Bangor Liberty Friends Church

Be Transformed

“Stories and Principles That Change Our Lives” #5

            The fifth devotional in our series comes from my friend Frank Penna who has worked in several areas of ministry in his life, the most recent being on staff at World Renewal where he travels all over the world to help churches and church plants by encouraging their leadership and training them to do the work of the ministry.  His heart for God can be seen clearly as you read his words.  Please take time to read this and apply it to your life.  If you need to catch up on this series you can find back issues of the Bangor Liberty Bell online at www.blfchurch.org.

God Bless,

Pastor Manny

The JOY of Obedience? YES!
By Frank Penna

“Perfect obedience would be perfect happiness if only we had perfect confidence in the power we were obeying.” - Hannah Whitall Smith, The Christian’s Secret of a Happy Life

My son’s freshmen year in high school was great in most every way. He played trombone in the band, marched at football games for the maroon and gold (his favorite colors), played tennis and basketball, enjoyed his studies and classmates (except for the one who beat him up on the way home from school), and in general had a very positive experience. He was looking forward with great anticipation to his sophomore year, when our family moved across town. It was not feasible for him to attend West High anymore, and the discussion about changing to East High (baby blue and white ... what is that all about?) was a difficult one. During a lengthy, emotional conversation, I told him his mother and I had prayed about this, and felt it was best for us all to make the change. His tearful response was, “I prayed too, and I just want to stay at West.”

I’m so thankful he willingly made the decision to obey his parents, even though he was not very happy about it initially. Things did not get any easier for us when we noticed him sitting alone in his marching uniform during a break in the first football game. I will never forget seeing him there in colors he despised. He was one very sad (yet obedient) trombone player. It broke this father’s heart. Not much made sense to him at that point, but he had decided to make the best of the situation. I was never more proud of him.

The rest of the story is too long to tell here. What happened during the course of Jesse’s next years was miraculous. His East High School music career and experience was phenomenal (even full of joy!) and facilitated an excellent scholarship to the local university. During college, he changed majors in order to prepare for effective youth ministry. His life and leadership skills were transformed. As a result he found true happiness and blessing in serving the Lord. I believe one of the many reasons for all of that goes back to his youthful decision to submit in the right way to those who loved him and had his best interests at heart, even though that decision was unpleasant at the time.

Our heavenly Father has our best interests at heart. Sometimes when He asks us to obey Him the first steps are not happy ones for us. The principle of joyful obedience Hannah Whitall Smith promotes does not promise immediate results, but the process can be absolutely transforming for us and for others. Jesus obediently endured the greatest suffering imaginable because of “the joy set before him” (Hebrews 12:2). What were the eventual joyful results of his obedience for you, for me, for him?

Even if the perfect happiness we desire does not come in this life, we are promised eternal, pure joy. We can have perfect confidence in the one Perfect Power who alone provides perfect joy. The delight of obedience may not be felt immediately. There may even be sorrow and weeping that lasts longer than we desire, but God promises that “joy comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5, NKJV). Talk about transformation! Yes!

“I delight to do thy will.” - Psalm 40:8 (KJV)

Suggested soul-training exercise:

During an unlimited time away from all distractions, consider the Hannah Smith quote on the previous page as well as

Psalm 40:8 by doing the following:

•      On one side of a blank sheet of paper, slowly write out by hand the Hannah Smith quote, and on the other side Psalm 40:8.

•      Record your prayerful reflections on what each aspect (specific words and phrases) means to you.  Include questions you might have.

•      Now take the time to think about any past experiences that might apply to this devotional.  How might you ask the Lord to forgive you for something, or praise Him for His work in you, for the joy He gave as a result of your obedience?

•      Next think about any ways in which He is asking you to obey that are not pleasant for you.  Write those down, too.

•      As best you can commit yourself to obey.  Feel free to confess your weakness.  See if you can honestly repeat in various ways, “I delight to do Thy will” and notice what happens as you do.

•      Keep that paper with you over time as you willingly obey.  Reflect and rejoice in the transformation that takes place.

