Take Up the Cross and Follow Him

Matthew 16:24-25 New King James Version (NKJV)

24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.
25 For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.



Sunday, March 20, 2016

WE NEED CHRISTIANS TO CARRY THE CROSS!!!

Walk for Jesus Christ 
                   - Start Point (Anglers Roost Bridge)
                   - Checkpoint #1 (711 South 1st Street)
                   - Checkpoint #2 (Veteran’s Bridge Fishing Access)
                   - Checkpoint #3 (West of Alpine Granite) Corvallis United Methodist Church
                   - Checkpoint #4 (Bear Creek Road)
                   - Checkpoint #5 (Victor Park) Bitterroot Valley Church of the Nazarene
                   - Checkpoint #6 (Point of Interests)
                   - Checkpoint #7 (U-Haul Dealer)
                   - Checkpoint #8 (Shearbrook Road)
                   - Checkpoint #9 (Larry Creek)
                   - Checkpoint #10 (Florence Town Pump)
                   - Checkpoint #11 (West Carlton Creek)
                   - Checkpoint #12 (Park & Ride)

                   - End Point (Set Free Christian Fellowship)
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Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot 21 March, 2016

Prayer Breakfast
0700 at BJ’s Restaurant
Hamilton Montana

Oh Father, you who have sent Jesus into the world to suffer, die and rise again for our sake, help us to experience your transforming resurrection power within our lives and ministry. We offer our prayers in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.

1. Opening - Round the Table Individual Prayers

2. Morning Psalm: 23

3. Breakfast Reading: John 13:21-38

4. Breakfast is served

5. Breakfast Discussion Topics:
          a. News around the valley
          b. Week 12 of 52 weeks of preparation by Tess Pennington
          c. Walk for Jesus Christ – WE NEED CHRISTIANS TO WALK WITH THE CROSS!!
                   - Start Point (Anglers Roost Bridge)
                   - Checkpoint #1 (711 South 1st Street)
                   - Checkpoint #2 (Veteran’s Bridge Fishing Access)
                   - Checkpoint #3 (West of Alpine Granite) Corvallis United Methodist Church
                   - Checkpoint #4 (Bear Creek Road)
                   - Checkpoint #5 (Victor Park) Bitterroot Valley Church of the Nazarene
                   - Checkpoint #6 (Point of Interests)
                   - Checkpoint #7 (U-Haul Dealer)
                   - Checkpoint #8 (Shearbrook Road)
                   - Checkpoint #9 (Larry Creek)
                   - Checkpoint #10 (Florence Town Pump)
                   - Checkpoint #11 (West Carlton Creek)
                   - Checkpoint #12 (Park & Ride)
                   - End Point (Set Free Christian Fellowship)
                   
6. Closing - Round the Table Individual Prayers

7. Benediction
          The Lord bless you and keep you: the Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you: the Lord lift up his countenance upon you, and give you peace. Amen. – Numbers 6:24-26




Upcoming Events:
          26 Mar 2016 – March for Jesus Christ
          27 Mar 2016 – Easter Sunday
          28 Mar 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
          4 Apr 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
          11 Apr 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
          18 Apr 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
          25 Apr 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
         
Follow the Fellowship of Christian Veterans:
On the Web: http://cvbitterroot.blogspot.com/
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/Walk_Mar_26_16
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/military.bitterroot

Week 12 of 52: Financial Preparedness

There was a time in the not too distant past where I was enslaved to debt. I supplemented my income with credit cards in order to maintain an overindulgent lifestyle, and when my daughter needed emergency medical care, my financial situation worsened because I didn’t have medical insurance. The medical bills were a nightmare, and paying them off seemed like a never ending uphill battle. For years we had to live below our means in order to sort out our financial mess. During this time frame, I repeatedly asked myself, “Why didn’t I set some money aside for harder times? Why didn’t I prepare for this?” It was these questions that led me on a journey of financial discovery. Instead of wallowing in self pity, I educated myself in finding practical ways to fight back and to simplify my lifestyle, which became a huge lesson in self control.
Emergency agencies suggest a person have at a minimum 3 months pay saved up to fall back on. Although, this can be a difficult amount to save in our economy, it is possible if you simplify your lifestyle. Here are 7 Ways To Save a Buck :
1. Counteract financial emergencies by preparing for them in advance. Even when times are financially prosperous, it is a good idea to have a financial contingency plan in place and some emergency funds set aside to fall back on; this money can act as a buffer when things do go financially awry.
2. Focus on meeting your practical needs, i.e., food, water, shelter. As long as you have shelter and food to provide for your family, you are ok. The rest of the financial mess will eventually sort itself out.
3. Stop spending frivolously. Cut the following from your budget: restaurants, manicures, and Starbucks (my sister just fainted). Set a goal to save as much money as you can.
4. Take advantage of grocery store advertisements and coupons. You can save a substantial amount of money when you search for discounted goods; throw away brand loyalty.
5. Buy products in bulk. Purchase a few extra short term food supply items (e.g., canned goods, formula, flour, sugar, etc.) each time you visit the store. Accumulating a few extra items will not break the budget, and when the money gets tight, you have the items on hand.
6. Trim the budget and shift your focus to the bare necessities. If you have children and one of the parents isn’t working, don’t spend money on daycare. If you are concerned about a lay off, start conserving your money by cutting back on energy bills, cable bills, etc. Speak with family members and let them know that you may be losing your job. Sometimes friends and family have good advice and possibly some contacts.
7. Have a garage sale to get rid of items that are no longer used. “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” You may be surprised at how much money you could get for your gently used items that are collecting dust in your garage.
Finding ways to cut corners can be a proactive way to learn new skills. Rather than paying a company to landscape your yard or paint your home, do it yourself. The more skills you allow yourself to learn, the more self-sufficient you will become, which is the reason we are trying to become prepared. As an example, one of the ways I cut back and became more self-sufficient was to start baking my own bread and making my own condiments. If I hadn’t made the choice to be more frugal, then I never would have learned how to make fresh bread and can vegetables.

