As Christ followers we are committed to the life-transforming truth of the Bible.
Hebrews 4:12 says: 12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
The Bible does us no good if it is left on the shelf. It needs to be read, understood in context and applied to our lives.
James 1:23-24 reminds us: 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
How do we practically apply the scriptures to our lives? We need to study the scriptures consistently and prayerfully. It helps to have a good study Bible like the Life Application Bible or the NIV Study Bible. It is beneficial to understand when and why various books were written in their historical settings. It is really great when you are part of a growth group where you can study, pray and grow with other Christ followers.
In your personal study one of the best approaches is to ask good questions.
1. What is this text saying?
2. What did it mean to its original readers?
3. How does it apply in our time?
4. How does God want me to apply this text to my own life?
As you meditate on a passage ask yourself.
Is there an example to follow?
Is there a sin to avoid?
Is there a promise to claim?
Is there a prayer to repeat?
Is there a command to obey?
Is there a principle to apply?*
Let the study and application of the Bible be part of your daily life. Applying the word of God to your life will help you to grow.
God advised Joshua as he was about to lead the Israelites into the promised land: Joshua 1:8 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Love,
Pastor Randy
Hebrews 4:12 says: 12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.
The Bible does us no good if it is left on the shelf. It needs to be read, understood in context and applied to our lives.
James 1:23-24 reminds us: 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
How do we practically apply the scriptures to our lives? We need to study the scriptures consistently and prayerfully. It helps to have a good study Bible like the Life Application Bible or the NIV Study Bible. It is beneficial to understand when and why various books were written in their historical settings. It is really great when you are part of a growth group where you can study, pray and grow with other Christ followers.
In your personal study one of the best approaches is to ask good questions.
1. What is this text saying?
2. What did it mean to its original readers?
3. How does it apply in our time?
4. How does God want me to apply this text to my own life?
As you meditate on a passage ask yourself.
Is there an example to follow?
Is there a sin to avoid?
Is there a promise to claim?
Is there a prayer to repeat?
Is there a command to obey?
Is there a principle to apply?*
Let the study and application of the Bible be part of your daily life. Applying the word of God to your life will help you to grow.
God advised Joshua as he was about to lead the Israelites into the promised land: Joshua 1:8 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Love,
Pastor Randy
SPIRITUAL ACROSTICS Life is not fair but God is."
MAY - LIFE
One of the most precious gifts given to us by God is our life. Amen! Not only the air we breathe but what we do with that life.
Is it just me or do you notice that it seems that most of the time people who do bad things get ahead. But do they? What happens to them if they should die in a wrong doing? What happens to them down the road if they should happen to become sick and die? Are they building their lives on sand or rock?
Standing before God they will say, Lord, Lord we did all that we did in Your name. (Matt. 7:22a) "Not everyone who says to Me, "Lord, Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven . . ." (Matt. 7:21a) Sure, if we are out doing the Lord's life-changing work it isn't always a bed of roses the way we are treated. But the ultimate reward is our bed of roses. Amen! "But he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter." (Matt 7:21b)
Your hands do not need to be beautiful, they just need to be available! It ought to be the business of every day to prepare for our final day. As we live our life, we should live each day as we do when we invest our monies. The best investments pay eternal dividends.
Live your life living internally for eternal life with Jesus! Exercise daily in your life by walking with God. In eternity, smoking or non-smoking? Life is short but eternity is not! Just think how long it would take for a seagull to pick up each grain of sand in their beak on every beach to fly it around the world and replace it on that same beach until they have moved every grain of sand of every beach on that beach. Now that's a long time! Praise the Lord that eternal life is longer. Amen!
In His service,
Bro. Jeff <><
GOOD NEWS CLUB AT BERMUDIAN SPRINGS by Mrs. Clappy
The end of another school year is almost here, and that means that our Good News Clubs in the area are over for another year. I helped with the Bermudian Springs Elementary after school club.
This year we had 21 faithful students. Many of those children talked one-on-one with one of our teachers and asked Jesus to come into their lives. Praise the Lord!
Three of our own children from Chapel Hill attended the Bermudian Springs Good News Club: Alexa Watts, Skyler and Danielle Petosky. Along with all the other children it has been a joy to see them raising their hands to eagerly answer a question or say a Bible verse. I can see Danielle's, Skyler's and Alexa's hands waving in the air - Call on me - Call on me.
