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Apache Junction First Assembly of God Oct. - Dec. 2013

'Twas The Night Before Jesus Came

'Twas the night before Jesus came and all through the house, Not a creature was praying, not one in the house. Their Bibles were lain on the shelf without care, In hopes that Jesus would not come there. The children were dressing to crawl into bed, Not once ever kneeling or bowing a head. And Mom in her rocker with baby on her lap, Was watching the Late Show while I took a nap. When out of the east there arose such a clatter, I sprang to my feet to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash! When what to my wondering eyes should ap-pear, But angels proclaiming that Jesus was here. With a light like the sun sending forth a bright ray, I knew in a moment this must be THE DAY! The light of His face made me cover my head, It was Jesus! returning just like He had said. And though I possessed worldly wisdom and wealth, I cried when I saw Him in spite of myself.

In the Book of Life which He held in His hand, Was written the name of every saved man. He spoke not a word as He searched for my name; When He said "It's not here," my head hung in shame. The people whose names had been written with love, He gathered to take to His Father above. With those who were ready He rose without a sound, While all the rest were left standing around. I fell to my knees, but it was too late; I had waited too long and thus sealed my fate. I stood and I cried as they rose out of sight; Oh, if only I had been ready tonight. In the words of this poem the meaning is clear; The coming of Jesus is drawing near. There's only one life and when comes the last call, We'll find that the Bible was true after all.

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- Our Mission -

To Love God and Love People

with all our compassion, wonder,

curiosity, and energy.

Mark 12:30-31

- Our Core Values -

Compassionate Response

We must respond to the real needs

of people around us as the Lord enables.

— 1 John 3:17

Passionate Proclamation

We must declare that Jesus is our Savior, Baptizer,

Healer, and Soon-coming King,

upholding the Bible as the Word of God.

Mark 16:15

Next Generation Investment

We must reach the next generation,

for they are the lifeline

of AJ First Assembly of God.

Psalm 78:4

Strategic Church Planting

We must cooperate with our movement

in establishing new churches

and winning new souls for Christ.

Acts 13:1-3

Skillful Resourcing

We must equip believers to spiritually grow

and to do every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17

Fervent Prayer

We must commit ourselves to prayer,

for it will determine our destiny.

Isaiah 38:5

Sunday Services

First Service 8:30am

Sunday School 10:00am

Second Service 11:00am

Evening Worship 6:00pm

Ann Merry ……………………………………………....11

Bud from Rose…………………………………………...7

Della’s Corner…………………………………………….7

Ethel’s Tidbits………………………………………….....7

From the Pastor’s Desk………………………………….3

Kids Page………………….………………………... 8 & 9

Mission News……………………………………….…….6

Pastor Bob…………………………… ….……………..4

Sara Dimas……………………………………………....5

The Thinker………………………………………...…...12

Women’s Ministries….…………………………………..6

YAHs….………………………………………………....13

Table of Contents

The Olive Branch

Editor: Pat Johnson

First Assembly of God

Apache Junction, AZ

480.983.1200

CHURCH STAF

PASTOR: James Brown

ASSOCIATE PASTOR: Bob Roche

CHILDREN’S PASTOR: Leah Thomas

SENIOR ADULT PASTOR: Mary June Ficarra

WORSHIP PASTOR: Diana Harris

CHURCH BOARD: Chris Starr (Treasurer),

James Eiles (Secretary), Jerry Hayes

SECRETARY: Rev. Sherri Foarde

FINANCIAL ASSISTANT: Michele Spaulding

COORDINATORS

MEN’S MINISTRIES: Bob Roche

WOMEN’S MINISTRIES: Pat Johnson

MISSIONS: Ruth Winslow

TRANSPORTATION MINISTRY: Teresa Dimas

PRAYER LINE: Pastor Mary June Ficarra

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Persistent But Flexible

Recently, I received an email that was thought provoking about the difference

between persistence and stubbornness and I thought I would share it with you here

in the Olive Branch. It comes from pastor Mark Evans of New Life Church in Connecticut. Here it is:

What We Do Daily Determines What We Become Permanently

“..but exhort (warn) one another daily, while it is called 'Today,' lest any of you be hardened

through the deceitfulness of sin.” Hebrews 3:13

Sometimes in an attempt to be persistent, we become stubborn. That's a mistake, because there's

a big difference between the two. Persistence is the ability to keep your eye on the goal, to con-

tinue plowing ahead despite the challenges, to doggedly work your way past any obstacle. Yet

persistence also demands flexibility. Stubbornness, on the other hand, is a refusal to accept reality

and an unwillingness to adapt to changing conditions.

