Mighty Warrior

Retreat Preparation

2011-10-18T04:54:00.000-07:00

It looks like God decided to dial up the cool weather just in time for this year's retreat. I am so thankful. Hopefully we will have clear skies and cool weather the whole time. As you get ready to head out take a few moments to read the following scripture passages and consider a few things.

Read I Samuel 17: Have you ever been truly afraid? Maybe it was a near miss on the highway or the time you received bad news from your doctor about yourself or a loved one. Have you ever been lost, out of work or rejected by those you thought were your friends? This world can be a frightening place, yet here we are. As one of God's children, He has been molding and strengthening you for your whole life. When troubles set in look back at the ribbon of God's will woven through your life. Think of all of the struggles He has already brought you through. Each one of these has been a time when the Lord developed in you courage, endurance and character. This will give you hope, knowing that God is in charge and will give you the strength to persevere.

Read Psalm 40: Isn't it aggravating to watch someone just going through the motions without any real care for what they are doing. We all, on the other hand, love the champion. Whether it's the athlete on the field, the soldier on the battlefield or the dad in the home, we honor the men who take great risks and give everything they have to achieve lofty goals. Think about your Christian walk. What does it take to be a champion for Christ? Does your heart chase after him as the center of your desire? Are you confident in God's provision? Do you seek him regularly and proclaim him to others? Do you seek his forgiveness and grant forgiveness to others?

Read II Samuel 6:1-23 and John 4:4-26: Think for a moment about what you consider worship to be. One man may consider it getting together and singing "worship" songs. Another may consider it to be listening to a sermon. Some see it when they serve others. Is it possible that we have put man made constraints on our worship? Even worse, do we worship a thing called "worship" and not God? Is God even concerned with our definition of it? Think about what God expects from us in our worship. What does it mean to worship in spirit and in truth?

2011 Retreat Itinerary!

2011-10-14T13:05:00.000-07:00

FBC Men’s Retreat 2011
Real Faith
Itinerary

Friday, October 21, 2011

5:00pm – 7:00pm Check-in (Code 5109 for Late Entry)
7:00pm – 8:00pm Dinner
8:15pm - 8:30pm Welcome
8:30pm – 9:15pm Session I – Victory in God’s Power (1 Samuel 17:1-31)
9:15pm – 9:20pm John Pecoraro Testimony
9:15pm – 9:45pm Initial Team Activity
9:45pm Free Time (Campfire, Six Foot Standoff, Football)

Saturday, October 22, 2011

8:30am – 9:15am Breakfast
9:30am – 10:30am Session II – A Heart After God (Psalm 40)
10:30am – 10:45am Rick Ward Testimony
11:40am - 12:15pm Team Activities
12:30pm – 1:15pm Lunch
1:30pm – 6:00pm Free Time (Disc, Zip-Line, Backboard Knockout, etc.)
2:30pm - 3:30pm Backboard Knockout in the Gym
3:30pm - 5:00pm Zip-Lines Open!
6:00pm Team Activities
6:00pm – 6:45pm Dinner
7:00pm – 8:00pm Session III – Real Worship (1 Sam 4, 13; 2 Sam 6)
8:15pm – 8 45pm Worship on the Doc
8:45pm – 9:15pm Awards Ceremony
9:30pm Free Time (Camp Fire, Football)

Sunday, October 23, 20101

o 8:30am – 9:15am Breakfast
o 9:30am – 10:15am Worship
o 10:30am Pack Up / Free Time

What to Bring?
§ Bed linens
§ Toiletries
§ Outdoor clothes
§ Bible
§ Know the late entry code if you arrive after 7pm: 5109
§ Fishing gear
§ Discs

Activities

When you are placed into a cabin you will be given a colored bandanna, which represents your team and cabin. This year’s retreat will integrate a number of activities throughout our time together. Your team will work together through the weekend to win as many of the activities as possible. An awards ceremony will commence at 8:45 pm Saturday.

Six Foot Standoff – Teams consist of up to eight players. The game is set up similarly to soccer with offensive positions, defensive positions and goalies. The goal is to score as many points as possible in a three minute period. The ball changes possession only when it is stolen by the opposing team or when it is knocked out of bounds. The winning team remains on the field to take on the next opponent. The final team remaining wins the standoff.
25 POINTS
Backboard Knockout – This game is fast paced and is lots of fun. Teams consist of up to eight players. Objective: To either knock all of the opposing players out of the game or to make a shot in the basketball goal.Equipment: 15-20 dodge ballsSetup: The half court line divides the teams. Once the game starts, players try to either make a basket or hit players from the opposing team. Players may cross half court to get a closer shot, but they may not hit opposing players with the ball while they are on the others teams side of the court. If you are hit, you are “out” until 1) someone on your team catches a ball or 2) someone on your team hits the opposing teams’ backboard with a ball.
25 POINTS
Man On the Street – Prior to each session one person from each team will come to the front for a game of Man On the Street. Three Biblical trivia questions will be asked. The first person to raise their bandana will have the opportunity to answer the question. If the question is answered incorrectly the next person to raise their bandanna first will have the opportunity to answer the question.
10 POINTS PER QUESTION

Bonus Activities
Chow Down – This test of the true heart and soul of a man will take place just after Session I.
10 POINTS
Memory Passage – Each participant in the Men’s retreat will have the opportunity to memorize and recite 1 Samuel 17:45-47. Memory passage must be recited to Matt Evans, Paul, Nelson, Ryan Sifford or John Pecoraro no later than 6:00pm on Saturday October 22, 2010.
5 POINTS PER PERSON
Closest to the Pin – Immediately following team presentations. Each team will choose three participants to compete in a closest to the pin competition. Each participant will display their strength and skill with one disc toss. The participant with the closest to the pin wins. In the event of a tie a shootout will immediately follow for the tied participants.
15 POINTS

If You're Skeered.

2011-07-18T18:52:00.000-07:00

Hope you enjoy this montage. The soundtrack is known in more sophisticated circles as "Ode'r to Marc Hamm".

2011-06-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

Last week we published the disturbing story of the merger between Major Pain Industries and Ryan Pyrotechnics. In shocking allegations just released this new organization, Quod Erat Demonstrandum (QED), has invested millions to prove their geometric invincibility.
Their top research and development team has created new, hideous implements of warfare to work alongside their 72" Inflatable Ball (aka, Daisy Cutter). This new weaponry, available for use October 21st, 2011, can deliver a lethal payload of destruction at extreme distances with pinpoint accuracy.

Do not find yourself in their split hairs. The Men's Ministries of FBCTC has erected a safe house available to you this fall.

Please note the following safe house coordinates.

