Hear ye, Hear ye...

The Children's Church is preparing THANKSGIVING BASKETS. Please alert Pastor Steve or the Children's Church staff if you know of a family that can use a basket.

Instead of the usual Women's Brunch scheduled for Saturday, November 26th, there will be a cookie exchange on Saturday, December 10th.

Watch the blog for further details.

Quotable Quotes

"The object of His being made sick with our diseases was that we might be perfectly healed with His life." - E. W. Kenyon

This Week At Zoe

On Wednesday, November 16th, at 7:30 P.M., we'll have our Midweek Service. The topic will be posted on our Facebook page on Wednesday.

Come out and find refreshment in God's Word!

The Men's Breakfast is this Saturday, November 19th, at 8:00 A.M. Bring your Bibles and a breakfast item.

Sunday Morning Series - Victory for Doubters - Overcoming Bitterness

Text: I Samuel 30

Last week, we talked about bitterness. When bitterness takes root, it's usually a reaction between two people. One might not be aware of the problem. By definition, it's a feeling of anger or unforgiveness and can lead to retaliation.

A bitter person is easily angered, offended, and puts up barriers to relationship. It attacks the individual's joy, which in turn weakens them.

In I Samuel 30, we have the story of how the Amalekites burned down the homes of David's men, took their goods, their wives, and their children. When the warriors return home, they're angry and bitter against David and want to stone him.

David responded to this situation by strengthening his heart. Why does he need to do this? Any situation that has the potential to make you bitter will first get you to focus on something that won't help the situation. Worry, fear, and anxiety will be produced. Worry is to the Christian is what Krytonite is to Superman. It weakens the believer and renders him ineffective to deal with the situation.

How did he strengthen his heart? He put off the worry, anxiety, and fear and put on joy, love, gladness, and faith. He doesn't respond to the circumstances when he's in a weak condition, but puts on joy. Then David sought the Lord's counsel. He resists reacting to the bitterness around him and keeps a loving attitude toward his men and God.

Application:

1. Get strengthened.

2. Find counsel.

3. Respond lovingly and recognize you cannot change others.

4. Change yourself.

This is only a taste of the message. We hope you'll stop by the website for the "full meal." Just click on the Sermon Player link. You can listen on the computer, download it to your MP3 player, or podcast FREE.

If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, we invite you to worship with us on Sunday at 10:00 A.M. We'd enjoy meeting you!

Announcements

The Men's Breakfast is Saturday, November 19th, at 8:00 A.M., and the Ladies' Brunch is Saturday, November 26th, at 10:00 A.M. Since the Ladies' meeting is Thanksgiving Weekend, please let Connie or Phyllis know whether or not you'll be able to attend.

The Children's Church is preparing Thanksgiving Baskets. If you know anyone that needs a basket, please let us know. They will be prepared and ready to go on Sunday, November 20th.

If you would like to contribute to these baskets, the Children's Church is collecting money to go out shopping for the food. Just write, "baskets," on your offering envelope and the amount you're giving. Thank you!

Quotable Quotes

"Healing is just as valid this hour as forgiveness is valid this hour." - Billy Joe Daugherty

This Week at Zoe

On Wednesday, 11/9/11, at 7:30 P.M., we'll have our All Church Prayer Night.

Sunday Morning Series - Victory for Doubters - Bitterness

Text: 2 Chronicles 14 - 16

Last week, we talked about pride. The root: A quality or ability not recognized or utilized properly by others. The enemy comes against the Godly character trait of humility and tries to destroy it.

We're moving on to the next hindrance to a victorious life: bitterness. What is it?

1) "A feeling of deep and bitter anger and ill will."

2) "A resentment strong enough to justify retaliation."

Root: A response or accusation perceived or received wrongfully. How many times have we said something that people misunderstood? Whether we meant it the way they received it or not, we still have to deal with the situation.

Who becomes bitter? No one is born bitter. We become bitter. Once bitterness sets in, other responses follow:

1) Easily angered.

2) Easily offended.

3) Jealousy

4) Envy

5) Barriers block relationships. You meet the person, and a wall goes up. You're on the defensive.

In 2 Chronicles 14 - 16, King Asa of Judah walked with the Lord. However, toward the end of his reign, he got angry when corrected by a prophet. Instead of repenting, he became offended and threw the messenger into prison.

Bitterness comes against the Godly character trait of joy. The joy of the Lord is our strength. When we hold bitterness in our hearts, it weakens us and provides an opening for the enemy to attack. Left unchecked, bitterness grows stronger over time.

To hear the full message, visit our website, and click on the Sermon Player. You can also download it to your MP3 player or podcast FREE.

If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, we invite you to worship with us on Sunday morning at 10:00 A.M. We're located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Rte. 611), Warrington, PA. The church phone number is (215) 343-7686. We'd love to meet you!