Hello! Yesterday I was not at a location with Internet access so I was unable to up-date my progress. !! I'll therefore up-date my status for the last two days.
June 23 - Wednesday
The day was hot and humid but I caught a break. The Missouri River was flooding a section of the Katy Trail and we had to by-pass about 10 miles of the Trail. I therefore rode 28 miles and then had about a 1 hour transition while we drove around the flooded area. Thus we had a break and the total ride was only about 40 miles rather than 53. This combination allowed me to complete the ride in good fashion and I actually felt good at the end of the ride. We ended at Rocheport and ate dinner at the LaBoucha Winery. The food here is excellent and so is the wine! I slept well in the Bed and Breakfast we had rented and all in all the day was a success.
June 24 - Thursday
Today's route from Rocheport to Sedalia was always forecasted to be the toughest day and it lived up to its expectations. Once again we had a section of the initial trail that was flooded and so we had to bypass the first 3 miles but the total ride was still 50 miles. This section also crosses the Missouri River at Boonevile and from Booneville to Pilot Grove Mo. (about 12 miles) the grade ranges from 1 to 6% at a rise with very few breaks and so it is a steady one hour of pedaling. You pedal for about 8 miles to get to Booneville and then you have this one hour of steady climb so by the time you get the Pilot Grove you are tired and you have another 25 miles to reach Sedalia. From Pilot Grove to Glifton City you have 12 miles of generally downhill pedaling which is a relief but then from Clifton City to Sedalia you have about 14 miles of mostly up-hill grade but not as bad as from Booneville to Pilot Grove. Nonetheless; as I as pedaling from Clifton City to Sadelia I was increasingly tired and by the time I reached Sadelia I was spent. I was truly happy to have made it to Sadelia and I did so in about 5.5 hours. Which of the 300+ plus riders I probably finished in the first 15. It is not a race but by the same token I was gratified to finish and to finish with several of the better riders.
Tonight we will have our final dinner with the 300+ ride members, have our last team meeting and then go to the park and listen to some good local music. Tomorrow we get up and start riding again at about 5:40 AM. This final leg of the trip is about 38 miles and I anticipate it will take about 4 hours to complete; thus I will be pulling in to Clinton about 9:30 to 10:00 AM. I'll shower, celebrate, and then head home (about a 4.5 hour drive). So far it has been a challenging ride but also successful so I am hoping tomorrow goes well.
Thanks for reading this blog and I will have a wrap up article some time the first of next week. Until then -
Have a Great Day and Enjoy Life!
Terry
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
June 22, 2010 - 5:00PM
Dear reader - I am sitting in the middle of my motel room recovering from today's bike ride. We rode 48 miles and it got hot! We had breakfast at 5:30 pm and started riding at 6:00 am.
The first 28 miles didn't go to badly but then the heat began to build in and the speed began to drop. With about 10 miles to go the temperature had risen to 90F and the humidity was "whatever"! The sun was bright and the shade along the route became less and less. With 4 miles to go the temperature was around 93F an every one's pace as down to about 10 mph. The remaining distance was almost all out in the open and sunlight. Everyone slowed to a crawl and just continued to pedal with their heads down and as we crossed the completion point for today no one cheered. We were just spent! It was 11:30 am! I sat on the last Trailhead bench in the shade with my head down drinking my last bottle of water. Must of drank 5 gallons of water today. My legs were spent.
I did have a good lunch at about 3:00 pm and have been napping in air conditioning. I don't know how I am going to feel in the morning but I don't expect the day to be much different than today. Today was a day you ask yourself "Why am I doing this?" with no intelligent answer coming back.
For your information there are 303 full route riders on this ride - at least at the beginning. The oldest rider is 82 and the youngest is 6. The average age is 43. I'm 62.
Well, that is my report for today. We will see what happens tomorrow and I intend to up-date this blog tomorrow afternoon, if the "Good Lord is willing and the creek doesn't get any higher".
Have a Great Day and Enjoy Life!
Terry
The first 28 miles didn't go to badly but then the heat began to build in and the speed began to drop. With about 10 miles to go the temperature had risen to 90F and the humidity was "whatever"! The sun was bright and the shade along the route became less and less. With 4 miles to go the temperature was around 93F an every one's pace as down to about 10 mph. The remaining distance was almost all out in the open and sunlight. Everyone slowed to a crawl and just continued to pedal with their heads down and as we crossed the completion point for today no one cheered. We were just spent! It was 11:30 am! I sat on the last Trailhead bench in the shade with my head down drinking my last bottle of water. Must of drank 5 gallons of water today. My legs were spent.