32° 12' 15" N / 95° 20' 55" W

As soon as we receive your deposit of $76 (by July 1st) you too can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with the security of our REAL MOV safe house.

See you there...

anon

2011 Men's Retreat promo video #1

2011-06-07T21:55:00.000-07:00

Here's the first promo video to get you pumped up about this year's retreat. Enjoy and plan to be there! If you've never been to one, hopefully this will give you a taste of what they're like and make you want to go.....

--Drew

Our Great God

2011-03-14T15:36:00.000-07:00

Sometimes in the midst of the difficulties of life I become consumed with my own frailty. I find myself pounded by the crashing waves of too many commitments, lack of time, lack of resources and lack of energy.

The problem lies in the fact that I am consumed. I'm consumed with my own plans, my own desires and my own difficulties. I can fill my life to the brim with seemingly good things, but at the end of the day, if my focus isn't on my Creator it's wasted time. It's worse than wasted time. It's idolatry.

Our God is great. Nothing compares to him. The earth is in His hands; from the beautiful sunlit skies to the thundering torrents. The greatest minds on earth cannot plumb His depths. He raises up leaders and he puts them down. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy and names each of the stars in the heavens. He gives strength to weak. He brings justice, and He brings mercy to the repentant.

I find that when I remember this truth my perspective improves. Some of the things I thought were important lose their place; others that I had put off increase in importance. He gives me peace.

I pray that God will help me to remember His incomparable greatness.

The Lord is Incomparable (Isaiah 40:12-31)

40:12 Who has measured out the waters 23 in the hollow of his hand,
or carefully 24 measured the sky, 25
or carefully weighed 26 the soil of the earth,
or weighed the mountains in a balance,
or the hills on scales? 27
40:13 Who comprehends 28 the mind 29 of the Lord,
or gives him instruction as his counselor? 30
40:14 From whom does he receive directions? 31
Who 32 teaches him the correct way to do things, 33
or imparts knowledge to him,
or instructs him in skillful design? 34
40:15 Look, the nations are like a drop in a bucket;
they are regarded as dust on the scales.
He lifts 35 the coastlands 36 as if they were dust.
40:16 Not even Lebanon could supply enough firewood for a sacrifice; 37
its wild animals would not provide enough burnt offerings. 38
40:17 All the nations are insignificant before him;
they are regarded as absolutely nothing. 39
40:18 To whom can you compare God?
To what image can you liken him?
40:19 A craftsman casts 40 an idol;
a metalsmith overlays it with gold
and forges silver chains for it.
40:20 To make a contribution one selects wood that will not rot; 41
he then seeks a skilled craftsman
to make 42 an idol that will not fall over.
40:21 Do you not know?
Do you not hear?
Has it not been told to you since the very beginning?
Have you not understood from the time the earth’s foundations were made?
40:22 He is the one who sits on the earth’s horizon; 43
its inhabitants are like grasshoppers before him. 44
He is the one who stretches out the sky like a thin curtain, 45
and spreads it out 46 like a pitched tent. 47
40:23 He is the one who reduces rulers to nothing;
he makes the earth’s leaders insignificant.
40:24 Indeed, they are barely planted;
yes, they are barely sown;
yes, they barely take root in the earth,
and then he blows on them, causing them to dry up,
and the wind carries them away like straw.
40:25 “To whom can you compare me? Whom do I resemble?”
says the Holy One. 48
40:26 Look up at the sky! 49
Who created all these heavenly lights? 50
He is the one who leads out their ranks; 51
he calls them all by name.
Because of his absolute power and awesome strength,
not one of them is missing.
40:27 Why do you say, Jacob,
Why do you say, Israel,
“The Lord is not aware of what is happening to me, 52
My God is not concerned with my vindication”? 53
40:28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is an eternal God,
the creator of the whole earth. 54
He does not get tired or weary;
there is no limit to his wisdom. 55
40:29 He gives strength to those who are tired;
to the ones who lack power, he gives renewed energy.
40:30 Even youths get tired and weary;
even strong young men clumsily stumble. 56
40:31 But those who wait for the Lord’s help 57 find renewed strength;
they rise up as if they had eagles’ wings, 58
they run without growing weary,
they walk without getting tired.

Retreat Itinerary

2010-10-20T04:33:00.000-07:00

FBC Men’s Retreat 2010
Listen!
Itinerary

Friday, October 22, 2010

5:00pm – 7:00pm Check-in
7:00pm – 8:00pm Dinner
8:15pm - 8:30pm Welcome
8:30pm – 9:15pm Session I
9:15pm – 9:20pm Hamm’s Obedience Testimony
9:15pm – 9:30pm Bonus Activity 1 (Sailor Chow Down)
9:30pm Free Time (Campfire, Six Foot Standoff, Football)

Saturday, October 23, 2010

8:30am – 9:15am Breakfast
9:30am – 10:15am Session II
10:15am – 10:20am Sparks’ Mind Blowing Testimony
10:20am – 11:00am Breakout Groups – Mission Development – J. Pecoraro
11:05am - 11:30am Team Presentations
11:40am - 12:15pm Bonus Activity 2 (Closest to the Pin)
12:30pm – 1:15pm Lunch
1:30pm – 6:00pm Free Time (Disc, Zip-Line, Backboard Knockout, etc.)
2:30pm - 3:30pm Backboard Knockout in the Gym
3:30pm - 5:00pm Zip-Lines Open!
6:00pm Bonus Activity 3 – Scripture Memory Verse Due
6:00pm – 6:45pm Dinner
7:00pm – 7:45pm Session III
8:00pm – 8:10pm Cottle’s Strength Testimony
8:15pm – 8 45pm Worship on the Doc
8:45pm – 9:15pm Awards Ceremony
9:30pm Free Time (Camp Fire, Football)

Sunday, October 24, 2010

o 8:30am – 9:15am Breakfast
o 9:30am – 10:15am Worship
o 10:30am Pack Up / Free Time

What to Bring?
§ Bed linens
§ Toiletries
§ Outdoor clothes
§ Bible
§ Know the late entry code if you arrive after 7pm: 5109
§ Fishing gear
§ Discs

Activities

When you are placed into a cabin you will be given a colored bandanna, which represents your team and cabin. This year’s retreat will integrate a number of activities throughout our time together. Your team will work together through the weekend to win as many of the activities as possible. Each of the activities will relate back to a section of the scripture (Mark 12: 28-34) we are studying. They will tie into the four ways we are to love God: heart, soul, mind and strength. As we progress through the retreat each team will be given points for winning one of the activities listed below. An awards ceremony will commence at 8:45 pm Saturday.

