January 4, 2011... Training Materials

Greetings to each and everyone of you on this snowy winter's day. I trust all will be well with you today. I am sorry the blog was not up and running yesterday, but I was sick and could barely squeak out any words. Today is a little better.

PERSONAL NOTE: I was supposed to be on ASK THE PASTOR yesterday, but I had to call early in the morning to tell them my voice was non-functional above a whisper. I'm sorry for that... I don't like to miss because I know that it causes them a hardship.

I want to thank Dee Wilson for the special music this past Sunday. I also want to thank our regular musician staff for stepping up to take on the playing for the services and replacing Rich Brotemarkle's spot. We wish Rich well in his new endeavors. I also thank everyone who was involved in the set up or deliver of our communion time. Thank You!

I want to set as a theme for this new year: Prepared People for Service. You will see it in the bulletin this week and in the weeks to come. I hope to be able to pull together some special materials throughout the year the will help us train our people for some creative opportunities. Stay tuned!

MONTHLY AUDIO: Please click on this LINK in order to download the audio entitled: Stress Management

FEATURED LEADERSHIP TRAINING ARTICLE: Please click on this LINK in order to read and download the article: Integrity.

BONUS THEOLOGY ARTICLE: Please click on this LINK in order to read and download the article: The Davidic Covenant part 1 of 4

BOOK TO RECOMMEND: This month I am going to recommend the book: I'm Glad You Asked by Ken Boa and Larry Moody. The book deals with "in-depth answers to difficult questions about Christianity." The book falls under the category of apologetics. Some chapter titles are: 3. Is there really a God?... 7. Why do the innocent suffer?... 8. Is Christ the only way to God?... 11. What about good works? There are 14 chapters in all. Each chapter will give you much to think about and will provide answers that can be used. I have found this a very helpful book in the ministry. I think that you will too.

NEW SECTION STARTING 2011... HELPING CHILDREN: In this new section I will share with you several short articles that will help in raising children... whether yours or someone else's. This section is good for parents, grandparents, teachers and Church workers in general. To get the first article: Helping Children with Their Anger. Please click on this LINK to read and download the article.

YOU CAN KNOW THE WILL OF GOD: In First Peter 5 and verse 7 the scripture says: "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." This verse does not contain any interpretive problems or difficulties. It is fairly straight forward in meaning. You and I as believers are to cast our anxieties (KJV has "cares" here). The believer can trust God and not worry because God cares for us. It is as simple as that. The difficulty here comes in realizing that I must trust God in word and action. This is the will of God.

ADVANCED DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING: Please click on this LINK in order to read and download the article, The Authority of the Bible.

PARENTING HOPE: Please click on this LINK and it will take you to a page where you can download an audio which involves an interview with a counselor on this subject. This is part 1 of two audios. Part 2 is next week. The subject is Defeating Disrespectful Behavior in Kids.

LEADERSHIP QUOTE: "God loves you, whether you like it or not." Anonymous

TODAY'S DEVOTIONAL: Please click on this LINK in order to view today's devotional.

I pray that all will go well for you this week. Serve Him with boldness. Stand up for Jesus!

In His Majesty's service, Pastor Darrell