E-news

::truth::

Getting to the Heart of Conflict

Today I am going to call upon one of my “mentors from afar”, C.J. Mahaney, to share a few words about conflict from James 4. C.J. is a great pastor, author and speaker. But most of all he is a great lover of Jesus Christ and a humble servant of Christ’s church. These words were taken from a message entitled “Cravings and Conflict”. If you like these thoughts plead follow the links below for the “rest of the story”.

“Do you tend to minimize your relational conflicts? Do you attribute them to something superficial, or entirely to someone else? Or do you seek to evaluate your conflicts from a divine perspective?

When, after years of denial, baseball player Pete Rose finally acknowledged betting on the game while manager of the Cincinnati Reds, his apology was as follows: “I’m sure that I’m supposed to act all sorry or sad or guilty now that I’ve accepted that I’ve done something wrong, but you see, I’m not built that way. So let’s leave it like this. I’m sorry it happened. I’m sorry for all the people, fans, and family it hurt, let’s move on.”

Let’s move on. All too often, this can be my approach to resolving relational conflict. There’s a degree of sorrow, but it’s superficial. And the accent of guilt is on the other individual. As for me, I just want to “move on.”

But this passage confronts me: “There’s no moving on yet, pal. Where do you think you’re going? Come back here, please. Let’s have no ‘Pete Rose type’ confessions among those who profess to love and serve Jesus Christ-but rather confessions that proceed from a genuine awareness of our sin against God.”

James 4 can transform how we respond to relational conflict. A divine perspective will keep us from minimizing conflict, help us avoid vague, superficial confessions, and prevent us from prematurely moving on, leaving unresolved conflict in our wake. Through this passage we understand that to engage in quarrels and fights is to sin against a holy God. Conflict is more serious than we think.

The well wisher of your soul’s happiness,

Pastor Tom

“Cravings and Conflict” – PDF – C.J. Mahaney

“Cravings and Conflict” – MP3 – C.J. Mahaney

::prayer::

Andria: Praise that I seem to have recovered from my sinus infection.  Please pray for my Mom as she recovers from surgery over the next 2 weeks.

Sandee:  Jordan’s surgery is Tuesday 6/9 at 3pm.  Pray for Jordan, Nichole and Brett to keep their focus on God and be in His Word.

Eloise: Pray that Sheralyn will have wisdom about prenatal tests on her baby for suspected defects.  Also, pray for energy and patience to cope with Erik and Nicole as they stay all week for Bible School.  Also pray for spiritual growth in their lives.

Carolyn:  For Terri Lynn- 40′s, major heart attack.  For Elaine- Buddhist with a wounded soul.  For Mary- 60′s and needs Jesus.  For Lindsey-  that she would know the Lord’s kindness and faithfulness in weeks ahead.  For Marti- brain cancer- Salvation Army secretary in Ann Arbor, MI.

Lou C.: My mother, Josephine, will have implantation of pace maker on Thursday 6/11/09 at 9am with overnight stay at Florida Hospital.

Sue Mc.: Pray for Lorri as she seeks a new job before leaving for Gatlinburg.  Pray for Billy and Tracy that they might find time for God in the hectic time left trying to plan their wedding.

Betsy: Thank the Lord for His provision this week as we prepare to sell the house.  Pray that I would see clearly what is the next thing that I need to get done and not dwell on concerns and worries in this transition in our lives.

Debbie S.: Chris is trying to make decisions about his health insurance which is difficult because he needs international coverage.  Pray for wisdom to make the right decisions.  Praise the Lord for His protection of Kathi who had a car accident last week and for a new great used car for her as hers was totaled.

Lindsey Phillips – Missions Internship to Indonesia- Pray for safe traveling, adequate rest/sleep, energy, flexibility, willingness to serve God in every situation, team unity, evangelism, open hearts.

Nancy: Outreach for our church.  Healing for Stephen’s arm and Janna’s eye (corneal abrasion).  Successful surgery for Jonathan – Saturday June 13th.  Pray for strength for our family and continued hope in the Lord.

Wendy has surgery on Wednesday, June 10th.

Pray for Josh Relich as he travels in Japan for the next two weeks.

::community::

This Week:

  • Elders Meeting: The church elders will meet this Wednesday at 7:00 PM at Jim Phillip’s home.
  • Men’s Ministry Meeting: This Thursday we’ll meet at the Welch’s for fun, fellowship, and brainstorming! 7PM.
  • Special Prayers…
    • For Jordan Lyon’s foot surgery on Tuesday at Dr, P Phillip’s Hospital.
    • For Jonathan Welch’s spinal surgery on Saturday at Florida Hospital.

Sunday, June 14 –

  • 9:15 AM – Family Bible Classes for all ages.
  • 10:30 AM – Worship Service
  • Next Sunday’s Message: “Daring to Draw Near to God”, from James 4:5-10

THIS WEEKS SERVANTS:

  • Set-up: Jeff or Joe
  • Prayer: Matt Kelly
  • Nursery: Deb Thompson
  • Greeters: The Relichs

::mission::

Tim & Janice Greenfield (Mexico) -  Praise that their son Daniel just recently graduated from college.  Pray for him this summer as he works in Jordon with his brother and sister-in-law.  Pray for the Prince of Peace congregation as they vote on a possible candidate for pastor on Sunday, June 14.

Joe & Kay Kong (Cambodia) – The Kong’s were commissioned at the General Council in Louisville, KY on May 31.  Continue to pray for their upcoming transition from the US to Cambodia.