Out of Place

Read John 21

Following my son’s soccer game and about thirty minutes from home, his soccer coach climbs into his SUV for the return trip when he hears a hissing and looks down to see a rather large snake slithering into the cab with him. So he slams the door trapping the snake half in, half out of his car. When he opens the door, thinking it would drop to the ground, it instead crawls into the engine compartment. With darkness quickly engulfing us, six guys, who had no clue what we were doing, spent the next hour trying to remove said snake. Were we successful? Let’s just say they drove home with the lights on in the cab. Round two took place at MoJo’s car wash. Upon arrival, my son’s coach opens the door to find the snake tucked right in his door jam. He slams the door again and crawls out the other side. With spray wand ready, the door is opened only to find the snake in retreat once more. This time the water is enough to cause the snake to exit and peace is eventually restored to the town (or at least they can park in the garage again). Talk about something being out of place. If you read John 21 you will see an example of someone being out of place.

He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep… And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.” John 21:17 & 19b

Peter and the other disciples were at a loss. They had seen the resurrected Jesus, but what next? Earlier in the chapter Peter said, “I’m going fishing” I have a feeling he wasn’t talking about a day of recreation, I think he was returning to the life he had before he met Jesus. Jesus was reminding Peter that while he may choose to fish, that was not where he belonged. Peter’s job was to follow Christ and to spread His message, our job is the same. Our lives must be dedicated to following Christ, and feeding His sheep. If anything gets in the way of this, we will find ourselves as out of place as a snake in the front seat.

Wade McKnight, Southern Oaks Church of Chrsit, Chickasha, OK

News & Notes

PERSONAL EVANGELISM:  On Sunday morning, August 1st, the Personal Evangelism class, open for both men and women, will begin in the classroom just off the new fellowship area, during the regular Bible class hour. This class will last approximately thirteen weeks.

BLOOD DRIVE:  There is a sign up sheet on the back window with the times for the Blood Drive.  Please sign up today.  This is truly a life saving effort!  Please see Anne or Teresa if you have any questions.

ADULT BIBLE CLASS: We are studying from the book of Romans. Everyone is encouraged to continue to read the ninth chapter of Romans. We will be discussing chapter eight as well as the homework question, “Come to conviction on how the Holy Spirit works. Does you conviction match what is in Romans 8?” All students are encouraged to read the ninth chapter and answer the question: “Does verse 18 mean that we have no choice in certain matters?”

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL:  Remember to invite your friends and neighbors to VBS.  The theme is “Out of Egypt” and explores four Biblical families that travel to and from Egypt and why!  There are flyers in the back of the auditorium!

NEW MEMBERS:  Marvin & Marla Hawkins ask that they be recognized as members of the Grandview family.    Their information follows:

Marvin & Marla Hawkins
917 N Grant St
Knoxville, IA  50138
Home phone:  641-828-7482
Marvin cell:  641-891-8387
Marla cell:  641-891-3387
Email:  mandmhawk@mchsi.com

NEW BIRTH:  Zoey Duquette was born on July 14 at 1:03 am  weighing 9 pounds and 9 ounces and 20 1/2 inches long.  Congratulations Patrick and Danielle!

WEDNESDAY NIGHT CLASS:  We are watching a seminar exposing the myth of evolution titled “Truth Be Told”. Kyle Butt & Eric Lyons present the materials on this Apologetics Press DVD. The next topic is: Dinosaurs: The Poster Children of Evolution  (Part II) This has been an excellent series. Invite your friends.

Prayer Requests

MEMBERS

Please pray for Robert Gordon to find a new job soon.

Jackie Miller has an appointment July 25, and hoping to be released from his care. She is seeing well.

Mitch Mort’s work contract is being negotiated at school. Please keep in prayer regarding this process.

Keep Susan Mort in prayer. The decision will be made this fall regarding knee surgery.

Mary Steele is going through a difficult time at her work.

Please continue to pray for Marge and Glen Stevens regarding their health issues.