Preps to Buy:

Rather than purchasing emergency supplies this week, concentrate your attention on your family’s short-term and long-term financial goals and discover ways to trim your budget.

Action Items:

1. Create a financial contingency plan.
2. Look at your budget and begin eliminating unnecessary debt.
3. Try and save 5-10% of your paycheck to use as a back-up plan.
Finding ways to cut corners can be a proactive way to learn new skills. Rather than paying a company to landscape your yard or paint your home, do it yourself. The more skills you allow yourself to learn, the more self-sufficient you will become, which is the reason we are trying to become prepared. As an example, one of the ways I cut back and became more self-sufficient was to start baking my own bread and making my own condiments. If I hadn’t made the choice to be more frugal, then I never would have learned how to make fresh bread and can vegetables.



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March 20, 2016 Worship Service

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Sunday, March 13, 2016

Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot 14 March, 2016

Prayer Breakfast
0700 at BJ’s Restaurant
Hamilton Montana

Oh Father, by the power of your Holy Spirit open our eyes, ears. hearts and very lives to your presence so that today we may worship and serve you in faithfulness, be blessing and healing reminders of your love to all whose lives we touch. In Jesus Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

1. Opening - Round the Table Individual Prayers

2. Morning Psalm: 25

3. Breakfast Reading: John 15:12-27

4. Breakfast is served

5. Breakfast Discussion Topics:
          a. News around the valley
          b. Week 11 of 52 weeks of preparation by Tess Pennington
          c. Walk for Jesus Christ
                   - Bitterroot Valley Church of the Nazarene takes Checkpoint #5
                   
6. Closing - Round the Table Individual Prayers

7. Benediction
          May the God of steadfastness and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Upcoming Events:
          21 Mar 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
          26 Mar 2016 – March for Jesus Christ
          27 Mar 2016 – Easter Sunday
          28 Mar 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
          4 Apr 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
          11 Apr 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
          18 Apr 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
          25 Apr 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
         
Follow the Fellowship of Christian Veterans:
On the Web: http://cvbitterroot.blogspot.com/
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/Walk_Mar_26_16
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/military.bitterroot

Week 11 of 52: Short Term Food Supply (List 2)

When an impending disaster threatens our area, the first instinct is to run to the store and stock up on emergency food and supplies. However, everyone else has the same brilliant idea, which means emergency food and supplies will be in high demand and depleted if you didn’t time your trip to the store well. There is nothing worse than leaving a crowded store with no storm supplies and a disaster bearing down upon you.
Storing food for storms is not the only reason you should have an emergency food supply. In fact, due to current state of the economy, you are more likely to run into an emergency with a disappearing budget. Food prices have been soaring during the past few years, and there doesn’t seem to be any relief in sight. Have you considered looking at your emergency supply as an investment? Many of the food items you will be purchasing over the next year are considered commodities (e.g., sugar, wheat, corn, rice, etc). Why not make the investmentand purchase food at today’s prices and consume at tomorrow’s higher prices?
Those of you who have water stored know that it takes up a lot of space. When storing a short term water supply, purchase the 5- or 10-gallon water containers. Note: The 5-gallon water containers are easier to organize if you place them on their sides and stack them.
Another suggestion is to reuse your juice and soda bottles. As long as the container is comprised of food  grade plastic, it is safe to reuse; however, make sure that the plastic container is washed well before reusing. I recommend investing in a water filtration system. While water  filters, such as Katadyn or even Berkey, are a little pricey, they can be used multiple times and would be a good preparedness item to have on hand in case of a longer-term emergency.
The following items will create a broad selection of foods that can be consumed in an emergency situation. You can create foods like biscuits and jelly, cereal and milk, oatmeal, sandwiches, soups, pastas, casseroles, etc. Constructing an emergency menu now before a disaster happens will enable you to see what foods you have and what foods you may need.

