Open Arms Fellowship

Jesus Gives Marching Orders to Special Ops Team

2011-12-13T17:59:00.000-06:00

Jesus said “No one lights a lamp and then hides it under a bushel!” and now He puts that concept into action through his disciples. Strangely, however, there is not a single mention of personal sanctification, extreme fasting and prayer, or other common means of attaining spiritual insight before Christ commands his men to go forth.

It is almost as if he thinks being with him is enough to empower them. That they have already seen enough to make them fearless, bold and dedicated to his service. It is almost as if Jesus thinks they need NO training, no special theological framework or ministry supporters, just a relationship with Him!

Well, I know of several well-meaning Christian mission agencies that would argue with that.

But I also know that every apostle sent by God – and His Son – pass with flying colors if all they do is rely on Him and His Word alone.

He meets every need for those men and women.

Amen.

Read in the round

Luke 9:1-9

1 When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, 2 and he sent them out to proclaim the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.
3 He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt. 4 Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town.
5 “If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”
6 So they set out and went from village to village, proclaiming the good news and healing people everywhere.
7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard about all that was going on. And he was perplexed because some were saying that John had been raised from the dead,
8 others that Elijah had appeared, and still others that one of the prophets of long ago had come back to life.
9 But Herod said, “I beheaded John. Who, then, is this I hear such things about?” And he tried to see him.

1) What strikes you as surprising or unusual about the commands of Jesus to His disciples? In another fashion, let’s ask which command would give YOU the most concern? Why?

2) Did Jesus expect the disciples to always live in this fashion, or where these temporary orders?

3) What ‘order’ gave surprise and joy to his disciples as they obeyed [cf. Matthew]?

4) Lastly, who is the most confused in this passage about Jesus and his mission? Why did God thwart his desire, do you think?

Benediction
Acts 4:8-14

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Christian Leaders on Waging War with the World in Christ

Confronted with a cancer or a slum the Pantheist can say, "If you could only see it from the divine point of view, you would realize that this also is God." The Christian replies, "Don't talk... nonsense." –C.S. Lewis
Should all the hosts of death and powers of hell unknown put their most dreadful forms of rage and malice on, I shall be safe, for Christ displays superior power and guardian grace. -Isaac Watt
The will of God will never take you to where the grace of God will not protect you. To gain that which is worth having, it may be necessary to lose everything else. -Bernadette Devlin
If you... come to Christ, he will appear as a Lion, in his glorious power and dominion, to defend you. All those excellencies of his, in which he appears as a lion, shall be yours, and shall be employed for you in your defense, for your safety, and to promote your glory; he will be as a lion to fight against your enemies. He that touches you, or offends you, will provoke his wrath, as he that stirs up a lion. Unless your enemies can conquer this Lion, they shall not be able to destroy or hurt you. Unless they are stronger than he, they shall not be able to hinder your happiness. -Jonathan Edwards
His will is our hiding place. -Corrie Ten Boom

Jesus Brings to Life Women Who Are Dead to the World

2011-12-06T18:08:00.002-06:00

Jesus Heals Women Who Are Dead to the World

There’s physical death and there is spiritual death. There is financial death and there is social death. It does not matter to Jesus. He is able to bring life from nothing.

Even when he’s not paying attention!

Amen.

Read in the round: Luke 8:40-56

⁴⁰Now when Jesus returned, a crowd welcomed him, for they were all expecting him.

⁴¹Then a man named Jairus, a synagogue leader, came and fell at Jesus’ feet, pleading
with him to come to his house

⁴²because his only daughter, a girl of about twelve, was dying. As Jesus was on his way, the crowds almost crushed him.

⁴³And a woman was there who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years, but no one could heal her.

⁴⁴She came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak, and immediately her bleeding stopped.

⁴⁵“Who touched me?” Jesus asked. When they all denied it, Peter said, “Master, the people are crowding and pressing against you.”

⁴⁶But Jesus said, “Someone touched me; I know that power has gone out from me.”

⁴⁷Then the woman, seeing that she could not go unnoticed, came trembling and fell at his feet. In the presence of all the people, she told why she had touched him and how she had been instantly healed.

⁴⁸Then he said to her, “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace.”

⁴⁹While Jesus was still speaking, someone came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue leader. “Your daughter is dead,” he said. “Don’t bother the teacher anymore.”

⁵⁰Hearing this, Jesus said to Jairus, “Don’t be afraid; just believe, and she will be healed.”

⁵¹When he arrived at the house of Jairus, he did not let anyone go in with him except Peter, John and James, and the child’s father and mother.

⁵²Meanwhile, all the people were wailing and mourning for her. “Stop wailing,” Jesus said. “She is not dead but asleep.”

⁵³They laughed at him, knowing that she was dead.

⁵⁴But he took her by the hand and said, “My child, get up!”

⁵⁵Her spirit returned, and at once she stood up. Then Jesus told them to give her something to eat.

⁵⁶Her parents were astonished, but he ordered them not to tell anyone what had happened.

____________________________________________________________________

1) By this time, is Jesus’ power well known? According to scripture, what needs to happen for it to be effective?

2) Who needs his healing? What number is mentioned in both accounts? What contrast and comparison was Luke trying to show here? Discuss.

3) What is so amazing about Jesus’ final command to the little girl’s parents? Why’d he say that?

Benediction
Romans 8:8-15

______________________________________

Christian Leaders on Fullness of Life in the Midst of Sorrows

God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing. –C.S. Lewis
It takes moral courage to grieve; it requires religious courage to rejoice. - Soren Kierkegaard
God is attracted to weakness. (cf. Psalm 51:17) -Kimber Kaufmann
Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. -Thomas Moore
The ‘problem of evil’ is raised more often by spectators of life than the actual combatants. You will hardly ever find that the great sufferers are the great skeptics. -James Stewart
Our heavenly father never takes anything from his children unless He means to give them something better. -George Mueller
Many of us do not realize that pain and joy run together. When we cut ourselves off from pain, we unwittingly cut ourselves off from joy as well. -Clyde Reed
When I dwell on the goodness God has expressed towards me, my heart rises up like an artesian well, my eyes gush forth joy that waters my face and leaves the observer in wonder. -Gary Amirault
Health is a good thing; but sickness is far better, if it leads us to God. - J.C. Ryle

Luke 7:11-17

2011-05-03T18:31:00.006-05:00

Jesus Brings a Widow’s Son to Life

In the first century, and still in many parts of the world, widows were often overlooked and mistreated. They were essentially unwanted, past childbearing age and “unuseful” in a world that had no modern machines, modern medicine or electronic communication. Their beauty had passed, their years of frailty had begun and there were those who would either take advantage of them or ignore them since they had no man to defend them. Judges would vote in favor of the more ‘economically viable’ and unless there was a family who loved them, they had to survive by whatever meager means they had. They were one step away from being “bag ladies”. And if they were actually hurt or crippled, who could they work for to get needed basic necessities? They were next to nobodies in the eyes of the greedy and selfish in the harsh daily realities of Judea.

