FAITH - WORKS

A big "thank you" to all of you who were present last Wednesday. I hope you got a good picture of "Faith and Works". James and Paul were advocating the same thing but pursuing it from different directions.

My brother posted the following story to his Facebook account. I believe it shows "Faith and Works".

********************************************************************************

This evening as I was leaving Best Buy, I noticed this man going through the garbage can outside of the store. As I walked to my car I watched him as he reached in the garbage can and pulled out fast food trash bags and inspected all that was in the thrown away bags. He did this for several minutes. He would find a few fries in one bag and a bite or two of a hamburger in another bag. You can see the hamburger wrapper by his knee where he was placing the food items he'd found.

He never bothered anyone or tried to stop and beg for money as people entered and left the store. After he went through the entire trash can he neatly cleaned up the area and wrapped up the food he found in the dirty hamburger wrapper. My heart literally hurt for him. I am not someone who just hands out money or even helps homeless people because so many are not truly homeless. I don't guess I've ever seen someone actually go through a garbage can to try to find food to eat.

I knew I had to help him. I got out of my car and asked him if I could buy him something to eat. He told me he would appreciate anything I could get him. He was on a bike and I told him if he'd follow me I'd buy him a meal at the fast food place around the block. He followed me and I bought him the biggest meal they had on the menu. The only request he gave me for his order was if I could get him a big glass of sweet tea to go with his meal! 

When I brought him his food, he was so thankful. He told me his name was Steve and he'd been homeless ever since his sister died last September. He was trying to get off the streets, but it was so hard. I told him God loved him and I would pray for him. He told me again how much he appreciated the meal.

When I got back in my car, I drove off with such a heaviness in my heart for this man. I drove down the road and felt compelled to go back to help this man. When I came back he had finished his meal and was riding away. I pulled up beside him and asked him if there was any way I could help him. He told me not really. He never asked me for money. I asked him if I could buy him a few meals and put it on a gift card for him. He told me that would be so kind. I drove to McDonalds and bought him some meals and gave him a gift card.

He broke down crying. He told me that he prayed for me today! I wasn't sure what he meant (I was assuming he was praying for me for what I did for him) so I thanked him. He said, "No, you don't understand. I prayed that God would send someone to buy me a hot meal today...and he sent you!" I didn't know what to say...I was speechless! Praying for a hot meal wasn't a prayer I had prayed today! Come to think of it, that's not a prayer I've ever prayed! I always pray over my food, but I've never prayed for a meal...its expected! I've never doubted that I wouldn't be able to eat...Tears began to fill my eyes! Oh my...how blessed am I... Maybe God used me to answer this man's prayer...to let him know that He cares for Him and knows what goes going through! But, maybe God used this man to show me just how blessed I am and what I take for granted...

He said, "You see, I have cancer!" He pulled up his shirt and pointed to a huge mass that was poking out from his stomach. He said said he knew it wouldn't be much longer. I asked him if knew Jesus. He told me that he did. I asked if I could pray for him and he said that I could. We prayed right there on the sidewalk of McDonalds. Tears just poured from his eyes. He told me he knew that he was going to die and that he was ready to die. He was tired of being in pain and he would be better off dead because this was no life - living this way. I stayed and encouraged him for a few minutes trying to fight back my tears. My prayer is that I showed him the love of Jesus today...that something I said gave him a hope.

You see, everybody has a story! I know Steve's story now...all because I felt compelled to help him...he ended up touching me today!

When I left him, I knew I had done what God wanted me to do! God put him in my path today...I know he did! I've never felt such a feeling to help someone as I did today. I was reminded again of how blessed I am! I have a vehicle that gets me from place to place, I have a roof over my head, clean clothes, money to buy a hot meal, running water, electricity, my health, a job, family, and friends! Sometimes God sends situations our way to remind us of how blessed we are! If you've read this far, please remember Steve in your prayers!

Yes, I have been blessed, God's so good to me! Precious are His thoughts of you and me! There's no way I could count them, there's not enough time, so I'll just thank Him for being so kind. God has been good, so good! I have been blessed!

How are you showing your Faith?????

The playlist for 

THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING: Lessons from James

is on YouTube

Click on this link:  YOUTUBE

This week is going to be a great week of study..... 

SEE YOU WEDNESDAY NIGHT!!!!!!