I did have a good lunch at about 3:00 pm and have been napping in air conditioning. I don't know how I am going to feel in the morning but I don't expect the day to be much different than today. Today was a day you ask yourself "Why am I doing this?" with no intelligent answer coming back.
For your information there are 303 full route riders on this ride - at least at the beginning. The oldest rider is 82 and the youngest is 6. The average age is 43. I'm 62.
Well, that is my report for today. We will see what happens tomorrow and I intend to up-date this blog tomorrow afternoon, if the "Good Lord is willing and the creek doesn't get any higher".
Have a Great Day and Enjoy Life!
Terry
Monday, June 21, 2010
June 21, 2010 - 12:30 pm
Monday, June 21,It is lunch time and I am having lunch in Mannwell's coffee shop here in Washington, Mo. The ride this morning from St Charles to Marthasville went well. I started my ride at 6:00 AM and finished in Marthasville at 10:00 AM So four hours to complete 40 miles The weather was good. We started out with overcast skies and a temperature of about 78 F and we finished at about 88F. Not much wind and what there was helped. The Missouri river is high and flooded part of Highway 94 but not the Katy Trail. Staying in a Bed and Breakfast here in Marthasville named Critter Cottage. It is quiet and with central air conditioning so I should get a good night's rest. Tomorrow's ride goes from Marthasville to Mokane which is about 47 miles or 8 miles longer than today's ride. Not sure of the weather forecast but it should be about the same as today
I am meeting a lot of neat people and enjoying the conversations. We have a team meeting tonight after dinner and then its off to bed Up about 4:30AM tomorrow morning and start riding between 5:30 and 6:00 AM
Have a Great Day and Enjoy Life!
T
I am meeting a lot of neat people and enjoying the conversations. We have a team meeting tonight after dinner and then its off to bed Up about 4:30AM tomorrow morning and start riding between 5:30 and 6:00 AM
Have a Great Day and Enjoy Life!
T
June 21, 2010 - 4:40 AM
Well its early Monday morning and I'm about ready to head to St. Charles to begin the ride. I always feel a little nervous at this time before a long ride but I feel good physically. Its already warm outside and I hope to begin riding about 5:30 AM which should get me to Marthasville, today's destination, by around 10:30 AM and before the big heat of the day.
I am hoping to find a "hot spot" for my computer to up-date this long with ride information, but we will just have to see how that works out.
Well - time to go. Wish me luck!
Have a Great Day and Enjoy Life!
Terry
I am hoping to find a "hot spot" for my computer to up-date this long with ride information, but we will just have to see how that works out.
Well - time to go. Wish me luck!
Have a Great Day and Enjoy Life!
Terry
Sunday, June 20, 2010
June 20, 2010
Good Afternoon this Father's Day!
Social Stuff:
This past Saturday (June 19, 2010) Jane and I went to see 'The Ambassadors of Harmony" at the Tuehill Theatre and it was a very good experience. The Ambassadors is a men's singing group of about 150 people who sing various songs in harmony. The music type is a wide range from gospel to modern popular songs. They sound great and have won international awards. They have another concert in December and we intend to go.
After "The Ambassadors of Harmony" we went to Jane's family church in Catawissa for an ice cream social. The timing worked out just fine because many of Jane's cousins arrived at the same time and we had a great reunion. The home made strawberry ice was deeeeelicious!
Koinonia Sunday School Class:
Today's call was attended by Bill Nichols, Genny Maas, Cindie Jones, Charlotte Michelle, Alan and Teresa Schlobohm, Susanne Lyons. Jane and Terry Pursley
Prayers were requested for:
1. Drew Geison (Bill's Nephew) who continues to deal with brain cancer.
2. My mom's (Opal Pursley) health.
3. Cyndie Jone's mom's chemotherapy procedures.
4, Ted and Dee Michael's grandson who is under going heart surgery.