To reach any goal requires that we be unyielding about where we intend to go, while at the same

time flexible about how to get there. Unfortunately, many times we get it backwards -- we persis-

tently do the same thing every day, out of a sense of habit or comfort or lack of knowing what else

to do, even if it is not taking us in the direction we want to go.

Few things ever come to pass in exactly the way that we plan them. The ability to adapt is very

much a part of relentless persistence. When you're persistent about what you intend to accomplish,

and flexible as to how it will happen, almost anything is possible.

Father in Heaven, help me to be persistent but NOT stubborn! Forgive me for thinking that stub-

bornness is a "gift" - some days I'm so good at it that it's almost a superpower, like I was bitten by a

radioactive mule. Forgive me Lord, but sometimes MY mind is the hardest mind to try and change.

Touch my life with heavenly persistence with the things that matter, and divine wisdom to under-

stand the things that don't. In Jesus name, Amen.

The part about being bitten by a radioactive mule made me laugh inside...because it's so true. One

of the greatest qualities I look for in potential leaders is flexibility. With society changing all around

us, we must depend on the Holy Spirit's leading in order to reach people with the gospel. God's

strategies are not always the same, even though God's love remains the same. To me, the Lord's

work is exciting work! I love change because I love new and fresh things. I also love the challenge

of thinking out of the box. Certainly, God is not in a box! Our mission is to love God and love peo-

ple, and we definitely haven't thought of every possible way to do that. So, let's be flexible in our

work together, while being persistent at loving God and people.

-Pastor James

From the

Pastor’s Desk

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Compromise to Sin

Compromise of actions contrary to the Word and the will of God puts the professing Christian in a very difficult and dan-

gerous place.

Have you ever heard the story of the guy who could not decide what side he wanted to fight for during the Civil War? He put on the coat of the North and the trousers of the South, and guess what? He got shot at from both sides! This is what happens to the compromiser, the person who tries to live in two worlds. It's one miserable place to be. Sadly, there

are many in the church today that live a compromised life.

The Bible gives us an example in Revelation 2 of such a church: Pergamos, located in Pergamum, the capital of Asia Minor. Known for its rampant idolatry, Pergamum housed the altar of Zeus and was the center of Caesar worship. Idola-try, wickedness, and sexual immorality were commonplace. The sin of Pergamum was its toleration of evil, a sort of have-

your-cake-and-eat-it-too philosophy.

Rev. 2:12-16 To the angel of the church in Pergamum write: These are the words of him who has the sharp, double-edged sword. I know where you live---where Satan has his throne. Yet you remain true to my name. You did not renounce your faith in me, even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness,

who was put to death in your city---where Satan lives.

Nevertheless, I have a few things against you: You have people there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to entice the Israelites to sin by eating food sacri-ficed to idols and by committing sexual immorality. Likewise you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicola-tians. Repent therefore! Otherwise I will soon fight against

them with the sword of my mouth."

Jesus opposes any within His churches who pro-mote a tolerant attitude toward sin. He promises to wage war against immoral professing believers if they do not repent. This is especially true of those whom He has put in a position of leadership as we can see in Ezek. 22:30 "I looked for a man among them who would help build up the wall, and stand in the gap on behalf of the land so I would not have to destroy it, but I found none. So I will pour out my wrath on them and consume them with my fiery anger bringing down on their heads all they have

done, declares the Sovereign Lord."

