2013 Book #16 - THE CRUCIFIED LIFE by A.W. Tozer

We just finished this wonderful book Sunday in our Real Christianity Small Group class.

If you are serious about having a closer walk with Jesus and truly making Him LORD, and not just Savior, of your life I highly recommend this book.

It was published in 2011 and while it was not "written by" A.W. Tozer (1897-1963), it is a selection of some of the many sermon's he preached. 

One quote Tozer makes, in speaking of other writers: "...the writer was able to express my deepest feelings for God in language far better than my ability to compose."

this is my feelings exactly of this entire book,

And this truth, "If our hearts are not prepared to receive, our time in these books will not be well spent."  

The final quote of the book:

"God's most delicate tools are reserved for His special children.  For the Christian on the path of the crucified life, God will bring into his pathway the fiery furnace, the Refiner's Fire, and show that Christian how much He really loves him."

I am thankful for this book.  I am thankful for this 19 week study, with MUCH discussion,  that our Small Group just  completed on September 1st.  I dare say, there is not one of those who attended faithfully who have not been changed to some degree and more committed to become 

ALL THAT JESUS intends for us to become as HIS blood, bought redeemed.  

This is the 7th A.W. Tozer book I have read this year.

I HIGHLY recommend this book of sermons if you truly are interested in 

LIVING The Crucified LIFE.

REAL CHRISTIANITY Small Group Breakfast

Sunday, May 29th Real Christianity Small Group celebrated the completion of our 3rd book study, Soul Detox by Craig Groeschel.

 We began this 14 week study on January 20th and finished it May 21st. 

 Picture of our Prayer Board that we began in January, 2013 after finishing our 2nd Book Study, The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson.  One name on this board has already accepted Christ as Savior and we are believing for many more during this year. 

 Mickey & I set up the Buffet table & the long Banquet table on Saturday in preparation.

AND then promptly forgot to take one SINGLE picture of the actual Buffet Breakfast celebration!!  We were having too much fun enjoying the fellowship and forgot!!!

We began this study with 31 attending our first lesson in January and ended yesterday with 29 enjoying this wonderful time of celebration.  So much food we ended up going and getting the Inspired Manship small group, many of who's wives were in this class, to join us and finish up the abundance.

This has been a fantastic group and Kent & I look forward to God's next step beginning May 5th.  I'll post about it next week as we begin. 

If you attend Coweta Assembly, and are not currently in a small group, we invite you to join us next Sunday at 9:45 a.m. in Room 411, upstairs in the ORC. If you live in the Coweta area, and are not attending church we invite YOU to join this great group and study next week.  

2nd Book for 2013 - SOUL DETOX

I just completed my 2nd book for this year.  SOUL DETOX by Craig Groeschel.  I began this book to see if it was the next book we wanted to study in Real Christianity Small Group.  I was not many chapters into it when I knew - Yes, this is the next book for us to study.

Sunday, January 20th, 31 of us started this powerful study that we probably should wear steel-toed shoes for because I know our toes are going to be stepped on!!

"In our culture, the water temperature increases daily.  Without realizing it, we slowly become acclimated to a toxic environment full of poisonous influences.  As the water temperature rises, we keep pretending we're soaking in a hot tub having the time of our lives, never dreaming that we're scalding our souls.  As we become scarred and desensitized to what is right and wrong, good and evil, life-giving and life-draining, we lose sight of our first love.  We move away from God one degree at a time."  

"The people closest to you will hands down be your greatest spiritual asset or your worst spiritual curse."

Are just two of the powerful quotes from this most important book for this time and this study.  

Lord, I pray you do a powerful work in each and every one or us, I pray we can truly separate ourselves from the subtle traps of the society we find ourselves living in.  I pray we live the pure  relationship that you desire of us that call you LORD and SAVIOR.

    

13th Book for 2012 - The INVESTED LIFE

The Invested Life by Joel C. Rosenberg & Dr, T, E, Koshy is my 13th and final book to finish for the year 2012.  I began this book in October, at the Monday morning bible study I have been going to for almost 3 years.  I felt I had to cut out an activity as I was just getting too many things on my plate so I dropped out of the group even before we began it at the study and set it aside.  Then several weeks later I decided to go ahead and read it on my own.  It has not been one of those "can't put down books" so I have just been reading it along as I could and finally finished it this morning.

The subtitle is "Making disciples of all nations one person at a time".  While I can't say the book covered much that I didn't already know and was acquainted with it was a good "refresher" as to the importance of each one of us taking upon ourselves to both 1) be discipled & 2) discipling on a one-on-one or small group basis.  