Six Foot Standoff – Teams consist of up to eight players. The game is set up similarly to soccer with offensive positions, defensive positions and goalies. The goal is to score as many points as possible in a three minute period. The ball changes possession only when it is stolen by the opposing team or when it is knocked out of bounds. The winning team remains on the field to take on the next opponent. The final team remaining wins the standoff.
25 POINTS
Backboard Knockout – This game is fast paced and is lots of fun. Teams consist of up to eight players. Objective: To either knock all of the opposing players out of the game or to make a shot in the basketball goal.Equipment: 15-20 dodge ballsSetup: The half court line divides the teams. Once the game starts, players try to either make a basket or hit players from the opposing team. Players may cross half court to get a closer shot, but they may not hit opposing players with the ball while they are on the others teams side of the court. If you are hit, you are “out” until 1) someone on your team catches a ball or 2) someone on your team hits the opposing teams’ backboard with a ball.
25 POINTS
Man On the Street – Prior to each session one person from each team will come to the front for a game of Man On the Street. Three Biblical trivia questions will be asked. The first person to raise their bandana will have the opportunity to answer the question. If the question is answered incorrectly the next person to raise their bandanna first will have the opportunity to answer the question.
10 POINTS PER QUESTION
Mission Plan – After Session Two each of the teams will have 45 minutes to formalize plans for a Christ centered mission activity. Following the planning session each team will have three minutes to present their plan.
25 POINTS
The plans will be judged by Pastors Mark, Wally and John on the following criteria:
1) Its foundation must be in Christ.
2) It must be practical.
3) It must have an aspect of serving others.
4) It must have the ability to be achieved with little or no funds.
5) It must be immediately useful.

Bonus Activities
Sailor Chow Down – This test of the true heart and soul of a man will take place just after Session I.
10 POINTS
Memory Passage – Each participant in the Men’s retreat will have the opportunity to memorize and recite Mark 12: 28-34. Memory passage must be recited to Wally Leyerle, Mark Richardson or John Pecoraro no later than 6:00pm on Saturday October 23, 2010.
5 POINTS PER PERSON
Closest to the Pin – Immediately following team presentations. Each team will choose three participants to compete in a closest to the pin competition. Each participant will display their strength and skill with one disc toss. The participant with the closest to the pin wins. In the event of a tie a shootout will immediately follow for the tied participants.
15 POINTS

Welcome!

2010-10-15T10:15:00.001-07:00

Welcome!

The weekend of October 22nd is going to be great! I look forward to each of you being there. Don’t forget dinner is served Friday night at 7pm. It’s included in your payment, so make sure you are there. If for some reason you will arrive after 7pm the code to enter Pine Cove is 5109.

We will be reviewing Deuteronomy 6 and Mark 12: 28-34. Study ahead and consider a few things. Do you fear the Lord? Do you love the Lord? Do you love your neighbor? What does that look like in your life? We’re going to talk about that, and hopefully you’ll return home with some practical applications in your life.

Here are some important things to remember. Bring your own bed linens and toiletries. We will be outside a good deal, so bring comfortable clothes you can move around in. Activities range from midnight football, to disc golf, to zip lines, to fishing and more. You’ll also have plenty of opportunity to just relax, so bring a book if you like. Bring your Bible and something to write with. You’ll definitely need that.

Leave the rat race behind. Your cell phone probably won’t work at Pine Cove. That’s okay; it would just be a distraction. Take this opportunity to leave the hectic pace for a while and enjoy God’s word, God’s creation and God’s people.

I look forward to seeing each of you there.

Matt Evans

kataggellō theos

Ἰησοῦς

Fear

2010-09-30T08:49:00.000-07:00

In the quiet stillness you lay your head on your pillow, as a thousand thoughts filter through the recesses of your mind like spilt ink. You wrestle with the sheets knowing you have to get up early. Glancing over you notice your wife is already asleep. You take a deep breath and attempt to erase the background noise of the events of your day. It's not long until the disquieting hum of silence envelopes you.

For some unknown reason you begin to consider the day you will die. Your human nature struggles, simultaneously attempting to disregard the image, while the thoughts of your decay engage your senses. What's more, you understand that somehow, even in your death, you will be held accountable for your life. Your heart races as the chilling realization of your complete inability to save yourself rushes over you like a flood.

You get up and shuffle around the bed in the darkness. Maybe you just need a glass of water to clear your head. Flipping the switch in the kitchen you see your cell phone lying on the counter, it's dull green strobe pulsating endlessly. It brings to mind all you have to do tomorrow, and for some reason you feel a little better. With the thoughts of your own mortality chased away by tomorrow's plans you make your way back to bed. Your wife sleeps peacefully. The cool sheets and the sound of the ceiling fan offer their temporary comforts, and suddenly you are drifting away. Gone.

What frightens you? What really frightens you? I'm not talking about the momentary inconveniences of life we all struggle to avoid. I'm talking about the deep primal fear within every man. The fear of death. The fear of separation from your Creator.

Do you fear God? What does it mean to fear God anyway? Is it simply a fuzzy notion of deep respect and honor? Or could it mean something more? Could it really mean "fear"? Could it be the kind of fear that causes a man to drop face down in dirt in humble submission, begging for mercy?

God created all things. He rules all things. He judges all things. He is loving and merciful. He is righteous and just. We are all rebellious and deserving of his justice and wrath.

What are you afraid of?

I am thankful for my saviour, Jesus Christ. It is right to fear God, because his justice requires my punishment. Jesus bore God's wrath for me. Jesus is my righteousness. In Christ, God sees me as clean and his child. I am thankful. It is right to fear God.

In preparation for the retreat study Deuteronomy 6. Ask yourself if you fear God. Do you love him fully? Are you thankful for Christ taking your punishment? Are thankful for Christ being your righteousness?

Fear the Lord....Love the Lord....Thank the Lord....

m

Video From 2009 Retreat

2010-06-03T13:38:00.000-07:00

Taking stock

2010-05-27T18:41:00.000-07:00

As the world continues to suffer through the worst economic crisis in my lifetime, we're constantly bombarded by financial news. One day, things appear to be desperately bad, with untold billions of dollars/euros/yen in market value evaporating. Yet, just a day or two later, these same worldwide markets are soaring after receiving some nugget of good news. The scrolling stock tickers on the news channels and business websites are a grim reminder of the world's current financial condition. I like to keep tabs of the stock prices of a few companies: Lionbridge (my employer), Nokia and Motorola (my major customers), and a few of my favorite companies like Apple.
The other day, after checking out the latest market results, I thought to myself: what if we all had a spiritual stock ticker? What if every time I yelled at yet another clueless driver, a red downward arrow appeared over my head? Or when I pray with Nicole at night for our friends, family and church, a green arrow popped up? Speeding?
Worse yet, what if there were actual numbers that showed my "spiritual value" to the rest of the world? How would I compare to my friends? Is James trading higher than Brian? What about Floyd? Is someone short-selling Howard?
Thankfully, none of these scenarios is a reality. As a child of God, my value was established more than 2,000 years ago, when Christ paid the ultimate price for me. Romans 5:8 tells us "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us"
As someone who was bought and paid for long, long ago by a loving God, I don't have to get caught up in my day-to-day value. Regardless of how many times I fail -- as a dad, husband, friend or employee -- God still sees me as blameless and perfect through the blood-colored lens of His grace.