Your Support Makes a Big Difference!

The House of Compassion is an extension of each one of our congregations. Through the Soup Kitchen, Shelter, and the Supply Closet we are able to reflect our love for Christ by making a difference in the lives of our neighbors who are served by the House of Compassion. Working together we are able to accomplish what is beyond each of our individual congregations.

Your financial support, donations, and time as volunteers made possible in July for 1,792 meals to be prepared & served, 319 nights of shelter for 33 people, and 608 households to receive household and hygiene items from the Closet.  In August well over 800 children received backpacks with school supplies. Please continue to be faithful. By God’s grace the House of Compassion is the most ecumenical and volunteer driven ministry in the area. Thanks to all of you! 

~Jean Bergen, Director of HOC

August HOC Meal Report

      On August 23, 11 served an unexpected meal to 70 guests. Evidently our usual last Thursday of the month got moved up a week but our great volunteers came together to provide generous servings of a soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, carrots, baby tomatoes, cantaloupe, mixed fruit, Hy-Vee cupcakes, cake, tea, milk and coffee.  For those of you who missed this month, Margaret will be preparing an extra meal Friday, Sept. 14. Let her know if you are available to help.  Our regular night will be Thursday, Sept. 27.

Helping Cuba Friends

          As you are shopping this fall remember that Linda Garrison will be going to Cuba in the New Year.  We are collecting items for her to take along for the people in the Friends Churches.  A basket is in the entryway to collect vitamins for children and pregnant women, small “happy meal” type toys, and flea collars.

A Smile

Two gentlemen boarded a coast-to-coast flight and were seated next to each other on the commercial plane.

After breezing through the on-flight magazine, the first man turned to the other and asked, “What do you do?” The gentleman replied: "I am a pastor of a church."

"Oh," said the first man quickly. "I don't believe in this religious stuff. It's for kids, you know, like the song 'Jesus Loves Me This I know, for the Bible tells me so...."

The minister politely laughed and asked the other man what he did for a living.

"I am an astronomer," said the first man.

"Oh, that stuff," said the minister. I thought it was just for kids, you know - 'Twinkle, twinkle little star....'"         -copied

Remember In Prayer   

~Area farmers as they begin the harvest

   of crops--for their safety & provision

~Our college students, local school

   districts, teachers & students getting

   into the routine of a new school year.

~Our youth program-plans for sharing

   with HCNP Friends

~Mark Arviso and Mesquakie Friends Center

~Samburu Friends Mission in Kenya

~Iowa Friends Disaster Services

~Sam & Becky Barber during a busy start    

   to a new school year with no internet

   usage & getting into a routine with    

   new students at the Friends School in

   Belize

~The Mesquakie Friends Center and their

   new director, Mark Arviso

~House of Compassion, clients, staff

~Our Secret Prayer Partners

*He who has God and everything else has no more than he who has God only. 

-C.S. Lewis

David Bible Study: 

     All are welcome to join a study of “David, Man after God’s Own Heart” at Bob and Jeanette Roe’s home in Clemons.  The group will meet at 7:00 pm on September 5^th, 13^th, 18^th and 25^th.  We are learning from David how we can become God’s kindred spirits. 

Children’s Church

This program takes place twice a month beginning on Sunday Sept. 2^nd. Children age 4-grade 5 are encouraged to participate and will be dismissed from Worship after the children’s message. Those under age 4 are welcome in the nursery. The program includes Bible lessons, service projects to our church and community, and fun activities to encourage the children as they learn to live like Jesus.

Ladies are Invited!

          All ladies of the church are invited to a Bridal Shower for Trisha Scott, Tyler Patten’s fiancée, on Saturday, September 15^th at BLFC at 10:00 a.m.  Social Committee #4 is hosting the shower.

Bangor USFW

The Bangor USFW ladies will gather at 1:30 on September 18^th at Donna Williams’ home.  Barbara Jo Morgan will bring refreshments and Betty Arterburn will provide the lesson.  All ladies are welcome.

