The Champions Spirit
Volume 68, Issue 5
February 8, 2009
In This Issue
Our Perfect Friend!
David, recounting his day’s activity in 3rd grade art class said: “They told us to draw ourselves.” Then, he added: “But without a mirror, I ended up a total stranger.”
Funny! Yet, something similar actually needs to happen to you and me!
Draw yourself—your spiritual self—with words! On the canvas of your mind—using the colors of the palate of your own humanity—draw yourself. Begin.
How does your picture “end up? ”Undoubtedly, we all have the same poor result. The yellow of weakness. The chartreuse of pride. The black of sin. The gray of hopelessness. The broad brush strokes portray vividly those attributes of our humanity that bring us both alarm and dismay. How’s your drawing? Like the rest of ours—in a word: Ug—ly! (Wouldn’t you rather be like David and find the picture looks like a “total stranger?” Unfortunately, it is altogether too real—too much us!)
Perhaps your picture reminds you of Romans 7, where Paul was, in a sense, “drawing himself.” Read the bulk of the chapter and you will see he had the same result—and the same dismay!
Yet, guess what? The answer to the dilemma of our own spoiled self-portrait is in the same answer that Paul found in Rom. 7:25-8:1. The answer is not in the attributes of self, but the atonement of a Savior. Thanks be to God, He gives us the answer that changes us from within into the likeness of true beauty—Jesus Christ! We are blessed...for when we are in Christ our drawing doesn’t look like ourselves—or even a total stranger, but rather like One who is Our Perfect Friend.
—Larry Keele
FAMILY MATTERS...
Champions is truly blessed by guests who come to study and worship with us. If you are visiting today, we are honored by your presence and hope you will make it a point to come back often as possible. If you are looking for a church home and have questions either about Christ and the church in general or Champions in particular, please feel free to ask. We would enjoy the opportunity to talk with you at your convenience.
We rejoice in the news of our new sister in Christ, Holly Lawson, who was baptized last Saturday by her father following studies with Brett Toldan and Jeremy Geurin.
A special debt of gratitude is owed to all the ladies who spent so much time and effort in planning for and the execution of this year’s Ladies’ Day.
Our first Sweetheart Brunch will take place next Saturday morning in the fellowship room. This will provide the men an opportunity to prepare and serve some special dishes! Sign the list on the bulletin board for this “lovely” day!
Yes, September is the correct month for our “Come Home Sunday!” (Congratulations to those who got it right!) Now, what is the date of the big event?
Parting Thought: Religion has been argued over, fought over, and written about...what it needs is to be lived.
HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!
Bill's Bits
In His Steps
Just a few years ago there was a lot of talk about “What Would Jesus Do?” There were bracelets, bumper stickers, and lapel pins all asking WWJD? It was a fad that we often swept under the rug as a passing thing. But I think it is a question that is worth considering.
The phrase comes from a book written in 1896 by Charles Sheldon. It is called In His Steps and the book is a reflection on Christian discipleship. In the novel a church is challenged by the words of a passing tramp to live out the actual call of Jesus in 1 Peter 2:21 to follow in His steps. What follows is the way that individuals work out how to best do what they believe that Jesus would do. Their guidance is the Bible and the Holy Spirit. Their aim is to be more and more Christ-like in their lives. A newspaper man struggles with what Jesus would print in the newspaper every day. A railroad manager learns how to treat employees and deal with corruption. A preacher questions his teaching, preaching, and service. Young people look for purpose and mature believers seek meaning. It is a great read and one that I would recommend because it takes the reader back to the center of our Christian walk.
Christian formation has always been about one thing—taking on the character of Christ. At the heart of all that we are and all that we do and all that we think there is Jesus. His life is our standard and His will defines how we live. Seeking to follow in the steps of Jesus is no passing fad or catchy gimmick. It is God’s purpose for all humanity.
Take a moment and just think how your life would be different if you looked at Jesus before you watched T.V. What if you talked to God before you made the next phone call? What would change if you looked for Him in Walmart or at school? It is a powerful reminder that Jesus wants to transform every part of our lives. The call is simple—look like Jesus. The impact is life changing.