5. Cindy Godall who is having various medical tests run.
6. Allison Jones' continue trip in the Mediterranean
7. Terry's Katy Trail ride.
Class Material:
Today we discussed Roman's Chapter 4 vs 18 - 25. In these verses Paul writes about the faith of Abraham and how it was through this faith that God found Abraham to be righteous. Paul writes "Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise". This "faith" of Abraham led to a lively discussion in our class about how it is difficult if not impossible for us to have this same "unwavering" faith of Abraham. All of us agreed we each have wavered in our Faith and we questioned how our waive ring faith can relate to Paul's characterization of Abraham's "unwavering" faith. This topic led to many various good views being expressed with no particular view being determined to be the ultimate resolution. However, at the end of the Class the following point was made that should be carried from the class -
The CONTEXT of Paul's Chapter 4 writing is to highlight that Abraham was saved by Faith and not by Works (following the law). Paul's audience would have been people that were the first generation of folks attempting to understand being reconciled to God by Faith, and not by the Law. This would have been a tough philosophical transition and thus Paul uses Abraham and the example of how Abraham was found by God to be righteous thru faith before Abraham followed the Law by being circumcised. Paul's primary point is not the nature of Abraham's faith but that God found Abraham righteous thru faith and not works. This is also the message for us today in the 21st Century reading this Roman's Chapter 4 passage. WE ARE SAVED BY FAITH AND NOT BY WORKS! We should not be overly concerned by the nature or consistency of our faith but rather we should be encouraged that it is by our faith (in what ever form we as individuals experience it) that saves us and not what we do. "What we do" (Works) has a very important part of our Christian experience but not our salvation. Eternal Life with God is acquired by Faith and Faith alone.
Next week we will take off from our normal bible study and assist Genny in the kitchen as she prepares for the church-wide pot luck meal. The following week we will return to Romans and pick up at Chapter 5. In the meantime -
Have a Great Day and Enjoy Life!
Terry
Social Stuff:
This past Saturday (June 19, 2010) Jane and I went to see 'The Ambassadors of Harmony" at the Tuehill Theatre and it was a very good experience. The Ambassadors is a men's singing group of about 150 people who sing various songs in harmony. The music type is a wide range from gospel to modern popular songs. They sound great and have won international awards. They have another concert in December and we intend to go.
After "The Ambassadors of Harmony" we went to Jane's family church in Catawissa for an ice cream social. The timing worked out just fine because many of Jane's cousins arrived at the same time and we had a great reunion. The home made strawberry ice was deeeeelicious!
Koinonia Sunday School Class:
Today's call was attended by Bill Nichols, Genny Maas, Cindie Jones, Charlotte Michelle, Alan and Teresa Schlobohm, Susanne Lyons. Jane and Terry Pursley
Prayers were requested for:
1. Drew Geison (Bill's Nephew) who continues to deal with brain cancer.
2. My mom's (Opal Pursley) health.
3. Cyndie Jone's mom's chemotherapy procedures.
4, Ted and Dee Michael's grandson who is under going heart surgery.
5. Cindy Godall who is having various medical tests run.
6. Allison Jones' continue trip in the Mediterranean
7. Terry's Katy Trail ride.
Class Material:
Today we discussed Roman's Chapter 4 vs 18 - 25. In these verses Paul writes about the faith of Abraham and how it was through this faith that God found Abraham to be righteous. Paul writes "Abraham never wavered in believing God's promise". This "faith" of Abraham led to a lively discussion in our class about how it is difficult if not impossible for us to have this same "unwavering" faith of Abraham. All of us agreed we each have wavered in our Faith and we questioned how our waive ring faith can relate to Paul's characterization of Abraham's "unwavering" faith. This topic led to many various good views being expressed with no particular view being determined to be the ultimate resolution. However, at the end of the Class the following point was made that should be carried from the class -
The CONTEXT of Paul's Chapter 4 writing is to highlight that Abraham was saved by Faith and not by Works (following the law). Paul's audience would have been people that were the first generation of folks attempting to understand being reconciled to God by Faith, and not by the Law. This would have been a tough philosophical transition and thus Paul uses Abraham and the example of how Abraham was found by God to be righteous thru faith before Abraham followed the Law by being circumcised. Paul's primary point is not the nature of Abraham's faith but that God found Abraham righteous thru faith and not works. This is also the message for us today in the 21st Century reading this Roman's Chapter 4 passage. WE ARE SAVED BY FAITH AND NOT BY WORKS! We should not be overly concerned by the nature or consistency of our faith but rather we should be encouraged that it is by our faith (in what ever form we as individuals experience it) that saves us and not what we do. "What we do" (Works) has a very important part of our Christian experience but not our salvation. Eternal Life with God is acquired by Faith and Faith alone.