Liberty USFW will start the year off meeting at Kay Feltz’s home at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 20^th.  All ladies are welcome; speak with Sharon Johnson if you have any questions concerning USFW.

DEEPER Program

          Our Wednesday night DEEPER program will begin on September 19^th with all studies/classes beginning at 7:00 p.m. at the church.  All ages are welcome!  There are groups for everyone and a nursery for the younger children and babies.  Plans for the youth are being worked out.  A Women of Faith Study will be available for ladies, and all adults are welcome to join a group led by Joe Feltz as they watch and discuss Dr. David Jeremiah’s video series, Slaying the

Giants in Your Life - Fear, Discouragement, Loneliness, Worry, Guilt, Temptation, Anger, Resentment, Doubt, Procrastination, Failure and Jealousy.  Fellowship meals will be held on the 2^nd & 4^th Wednesdays of each month at 6:15 p.m.  Come join us on Wednesday nights for a time of fellowship, fun and growth in our classes, studies and meals! 

Discovering God’s truth

Enduring with one another

Encouraging & lifting each other up

Praying for one another

Exemplifying Christ to others

Recruiting other to Christ

New Men’s Group      

          A new group, just for men, will be starting on September 24^th.  All the King’s Men will meet every other Monday evening from 8:00-9:00 p.m. at Pastor Manny’s home for a time of fellowship and study.  Contact Pastor Manny if you are interested in becoming a part of this group.

USFW Fall Retreat

Saturday, September 22

Motor Friends Church, Milo IA

Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.

Program at 10:00 a.m.

Theme is “Showers of Blessings”

Speaker will be Marilla Robins of Middle River Friends.

The offering will be given to Freedom Village - Outreach Ministry of

 Des Moines Friends West.

Cost is $10.00 payable at the door.  Childcare provided if needed. Bring a sack lunch for each child.  Registration deadline September 16^th.

Missions News:       

     Our September Mission offering will help support the Mesquakie Friends Mission.  Due to all of our extra Sunday activities this month the mission offering will be taken on Sunday, September 30^th. Mark Arviso, a Navajo from Arizona, is their new director.  Mark established four churches in the Midwest and recently walked across America in obedience to God to speak to people, pray over our land, and be a witness to whoever would listen.

       Mark is a single man currently living in half of the house at the Mesquakie Friends Center as Victor and Brenda continue to move their belongings to their Oklahoma home.  Pray for this time of transition.  Victor and Mark visited a man in the hospital recently.  Victor introduced Mark and then allowed him to minister. We praise God that the man was led to the Lord that day.

Library Ledge: Christian Living

            During September the library ledge will display books to assist you in ‘walking the walk’ of your Christian life.

          In Traveling Light, Max Lucado conveys God's loving desire to be called in times of need. He also counsels us to offer God all of our burdens, the luggage of our wants, worries, hopelessness, guilt, arrogance, grave, grief, fears, loneliness, doubt, etc.  Max Lucado's sense of humor makes his teachings easier to understand and fun to read.

          When Life Isn’t Fair provides a wealth of biblical and personal insight into the reasons for pain and suffering, as well as practical help for those who hurt.

          In Quiet Strength,  (on CD’s) Super Bowl championship coach Tony Dungy writes one part autobiography, one part thrilling sports biography, one part coaching technique, one part dealing with suffering, one part family life narrative, one part social commentary, and one part Christian living teaching. All woven together seamlessly.

            Check out the library ledge – you’ll find way to stretch and grow there.

Marriage Enrichment Retreat

October 26^th & 27^th     

Quakerdale’s Wolfe Ranch, Life Enrichment Center, Marshalltown, Iowa, led by Paul & Jennifer Daniel.  Brochures are posted on the church bulletin board for more details. The retreat begins at 6 pm on Friday October 26^th at 6 pm and ends on Saturday October 27^th at 5:30 pm.  Cost is $150 for an overnight stay, and $120 if you commute.  To register contact Mindy Hadley at mhadley@quakerdale.org.