In the Class Room 10-25-09

BIBLE STUDY
We began our study Sunday with verse 15 of Chapter 21 in II Samuel and completed the chapter. These verses were covered in our study book in Day 3, ‘An Old Enemy’ of ‘Back Where He Belonged’, on pages 86-87. We find recorded in these verses the account of four battles that the Israelites engaged in with their old enemy, the Philistines. David accompanied his warriors in these battles and in verse 15, we are told that David grew faint or exhausted. The original word for exhausted in Hebrew means ‘to cover, to fly, faint, flee away’, literally a desire to run and hide. A Philistine giant, with six fingers and six toes, born to the tribe of giants in Gath and sporting a new sword, was about to close in on David and take his life. Remember, Goliath, whom David slew was also of Gath. Practical application here to take note of: Many times, after a battle is won with our old enemy, Satan, he will come at us again with a new weapon, attempting to once again take us down.

Abishai overcame the giant and slew him. David’s men did not want King David, referred to as ‘the light of Israel’ to go to battle any more for fear that he would be killed. However, David accompanied his warriors in all four battles recorded in this chapter and God brought David to victory in each. Our discussion revealed that there is no shame in getting weary; heroes get tired also. At times God allows us to become exhausted to force us to receive help, in which there is also no shame. Shame comes in refusing to accept help or victory through another when God supplies a hero. Practical application here: Use all resources, the Word, Christian friends who have walked there before, prayer, etc. available to win the battle with our enemy.

Be with us Sunday as we continue the study of David’s life, beginning with Chapter 22 of II Samuel and on page 87, Day Four, A Great Celebration in the Master Work book. Be ready to share your insights and thoughts on this passage of Scripture as we study and learn God’s Word together.

Be prepared for next week’s study.
Read: 2 Samuel, Chapter 22

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UPDATES
Leonard’s surgery – Robert talked with Leonard and his cataract surgery went well; he will have a follow up visit with his doctor this week and expects no complications.

PTL!
Reported Sunday: Ken and Chad, Jim and Diane’s sons both sold homes that had been on the market for a while! Encouragement for Finleys and Williams, who also have homes on the market for sale. Remind us, Lord, all in your timing!

Donald “Bubba” Howard, Robert’s friend who has lung cancer and been on our prayer list for a while, received a very good report last week. A PET scan revealed he is responding to treatment very well. The two large masses had shrunk considerably and all the small spots that were developing in his lungs and on his ribs had disappeared completely.. He will receive two more chemo treatments and be evaluated again.

TODAY’S PRAYER REQUESTS
Adam Edmonds – 5 yr. old grandson of Roger’s friend; for successful recovery of
reattachment of left arm after being severed below elbow from tree fall; no pulse in wrist
James Campbell – leg infection following heart surgery artery graft
Roy Leshe – Sherwin Williams Bastrop store manager (late 20’s); stroke
Mindy & Cole Pasquier – Donna’s daughter/grandson; returning to St. Jude’s for tests; a cell
discovered of a genetic disease of Cole’s tumor removed months ago; tests will reveal if
there are more cells that could cause future problems; early detection key to prevention

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If you would like to receive the weekly news letter, let us know by sending us an email at finlyssc@gmail.com


Robert’s book, The Holy Spirit: Our Helper is now available on Amazon.com and at Christian Life Books at 8026 Jewella Ave. If you would like a copy, you can save taxes/S&H by obtaining a copy from us. The publisher has priced the book at $12.99.

In the Class Room 10-18-09

BIBLE STUDY
Our study Sunday covered II Samuel, Chapter 21, Verses 3-14. In the Master Work book our study began at the bottom of page 85 and continued to page 86, ‘Back Where He Belonged’, Day Two (Unfinished Business). Last week, in verses 1 and 2, we learned a famine had fallen on Israel that lasted for three years. When David had inquired of God why the famine?, he learned it was because a vow made years earlier not to make war with the Gibeonites had been broken by King Saul. God was now holding the entire nation of Israel to this old vow. God meant for Israel to keep their agreement, even though they never should have entered into the agreement. David went to the Gibeonites to ask what restitution could be made. The Gibeonites made their request: seven descendents of Saul were to be put to death. This may seem rather harsh, but some Biblical scholars believe the seven men chosen and executed had directly or indirectly participated in the massacre of the Gibeonites. David met the demands requested, the men were hanged, and the bodies left unburied to signify their execution was an act of judgment. This image of unburied bones stirred deep emotion within David. He remembered the exposed bodies of Saul and his dear friend Jonathan after their death. Their remains were not where they should be. David went himself to retrieve the bones of Saul and Jonathan, brought them back and buried them in the tomb of Saul’s father. David also buried the bones of the seven who were executed as recompense for Israel’s failure to keep her promise. When this was done, rain fell, and the famine ended. The coming of the rain showed the famine was over, justice was satisfied, and Israel was delivered.

