Sunday February 15, 2009

We had sixteen for Sunday school this morning. A little less than normal, but for some folks it is tough to make it to the "early" 10:00 a.m. class. We tend to forget about needing to get up the next morning to learn about the King of kings when we are "out" Saturday night. Then we use the excuse that we don't feel good, overslept, etc. to make ourselves feel better about missing out on 50% of the church services for the week. When I here excuses, and I do every single week, I have started saying it was really because of onions that we do not serve our God. Onions? What does that mean? Let me explain. When we stand before our God in judgement, and we all will, I think He will ask us why we did so little for Him and what will our excuse be then? We might as well say "onions", because that has as much to do with it as anything. An excuse for not serving is just that, an excuse. None will be able to explain or make our failing to obey God any easier to explain. So I say blame onions because just like onions, excuses usually stink, and make me cry. Truthfully I understand that things do come up, and sometimes we just can't be there. I know I have some kids that are in tough situations, and can't always be at church. It is not them I am cross with, it is those who just don't care enough to do better. Shame on you.

On to happier thoughts! We finished Matthew chapter eight where we started last Sunday morning. The major points we hit on was how Jesus calmed the storm and cast out demons. His disciples really learned a lot about this Man they were following. Even nature obeyed His voice! All it took was His command and the storm ceased. Later in the chapter Jesus is approached by two men possessed of demons. These demons were scared to death of Jesus, they knew what He could do. Sad that His own friends did not. In the entire encounter Jesus had to only utter one word to send the devils away. Go. That is it. He told them to go and they went. Sad that His own people can't seem to do the same. In this chapter we are really able to get a glimpse at our Savior's true nature and personality.

Sunday night we had 19 kids. We studied 1 Timothy chapter 4. In this chapter, the main thing I hit on was how that Timothy was a lot like us. He was a young man receiving encouragement and training from Paul. Even though Timothy was young, Paul stressed to him that meant nothing, youth was no excuse not to serve . He was to do what God had laid out for him. Paul was giving him instruction in how to be a good soldier for Christ. That is what I am trying to do here at Hamilton. There is a battle being fought, casualties taking place, and there is a great deal at stake, people's eternal souls. Soon Christ will return for His children, and I want us to be ready for it.

After church, we had a little get-together. We ate lasagna, corn on the cob, cheesy garlic bread, brownies, and blue bell ice cream. It was all very good, and thanks to Dyana for preparing it for us. After that we all bowled on the Wii and then played hide and seek in the dark. It really was a lot of fun. Jonathan busted it pretty hard, but he's okay. It was a lot of good, clean, fun. We are going have to try that again soon.

(Some that was there for hide and seek)

(Caleb and Evan being silly as usual)

(Cole-slaw)

(Richard and Tyler)

(Camryn)

(Drew, Sarah Catherine, and Bro. Jason)

(Bro. Jason, Bro. Drew, Lacey Drew, and Sarah Catherine)

Thanks to all those praying for us, helping out, and being there when we need them. As we try to uplift the Name of Jesus and do the work He has for us please continue to pray for us. It seems that the harder we try, the harder satan fights against us. I guess that means we must be doing something right. We are not going to let him win the battle, for Jesus has already won the war. To all my brothers and sisters in Christ, keep the faith, fight the fight, and may our Lord and Savior come soon! Until next week-brother jason

We will be studying 2 Timothy Chapter 3 this Wednesday night. Read it before you come and be able to tell me you saw this posted at the beginning of class and I'll make it worth your while-j

1 Timothy 4:12 Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.