is this Boaz guy, why was he good and how did he turn this clencher-of-a-story around? Would you have done the same?
If you haven't received a CAMP booklet or if you have a friend or family member who would like to take the 7/24 and use the 40 Days to do so, visit Nate's blog to find postings of the devotionals (days 1-5 are posted now). This is also a great place to post comments or questions. For those who haven't yet started the 40 Days of Devotionals, Day 1 begins with The Beginning, Genesis 1:1, a very good place to start, eh? In what order did God create? What was the one thing that God told Adam he could not eat? (fyi, it was not an apple.) What was God's response after making vegetation? What was His response after creating Adam and Eve?
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
The Avon Lady
Luke 6:27-36
In 1990, Tim Burton and Johnny Depp collaborated for the first time and brought us Edward Scissorhands, a movie about a vision-of-a-man who had scissors as hands and scars on his face. I saw a spot of it the other night, as I flipped through the TV stations, and thought about it as I read Luke 6:32-36 because, not only was Edward a bit rough looking (reminder: scissors/blades as hands), he was unloved and, at first glance, unlovable (reminder: scissors as hands, scars on the face).
Enter the Avon lady and a bottle of astringent.
Peg Boggs, the Avon lady, is a married mother of two whose sales are not much, if any. She lets herself into Edward's home, an old run-down mansion, hoping to find someone with whom she can make a sale or, at the very least, add to her collection of news/gossip. When she sees Edward, she mutters out, "What happened to you?" He replies, "I'm not finished." A few moments later, she's applying astringent to his scars to prevent infection and insisting he must leave with her, which he does and the plot thickens.
Luke 6:32-33 says, "If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same."
The Avon lady turned to leave. She saw the scissors. She saw the scars. She saw the awkward social cues. She saw the stinky, dirty, torn clothing. She saw the hair that was all funky and ... funky. The mansion was empty. Wealth was not evident. Networking wasn't evident. And she turned to leave. But she stopped. And she faced her fears of Edward. And her community and her family. She stopped and talked and listened and offered the only thing she had -- a strong astringent to prevent infection. Edward had nothing to give her! They had no connection. There was no planning, or thinking or preparing. It was a moment. The Avon lady lived big! And she took the moment and loved someone who didn't love her. And she did good for someone who had probably never done good for anyone.
Luke 6:35-36 says, "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your father is merciful."
Julie Johnson, Ridgecrest Baptist Church
Share and win! Post a comment about a time when you have lived out Luke 6:27-36. Two winners will be randomly drawn and each will receive a free fruit smoothie from McDonald's or $10 off CAMP.
In 1990, Tim Burton and Johnny Depp collaborated for the first time and brought us Edward Scissorhands, a movie about a vision-of-a-man who had scissors as hands and scars on his face. I saw a spot of it the other night, as I flipped through the TV stations, and thought about it as I read Luke 6:32-36 because, not only was Edward a bit rough looking (reminder: scissors/blades as hands), he was unloved and, at first glance, unlovable (reminder: scissors as hands, scars on the face).
Enter the Avon lady and a bottle of astringent.
Peg Boggs, the Avon lady, is a married mother of two whose sales are not much, if any. She lets herself into Edward's home, an old run-down mansion, hoping to find someone with whom she can make a sale or, at the very least, add to her collection of news/gossip. When she sees Edward, she mutters out, "What happened to you?" He replies, "I'm not finished." A few moments later, she's applying astringent to his scars to prevent infection and insisting he must leave with her, which he does and the plot thickens.
Luke 6:32-33 says, "If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same."
The Avon lady turned to leave. She saw the scissors. She saw the scars. She saw the awkward social cues. She saw the stinky, dirty, torn clothing. She saw the hair that was all funky and ... funky. The mansion was empty. Wealth was not evident. Networking wasn't evident. And she turned to leave. But she stopped. And she faced her fears of Edward. And her community and her family. She stopped and talked and listened and offered the only thing she had -- a strong astringent to prevent infection. Edward had nothing to give her! They had no connection. There was no planning, or thinking or preparing. It was a moment. The Avon lady lived big! And she took the moment and loved someone who didn't love her. And she did good for someone who had probably never done good for anyone.
Luke 6:35-36 says, "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. Be merciful, even as your father is merciful."
Julie Johnson, Ridgecrest Baptist Church
Share and win! Post a comment about a time when you have lived out Luke 6:27-36. Two winners will be randomly drawn and each will receive a free fruit smoothie from McDonald's or $10 off CAMP.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
That Time On The Bus
Ephesians 6:10-18
I can still see her face as she walked down the bus aisle looking for a seat. Her smug, I’m-older-than-you-I’m-bigger-than-you-I’m-better-than-you face. And even though it was the last day of kindergarten for me, and the last day of sixth grade for her, I was not about to scoot over so that she could sit by me. She was of the grumpy sorts, see. And I was content being alone. Or at least not beside her.
The face had other plans. I saw her see me and the emptiness to my right. I stayed put. Didn’t budge. Averted my gaze.
“Move over,” I heard her say. “No,” I replied. “Move over now, or I’ll hit you with my camera.”
My thirty-something self recalls this conversation and wants to remake the scene: No you did’unt. Really? You threatened me? With your camera??? You have got to be kidding. Really??? How old are you?
But that’s not how it went down. I stayed the course. Some months ago, I was speaking with Pastor Hosea, and he said it clear as day, “You are your mother’s daughter.” He’s right. My mom beat up a boy when she was younger. The way she tells it, he deserved it. And the way I see it, she flattened the rascal.
I digress.
