MSM CONNECTIONS
For the week of 05/23
The Men's Ministry e-mail newsletter of
New Joy Divine Full Gospel Church
Our mission: Our mission is to lead men to
Jesus Christ and provide opportunity for
Christian men to grow in their faith
and minister to others.
===== /\ =====
MSM CONNECTIONS is the opt-in newsletter for the men of New Joy Divine Full Gospel Church. It's a periodic service that helps connect you with God and with other men at NJD. If you'd like its delivery to your email address stopped, scroll down and follow the instructions at the end of this message. Also let me know if you change your email address and want to keep subscribing to MSM CONNECTIONS.
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
===== /\ =====
"Restore us, O LORD God Almighty; make your face shine upon us, that we may be saved." Psalm 80:19 (NIV)
CONSIDER
"The Bible tells us very clearly that to "know" God is not an affair of the mind only, but an act in which our whole being -- heart, mind, and will -- is vitally engaged; so that sheer intellectual speculation would enable us to form certain ideas about God but never to know Him. To be grasped, God's will must be met with a readiness to obey." Suzanne de Diétrich (1891-1981), Discovering the Bible
GRADUATION
INSPIRATIONAL RESOURCES
http://www.christianitytoday.com/holidays/graduation/
<a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/holidays/graduation/"> Or click here</a>
THE NATIONAL WWII
MEMORIAL
The National World War II Memorial is the first national memorial dedicated to all who served during World War II. The memorial, established by the American Battle Monuments Commission, honors all military veterans of the war, the citizens on the home front, the nation at large, and the high moral purpose and idealism that motivated the nation's call to arms. The Second World War is the only 20th century event commemorated on the Washington Mall's central axis.
The Smithsonian Institution is planning four days of festivities on the National Mall to coincide with the May 29 dedication ceremony.
http://www.npr.org/features/feature.php?wfId=1866346
<a href="http://www.npr.org/features/feature.php?wfId=1866346"> Or click here</a>
Also visit
<a href="http://www.wwiimemorial.com/"> Or click here</a>
TIM AND JERRY ON THE COVER
For a critique of the Newsweek LEFT BEHIND cover story, go to
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/120/41.0.html
<a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/120/41.0.html"> Or click here</a>
PENTECOST IS MAY
30
"Pentecost was no ordinary experience, but it happened to and within ordinary people as God's Holy Spirit appeared among and within them. Ordinary men and women became full of faith and fearless. Fearful men and women became courageous witnesses to God's mighty and saving acts. ... From that day until this, those who repent and are baptized receive the gift of the Holy Spirit,
God with us always and in every circumstance of life (Acts 2:38)." Norman Shawchuck and Rueben P. Job, A Guide for All Who Seek God
THE UN-TAPPED
RESOURCE
Dr. Bill Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ told this story of a famous oil field called Yates Pool:
During the depression this field was a sheep ranch owned by a man named Yates. Mr. Yates wasn't able to make enough on his ranching operation to pay the principal and interest on the mortgage, so he was in danger of losing his ranch. With little money for clothes or food, his family (like many others) had to live on government subsidy. Day after day, as he grazed his sheep over those rolling West Texas hills, he was no doubt greatly troubled about how he would pay his bills.
Then a seismographic crew from an oil company came into the area and told him there might be oil on his land. They asked permission to drill a wildcat well, and he signed a lease contract. At 1,115 feet they struck a huge oil reserve. The first well came in at 80,000 barrels a day. Many subsequent wells were more than twice as large. In fact, 30 years after the discovery, a government test of one of the wells showed it still had the potential flow of 125,000 barrels of oil a day. And Mr. Yates owned it all.
The day he purchased the land he had received the oil and mineral rights. Yet, he'd been living on relief; a multimillionaire living in poverty. The problem? He didn't know the oil was there even though he owned it. Many Christians live in spiritual poverty. They are entitled to the gifts of the Holy Spirit and his energizing power, but they are not aware of their birthright.
SOURCE: Bill Bright, "How to Be Filled with the Spirit" (Campus Crusade publication).
INDIANAPOLIS 500
RACE: MAY 30
<a href="http://www.indy500.com/"> Or click here</a>
ORIGINAL SIN IN
ABU GHRAIB
Is Everyone Capable of Horrific Acts?