Corruption among the leaders and the people was so widespread in Judah that God could not find one person who would attempt to lead the people back to God. It is a tragedy today that some churches are so gripped in worldli-ness and spiritual compromise that God can find no one in the congregation who is willing to intercede against spiritual and moral decay. All too often many good people remain silent out of a spirit of fear or compromise rather than becoming fervent intercessors for revival and for turning away God's wrath and

judgment.

Sadly, this is how most people want it today. They want to go to church — when they get around to it. They cer-tainly want to go to heaven, but they still want to live in sin. They want to party and sin and commit immorality, lie when

necessary, cheat if they have to, steal if it suits them, hate and

get revenge when someone crosses them.

It is the idea of sinning to your heart's content, telling yourself God will understand. If you think you can sin to your heart's content without repercussions, and if you think you can go out and break the commandments of God over and over because you're an exception to the rule, then you are deceiving your-

self.

I am not suggesting that a Christian will not sin. The Bible clearly says, "If we say we have no sin, we deceive our-selves and the truth is not in us" 1 John 1:8. But there is a big difference between the person who sins, is sorry for it, and doesn't want to keep doing it, and the person who continually, willfully, habitually sins over and over again and then says, "It

is okay. God will forgive me."

The Bible says, "Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase? By no means! We died to sin; how can we live in it any longer?" Romans 6:1, NIV. The devil intro-duced compromise into the church of Pergamos and he will

introduce it into the lives of people today.

If you look at the times in your life when you have fallen into sin, you can probably trace it back to a series of missteps — small compromises you made that led to the big compromise that led to your fall. And as compromise finds its way into the church, it weakens us. The church of Christ pa-tronized is the church of Christ impure. We lose our effective-ness in this world. We lose our effectiveness as individuals as

well.

I am not suggesting that we be holier-than-thou hypocrites. Instead, we should live in such a way that unbelievers can look at us and say, "There is something different about that person. Something that is desirable, something admirable." They may laugh at you at times, but in their hearts they may deeply respect you. The compromising person, on the other

hand, reaches no one.

Compromise begins with leaving your first love for Jesus Christ, which leads to compromise, which leads ulti-

mately to immorality, idolatry, and other sins.

Show me a person who is not living in close fellow-ship with God and I will show you a person who is on the way to bigger problems. It is only a matter of time. The best anti-dote to the allurements and temptations of this world is a pas-

sionate love relationship with Jesus Christ.

If there is a breakdown in your relationship with God, it is only a matter of time until compromises start making their way into your life, until you start lowering your standards here and there. Keep your guard up. Stay close to Jesus, let the fire of the first love burn brightly, and you will be strong. I can't promise that you will be sin-free. But you will have the

power and resolve you need to live a life that pleases God.

Below is a list of additional scriptures you can look up to study

on the topic of compromise:

Gen. 19:1, Judges 3:6; 16:19, 1 Sa 8:5, Ezek 22:30, Micah 3:8, Mt 27:24, Jn 12:43, Gal 2:12

-Pastor Bob Roche

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Our Call to Preach

Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior? Has He supernaturally saved you from a life once destined for hell? Or have you’ve been faithfully serving God your whole life, having been raised in a Christian home? Maybe at one time in your Christian walk you backslid, once knowing the truth but found yourself lusting for something “new,” some-thing “different.” You might be an ex-addict or a recovering alcoholic. No matter the heart of the story, we’ve been given a

life and we’ve been given a testimony.

We all have arrived at this very moment of our lives from somewhere and for some reason. The “from somewhere” is very different in nature but the “for some reason” is identical to the core. We were and are all in need of a Savior. As be-lievers, we are called to use our redeemed lives to glorify God. We are called to preach the Good News of how we’ve been redeemed or how we’ve faithfully served God despite desert valleys and raging waters. Friends, if you’re an ex-addict, a recovering alcoholic, a Christian who once backslid or even a faithful servant always standing firm in the faith, you are called to preach! All over the world there are people enslaved by drugs and alcohol. Somewhere in your neighbor-hood, a fellow brother or sister in Christ is painfully falling away. Somewhere in the church there is a believer being con-sumed by their lustful desires who is in desperate need of encouragement. Somewhere someone is in need of your testi-

mony.