I was so happy to award Alexa, Skyler and Danielle with a children's devotional/Bible for learning some of the Bible verses this year. They are hiding God's Word in their hearts. Praise the Lord.
On our last club night, Alexa helped me to do an advertisement/ invitation to our Vacation Bible School held here at Chapel Hill in July. I sincerely pray that many of these children will come. I would love to see them.
Also on the last club night many children handed out "Thank You" notes to the teachers. Danielle made a card for me in which she drew a cross and said that "I mattered"! Skyler drew an animal on her card and said "Thank You, You've helped me Believe"!! PRICELESS!
These three girls and many more are so dear to my heart and I'm anxious to see the Godly young people they will become.
This is what "Good News Club" is all about!!
Thank God for our children - they are precious in His sight!!
The end of another school year is almost here, and that means that our Good News Clubs in the area are over for another year. I helped with the Bermudian Springs Elementary after school club.
This year we had 21 faithful students. Many of those children talked one-on-one with one of our teachers and asked Jesus to come into their lives. Praise the Lord!
Three of our own children from Chapel Hill attended the Bermudian Springs Good News Club: Alexa Watts, Skyler and Danielle Petosky. Along with all the other children it has been a joy to see them raising their hands to eagerly answer a question or say a Bible verse. I can see Danielle's, Skyler's and Alexa's hands waving in the air - Call on me - Call on me.
I was so happy to award Alexa, Skyler and Danielle with a children's devotional/Bible for learning some of the Bible verses this year. They are hiding God's Word in their hearts. Praise the Lord.
On our last club night, Alexa helped me to do an advertisement/ invitation to our Vacation Bible School held here at Chapel Hill in July. I sincerely pray that many of these children will come. I would love to see them.
Also on the last club night many children handed out "Thank You" notes to the teachers. Danielle made a card for me in which she drew a cross and said that "I mattered"! Skyler drew an animal on her card and said "Thank You, You've helped me Believe"!! PRICELESS!
These three girls and many more are so dear to my heart and I'm anxious to see the Godly young people they will become.
This is what "Good News Club" is all about!!
Thank God for our children - they are precious in His sight!!
SAVVY LIVING by Donna Marion
In today's rush, rush world family breakfast seems to be getting lost. Here are two make-ahead dishes that can make it a little easier to spend some time together.
BREAKFAST CASSEROLE
1 lb. pork sausage, browned & crumbled
2 slices white bread, cut into 1/2" cubes
1/2 cup diced red or green pepper
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
6 eggs
2 cups milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
Preheat oven to 350*. Spread the bread cubes in a greased 11" x 7" baking dish; top with sausage, peppers and cheese. Whisk eggs, milk, salt and dry mustard together; pour over the cheese. Bake 30 to 40 minutes or until eggs are set. Let stand about 5 minutes before cutting into serving squares. Serve hot. This can be assembled the night before and refrigerated. Serves 6.
BLUEBERRY BREAKFAST BAKE
6 slices stale French Bread, about 1" thick
1 cup frozen or fresh blueberries
8 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon allspice
Preheat oven to 350*. PAM an 8" x 8" baking dish. Place the bread slices in the baking dish. Sprinkle the blueberries on top of the bread.
In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon and
allspice. Pour over the bread and berries. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes. For the best results, cover and chill overnight.
Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the top is golden. Let cool about 5 minutes before cutting into serving squares. Serve with powdered sugar and syrup. Other fruits can be used in this as well. ENJOY!
Some History of Memorial Day
General John A. Logan May 5, 1868 said: "The 30th of May, 1868 is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or to otherwise decorating the grass of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet chuchyard in the land..."
This is always on the last Monday in May. It was originally a day set aside to honor the Northern Civil War soldiers that died. Today, Memorial Day celebrates fallen soldiers of any war. And whether you honor them by putting flowers on their graves or wear a poppy or fly a flag makes no real difference. But to provide a general bit of history about Memorial Day, Waterloo, New York is credited with having held the first Memorial Day observance on May 5, 1866 two years prior to General Logan's order above. It was Henry G. Wallace, a pharmacist in Waterloo, NY that suggested to veteran's organizations that the graves of the dead be decorated. This is how the term "Decoration Day" became associated with Memorial Day. The celebration also included flying flags at half-mast, a parade and a march to the local military cemetery to hear patriotic speeches.