Session Three of "This Changes Everything"

Session Three: With Every Trial, A Temptation

Focus Scripture: James 1:13-25
Other Scripture: 
Deuteronomy 8:1-2
Genesis 2:15-17
Matthew 4:1
Mark 1:12
Luke 4:3
Proverbs 7:10-27

Have you ever been tempted? 

You know we all have experienced this. How did we handle it? Was there repercussions from our choice? Will we handle it differently in the future?

How does God want us to handle situations that we know are culturally and spiritually wrong? Can there be "JOY" in the ways we handle temptation?
Lot of questions..........

Want some answers? See you Wednesday night!!!!!!

I received this information from JP Sawyer, Chairman of the Pastor Search Committee:

For those that were not at church on Sunday – the Pastor Search Committee candidate will be preaching in both morning services Sunday Sept.  13.   There will be a special business meeting at 6:00 pm on Sept. 13 at which time the church will vote on the candidate.  Please try to attend and participate in the business meeting.  

Thanks, JP

I am confident that you will want to participate in this event.

Update from Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Update from Wednesday, Aug 26th

A new study kicked-off at the WNBS@FBCE (Wednesday Bible Study at First Baptist Enterprise)This past Wednesday. We welcomed our new members and veteran (old) members. We had 30 participants (if I was counting it was a little less than 100), so you see, we have plenty of chairs even for you!!!!

Assignment for this week:

1. Finish reading the first session (pg 22-28) and answer the questions as you go. We will cover some of these in the opening (review) session at our next meeting.
2. I encourage you to use the Apply To Life activities on page 28 as you move through this next week.
3. Read Session Two: Joy In Pain and answer questions as you go through the material. If you do not want to write in your book, I would suggest answering in a journal or notebook.

So here is a suggested timeline:

• Everyday: Read James 1:2-12 (pg 33)
• Thursday - Friday: Complete #1 above
• Saturday: Read INTRO of session 2 & REJOICE WHEN (NOT IF) YOU FACE TRIALS (pg 33-35) - Answer questions!!!!
• Sunday: Read REJOICE BECAUSE YOU KNOW SOMETHING (pg 35-37) - Answer questions!!!
• Monday: Read THE GAIN FROM PAIN (pg 37-40) - Answer questions
• Tuesday: Read THE BENEFITS FROM WISDOM (pg 40-46) - Answer questions
• Wednesday: Morning or Noon (go back over the questions and your answers)
• Wednesday Night: Great sharing and discussion time 

Please join us on August 26th to kickoff a new study on Wednesday Nights!

         THIS CHANGES EVERYTHING: Lessons from James   

8 session study for adults by Ben Stuart that unpacks the Book of James. The world desperately needs Christians whose actions match their convictions. Generations, young and older, are rising, and we need to see the power of the gospel working its way out into our everyday lives. Enter James, the half-brother of Jesus. Be warned, everything is on the table. James will call us to evaluate the way we deal with hardship, handle money, use our words, and plan our futures. But if we will let him in, James's letter has the potential for our outside to match our inside, our activity to match our God-given identity.

Join us as author Ben Stuart unfolds the teachings of James, who went from skeptic to believer. Just as James came face-to-face with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, he wants the same for you—whether you're wondering what being a Christian is all about or you've been following Christ for years. What James knew then still holds true today. When we encounter Jesus, He will change everything. 

SESSION SIX – 

LOVE LANGUAGE FIVE

Physical Touch

• Physical touch is one of the fundamental ways of expressing love.
• Not all touches are of equal value.
• Don’t assume a touch that makes you feel loved will make your spouse feel loved.

• Explicit touches require your full attention.
• Implicit touches take just a moment.

• To touch a person’s body is to touch them emotionally.
• Physical touch in times of crisis can be the most important thing you do.
• If you’re not comfortable with physical touch, start with something simple.

• Three questions to help you speak love to your spouse:
• 1. “What can I do to help you ?”
• 2. “How can I make your life easier ?”
• 3. “How can I be a better spouse to you ?”

The key to motivation is having the attitude of Christ toward your spouse.

Updates for August 12th

• If you have not selected your choices for our next Bible Study, please do so immediately. Check your email for the choices. Check your SPAM folder if you can not find it in your inbox.

• We will finish with our present study, "The 5 Love Languages," on Wednesday, August 19th. 

• The NEW STUDY will begin on Wednesday, August 26th. We look forward to seeing you.!!!!!