I began co-leading a small group Sunday school class each Sunday on May 6th of this year and I have hosted a Tuesday night Bible Study in my home since January 18, 2011.  The thing that blesses me the most is that I have found the one who leads has to prepare and I learn something new each and every time.  I love reading and I love studying THE BIBLE and other related material.  I truly believe in "Studying to show myself approved.  A workman that needed not to be ashamed.", as The Word instructs us.  The Lord has also blessed me with such wonderful, strong Christian woman to grow and expand with.  

I would encourage each and everyone of you to get involved, either on a one-to-one basis or in a small group class setting, in being discipled and discipling.  

I would love to hear feedback on your feeling and/or experience in this area of Christian service.

I look forward to the books The Lord will place before me in 2013 and will be reporting about them.

NEW Real Christianity Small Group Class

Fall has arrived, the kids are back in school, and we began our 2nd Book in Real Christianity Small Group this morning.  

THE CIRCLE MAKER, by Mark Batterson, is a book that was given to me by a friend back in July.  It is one of the best books on PRAYER that I have read so when I was discussing with our Pastor Steve, as we were winding down the study on The 10 SECOND RULE, I knew immediately this was the book The  Lord was leading us to do for the next study.   Kent readily agreed.  

Pastor Steve felt it would be best to not start this study until after Labor Day, to give the church time to promote all the Small Groups (that's the flyer at the top of the page that was in the bulletin each week and on the video presentations before each service),  and get the summer behind us and lives returning a little back to normal after summer vacations.  The 10 Second Rule study lasted 15 weeks - we spent the three remaining weeks in between  1) having a group breakfast, 2) Kent presenting the history of the man responsible for the salvation of Reinhart Bonke's parents, and consequently Reinhart's great work of evangelism in South Africa and 3) my presenting a 16 Point Self-Evaluation developed by John Wesley and first published in 1730!!  Amazing how 282 years later we are still dealing with the same issues.  Example:  Question #1 - Am I consciously or unconsciously creating the impression that I'm a better person than I really am?  or #12 - Did I handle discouragement well or did I have to be coddled?  

So, today we are up and running on this new 18 week book study.  We had 33 present today..25 from the first class and 8 brand new people joined us, plus we had 3 of our class working in other areas of the church during small group class today and another new couple who told me they will be coming but were on vacation this week.  So we should have a class of 38 - 10 new & 28 continuing.

I am thankful that God keeps moving us forward!!!  He does not want us to rest on the Manna of yesterday but enjoying His new teaching and provisions for today.  Kent & I are excited about this new study and what God has in store for this group He has called together for these next 18 weeks.

If you live in, or near, Coweta, and do not have a church home, or you actually attend Coweta Assembly and have not joined a small group yet we invite you to come, see & taste!!!.  

.   

a 2 z - JOYOUS

A time of JOY - JOYOUS

That's what it was this morning, August 19, 2012, in our small group Real Christianity class as we JOYOUSLY celebrated finishing up our first class, and study of The 10 Second Rule for the past 14 weeks,  with a pot-luck breakfast. 

 Kent & I share the role of facilitators and teachers. 

 Kent, Kathy, Susan & Mickey.

Kathy is our secretary and Mickey helps Kent & I in a 1,000 and 1 ways with whatever needs done. 

 Lee treated us with guitar & harmonica music as we ate.

 Starting to arrive.

 Table laden with fresh fruit, cinnamon rolls, quiches, egg & sausage casseroles, link & regular sausages, orange juice. 

 Another view of the laden table with chocolate covered strawberries and more cinnamon rolls and

 each table had sliced pineapple, which wouldn't even fit on the main food table because we had so much!!

 Enjoying the food and

each other..

What a diverse and great group of people that made up this first Real Christianity group.  We are looking forward to recapping the next 2 Sundays and then we'll start our brand new study after Labor Day, on September 9th. 

Stay tuned for coming attraction!

a 2 z - F = FINISHED & FANTASTIC

Today FINISHED up the small group Real Christianity's 15 week study of Clare De Graaf's book.

We began on May 13th with 30 people and ended today, these 15 weeks later with 26 people.  This was a powerful study, and I would encourage any group that wants a good study that will motivate, encourage and stir you to study this book.  Our group was so FANTASTIC because of the open hearts and wonderful, willing participation we had among those who attended as they shared, each week, what God was doing in their lives.  Not only did we share our successes but also our struggles as we endeavor to do 

THE VERY NEXT THING JESUS TELLS US TO DO.

The book ended with this great quote:

The Bible is very easy to understand,

But we Christians are a bunch of scheming

swindlers.  We pretend to be unable to

understand it because we know very well

that the minute we understand,

we are obliged to act accordingly.

Soren Kierkegaard 

Yes, we understand........not let's just do it

in the next 10 Seconds. 

A special thanks to Kent, who helped me facilitated the class, and especially to all those who participated and made it what it was.  

Yes, we've FINISHED this study but are so looking forward to the very next study which we will begin on September 9th.  I'm sure it will also be FANTASTIC.....With God, how could it be anything but.??!!