Again, no family equaled no aid. So it was no small wonder that Jesus brought back this widow’s ONLY son from the dead. Jesus’ own mother Mary was a widow [Joseph is gone by the time Jesus is grown]; and I perceive that this widow’s plight must have touched our Lord’s heart DEEPLY.

He stepped up and took charge. He told her not to cry, before He did the impossible. He raised her son up from the dead gave him back to her. What does it teach us, besides His great compassion and love for the weak and downtrodden?

When everything looks helpless and desperate, with no one to help you, Jesus is there.

Amen.

Read in the round

Luke 7:11-17

¹¹Soon afterward, Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him.
¹² As he approached the town gate, a dead person was being carried out—the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And a large crowd from the town was with her.
¹³When the Lord saw her, his heart went out to her and he said, “Don’t cry.”
¹⁴Then he went up and touched the bier they were carrying him on, and the bearers stood still. He said, “Young man, I say to you, get up!”
¹⁵The dead man sat up and began to talk, and Jesus gave him back to his mother.
¹⁶They were all filled with awe and praised God. “A great prophet has appeared among us,” they said. “God has come to help his people.”
¹⁷This news about Jesus spread throughout Judea and the surrounding country.

1) What do we know about this woman’s life, if at her son’s death, “a large crowd was with her”?

2) What was the first command of Jesus to her? Why? What were her reasons for distress?

3) Since “the dead man sat up and began to talk”, what can we surmise about his demise?
What two things become apparent to these mourners at this event? Are they correct?

Benediction
Psalm 23

____________________________________________
Quotes from Various Christian Leaders on Hope

"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream." –C.S. Lewis
"Hope is a state of mind, not of the world. Hope, in this deep and powerful sense, is not the same as joy that things are going well, or willingness to invest in enterprises that are obviously heading for success, but rather an ability to work for something because it is good." –Vaclav Havel
Everything that is done in the world is done by hope." –Martin Luther
We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us; we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be." –C.S. Lewis
When you say a situation or a person is hopeless, you are slamming the door in the face of God." –Charles L. Allen
"The Christian’s chief occupational hazards are despair and discouragement." –John R. Stott
"Pray, and let God worry." –William Law
"I've read the last page of the Bible. It's all going to turn out all right." –Billy Graham

Be blessed!

Luke 7:1-10 [Been a long time but we're still here!]

2011-04-27T17:09:00.005-05:00

(Editor: We had stopped putting updates here, but we're going to change that, hoping to bless others who visit this blog.)

Jesus Is Amazed at a Centurion’s Faith

When something goes wrong, we head to the person in authority if we want a quick resolution. If we don’t, what we really want is sympathy for the trial or problem we are experiencing – assuming that there is NO authority to appeal to or to ask aid from - or we assume that the authority is unrelenting and unapproachable.

The faith of this Roman Centurion is not just that God exists and the Roman pantheon is wrong and the Jews are right – his faith has taken such legs that he has become nearly an evangelist by helping get a synagogue built for the Jews. He is definitely in another category altogether.

Somehow, this Roman soldier sought God and began finding him – and then heard about Jesus.

He does not hesitate, this man of action. Luke adds the detail that he refused to dishonor Christ by coming himself – but his need is very great. He absolutely takes it for granted that this godly prophet has the power to do miracles. We have a LOT more information about Jesus – but I must say, even as Christ said, “I have not found such faith in all of ISRAEL!”

Jesus is not trying to condemn our lack of faith, but we should feel pretty bad when those outside the Christian faith believe God is answering our prayers more often than we do!

Amen.

Read in the round

Luke 7:1-10
1 When Jesus had finished saying all this to the people who were listening, he entered Capernaum.
2 There a centurion’s servant, whom his master valued highly, was sick and about to die.
3 The centurion heard of Jesus and sent some elders of the Jews to him, asking him to come and heal his servant.
4 When they came to Jesus, they pleaded earnestly with him, “This man deserves to have you do this,
5 because he loves our nation and has built our synagogue.”
6 So Jesus went with them. He was not far from the house when the centurion sent friends to say to him: “Lord, don’t trouble yourself, for I do not deserve to have you come under my roof.
7 “That is why I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed.
8 “For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and that one, ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.”
9 When Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, “I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel.”
10 Then the men who had been sent returned to the house and found the servant well.

1) Why did the elders think helping this Roman centurion was a good thing? What does that tell you about him?
2) What did this Roman soldier understand about Jesus? Have you yourself learned anything about Jesus because of your profession, job or other daily task?
3) What incredible compliment does Jesus pay this gentile?

Benediction
James 5:16-20
(c) Justice Carmon 2011

Ephesians 4:7-16

2009-11-12T17:02:00.002-06:00

A Conquering Christ Gives Ministers with Gifts
God answers the prayers of the world first by giving us Himself and then by giving His sons and daughters as ministers of His Spirit. When you think God has not answered your prayers, keep in mind His goal is not to make you comfortable but for you to join Him in the glorious work of ministering to others. You are His gift to the world. We may feel put out, put upon and bewildered at times, but just as Jesus came "to serve, not to be served" we must expect to be called by God to help others whose "faith is weak."

Listen to this from St. Francis of Assisi:
O Divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; it is in pardoning that we are pardoned; and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life.

God has a purpose for our lives as saints: it is to minister to others with our gifts – and all our talents and abilities are a gift from Him to serve and to enhance the lives of others, and hopefully, grant us great joy as we do it! Our lives have wonderful meaning if we realize that "even a cup of cold water" that is given in Jesus' Name is rewarded by God.

If you have a lot of trouble with this concept, I suggest you watch that great theological masterpiece, It's a Wonderful Life and see how blessed George Bailey is, even though he does not get to do what he wants to do so many times.

As you may recall, George Bailey is finally shown by Clarence (angel, second-class) how important his life really was – not to the world–at-large perhaps, but to the small town of Bedford Falls, preserving it from being ruined by Old Man Potter's greed. In like fashion, we as ministers and followers of Jesus Christ, have no business dictating to God where we will be placed, but we can quench His work in other's lives if we forget that we are here for His purposes: to make Christ known.

As St. Francis said, "Preach the gospel always! And if you must, use words."

Amen.

Read in the round

Ephesians 4:7-16 (NIV)
7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.
8 This is why it says: [Psalm 68:18]
"When He ascended on high,
He led captives in His train
and gave gifts to men." [variant Targumic reading in Aramaic]
9 (What does "He ascended" mean except that He also descended to the lower, earthly regions?
10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)
11 It was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,
12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up
13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.
15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into Him who is the Head, that is, Christ.
16 From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

1) Paul reinterprets Psalm 68:18 here – why? Does he have a authority to do so? [Gal 1:11-12]
2) What does Paul imply being a minister is: a job or a gift? What's the purpose of it?
3) Do you see yourself as aiding the body of Christ, being aided by it, still growing – or all three?

Benediction
Isaiah 61:1-6

Ephesians 1:1-14

2009-09-22T12:37:00.001-05:00

The Apostle Paul Praises God's Amazing Grace & Glory to His Elect

Paul introduces himself as an "apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God" before launching into a paean of praise to God for choosing His saints as a loving God who is in charge of EVERYTHING in the universe.