Lesson to be learned: God expects nations, as well as individuals, to keep promises. If broken, consequences will be paid and restitution must be made. Obedience is necessary for spiritual famine to end and the rains (healing) to be poured out. Obedience has amazing effects: “After that, God answered prayer in behalf of the land.”

Be with us Sunday as we continue the study of Chapter 21, beginning with verse 15 and on page 86, Day Three, An Old Enemy in the Master Work book. Be ready to share your insights and thoughts on this passage of Scripture as we study and learn God’s Word together.

Be prepared for next week’s study.
Read: 2 Samuel, Chapter 21

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REMINDERS!!
GREAT GIVE AWAY – SUNDAY, OCT. 25, 2 PM – 6 PM

A strong appeal was made Sunday for everyone to bring items for the Great Give Away! (See details below for items wanted.) Approximately 1,000 families have been invited to participate in the give away. Each family will be issued five tokens to buy items. This means that 5,000 items are needed and the number is far from reached! So pretend it is spring and do your spring cleaning! Go through your house and eliminate items you no longer want, need, or use (new or gently used) or make a trip to Walmart and donate to this Loving Loud opportunity!

Each Sunday School class has been assigned a booth for the ‘Give Away Sale’. The Outdoors Equipment booth is our designated booth. Volunteers were solicited to man our booth. Times are from Sunday, 2 – 4 PM and 4 – 6 PM. If you volunteered for either of these times, you will need to be present at the booth 15 minutes prior to designated time.

Robert’s book, The Holy Spirit: Our Helper is now available on Amazon.com and at Christian Life Books at 8026 Jewella Ave. If you would like a copy, you can save taxes/S&H by obtaining a copy from us. The publisher has priced the book at $12.99.

LOVE LOUD….LIVING IT OUT OPPORTUNITIES
GREAT GIVE AWAY – SUNDAY, OCT. 25, 2 PM – 6 PM

FBB is sponsoring a Great Giveaway and needs our help. The flier reads: “We have all the stuff we need to make this giveaway a success and it is all at your house!!” This is a free rummage sale for area residents in need. Church members are asked to donate new or gently used items in 15 categories, ranging from sporting goods to Christmas decorations. NO CLOTHING OR SHOES. Categories and rules for donations are given below:

Categories:

1. House wares
2. Kitchen equipment
3. Small appliances
4. Linens
5. Furniture
6. Sporting goods
7. Christmas decorations
8. Seasonal decorations
9. Home Décor
10. Outdoors equipment
11. Bibles, book, and school supplies
12. Personal care items
13. Tools
14. Toys and children’s items
15. Televisions and electronics

Donations can be dropped off:
Wednesday October 14 & 21 – 5PM-8PM
Saturday October 17 & 24 – 10AM-4PM
Sunday October 18 & 25 – 9AM-1PM

Rules for Donations:
Items will be received ONLY during designated donation times at the pods in front of
Faith Chapel.

1. Items must be in good working order.
2. Items should be new or gently used.
3. Personal care items must be unopened.
4. Donated items are to be clean.
5. We will NOT accept ANY clothing or shoes.

Each Sunday School class has been assigned a booth for the ‘Give Away Sale’. The Outdoors Equipment booth is our designated booth. Volunteers were solicited Sunday to man our booth. Times are from 2 – 4 PM and 4 – 6 PM. If you volunteered for either of these times, you will need to be present at the booth 15 minutes prior to designated time. Your phone number was submitted, along with your name, so I am assuming you will be contacted if more info is needed. We will most likely have more info in our packet Sunday.

Prior to the Great Giveaway event, neighborhoods are to be canvassed and door hangers hung. Teams of 2 or 3 will be assigned various streets. Volunteers are needed from every class. After the event, visits will be made to present the gospel message to the homes where door hangers were previously hung. Make this a matter of prayer and give serious thought to helping reach families in our area. More info later: dates and hours, etc.

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ATTENDANCE….

Pretty good, but not as good as last Sunday. Several were out of town and of course, we have several who are on the premises, but serving in various places. Welcome back, Katie! Glad we didn’t lose you permanently!

UPDATE

Talked to Jolene Monday night and she is recovering well, even spending a few hours a day at the office. Shhhh! I don’t think her doctor knows this. That Jolene, independent gal! According to Robert, it takes one to know one. Wonder what he means by that?! We look forward to having Jolene and Charlie back in class soon.