FAMILY

Cliff Duckstein is back in the hospital. He fell Thursday night and broke his hip. He is having hip replacement surgery Friday. The family is requesting prayers for Cliff at this time that the surgery and follow-up healing go well.

Karen Belk’s nephew, Troy is currently receiving a new type of chemo therapy for his liver cancer. Surgery is pending the outcome of this round of chemo ending in September. He is currently able to work from home. Thank you for your prayers on his behalf.

Tom Collier’s dad is not well. His dad’s doctor wants a conference with the family. Tom will be going out very soon.

Harriett Colton’s grandson, Andrew Graves, request prayer for his daughter Kayleigha Graves.

Gwen Duckstein asked prayers for her cousin’s, Lanae and Luke Bruxvoort six-month old baby, Macy. If you are interested in knowing anything more specific, they have set up a Caring Bridge site – macybruxvoort.

Jess Flaherty asked us to pray for Jeffrey Inloes, son of Dave and Bev Inloes from the Osceola congregation. Jeffrey is a freshman at the US Naval Academy and has been facing some challenges. Thank so much for the prayers!

Elaine Folding’s sister, Judy Kraft, has pancreatic cancer, and began chemo and radiation treatment this past week. However, she had a pancreatic attack and was admitted to the hospital. Hopefully she will be able to resume treatment next week Please keep her and family in prayer.

Please continue to pray for Samantha McClaran’s well being, as well as the family.

Cindy Melvin’s aunt Ramona passed away recently, and her mother is having a hard time with the loss.

The Mort family request prayers for Jenna regarding her discharge and another place to live.

Richard and Beth Potter’s son and son-in-law are in Mexico for a month. Please pray for their safety.

John Stevens, son of Glenn and Marge need prayer regarding injuries suffered during a truck accident. He has returned to work, but still suffers with rib pain.

Please continue to pray for Jared Van Egdom’s father.

Art and Nancy Wallis’ new granddaughter, Gabrielle White will be having surgery within eight weeks.

Art and Nancy Wallis’ daughter-in-law, Deborah Wallis started her new job July 7 and is thankful for all the prayers.

Prayer asked for Stephanie Watson’s mom who is having severe pain after surgery.

FRIENDS

Harriett Colton asks for prayer for her friend Robbie, who has cancer.

Archie and Lynn Cook’s neighbor, John McCullough, passed June 27. Please continue to keep the family in your prayers.

Sunny Folding’s friend, Amanda Schafer, had a C-section several weeks ago. Now there is a mysterious mass that must be surgically removed.

Brian Hisky’s friends may lose their home soon. The wife lost her job a while back. Please keep them in prayer.

The Albert’s family, friends of the Housbys’ need prayer. Mr. Albert is in Kavanah Hospice care, and he not expected to live long.

Please pray for Bob and Gene McClaran’s neighbor Jerry Wurtz who had surgery is recovering, but in pain.

Prayers are also needed for Bob and Gene McClaran’s race friend Frank Brown who will soon have surgery.

Jo Mort asks for prayers for the family and the situation surrounding the death of a young man in Indianola.

A friend of Mitch and Jo Mort, Chris Goodale had a recurrence of cancer, and will be undergoing a stem cell transplant in July. He will be out of work for a three month to one year time period for recovery.

Phyllis Mort’s friend, Jane Ellis, is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. Please continue to pray for her.

Jenni, a friend of Beth Potter is having health issues. Please pray for her.

Dale Burleson, Clear Lake preacher, asked us to pray for his granddaughter, Evie, who had Cyto-Megleo-Virus before birth. Evie’s mom’s name is Calley. Dale Burleson is grateful for the prayers. Evie has made steady progress but continues with battles all the time. Please continue to pray for the family and Evie.

Mary Jo and Jack Heman’s father died this past week. They attend the Evergreen Church of Christ. Please keep the family in prayer.

Iowa churches that are currently without preachers need prayer.

Looking for a job: Robert Gordon, David Colton, Andrew Graves, Rich Potter, Meredith South

Expectant mothers: Melissa Ludwig

Missions: Bob and Marla Housby; Mike and Diane Richardson