The verses 3-14 are one long sentence in the Greek and have been referred to in various ways by different commentators. The one I appreciate most is "an operatic overture." For it is clear as day that Paul is excited, exuberant, nearly blasting the Ephesians out of their socks with the joy of God's election while He declares God's power, grace, generosity and love towards them.

For those of us who once lived our lives in darkness, we gladly receive this intro from Paul as confirmation that God loved us enough to come after us and irresistibly draw us to Himself. Our past sins and misdeeds are ALREADY paid for in Christ – there is no barrier to His love for us. As the apostle John later writes: "This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins." - I Jn 4:10

God is the Omniscient Lover - and we are the objects of His powerful affection.

Amen.

Read in the round

Ephesians 1:1-14 (NIV)

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,
To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.

For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love

He predestined us to be adopted as His sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will—

to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves.

In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace

that He lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.

And He made known to us the mystery of His will according to His good pleasure, which He purposed in Christ,

to be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment—to bring all things in heaven and on earth together under one head, even Christ.

In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will,

In order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, might be for the praise of His glory.

And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit,

who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession—to the praise of His glory.

1) Who chose us to become Christians? When? Why? How do you feel about that?

Benediction

1 Peter 2:9-10

God Is Faithful!

2009-07-16T19:17:00.001-05:00

Good Morning:

Yesterday an old friend called. When I picked up the phone to say hello, she said her name and then said "God is faithful!" To which I responded, "Yes He is faithful!"

Isn't that a great way to greet each other?

I Corinthians 1:9 says that "God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son Jesus Christ, our Lord".

God is faithful!

We are all breathing and reading this email to prove it. Let's continue to study His faithfulness tonight at 7 p.m.

See you then.

I made a special dessert - fresh rhubarb pie - yum!

Love,

Nancy

Hurray, Hurray!!!!

2009-06-17T11:45:00.001-05:00

Chris won the championship award at the Wheaton Bible Church picnic !! People had a great time in the bean bag competition.

It involved hitting a very small hole on a board 20 yards distance with exact accuracy. It takes skill and technique. We will call him "the Champ" from now on.

Justice has arrived in Spokane Washington; his luggage was broken in transit, but he is in one piece. The apartment where his stepmother lives near the nursing home is very interesting. He called me Saturday night while standing on the outside balcony. There was a good deal of loud music, loud voices and various vulgarities from the tenants- AAAHH Saturday night!!!

He had dinner later with his father and all went well.

Several folks would like to meet on Tuesday. I have a great DVD that Judy DePoe lent to me. It is about miracle stories of real people. Every time I watch it, my faith is increased.

I would be happy to show it Tuesday. I have some hot dogs to grill if desired.

Let me know...

Love,

Nancy

Open Arms Fellowship Summer Schedule

2009-06-12T12:13:00.001-05:00

Isaiah 58:11:

"The Lord will guide you always

He will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land

He will strengthen your frame.

You will be like a well-watered garden,

Like a spring whose waters never fail."

This scripture is always a favorite with gardeners. I thought I would share it with you.

I was reminded last night that on a previous e-mail I had given you a summer schedule.

Let me send that to you again.

We will be meeting again on Tuesday, July 7^th.

Have a great June!

Nancy & Justice

Keeping in Perfect Peace - OA Fellowship Newsletter

2009-05-05T09:58:00.001-05:00

Hello All!

What a beautiful weekend. But, oh, my aching back. Either yard work is harder or dare I admit- I am getting older. I just can't throw those 40 pound bags of compost around like I used to.

I did a brave thing today. I sent Pastor Rob Bugh from Wheaton Bible Church an e-mail.

I was very proud of him yesterday. He delivered a message that was really important.

So many Christians I know, including myself, are getting caught up in all the political and

economic controversy. They are listening to talk radio and responding emotionally to

e-mails and the news.

Rob was teaching out of the letters of Peter. He was reminding us that we are not to be

reacting to the world and the system of this world. So many of us have our heads in

a spin or all the things happening around us, we are thinking and repeating all the Fear that the world is dishing out.

Jesus tells us to focus on HIM and not the world. Fear is not to be part of our vocabulary.

We are to be in "perfect peace." Jesus is talking care of everything. It was a good reminder that what we see with our eyes and hear with our ears goes into our heart.

Jesus tells us that what comes out of a man's mouth is what is in his heart. I do not want these things in my heart if I can avoid it.

Pastor told his listeners to stop listening to talk radio that is continually bashing people, including the president.

Those are brave words. He used the Bible to remind us that heaven is our home. It was refreshing to my soul.

On Tuesday, we will be meeting at 7 PM. We are studying the Gospel of Mark. We will also be asking if anyone would like to join Justice and I on Saturday to go see Andrew Wommack. This man teaches by the spirit. I eagerly wait for his yearly visit to our suburbs!

Love in Christ,

Nancy

Mark 15:1-15

2009-04-21T13:45:00.001-05:00

Jesus Goes As a Lamb to Slaughter
Ten years ago, two teen boys walked into Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado and began shooting their classmates. While it has been reported that one girl, Cassie Bernall, was shot for professing her faith in God, in fact, it appears that she did not get a chance to answer. She was simply shot at point-blank range – callously, casually.

But Cassie was indeed a believer. She had given her life to Jesus a few years earlier and was very joyful. Because of her faith, not only her earthly life but her eternal life was changed forever. Jesus had gotten to her before the killers did; in fact, they died soon after, her death preceded theirs only by a few hours. Perhaps this - these great injustices of life - is why we see Jesus so quiet, so silent before Pilate. He knows how evil the world can be. He knows His death will insure eternal life for those who believe in His Name. He knows it will soon all be over. Why fight it? You see, before Jesus met Pilate, before He met the Sanhedrin and before He was condemned by the incited crowds, He'd already made the decision of what He was going to do.

He was going to surrender His life to save His people. He would not - could not - speak up, this Man who could silence a storm or raise the dead with just a word from His lips.

In that light, it was no wonder He had to be silent. Even then, it was a very near thing, for His innocence was apparent to all - even to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea.

Amen.

Read in the round

Mark 15:1-15 (NIV)

Very early in the morning, the chief priests, with the elders, the teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin, reached a decision. They bound Jesus, led him away and handed him over to Pilate.
"Are you the 'king of the Jews'?" asked Pilate. "Yes, it is as you say," Jesus replied.
The chief priests accused him of many things.
So again Pilate asked him, "Aren't you going to answer? See how many things they are accusing you of."
But Jesus still made no reply, and Pilate was amazed.
Now it was the custom at the Feast to release a prisoner whom the people requested.
A man called Barabbas was in prison with the insurrectionists who had committed murder in the uprising.
The crowd came up and asked Pilate to do for them what he usually did.
"Do you want me to release to you the 'king of the Jews'?" asked Pilate,
knowing it was out of envy that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him.
But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have Pilate release Barabbas instead.
"What shall I do, then, with the one you call the 'king of the Jews'?" Pilate asked them.
"Crucify him!" they shouted.
"Why? What crime has he committed?" asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, "Crucify him!"
Wanting to satisfy the crowd, Pilate released Barabbas to them. He had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

1)    Why did the chief priests, elders and teachers of the law and the whole Sanhedrin bring Jesus to Pilate, a Roman governor? What about Jesus amazed Pilate?
2)    Does Pilate attempt to set Jesus free? How many times?
3)    Who demanded the death of Christ? The religious or irreligious? Who did Christ threaten more: the established religion or the established government?