However, many other places and people also claim that they originated Memorial Day.
Arlington Cemetery received it's first Union soldier for burial in May, 1864.
The first nationwide Memorial Day parade was held on May 30, 1868 by a group of Civil War Union Army Vets. They were known as "Grand Army of the Republic." Why they chose May 30, no one knows. It had no real significance. Rumor has it that it did coincide with May 26, 1865 which was the date of the surrender of the last Confederate army. Because of this, the southern states got a bit offended and felt that Memorial Day was to honor only the North (or Union's) Civil War dead. So, in 1891, Florida designated the birthday of Confederate President, Jefferson Davis as Confederate Memorial Day (June 3).*
Memorial Day is now celebrated by 49 of the 50 states on the set day by the American Legion. Which state does not honor it?
Answer in next months Courier
General John A. Logan May 5, 1868 said: "The 30th of May, 1868 is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or to otherwise decorating the grass of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet chuchyard in the land..."
This is always on the last Monday in May. It was originally a day set aside to honor the Northern Civil War soldiers that died. Today, Memorial Day celebrates fallen soldiers of any war. And whether you honor them by putting flowers on their graves or wear a poppy or fly a flag makes no real difference. But to provide a general bit of history about Memorial Day, Waterloo, New York is credited with having held the first Memorial Day observance on May 5, 1866 two years prior to General Logan's order above. It was Henry G. Wallace, a pharmacist in Waterloo, NY that suggested to veteran's organizations that the graves of the dead be decorated. This is how the term "Decoration Day" became associated with Memorial Day. The celebration also included flying flags at half-mast, a parade and a march to the local military cemetery to hear patriotic speeches.
However, many other places and people also claim that they originated Memorial Day.
Arlington Cemetery received it's first Union soldier for burial in May, 1864.
The first nationwide Memorial Day parade was held on May 30, 1868 by a group of Civil War Union Army Vets. They were known as "Grand Army of the Republic." Why they chose May 30, no one knows. It had no real significance. Rumor has it that it did coincide with May 26, 1865 which was the date of the surrender of the last Confederate army. Because of this, the southern states got a bit offended and felt that Memorial Day was to honor only the North (or Union's) Civil War dead. So, in 1891, Florida designated the birthday of Confederate President, Jefferson Davis as Confederate Memorial Day (June 3).*
Memorial Day is now celebrated by 49 of the 50 states on the set day by the American Legion. Which state does not honor it?
Answer in next months Courier
CHUCKLES
OLD CEMETERIES
Some fascinating things on old tombstones!
Here lies:
Harry Edsel Smith of Albany, New York: Born 1903-Died 1942.
Looked up the elevator shaft to see if the car was on the way down. It was.
======================================
In a Thurmont, Maryland, cemetery:
Here lies an Atheist, all dressed up and no place to go.
======================================
In a London, England cemetery:
Here lies Ann Mann, who lived an old maid but died an old Mann. Dec. 8, 1767
======================================
In a Ruidso, New Mexico, cemetery:
Here lies Johnny Yeast.
Pardon him for not rising.
======================================
In a cemetery in Hartscombe, England:
On the 22nd of June, Jonathan Fiddle went out of tune
======================================
Anna Hopewell's grave in Enosburg Falls, Vermont:
Here lies the body of our Anna,
Done to death by a banana.
It wasn't the fruit that laid her low,
But the skin of the thing that made her go.
======================================
In a cemetery in England:
Remember man, as you walk by,
As you are now, so once was I.
As I am now, so shall you be,
Remember this and follow me.
To which someone replied by writing on the tombstone:
To follow you I'll not consent,
Until I know which way you went.
OLD CEMETERIES
Some fascinating things on old tombstones!
Here lies:
Harry Edsel Smith of Albany, New York: Born 1903-Died 1942.
Looked up the elevator shaft to see if the car was on the way down. It was.
======================================
In a Thurmont, Maryland, cemetery:
Here lies an Atheist, all dressed up and no place to go.
======================================
In a London, England cemetery:
Here lies Ann Mann, who lived an old maid but died an old Mann. Dec. 8, 1767
======================================
In a Ruidso, New Mexico, cemetery:
Here lies Johnny Yeast.