We as believers know God’s grace is sufficient in our weaknesses. I personally know that there’s freedom beyond the chains of addiction. But really how will the world know if it’s not preached? I’m called to preach and so

are you!

Sara Dimas

Precious Words

Someone unknown has written these beautiful words. They are good thoughts to follow in life all the time. 1] Prayer is not a "spare wheel" that you pull out when in trouble, but it is a "steering wheel" that directs the right path throughout. 2] Why is a car's WINDSHIELD so large & the rear view mirror so small? Because our PAST is not as important as our FUTURE. So, look ahead and move on. 3] Friendship is like a BOOK. It takes a few seconds to burn, but it takes years to write. 4] All things in life are temporary. If going well, enjoy it, they will not last forever. If going wrong, don't worry, they can't last long either. 5] Old friends are gold! New friends are diamonds! If you get a diamond, don't forget the gold! Because to hold a diamond, you always need a base of gold! 6] Often when we lose hope and think this is the end, GOD smiles from above and says, "Relax, sweetheart, it's just a bend, not the end!” 7] When GOD solves your problems, you have faith in HIS abilities; when GOD doesn't solve your problems, HE has faith in your abilities through Him. 8] A blind person asked St. Anthony, "Can there be anything worse than losing eye sight?" He replied, "Yes, losing your vision!" 9] When you pray for others, God listens to you and blesses them, and sometimes, when you are safe and happy, remember that someone has prayed for you. 10] WORRYING does not take away tomorrow's TROUBLES, it takes away today’s PEACE.

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We meet every Thursday morning for prayer, worship & to study the Word of God. Come and join us at 9:30am. We also serve coffee & donuts.

MISSIONS NEWS

Dear Friend,

As God has provided, you have shared your finances with us, and I am writing to you today to express my deeply felt appreciation. Your giving makes a kingdom differ-ence, impacting lives eternally. No words really do justice to how grateful I am.

Today we look at our Seven Windows of America, at the window of our Missionary Church Planters and Developers. These pioneering missionaries plant new churches, assist existing churches and pastors to move more effectively reach communi-ties, and strategically partner with districts to ad-vance a common vision. And God is using them to change lives! Here are a few of the stories we have received lately.

Lois Breit, of National Ministry to Single Women, shares about a woman who approached her after Sunday morning services. She said,” I was going to commit suicide on Sunday; instead I took a friend to church to hear you speak— I thought she needed to hear you! Your words, prayer and testimony have given me hope to go on. I’ve chosen to live and serve God, instead of death.”

Flora Vergara shares, "Recently I met a woman who had just moved to our area. I was able to intro-duce her to Jesus. During our 10th. Anniversary Celebration, she came and brought her teenager son, and he received the Lord as his personal Sav-ior.”

I hope that showing you our Seven Windows to America enables you to see the difference you make in His Kingdom. May God Bless you as you serve through your giving!

That none perish,

Zollie L. Smith, Jr

Ruth Winslow

Missions Chairperson

A new version of the song

“Jesus Loves Me “

JESUS LOVES ME

Jesus loves me, this I know,

Though my hair is white as snow

Though my sight is growing dim,

Still He bids me trust in Him.

Though my steps are oh, so slow,

With my hand in His I'll go.

On through life, let come what may,

He'll be there to lead the way.

When the nights are dark and long,

In my heart He puts a song.

Telling me in words so clear,

"Have no fear, for I am near."

When my work on earth is done,

And life's victories have been won.

He will take me home above,

Then I'll understand His love

I love Jesus, does He know?

Have I ever told Him so?

Jesus loves to hear me say,

That I love Him every day.

YES, JESUS LOVES ME, YES, JESUS LOVES ME.

. YES, JESUS LOVES ME,

FOR THE BIBLE TELLS ME SO.

In Jesus there is no age limit

to His love.

Pat Johnson

W.M Coordinator

Mark 16:15 And he said unto

them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.