If you would like to receive the weekly news letter, let us know by sending us an email at finlyssc@gmail.com

In the Class Room 10-11-09

BIBLE STUDY
Robert began our study with II Samuel, Chapter 21, the bottom of page 85, ‘Back Where He Belonged’, Day Two (Unfinished Business) in the Master Work book and NO!, He DID NOT COMPLETE THE CHAPTER! We did cover verses 1 and 2. We learned that after David had returned to his rightful position as king of Israel, a famine fell upon Israel that lasted for three years. Speculatively, the first year, as well as the second year, David was not too concerned about the famine; maybe because the storehouses were full. But apparently, after the year of no crops, David began to have concern. He went to God in prayer to inquire why Israel was in a famine. The answer was possibly surprising, for the Lord said, “It is because of the sin of Saul.” Surprising because this was in the latter days of David’s forty year reign and possibly the wrong doings of King Saul had been long forgotten. The sin that God brought to David’s attention was the killing of the Gibeonites. Israel has sworn not to war against the Gibeonites in a treaty made years earlier. Saul, in his nationalistic zeal, had broken that promise. Now the entire nation of Israel was paying the consequences. There are several lessons and applications to be learned from these two verses:

1. When in trouble or in a ‘famine’, whether it be spiritual, emotional, mental, etc., go to the source that has the answer: Our Almighty God.
2. God expects us, as well as nations, to honor promises/treaties forever, once made.
3. Remember that consequences of our wrong doing may be passed to generations to come, our children and grandchildren. Others than ourselves may suffer because of our sin
4. Though a period of time has passed without consequences, don’t be so foolish to think that the sin is forgotten and no consequence will be paid.

Be with us Sunday as we continue the study of Chapter 21, beginning with verse 3 to learn how David made restitution for the sin committed many years earlier by King Saul. Be ready to share your insights and thoughts on this passage of Scripture as we study and learn God’s Word together.

Be prepared for next week’s study.
Read: 2 Samuel, Chapter 21

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LOVE LOUD….LIVING IT OUT OPPORTUNITIES
GREAT GIVE AWAY – SUNDAY, OCT. 25, 2 PM – 6 PM

FBB is sponsoring a Great Giveaway and needs our help. The flier reads: “We have all the stuff we need to make this giveaway a success and it is all at your house!!” This is a free rummage sale for area residents in need. Church members are asked to donate new or gently used items in 15 categories, ranging from sporting goods to Christmas decorations. NO CLOTHING OR SHOES. Categories and rules for donations are given below:

Categories:

1. House wares
2. Kitchen equipment
3. Small appliances
4. Linens
5. Furniture
6. Sporting goods
7. Christmas decorations
8. Seasonal decorations
9. Home Décor
10. Outdoors equipment
11. Bibles, book, and school supplies
12. Personal care items
13. Tools
14. Toys and children’s items
15. Televisions and electronics

Donations can be dropped off:
Wednesday October 14 & 21 – 5PM-8PM
Saturday October 17 & 24 – 10AM-4PM
Sunday October 18 & 25 – 9AM-1PM

Rules for Donations:
Items will be received ONLY during designated donation times at the pods in front of
Faith Chapel.

1. Items must be in good working order.
2. Items should be new or gently used.
3. Personal care items must be unopened.
4. Donated items are to be clean.
5. We will NOT accept ANY clothing or shoes.

Each Sunday School class has been assigned a booth for the ‘Give Away Sale’. The Outdoors Equipment booth is our designated booth. Volunteers were solicited Sunday to man our booth. Times are from 2 – 4 PM and 4 – 6 PM. If you volunteered for either of these times, you will need to be present at the booth 15 minutes prior to designated time. Your phone number was submitted, along with your name, so I am assuming you will be contacted if more info is needed. We will most likely have more info in our packet Sunday.

Prior to the Great Giveaway event, neighborhoods are to be canvassed and door hangers hung. Teams of 2 or 3 will be assigned various streets. Volunteers are needed from every class. After the event, visits will be made to present the gospel message to the homes where door hangers were previously hung. Make this a matter of prayer and give serious thought to helping reach families in our area. More info later: dates and hours, etc.

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TIDBITS OF INFO

We had great attendance Sunday; wonderful to see an almost room full! We welcomed two visitors: Becky, Joel and Brenda’s sister and Katherine, a friend of Diane’s. Amanda, Robert’s daughter is still with us, but she’s family, not really a visitor. Those missed were the O’Herns (involved in blood drive event), Glass’ (not sure), Cocherells,(Jolene recovering), Greens (Simple Church), and Bennetts (not sure). I am looking forward to that Sunday when we have to bring in extra chairs!!

Johnny was back in class after his trip to Baton Rouge and we all saw adorable pictures of baby Gabriel Nicholas! From the pics, I think Grandpa is already in the process of spoiling the precious bundle! That’s what grandparents get to do and it’s soooo much fun!

I brought to the class’s attention the abundant talent we have in our class! Kay is an accomplished artist and has sold a painting; Johnny is a master craftsman; we have several wonderful cooks (PTL!), male and female; I forgot to mention our computer whiz/genius/geek, forgive me, Jeff; and we now have a published author. Robert’s book, The Holy Spirit: Our Helper is now available on Amazon.com and at Christian Life Books at 8026 Jewella Ave. If you would like a copy, you can save taxes/S&H by obtaining a copy from us. The publisher set the price at $12.99.

If you would like to receive the weekly news letter, let us know by sending us an email at finlyssc@gmail.com

In the Class Room 10-04-09

Brother Robert continued the study of David.

2 Samuel 20




This week Robert quickly went through chapter 20 and discussed the restoration of Israel.

Be prepared for next week’s study.
Read: 2 Samuel, Chapter 21