Benediction
Acts 3:13-15

Gospel of Mark 14:66-72

2009-04-16T13:51:00.001-05:00

Questions for the Open Arms Bible Study April 14, 2009

Mark 14:66-72

Jesus' Prophetic Words Come True

When I was far away from the Lord, intent on getting my college degree and a girlfriend and making lots of money – in that order – I would occasionally pick up the Bible my parents gave me upon graduation from high school and look for a passage to inspire me. Something small and helpful – a 'pick-me-up' if you will.

I landed on this passage – Peter's denial of Christ –on more than a couple of occasions. I hated it. I would say something like, "Lord – let me read something that will help me!" and open my Bible at random, and it would land straight upon this passage. While I tend to advise against "Bible roulette" (for Satan can distort what we read if we are careless), in this case I believe the Lord did answer my prayer.

He was showing me how I was denying Him by my lifestyle. By the way I lived me life. Any young girl could get me to deny Him and I wanted so much to be a part of the world, warming my hands at their small fires, that I would say or do anything to be near them. Like Peter, I had promised myself I would be a good Christian but when the real trials came, I fell apart. I denied Him.

It made my life miserable. I got into situations I should never have been a part of, and it took a toll on my growth as a human being, as a child of God. If you have, like me, like Peter, found yourself denying Christ in action, word or deed, take heart.

Yes, you will cry miserably over your failure, your sins, but Jesus loves you. And the next time you see Him, it will be as a Lord of Glory, "risen with healing in His wings!" For you are His little 'rock', a precious living stone He wishes to build with.

Amen.

Read in the round

Mark 14:66-72 (NIV)

While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by.

When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him.
"You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus," she said.

"I don't know or understand what you're talking about!" he said, and went out into the entryway.

When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, "This fellow is one of them."

Again he denied it. After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean."

He began to call down curses on himself, and he swore to them, "I don't know this man you're talking about!"

Immediately the rooster crowed the second time. Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows twice you will disown me three times." And he broke down and wept.

1) Who gets Peter into trouble? Why does Peter respond the way he does? When he realizes what Jesus said came true, what is his response? Why?

2) Who was responsible for writing this passage? What relationship did the author have with Peter?

3) Who was more upset by this failure: Jesus or Peter? Hints: read Mk 16:7, Jn 21:7-10,15-17.

Benediction
I Peter 2:4-10

Psalm 23 - Rest in Him

2009-03-09T13:31:00.001-05:00

Good Morning:

As we were riding into work this morning, we were reading the 23^rd Psalm. I was impressed with the part of the verse were "His rod and His staff they protect me"

We often forget that the Lord fights all our battles. We just rest in His grace.

We are resuming Tuesday Night Bible Study March 10^th. We will continue in the Gospel of Mark. We are at the part of the gospel referred to as the "Last Supper".

Dinner at 7 PM. Come early and enjoy good fellowship.

Love,

Nancy

Letter from an Inmate -Open Arms Fellowship

2008-08-22T11:35:00.001-05:00

Here's the letter, with specifying info removed for anonymity.

I thought it shoudl be shared to all who are supporting our ministry.

peace

justice

_________________________________________

Letter from an Inmate Rec'd August (15), 2008

Hello Justice,

This is ["Bob"] from DuPage County Jail. I'm [X] years old, [height], [physical description]. I was in [pod] and my number was [XXXXXX]. I was attending your Matthew Video class for several weeks.

I obviously don't expect that you would specifically remember me out of everyone you meet in jail, but I needed to tell you that you, Justice, and your method of ministry has really made a HUGE impact on me. You helped save me and change my life.

I'll start with giving you some background information about myself and my past. I was raised in a loving home; both of my parents are still together. Typical family, no major problems. I had straight A's, received numerous academic awards, and I graduated H.S. early. I even went to college for a little bit. I've never done any drugs, etc

I was raised Catholic. I attended church every Sunday; I know most of the traditions and prayers. I never actually read the entire Bible, but I could even quote you several dozen scripture passages!

I know that my background doesn't spell out CRIMINAL, but something has been really WRONG with me spiritually for a very long time.

Although I was going through the motions, my heart was never into the Word. In fact, I despised going to church. Right after I had received the sacrament of Confirmation, my parents gave me the "choice" to attend church. Needless to say that was the very last time I stepped foot in a service.

___________________

As far back as I can remember (Maybe about 8ish) I have been living an immoral life as a liar, thief and much worse. Without going into too much specifics I started lying (and I am VERY good at it), stealing baseball cards, candy and porn magazines as a child to armed robberies and well, let's just say I've broken literally ALL Ten Commandments.

Although I've destroyed a LOT of lives, and hurt a lot of people, I really didn't care. I was selfish. I've traveled all over the world. I've had nice cars, even made high-roller status in some of the Vegas Casinos. Slept with MANY women, etc the "Great" life too many people envy. I had it all from a worldly standpoint.

Before this one time I have never even been close to being caught. I'm highly organized. I'm a natural leader. I'm charismatic and have the power to motivate and persuade people to listen and follow me. I have common sense and a great deal of street smarts.

Worst of all (at the time), I felt absolutely NO guilt or remorse. All these "qualities" has made me a pretty good criminal. Considering the fact that I have broken the law literally hundreds of times, had HUGE financial gains, and only got caught 1 time I guess you might even say that I am "LUCKY" and have had a very successful career. Plus I'm a very hard worker, so it's never been hard for me to produce quick results.

In fact, looking back, I am amazed I am still alive or not serving a natural life sentence. The last 8 years or so have been quite dangerous and destructive.

I am currently convicted of Aggravated Robbery and sentenced to 4 ½ years in prison. With "Jail Math", that gets me home in 17 months or less from now.

___________________

I'll turn 30 outside of prison, and that's where this letter really comes to my need for writing to you.

I was facing multiple class "X" felony Armed robbery charges. I was looking at 6-30 years in prison, and serving 85% of my sentence. Even with my great paid attorney, things were looking grim.

My mother asked me to pray and sent me a Bible. I didn't really pray, and I casually tried to read the Bible, but it was hard. VERY Hard. In fact, it was actually feeling as if something was manually keeping my mind from focusing when I tried to read the Word.

I signed up for several classes, literally just to kill time and get me out of the pod for some additional movement. Yours was obviously one of them.

Well the Friday night before your class I said a prayer for the first time in many years. I asked selfishly for help (mostly trying to get out of my legal mess). Something like "If you exist, and really can do ANYTHING, get me out of here!" I knew I needed help, I just didn't realize what kind.