Lectio Divina

2009-11-16T14:47:00.000-08:00

I have treasured Your word in my heart, so that I may not sin against You. Psalm 119:11

But He answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4: 4

Joy, feasting and laughter abound during the holidays. Families gather together, relationships are renewed, and children eagerly anticipate what gifts they'll find under the tree.

It is also a time of increasingly self-focused behavior. What we once devoted to prayer and study dwindles, being replaced by holiday preparations. Decorations, parties and the holiday ham take up more time than we'd like to admit.

I encourage each of us to remember the importance of remaining grounded in the Word during this joy filled season. Below is a systematic method of Biblical study called Lectio Divina, which will help you to improve the consistency and quality of your quiet times. While it is intended to be a one hour study, do it for thirty minutes if that's all you have. Try it for a week and see how it works.

Lectio Divina: Latin for divine reading. A traditional Christian practice of prayer and scriptural reading intended to promote communion with God and to increase in the knowledge or God’s Word. It is a way of praying with Scripture that calls one to study, ponder, listen and, finally, pray and even sing and rejoice from God’s Word, within the soul. www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lectio_Divina

Four Steps (1 hour)
1. Lectio: Reading
Read passage slowly several times.
Write down words that stand out to you.
2. Meditatio: Meditation
Consider the meaning of the passage as a whole.
Consider the meaning of the words noted
Consider what the Holy Spirit is teaching you.
3. Oratio: Prayer
Communicate with God the things you have learned in the passage.
Ask for wisdom
Praise for revelation
4. Contemplatio: Contemplation
Praise
How does it apply to your life?

Highlights of 2009 FBC Men's Retreat

2009-10-25T19:15:00.000-07:00

Retreat Itinerary

2009-10-18T12:37:00.000-07:00

FBC Men’s Retreat 2009
Agnostos Theos
Itinerary

Friday, October 23, 2009

o 5:00pm – 7:00pm Check-in
o 7:00pm – 8:00pm Dinner
o 8:30pm – 9:15pm Session I – Three Commands for the King’s Warriors
o 9:30pm Free Time (Campfire, football, capture the flag)

Saturday, October 24, 2009

o 8:30am – 9:15am Breakfast
o 9:30am – 10:15am Session II - The Faithfull Witness
o 10:15am – 11:45am Session III – Practical Evangelism (Wally)
o 12:30pm – 1:15pm Lunch
o 1:30pm – 6:00pm Free Time (Disc, Zip-Line, Backboard Knockout, etc.)
o 6:00pm – 6:45pm Dinner
o 7:00pm – 7:45pm Session IV – Proclaiming God
o 8:00pm – 8:30pm Amazing God (Mark)
o 9:30pm Free Time (Camp fire, football)

Sunday, October 25, 2009

o 8:30am – 9:15am Breakfast
o 9:30am – 10:15am Worship
o 10:30am Pack Up / Free Time

What to Bring?
 Bed linens
 Toiletries
 Outdoor clothes
 Bible
 Know the late entry code if you arrive after 7pm: 1967
 Fishing gear?
 Discs?

Welcome!

2009-10-18T12:25:00.000-07:00

The weekend of October 23rd is going to be great! I look forward to each of you being there. Don’t forget dinner is served Friday night at 7pm. It’s included in your payment, so make sure you are there. If for some reason you will arrive after 7pm the code to enter Pine Cove is 1967.

We will be reviewing Acts 17: 16-34. Paul was a man of strong convictions and extreme courage. He faced many obstacles head on in the strength and courage he gained in Jesus Christ. This weekend we are going to talk about how we can use Paul as an example in our world. Most of the world denies God and the need for His Son. We will be encouraged to courageously stand up and make Jesus known in this world.

Here are some important things to remember. Bring your own bed linens and toiletries. We will be outside a good deal, so bring comfortable clothes you can move around in. Activities range from midnight football, to disc golf, to zip lines, to fishing and more. You’ll also have plenty of opportunity to just relax, so bring a book if you like. Bring your Bible and something to write with. You’ll definitely need that.

Leave the rat race behind. Your cell phone probably won’t work at Pine Cove. That’s okay; it would just be a distraction. Take this opportunity to leave the hectic pace for a while and enjoy God’s word, God’s creation and God’s people.

I look forward to seeing each of you there.

Matt Evans

kataggellō theos

Backboard Knockout

2009-09-09T11:33:00.000-07:00

So we all know that PG Morrison is the creative gamemaker. Last year he had a bunch of grown men chasing each other around with nerf footballs. This year we'll have access to the basketball court, which opens up a world of opportunities, such as the one below....courtesy of Mr. Morrison.

Backboard Knockout

Objective: To either knock all of the opposing players out of the game or to make a shot in the basketball goal.
Equipment: 15-20 gatorskin foam balls
Setup: The half court line divides the teams. Once the game starts, players try to either make a basket or hit players from the opposing team. Players may cross half court to get a closer shot, but they may not hit opposing players with the ball while they are on the others teams side of the court. If you are hit, you are “out” until 1) someone on your team catches a ball or 2) someone on your team hits the opposing teams’ backboard with a ball.
This game is fast paced and is lots of fun.

agnōstos theos?

2009-08-31T20:04:00.000-07:00

As the retreat draws near you will start to see the three words below more and more. In fact, they are central to the message of this year's retreat. Where are you today? Where do you want to be tomorrow? Are you uncertain of God and your relationship with Him in Christ? Or do you confidently hold on to your salvation, proclaiming the praises of the one who saved you?

Are you agnōstos theos?

or

Do you kataggellō theos?

θεός
theos
theh'-os
Of uncertain affinity; a deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively a magistrate; by Hebraism very: - X exceeding, God, god [-ly, -ward].

ἄγνωστος
agnōstos
ag'-noce-tos
Unknown: - unknown.

καταγγέλλω
kataggellō
kat-ang-gel'-lo
To proclaim, promulgate: - declare, preach, shew, speak of, teach.