REAL CHRISTIANITY Small Group - Update #2

This Small Group began on May 6th.  You can read about it here.

I have to admit that Jesus would have to say to me, "Ye of little faith." Romans 8:28 (Partial)  

I am so thankful the above is TRUE 

 "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us."  Ephesians 3:20  

My vision, when I spoke to our Pastor Steve about doing this Small Group, was believing for 10 to 20 people who would attend, get involved and participate. We started with 30 on week one.  The room we had been assigned had only 25 chairs so we had to bring in 5 extra chairs.  

Sunday before last we had 5 new people come, and yesterday, July 10th, we had 16 new people come and the attendance was 44!!!  Double +4 of my highest expectation.

This post is certainly not to brag on Susan & Kent, but 'LOOK WHAT THE LORD HATH DONE" when we step out and follow His voice and what He tells us to do.  Yes HE does "exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think".  Praise God He does.

So I am here to encourage you, WHATEVER God is speaking to you to do, be obedient and then WATCH WHAT GOD WILL DO and then share it with others so they will go and do likewise.  

l

LovingOutLoudx #1 and The 10 Second Rule

What's all this about?????!!!!!  Following God~~. 

What an exciting year 2012 has been so far - and we still have 7 months left!!!  I not only love God with all my heart but HE continues to amaze me in how HE works and moves among HIS people.

Our Pastor Steve began the first Sunday in 2012 with a series titled:  ALL IN - then he did a series on VISION - and he just finished with the 3rd series this year - LIVE TO GIVE.  In addition, on Wednesday nights he has been doing a series PENTECOST & THE MODERN CHURCH which just ended this past Wednesday night.  

So very much has been, and is being birthed at Coweta Assembly of God and it is so very exciting.

  

 

After reading The 10 Second Rule book, in February,  I felt like The Lord wanted me to start a Small Group class on Sunday mornings to teach this principal.  I posted all about this process here, so won't repeat it. The class was named by Pastor Steve as Real Christianity - "Living out the heart beat of Christ" and after being promoted for about 6 weeks we had our first session on May 6th.  I asked Kent to join me and he and I are acting as felicitators.  As of this past Sunday there are 37 attending.  God is doing a great work in ALL of us through this class.  It is exciting to watch, see and be part of.  I'll be posting on it along the way I'm sure :o)  The stories that people are already sharing are amazing.  God it truly at work in US!!!

Another great idea, that came forth from a young man, Anthony,  in our congregation, was to make a card that could be handed out by our congregation when we do show forth the Love of God in an Act of Kindness.  They decided to call it LovingOutLoud. 

This is the card that was developed - Isn't it great?  So simple, yet so profound and directs 90% of the attention to GOD with only our name pretty small in the corner.

This card works in so well with The 10 Second Rule and also as God is moving on people who attend CAG to show forth The Love Of God in big and small ways.  When you do something for someone you just hand them a card at the end to let them know that it is all because of God.  Mickey & I have been privileged to hand out 4 of these cards so far.

Another NEW ministry that is just being birthed, (announced this past Sunday) as a result of  Pastor Steve's messages stirring us, is LOVE OUT LOUD.  This young couple, Josh & Tracey will be taking 5 to 10 baskets (filled with food, or toiletry items, or goodies of various kinds - they'll decide) each month out and placing them on a strangers porch in our community with just a note in them.  What a great, wonderful idea!!!

God is truly getting us: 1) out of our comfort zones!!! -  2) out from the confines of  the Church building - 3) out into our community & 4) to truly be Jesus hands, feet, eyes, ears & mostly HEART.

All of this is IN ADDITION to the many ministries that CAG is already involved in:  Klothes Kloset, The King's Kitchen, Bridge Builders, Girls Ministry, Royal Rangers, Co-ed Volleyball, Men's Basketball, a ministry of helping to repair houses (that is yet to be named!) & a Mission's Team leaving for El Salvador June 8-16.  Yes, we are very happy, and blessed, to be part of such a loving, dynamic Body of Believers.

I'm excited about what God is doing.

Go - and do likewise!!!!

Our Above & Beyond God

On April 22nd I wrote about Real Christianity and told you I would follow up after we held our opening class.  Well, May 6th, was that day.


This is part of what I wrote in that blog (the book I am referring to is The 10 Second Rule by Clare De Graff):
As we were reading  this book I kept saying to Mickey, "I wish someone would teach this at our church.  I just know that if 10 to 20 people really DO what this book teaches it would revolutionize not only our church but our community."  The more I prayed about this the more Christ was saying to me:  "YOU do it!"  


Kent & I were assigned Room #418 which is on the second floor of the ORC (Outreach Center) Building.  When we went to look it had 25 chairs.  BUT GOD BROUGHT IN 30!!!!  Mickey had to pull in 5 more chairs.  The chairs are placed in a large circle and not in rows.