Commentary By Richard Mouw
"The images of American military personnel abusing and humiliating prisoners of war horrify me. And not just because I am shocked by the thought that seemingly "civilized" people can commit such acts. I am horrified because those images make me confront the evil that lurks in the deep places of my own soul.
"I am a Calvinist, which means I have a firm belief in the reality of original sin. I have come to many of my strong Christian convictions by weighing arguments on various sides of the issues. But not my belief in original sin. This is something that I know directly from experience...."
Read this commentary at
http://abcnews.go.com/sections/Living/US/prisoner_original_sin_040507_BN-1.html
<ahref="http://abcnews.go.com/sections/Living/US/prisoner_original_sin_040507_BN-1.html"> Or click here</a>
CT REVIEWS SHREK
2
"...Shrek 2 ends up not so much an extension of Shrek's story as an improved retelling. The theme remains the same-we should not judge a book by its cover, even if that cover is lime green and covered in warts. The first Shrek declared open season on Disney clichés, throwing not-so-subtle jabs at the way Mickey Mouse's house has become preoccupied with stories of characters who long to be something they're not....
"But the implications go as far as viewers care to take them. Shrek 2's critique applies to any culture that has its codes of behavior and appearance. The land of Far Far Away might be reflecting playground ethics or high school culture. But it might also be your political party. It might be your health club. It could be your neighborhood, or your nation. It might sometimes even be the church.
"Yes, even Christian "culture" has its prejudices, tending to jump to unflattering conclusions about unusual visitors? They may not be green-skinned or smelly. But they might have colorful language, an audacious sense of jewelry, or some ideas about love, politics, sexuality, or even diet that is dissonant with our own. How often do we wish we could change a stranger's vocabulary, appearance, or manners so that we can feel more comfortable with them? Certainly we have room to be concerned about inappropriate behavior, because choices can lead to serious consequences. But if we approach others with an aim to change them rather than an aim to know them, to love them, and to exemplify a better life for them, we make ourselves ugly with arrogance in the process...."
Read this review in full at
http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/reviews/shrek2.html
<ahref="http://www.christianitytoday.com/movies/reviews/shrek2.html"> Or click here</a>
BILLY GRAHAM
REMAINS IN THE HOSPITAL AFTER FALL AT HIS HOME
As of this writing, evangelist Billy Graham remains a patient at Mission Hospitals in Asheville, North Carolina, where he continues to undergo evaluation and treatment of injuries from a fall he suffered May 14 at his home in Montreal.
Rev. Graham, 85, had been home recovering from a partial hip replacement performed on January 6 at Mayo Clinic's St. Luke's Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida. Further CT studies performed on Monday confirmed he sustained a fracture of the pelvis and indicated it is more significant than originally suspected.
Graham has missions scheduled for June 17 through June 20 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri, and July 29 through August 1 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California.
Rev. Graham's condition is listed as "fair but stable" by the hospital. His physicians report he's resting comfortably under pain management. He's expressed gratitude for prayers on his behalf.
<a href="http://www.assistnews.net"> Or click here</a>
http://www.bgea.org/mediaRelations/
<a href=http://www.bgea.org/mediaRelations/> Or click here</a>
VERSE TO PONDER
"He said to them, 'Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation.'" Mark 16:15 (NIV)
v Come to our prayer vigil this Saturday, May 29, 2004 8:00 am to 3:00 pm. See Minister Vivian Newby for prayer assignments.
v Apostle Aaron Royster’s Birthday Celebration, Sunday May 30th, 3:30 pm
v Participate in our 20th year anniversary celebration on Sunday, June 6, 2004, 3:30 pm.
v Get prepared for the Christian Marriage Enrichment Ministry’s Las Vegas outing. July 18–21, 2004. See Minister Shonnette Collier for details.