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Ethel’s

Tidbits

Hi, it’s me again- I pray you have been blessed beyond measure, and that you are ready for a good laugh or even a small grin. Anyway here goes: ************************************************* After her first day of kindergarten, a woman’s 5 yr. old daughter Camille began to tell her excitedly about the kids in her class and the teacher. “But you're the teacher’s pet,” she said with a smile. Camille paused, put her finger to her face and said, “I don’t think so Mommy, my teacher said she had a dog.” ************************************************* Q. What did one plate say to another? A. Dinner’s on me tonight. Oh well, I'll try

one or two more and I’d like to see at least a half-way grin.

************************************************* Middle age is the snap dragon period of life. Part of you have lost its snap and the rest is dragging. ************************************************* Middle age is when you notice the dust on the furniture, you just take off your glasses. ************************************************* Of course, the hardest thing to make up your mind about is when “middle age” starts. ************************************************* Middle age is when the phone rings and you hope it’s not for you. When you feel your corn more that you do your oats. When you’re too old for Frank Sinatra and too young for Medicare. When someone tells you pull in your stomach and you already have. When your knees buckle and your belt don’t. ************************************************* That’s all folks. Pray for me ...I’m past teenage age, middle age and am now fight-ing old age!

Love you all, but best of all

Jesus does too!

Ethel

Thanksgiving Prayer

Lord of all creation, we lift up our heads to you. You are the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. You made the

earth and all that is in it.

We praise you and give you thanks this day for your protection, provision and pur-pose for our lives. Father, we love you, we adore you and we honor your name. Help us to serve you with grateful hearts, living out our thanks-giving and giving glory to you each and every year. We thank you, and we bless your name. In Jesus name , amen. Psalms 95:1-2 O come, let us sing unto the LORD: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. “Thank God for Jesus.”

Peace be with you all in Jesus name,

Rose

Grandma

Della’s Corner

Hello, precious ones: Today is one of those days when the devil is determined that he’ll keep bringing up other things I should be doing and finally I do what I’ve done many times - go to the door, open it—take my foot and kick him out in the name of Jesus! Some might say, “Oh, that‘s silly”—try it and see if you change your mind. Bro. Thomas Trask gave 7 ques-tions in a small book he wrote. They are soul searching! 1. How much thought do you give to the power prayer in your life and how it affects your attitudes & ac-tions? 2. Have you struggled with unbelief in prayer when a more consistent prayer life would strengthen your belief & trust in God? (Oh how true!) 3. Is it sometimes hard to pray “Your will be done?” What specific way is God leading your life right now? And how have you responded to HIS leading? 4. How does consistent private praise and worship affect your prayer life? 5. List specific ways you cane serve as on intercessor (someone who prays on behalf of another person needs). 6. How would you define the term effective prayer? What are some specific things you can do, or avoid doing, to help make your prayer life more effective? 7. How would you describe the qual-ity of your relationship with God? In what will a greater commitment to prayer strength your relationship? Give us a revival in the name of Jesus, after we answer these soul searching ques-tions. Grandma Della

A Bud from

Rose

Five Things you Cannot

Recover in Life

(1) The Stone...........after it's thrown

(2) The Word...............after it's said

(3) The Occasion......after it's missed

(4) The Time.............after it's gone

(5) A Person...............after they die

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Kidz Pages

Summer was full of activities for AJFA kids! The next

two pages include just some of the highlights...

In July, we had the opportunity to take seven of our children to camp at Granite Hills Campground in Prescott. The camp theme this year was BIG! The kids played hard each day in activities such as water inflatables, mud pits and relays. Dur-ing church services they learned through puppetry, drama,

and music lessons about the BIGness of God.

In the girls' dorm, we were joined by five girls from Bouse Assembly of God. Since they didn't have their own leader, they quickly became a part of our group. It was amazing to watch all the girls blend so well. It was a true blessing to see the unity in the group. The girls joined our AJ boys during the day, making them an awesome group of kids to be

around.

Our kids were responsive during services at altar times with some repenting and making new commitments to God. A BIG “Thank You!” to those who help provide scholarships

for the kids to go to camp. It was a blessing.