Because Wally Says So WIWTG # 5

2009-07-13T13:23:00.000-07:00

Three Easy Steps to Experiencing God's Will

2009-06-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

I have spent the last several days preparing for my lesson tonight for the youth and the college and career groups. After spending some time thinking of something to relate to them I settled on I Thessalonians 5: 16-18.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

It's short and sweet, so it should be a piece of cake, right? So, as I prepared I thought of it as three easy steps to experiencing God's will in my life. It only took a moment, however, to realize the difficulty in the application to my life....

Be joyful always? I only have to rewind to yesterday to see a failure here. After a long day at work, my behavior at home was anything but joyful. My old coaches would said my selfish, quick tempered behavior was a "blown assignment" that would have lead to endless running drills. Fortunately for me, my family was full of God's grace and mercy.

Pray continually? The application of this doesn't make things any easier. As a matter of fact, this was one of my worst weeks of being in prayer. Obviously prayer and joy are tied together. Without prayer my joy drains like a bathtub with the plug pulled.

Give thanks in all circumstances? Does this mean giving thanks when my sales are down, and it doesn't look like I'll have the funds to pay for all the things (good things) going on in my life? Does it mean being thankful when a loved one experiences a life altering illness? How about when good friends experience trials of all kinds? The answer is "YES"!

So this is what I found to answer these questions.

1. I have to remember that joy and happiness are two different things. Happiness is based upon circumstance, but joy is eternal. Joy is eternal, because our joy is in the Lord (Phil 3:1). I can daily take joy in seeing His will accomplished (3 John 3-4). I can take joy in the Lord, because He is my strength, my rock and the horn of my salvation (Psalm 18: 1-3).

2. I must pray continually, because I am continually drawn away from my Lord by the desires and the cares of this world, and I just have to let those things go (Luke 9: 23-25). The great thing is my perfect, awesome Savior understands my frailty, so it's cool to call on Him (Hebrews 4: 14-15). So, how can I pray continually? 1) I have to devote myself to it (Colossians 4:2), and 2) I have to live my life and do my work as an ongoing act of worship to my Creator (Colossians 3: 23-24).

3) As I work through these things, I can see that thankfulness in all things flows from joy and prayer. I think it really boils down to placing my focus on Christ, salvation through Him, and eternity (Colossians 3: 1-4).

The verse ends by declaring these things to be God's will for me. These things have nothing to do with circumstance, with my activities or where I live. They have everything to do with my relationship with the Lord.

I pray that all of you will experience God's will today and everyday.

Don't Try This at Home!!!! WIWTG #3

2009-06-09T06:53:00.000-07:00

Why I Want To Go To the Men's Retreat #3

2009-05-31T19:25:00.001-07:00

Why I Want to Go to the 2009 Men's Retreat #2

2009-05-27T11:34:00.000-07:00

Why I Want To Go to the 2009 Men's Retreat #1

2009-05-21T14:12:00.000-07:00

If you are looking for a good reason to sign up for this years Fall Retreat, just follow this link....

www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhr0Hm34vKM

Completely, Hopelessly and Joyfully Dependent

2009-05-15T13:38:00.000-07:00

It was about three in the afternoon, the hour of prayer, and the temple courts buzzed with activity. Onlookers gathered in amazement at the miraculous event. Peter and John had just taken part in the healing of a man who had been crippled from birth.

Isn't it awesome when you are part of something successful? Maybe it was the time you captured some new business for your company, and you were recognized for your acheivement. It could have been that ministry you helped start that took off like a rocket. Just possibly it was that moment when you realized you were acting with humility...

Independence, self reliance and success stand as pillars of honor in our culture. It's easy to prop ourselves up on these pillars, especially when things are going our way. The problem is that the foundation of these pillars is sinking sand.

Here's what happened next with Peter and John:

"While he was holding on to Peter and John, all the people, greatly amazed, ran toward them in what is called Solomon's Colonnade. When Peter saw this, he addressed the people: 'Men of Israel, why are you amazed at this? Or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or godliness we had made him walk? The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His Servant Jesus whom you handed over and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he had decided to release Him. But you denied the Holy and Righteous One, and asked to have a murderer given to you. And you killed the source of life, whom God raised from the dead; we are witnesses of this. By faith in His name, His name has made this man strong, whom you see and know. So the faith that comes through Him has given him this perfect health in front of all of you'"

Acts 3: 11-16

Notice that Peter said the man was not healed by him, but by faith in Christ. He clarified it further by saying that it was faith that comes through Christ. Faith in Christ healed the man, but Christ was the source of that faith...

We are completely, hopelessly and joyfully dependent on Christ for everything. When we come to this liberating realization we take our lives off the shaky foundations of ourselves and place them on the Rock. I believe that frees us to rejoice in our Savior.

Trust Christ completely. Give Him the glory.

Church Yard Cleanup - Way To Go!

2009-03-21T21:03:00.000-07:00

Church Yard Cleanup - March 21st 9am

2009-03-12T19:05:00.000-07:00

Spring is great isn't it? The rain falls, the sun warms and everything starts to grow...and grow...and grow...

On the 28th we have a candidate for our new pastor coming to visit the church, so we're going to have a church yard cleanup on the 21st. We're going to spread fertilizer, pull weeds, trim shrubs and probably plant a few things.

The church is going to supply the fertilizer, and the lawn will have already be mown. We just need a bunch of you to show up at 9am on the 21st with your biggest, baddest gardening tools. If all you have is fingers, just bring them. Together we're going to pluck, spread, prune and plant until the front lawn looks like the Dallas Arboretum. Well, that may be a little bit enthusiastic, but you get the idea.

I really look forward to seeing you all there....just for a couple of hours.

Strength

2009-02-25T14:24:00.000-08:00

Ruth 1: 15-17

15“Look,” said Naomi, “your sister-in-law is going back to her people and her gods. Go back with her.”

16But Ruth replied, “Don't urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.17Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.”

Have your ever thought about what makes a person strong? What does it take to be a mighty warrior? We often think of things that are easy to identify like physical stature, career success or intelligence. There’s a problem with these things, though. The mere identification of positive attributes within us is an indication of pride. The only way we are able know if we are strong, successful or intelligent, is if we compare ourselves with others. We put ourselves up on a pedestal and engage in self-worship.

So, what makes a person strong? Ruth left everything. Turning her back on her home, her family and her gods, she followed a frail, beaten woman to a land she knew little of. She submitted to Naomi, giving up all of her rights of location and association. We do the same when we become Christians. We turn our backs on our old life to follow Christ wherever he leads.

As men within our church we have a responsibility to live in humility, serving others and not looking to promote our own agendas. I suggest we follow the example of this woman of faith who gave up everything to follow the path God had set her on.

There is no way we can do it on our own, however. That’s why we need to set aside our pride and rejoice in the truth, salvation and fellowship of Christ. If we focus on him, his agenda will become our agenda. As our plans fade away his will become clear.

