30 years of service

Our pastor, Jerry and his wife, Martha, have served our community and church for 30 years. They are a Godly couple that I am proud to say are my friends.

If you want to recieve a blessing you need to come and attend a service at First Baptist Church in Bull Shoals.

Baby Shower for Jessica next Sunday

There will be a baby shower for Jessica Bardin Skrapates on Sunday, July 12 at 2 p.m. It will be held at the Bardins home. Please email Robin at Robin4350@yahoo.com, call Robin or Debbie Woods. Lets all have have fun and celebrate this new life.

Alert luncheon

The guys that are involved in the Alert program served lunch today after church. It was very enjoyable to spend some time with my church family. From what I understand, this will be a monthly event.

Inductive Bible Study-Step 4

OK, folks, you're not holding me accountable with this. It has been awhile since I posted last and I need to hear from you to let me know that I am not keeping my end of the bargain. So, here is the fourth step in the inductive bible study method, read on.

Step four is to "scrutinize" the passage in question. Ask yourself, "what does this mean?" It is very important here, to let God have His way with you. Ask God to open you before Him, to allow yourself to go beyond your culture, experience, and education. In other words, ask Him to put aside any pre-conceived notions and deal with you. Your study, after all, is about you.

What is God telling you? We must know of our weaknesses and limitations because of sin. Be focused on Christ, not yourself, and be keenly aware of the context the passage is in. You might also paraphrase the passage for yourself. This may add clarity to what God wants you to understand.

Also ask, how am I strengthened and encouraged? Make an emotional identification into the text. What is actually being said? Write down your questions and consider nothing insignificant. What is your duty? How is the character of God displayed here?

Above all, accept what the bible says. This is God's holy, infallible, perfect and complete word, after all, He knows what He is talking about and what He wants for you, so listen to Him.

There are three more steps to this coming up. However, with these first four, you are well on your way to some very enlightening study that will bring unspeakable joy and excitement to your relationship with Christ.

One thing I must repeat. Notice that we have not used writings from outside authors, in the least. God's word can speak mightily for itself, so let it do so. Other writings are fine, don't misunderstand me, but the word of God must, absolutely, be the final authority, period.

So, take what you have learned, thus far, and try it out. Men, I encourage you to try it with you family, be the leader. This is what God has called us to do. With that in mind, I am going to try, once again, to read the scriptures more with my wife and children. I fully expect you to hold me to this, pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeease.

Have fun in God's word.

Scott

Inductive Bible Study-Step 3

Now we start to get to the meat of things. Now we begin to get more in depth. We have covered the first, and most important, part and that is prayer. Keep in mind that you should be seeking God through out the process.

Step three involves observation. You must observe that which you are reading by asking yourself, "What does this passage say?" It is important to ask this question before you begin other questions like, "how does this apply to me?", or, "What does this mean?"

Give the book the "looks". Notice repeated phrases, the purpose being expressed, the point, who is involved, the time, the events, etc.

Always remember, and this is VERY important, scripture interprets scripture. Look for relating verses and similar verses in other parts of the bible. I recomend "The Treasury Of Scripture Knowledge".

Take note of any promises being given.

Notice, carefully, underlying principles and implications being given.

What about the life, work, and teachings of Christ? Are they present in what you are studying?

Do this and God's word will literally explode for you! Keep up the good work, we're all in this together.

Look for step four in about a week. Until then, take some time to "bathe" your family in God's word.

Some Thoughts On Bible Study

I was just reading an interesting article in a homeschool magazine today. The author mad a couple of comments that I thought I'd share with you. First, let me preface this by saying that some may say that I am completely anti-commentary, anti-concordance, anti-audio, anti-study bible, anti everything that is not the bible. I am going to go on record by saying this is not the case-entirely. Some of it is true, as I will explain.

The comments the author of the article were relating to bible study, and since we are learning how to study the bible for ourselves, I thought they were rather timely. The first comment made was that , "I have never been content to set my bible aside, grab some commentary and take someone else's word for what God has to say...".

The author went on, "I don't want to learn His truth 'through the grapevine'...I don't want to have a hear-say religion that goes something like this, 'Matthew Henry said that Jesus said that John said...', I am more inclined to say, 'LORD you spoke some amazing truths to those men, way back when, let me sit here with you awhile and listen to Your heart as well as your Words..."