The camera was indeed hanging from her wrist, in plain sight. But I was adamant about not letting her get the win. The face, apparently, was adamant about using her camera as a weapon. She clobbered me. Over and over and over until I relented. It hurt. I’m not going to say I moved willingly, but I did move. I hunkered down close to the window and waited until home before I allowed tears to fall.
My point: I was not ready for battle. I was a six-year-old girl sitting on a school bus headed home for summer break. Not once that morning did I think, I should probably wear some armor under my clothes today in case a sixth grader beats me up with a device normally used to take fun family photos.
Ever notice how Satan and his counterparts use the same tactic? Whether it be a hint of a lie or a full-fledged war, the enemy rarely – if ever – gives fair warning.
Ephesians 6:11 says, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:13 says, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”
1) God tells us that evil will come our way.
2) Through Paul, God says, “be strong in Me and in the strength of My might.” (Eph. 6:10)
Will the cuts and scrapes and bruises and wounds hurt less when wearing the belt of truth or breastplate of righteousness? Doubt it. But when you are a child of God, He will heal those wounds. And the time will come when He says to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” (Matt. 25:23)
Julie Johnson, Ridgecrest Baptist Church
Pop Quiz: First person to correctly post the whole armor of God will receive $10 off CAMP or Winter Retreat.
I can still see her face as she walked down the bus aisle looking for a seat. Her smug, I’m-older-than-you-I’m-bigger-than-you-I’m-better-than-you face. And even though it was the last day of kindergarten for me, and the last day of sixth grade for her, I was not about to scoot over so that she could sit by me. She was of the grumpy sorts, see. And I was content being alone. Or at least not beside her.
The face had other plans. I saw her see me and the emptiness to my right. I stayed put. Didn’t budge. Averted my gaze.
“Move over,” I heard her say. “No,” I replied. “Move over now, or I’ll hit you with my camera.”
My thirty-something self recalls this conversation and wants to remake the scene: No you did’unt. Really? You threatened me? With your camera??? You have got to be kidding. Really??? How old are you?
But that’s not how it went down. I stayed the course. Some months ago, I was speaking with Pastor Hosea, and he said it clear as day, “You are your mother’s daughter.” He’s right. My mom beat up a boy when she was younger. The way she tells it, he deserved it. And the way I see it, she flattened the rascal.
I digress.
The camera was indeed hanging from her wrist, in plain sight. But I was adamant about not letting her get the win. The face, apparently, was adamant about using her camera as a weapon. She clobbered me. Over and over and over until I relented. It hurt. I’m not going to say I moved willingly, but I did move. I hunkered down close to the window and waited until home before I allowed tears to fall.
My point: I was not ready for battle. I was a six-year-old girl sitting on a school bus headed home for summer break. Not once that morning did I think, I should probably wear some armor under my clothes today in case a sixth grader beats me up with a device normally used to take fun family photos.
Ever notice how Satan and his counterparts use the same tactic? Whether it be a hint of a lie or a full-fledged war, the enemy rarely – if ever – gives fair warning.
Ephesians 6:11 says, “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.” Ephesians 6:13 says, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.”
1) God tells us that evil will come our way.
2) Through Paul, God says, “be strong in Me and in the strength of My might.” (Eph. 6:10)
Will the cuts and scrapes and bruises and wounds hurt less when wearing the belt of truth or breastplate of righteousness? Doubt it. But when you are a child of God, He will heal those wounds. And the time will come when He says to you, “Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.” (Matt. 25:23)
Julie Johnson, Ridgecrest Baptist Church
Pop Quiz: First person to correctly post the whole armor of God will receive $10 off CAMP or Winter Retreat.
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
The One Where I Did What I Didn’t Want To Do
Romans 7:14-8:2
It first aired in the fifth season of “Friends,” the one where Joey and Phoebe argue whether or not a truly selfless good deed exists. As I recall, Phoebe thought she had it until someone pointed out how happy she was because of what she did. It wasn’t a selfless act! It made Phoebe feel proud and good and all those things that gave, well, Phoebe the warm fuzzies.
In last week’s Bible study lesson, we talked about how, even though we know and agree with God’s law, we still sin. Even though God’s law is good, and He most certainly knows best, we do what we don’t want to do. Or don’t do what we do want to do. As is the case with Phoebe Buffay. She wanted to give a good deed and receive absolutely nothing in return. But, alas, that didn’t happen.
So we’re all just a bunch of sinners, right? And we’ll get what we pay for. And hate ourselves for messing everything up. No.
Romans 7:24-8:2 says, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”
Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! I am a sinner saved by God through Jesus, not because of some great thing I have done but because of who Christ is.
Julie Johnson, Ridgecrest Baptist Church
It first aired in the fifth season of “Friends,” the one where Joey and Phoebe argue whether or not a truly selfless good deed exists. As I recall, Phoebe thought she had it until someone pointed out how happy she was because of what she did. It wasn’t a selfless act! It made Phoebe feel proud and good and all those things that gave, well, Phoebe the warm fuzzies.
In last week’s Bible study lesson, we talked about how, even though we know and agree with God’s law, we still sin. Even though God’s law is good, and He most certainly knows best, we do what we don’t want to do. Or don’t do what we do want to do. As is the case with Phoebe Buffay. She wanted to give a good deed and receive absolutely nothing in return. But, alas, that didn’t happen.
So we’re all just a bunch of sinners, right? And we’ll get what we pay for. And hate ourselves for messing everything up. No.
Romans 7:24-8:2 says, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin. There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.”
Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! I am a sinner saved by God through Jesus, not because of some great thing I have done but because of who Christ is.
Julie Johnson, Ridgecrest Baptist Church
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