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September kicked off with an eight-week series on the Armor of God. The kids learn each week about a piece of the armor of God that they need to wear to be a part of the Lord's Army. The ARMOR OF GOD CHALLENGE: Each child in Kidz Church (and the workers) are challenged to learn Ephesians 6:10-17 by the end of the eight weeks. We invite you to take this challenge with us!

More Kidz Summer Fun...

With June came the summer heat, so we decided to cool the kids off each Wednesday night in the month by studying about boats in the Bible. We anchored the first week on the “boat” for baby Moses ~ No boat is too small when God is watch-ing over you. Setting sail again, the following week we learned about Jonah’s ship to Tarshish ~ No boat is safe when you’re running away from God. The third week we learned about Jesus filling Pe-ter’s boat ~ Jesus can provide more than enough. The fourth and final week, we landed on Paul’s prison ship ~ God can show His power even when the boat is sinking. And where there are boats . . . there is water! The kids had a blast playing water games, throwing water balloons, drenching each other, and playing in slime. Our voyage ended with boatloads of fun on an 18ft. water slide/slip-n-slide. The kids (and some adults) took the climb to then slid down into the extended slip-n-slide.

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is

not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities,against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly

realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand

firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of right-eousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the

gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the

sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Eph. 6:10-17 NIV

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The Bible in a Nutshell as Told by a Child

A child was asked to write a book report on the entire Bible. Here is what was written: In the beginning, which occurred near the start, there was nothing but God, darkness, and some gas. The Bible says, 'The Lord thy God is one,' but I think He must be a lot older than that. Anyway, God said, 'Give me a light!' and someone did. Then God made the world. He split the Adam and made Eve. Adam and Eve were na-ked, but they weren't embarrassed because mirrors hadn't been invented yet. Adam and Eve disobeyed God by eating one bad apple, so they were driven from the Garden of Eden.....Not sure what they were driven in though, because they didn't have cars. Adam and Eve had a son, Cain, who hated his brother as long as he was Abel. Pretty soon all of the early people died off, except for Me-thuselah, who lived to be like a million or something. One of the next important people was Noah, who was a good guy, but one of his kids was kind of a Ham. Noah built a large boat and put his family and some animals on it. He asked some other people to join him, but they said they would have to take a rain check. After Noah came Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Jacob was more famous than his brother, Esau, because Esau sold Jacob his birthmark in exchange for some pot roast. Jacob had a son named Joseph who wore a really loud sports coat. Another important Bible guy is Moses, whose real name was Charlton Heston. Moses led the Israel Lights out of Egypt and away from the evil Pharaoh after God sent ten plagues on Pharaoh's people. These plagues included frogs, mice, lice, bowels, and no cable. God fed the Israel Lights every day with manicotti. Then he gave them His Top Ten Commandments. These include: don't lie, cheat, smoke, dance, or covet your neighbor's stuff. Oh, yeah, I just thought of one

more: Humor thy father and thy mother. One of Moses' best helpers was Joshua who was the first Bible guy to use spies. Joshua fought the battle of Geri-tol and the fence fell over on the town. After Joshua came David… He got to be king by killing a giant with a slingshot. He had a son named Solomon who had about 300 wives and 500 porcupines. My teacher says he was wise, but that doesn't sound very wise to me. After Solomon, there were a bunch of major league proph-ets. One of these was Jonah, who was swallowed by a big whale and then barfed up on the shore. There were also some minor league prophets, but I guess we don't have to worry about them. After the Old Testament came the New Testament. Jesus is the star of the New Testament. He was born in Bethlehem in a barn. (I wish I had been born in a barn too, because my mom is always saying to me, “Close the door! Were you born in a barn?” It would be nice to say, “As a matter of fact, I was.”) Jesus also had twelve opossums. The worse one was Ju-das Asparagus. Judas was so evil that they named a terri-ble vegetable after him. Jesus was a great man. He healed many leopards and even preached to some Germans on the Mount. But all those guys put Jesus on trial before Pontius the Pi-lot. Pilot didn't stick up for Jesus. He just washed his hands instead. Anyway, Jesus died for our sins, then came back to life again. He went up to Heaven but will be back at the end of the Aluminum. His return is foretold in the book of Revolu-tion.