Very well chosen statements and very timely. You see, this is my heart. All too often, believers take the "gospel" written by man over the Gospel written by God. We tend to put our bibles aside and take another man's word for it, so to speak. My friends, this ought not so to be. The writings by man have done more to damage and and cause division than they have helped. It has happened in our church, recently.

Are those things listed bad and not to be fooled with? No, not at all. Commentaries and the like should be taken with the same scrutiny as any thing else you might read. We are to be "Berean" about the teachings of man. The only way you can be sure of your favorite author's opinions and insights, is to weigh them against scripture. Go ahead and use them, just know that they were written by man, not God.

For example, I like Michael Pearl a great deal. I trust him and what he teaches. This trust is only because I know what he studies and how he studies and teaches. I have listened to him for years and found the he is right much of the time, because I have weighed it with scripture. Does this mean I agree with everything he says? Of course not. But, nine time out of ten, I do.

As we traverse the scriptures, learning about God, through our own study, let us seek to listen to the heart of God and to His words. When we pray, let us pray the He rules the day and our study. I promise that you will be enlightened and richly blessed. I am looking forward to applying this lesson to my own study, as well. Hey, I'm not perfect, but God is working on that.

Scott

Inductive Bible Study: Step 2

Alright, fellas, this has already turned from a weekly post to an-almost-two-week-post, post. You men need to hold me to this, that is your job, I formally give it to you. Email me at sppowers@iglide.net to remind me.

Now for some accountability back at ya. Have you been praying with your wives? Men, Pam and I have been having some sweet fellowship in just a few minutes of prayer, don't miss out on this. Have you been using your notes on bible study and applying them to studying Titus 2? I'm counting on y'all to teach me next Iron Sharpeners meeting.

Now for step two in the inductive bible study method. This is real simple, folks. Even more simple then the first step. Are you ready? Here it is-read.

Read the verse, chapter or book-whatever you are studying-at least three times. If you are studying just one verse, I recommend reading the whole chapter, at least once, then read the verse three times.

To summarize the first two steps: first, pray, second, read. Men, start on Titus two verses 1-7. Anyone else reading this can start wherever they wish. If you don't know where to begin, the gospel of John is always a great place to go.

Give it a shot and have fun. God will begin to show you things and give insight where you never thought it possible. God bless.

Scott

Inductive Bible Study: Step One

OK, here it is, the first installment on the inductive bible study. Many of you have heard me say how much this has opened up the word of God for me, and it is true. This method is exactly what I needed in terms of discovering the deeper truths of God's word. However, God's word is not always that deep, you don't always have to drill for oil when reading your bible. The fact is, God, many times, lays it out for you right up front. Other times, you have to dig a bit, but I would argue that He is pretty up front, most of the time.

If you are like me, you find it difficult to read the Word, much less study it. In fact, I would say that most Christians don't spend enough time in His word. To quote scripture, "my friends, this ought not so to be...". We need to change that. My job, as a teacher, is to equip you, the saints, in the word of God so that you may be ready with your two edged sword and be an effective ambassador of Christ (2 Cor. 5:19).

This is the aim, or thrust, of this weekly post. It is impossible to be an effective ambassador for Christ if we don't know His word. And we can't know His word if we don't know how to study it. There are many methods out there, true, but this one is the best I've found, for one reason: it relies on the bible alone, not on another man's interpretation of it. The best way to know God is through His word that He freely gives to all of us. This is not a method of preconceived notions or doctrine. It simply gives a direction for you to study the word, His word. With that in mind, let's get started on step one: knowing the knowable.

The first thing to do is quite simple. Pray, that's it. The idea is to bring your thoughts and mind in line with God. We need to be right with God so He can speak to us. Above all, attitude is critical. Ga 2:20 I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.

Remember to always begin your study and end your study with prayer. In fact, be in prayer in the mean time, also. Pray that He would direct your will and seize what He has in store for you, and be consistent.

It is just as crucial to be open to the Holy Spirit. "Quench not the Spirit", and let Him rule the time. He wants to spend time with you and direct your paths, but it is a decision, on your part, to let Him.

I encourage you to spend some time in His word, prayerfully, as discussed here. You will see the word open up to you in a new way. This is the first part, use it and read His word daily. Men, pray with your wives, parents, pray with you children and husbands, bathe your wife in the word of God. Enjoy, until next week...

"Mom, hey mom! Mom! MOTHER! I'm freezin' here and you're settin' on a DOG!"