CONSIDER
"The one use of the Bible is to make us look at Jesus, that through Him we might know His Father and our Father, His God and our God. Till we thus know Him, let us hold the Bible dear as the moon of our darkness, by which we travel toward the east; not dear as the sun whence her light cometh, and towards which we haste, that, walking in the sun himself, we may no more need the mirror that reflected his absent brightness." George Macdonald (1824-1905), "The Higher Faith", Unspoken Sermons [1867]
CHRISTIANITY TODAY BOOK
AWARDS 2004
Christianity Today received 349 nominated titles from 45 publishers. CT staff selected the top five books in each category, and then panels of judges (one panel for each category) determined the winners. In the end, CT is honoring 22 titles that bring understanding to people, events, and ideas that shape evangelical life, thought, and mission. For example: APOLOGETICS/EVANGELISM Going Public with Your Faith: Becoming a Spiritual Influence at Work William Carr Peel and Walt Larimore (Zondervan) Practical but never programmatic, this book emphasizes that witnessing is more what we are than what we do. It is helpful in delineating the limits and possibilities of workplace evangelism, and it provides a nuanced approach to cultivating relationships.
See all the winners at
http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/006/3.34.html
<a href="http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2004/006/3.34.html"> Or click here</a>
NUMBER OF
UNCHURCHED IS GROWING
Did you know that the number of unchurched adults is growing rapidly in this country? Researcher George Barna explores the background of unchurched people and provides insights into connecting with them more effectively. Read the full report at
<a href="http://www.barna.org"> Or click here</a>
WHAT SHOULD A
CHRISTIAN DO WITH MONEY?
What should Christians do with their money? Is there a healthy balance between complete self-denial and excessive indulgence? Look at several online articles discussing the troublesome topic of Christians and consumerism at
http://ifc.gospelcom.net/ministry/604/
<a href="http://ifc.gospelcom.net/ministry/604/"> Or click here</a>
PEOPLE WILLING TO
TRADE LONGEVITY FOR QUALITY END-OF-LIFE
CARE
An overwhelming number of people surveyed would trade a longer life span in order to receive better end-of-life care, according to University of Pittsburgh researchers. The study, published in the May issue of the journal Medical Care, used a sampling of 104 persons who took a survey based on six scenarios involving an 80-year old man who died after a one month stay in an intensive care unit (ICU).
"From our research, we found that people care a great deal about the quality of the death experience," said lead author Cindy L. Bryce, Ph.D., assistant professor of medicine and a researcher at the Center for Research on Health Care at Pittsburgh. On average, interviewees were willing to trade seven months of healthy life just to ensure better quality of care in the final month of life.
It seems we could think of some application of evangelism techniques in connection with this news. To read the full article, go to
http://newsbureau.upmc.com/MedSurg2/QualityofLife04.htm
<ahref="http://newsbureau.upmc.com/MedSurg2/QualityofLife04.htm"> Or click here</a>
THIS IS THE
BICENTENNIAL OF THE LEWIS & CLARK EXPEDITION
Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and their Corps of Discovery showed undaunted courage as they explored America's frontier from 1803-1806. (Their courage is an inspiration to us as Christian men today.) "The credit belongs to those people who are actually in the arena, who know the great enthusiasms, the great devotions to a worthy cause; who at best, know the triumph of high achievement; and who, at worst, fail while daring greatly, so that their place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." Theodore Roosevelt
The National Park Service coordinates a traveling exhibition "Corps of Discovery II: 200 years to the Future" to commemorate the 2003 - 2006 Bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The exhibit visits communities across 18 states and the District of Columbia, places integral to preparation for as well as the trail traveled by the historic Corps of Volunteers for Northwestern Discovery.
http://www.nps.gov/lecl/CorpsII/Corps2.htm
<a href="http://www.nps.gov/lecl/CorpsII/Corps2.htm"> Or click here</a>
<a href="http://www.nps.gov/lecl/"> Or click here</a>
<a href="http://www.lewisandclark.net/"> Or click here</a>
<a href="http://www.lewisandclark.org/"> Or click here</a>
http://www.lewisandclark200.org/
<a href="http://www.lewisandclark200.org/"> Or click here</a>
http://www.lewisandclarktrail.com/
<a href="http://www.lewisandclarktrail.com/"> Or click here</a>
http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/lewisandclark/
<a href="http://www.loc.gov/exhibits/lewisandclark/"> Or click here</a>
THE JOB-HUNTING
HOT SEAT
by James L. Van Hooser You'd be amazed at the number of men who don't get the job they want -- simply because they don't know how to handle a job interview. In recent years the job-search process has evolved into a communications process as opposed to the application process of yesteryear. So, if you're looking for a change in your career, the first thing to do is sharpen up your job-interview skills. Of course, there's much more to landing a job than a dazzling interview, but that's where your communication skills are tested the most.
