2014 Plan of Work for Seven Oaks Church of Christ

plan of work cover“By failing to plan, you are preparing to fail.”  Benjamin Franklin.

This year at Seven Oaks we are trying to be more intentional in our efforts for Christ.  We don’t want to just take a shot-gun approach where we have lots of things going on, but not much productivity.  Nor do we want to take an undisciplined approach, which just allows what will happen to happen.

We have not gone into great detail or totally changed much of what we do in a typical year, but we have tried to simplify and clarify our aims and plans.  We began a few new ministries that are focused on community outreach and  tried to focus our outreach into 7 key programs or events for the year.  

After hearing Allen Webster from the Jacksonville church of Christ, which publishes House to House, Heart to Heart, discuss how they produce a Plan of Work book each year for their church family, we decided to do one here.  As any organizational and writing effort goes, it took a significant chunk of time.  The elders, Ryan, and myself all worked to make these plans and produce the book.

I discussed some of the new ministries last Sunday as we discussed our community outreach.  We will cover more of the plans this Sunday.  We gave each family a book last week.

The leadership has been working since late in 2012 to restructure the Deacons and ministry assignments.  We went to a new method with deacons over an area which has various ministries within that category.  So they don’t have a given ministry, but assigned categories of work for which they are responsible for the ministries that go on within that category.  We are announcing and sharing this information with the church in this book.

I planned out most of 2014’s sermons.  I am planning on doing several series through the year and I have announced these to hopefully build interest.

Finally, we included various missions and ministries of our church family to help members and new members better understand them and be involved in these works.  

We had the books printed through Createspace.com for $2.15 a piece plus shipping.  Overall we are proud with how they turned out.  The book is also available in PDF form on our website or by clicking this link –(Plan of Work 2014). The verdict is still out, but we are hopefully this book and the plans made will be beneficial for the work of the Lord.

If you have questions concerning how we produced or printed these books or anything about them, I would be willing to help.

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Shocking Moment, Cool Story

In most every family, there is that one child that tends to create mayhem.  For us it is Landon, though Caleb may be learning his ways.  Landon is always doing something.  He runs at 90 mph and throws caution to the wind.  He is giving us grey hairs by the day, but is lots of fun.  This is the same Landon, that totaled our golf cart when he was 2.

We received a paddle boat for Christmas to use on our pond.  On New Year’s day after Amanda had finally recovered from the flu and the weather warmed up, we got out on the boat for a short time.  It was a beautiful day.  We enjoyed being out there for a couple of hours.  All of us had life-jackets and warm clothes.

We thought we were going to make it through with no incidence, until I slipped up.

The kids pulled the paddle boat up to the bank.  I didn’t want the kids to get their boots wet or slip getting out of the boat.  Austin asked me to pull the boat up farther.  I didn’t check to see where Landon, who had been riding in the back seat,  was at the moment.  I am still not sure where he was.  He was likely standing up and moving toward the front of the boat.  He may have been leaning over touching the water.  But it didn’t matter!

Because when I pulled the boat up on the bank farther, Landon was thrown out!

He came up quickly with a shocked look and making all kinds of noise.  I stepped out in the water and got him quickly.

We stripped him down and put some of Brooke’s clothes on him to warm him up.  The temp was in the 50s so it wasn’t that bad of a day.

This is the pitiful scene but the smile soon returned.
This is the pitiful scene but the smile soon returned.

That was on a Wednesday night.  Landon loved the story.  He went around telling church members all about his polar plunge.  Do you know his favorite part of the story?  It wasn’t the tough boy image of jumping in cold water, no it was the fact that it wasn’t his fault.  It was his dad’s.  He told this portion of the story loud and clear, it wasn’t my fault, it was dad’s — “He dumped me out of the boat!”  Landon, the boy who seems to always be in mischief, loved that it was not his fault this time!

It was shocking and unpleasant at the moment, but made a really cool story.

I was reminded once again, that I need to be more into the details of life.  It is so easy to act, without considering the consequences.  Sometimes details matter.  I tend to neglect the details sometimes, and it often bites me.

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The Road Not Traveled in God’s Leading

Do you get discouraged and feel like your life is hard?  You may wander if God is really providentially watching over you.  If not careful, your discouragement can lead to disappointment and bitterness toward God.

In our human way of thinking if we would have just received God’s favor or blessing with a break here-or-there our life would be better.  We asked why did this event happen to me?  We complain about our finances, health, and relationships.

We often sound like the children of Israel who complained to God regularly.  They whined about their water, food, and circumstances.  They believed they were better off in the bonds of slavery.  They wished to go back to Egypt.