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Why Do We Suffer?

Have you ever wondered why things go wrong? Have you ever asked “Why me, Lord”? Did you ever think about the fact that it seems the more trials we face, the closer we get to depending totally on God? When I read the Sermon on the Mount I began to see that Jesus taught that the world, from God’s point of view, is tilted in favor of the oppressed. Seems strange, doesn’t it, that we need to face trials and suffering to get close to God.

Let’s look at the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount found in Matthew 5:1-12:

“Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them, saying:

Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecdute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”

There are other statements of Jesus which support these thoughts:

Matthew 19:30 “…many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first.” This same thought is also found in Mark 10:31 and Luke 13:30, as well as Luke 14:11, which says “For everyone who exalts him-self will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

But why should God single out the oppressed for special attention? I have a few suggestions:

Suffering helps us realize our urgent need for redemption. Suffering helps us experience our dependence on God and our inter-dependence with one another. Suffering helps us distinguish between necessities and luxuries. Suffering helps us respond to the call of the Gospel because we have become so desperate that we

call out to God.

The poor, the hungry, the mourners, and those who suffer are blessed because their lack of self-sufficiency is obvious to them every day. They must turn somewhere for strength. Many successful people go through life relying on their natural gifts. Yet, many in need and challenged in life welcome God’s free gift of love.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit.” Why? Because, “theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

When we are weak, suffer loss, or when our problems are too much for us to carry, we can lean on Jesus. We can face hardships and trials with the confidence that we will have the strength to carry on if we but trust in God’s Grace. Holding God’s hand through it all will show us we are strongest when we are trusting in His Grace.

Next time we feel lost, suffer physical, emotional or mental pain, or face challenges, let’s remember to thank God in our struggles because we can know that He is near and will walk with us. He says we are blessed!

-Rev. Ann Merry

Editor’s Note: For more insight on the topic of suffering, see Pastor Mary June’s article on the next page.

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Just thinking... Why does God allow suffering? Philippians 1:29 “For to you it has been granted

on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him

but also to suffer for His sake.” NKJV

You have heard people say “humanity is basi-

cally good.” But the Bible contradicts that no-

tion! Recently I heard this comment: “How

could a loving God allow this to happen? He could have pre-

vented it. I serve Him faithfully. Where did I go wrong?” Others

say, “Where is God when tragedy strikes?”

Common questions like these show our struggle to understand

how God can be all-powerful and all-loving when turmoil is rag-

ing in the world He created. Notice that these questions not only

are asked by the unfaithful, but many times by those who are

faithful.

It WAS and STILL IS a matter of choice! In Genesis chapters 2

and 3, God’s Word clearly describes how evil entered the world

and who is responsible. God provided an opportunity to live in

perfection….a world free from all sin. Humans chose not to ac-

cept it.

Everything God created was good, He said so Himself. Adam

and Eve were created with the ability to make choices…good or

bad. Their bad choice has infected humanity since they left the

garden. We suffer the consequences. Having abused the free

will, people are responsible for their own sin. God could have

created us without free will, but because of His perfect love He

gave us a free will. He wants us to love Him just because we

want to love Him.

The question “How can a loving God allow evil and suffering?”

shows a misunderstanding of what is normal & what is excep-

tional in the world. Destruction and disorder is today’s normal

pattern around the world, which has gone its own way. Any good

that exists is proof of God’s love and patience toward a fallen

world that continues to defy Him and His ways. Pain and suffer-

ing is part of life on earth- remember God’s words to Adam &

Eve? “Earn your bread from the earth by the sweat of your brow,

bring children into the world by pain and suffering.” It affects

everyone- bad and good people. God said He poured out the rain

on the good and the bad.