Then that next day, nothing. So I prayed again for help. This time (still selfishly), but more desperate I asked Jesus for help.

Then I was called to your class just a couple of days later. When I met you and shook your hand I instantly felt good and warm inside. Then you opened up by singing "I Love You Lord" and my heart began to instantly soften and open up. Your methods and speech really hit a real nerve within me. It was you, and your ministry that started my healing process.

I asked Jesus for help and you were the answers to my prayers. Through you Jesus softened and opened my heart that night. He opened my mind and heart!

___________________

I went back to my cell that night and asked Jesus for help. I asked Jesus to save me, heal me, forgive me and give me Wisdom and Strength. Then I repented. I remembered as many sins as I could recall and truly asked for forgiveness. I told Jesus that I did things my way for 28 years, and now it was time to submit and do things God's way.

I felt feelings I haven't felt as long as I can remember. I actually felt guilt and cried that night. I also was not only able to read the Bible, but I understood and enjoyed it. I read the entire gospel of John before I went to bed that night.

When I woke up the next morning I felt GREAT. I felt a huge burden of relief. I was not stressed and my fear/anxiety was subdued. My heart wasn't hard either. Whew, what a relief!!!

I was in jail and literally not only content, but happy. Much happier that I had been in a LONG while.

Soon after that I received GREAT news about my case. I did a crime, and had to be punished. I accept that. But now I know at least I am forgiven! My dark looking scenario went from a class X Armed Robbery down to a class 1 robbery. That means I only had to do 50% and a minimum sentence. I know that Jesus' divine mercy helped. He answered my prayers and showed me mercy.

Now I can live a full life, filled with honesty and integrity. If nothing else I needed to say "Thank You", and you really have impacted my life. Your ministry and personality that night literally opened the door I needed to find to become saved. Again Thank You Justice!

___________________

Beyond that I have no expectations, but I would like to continue communications with you, and build a relationship where you can continue to counsel and minister to me. I'm still working on my Bible study, and very much acknowledge my need for a spiritual advisor.

When I do get out of prison I wish to attend your church services. I have literally changed my life around mentally, spiritually and emotionally. When I get out in the world I need to continue my faith and start a fresh new life. I cannot put my finger on what specifically yet, but I feel the Holy Spirit guiding me.

I don't know what yet but I know that I destroyed several lives. Now I need to use my talents of "evil", or so I used them as such, and apply them to good and saving lives.

I am very entrepreneurial, creative, organized, charismatic, influential and very motivated to help people and save lives. Perhaps I can start a charity. Perhaps I can write a book and use my life story to help change the hearts and lives of others. Maybe I can become a motivational speaker and counselor, and use my profits (I have always been able to generate money easily and quickly) to help people that have been hurt by someone like me.

I ask and hope that you and I can discuss this so that I can utilize your wisdom and experience to guide me. Help me focus and "understand" what the Holy Spirit wants me to do. Let me know.

Thank You
["Bob"]

Mark 9:33-50

2008-07-01T22:24:00.001-05:00

Jesus Reminds His Disciples What's Important
The disciples of Christ seem to have a problem with remembering what's truly important: the spread of the Gospel. Its not about how it is spread, and its not about who is in charge its about Jesus and being so tasty and salty and good that the lost are saved from Hell.

Read in the round

Mark 9:33-50 (ESV)
33 And they came to Capernaum. And when he was in the house he asked them, "What were you discussing on the way?"
34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had argued with one another about who was the greatest.
35 And he sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, "If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all."
36 And he took a child and put him in the midst of them, and taking him in his arms, he said to them
37 "Whoever receives one such child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me, receives not me but him who sent me."
38 John said to him, "Teacher, we saw someone casting out demons in your name, and we tried to stop him, because he was not following us."
39 But Jesus said, "Do not stop him, for no one who does a mighty work in my name will be able soon afterward to speak evil of me.
40 For the one who is not against us is for us.
41 For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.
42 "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea.
43 And if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than with two hands to go to hell, to the unquenchable fire.
    44 'where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.'
45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life lame than with two feet to be thrown into hell.
    46 'where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.'
47 And if your eye causes you to sin, tear it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than with two eyes to be thrown into hell,
    48 'where their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.'
49 For everyone will be salted with fire.
50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, how will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another."

1) What are the disciples most concerned about? How funny is that, with their history?
2) What were they upset about? Why? How did it make them feel, do you think?
3) What does Jesus think is most important being right or being gentle and loving?

Benediction
Colossians 3:12-14

Mark 9:14-32

2008-06-24T18:26:00.001-05:00

Jesus Shakes His Head at Our Stubborn Unbelief
Jesus comes down from the mountaintop to find the people arguing and disputing while failing to heal and love.

No wonder He gets upset.

Read in the round

Mark 9:14-32 (ESV)
14 And when they came to the disciples, they saw a great crowd around them, and scribes arguing with them.
15 And immediately all the crowd, when they saw Him, were greatly amazed and ran up to Him and greeted Him.
16 And He asked them, "What are you arguing about with them?"
17 And someone from the crowd answered him, "Teacher, I brought my son to you, for he has a spirit that makes him mute.
18 And whenever it seizes him, it throws him down, and he foams and grinds his teeth and becomes rigid. So I asked your disciples to cast it out, and they were not able."
19 And He answered them, "O faithless generation, how long am I to be with you? How long am I to bear with you? Bring him to Me."
20 And they brought the boy to Him. And when the spirit saw him, immediately it convulsed the boy, and he fell on the ground and rolled about, foaming at the mouth.
21 And Jesus asked his father, "How long has this been happening to him?"
And he said, "From childhood.
22 And it has often cast him into fire and into water, to destroy him. But if you can do anything, have compassion on us and help us!"
23 And Jesus said to him, "'If you can'?! All things are possible for one who believes."
24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, "I believe; help my unbelief!"
25 And when Jesus saw that a crowd came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "You mute and deaf spirit, I command you, come out of him and never enter him again!"
26 And after crying out and convulsing him terribly, it came out, and the boy was like a corpse, so that most of them said, "He is dead."
27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose.
28 And when He had entered the house, His disciples asked Him privately, "Why could we not cast it out?"
29 And He said to them, "This kind cannot be driven out by anything but prayer."
30 They went on from there and passed through Galilee. And He did not want anyone to know,
31 for He was teaching his disciples, saying to them, "The Son of Man is going to be delivered into the hands of men, and they will kill Him. And when he is killed, after three days He will rise."
32 But they did not understand the saying, and were afraid to ask Him.

1) What is Jesus confronted with as He comes down the mountain? [cf. Exodus 32]
2) What two things does Jesus rebuke? Are they connected? What "solves" them?
3) Why did Jesus take His disciples aside? (Not "what He said" but "why".)

Benediction
Philippians 3:7-11

Mark 9:1-13 Jesus Knocks 'Em Dead

2008-05-27T15:59:00.001-05:00

Jesus Knocks 'Em Dead
Justice shares this observation: "My personal testimony is that Jesus spoke to me and in seconds I was a born again Christian. I have often thought how awful it was that it took THAT to get me to come to my senses. Was it a privilege? Absolutely. But was it also embarrassing that it took that to convert me? Absolutely!"