—Bill Rasco
Jeremy's Junction
In the youth group, we have some amazing things going on and some individual achievements that have shown the hearts of our teenagers. Some of the stuff you see when the guys do youth-led services and lead the devotional Wednesday nights like Shandon did this past week. He did an amazing job, and he is just one example of the many great speakers in our youth group. We have several amazing females that you don't really see them "do their thing" that much. We have amazing girls like Amanda Mahle who always puts others first and never judges someone for their mistakes. We have Seniors like CJ, Kaitlyn, and Skylar who have been beautiful examples in their own way to our richly talented next generation group. These girls teach class, bring friends, and encourage the guys like seasoned veterans in our spiritual war. Obviously I can't say something about all 65 teens but I would like to say something about a young man who doesn't get much fanfare. He is not one to speak much. He quite often lets his actions speak louder. His actions recently, are what helped a wonderful young lady come to Christ.
Brett Toldan is a man of few words. The other teenagers refer to him as "the ninja" of the group. He appears, does his job, and disappears while sometimes never being noticed. Everyone respects Brett because he shows respect to everyone. He aspires to one day be a missionary in Japan and help the church grow in that area. Recently, Brett brought a girl named Hope to church. They talked, had spiritual discussions and then Brett convinced her that she needed to talk to me. Hope and I studied the gospel and Hope was baptized a little over a week ago. We are very proud of Hope and are very glad that she has chosen to be a part of our youth program. Brett's effort and deep care for her soul is a part of what led her to Christ. Like so many of his peers before him, Josh, Tyler, Luke, Thomas, and so many others, Brett has made the effort to be Christ in the lives of others around him.
Our teens are a shining example of how Christ can work through us to help others. Whether it is bringing them to like Christ, helping in their yard, or just being examples to others, our teenagers are an inspiration to us all. It is a hard time to be a teenager, especially a Christian one. Make sure you take the time to find a teenager and let them know how proud you are of them. The future of the church is looking brighter every day.
—Jeremy Geurin
John's Jogs
TIME GETS BETTER WITH AGE
Age 5 – I’ve learned that I like my teacher. She cries when we sing “Silent Night.”
Age 7 – I’ve learned that our dog doesn’t want to eat my broccoli either.
Age 9 – I’ve learned that when I wave to people in the country, they stop what they are doing and wave back.
Age 12 – I’ve learned that just when I get my room the way I like it, Mom makes me clean it up again.
Age 14 – I’ve learned that if you want to cheer yourself up, you should try cheering up another.
Age 15 – I’ve learned that although it’s hard to admit it, I’m secretly glad my parents are strict with me.
Age 24 – I’ve learned that silent company is often more healing than giving advice.
Age 26 – I’ve learned that brushing my child’s hair is one of life’s great pleasures.
Age 29 – I’ve learned that wherever I go, the worst drivers have followed me there.
Age 30 – I’ve learned that if someone says something unkind about me, I must live so that no one will believe it.
Age 42 – I’ve learned that there are people who love you dearly but just don’t know how to show it.
Age 44 – I’ve learned that you can make someone’s day by simply sending them a little note.
Age 46 – I’ve learned that the greater a person’s sense of guilt, the greater his/her need to cast blame on others.
Age 47 – I’ve learned that children and grandparents are natural allies.
Age 48 – I’ve learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.
Age 49 – I’ve learned that singing “Amazing Grace” can lift my spirits for hours.
Age 50 – I’ve learned that motel mattresses are better on the side away from the phone.
Age 51 – I’ve learned that you can tell a lot about a man by the way he handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage and tangled Christmas lights.
Age 52 – I’ve learned that keeping a vegetable garden is worth a medicine cabinet full of pills.
Age 53 – I’ve learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you miss them terribly after they die.
Age 58 – I’ve learned that making a living is not the same as making a life.
Age 61 – I’ve learned that if you want to do something positive for your children, work to improve your marriage.
Age 62 – I’ve learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.
Age 64 – I’ve learned that you shouldn’t go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.
Age 65 – I’ve learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you. But if you focus on your family, the needs of others, your work, meeting new people, and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.
Age 66 – I’ve learned that when I decide something with kindness it’s usually the right decision.
Age 72 – I’ve learned that everyone can use a prayer.
Age 82 – I’ve learned that even when I have pains, I don’t have to be one!
Age 90 – I’ve learned that every day you should reach out and touch someone. People love that human touch–holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.
Age 92 – I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn!
— (copied) John Qualls