SESSION FIVE – 

LOVE LANGUAGE FOUR

Acts of Service

• Actions speak louder than words.

• Giving your spouse information about what would be a meaningful act of service to you is important.

• Make a list of the things you would like your spouse to do for you.

• Number the items in order of importance to you.

• Listen to your spouse’s complaints and you will know how to express love.

• A good example of acts of service: the life of Jesus.

• The very heart of love is an attitude of serving the other person.

Receiving Gifts

Update from July 29th

SESSION Four – 

Love Language Three:

Receiving Gifts

A gift is a visible sign of love.

To the individual whose primary love language is gifts, it doesn’t matter how much the gift costs.

What if gift giving doesn’t come naturally?

1. Make a list of the gifts you have heard your spouse comment on through the years.
2. Recruit your spouse’s family to help you.
3. Give whatever is comfortable for you to give.
4. Make a list of comments your spouse makes about things he/she would like to have.

The gift of presence means being with your spouse in times of
celebration and crisis.

If having your spouse with you is important to you, tell him/her.

Update - The 5 Love languages

Update from Wednesday, July 22nd

SESSION THREE – 

Love Language Two:

Quality Time

Quality time means giving your spouse your undivided attention.

Dialects of Quality Time

1. Quality conversation

         How to Foster Quality Conversation

         1. Maintain eye contact.

        

        2. Don’t do anything else while you are listening.

         

       3. Observe your spouse’s body language.

         

       4. Don’t interrupt each other.

     

Quality conversation involves self-revelation.

       Two personality types in conversation

        1. The Dead Sea

        2. The Babbling Brook

2. Quality activities

The Man Next Door: A young man learns what's most important in life from the guy next door.

I was cleaning up some files on my computer and I came across this story that I had saved and used many months ago. As we approach next week's study, I thought this to be appropriate. I hope you enjoy and share....Jim Arrington

Over the phone, Jack Bennett's mother told him, "Mr. Belser died last night. The funeral is Wednesday." Memories flashed through his mind like an old newsreel as he sat quietly remembering his childhood days.

"Jack, did you hear me?" "Oh, sorry, Mom. Yes, I heard you. It's been so long since I thought of him. I'm sorry, but I honestly thought he died years ago," Jack said... "Well, he didn't forget you. Every time I saw him he'd ask how you were doing. He'd reminisce about the many days you spent over 'his side of the fence' as he put it," Mom told him.

"I loved that old house he lived in," Jack said.

"You know, Jack, after your father died, Mr. Belser stepped in to make sure you had a man's influence in your life," she said.

"He's the one who taught me carpentry," he said. "I wouldn't be in this business if it weren't for him. He spent a lot of time teaching me things he thought were important. Mom, I'll be there for the funeral," Jack said. As busy as he was, he kept his word. Jack caught the next flight to his hometown. Mr. Belser's funeral was small and uneventful. He had no children of his own, and most of his relatives had passed away.

The night before he had to return home, Jack and his Mom stopped by to see the old house next door one more time.Standing in the doorway, Jack paused for a moment. It was like crossing over into another dimension, a leap through space and time. The house was exactly as he remembered. Every step held memories. Every picture, every piece of furniture. Jack stopped suddenly...

"What's wrong, Jack?" his Mom asked.

"The box is gone," he said

"What box?" Mom asked.

"There was a small gold box that he kept locked on top of his desk. I must have asked him a thousand times what was inside. All he'd ever tell me was 'the thing I value most,'" Jack said. It was gone. Everything about the house was exactly how Jack remembered it, except for the box. He figured someone from the Belser family had taken it. "Now I'll never know what was so valuable to him," Jack said. "I better get some sleep. I have an early flight home, Mom."

It had been about two weeks since Mr. Belser died. Returning home from work one day Jack discovered a note in his mailbox: "Signature required on a package. No one at home. Please stop by the main post office within the next three days," the note read. Early the next day Jack retrieved the package. The small box was old and looked like it had been mailed a hundred years ago. The handwriting was difficult to read, but the return address caught his attention. "Mr. Harold Belser" it read. Jack took the box out to his car and ripped open the package. There inside was the gold box and an envelope. Jack's hands shook as he read the note inside.

"Upon my death, please forward this box and its contents to Jack Bennett. It's the thing I valued most in my life." A small key was taped to the letter. His heart racing, as tears filling his eyes, Jack carefully unlocked the box. There inside he found a beautiful gold pocket watch.
Running his fingers slowly over the finely etched casing, he unlatched the cover. Inside he found these words engraved: "Jack, Thanks for your time! -Harold Belser."