Jesus says in John's gospel that those who simply believe are blessed. Some of us are so hard-hearted and self-willed it takes a vision of God to 'get over ourselves'. To realize that we are NOT the Lord and NOT as smart or competent as we imagine we are.

Fortunately, we are in good company, so to speak. ;)

Read in the round

Mark 9:1-13 (ESV)

1    And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death* until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power."
2    And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James and John, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them,
3    and his clothes became radiant, intensely white, as no one on earth could bleach them.
4    And there appeared to them Elijah with Moses, and they were talking with Jesus.
5    And Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah."
6    (For he did not know what to say, for they were terrified.)
7    And a cloud overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, "This is My Beloved Son; Listen to Him."
8    And suddenly, looking around, they no longer saw anyone with them but Jesus only.
9    And as they were coming down the mountain, he charged them to tell no one what they had seen, until the Son of Man had risen from the dead.
10    So they kept the matter to themselves, questioning what this rising from the dead might mean.
11    And they asked him, "Why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?"
12    And he said to them, "Elijah does come first to restore all things. And how is it written of the Son of Man that he should suffer many things and be treated with contempt?
13    But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleased, as it is written of him."

1) What does Jesus promise in verse 1? How did the disciples interpret it? What other options are there? (cf. 1 Corinthians 15:30-35, John 12:24)
2) What was wrong with Peter's desire? Why did he say what he said? Do we do that?
3) Given the misunderstandings, is it reasonable for Jesus to have His disciples to be quiet until He's raised? Did they figure out who 'Elijah' was?

Benediction
Romans 11:33-36

Mark 8:31-38 - "No Fear!"

2008-05-22T14:04:00.001-05:00

Jesus Tells His Disciples to Have No Fear

I used to envy "born again" Christians for their sweetness, for their lack of weakness. I avoided them, because frankly, they scared me. They didn't act "natural" that is, being co-dependant while romanticizing disobedience to God. They stood firm on the truth without animosity. Oh, how I hated that! I was suffering, and they were not!

Now imagine how it must have been for Christ who knew the Father to stand before religious men and worldly philosophers. Can you imagine how "smug" he looked to them? And how envious they would be? No wonder they wanted to kill Him! "He even calls God His FATHER!" they screamed!

So it follows that intimidation will be used by the world against us when we have a personal relationship with Jesus. That we are "putting on airs" or being "pretentious". Jesus understood this would happen. He knows He has every right to be worshipped, but instead He will be whipped and beaten by religious men certain of their own goodness.

But He also knows it won't matter in the end.

Because, as the old janitor said to theologians, "I know one thing: Jesus wins!"

Read in the round

Mark 8:31-38 (ESV)
^{31 And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again.
^{32 And he said this plainly. And Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.
^{33 But turning and seeing his disciples, he rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man."
^{34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.
^{35 For whoever would save his life (Gr. psuche = "soul") will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel's will save it.
^{36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?
^{37 For what can a man give in return for his soul?}}}}}}}

38 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels."

1) Who will be out to kill Jesus? Does this terrify Jesus or slow Him down?

2) Why did Peter rebuke him? What was he thinking?

3) In what ways do we try to save our own souls? Given that Jesus grants us eternal life, how logical is this?

Benediction

Revelation 5:11-14

Gospel of Mark, Chapter 8:22-26

2008-04-15T18:41:00.001-05:00

Jesus' Only "Half-Miracle"

It amazes me how often I expect God to do things immediately, like He must be on my timetable. Especially when dealing with other people: how can He know better than me when to fix them? "Doesn't God see how messed up they are? Why doesn't He do something!"

Even if we do not say it aloud, we feel this way in our hearts. It turns intercessory prayer into a grudge, a warfare against His timing.

Sometimes the people who need the most healing can only get there by a circuitous route and that away from our demands. They must be taken away from our company so they can hear and see only God.

In our own lives, we saints have to wait as He sanctifies us one day at a time. Moses didn't part the Red Sea in 12 seconds but 12 hours. Sometimes miracles take time. And God has plenty of it.

His goal isn't to solve our crisis immediately. His goal is to draw us closer to Himself and into more intimacy, away from all our distractions and "gods that are not gods."

And, dear saints, that is demanding work, even for a loving God.

Read in the round

Mark 8:22-26 (ESV)
^{22 And they came to Bethsaida. And some people brought to him a blind man and begged him to touch him.
^{23 And He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village, and when He had spit on his eyes and laid His hands on him, He asked him, "Do you see anything?"
^{24 And he looked up and said, "I see men, but they look like trees, walking."
^{25 Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again; and he opened his eyes, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.}}}}

26 And He sent him to his home, saying, "Do not even enter the village."

1) What healing does this remind you of, where people brought an isolated person to Jesus? (See Mk 7:32-35)

2) What is so strange about this healing, compared to others?

3) Why does Jesus warn this man to stay out of the village, do you think?

Benediction

I John 4:15-21

Mark 8:14-21

2008-04-09T10:29:00.001-05:00

Open Arms Bible Study, April 8, 2008

Gospel of Mark
Chapter 8:14-21

Jesus Hands Out Dunce Caps
So Jesus rebukes the Pharisees for wanting him to "prove" he's a real prophet and this after healing, teaching and miraculously feeding thousands of people. What happens next is perfectly understandable if you've ever had to repeat yourself five times to be heard once.

He overhears his disciples. They are upset ("arguing" in another Gospel) that no one remembered to bring bread. Jesus sees this discord, this anxiety and warns them, using a metaphor: "Watch out for the 'yeast' of the Pharisees!" ('Yeast' was to be cleaned out of the houses at Passover; it was identified with sin (see Exodus 12).)

His disciples miss the metaphor completely. They heard 'yeast' and thought 'bread'. They were so worried about what they didn't have; they couldn't hear the pun Jesus was making. Worry especially about necessities is indeed a sin when Jesus is in the boat teaching you. Jesus must have dropped his jaw. He, the Lord of Creation, ends up saying: "Guys? I can feed thousands. Nothing is too hard for me. I am right here with you, and I love you. What in the world is your problem?!"

Read in the round

Mark 8:14-21 (ESV)
14   Now they had forgotten to bring bread, and they had only one loaf with them in the boat.
15   And he cautioned them, saying, "Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod."
16   And they began discussing with one another the fact that they had no bread.
17   And Jesus, aware of this, said to them, "Why are you discussing the fact that you have no bread? Do you not yet perceive or understand? Are your hearts hardened?
18   Having eyes do you not see, and having ears do you not hear? And do you not remember?
19   When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" They said to him, "Twelve."
20   "And the seven for the four thousand, how many baskets full of broken pieces did you take up?" And they said to him, "Seven."
21   And he said to them, "Do you not yet understand?"

1) What was so wrong with the Pharisees and Herod that Jesus warned His disciples?
2) What's the bigger problem of the disciples: having enough food or enough faith?
3) Is Jesus angry, shocked, bewildered, amused, etc.? Why?