Yet, it should be understood that they were on God’s path.  They were being lead by God directly through the pillar of fire and cloud (Ex. 13:21-22).  In fact, they were taking the easier of two paths in the judgment of God.  The normal route to Canaan would be along the coast on the road of Gaza hugging the Mediterranean Sea, but traveling through the land of the Philistines.

But, “God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines, although that was near.  For God said, “Lest the people change their minds when they see war and return to Egypt.  But God lead the people around by the way of the wilderness toward the Red Sea” (Ex. 13:17-18).

As we read of all the travails and problems that Israel will have in their journey to Canaan, remember it would have been worse, maybe disastrous, had God lead them into battle against the Philistines.

www.Jesuswalk.com - Traditional Route of the Exodus

www.Jesuswalk.com – Traditional Route of the Exodus

 

Here is the point:  Just because the road we travel has challenges and struggles, it does not mean it is not the better road!  We should not make the assumption, that we are not receiving God’s favor or blessings, just because we are facing challenges.  We will likely never know the pain and hardship we would have endured, the possible complete loss of faith, had God lead us down the “nearer” path.  

We have a limited perspective.  Our role is to seek first the kingdom of God and trust in Him no matter the path our life takes.  

 

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Have you registered to win a copy of my new book.  See this post for details.

 

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New Book on the Apostles – The Twelve: A Bible Class Study Guide

Find out how to win a FREE copy below.  

I have released my first book.  I am excited about this new book.  It is a study of the 12 Apostles.  It is a study guide  and expands on the book Twelve Ordinary Men by John MacArthur.

This book is 62 pages in an outline format.  It has three chapters introducing the Apostles and their work.  The remaining 10 chapters cover the twelve Apostles individually.  The book does not discuss the work of the Apostle Paul.  There has been a first edition on Amazon since May 2013, but I did not advertise it because I was revising and editing the book.  This 2nd edition is revised and edited.

The book makes a good personal devotional book, but is primarily intended for classroom use.  It has discussion and thought questions throughout the chapters.  The outline format makes it concise, easy to follow, and organized.

THE TWELVE BOOK COVER

 

The book is only $5.99.  

I have not released a Kindle or ebook edition, but may do so in the future, though I am having some trouble getting the outline format to transfer properly.

How to purchase the Book. 

You can purchase the book in several ways.  I hope to have it at brotherhood bookstores soon.

  1. Buy it directly from me.  Contact me at josh@joshketchum.com or call the church office at 270-247-5201.   You can also reach me on Facebook or Twitter.
  2. Buy it from the CreateSpace Website.  Create Space published the book and you can purchase them from this website and I get more of the royalties than when you buy from Amazon.
  3. Buy it from Amazon.  If you use the book, please go to Amazon and give me a review.  This would be very appreciated.

How to Win the Book. 

I will draw a winner to give away a free copy of the book.  In order to be entered in the drawing you need to do the following two things:

  1. Please “Like” or “Share” this link on Facebook or Tweet this post with information about the book.
  2. Leave a comment on this post letting me know you “liked” or “shared” it and answer the question, “Which is your favorite Apostle to study out of the original 12?”

The drawing will happen this Friday (Jan. 17) at noon.

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The Real Story of Jonah — Not your Kid’s Version

Since we have had four kids we have read lots of children’s books.  Many of the books are Bible story books.  Some of these are very good and appropriate.  I understand the challenge of trying to make a Bible story book for children, especially really young children.  I don’t want this post to sound harsh, legalistic, or ignorant.

 But many of these story books are just wrong.

My concern isn’t so much with the children learning the wrong story, which is a problem, but with all of us learning the wrong story.  In many ways, I believe these children’s books reflect the typical view of the story.  

The story of Jonah makes a great illustration.  Here is a sampling of some pages from various children’s books.

 

Was Jonah really changed that day and promised to always obey?

Was Jonah really changed that day and promised to always obey?

 

 

Jonah 2

This is a favorite! Jonah goes fishing after preaching to Nineveh. Somehow, I just don’t think he was in a fishing kind of mood!

 

Jonah 3

Did Jonah have this type of love for God and the Ninevites?

Jonah 4

This book did a good job overall, but it just had to make the story complete with this page. Did Jonah really understand God’s love and mercy?

 

Most books about Jonah focus on obedience.  They speak to Jonah’s running from God.  They usually focus on Jonah feeling sorry, and understanding God’s love and mercy.  Jonah is often depicted as loving the Ninevites now and sharing God’s love with them.  Many books, understandably, leave out chapter 4 all together.  