 I began by sharing how the class had come about and a brief overview of what I feel God is going to do. I told everyone that I had been praying, for the past 8 weeks, that God would place whom He wanted to be in this class and that I knew they were there because God answers our prayers. Kent asked for prayer requests and then  lead in prayer. We pointed out that Kent & I are not "teachers" but facilitators who are going on this journey with the class.  I gave a brief presentation with a flashlight, based on Psalm 119:105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.  Which I had been blessed to hear, in person,  from Bill Cloud the Sunday evening before!!!  I love the way God gives us things to use and learn just as HE knows we need them.  Kent gave a brief presentation, which he had gotten from watching Frances Chan, using a long white rope with a short area of red on the end,  The long rope represents eternity, and the short area of red our lives here on earth.


Then we went around the room and everyone gave their name and told a little bit about themselves.  It was really interesting and a good way for everyone to start becoming more familiar with each other.  Next, Kent talked about us wanting a 13 week commitment from each of them and how this was not a game or a competition and tied it in with my earlier presentation about OUR path that The Word is lighting for us individually.  


When Kent asked how many were willing to commit to the 13 weeks EVERY hand in the room went up!!!!  Then we passed out the books and gave out the first assignment: read "About the Author", "Preface" and "Chapter 1" and come prepared next week to discuss what God has shown and spoken to them. I closed in prayer.  


One young woman said, "I've taken a part-time job so I may have to miss a few Sundays, but I've already decided I will type out what  God has shown and spoken to me that week, e-mail it to Mrs. Susan and she can read it to you."  Now that is the spirit - thank you Tanzy!!!!


We have had many wonderful comments about the class, but I want to share a special one that Jeanne posted on my fb wall: Just a note to let you know, Susan Errett Joyce and Kent Rife, you did a wonderful job giving the overview for the Real Christianity class. I told Kent you have eliminated the things that I don't like about small groups...ie, classroom is too hot, the chairs are uncomfortable and one person controls the entire class time. You didn't even use the stinky white board markers! ;) Thank you thank you thank you! I'm excited to see what God does in this class! Your door greeter did a good job (Mickey) and Kathy Robinson was doing a great job keeping up the paper work. 
You guys are awesome!


Mickey, Kent & I are excited about what OUR ABOVE & BEYOND GOD has already done and what HE has in store for ALL of us. We covet your prayers!!! 

REAL CHRISTIANITY

Back on March 1st I posted about the book The 10 Second Rule by Clara DeGraaf.  I ended that review with this comment: "Reading this book has just solidified this truth in our hearts.  In fact, there is one thing the Lord has instructed me to do, which I am stepping out and being faithful in obeying.  A little later I will tell you what that is and what the result is.".


As we were reading  this book I kept saying to Mickey, "I wish someone would teach this at our church.  I just know that if 10 to 20 people really DO what this book teaches it would revolutionize not only our church but our community."  The more I prayed about this the more Christ was saying to me:  "YOU do it!" 


So I did, and that is what I've come back to tell you and the result.  


Step 1 - I made an appointment with our Pastor Steve. Mickey and I went to talk to him and I shared about the book and that God had placed in my heart to lead a teaching on this book in a Sunday Small Group setting.  I took him my copy and asked him to read it and see if he agreed and I had his approval.  Both Pastor Steve and his wife, Michelle, read the book and wholeheartedly agreed and were excited about it.  Pastor Steve had begun this new year of 2012 preaching a series on "All In" and this will actually build on that firm foundation that he laid.  


Step 2 - I invited our dear younger friend, Kent, who helps us with The King's Kitchen, and who had given me this book in the first place to please help with the class and Kent agreed.  He is such a blessing in so many areas of ministry at Coweta Assembly.  I also wanted Kent to join me to establish that this class had no age, sex or marital status framework or limitations.


Step  3 - We all have been praying on a daily basis that God would select and place within this Small Group those He wants to be a part of  it.


Step 4 - Kent and I met with Pastor Steve on April 3rd to solidify our plans.  Pastor Steve came up with the wonderful name Real Christianity "Living out the heartbeat of Christ."  We set the starting date for the first Sunday in May, May 6th, and the church began promoting it with notices in the weekly bulletin and in the Sunday & Wednesday pre-service video presentation of upcoming events.


Step 5 - On Sunday, April 22nd, Kent and I were given 5 minutes in both the 8:30 and 10:45 services to give a brief presentation of the upcoming class.  We asked for a 13 week commitment of those attending.  The 1st week an overview of the class, purpose & book and then 12 weeks to cover the 12 chapters of the book.


Step 6 - May 6th - When it arrives I'll post as to how many showed up and how it's progressed.  Stay tuned!!!