Benediction
John 3:16-17
_________________________________________________________
Long story short: Jesus is not here to show us how bad we are, but to take care of us and keep us from falling into legalistic or man-centered performance thinking.

He doesn't care how 'religious' you are.

He cares how much you will trust Him and listen to Him.

Trust Jesus and live.

July 23, 2007

2007-07-24T08:39:00.001-05:00

"From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord's name is to be praised"

Good morning to all.

Just this morning I was reminded of God's faithfulness by a friend.

My friend Nancy Wilson has a son John, 24, who is in the hospital with leukemia. Nancy's sister, Karen, was also admitted to the hospital (same hospital same doctor), diagnosed with Leukemia. She only had feelings shortness of breath and felt tired.

This family is praising God for His mercy and faithfulness. They know that

Jesus is the source of strength for all their challenges.

We look forward to seeing you on Tuesday night. We are continuing in the Gospel of Mark. These chapters on Jesus' answers on fasting and working on the Sabbath are the best I've heard. What a MAN!

You will be blessed.

Come at 7 p.m. Tuesday, dinner will be served.

Open Arms Fellowship April 24th

2007-04-23T13:54:00.001-05:00

Hello!!!

Proverbs 10;7

"The memory of the righteous will be a blessing"

I'd like to use this Scripture to apply to my memory, as I continue to

thank the Lord for healing my mind.But, I believe the application would more rightly be that we will remember the righteous and that will be a blessing.

So, let's make some memories of the righteous starting tomorrow.

We are having a special guest at the Tuesday night fellowship. She is the daughter of one of the first members of our fellowship. Her name is Julie. She is a wonderful teenager who is a joy to her mom. She is going to share her story of how God is helping her in her life and talk to us about an upcoming mission trip to Mexico.

(She is making a commitment to take off work tomorrow to do this so I know she is serious).

This is very exciting. I don't think we have had any "2^nd generation" Open Arms participants.

We will pray that Julie has a memory of us as a blessing according to the Scripture.

Let's welcome her with "Open Arms" tomorrow.

Dinner at 7p.m. and lesson from the Gospel of Mark, chapter one, verses twenty-one though twenty-eight.

Love,

Nancy

Rising above guilt and shame

2007-04-20T23:50:00.001-05:00

Good morning. I wanted to share this reading with you this morning.

I am reading a book by Nicky Cruz former New York gang leader. (You may have heard of the movie "The Cross and the Switchblade" from years ago.

Nicky came to speak at Life Changers Church two months ago. Both Justice and I were very impacted by his message.

The main reason was the horrific mess he came from as a child. Both his parents were into demonic worship. He never felt loved.

In his book, Soul Obsession, Nicky states that the number one reason people do not come to the Lord is shame.

They are afraid to let go and let Jesus heal all their wounds. They develop a tough exterior. As result, they often develop "hard" hearts and have no feelings.

If you know someone in this situation- pray for them. If it is you, please consider letting Jesus heal those old wounds.

He Loves You. Not the way people love, conditionally, but forever and ever - unconditionally.

In His Love,

Nancy

"Who shall bring any charge against God's elect?" Romans 8:33 AMP

Rising above guilt and shame

Melody Beattie says, "Shame can hold us back, hold us down and keep us staring at our feet...Many systems and people are controlled by it and want us to play their game...Compulsive behaviors, sexually addictive behaviors, overeating, chemical abuse and addictive gambling are shame based behaviors...Our past and the brainwashing we may have had, put shame on us. 'Don't think...don't feel...don't grow or change...don't be alive...be ashamed!'...Be done with shame! Attack it. Go to war with it. Learn to recognize and avoid it like the plague."

Being ashamed of who you are is like being perpetually punished, except you're doing it to yourself! Even when you think you've succeeded in hiding your thoughts, imaginations, attitudes and feelings, they come out in other ways. For example, shame-based people are easily offended, so others learn to walk on eggshells when they're around them. They're sometimes hard to confront and correct because they feel so bad about themselves that they hate to have anybody else highlight areas that need improvement. But God says only fools hate correction (See Pr 15:5). When you're in right relationship to God you can accept instruction without becoming defensive. Paul says, "Who shall bring any charge against God's elect?" Note the word "elect:" God is voting for you. You're "in." Who can put you out? Nobody! God's Word says you are forgiven; your guilt and shame are gone, so stop saying how you feel and start talking about what you know!

Above all, "Keep Your eyes on Jesus...When you find yourself flagging" (He 12:2-3 TM). Make His unchanging opinion of you, your source of confidence and self-worth!

By: Bob Gass

Spring is HERE!

2007-03-20T12:44:00.000-05:00

Hello!

It’s Spring! Praise God!

I have to share with you the most wonderful time I had at church this weekend. Yes, at church!!

I got to hear Nicki Cruz, the author of Run Baby Run, and The Cross and The Switchblade speak on Sunday.

What a powerful testimony. This New York City gang leader and killer came to accept Jesus Christ. With tears in his eyes, he told about his childhood and how abuse and demonic activity in his family closed his heart down completely. How he could beat and kill people without a thought. But one man named David Wilkerson told him about the love that Jesus Christ has for him, and it broke his heart. It was powerful!

I have a DVD copy of the movie “The Cross and The Switchblade" if you would like to see it.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I also watched a movie called Facing The Giants this weekend. This movie was made by a church!!! It is a wonderful movie about the love and determination of a football coach who loves and grows closer to God through his personal struggles -and so do the players on his team. It is a powerful movie. If any of you have families with pre-teens to teens, they would love this movie. They have to see it!!!.

I have a DVD copy of Facing The Giants if you would like to borrow it.

OTHER NEWS: This Tuesday we are continuing our study of the Gospel of Mark. What a powerful fast-moving Gospel!

We are studying the Baptism of Jesus this Tuesday (Mar 13). What a dramatic scene! The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are present in several verses of Chapter One.

Come and join us Tuesday for dinner at 7pm, study, prayer and dessert. We would love to see you.

Love,

Nancy

Because of His Great Love

2007-03-05T15:13:00.000-06:00

“..because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed “

Lamentations 3:22

HI ALL!

A Special Thanks goes out to Judy Van for the great Maranantha drama at her church this past Saturday! It is amazing what these 3 actors can do with a little music and live acting! It was wonderful. (Maranatha Productions is out of Pennsylvania, but visited this area at the request of some members of Judy’s church. If you get a chance to see one of their performances, please do so.)

Tuesday night we will be at the Billy Graham Center at Wheaton College, 4^th floor, answering the phone calls that come in from the crusades of Billy Graham. If you have not been trained to work the phones, you can still come and participate. There is a great need for people to pray for the folks that call in and for the people answering those calls.

Dinner is served before the evening starts. Call me for the phone number. Please consider coming, there is a need all this week.

Justice and I were able to visit Peggy Major for a little while on Sunday. Her spirits are good, but she cannot yet walk. The pins in her foot are being removed Friday. Please pray for her recovery. If you make an extra casserole, she would greatly appreciate it. Call Peggy at 630 393-0230 and let her know.