When I really began studying and teaching adult classes on Jonah, we were all surprised by the differences in the children’s version and the real story. 

The message of the book of Jonah is really — “Don’t be a Jonah!”  While most books make him out to be a good guy who learned his lesson, the Bible does not.  The text of Jonah doesn’t describe him as repenting in his heart, but rather being thankful for the salvation in his prayer from the belly of the fish (ch. 2).  Jonah doesn’t love the Ninevites, but contains racism and hatred in his heart (ch. 4).  He wanted them to be destroyed.  He didn’t want to preach to them, because he feared they would repent.  He was angry at God’s character because of His compassion and mercy.  He was angry at God, because he wanted them destroyed, not spared (ch. 4). 

The real message of Jonah for the Jews and us today, is that God loves all people.  He has pity on those who are sinners and different from us.  He loves our enemies.  The challenge is that there is often more Jonah in us than we want to admit.  It is not just that we disobey, but we can be prideful, racist, vengeful, and unmerciful.  Most all of the children’s books end happily, the book of Jonah ends with a poignant question to Jonah left unanswered.  It likely is meant for the reader to ask themselves, “Do I pity my enemies who are lost and “do not know their right hand from their left?” (4:11). 

Sometimes the true Bible story isn’t as clean and sanitized as we would like to make it.  Sometimes the Bible heroes aren’t as good as we want them to be.  But when we change the Bible, we not only trod where our feet should not trod, but we miss out on God’s intended message to shape our lives.  

So go read the real story of Jonah, it is a wonderful story that challenges our attitude, action, and love for others.  

 

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Considering Exercise and the Christian

jogging by iwanbeijes

jogging by iwanbeijes

January is the time to shed some pounds and get involved in an exercise program.  The gyms have higher enrollments and many start a new program.

There are many popular programs in use today that are thriving businesses such as Cross-fit and Zumba.

Thanks to my personal trainer, which I married, we have always been involved in exercise over our 14 years of marriage.  I was a Physical Education major in college, so I studied exercise and fitness, but Amanda who majored in elementary education has always been more passionate about exercise and health.

As I observe trends in our culture related to exercise and as Christians are being involved in it, here are some things to consider. 

1.  Exercise is profitable and has its place.   Paul refers to bodily training as being of “some value” in 1 Timothy 4:8.  Exercise is beneficial for our health.  As a Christian we have a stewardship of our physical bodies and should consider our health (1 Cor. 6:19-20).  Exercise is beneficial in reducing stress, weight-control, and overall physical health.  It strengthens our muscles and inner organs.  By keeping our bodies healthy we are typically able to live longer, more productive lives in the kingdom of Christ.

2. Exercise should not consume us and hinder our family relationships.  Exercise is time consuming.  It is good and beneficial, but it can also be the enemy of the best.  Just because it is a good, does not mean it should be allowed to harm other areas of our lives.  Sometimes, Christians may neglect worship, fail to meet work obligations, or harm their marriage and family life because of not keeping exercise in its proper place.  You need to consider the types of exercise you do and how much time it takes and its impact upon your family.

3. Exercise should not be focused on body sculpting.  It seems there is a  growing trend to focus on the body that is being produced through the exercise.  This is understandable, because the person is working hard and would like to “show off” or get recognized for their efforts.  Often times this is manifested in making the goal of the exercise to shape and tone the body.  This is not always bad, but if the goal of a Christian is body sculpting, then they must ask themselves, “For whom are they trying to sculpt their body?”  Gyms are notorious for affairs and the conjuring of improper desires.

4. Exercise environments are not exempt from Christian modesty.  While exercising, Christians should consider their clothing.  This is connected with the last point as well.  If the goal is body sculpting, then it often leads to tight and seductive clothing.  In someways, it is easy to rationalize immodest clothing, because of the exercise environment.  But the Christian should consider who else is at the gym, and also who will be taking pictures of them and posting them on social media.

Reminder:  As you focus on your physical health, do not neglect your spiritual health!   

So start an exercise program in 2014, but do it for your health and service to God, not to craft a “perfect” body!

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Ten Favorite Posts from 2013

Yesterday I shared the top 10 read posts in 2013.  Today,  I wanted to share 10 of my favorite posts from last year that were not on the list.

Check out any of these you  may have missed.

 

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Top Posts of 2013

Top Ten Key Showing Best Rated In ChartsI use Google Analytics to track the blog visits.  It is interesting to see what gets read the most.  I have learned that I am not a good predictor of which article will be read the most.  We are up to 53 subscribers who receive every post in their inbox.  If you are not subscribed please register at the top right portion of the page.  These readers do not factor into the Google data.  Based on the analytics these were the top 10 posts of the last year.  If you missed any of them check them out.