"The thing he valued most was... my time"

Jack held the watch for a few minutes, then called his office and cleared his appointments for the next two days. "Why?" Janet, his assistant asked.

"I need some time to spend with a friend," he said.

"Oh, by the way, Janet, thanks for your time!"
~~~
Think about this. You may not realize it, but it's 100% true.
1. At least 15 people in this world love you in some way..
2. A smile from you can bring happiness to anyone, even if they don't like you.
3. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you before they go to sleep.
4. You mean the world to someone.
5. If not for you, someone may not be living.
6. You are special and unique.
7. When you think you have no chance of getting what you want, you probably won't get it, but if you trust God to do what's best, and wait on His time, sooner or later, you will get it or something better.
8. When you make the biggest mistake ever, something good can still come from it.
9. When you think the world has turned its back on you, take a look: you most likely turned your back on the world.
10. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
11. Always remember the compliments you received. And Forget about the rude remarks.
12. Always tell someone how you feel about them; you will feel much better when they know and you'll both be happy .
13. If you have a great friend, take the time to let them know that they are great. Do it now!

THANKS FOR YOUR TIME MY FRIENDS!

Update for July 22 - Week Two

SESSION TWO – LOVE LANGUAGE ONE

Words

of Affirmation

Words of Affirmation means giving your spouse words that build up.

Dialects of Words of Affirmation

1. Compliments

2. Encouraging words

3. Kind words

4. Humble words

When you make a request, you are affirming your spouse.

How to Learn to Speak Words of Affirmation

1. Make a list of things you like about your spouse.

2. Write one sentence expressing appreciation for each of those things.

3. Pick one thing from your list and share it with your spouse.

How do you come up with ideas of what to say?

1. Write down words of affirmation you hear others say.

2. Write down words of affirmation you read.

Words of Affirmation are a powerful communicator of love

Reminder.....

These languages will help improve your communication with your spouse, but remember the symbolism of the three strand cord in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. God has to be part of your cord (relationship). He is the focal point that brings these languages together.

Things to complete this week:

• If you have not completed the "profile", find time and finish it.
• Then, discuss your primary love language with your spouse. These two are imperative to benefit from this study.
• Read through Week Two.
• Answer the questions and participation assignments.
• Read scriptures and pray regarding the message they have for you.
• Play the "Love Tank Game"!
  
• Be ready to share with the group....
• Any surprises in this week...Good & Bad?
• Your thoughts about "Words of Affirmation."

WE GOT MAIL....

We now have an email address for our WNBS. It is wnbs.fbce@gmail.com . If you have a prayer request, need an answer to a question, or give a suggestion, please contact us at wnbs.fbce@gmail.com

Update for July 15 - The 5 Love Languages

Hope you had a great week and learned more about yourself.

We will be continuing our study this Wednesday.

We will be covering "Words of Affirmation" this week!!!!

For those of you who missed last week and did not get a book, check your email for two attachments. I have attached a copy of the "Profile" and the "Viewer's Guide" for this week.

Just a reminder: you need to complete your 5 Love Languages Profile!

Review of July 8th - THE 5 LOVE LANGUAGES

WNBS@FBCE

We had a great kickoff for our new study!

Hope you can join us this Wednesday, July 15th@6PM

The following video clips are a small insight into our first meeting.

The video may not play on your SmartPhone. The best way to view is to go to the WNBS@FBCE Blog (Click here)

                              

Here is the Viewer's Guide from July 8th

SESSION ONE Learning

to Speak Love

Love is the most important word in the English language.

Love is the most confusing word in the English language.

Inside every child is an emotional love tank.

Adults also have a love tank.

The Five Love Languages

1. Words of Affirmation

2. Receiving Gifts

3. Acts of Service

4. Quality Time

5. Physical Touch

• Each of us has a primary love language.
• By nature, we speak our love language.
• We have to learn how to speak the other person’s love language.
• When the act doesn’t come naturally, it’s a greater expression of love.
• Love is something you do for somebody else, not something you do for yourself.

Discovering a Child’s Love Language

1. Observe their behavior.

2. Notice what they request of you most often.

3. Observe them as they play with other children.

If we learn to speak the love languages of our spouses and our children, we change the emotional climate in the home.

CHEAT SHEET!!!!!