Love in Christ,

Nancy

Lead Me to a Rock!

2007-03-02T14:30:00.000-06:00

Psalm 61:2

“ Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”

Thank you all for your continued support of Open Arms Fellowship.

I have been teaching the last two Tuesdays, and I have been loving it. I had forgotten how much I enjoyed teaching!

The Scripture above reminds us that we need to place all things in HIS hands, as we do not have the vision to see the plan He has for all His children. However, He is higher and has a lot more vision than I do.

All my life as a young person my desire was to be a teacher. Somehow I ended up in Title Insurance.

The Lord has a plan in all things, and someday maybe I will be teaching children again. (I will need a whole lot more patience though.)

This next Tuesday, March 6^th, we will be at the Billy Graham Center (and so will many of you) answering the phone from the Crusades. Please pray for us. The people that call are usually pretty desperate from a touch from God. We can pray for them and direct them back to HIM.

I am excited about the fact that we may have a special guest on March 13^th. I will share more details later. Please plan on coming.

God bless you – have a great week.

P.S. There is an Easter Drama at Judy Van’s church this Sat night, it should be excellent. If you want more details call 231-8230 Faith Comm Church in West Chicago or Judy Van.

P.P.S. On another note, we have a new puppy in our house -I would like to name her Emma, but she is Janelle’s, and she has to decide.

Open Arms Fellowship for 2007

2007-01-04T15:02:00.000-06:00

Hello All !!!

Did you see the full moon in the beautiful sky this morning? It was awesome!

And now for an announcement:

Open Arms Fellowship
will resume our Bible study
on Tuesday, January 9^that 7 pm!

We will be studying the Gospel of Mark. (Mark was a gospel written for the Roman population. He has some amazing insights about Jesus as the Christ.)

So brush off those Bibles and get ready for some exciting studies.(Welcome to our California friends. I hope you will follow along with us in our study.)

Prayer Requests

Peggy Major will be having foot surgery on January 19^th. She will be off her feet (and work) for about 6 weeks each foot. As she will have two surgeries this year, she will need lots of prayer. Anyone interested in co-ordinating meals, books, or other house help for Peggy, please let me know, as I am not available to drive.
Please keep Judy VanZanten’s family in your prayers. Brian and his wife Sara and their kids need prayer for family love and unity.

Love,

Nancy

Girls Rule Re-Match!

2007-01-03T09:28:00.000-06:00

Hello!

Don't you all love Trivial Pursuit?

We do too!

The "Girls" are requesting a re-match. We know that the Men only won by a narrow margin on Sunday night (New Year's Eve). We have the confidence that we can win next round.

We are challenging the Men to a Re-Match on

Saturday Jan 6th at 7:30 PM

at my home,

527 Myrtlewood Lane, Wheaton, IL.

Men, show up, unless you are afraid of losing to the "Girls"! :P

The leftover food from New Year's Eve will be provided again.

(Just kidding - Bring a snack.)

Open Arms Christmas Celebration

2006-12-20T09:29:00.000-06:00

Scripture in the book of Zephaniah says that "The Lord dances and rejoices over His children."

We hope to do some singing and rejoicing tonight at our Christmas Open Arms Celebration

So, bring the eggnog and a tambourine, and come and meet with us at 7pm.

We have all enjoyed a year filled with good teaching (Justice), good fellowship (all of us) and the joy of the Lord. So many prayers have been answered this year, as the Lord is sooo faithul!

Merry Christmas to All!

Love, Nancy

Game Night Friday!

2006-09-27T11:30:00.000-05:00

Hello Fellowshippers!

Michael and Peggy Major are hosting a GAME NIGHT this Friday at 7pm at their house at 3S315 Blackthorn in Warrenville.

We are looking forward to many laughs, good food and fellowship.

For those new to Game Night, we play corny games like Trivial Pursuit (the old version) and Uno Attack, or any other. We have lots of fun!

The Majors live in the Edgebrook Thornwilde Subdivision off of Rt 56 Butterfield Road, just east of Route 59 and west of Winfield Road.

When you see the Thornwilde sign on Butterfield, turn north and go to the first Stop Sign (White Oak),turn left and follow the street around until it curves and becomes Blackthorn.

They are on the east side of the street (your right), a white house with light blue trim and a beautiful glass front door.

In Jesus' Love,

Nancy

California Dreamin'...

2006-08-28T12:43:00.000-05:00

Good Morning!

Such a rainy morning- I have to tell you a funny story.

One on my customers needed to sign off on a payout -and he called from California this morning. Guess where he is- in Sacramento- and he is driving up to Redding because they like beautiful small towns.

That is exactly what I did two years ago!! It's going to be 100 degrees there today. I told him to drive up into the mountains where its nice and cool.

How funny!!! (My cousin Claudia wants me to move to Redding to be near her, BTW.)

I have been so blessed. About a week or so ago, I was praying for the Lord to let me spend time with some dear friends I hadn't seen in a while. You know how it is -the schedules just don't mesh.

In the last week two of my friends called to invite me to dinner and spend time together. Wow.

The Lord is interested in even the smallest desires of our hearts.

Continuing our study of Ephesians - hope to see you all tomorrow at 7 p.m.

Thank you for all your loving-kindnesses.

Love,

Nancy

Loving Perfectly Instead of Living Perfectly

2006-05-16T12:59:00.000-05:00

Hello to all!!!

Psalm 28:8
"The Lord is the strength of His people save your people and bless your Inheritance; be their shepherd and carry them forever".

Thank you for your continued prayer for the Open Arms Fellowship Group. As we continue in our study of Ephesians, we expect to be more and more in love with Gods Word.

A personal thanks for continued prayer for daughter Janelle and her tough issues. She is currently trying to get care for a "hot" gall bladder. With no insurance and 2 days of 8 hours of waiting down in the Cook County Hospital Emergency Room (and still not being seen) she is really struggling.

Her court decision regarding her daughter has gone back to "step one" hearings. So there will be months before a decision is reached.

"Remember that time when you were in the world without God and without hope."
Ephesians 2:12

It is really difficult for someone who does not know God to deal with the troubles of life. Let us pray that all these trials bring her to the Lord for help.

In other news:

Michael Major had a 47th birthday last Saturday- Happy Birthday Michael!
I am looking forward to seeing all your faces tonight. Judy Van is bringing Homemade potato salad. Yum!
Janelle made dessert- bless her heart and pray for her.

Loving Perfectly vs. Living Perfectly
I have to share something that my Pastor shared on Sunday. It was about loving people- he said

"Let's stop worrying about living perfectly- let us focus on loving perfectly...

...and the rest will all fall into place!"

Wow.

Love,

Nancy

Happy Mother's Day!

2006-05-06T23:21:00.000-05:00

There's something special about mothers and how they nurture us through our difficult times of growing up. We love their warmth and smiles, they're "let me get that for you, honey" attitude.

Sheesh. Call your mom and tell her how grateful you are she did put up with you for nine months in her womb.

Hey - no one else is going to let you do that AGAIN! ;)