Next week we will take off from our normal bible study and assist Genny in the kitchen as she prepares for the church-wide pot luck meal. The following week we will return to Romans and pick up at Chapter 5. In the meantime -
Have a Great Day and Enjoy Life!
Terry
Sunday, June 13, 2010
June 13, 2010
Good Evening Everyone!
Social Stuff:
I just returned from a Pursley family reunion in Sullivan, Missouri and we had a very good time. Got to revisit some good relatives that I haven't seen for awhile as well as those we see quite often. Its a little scary when you are around many people that have a similar genetic background and you see all the traits we hold in common. The same type of laugh and the similar line of teasing. It just feels good to share life with a few people who are similar to you. At least I think so.
This past Saturday, Jane and I participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure here in St. Louis. Jane walked the shorter route with our niece Holly who is a cancer survivor and I walked the 5K route in celebration for Holly being cancer free for 5 years. Beyond Holly, I was impressed by how many people (nearly 71,000) who walk not because they have cancer but because they know someone who is afflicted with the disease. This out pouring of love, in my opinion, is a projection of God's love in each of us and I felt blessed to participate in this event. I encourage everyone to get out there and help some one just out of love for them.
Last Friday, I rode my bike 54 miles in preparation for my 5 day/225 mile Katy Trail bike ride. I was pretty tired when I finished but completion of the 54 miles gives me the belief I can make the full 225 miles. Of course sun, temperatures, wind and humidity will all play a part but I am looking forward to the challenge.
Koinonia Sunday School Class:
Attendees in today's class included: Alan and Teresa Schlobohm, Bill Nichols, Dennis Kelly, Cindy Jones, Ginny Maas, Charlotte Michelle, Jane and Terry Pursley.
Prayers were requested for:
1. Terry's Mom who is struggling in Delmar Gardens, as well as Terry who is struggling to do what is right for his mom.
2. The Jac Griswald family (friends of Alan and Teresa) on the death of Jac. Alan reported Jac was a neat person and will be missed by his friends and family.
3. Cindy's mom who is also struggling with health issues.
4. Alison Jones as she travels abroad.
5. Denise Kelly whose medical tests came back this will indicating there was no cancer in her system; however there are more tests to be run and Denise still needs our prayers and support.
6. Jenny Robinson who is an active member of Salem Church and who is recovering from a collapsed lung.
Today's class centered on Roman's Chapter 4 with special emphasis on verse 3. I (Terry) indicated I have been struck by the language of verse 3 which reads as follows - "For the Scriptures tell us, 'Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith". I emphasized that the term "faith" is tied back to the phrase "Abraham believed God". Abraham's "faith" was comprised of "believing God". In other words, Abraham's faith was that he believed God.
In John 5:24 Jesus says "I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life". I have added the italics in blue type to illustrate that Jesus also emphasised "belief in God" in achieving eternal life.
In Luke Chapter 3 verses 21 thru 22 (as well as similar verses in Mathew and Mark) we read the following "One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. As he was praying the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, "you are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great Joy". In these verses God is saying Jesus is God's dearly loved Son; therefore if we "believe God" as Abraham did, we therefore know Jesus is God's son and we learn from Jesus that eternal life belongs to those who believe in Jesus.
The point here is that often I hear people critical of Christians accuse Christians of being arrogant and believing their Christian way is the only way to God or eternal life. Because of these Roman verses I understand Christians do not claim Jesus is the Son of God. We simply pass along the message that God gives when God says Jesus is His dearly loved Son. It is not news we are claiming, rather it is news we are reporting, because we believe God. Doubters, do not need to argue with Christians, or visa versa, about whether Jesus is God's Son. Rather they need to take up the issue with God! Christians need not get caught up in the argument because God does not ask us to argue His case. God simply asks us to report the Good News.
"Abraham believed God and God counted him as righteous because of his faith" I suggest, we need to follow Abraham's example and believe God (who said Jesus was His Son) and move forward in confidence without arguing about Jesus' credentials.