Iron Sharpener's Meeting

Aliright men, we are set to meet again tomorrow (Friday) once again. We posted a challenge to each other to pray for and with our wives. How did you do? I have to admit that I have missed the last two days and a couple at the beginning. Other than those, I have been blessed to pray with my wife, daily. What a difference that made in both of our days!

It was blessing to pray with Pam, and I look forward to more encouragement from all of you to keep going. I don't want to stop now, I need to make this a habit. So, pray for me on that. Ask God to make praying for and with my wife a daily habit. Thanks for your support.

On another note, we a discussing the feasability/possibility of meeting twice a month. It just doesn't seem much more than good fellowship, meeting once per month. I think there would be better accountability and encouragement and strength in meeting twice per month. Give me some feedback, let me know what you think.

And just to tease y'all, I spoke with Doug Wintle last night, and he share a little with me about what God has revealed to him and how He is working in Doug's life. Trust me on this, you won't want to miss it! See you tomorrow!

New blog

Hi, I just wanted to let everyone know that I have started a blog dedicated to helping you save money! It's called twinlakessaver.blogspot.com. Come check it out and see what you can learn, and what you could contribute to helping those around you.
Thanks, Jeri Lynne

Pray With Your wife

Men, let me tell you something. I have been praying with my wife for two whole days! I know, this doesn't seem like a great accomplishment, and it really isn't. After I have prayed with her every day for a whole month, then we'll talk.

However, I wanted to share with you the feeling of joy in my heart that I have experienced the last two days. I feel tremendously blessed to have prayed with my wife. I feel closer to her already. I can't wait to go to work and call her at 8:00 as I stated that I would do. I just know that my days will be perfect and never have another trial....NOT! But, when those trials come, and they will, I know that I can face them stronger, willingly and for the glory of God. All because my wife and I prayed.

Here is something that I picked up that can help you pray with and for, your wife. I purpose to pray this for my wife tomorrow (Monday). Pray that she is a woman of contentment and joy and that her mind would first seek the Kingdom of God and that she is far from covetousness. Some scriptures to go along with it: Heb. 13:5; 1 Tim 6:8; Matt6:31-33.

Men, I want you to hold me to this. I also challenge you to do the same.

Scott

Iron Sharpeners

Guys, we had an excellent meeting last night! I was so blessed and encouraged, I cannot express it. Thank you to all who attended. For those of you who missed it, please make plans to attend the next one, the last Friday of March. You won't be sorry!

Here is something to think about: "A true patriarch never demands respect; he inspires his children to greatness through example." -Michael Pearl

Men, I am counting on you to hold me accountable, as we talked about in the meeting. Let me also encourage you to pray with and FOR your wives and children. God is waiting to talk to you.

God bless!
Scott

This Fight Gets Tough

Do something about abortion: Red Envelope Campaign

The idea is simple. Bombard the White House with red envelopes to remind President Obama that the majority of Americans do not support his abortion policy.
You can participate easily, as often as you want. Just send an empty red envelope to the address below. Don't have a red envelope? Make one out of construction paper. Or make 50. Address them to:

President Barack ObamaThe White House1600 Pennsylvania Ave NWWashington, DC 20500

Seal it and write the following message on the back:

This envelope represents one child who died in abortion. It is empty because that life was not allowed to offer anything to the world.Life begins with conception.
Stamp it, mail it, and invite others to do the same.

Just me and the girls

In the interest of saving the time of typing it all out agian, please visit our farm blog at Cedar Cove Farm for a few interesting insights in the world of child training. This is just some thoughts off the top of my head with no real imact on anything, but, maybe you can get something out of it. Enjoy.
Scott

Building the Tabernacle

Hello all!

The Powers family did something really cool acouple of Sunday's ago! We built the Tabernacle! Or, at least, we built a model of it. This makes for a really neat homeschool project and a great biblical lesson. So, if you're interested, you can see the whole thing with a link to the site from which we got it, all at our farm blog at Cedar Cove Farm. Please take a look, you won't regret it. It akes forever to upload all the pictures, so, rather than do it a second time here, just use the link to our personal blog.

See you soon, and enjoy!
Scott

Men's Meeting-Are You Excited?

Men, listen up! We have a meeting scheduled for the last Friday of the month, January 30. Please put it on your calendars and make plans to attend. From this point on, it will be a regular, monthly meeting.

I can't say that we have huge plans, but they are in the works. The trouble is that there is so much on my heart to share, that I have trouble zeroing in on just a couple of things. Pray about that for me.

I look forward to seeing you all there, God bless!
Scott