God never promised that suffering would not affect us, His faith-

ful ones. He does make a promise we should keep in mind when

enduring trails and suffering. “I have told you these things, so

that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have trou-

ble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

NIV. Facing trouble with a proper attitude, we must understand

that pain isn’t always bad. Listen, without pain, we could just

keep on pounding with the hammer on our thumb or finger rather

than the nail…..or neglect medical attention when something is

wrong internally. Inability to feel pain would be a curse. People

who have neuropathy in their feet feel no pain. They can suffer

cuts, bruises, etc and not feel it.

Suffering was not part of God’s original plan for us. It does serve

as a warning sign something is wrong and that the world needs a

good tune-up job. It needs God’s help, but won’t accept it at this

time. Some people think suffering is evidence of God’s lack of

compassion, the trials of life really prove that God considers

some things more important than comfort—things that we can

work through and in spite of suffering and evil … we can learn.

We learn how to have compassion for others. Painful experiences

can make or break us…it can bring destruction or a blessing de-

pending on how we respond. PROBLEM: many people spend

their time blaming God. Dwelling on the cause can leave us bit-

ter toward God because we have failed to ask God for under-

standing. Pain, suffering, and injustice happen to most people.

Christians should not say “Is God responsible for my trouble, if

so, WHY me, Lord?”

Christians should ask “How can I respond to this so that I become

all God wants me to be? Nothing but good can possibly come

from this….I will serve Him.” Job declared, “Though God slay

me yet will I serve HIM!”

Suffering ultimately points us to God. It helps us to see our in-

adequacies, reminds us the earth is corrupted. We need God to

save us from the course of destruction set for the world. We must

have faith in our God. Heb. 1:11 “Now faith is the substance of

things hoped for, the confidence of things not seen.” JESUS is

our Blessed Hope!

Rev. 19:11-16 tells us of Jesus appearing on a white horse and a

great host on white horses with Him, all wearing fine linen…

what happens in the following verses and chapters is earth shat-

tering. Star Wars cannot compare with God’s wrath poured out

on the earth.

My questions for you today:

1. How does the reality of suffering affect the way people

view God?

2. How has the reality of your suffering affected the way

you view God?

3. Why doesn’t God spare Christians from suffering more

often? Would people be more faithful to Him?

4. How can you encourage someone because of a painful

experience you endured?

Think of a time when you went through some type of pain or

suffering. Did you learn any specific lessons or truths? Do you

think it made you a better person? Did it draw you closer to God?

OR -- Has it pushed you away from God? WHY?

Today’s news tells us about all the tragedies, famines, destruc-

tion, murders, etc world-wide. We read about great injustices

happening to children and mentally challenged people and others

who aren’t capable of taking care of themselves. Sin brought

suffering and pain into the world. Satan cannot promise us any-

thing better. God has promised us a perfect eternity. Eternity

without pain and suffering! Stay faithful to Him, serve Him, love

Him, worship Him, for He is worthy of all praise and adulation!

Let us remember in our prayers people who are trapped by the

webs and entanglement of sin. Let us pray for the people in these

situations that they will turn to God for help. Let us pray that we

will be willing to lend a helping hand to someone who is caught

in the web of sin.

Psalm 51 is a prayer of repentance. (My prayer each morning.)

Psalm 34 is one of rejoicing and happiness: Verse 8 “Oh, taste

and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts

Him!” Pray with me:

I call upon Your name each day for help, and I praise You for

answering me. I give You my life, my heart, my soul and my

body for Your service. Amen.

Brothers and Sisters, may the grace of our

Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

Senior Adult Pastor

Pastor Mary June Ficarra

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Upcoming Events

All of the following events will be on campus: Nov. 2nd 4pm Chat & Chew Share Hobo Stew by a fire (Watch the bulletin for more information.) Nov. 23rd 7am – 3pm Crafts & Arts Fair For information and to reserve a space, call Gail at 480-369-8088. Nov. 30th 1:30pm Deck the Halls with Youth Group We will decorate the CE Bldg. for Christmas. Everyone 50+ is invited to this event. Dec. 7th 2pm Christmas Dinner and Party (Watch the bulletin for more information.)

Young at Heart

Senior Adults (50+)

Young at Hearts in Training!

YAHs recent all-church outing

to Golden Corral.