Ruth 2: 11-12
11 Boaz replied, "I've been told all about what you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband—how you left your father and mother and your homeland and came to live with a people you did not know before. 12 May the LORD repay you for what you have done. May you be richly rewarded by the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to take refuge."

Let us all seek our refuge in the Lord instead of our own understanding.

Under the Sun

2009-02-17T17:00:00.000-08:00

When all of our striving, all of our accomplishments, all of our hope and all of our happiness come from things "under the sun" instead of relationship "in the Son" we are left with the pain and emptiness of an unfulfilled life. It's time we stopped striving and reaching. It's time to start rejoicing in the work of Christ in our lives. It is my prayer that this week you experience the joy of knowing Him more fully.

Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
1 I thought in my heart, "Come now, I will test you with pleasure to find out what is good." But that also proved to be meaningless. 2 "Laughter," I said, "is foolish. And what does pleasure accomplish?" 3 I tried cheering myself with wine, and embracing folly—my mind still guiding me with wisdom. I wanted to see what was worthwhile for men to do under heaven during the few days of their lives.
4 I undertook great projects: I built houses for myself and planted vineyards. 5 I made gardens and parks and planted all kinds of fruit trees in them. 6 I made reservoirs to water groves of flourishing trees. 7 I bought male and female slaves and had other slaves who were born in my house. I also owned more herds and flocks than anyone in Jerusalem before me. 8 I amassed silver and gold for myself, and the treasure of kings and provinces. I acquired men and women singers, and a harem [b] as well—the delights of the heart of man. 9 I became greater by far than anyone in Jerusalem before me. In all this my wisdom stayed with me.

10 I denied myself nothing my eyes desired;
I refused my heart no pleasure.
My heart took delight in all my work,
and this was the reward for all my labor.

11 Yet when I surveyed all that my hands had done
and what I had toiled to achieve,
everything was meaningless, a chasing after the wind;
nothing was gained under the sun.

Let Your Light Shine

2009-02-11T11:10:00.000-08:00

I am teaching a class on Sunday evenings called, "The Art of Sharing Your Faith."
The most powerful and effective witnessing tools any Christian has is a solid Christian life. Scripturally we are told to live our lives in such a way that people will actually ask you about the hope they see you living in. (1 Peter 3:15) The problem with most Christians today is that the world around us never witnesses us living in hope. The average Christian today is little different from their unsaved counterparts going to hell. We have virtually the same rates of divorce, family violence, substance abuse, and addictions to pornography and materialism that infect the rest of our society. We have become corrupted by the world at the very time the world needs to see us living in righteousness. It is little wonder that only 10% of today's Christians have ever led anyone to Christ.
The language of the "Great Commission" is not a command to go, but rather an injuction that as we go we are to proclaim the Gospel. It is to be part of our normal living.
I pray you are finding opportunities this week to actively live out your faith in front of those around you. God allows us the privilege of dealing with stress and difficulties so that the world can see the glory of His Children in action. In having to deal with people and circumstances that are difficult, He gives us teh opportunity to be patient, kind, and forgiving toward them so that the world can experience His love flowing through us to them. As you encounter life this week, remember that someone is watching you -- looking to see Jesus in you. These are your moments, shine.

Vision and focus

2009-02-10T19:29:00.000-08:00

Matt sent me an invite to post here, so I am taking him up on it. He may be sorry. : )

Where is your focus with respect to FBC The Colony? What is most important to you? Do you sense that our church has a unified focus to reach the community? I don't.

If you've been around our church long enough, served in a particular area, or just observed our general condition over time, you've probably figured out that we're not the happiest or healthiest of congregations. Just stick your head into the sanctuary during a business meeting for 5 minutes some time, and I think you'll get where I am coming from. : )

I bring this up for one main reason: God willing, we're going to have a new pastor in the next few months. And when this man comes, we need to be prepared to embrace him and follow his lead as he develops a vision for FBC and The Colony. In Ephesians 4: 11-13 we read:

"It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ."

God has already appointed and anointed the next Pastor for our church. There is a place that God wants to take our church, and the Pastor will be the main conduit for that vision. IF we let him. Too many times we get caught up in what we want, what we like or dislike, etc. and lose focus on what HE wants. The church was not created to be a country club, catering to the needs of long time members at the expense of the community at large. Quite the contrary.

In Matthew 28:19, the Great Commission instructs us: Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you . . .

We can't be focused on the Great Commission if we can't take our eyes off ourselves. So I challenge you to have your spiritual vision checked this week. Ask yourself the following questions:

Why do you attend FBC The Colony?
Where is your focus?
What are you holding onto that might prevent our church from fulfilling the Great Commission?
Does the staff and leadership of our church spend too much effort trying to make YOU happy instead of ministering to the community at large?

Lastly, I would ask you to pray for our church, our new Pastor and his family -- wherever they may be, and the Pastor Search Team. We are working hard, praying together, and seeking God's will for our church. It would be a great encouragement to us if we knew that others were focused on the same outcome.

The Cross

2009-01-28T11:32:00.000-08:00

I had crosses on my mind last week. They seemed to pop up everywhere. I noticed many small, white and frail ones surrounding church yards standing in support of the sanctity of life. I have several at home. Some are jewelry. Others are home decor. Of course there were several at church. A few designs transformed the crosses from a simple two piece construction to a bedazzled work of art.

Last week in class we studied the crucifiction of Christ. What an eyeopener! There is nothing like focusing on a beaten, shredded and mocked man dragging a 100lb rough hewn crossbeam to his death. There is nothing like the dull thud of square nails penetrating delicate flesh, the echo of scornful voices challenging him to come down, the mournful sobs of courageous women and the stifled whispers of a suffocating man to make a person reconsider the cross.

We should never allow the cross to become something cute or delicate. Never forget the price or for whom it was paid.

MOV Slide Show 2008

2008-11-17T19:19:00.000-08:00

MOV Orders and Map Link

2008-10-20T07:41:00.000-07:00

Copy_____of______copies
MOV Mighty Warrior Bde
Pine Cove, TX
24Oct08

MOV Mighty Warrior Brigade OPORD 08-10 (OPERATION RKLS ABNDN)

REFERENCE: Map, Lake Palestine, 1:50,000, series JDG6:12

http://www.pinecove.com/downloads/pdf/map_tyler.pdf

TIME ZONE USE THROUGHOUT: LOCAL

TASK ORGANIZATION (See Annex A)

1. SITUATION
a. Enemy Forces: “Terrestrial Dependent” men (Hereby referred to as “Targets”) desiring induction into the Traditional Order of Eternally Blasted Warriors (TOEBW). Characteristics of the enemy are: inadequate internalization of God’s Word, lack of teamwork among Targets, hyper focus on worldly methods (education, assets, health) of success, lack of confidence in the face of overwhelming odds, inability to withstand tests of outrageous fortune and a lack of testicular fortitude.
1. Weather: TBD
b. Friendly Forces: All members of the Traditional Order of Eternally Blasted Warriors (Hereby known as”Mentor”) and their invited guests.
c. Attachments: TBD
d. Detachments: All “Targets” displaying inadequate testicular fortitude and willingness to discard terrestrial methods of warfare.

