December 5, 2011... Training Materials

Greetings on this rainy December day.

PERSONAL NOTE: I want to thank all of the ladies who were part of the communion preparation. I also wish to thank Jim and Nikki Brand for participating in the second advent candle lighting. If you were there Sunday, you are aware that I will be doing a series of Christmas messages for the month of December. The series will focus upon gifts that God has given us. Don't miss it. The concluding "gift" will be shared on Christmas day.

SPECIAL NOTE: I thought that you might want to know that our Church participation in Operation Christmas Child resulted in the collection center for our area receiving 7,028 shoe box gifts. WOW!!! Thanks for your help. Mark your calendar for December 18, 2011. This will be our Church Christmas program, "Why Christmas?" It will be at 6 pm.... light refreshments to follow.

LEADERSHIP TRAINING ARTICLE: Please click on this LINK in order to view or download the article, God's Golden Parachute.

MONTHLY AUDIO: Please click on this LINK in order to hear or download the audio, Systems Thinking.

BONUS THEOLOGY ARTICLE: Please click on this LINK in order to view or download the article, Disciples and Apostles, part 1 of 2.

HELPING KIDS: Please click on this LINK in order to read or download the article, Defiance and Resistance.

YOU CAN KNOW THE WILL OF GOD: In I Peter 3: 3 and 4 it says, "Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." [NIV]. Let me make a couple of observations. First, God does not say that we shouldn't look good. The text is contrasting our ideas versus God's ideas. Second, the passage is directed to wives in relationship to their husbands and families. God is more interested in behavior than looks. Third, God values the woman who values her own family over just shallow looks. Read the entire passage from 3: 1-6. Note the word "submissive". This passage is the will of God for you.

ADVANCED DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING: Please click on this LINK in order to read or download the article, God's Passionate Perspective on Marriage.

PARENTING HOPE: Please click on this LINK in order to read or download the article, Moving Beyond the Holi-daze: Tips to Help Prepare for the Holiday Season.

LEADERSHIP QUOTE: "Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great." Mark Twain

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

I trust that your service to the Lord will bring you His blessing.
In His Majesty's service, Pastor Darrell