Next week we will pick up at Romain's Chapter 4 verse 16 and learn more about what we can learn from Abraham's faith. Until then -
Have a Great Day and Enjoy Life!
Terry
Social Stuff:
I just returned from a Pursley family reunion in Sullivan, Missouri and we had a very good time. Got to revisit some good relatives that I haven't seen for awhile as well as those we see quite often. Its a little scary when you are around many people that have a similar genetic background and you see all the traits we hold in common. The same type of laugh and the similar line of teasing. It just feels good to share life with a few people who are similar to you. At least I think so.
This past Saturday, Jane and I participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure here in St. Louis. Jane walked the shorter route with our niece Holly who is a cancer survivor and I walked the 5K route in celebration for Holly being cancer free for 5 years. Beyond Holly, I was impressed by how many people (nearly 71,000) who walk not because they have cancer but because they know someone who is afflicted with the disease. This out pouring of love, in my opinion, is a projection of God's love in each of us and I felt blessed to participate in this event. I encourage everyone to get out there and help some one just out of love for them.
Last Friday, I rode my bike 54 miles in preparation for my 5 day/225 mile Katy Trail bike ride. I was pretty tired when I finished but completion of the 54 miles gives me the belief I can make the full 225 miles. Of course sun, temperatures, wind and humidity will all play a part but I am looking forward to the challenge.
Koinonia Sunday School Class:
Attendees in today's class included: Alan and Teresa Schlobohm, Bill Nichols, Dennis Kelly, Cindy Jones, Ginny Maas, Charlotte Michelle, Jane and Terry Pursley.
Prayers were requested for:
1. Terry's Mom who is struggling in Delmar Gardens, as well as Terry who is struggling to do what is right for his mom.
2. The Jac Griswald family (friends of Alan and Teresa) on the death of Jac. Alan reported Jac was a neat person and will be missed by his friends and family.
3. Cindy's mom who is also struggling with health issues.
4. Alison Jones as she travels abroad.
5. Denise Kelly whose medical tests came back this will indicating there was no cancer in her system; however there are more tests to be run and Denise still needs our prayers and support.
6. Jenny Robinson who is an active member of Salem Church and who is recovering from a collapsed lung.
Today's class centered on Roman's Chapter 4 with special emphasis on verse 3. I (Terry) indicated I have been struck by the language of verse 3 which reads as follows - "For the Scriptures tell us, 'Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith". I emphasized that the term "faith" is tied back to the phrase "Abraham believed God". Abraham's "faith" was comprised of "believing God". In other words, Abraham's faith was that he believed God.
In John 5:24 Jesus says "I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life". I have added the italics in blue type to illustrate that Jesus also emphasised "belief in God" in achieving eternal life.
In Luke Chapter 3 verses 21 thru 22 (as well as similar verses in Mathew and Mark) we read the following "One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. As he was praying the heavens opened, and the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a dove. And a voice from heaven said, "you are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great Joy". In these verses God is saying Jesus is God's dearly loved Son; therefore if we "believe God" as Abraham did, we therefore know Jesus is God's son and we learn from Jesus that eternal life belongs to those who believe in Jesus.
The point here is that often I hear people critical of Christians accuse Christians of being arrogant and believing their Christian way is the only way to God or eternal life. Because of these Roman verses I understand Christians do not claim Jesus is the Son of God. We simply pass along the message that God gives when God says Jesus is His dearly loved Son. It is not news we are claiming, rather it is news we are reporting, because we believe God. Doubters, do not need to argue with Christians, or visa versa, about whether Jesus is God's Son. Rather they need to take up the issue with God! Christians need not get caught up in the argument because God does not ask us to argue His case. God simply asks us to report the Good News.
"Abraham believed God and God counted him as righteous because of his faith" I suggest, we need to follow Abraham's example and believe God (who said Jesus was His Son) and move forward in confidence without arguing about Jesus' credentials.
Next week we will pick up at Romain's Chapter 4 verse 16 and learn more about what we can learn from Abraham's faith. Until then -
Have a Great Day and Enjoy Life!
Terry
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
June 8, 2010
Good afternoon. Its a rainy Tuesday afternoon and a good time for me to catch up on my blog.