2. MISSION. “Blasted” warriors (Mentors) of MOV Mighty Warrior Brigade initiate all “Non-Blasted” men (Targets) into the Traditional Order of Eternally Blasted Warriors (TOEBW). Inaugurate plans for disposal of all superfluous implements and methods of warfare in favor of complete dependence on Jesus Christ. STARTEX is 241900L October 2008.

3. EXECUTION.

a. Concept of operation. The purpose of this operation is to honor the courage and heritage of our commander, Jesus Christ by casting off all non-essential methods of warfare, depending completely on his provision for our success. We will accomplish this by internalization of the methods and plans outlined in his user manual. The testicular fortitude of all “Targets” will be evaluated throughout five phases of this operation. The five phases of this operation are: Courage Lost; Winepress Bunker, Idol Barbeque, Torch and Jar Conquest (Mock torch lighting, the decisive point), and Victory Celebration.
1. Phase I: Courage Lost: This phase consists of orientation, historical background of topic, and tests of outrageous fortune.

· Orientation: All “Mentors” and “Targets” receive operation hardware (study guides, shirts, tags, ear plugs). Schedule of events outlined.
· Historical Background: Begin formal internalization of God’s word through study of historical context of topic. Focus of study will be on the negative results associated with trading God’s word in favor of terrestrially focused ideas and methods.
· Tests of Outrageous Fortune: Flanking maneuvers (midnight football/capture the flag) and campfire dialogue.

2. Phase II: Winepress Bunker: This phase consists of refueling, and historical background of topic.

· Refueling: Full breakfast and coffee served.
· Historical Background: Continue internalization of God’s word. Focus of study will be on the realization of call to warrior-hood in the midst of cowardly actions.

3. Phase III: Idol Barbeque: This phase consists of historical background, refueling and tests of outrageous fortune.

· Historical Background: Continue internalization of God’s word. Focus will be on the turning from and the destruction of terrestrial implements of warfare.
· Refueling: Full lunch served.
· Tests of Outrageous Fortune: Mid-air zips, competitions (Torpedo Ball), recon activities (hike, fish, boat, disc).

4. Phase IV: Torch and Jar Conquests: This Phase consists of historical background, mock torch lighting exercise and test of outrageous fortune.

· Historical Background: Continue internalization of God’s Word. Focus will be on the success associated with warfare conducted off the terrestrial plane.
· Mock Torch Lighting: Critical exercise designed to reinforce historical background. Location: dock.
· Tests of Outrageous Fortune: Flanking maneuvers (midnight football) and campfire dialogue.

5. Phase V: Victory Celebration: This phase consists of refueling and a celebration of victory through Christ.

· Refueling: Full breakfast and coffee served.
· Victory Celebration: Meet at dock for victory celebration.

b. Tasks to Subordinate Units.

1. Sound Committee

· Provide direction, coordination and application of worship music.

2. Activity Committee

· Secure all equipment necessary for execution of Torpedo Ball, football and other activities.
· Exit Targets from mid-air zip
· Plan and conduct all aspects of Tests of Outrageous Fortune.

3. Housing Committee

· Contact all targets prior to arrival to ensure travel plans.
· Maintain cabin order and propriety throughout exercise.

4. Keeper of the Book / Historian

· Ensure photographs are taken and logged, particularly during Tests of Outrageous Fortune.
· Deliver all photographs and quotes to MOV Headquarters.

5. Keeper of the Chest

· Ensure ice chest is fully loaded with refueling supplies (water, soda, ice).
· Ensure non-liquid refueling supplies (chips, cookies, etc.) are readily available to all targets and warriors.

c. Coordinating Instructions

The following schedule will be followed throughout the weekend. All times are local and any changes to the schedule will be distributed orally:

Friday, October 24, 2008

1700 – 1900 Check-in
1900 – 2000 Dinner
2030 – 2115 Phase I
2130 – UTC Free Time (Camp fire, football, capture the flag)

Saturday, October 25, 2008

Prior to 0830 – Personal hygiene
0830 – 0915 Breakfast
0930 – 1015 Phase II
1015 – 1230 Free Time (Disc, fish, etc.)
1230 – 1315 Lunch
1330 – 1430 Phase III
1430 – 1730 Free Time (Mid-air zips, Torpedo Ball, etc.)
1730 – 2015 Dinner and Free Time
2030 – 2115 Phase IV
2130 – UTC Free Time (Camp fire, football)

Sunday, October 26, 2008
Prior to 0830 – Personal hygiene
0830 – 0915 Breakfast
0930 – 1015 Phase V
1030 – ENDEX Pack Up / Free Time

4. SERVICE SUPPORT
a. Class I (Food and Drink). Meals will take place in the DFAC (Dining Facility) located between the cabins and the lake. Times are as outlined in the schedule.
b. Class II (Clothing and Individual Equipment). This exercise will cover two full days. Ensure you have enough clothing to cover that time as well as an extra set should some unforeseen incident occur.
1) Each individual will ensure he has, at a minimum, a Bible, writing utensil(s) and paper.
c. Class III (POL). It is the responsibility of each operator to ensure his POV (Privately Owned Vehicle) is properly topped off prior to movement. There will be no ROM (Refuel on the Move) points established nor will there be a FARP (Forward Area Refuel Point).
d. Class IV (Construction Material) – NA
e. Class V (Ammunition) – NA
f. Class VI (Comfort items and hygiene).
1) Keeper of the Chest will place the chest on the porch of a centrally located cabin, accessible to all.
2) Snacks are available throughout the day. Shortages are to be brought to the attention of the Keeper of the Chest.
3) Each individual is responsible for bringing his own hygiene items to include washcloth, towel and bedding material – sheets or sleeping bag and pillow.
4) Individuals may bring their own snack items should they choose.
g. Class VII (Major End Items) – NA
h. Class VIII (Medical). Injuries will be referred to Wally Leyerle or Matt Evans for processing. For minor scrapes, abrasions, bumps and bruises – suck it up! For injuries involving broken bones or copious amounts of blood, we will take appropriate action.
i. Class IX (Repair Parts) – NA

5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL
a. Command. Mighty Warrior Brigade Commander (Wally Leyerle) serves as President of the MOV Board. He is located in Papayoyo 3.
b. Signal. Voice signals (loud) will be used throughout the operation for command and control. Food will be used, when necessary, to control the flow of Targets between training events.

