Saturday we had a memorial service for Dan Miller.Dan passed away in late March due to an infection.Most of those who attend Beale probably did not know Dan.But many of you know his wife, Bonnie.
Over the past year, Dan faced countless challenges to his health due to problems associated with a bad broken leg.He spent several months in the hospital and in rehab.Before he was able to come home, a ramp needed to be built for him to access his house.
Several men from our church built the ramp over a few days and that allowed Dan the access he needed to come home.His leg confined him to a wheel chair.Larry Lind became his shopping partner and buddy.
Bonnie has attended our church for almost three years now.Dan visited once.You see, Dan had some tough times with church folks early in his life.Church people left a bad taste in his mouth.I am grateful that at the end of his life, he was surrounded by people who follow Christ.
In early spring an infection developed in his leg.It spread quickly and Dan lost his fight for life.During those tumultuous days, Larry shared the following prayer with Dan.I thought you might like to read it.
Hello Lord, this is Dan, Dan Miller. I’m talking to you because I’m in a hard spot and I’m not sure I can handle it. I’m not mad at you God. It’s your people the church people, that I’ve hated all of these years. When I was a kid-well, You know. Anyway, my tomorrows are looking a little bit hazy and I must admit I can’t see the beginning from the end. I am more than just a little bit worried. I sure could use Your help. Please forgive me for turning my back on You all of these years, but now I’d like You to come into my life. Thank You for my faithful wife and the help You have given me even as I’ve hated your people. I confess I could use more of You in my life right now.
This past Sunday, May 24th, one of our AWANA students shared with the congregation something he accomplished during AWANA. Cole Bristow, a nine year old in our local elementary school, spent about three weeks memorizing the book of Philemon.
As you watch the following video you will see his mom and dad sitting on the second pew. His dad is in the wheel chair and I know Richard was proud of his son! Check it out.
During the months of May and June, I typically preach a sermon series that is focused on the family. This year is no different and we have looked at these topics thus far: commitment, communication and sacrifice.
Last week was Memorial Day Weekend. Our text was the book of Ruth and in that message, we examined the sacrificial nature of Ruth's life as she cared for her mother-in-law, Naomi. Ruth demonstrated for us what sacrificial living looks.
In the week leading up to Sunday, I sent an email asking folks to share stories of how their family blessed them through sacrificial living. About five of these were shared with the congregation in an abbreviated format. Today, i would like to post them.
When time allows, check out the stories of sacrifice. Then consider what it might mean for you to live sacrificially as a husband, wife, parent, grand-parent, in-law, or friend. How might you demonstrate to those you love their worth to you?
Our AWANA program is getting ready to wrap up its inaugural year at Beale.We have had a wonderful time of fellowship, games, teaching, and Bible memorization.Parents have been very faithful to bring students weekly to participate.And, we have had tremendous response from our leaders.It has been a good year for a variety of reasons.Here are two…
Since we began AWANA in October of 2008, 9 students have made known their professions of faith!That in and of itself is amazing.Each has been baptized and continue in the ministry of our church.Cool stuff!
A second part of AWANA, which is really its main part, is the biblical memorization that is taking place each week.These students are excited about burying God’s word in their hearts.It is almost a competition to see who can memorize the most scripture.
One third grader finished his work book about a month ago.We have been working each evening to memorize the book of Philemon.Last night, Cole Bristow did it!
The Bible teaches us to hide God’s word in our hearts that we might not sin against God.My prayer is that each of us take a lesson from our students and hide God’s word deep in our hearts.
The followingvideo is from the group, ‘Sons of Korah.’They sing scripture songs from the Psalms.Check it out.
Philippians 2:14-16 (NIV) Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life--
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