CM Update 5/2/10

Genesis 24:48 -- And I bowed my head and worshiped the LORD, and blessed the LORD God of my master Abraham, who had led me in the way of truth...

Abraham's servant was given the task of finding a wife for Isaac from Abraham's kinsmen. How was he to go about completing this task? I love his idea. He simply asked God to confirm it through a sign, and God was faithful, and led him down a straight path to his goal. If it were me, I might have gone around asking everyone where Abraham's relatives lived. I then would have explained everything and (after much worry and fret about being rejected) asked if there were a potential bride for Isaac. Would I have been successful? Maybe, probably, but not without MUCH more work and worry than needed.

I cannot tell you how reassured, excited, and relieved I am to know the Lord our God leads us in the way of truth! When our hearts are fully surrendered over to Him, He directs us down the straight path of truth...down a way in which He can use us to our fullest capacity to accomplish what He desires in our lives and in the lives of His children. This is a beautiful thing: to trust in the Lord in all HE does and lean not on our own understanding, but to acknowledge HIM in all we do, trusting HE will make our paths straight...sound familiar?

In the Grace of Christ,
Pastor Alan

Discussion Point

Can you remember a time when you surrendered fully over to the Lord in a situation and he gave you a clear straight path?

Weekly Updates:

• Remember to help the parents understand what you have taught the children in their classes. This is very important.
  
• Praise the Lord for raising up teachers for the summer!
• A big thank you to all who participated in the CM Conference. What an incredible time it was!
  

Upcoming Events:

1. Mother/Daughter Brunch - Saturday, May 8th (10:00-12:00pm)
   
2. CM Gone Fishing - Saturday, May 15th (9:30-4:30pm)
3. CM Appreciation Sunday - Sunday, May 23rd

CM Update 4/25/10

1 Samuel 30:6 -- Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

David and his men return home and find their city burned with everyone and thing missing. The Amalekites had made a raid against them and carried everything away...thus our verse. Understanding all that was going on around David at this time brings greater depth to his response. King Saul was still seeking David's life, the Philistine king of Achish (with whom David was hiding) had not allowed David to go to war with him, David's wives and possessions were gone, and now all of David's men were ready to stone him. Time for a pity party, right? WRONG! David sought time with the LORD and through his prayer...his heart being poured out to God and his weakness exposed...he found strength.

In our weakness He is strong...sound familiar. Show your weakness to the Lord this week so He can show Himself strong. Oh yeah, don't be afraid to share this with your children...this is how faith is built.

In the Grace of Christ,
Pastor Alan

Discussion Point

In your time with the Lord this week, what verse has given you strength?

Weekly Updates:

• Remember to help the parents understand what you have taught the children in their classes. This is very important.
  
• Praise the Lord for raising up teachers for the summer!
  

Upcoming Events:

1. One Day CM Conference - Saturday, April 24th (9:00 - 3:00pm)
2. CM Orientation - Thursday, April 29th (6:30 - 8:30pm)
   
3. CM Gone Fishing - Saturday, May 15th (9:30 - 4:30pm)
4. CM Appreciation Sunday - Sunday, May 23rd
   

CM Update 4/18/10

1 Samuel 14:28 -- Then one of the people said, "Your father strictly charged the people with an oath, saying, 'Cursed be the man who eats food this day.'" And the people were faint.

The section containing this verse is labeled in my Bible as "Saul's Rash Vow". Rash words or actions are usually a result of over self-confidence, lacking prayer and wisdom, and resulting in unnecessary harm. Sunday morning, after reading this chapter, I prayed to the Lord, asking Him to keep me from ever having a rash heart. Little did I know (but oh, how He did) that I would need His help in this area that very morning.

Due to a teacher's absence, I had to do some last minute teaching for the 4yrs-K class. Worried at first over the last minute prep, I began to review the lesson and craft for the class. Praise the Lord, I was able to find a craft I could handle quickly, put together the flannel board pieces, and prep the teaching with some time to spare. At about 8:20am after gathering everything together, I stated in my heart, "I got this, no problem!". Within seconds I found myself on my knees on the classroom floor repenting from such a rash statement.