ACKNOWLEDGE

LEYERLE
//S// MOVWR

OFFICIAL:

EVANS:
ETRN BLST:

ANNEXES:

A – TASK ORGANIZATION
B – STUDY GUIDE
ANNEX A (TASK ORGANIZATION OF MOV Mighty Warrior Brigade OPORD 08-10 (OPERATION RKLS ABNDN)

Rkls Abndn Board
Leyerle
Pecoraro
Evans
Nelson

Sound Committee
Witten -OIC
McCright
Cottle
Gibbs
Green
Searcy

Activity Committee
PG Morrison - OIC

Housing Committee
Harmon – OIC – Keeper of the Book / Historian
Pope
Green
Sifford

Keeper of the Chest
Jones

Cabin assignments are as follows:

Papayoyo #1 Papayoyo #2 Papayoyo #3 Papayoyo #4
OIC-Harmon OIC-Sifford OIC-Green OIC-Pope
Bishop Alexander Asfar Cottle
Witten (F) Payne Mitchell Brewer
McCright Pecoraro (F) Romero Slagel (F)
Morgan P. Biesert Seay Neuman
Evans B. Biesert Beadles Warner (F)
Morrison Nelson Brown Spears
Gibbs Weaver (S) Stovall (F) Hansen (S)
Searcy Salle (F) Leyerle (F) Word
Bell Jones

Preparing Your Mind

2008-09-25T13:56:00.000-07:00

The retreat is about one month away! In preparation for that I have put together the following verses. Try to spend a little time each week looking at them. I think it will make a big impact when we get together in October.

Process of Internalization:

Through September 27th: Judges 6: 1-10
Through October 4th: Judges 6: 11-24
Through October 11th: Judges 6: 25-32
Through October 18th: Judges 6: 33-40
Through October 23rd: Judges 7: 1-23

Why I Want to Go to the Retreat # 4

2008-09-16T16:05:00.000-07:00

Forgiveness

2008-09-12T13:14:00.000-07:00

And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you your wrongdoing. Mark 11: 25

Studying this verse in church a couple of weeks ago, I found it amazingly easy to talk about forgiveness. In practice, however, I often find it more difficult. Even this week I found myself rehearsing in my mind disputes I had experienced with some of my coworkers. Minor frustrations that occur naturally in the business world were elevated by an unforgiving spirit to major divisions. The results were damaging my witness and relationships with these people and God.

What we learned in class and what I'm working to put into practice is that Christ links our forgiveness of others to God’s forgiveness of us. I think that's because our ability to forgive is an indication of our relationship with Christ. We are forgiven of everything we've done. It really is unbelievable to think that we would turn around and not forgive others.

So what do we do? I believe we humbly ask God to help us and to teach us to forgive. We can also pray for those who have wronged us. Our prayers can be for God's will to be accomplished in their lives. It's hard to hold something against someone your looking out for.

With all the changes going on in our church we need to practice forgiveness. We need it not just to build each other up and avoid divisions. We need to forgive, so that we can have a closer relationship with God. That's where our power lies. When our lives are filled with bitter unforgiveness we remain powerlessly wrapped up in chains of our own making.

Let's pray for God to break those chains.

Topedo Ball

2008-09-04T15:47:00.000-07:00

Okay. We have a new game that will be featured at this year's retreat. It fits well with the warrior theme. Don't forget, we'll all still be friends when it's over. Here it is...

Object: To be the last man standing

Equipment: 5-6 Nerf footballs

Location: Pine Cove

Organization: All players are scattered around the playing area waiting for the chosen leader to start the game by putting the footballs into play.

Play: Once the game begins it's every man for himself. Throw the footballs at other players and try to knock them out of the game. When you have a football you have 5 seconds to throw it or it explodes, and you are out. If you get hit with a football (or if you didn't throw it within 5 seconds), you must sit down where you were hit. You are not totally out of the game. You may still get any stray footballs that come within 3-4 feet of you and throw them at players who have not been hit. Play continues until only one player has not been hit with the football.

FAQ:

Q: Once I get hit, can I get back in the game?
A: No

Q: What happens if someone catches the ball I threw at them?
A: Nothing...but they have the ball now so you better run.

Q: If I have a football, can I block a ball that is thrown at me?
A: No.

Q: Can I tag someone with the ball?
A: No, you must release the ball.

Why I Want to Go to the Retreat #3

2008-08-26T20:21:00.000-07:00

Why I Want To Go To the Men's Retreat #2

2008-08-16T13:54:00.000-07:00

Why I Want to Go to the Men's Retreat

2008-08-08T15:51:00.000-07:00

Awesome God

2008-07-31T13:16:00.000-07:00

O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens. From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! Psalm 8

I have a tendency to spend my days thinking of myself and what I want to do. If I'm not careful my prayers can revolve around personal requests of the ways I would like God to arrange my life. I need to spend time in amazement of how awesome God is. I need to pray every day that he will reveal himself to me so that I will have an understanding of his awesome power and love for me.

One of the really amazing things about God is that his power is shown in our weakness. When we feel like we don't have the ability to serve. When we're financially strapped. When our health is failing. When the roof is blown off the children's building. These are the times God's power is shown in our lives. These are the times when we can be mighty warriors. Not because we are awesome, but because God is awesome.

It is truly amazing to consider the immensity and beauty of God's creation and to realize that he thinks of us, particularly in light of our sinful condition. He sent his son to die for us. Now we are free. We're free to enjoy his majesty and to go forth in boldness and courage as we live out his plan for our lives.

Retreat Deposits Due by August 4th

2008-07-24T14:23:00.001-07:00

Don't forget that retreat deposits are due by August 4th. After that prices go up 10%.

One night cost is $95; Deposit due is $48
Two night cost is $140; Deposit due is $70

FBC 2007 Retreat Slide Show

2008-07-21T15:59:00.000-07:00

FBC Mens Retreat 2008; Pine Cove, TX

2008-07-21T15:54:00.000-07:00

As the summer sun beats down, our lawns dry out, utility bills skyrocket and we look for a little relief. Here's a little something to look forward to. On the weekend of October 24, 2008, the men of FBC, The Colony will gather in Pine Cove, TX for our Second Annual Men's Retreat. Settled on the shores of Lake Palestine, we'll dive into God's Word, learning what it means to be a mighty warrior. We'll sail down the zip-line, sling some discs, crash through some midnight football and maybe do a little fishing. We're going to eat a lot too. Hope to see you there...