1.  Why We Bought a Farm

2.  Why Your Children should Visit Nursing Homes

3.  Why the Gospel Meeting Preacher Seems to be Better than Your Local Preacher

4.  Don’t Just Give Your Kids a New iPad

5.  Revelation Class Page

6.  Your Facebook Attitude

7.  The Parenting of Abraham

8.  To My Little Girl on Her 6th Birthday

9.  Thoughts at the 10 Year Mark at Seven Oaks

10.  Homosexuality:  Not Something to Joke About

In the next post, I share my personal favorite posts from the last year.  

 

 

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Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

December 2013
December 2013

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Thanks for reading “Life in the Kingdom” in 2013.  I am taking a break from blogging with the holidays.  I will be posting again the first part of January.

 

 

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Handling the Holiday Blues

Xmas sad1 - by mokra at www.sxc.hu

Xmas sad1 – by mokra at www.sxc.hu

Which song more reflects your view of the holiday season?

“Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas”  or “I’ll Have a Blue Christmas”

Temporary depression, loneliness, or high stress cause many to wish they could just skip the month of December.  This is often called, “Holiday Blues.”  It is not a clinical term, but refers to the phenomenon that exists when people feel down at a supposedly joyous time of year.

The Holiday Blues are not an Indictment of your Faith.

The Bible shows us that many great saints experienced difficult and “down” times in their lives.  They struggled with depression, loneliness, loss of purpose, and grief.  Consider Elijah (1 Kings 19), Job, Jeremiah, Paul, and Jesus.  The Bible doesn’t command us to celebrate the birth of Christ nor do we even know when Christ was born.  Being blue during the holidays or not enjoying the holidays does not necessarily mean you are lacking in your faith.  The Bible no where requires a Christian to be “happy” during the holidays.

What are some causes and symptoms of the Holiday Blues?

The causes can be many and are often specific to the individual.  Here are a few possible causes:

  • Past losses and grief.
  • Conflict in relationships (divorce, sibling rivalry, in-law tension, etc.)
  • Unrealistic expectations (perfect gift, meal, Idealistic view of the holidays)
  • Cold and dreary weather of the winter
  • Increased stress and tension
  • Financial constraints (overspending and conflict over money, debt, guilt for not being able to purchase what desire)

Some symptoms of the holiday blues can involve the following:

  • Headaches, fatigue, change in appetite and increased anxiety
  • Excessive and inappropriate feelings of guilt
  • Lack of interest in activities
  • Abnormal sleeping and eating habits
  • Increased snippiness, anger, or short fuse.
  • A sad disposition and countenance
  • Withdrawal
  • Being consumed with dreading the event and holidays.

How can we cope with the Holiday Blues?

There is no magic cure, especially if dealing with grief or family conflict.  Here are a few suggestions you may consider:

  • Give yourself permission to grieve.  Don’t have unrealistic expectations for yourself.
  • Keep your expectations for the holidays manageable.  Communicate your desires with family and friends.  Sometimes traditions need to be kept, other times it may be good to start new ones.
  • Do not over plan.  Build time in the holidays for rest, reflection,  sorrow, and privacy.
  • Do not over spend.  Set a budget and rigidly stick to it, so you don’t create more stress that will hinder your relationships and joy in the holidays.  Don’t judge the value of a gift, by the price tag.  Focus your holiday around more than the gift-giving and receiving.
  • Get involved in helping others and fulfilling a purpose.  Read Romans 12:10-15 and apply it to your life.  Stay involved with your family and the church by taking part in the activities and functions.  Volunteer your time to help a congregational ministry or community ministry to the poor.  Visit those in the hospital or shut-in to a nursing home.  Go see some old friends and rekindle a friendship.  Give financially to help a family with Christmas gifts.
  • Be open and honest with others.  Don’t try to carry your burden alone.  Make yourself vulnerable and share your struggles with others and it will bless you.

What about God and the Holiday Blues?

While it is not an indictment of your faith to dread the holidays, you should know that your faith can help you deal with the difficulties of the holidays.  Seek to trust in God and place your faith in Him.  Draw nearer to Him as a source of strength and help.  Pray fervently.  Remind yourself of a healthy biblical worldview, one which views yourself not as a victim, but as a blessed person.  Find reasons to be thankful and seek the peace that passes understanding (Phil 4:4-8).  Remember that you are loved and cared for by God (1 Pet. 5:7, Ps. 145:14-16).

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