Social Stuff:
I have been gone the last several weeks visiting family and bike riding and so I have not been active on my blog. I know this isn't good for retaining readers, but I have been enjoying the various activities.
Since my last blog, Jane and I have visited Amy and Todd in Madison, Wisconsin twice. Once to view Audra's kindergarten's musical and the other to visit them on Memorial Day, and celebrate Rebecca's birthday. Rebecca joined us on this trip and we had a very good time together.
On another weekend, I rode my bicycle in what was called the Strawberry Festival in St. Jacob, Illinois. St. Jacob has this huge strawberry festival with all kids of music and types of strawberry desserts including strawberry shortcake and ice cream. Part of the festival is a bicycle ride of various lenghts and I rode the 41 mile route. It was a great day for the ride except we had a 10-15 mile headwind which on a bike can be challenging. I was very tired when I completed the ride, but the one benefit was each rider received a free strawberry shortcake dessert and it was delicious! I sat under a shade tree, ate strawberry shortcake, and listed to country western music. Good stuff!
This past weekend I did ride in the American Diabetes Tour De Cure bike ride for Diabetes research and assistance, and I did very well. I only rode 30 miles but it was a good ride. The day was overcast with a temperature around 85F and I was able to maintain a steady and strong pace. I had raised over $800 in donations for the ride and so not only did I have a great physical experience in riding the bike but also helping to raise money to support the diabetes organization.
In a couple of weeks I will be riding my hybrid bike on the Missouri Department of Natural Resources sponsored week long Katy Trail Ride. This ride is 225 miles long and spans over 5 days; thus averaging about 45 miles of bike riding each day. It is challenging but not as much as one might think. The ride is a beautiful experience with about 300 fellow bike riders so it is fun and I am looking forward to it - Can't wait!
This coming Saturday (June 12, 2010) I will be walking in the Komen Race for the Cure in support of Beast Cancer. I have a niece who is a survivor of breast cancer and I along with several family members will be walking in support of Holly.
Koinonia Sunday School Class:
Bob Hardcastle had led the Koinonia Class while I was gone and did hi usual excellent job - Thanks Bob!
The attendees in today's class were:
Alan and Theresa Schlobohm
Ginny Mass
Bill Nichols
Bob Hardcastle
Cindie Jones
Denise Kelly
Jane and Terry Pursely
Prayers were requested for:
1. Denise Kelly as she awaits lab results from a biopsy.
2. Terry Pursley's Mom who is struggling in the Delmar Gardens nursing home.
3. Cindie's Mom who is also struggling with the later stages of life.
The Sunday School class material discussed today was Romans Chapter 3 verses 21 thru 31.
These verses occur just after Paul has made his argument that all people have broken the "law" and are therefore separated from God. No one is saved as a result of their own adherence to the "law" In verses 21 thru 31 Paul explains however that even though each of us has sinned Paul states in verse 22 - "We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are." Paul, continues in vs 24 when he writes "People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood." Then in vs 28 Paul confirms "..we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law."
I have recently heard people say "Christians" are arrogant because "Christians" say Jesus is the only way. My response to this view is "Christians" do not and have not authored the statement or belief that Jesus is the only way. What we as "Christians" say is God said Jesus was the Only Way. Jesus said he was the Only Way. The Holy Spirit said Jesus is the Only Way. We "Christians" are only reporting and passing along (as we are instructed in the Scriptures by God to do) what God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit have said in the Scriptures. Similarly, we "Christians" must remember we are not the author's of this Truth. We should not become self-righteous in believing we have some "higher knowledge"or that we hold some "superior position", because in truth we do not have either. No, what we have, just like everyone else, is God Grace, and His Word as recorded in the Scriptures, and we should humbly share God's message out of love. Jesus did not "beat" his listeners over the head with his message nor did he act in any way other than as a servant; thus I believe "Christians" must humbly give the message of the Good News about Jesus Christ and act as a servant to those we meet.
Next week we will study Roman's Chapter 4 where the obvious follow up question is addressed. This Question is - if we as "Christians" believe we are saved by faith and not the law, can we then forget about the law? In other words if faith is only what "Christians" need, can "Christians" go ahead and break the law as long as they have faith? Paul answers this question in Chapter 4.
Until then I hope each of you has a great week and can enjoy this life that God has given to each of us.