A good interview begins way before you enter the employer's office. You'll be much more likely to get the job if you first do your homework: create a communication link leading up to the interview, prepare a perfect résumé, network with current employees and do a little research on the organization before the interview. If you do this, you'll have set yourself up for success.
Now, let's look at a few communication tips to help you in the job interview.
1. Before the interview, create and practice a "two-minute commercial" about yourself so that you will be prepared for the typical ice-breaking interview question: "Tell me about yourself." Keep it brief, personal and congenial.
2. Learn the drive time and best route to the organization you are interviewing with. If you're not 15 minutes early for the interview, some employers will consider you late. Besides, this will give you extra time to help you relax....
Read the rest at
http://www.newmanmag.com/article.php?sid=535&mode=thread&order=0
<ahref="http://www.newmanmag.com/article.php?sid=535&mode=thread&order=0"> Or click here</a>
Mark your calendars for the weekend of August 27-29, 2004 at the Hickory Ridge Marriott Conference in Lisle Illinois where we will have our annual Men’s Conference. Theme: “The Fruit Of The Spirit.” Come and be blessed during this time of fellowship and ministry. Contact Minister Frank Coleman or Minister Maurice Collier. Visit the church’s web site: www.newjoydivine.org, go to the Men’s ministry page for details.
TELL GOD ALL
"Tell God all that is in your heart, as one unloads one's heart, its pleasures and its pains, to a dear friend. Tell Him your troubles, that He may comfort you; tell Him your joys, that He may sober them; tell Him your longings, that He may purify them; tell Him your dislikes, that He may help you conquer them; talk to Him of your temptations, that He may shield you from them: show Him the wounds of your heart, that He may heal them; lay bare your indifference to good, your depraved tastes for evil, your instability. Tell Him how self-love makes you unjust to others, how vanity tempts you to be insincere, how pride disguises you to yourself and others. If you thus pour out all your weaknesses, needs, troubles, there will be no lack of what to say. You will never exhaust the subject. It is continually being renewed. People who have no secrets from each other never want for subjects of conversation. They do not weigh their words, for there is nothing to be held back; neither do they seek for something to say. They talk out of the abundance of the heart, without consideration they say just what they think. Blessed are they who attain to such familiar, unreserved intercourse with God." François Fénelon (1651-1715)
CONSIDER
"Nobody makes a greater mistake than one who does nothing because only a little can be done." Edmund Burke
VERSE TO PONDER
"The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners." Isaiah 61:1 (NIV)
THIS WEEK'S HYMN:
COME, HOLY SPIRIT, DOVE DIVINE
Words: Adoniram Judson, circa 1829
Music: H. Percy Smith, 1874
Come, Holy Spirit, Dove divine,
On these baptismal waters shine,
And teach our hearts, in highest strain,
To praise the Lamb for sinners slain.
We love Your Name, we love Your laws,
And joyfully embrace Your cause;
We love Your cross, the shame, the pain,
O Lamb of God, for sinners slain.
We sink beneath the water's face,
And thank You for Your saving grace;
We die to sin and seek a grave
With You, beneath the yielding wave.
And as we rise with You to live,
O let the Holy Spirit give
The sealing unction from above,
The joy of life, the fire of love.
>from CyberHymnal at
http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/c/o/comehsdd.htm
<a href="http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/c/o/comehsdd.htm"> Or click here</a>
SUNDAY RECAP
Pastor Mable Royster challenged us with a profound question:
“Can you see the forest for the trees?”
The “Forest” represents life (the big picture)
The “Trees” represent one aspect of life (single circumstances)
Different trees can be tied to different types of circumstances.
Cedar – Strong & Positive
Aspen/Turkey Oak – Short lives (let it go)
Shade – Comfort, staying in the “status quo”, not getting involved
Weeping Willow – Moan, Groan & Complain
Pine - Syrupy, & Sappy (over exuberant)
Cypress/Sequoia – Shallow roots
Evergreen/Fir – Letting our senses guide us
Fruit Bearing Trees – Many people look and compare themselves to the fruit on another’s tree. Not every tree bears fruit at the same tree (look at the bamboo – 120 years to bear fruit!)