We must remember to never be rash in our teaching of God's word to the children. No matter how well we know the story, how simple a truth we are communicating, or how young the kids, without prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit in our class, our children will grow faint in the Lord. Praise the Lord for the word of God that keeps us on the straight and narrow!

Oh, and by the way, the Lord was good and the class went great!

In the Grace of Christ,
Pastor Alan

Discussion Point

What has been a good reminder to you this week from God's word?

Weekly Updates:

• Remember to help the parents understand what you have taught the children in their classes. This is very important.
  
• Mark your calendars for our CM One Day Conference...this is a great time of refreshing and training!
• Praise the Lord for raising up teachers for the summer! We have a few needs left if anyone is interested or knows anyone who might be.
  

Upcoming Events:

1. One Day CM Conference - Saturday, April 24th (9:00 - 3:00pm)
2. CM Orientation - Thursday, April 29th (6:30 - 8:30pm)
   
3. CM Gone Fishing - Saturday, May 15th (9:30 - 4:30pm)

CM Update 4/11/10

Judges 2:10b -- And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel.

How could this happen!! According to Judges 3, the generation that did not know the Lord was only one generation from those who entered and took the Promised Land. How could the people so quickly turn from the Lord? I do have a suggestion. Could it have been that the generation who entered the Promised Land was so focused on the continuation of the conquer, the building up of the new cities, and the enjoyment of their new life away from the wilderness (all good things mind you) that they forgot to obey the command of the Lord to tell their children what they had experienced? Did they forget to let their children know the amazing things the Lord had done in their presence, the discipline they received for disobedience, and the blessings for obedience?

We must remember that we too could be just one generation away from..."And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done..." Take time this week to tell your children about the amazing things the Lord has done in your life and your relationship with Him.

In the Grace of Christ,
Pastor Alan

Discussion Point

What amazing work has the Lord done in your life that you can share with your children this week?

Weekly Updates:

• Remember to help the parents understand what you have taught the children in their classes. This is very important.
  
• Mark your calendars for our CM One Day Conference...this is a great time of refreshing and training!
• If you are interested in being a Summer Teacher let me know. We still have some holes to fill!
  

Upcoming Events:

1. One Day CM Conference - Saturday, April 24th (9:00 - 3:00pm)
2. CM Orientation - Thursday, April 29th (6:30 - 8:30pm)
   
3. CM Gone Fishing - Saturday, May 15th (9:30 - 4:30pm)

CM Update 4/4/10

John 11:5-6 -- Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when He heard that he was sick, He stayed two more days in the place where He was.

Interesting, don't you think? Jesus stayed where He was, though He knew it would result in the death of Lazarus and the sorrow of many. There is one more thing Jesus knew however...the will of the Father. Jesus knew the Father's will was for Lazarus to be raised from the dead, thus bringing much glory to the Son and joy to his followers.

Wouldn't it be nice to know the will of the Father in every situation? It would make life much easier. Guess what? The will of the Father is that we have eternal life. And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. (John 17:3) We can always know the right decision to make if our hearts are set on knowing Jesus more. When we set our lives to the tune of His purpose, we can truly know that all things work for our good.

In the Grace of Christ,
Pastor Alan

Discussion Point

Tell about a time you had to make a tough decision and how the Lord worked things out for your good?

Weekly Updates:

• Remember to help the parents understand what you have taught the children in their classes. This is very important.
  
• Mark your calendars for our CM One Day Conference...this is a great time of refreshing and training!

Upcoming Events:

1. One Day CM Conference - Saturday, April 24th (9:00 - 3:00pm)
2. CM Orientation - Thursday, April 29th (6:30 - 8:30pm)
   
3. CM Gone Fishing - Saturday, May 15th (9:30 - 4:30pm)