Terry Pursley
Social Stuff:
I have been gone the last several weeks visiting family and bike riding and so I have not been active on my blog. I know this isn't good for retaining readers, but I have been enjoying the various activities.
Since my last blog, Jane and I have visited Amy and Todd in Madison, Wisconsin twice. Once to view Audra's kindergarten's musical and the other to visit them on Memorial Day, and celebrate Rebecca's birthday. Rebecca joined us on this trip and we had a very good time together.
On another weekend, I rode my bicycle in what was called the Strawberry Festival in St. Jacob, Illinois. St. Jacob has this huge strawberry festival with all kids of music and types of strawberry desserts including strawberry shortcake and ice cream. Part of the festival is a bicycle ride of various lenghts and I rode the 41 mile route. It was a great day for the ride except we had a 10-15 mile headwind which on a bike can be challenging. I was very tired when I completed the ride, but the one benefit was each rider received a free strawberry shortcake dessert and it was delicious! I sat under a shade tree, ate strawberry shortcake, and listed to country western music. Good stuff!
This past weekend I did ride in the American Diabetes Tour De Cure bike ride for Diabetes research and assistance, and I did very well. I only rode 30 miles but it was a good ride. The day was overcast with a temperature around 85F and I was able to maintain a steady and strong pace. I had raised over $800 in donations for the ride and so not only did I have a great physical experience in riding the bike but also helping to raise money to support the diabetes organization.
In a couple of weeks I will be riding my hybrid bike on the Missouri Department of Natural Resources sponsored week long Katy Trail Ride. This ride is 225 miles long and spans over 5 days; thus averaging about 45 miles of bike riding each day. It is challenging but not as much as one might think. The ride is a beautiful experience with about 300 fellow bike riders so it is fun and I am looking forward to it - Can't wait!
This coming Saturday (June 12, 2010) I will be walking in the Komen Race for the Cure in support of Beast Cancer. I have a niece who is a survivor of breast cancer and I along with several family members will be walking in support of Holly.
Koinonia Sunday School Class:
Bob Hardcastle had led the Koinonia Class while I was gone and did hi usual excellent job - Thanks Bob!
The attendees in today's class were:
Alan and Theresa Schlobohm
Ginny Mass
Bill Nichols
Bob Hardcastle
Cindie Jones
Denise Kelly
Jane and Terry Pursely
Prayers were requested for:
1. Denise Kelly as she awaits lab results from a biopsy.
2. Terry Pursley's Mom who is struggling in the Delmar Gardens nursing home.
3. Cindie's Mom who is also struggling with the later stages of life.
The Sunday School class material discussed today was Romans Chapter 3 verses 21 thru 31.
These verses occur just after Paul has made his argument that all people have broken the "law" and are therefore separated from God. No one is saved as a result of their own adherence to the "law" In verses 21 thru 31 Paul explains however that even though each of us has sinned Paul states in verse 22 - "We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are." Paul, continues in vs 24 when he writes "People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood." Then in vs 28 Paul confirms "..we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law."
I have recently heard people say "Christians" are arrogant because "Christians" say Jesus is the only way. My response to this view is "Christians" do not and have not authored the statement or belief that Jesus is the only way. What we as "Christians" say is God said Jesus was the Only Way. Jesus said he was the Only Way. The Holy Spirit said Jesus is the Only Way. We "Christians" are only reporting and passing along (as we are instructed in the Scriptures by God to do) what God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit have said in the Scriptures. Similarly, we "Christians" must remember we are not the author's of this Truth. We should not become self-righteous in believing we have some "higher knowledge"or that we hold some "superior position", because in truth we do not have either. No, what we have, just like everyone else, is God Grace, and His Word as recorded in the Scriptures, and we should humbly share God's message out of love. Jesus did not "beat" his listeners over the head with his message nor did he act in any way other than as a servant; thus I believe "Christians" must humbly give the message of the Good News about Jesus Christ and act as a servant to those we meet.
Next week we will study Roman's Chapter 4 where the obvious follow up question is addressed. This Question is - if we as "Christians" believe we are saved by faith and not the law, can we then forget about the law? In other words if faith is only what "Christians" need, can "Christians" go ahead and break the law as long as they have faith? Paul answers this question in Chapter 4.
Until then I hope each of you has a great week and can enjoy this life that God has given to each of us.
Terry Pursley
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