| AGAPE NEWS, NOTES & DEVOTIONAL 12/30/09 |
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| Written by Dianne Walthall | |
| Tuesday, 05 January 2010 | |
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AGAPE NEWS, NOTES & DEVOTIONAL 12/30/09 ******************************************************************** AGAPE BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES ...... HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO... Peter Newell (12-30), Daniel Seiling (12-30), David Cook (12-31), Karen Chrisfield (1-1), Diane Bird (1-1), Delvin Mu Christ (1-2) and Linda Galloway (1-5)!!   HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO... Kevin & Lori Snow (12-28-74), Stu & Dianne Walthall (12-31-99) and Floyd & Betty Lu Miller (1-1-58) and a belated Happy Anniversary to Tom and Karen ********************************************************************************************************** ****** SUNDAY PREVIEW ****** ONE JOINT 10AM SERVICE TODAY!! ************************************************************************************************************ **** NEW MUG SHOTS ****  Guess Who???  License to Preach!! ********************************************************************************* Devotional - By: Tracie Miles Spiritual Curfew "But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness. Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses." 1 Timothy 6:11-12 (NIV) I thought my parents were from another planet. As a young teenager, I just didn't understand how they could sit at home on the weekends, which I was sure had been created for the sole purpose of endless socializing. As is the norm for most teens, I was convinced the curfews my parents had set for me were overbearing and pointless. But now I know that although I couldn't see the benefit of curfews then, my parents knew what was best for me. Have you ever felt like God's Word has too many "don'ts" and not enough "do's"? I have heard non-believers say that being a Christian is too rule-oriented, too strict, or simply no fun. At times, this could be the viewpoint of Christians too, who are trying to live a life for Christ but finding it difficult to turn from their old ways. For many years in my Christian life, I played by my own set of rules. I thought that God's commands were for religious fanatics. However, I now realize that early on, had I adhered to the "spiritual curfews" set out for me in God's Word, many painful experiences and bad decisions could have been avoided. As it turns out, God knew what was best for me! If you are like I once was, you too may think that some of the biblical guidelines for Christian living are overbearing, maybe even pointless. But consider this: if parents allowed their children to do whatever they wanted, whenever they wanted, with whomever they wanted, is it likely that they would learn right from wrong, take the right paths, and make decisions that are in their best interest? Of course not! Children need guidance, encouragement, discipline and direction from their parents. As children of God, we need those same things from our heavenly Father. Sometimes it is hard to understand why God asks us to think a certain way, do certain things, or refrain from doing other things that are not indicative of someone living for Christ. That is where our faith must come in. Faith is our motivation to abide by the spiritual curfews that God outlines in His Word. If we doubt His reasoning, wonder why certain guidelines matter, or change the real meaning of a scripture to accommodate our own selfish purposes, then we are setting out on a path that will dishonor God and lead to sin. What godly principal are you battling to obey today? I remember my mother telling me to choose my battles, since not every situation was worth fighting for. Living a Godly life is sometimes a battle. This is one battle we should always fight: to honor God's Word. If we believe the Bible is truth, we should follow its guidelines. In a world where moral values are crumbling around us, Christians need to fight the good fight. Even though God's Word may sting our hearts at times, and we may feel convicted by the Holy Spirit when we do wrong, let us never forget that God truly does know what is best for us. Dear Lord, Please give me the strength and courage to stand for what is right in Your sight, even if those around me do not agree or understand my beliefs. Help me to fight for what I believe in, and obey Your Word. In Jesus' Name, Amen. Hosea 10:12, "Sow for yourselves righteousness, reap the fruit of unfailing love, and break up your unplowed ground; for it is time to seek the Lord, until he comes and showers righteousness on you." (NIV) Exodus 20:20, "Moses said to the people, 'Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin.'" (NIV) ********************************************************************** *** THIS WEEKS MEETINGS CALENDAR *** No meetings @ the church this week - HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYBODY!!!!  **** Sat. Jan 2nd - Start your New Year at a Praise Alive Gathering!! - Join us for an evening of Worship. @ the 1st AOG - Bostwick Rd. Ithaca *** Tue. Jan 5th - Ithaca Home Group meeting @ Conifer Village Apartments - Community Room. - 7pm ******************************************************************************* MEMBERSHIP...... We encourage newcomers to consider taking a step toward Church membership at Agape. This is an expression of commitment and acknowledgement that this fellowship is where the Lord has led you to be. *************************************************************************************** BOTTLES FOR MISSIONS! Are you wondering where to bring you deposit bottles now to donate for the Mission's Team Trip? The new location for your bottles is the big brown wood box on the outside of the church near the youth room exit door - Please drop your deposit bottles in the new box!!! Thanks for helping! ********************************************************************* Looking Ahead.... *** Fri. Jan 15th - Youth Gym Night @ T-burg Middle School Gym @ 7pm. *** Sat. Jan 16th - Attention Agape Youth!!! Pastor Chip is planning an exciting time of fun and worship! Please bring your instruments and/or voices to sing! No Talent? Don't worry - THERE WILL BE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE TO DO NO MATTER WHAT YOUR GIFT IS! *** Sat. Jan 23rd - Ladies of Agape are invited to join us for a time of Food, Fellowship and ministry at our Woman's Brunch - 10am - 12pm! Come on out ladies and please bring a friend!!! ********************************************************************************* Agape Family News: Hester's room at Lakeside is Room 130 - She would love a visit anytime from anyone! Please keep in prayer for her recovery! Thanks ********************************************************************************* AGAPE BIBLE CHURCH * 264 S.APPLEGATE RD * ITHACA, NY 14850 * * Phone 607-273-7419 * Fax 607-256-0896 * WEB SITE www.agape-ithaca.org * * E-MAIL: (General) This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it * (Prayer) This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it * (Ministers) This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it * This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it * GOD BLESS YOU TODAY & ALWAYS ! SEEK HIM FIRST!!! |
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 05 January 2010 ) |
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