Pardon him for not rising.
======================================
In a cemetery in Hartscombe, England:
On the 22nd of June, Jonathan Fiddle went out of tune
======================================
Anna Hopewell's grave in Enosburg Falls, Vermont:
Here lies the body of our Anna,
Done to death by a banana.
It wasn't the fruit that laid her low,
But the skin of the thing that made her go.
======================================
In a cemetery in England:
Remember man, as you walk by,
As you are now, so once was I.
As I am now, so shall you be,
Remember this and follow me.
To which someone replied by writing on the tombstone:
To follow you I'll not consent,
Until I know which way you went.
HOW CAN I HELP BUT LOVE HIM
Words and Music by Elton M. Roth, 1891-1951
When I stand before the throne, dressed in beauty not my own;
When I see Thee as Thou art, love Thee with unceasing heart;
Then, Lord, shall I fully know - not till then - how much I owe. -Unknown
We all need a strong, compelling force to move us through life. Without this force we become stagnant. We can be driven by many different motives - wealth, power, prestige. The apostle Paul's compulsion was an intense awareness of Christ's atoning love for man and the responsibility he felt to share this truth with others. The apostle was so gripped by Christ that he counted his own life as nothing in the light of that love (Acts 20:24). Paul abandoned all ambitions as he sought to be a worthy follower and proclaimer of divine love.
Who can do anything other than love Christ after personally experiencing His divine love? Our love relationship with Christ will be demonstrated by our obedience to Him and the doing of His will for our lives (John 15:10). This obedience is not motivated by a desire for reward or a fear of punishment. It is simply a response of love for all that our Lord has done for us and for what He means in our daily lives.
The author and composer of this gospel hymn, Elton M. Roth, was a traveling music evangelist for a period of time. Later he taught music in various Bible schools, including Biola College in Los Angeles. Mr. Roth published many anthems and over 100 hymns, including the popular "In My Heart There Rings a Melody."
(A note from Joyce: I have found in reading the history of these hymns there is a lot of interesting facts plus that if I read the hymns and not unconsciously sing them, they have a more profound meaning. Maybe you will find that true too.)
Down from His splendor in glory He came into a world of woe, took on Himself all my guilt and my shame - why should He love me so?
I am unworthy to take of His grace, wonderful grace so free; yet Jesus suffered and died in my place, e'en for a soul like me.
He is the fairest of thousands to me; His love is sweet and true; wonderful beauty in Him I now see, more than I ever knew.
Refrain: How can I help but love Him when He loved me so? How can I help but love Him when He loved me so?
Amazing Grace, 366 Inspiring Hymn Stories for Daily Devotions - Kenneth W. Osbeck
BITS ' PIECES . . .
FYI: The York Springs Area Senior Center which serves residents of York Springs and Heidlersburg, Huntington, Latimore and Tyrone Townships depends upon support from the community and is asking for your tax deductible contributions so their services can continue. Please send your donation to YS Area Senior Center, P.O. Box 263, York Springs, PA 17372
Five-Day Clubs are seeking locations to their summer Clubs for weeks of June 27, July 5, 11, 18, and August 8. The Clubs are one hour per day for one week. Do you have a back yard, porch, living room or shade tree for a group of children to meet? Please
contact Bruce Hoover, Director, at (717) 677-4797 or email him at cefadams@centurylink.net
CREATION FESTIVAL June 29 - July 2. You will be hearing of several fundraising events to help offset the cost of attendees.
Mark your calendars for this years Vacation Bible School dates, July 18 - July 22 with the theme God is Wild About Us
Volunteers are still needed! Sign-Up Sheet in Foyer
=====================================TAXES
How much money did you make last year? Mail it in.
Simplified tax form suggested by Stanton Delaplane
I don't know of a single foreign product that enters this country untaxed, except the answer to prayer. - Mark Twain
I'm proud to pay taxes in the United States; the only thing is, I could be just as proud for half the money. - Arthur Godfrey
Things to think about . . .
How is it with your soul? - John Wesley
If we don't love God here (on earth) why do we think we'll love God there (in heaven)?
Will God ask us in heaven - why didn't you enjoy life more on earth?
May my life be a window where light shines thru
And may others see God in all that I do!
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