We must not get bogged down by the circumstances of life (trees). We must look at the big picture (Christ) if we want to walk in victory.
Come and join us in our spirit lead praise and worship! Get
fed manna from heaven from the Apostle Aaron L. Royster and Prophetess Mable L.
Royster. Looking forward to seeing you there!!!
ON PRAYER
"Intercessory prayer might be defined as loving our neighbor on our knees." Charles Brent
CRITICAL PRAYER
REQUESTS FOR STRATEGIC NATIONS
We're praying for our fellow believers in a different nation each week. Please pray for...GHANA
http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/gh.html
<ahref="http://www.cia.gov/cia/publications/factbook/geos/gh.html">Or click here</a>
Vision for the 21st Century. The 1989 Ghana Evangelism Committee national conference set goals for the '90s but they were only partially achieved. These are a continuing prayer challenge:
a) To increase congregations from 22,600 to 53,000. By 2000 there were probably 30-35,000 churches.
b) To plant 2,000 new churches for northern peoples in the East and West Upper regions, the Northern region and for northerners in the South. That goal has yet to be attained, but at least eight churches and agencies are actively and vigorously planting and multiplying churches in each of these regions.
c) An active, witnessing church for every village, town, urban neighborhood and ethnic community. This goal is only partially achieved, and 70% of Ghana's villages still have no church.
Pray that these goals might be achieved by 2010.
http://www.gmi.org/ow/index.html
<a href="http://www.gmi.org/ow/index.html"> Or click here</a>
PRAY
Bro. LaMallon Howard
Pastor Arnold Pulliam
Bro. Arthur Carr
Bishop Chester McLaurin
Bro. Danielle Metcalf
[As you travel on business or vacation, let me know if you'd like the church guys to pray for your safety and spiritual effectiveness. I'll add your name to the list for the time you'll be away.]
CLASSIFIEDS
Are you looking for something or do you have something to sell? Let me know and I'll put it in this newsletter.
SHARE YOUR
FAVORITE WEBSITES
Tell us what sites you find enjoyable and why.
Burgy's Web Site
<a href="http://www.burgy.50megs.com/"> Or click here</a>
FutureChurch
<a href="http://www.futurechurch.net/"> Or click here</a>
Useless (but interesting) Information
http://home.nycap.rr.com/useless/site_index/index.html
<a href="http://home.nycap.rr.com/useless/site_index/index.html"> Or click here</a>
All links to Websites are provided as a service, and do not imply endorsement by our church.
(BTW: whenever the URLs in this newsletter are too long to turn into links on your e-mail program, just copy the entire URL (two lines or more) and paste it into a temporary email message. Then delete the return in the middle of it and copy it again. Then paste it into your web browser and hit enter.)
Why do overlook and oversee mean opposite things?
Min. Frank Coleman, Editor
===== /\ =====
MSM CONNECTIONS is a periodic newsletter of announcements, news, recommendations, articles, and other information helpful to men in our spiritual growth. Thanks for welcoming MSM CONNECTIONS into your in-box!
Who to contact:
Minister Frank Coleman, Chair, 773-410-1483, [email protected]
Minister Arnold Whitehead, Vice Chair, 773-846-6090
===== /\ =====
The mission of New Joy Divine Full Gospel Church is to be a Christ-Centered, Bible Based, Spirit Guided Church Meeting the Spiritual, Physical, and Emotional Needs of its Members and the Community it Serves.
The Men's Ministry Team offers a variety of activities for men to interact with other men on our journey of faith in Christ together. Large group, small group, and one-to-one events encourage relationship building and spiritual strengthening that result in maximizing the potential we all have in Christ. Contact Min. Frank Coleman, 773-410-1483, [email protected] if you'd like to participate in a men's discipleship program.
New Joy Divine Full Gospel Church is located at 7625 S. Halsted St. Chicago, IL 60620.
Tel: 773-224-5683. Founded & Pastored by Apostle Aaron L. Royster & Prophetess Mable L. Royster.
Visit our website at www.newjoydivine.org
<a href="http://www.newjoydivine.org"> AOL users click here</a>
===== /\ =====
To subscribe to MSM CONNECTIONS, send a message to [email protected] with "subscribe MSM" in the subject line.
To unsubscribe, send a message to [email protected] with "unsubscribe MSM" in the subject line.