The Champions Spirit
Volume 67, Issue 47
November 23, 2008
Thankful...
These are interesting times. Strange days. For a number of reasons.
For one, it seems that some giant company (or is it industry?) is constantly stepping to the front of the line with their “hat in hand,” looking for millions or billions of dollars for some kind of financial “bailout.”
For another, a new governmental power is taking office in January. There is uncertainty as to what will be proposed and passed into law over the coming months and next four years.
Then, prices fluctuate wildly. The stock market seems to gain only to later lose that profit “and then some.” Gas that was over $3 a gallon just a couple of weeks ago is now priced at much less than $2 per gallon this week. But who expects it to stay there?
Interesting times. Strange days. Indeed!
Let me suggest that even in the midst of such days, there are so many things for which we should be grateful that we cannot come close to giving a complete list! Here is merely the starting point. Let us thank God who gives us “all things that pertain to life” (2 Pet. 1:3). Let us continually offer the fruit of our lips in praise and thanks to Jesus who brings us, “life and life more abundantly” (John 10:10). Let us form a prayer of gratitude for the church, purchased by the blood of the Lamb (Eph. 5:25, Rev. 5:9-10). We can rejoice in our relatives as we work God’s plan for the family unit (Eph. 5:22-6:4). We are to give thanks “in everything” (1 Thess. 5:18). I challenge you to look up “thankfulness” in your concordance (or perhaps on your computer). Most likely, the great host of Scriptures associated with thanksgiving and gratitude will surprise you. Take those Scriptures and their concepts to heart. Indeed, even in these strange and interesting days, there is still so very much for which we should be Thankful....
—Larry Keele
FAMILY MATTERS...
Visitors are always welcome guests when the Champions family meets together to engage hearts and minds in worship! e are thankful for your presence. Come again soon.
Wednesday was the last day for Bill Yasko to work part-time on our ministry staff. Working in the area of evangelism, he has helped to focus our attention more prominently on souls and for that we are very grateful. Our prayer is that the Lord will bless him richly as he will be locating another congregation with which to work. At the present, Dot Yasko will continue her counseling work. We have been greatly blessed by our association with the Yasko family!
Didn’t you enjoy our “Mission Sunday”? Getting to put “faces” with the names of some of our missionaries is truly a delight. Hearing of their good work and their plans causes us to glorify the heavenly Father.
This week many of us will be traveling to be with family and friends for the Thanksgiving holiday! Our prayer is that all will be safe, enjoy the privilege of time together with their loved ones, and come home safely!
Karen McCall’s parents, Foy and Grace Bailey are celebrating their 75th (that’s no misprint) anniversary! What a record! We are proud of their example!
Parting Thought: It’s hard to be thankful without being prayerful!
HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!
Bill's Bits
Thanksgiving
I am thankful for a God who loves me and cares for me.
I am thankful for a family that blesses me every day with love, laughter, and fulfillment.
I am thankful for a church family that seeks God and invites me to walk with them on the journey.
I am thankful for a place to live and food to eat.
I am thankful for friends.
I am thankful for another day to live.
I am thankful for a Bible to read and the freedom to do so.
I am thankful for more than I can list.
Thanksgiving is not just a day.
Thanksgiving is an attitude of the heart that shapes how I see and what I see. It is a God-given ability to know that I rest in the arms of another. It is knowledge that God is in control. It is something that touches those I touch and changes those I meet. Thanksgiving is a life lived in the blessing of God. I hope you are thankful. I pray that your eyes are open to the movement of God in your life and the life around you.
—Bill Rasco
Jeremy's Junction
I've been studying spiritual warfare lately, and I ran across this article by Craig Larson on the Internet. I think it provides a powerful illustration of how important it is that we prepare ourselves for our battles with Satan.
Recently, National Geographic ran an article about the Alaskan bull moose. The males of the species battle for dominance during the fall breeding season, literally going head-to-head with antlers crunching together as they collide. Often the antlers, their only weapon, are broken. That ensures defeat. The heftiest moose, with the largest and strongest antlers, triumphs. Therefore, the battle fought in the fall is really won during the summer, when the moose eats continually. The one that consumes the best diet for growing antlers and gaining weight will be the heavyweight in the fight. Those that eat inadequately sport weaker antlers and less bulk. There is a lesson here for us. Spiritual battles await. Satan will choose a season to attack. Will we be victorious, or will we fall? Much depends on what we do now—before the wars begin. The bull moose principle: Enduring faith, strength, and wisdom for trials are best developed before they're needed.
—Jeremy Geurin
John's Jogs
I ran this article three years ago. However, following Will Hanstein’s challenge to bring one person to Christ during the next year, it seems appropriate to attach this poem to the challenge. It is certainly worth our serious consideration.
MY FRIEND
My Friend, I stand in the judgment now
And feel that you’re to blame some how.
On earth I walked with you day by day,
And never did you point the way.You knew the Lord in truth and glory,
But never did you tell the story.
My knowledge then was very dim
You could have led me safe to Him.Tho we lived together on the earth,
You never told me of the second birth;
And now I stand this day condemned,
Because you failed to mention Him.You taught me many things, that’s true;
I called you “friend” and trusted you,
But I learn now that it’s too late;
You could have kept me from this fate.We walked day by day and talked by night,
And yet you showed me not the light.
You let me live, and love, and die,
You knew I’d never live on High.Yes, I called you “friend” in life,
And trusted you through joy and strife,
And yet, on coming to this end,
I cannot, now, call you “My Friend”!(Author Unknown)
—John Qualls