Preps to buy:

  • 1 gallon of water per day for each member of the family (i.e., 1-2 weeks worth).
  • 2 bottles of juice per family member
  • 2 canned goods (e.g., meat, veggies, soup, and fruit) per family member.
  • 1 each of the following food condiments: Peanut butter, jelly, honey, mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce
  • 2 drink mixes/tea/coffee per family member
  • Spices (e.g., salt, pepper, taco seasoning, apple pie seasoning, etc.)
  • 1 gallon of cooking oil
  • 2 each of the following pre-packaged foods: beans, dried peas, rice, noodles, oats, grains, cereals and pasta
  • 2 bags of flour (Note: Those of you who have wheat allergies, click here for alternatives.)
  • Ramen noodles
  • Powdered milk
  • Powdered potatoes
  •  Infant Formula – Note: Call me crazy, but this has a huge amount of vitamins and nutrients and could be utilized for immune boosts.

Action Items:

1. Date perishable goods with a permanent marker.
2. Find a storage area in the home where emergency food supplies can be placed. Those who are living in small living spaces have rented air conditioned storage facilities to store their supplies.

3. Organize the food and begin creating a list of the items you have according to categories (e.g., condiments, baking supplies, canned goods, medical supplies, etc.).
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Rev. David Ravenhill, Session 4

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Rev. David Ravenhill, Session 3

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Rev. David Ravenhill, Session 2

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Rev. David Ravenhill, Session 1

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Sunday, March 6, 2016

Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot 7 March, 2016

Prayer Breakfast
0700 at BJ’s Restaurant
Hamilton Montana

Oh Father, you who call me to prayer, and who offer yourself to all who seek your face, pour out your Holy Spirit upon me today and deliver me from coldness of heart, a wandering mind, and wrongful desire. By the power of your spirit place within me steadfast love and devotion, so that today I may worship and serve you with all of my life; in Jesus Christ’s name we pray. Amen.

1. Opening - Round the Table Individual Prayers

2. Morning Psalm: 15

3. Breakfast Reading: Acts 9:1-30

4. Breakfast is served

5. Breakfast Discussion Topics:
          a. News around the valley
          b. Week 10 of 52 weeks of preparation by Tess Pennington
                   
6. Closing - Round the Table Individual Prayers

7. Benediction
          Almighty God, cause your good gifts to flow in and through my life and ministry this day and always. Amen.

Upcoming Events:
          14 Mar 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
          21 Mar 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
          26 Mar 2016 – March for Jesus Christ
          27 Mar 2016 – Easter Sunday
          28 Mar 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
          4 Apr 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
          11 Apr 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
          18 Apr 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
          25 Apr 2016 – Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot Prayer Breakfast
         
Follow the Fellowship of Christian Veterans:
On the Web: http://cvbitterroot.blogspot.com/
On Twitter: https://twitter.com/Walk_Mar_26_16
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/military.bitterroot

Week 10 of 52: Dental Preparedness (List 1)

How many of us have dental supplies on hand? I’m guessing not very many of us. Dental emergencies can hit out the blue.  Without a warning, pain and soreness can occur in the gums or teeth and cause an extreme amount of discomfort. Ensuring that you have some dental supplies on hand can help maintain healthy teeth and gums and assist in not further aggravating any existing dental problems.
Be proactive and take the time to schedule regular dental visits and develop good dental hygiene habits, and in doing this, it will ensure that your teeth and gums stay healthy.  When your family dentist suggests elective procedures, take the opportunity to the extra mile for your teeth because the last thing you would want to face during a disaster scenario is a dental emergency.  Two proactive solutions to maintain good oral health is to floss regularly and to invest in a water pick.
Anticipating a dental emergency is difficult to say the least, but, there are seven likely dental emergencies that could affect your health in a long-term emergency.  To learn more about them, click here. I cannot stress how important it is to take your oral health seriously, and failure to treat a dental emergencies could result in one of the following:
  • Loss of the tooth
  • Mediastinitis
  • Sepsis
  • Spread of infection to soft tissue (e.g., facial cellulitis, Ludwig’s angina)
  • Spread of infection to the jaw bone (osteomyelitis of the jaw)
  • Spread of infection to other areas of the body resulting in brain abscess, endocarditis, pneumonia, or other complications
Dental experts have suggested there is a correlation between overall health and oral health. As a result, those that have a healthy diet tend to have healthier teeth and gums. Consequently, vitamins play a vital roll in oral health too.  These  7 vitamins would be essential to have in a long-term emergency. In addition to a regimen of vitamins, having natural alternatives to turn to when dealing with oral pain would also be beneficial.  Some natural alternatives to look into would be:
  • Valerian Root – pain reliever
  • Kava Kava – muscle relaxants and mild sedative
  • Passionflower – pain reliever
  • Clove oil – relieves teeth pain
  • Charcoal – can make a compress that relieves swelling and pain.
If a long-term disaster situation were to occur, many people would face malnutrition, be vitamin deficient, and have poor dental hygiene, as a result, they could face some painful dental repercussions that may become life threatening.  Here are some dental preps to purchase this week:

Preps to buy:

Action Items:

1. Go to the dentist and get an annual check-up and cleaning.
2. Start taking a vitamin regimen that will assist in oral health.
3. Begin brushing your teeth for at least 1-2 minutes, and teach your children to do the same.
4. Floss at least once daily.
5. Read your dental emergency resource to be familiar with treatment plans.
6. Read a dental emergency resource to be familiar with treatment plans.
Note: If you plan to have older adults staying with you during a short or long-term disaster, do not forget to anticipate their dental needs.

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                  CONTACT:
March 7, 2016                                                              Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot
CVB-0116                                                                     POC: Doug Mason
                                                                                      406-546-4244

“take up his cross, and follow me”

 Matthew 16:24, 1599 Geneva Bible


Corvallis, MT – The Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot are a group made up of followers of Jesus Christ who have served in the military. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ and a veteran, then you have a place in this group. Our motto is “give back with love,” and our goal is to help fellow veterans, their families and the local community through prayer and work. We want all Christians, particularly veterans, to know that they are not alone and we and others are here to help them.
As a group we believe it is time for local Christians to stand up and show solidarity with fellow Christians here and around the world. The Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot are asking all Christians in the Bitterroot Valley to “March for Jesus Christ” on Holy Saturday, March 26, 2016.
The march will start at 7:00 a.m. at the Angler’s Roost Bridge south of Hamilton. We will proceed north along the U.S. Highway 93 pedestrian path to the Set Free Christian Fellowship Church in Lolo, Montana.
Walk 1 mile, 3 miles, 20 miles or the entire 40 miles to Lolo.
We are asking all of the Bitterroot Valley Churches to participate by walking a three mile section as a group. If you can’t walk it, then provide a station with water, power bars, drinks, etc., to help those who are walking. Last year we had churches, organizations, families and individuals carry The Cross in three mile increments from Lolo to Hamilton. We still need cross bearers for this year’s march.
You don’t need to be a veteran to participate in the march. Please pray for those planning this great event.
For more information go to http://cvbitterroot.blogspot.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/military.bitterroot
or call Doug Mason 546-4244 or attend the prayer breakfast at BJ’s every Monday at 7:00 am.




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PRESS RELEASE



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:       CONTACT:
March 7, 2016                                   Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot
CVB-0116                                          POC: Doug Mason
                                                           406-546-4244

“take up his cross, and follow me”

 Matthew 16:24, 1599 Geneva Bible


Corvallis, MT – The Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot are a group made up of followers of Jesus Christ who have served in the military. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ and a veteran, then you have a place in this group. Our motto is “give back with love,” and our goal is to help fellow veterans, their families and the local community through prayer and work. We want all Christians, particularly veterans, to know that they are not alone and we and others are here to help them.
As a group we believe it is time for local Christians to stand up and show solidarity with fellow Christians here and around the world. The Christian Veterans of the Bitterroot are asking all Christians in the Bitterroot Valley to “March for Jesus Christ” on Holy Saturday, March 26, 2016.
The march will start at 7:00 a.m. at the Angler’s Roost Bridge south of Hamilton. We will proceed north along the U.S. Highway 93 pedestrian path to the Set Free Christian Fellowship Church in Lolo, Montana.
Walk 1 mile, 3 miles, 20 miles or the entire 40 miles to Lolo.
We are asking all of the Bitterroot Valley Churches to participate by walking a three mile section as a group. If you can’t walk it, then provide a station with water, power bars, drinks, etc., to help those who are walking. Last year we had churches, organizations, families and individuals carry The Cross in three mile increments from Lolo to Hamilton. We still need cross bearers for this year’s march.
You don’t need to be a veteran to participate in the march. Please pray for those planning this great event.
For more information go to http://cvbitterroot.blogspot.com/ or https://www.facebook.com/military.bitterroot
or call Doug Mason 546-4244 or attend the prayer breakfast at BJ’s every Monday at 7:00 am.


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March 6, 2016 Worship Service

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