The Champions Spirit
Volume 68, Issue 45
Nov. 15, 2009
In This Issue
The Enemy Within
Recently, we were all shocked and saddened by the loss of the lives of military personnel. While, hopefully, we are always saddened and affected by the loss of those who have given their lives on the battlefield, this occurred in a most unexpected place—right on the army base. It wasn’t that someone lobbed mortar shells from outside the perimeter—this disaster occurred from within. One of the military’s own, a major, turned—for whatever reason—on those who were supposed to be his own comrades in arms. That “one of their own” would perform such a horrific act of violence and death is really hard to fathom. Yet, it happened.
Some time ago, there was another “band of brothers.” One of them, however, “went to the other side” (Mark 14:10). Those opposed to Jesus had often sought his harm. But now, it was different! It was as Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you that one of you will betray Me—one who is eating with me” (Mark 14:18). From where would betrayal come? “One of you.” One of the chosen twelve, one of His dinner companions! The tragedy of betrayal! Part of the tragedy lies in the source of betrayal. If it were from a stranger, or even a mere acquaintance, that would be one thing. This was an insider! How the betrayal hurt!
The betrayal of Christ was not a one-time occurrence by Judas Iscariot. It did happen then, but it happens still. One who is washed goes back to “wallow in the mire” (2 Pet. 2:22). That “one of His own” could perform such a horrific act of betrayal is hard to fathom. Yet, to be sure, it does still happen. May we make sure that His betrayal does not happen through us—that we are never counted as The Enemy Within!
—Larry Keele
FAMILY MATTERS...
We are continually blessed by a great number of visitors to our assemblies! If you are one of our guests today, we hope that you will find yourself closer to God as we go to the Word and worship Him together. Please come again as you can!
Next year we are once again going to use the program “Look at the Book.” The goal is to read the entire Bible in 2010 and to be able to discuss it in our Bible classes and worship services. This is truly an exciting program in which we can all look forward to participating! Great things are coming!
Please continue to look at the Scriptures and then, in context of the qualities listed therein, decide who you believe to be qualified so serve as an elder or deacon of this congregation. This is a very important time in the life of any congregation, so please remember this effort in your prayers!
With the recent funerals have come opportunities to bless the bereaved families with food and meals at the building. I want to commend our ladies for the wonderful way in which they all served, not only the families, but the Lord through them! We are so blessed as we have many who serve others and our Lord in a great number of ways! It’s great to be at Champions!
Parting Thought: Some people’s thoughts need washing even more than their bodies.
HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!
Jeremy's Junction
I sometimes have a great view from where I am standing. Some time ago, the youth group got together and formed ideas on how to help the church. One of the things they noticed was when people came forward, someone should go with them. It is done often at church camps and youth rallys, but not really something practiced during our worship periods. So, they decided that they would help out by showing people that when they come forward they won't be alone.
I really feel their idea has made a much larger impression than I anticipated. I have been told by some of you that you have been choked up many times by watching our teens join whoever decides to come forward. We have Luke who comes and makes sure no one is missed due to a larger crowd showing their support. All the teens should be commended by doing this because I believe they have made it more comfortable for people to respond to the invitation. I would love to name them all, but one particular mental image sticks with me. Recently, one of our teenage girls came forward and was joined by several wishing to comfort her. Of course, as always, Rebecca Mahle was one of the first to join her. I was getting ready to pray for this person, when I looked down and saw Rebecca holding her hand and comforting her. It was a beautiful moment I won't soon forget.
Rebecca is an amazing person who has done so much for this church even at her young age. Anyone who has worked with her knows she has a pure heart and loves people. She comes from a great family and has a very good model of teen Christian living from her sister, Amanda. It's hearts like Rebecca's that make you understand what it means when we say, "We want people to see the joy of the Lord when they watch us."
Please pray for our teens that they continue to serve others and serve their Lord. Make sure you encourage them and let them know how proud of them you are. God bless.
—Jeremy Geurin
John's Jogs
ANGER – GRUDGES – FORGIVENESS
As we approach the holidays we start thinking in terms of families and family days and families getting together. We think of the many happy times we’ve had together through the years. We think back to our childhoods, our many Thanksgivings and Christmases we shared together, how our siblings enjoyed opening our gifts and the pleasure of our parents in watching us.
Then we think of other family holidays in which one or more members of the family have had some kind of falling out with others and still are angry or carrying a grudge. Both societal and psychological studies have shown that family holidays can be both the happiest and saddest of times. Too often contentious tensions are present in the gathering which erodes the pleasure of all.
As I was writing this article I took time out to watch the Memorial Service at Fort Hood. It was a grim reminder of how the hatred of one man could cause so much pain and suffering for so many people. It also was a reminder of just how fragile is our earthly existence. Here is a group of people preparing to be sent to a war zone or returning from one. I’m sure none of them ever gave a moment’s thought that they would lose their lives on their home military base. Obviously we have this present moment of time – the past is gone forever – except for the lessons learned, the future may never be – we live in today. After a loved one is gone, it’s too late to make amends for our anger and grudges – forgive them even if it’s their fault.
So as we approach this holiday season may each of us examine our own life. Where we find we have anger and resentment, grudges and hatred toward another, pray about it – release the anger and forgive the person even if it’s not your fault. Of course everyone suffers when there is this type situation in a family. But do you know who suffers the most? It’s the person who holds the grudge and will not let it go and forgive. We all sin and fall short of the glory of God! We all need to forgive and be forgiven!
Jesus had something to say about forgiveness: “Father….forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Mt.6:12,14-15) – Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times but seventy-seven times.” (Mt. 18:21-22)
There is nothing anyone can ever do to me that would cause me to hate and hold on to that hatred to cause me to lose my soul. I may and will hate the evil he has done but I will not hate the person. May we all have a forgiving spirit and prepare for a joyous and prosperous holiday season.
—John Qualls