Shifting Gears

Aesop tells the tale of two goats who, eager to live in freedom, abandoned their respective herds. As they frisked about on the rocky steeps of a mountain valley, they chanced to meet. Each of them were on opposite sides of a deep chasm through which poured a mighty mountain torrent.

The trunk of a fallen tree had formed the only means of crossing the chasm, and on this not even two squirrels could have passed each other in safety. The narrow path would have made the bravest tremble.

Not so for the Goats.

Their pride would not permit either to stand aside for the other. One set their foot on the log. The other did likewise. In the middle they met horn to horn. And there they stayed for hours and hours without any of them going back, until at a certain moment, the trunk began to break due to the weight of the goats.

Neither would give way, and so they both fell, to be swept away by the roaring torrent below.

__________

During my devotional time this week, I spent some time in Jeremiah where I was drawn to the lines of scripture dealing with stubborness.

"...following the stubborness of his own heart..." - Jeremiah 16:12

"...follow the stubborness of his evil heart..." - Jeremiah 18:12

"...stiff-necked..." - Jeremiah 19:15

"...follow the stubborness of their own heart..."

The word stubborn is defined as: having or showing dogged determination not to change one's attitude or position on something, especially in spite of good arguments or reasons to do so.

Other definitions of stubborn include:

• Unreasonably or perversely unyielding
• Justifiably unyielding
• Performed or carried on in an unyielding, obstinate or persistent manner.
• Difficult to handle, manage, or treat.

Synonyms for stubborn include: bullheaded, hard-nosed, head-strong, pig-headed, and stiff-necked.

The history of the word stubborn comes from a combination of old-timey words from the 1500's. One meant "stump of a tree". Another was used to describe "short, thick, protruding things". When these meanings were mashed together, we ended up with a word that meant "the remaining part of something partially consumed".

The image of a stump refusing to let go of it's long-held spot in the dirt is a fitting description. You just gotta' know this word was invented by some poor farmer after he tried to pull a stump from his field! The stump was like, "No way pal! This has been my home for 50 years! I ain't movin'. Never."

Fun fact: We've all heard the phrase, "as stubborn as a mule". Well, it was once common to hear someone say, "He's as stubborn as a dog fish". That seems like a fitting assessment. Every dog fish I've ever met was a complete jerk!

Seriously though, I wonder how many of us need to check our stubborn streak at the door? I'd venture there are a few of us who struggle with a dogged determination not to change our attitude or position on something, especially in spite of good arguments or reasons to do so.

I wonder how many of us are holding our ground in defiance of a direct order from God. He'd probably have a good argument or reason to do something - right? Is God calling on you to...

...Call him?

...Visit them?

...Apply for the job?

...Stay the course?

...Do the thing?

...Push send?

...Apologize?

...Let go?

I wonder how many of us know what we're supposed to do - but we just don't want to. That's really what it's about - right? Nobody - I mean nobody - is going to tell me what I can, and cannot, do!

Here are a few questions for you to ponder over the coming week:

• What's the partially consumed thing that you're holding onto?
• Where, in your life, are you refusing to budge - like the stubborn goats? Why?
• Where, in your life, are you doggedly determined not to change your attitude or position on something, even in spite of good arguments or reasons to do so?
• Have you, like the goats, abandoned the herd?

As we enter another week, I encourage you to seek God's help to be a little less rigid, ornery, cantankerous, and unbending and a little more flexible, yielding, willing, and submissive.

As in all things, continue to lean on your Circle of 5. Don't be like those stubborn old goats and abandon the herd. You can't do this alone.

Blessings.

Rob

Dave Grow

Dave is in the Ukraine. Cliff's last report indicated things are not getting better in that part of the word. Let's lift Dave and his crew up. Let's pray for protection and that Dave's light shines bright in an area that desperately needs it!

Jim Huffman

Back in April, Jim needed surgery for two abscesses in his back. Jim came through surgery and the doctor said that the antibiotics that he has been taking did the trick. During the procedure, they discovered that one of his lungs had an infection in it. At last report, Jim was preparing for PT and OT. Update 5/6/22: Jim's wife, Yvonne, shared the following statement: "Thank you for your continued prayers. Jim has received a diagnosis of dementia. He is now on a third round of two antibiotics that will last four weeks. His surgery site is still open so pray that it will finally heal. His lungs sound like tissue paper so prayers for healing there also. Jim has had a loss of appetite and weight loss. Your prayers have not been in vain because God has heard and has been answering them."

Lyn Benson:

Lyn's bride, Jan, has been diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and will be coming home Thursday. May 4. Please be in prayer for Lyn and Jan. May God's peace and perfect love be ever present to them. If you have updates on Lyn's situation or know how we can support him, please email: mccrackenrp@gmail.com

Ryan Russell:

Ryan and his wife, Alesha, are in South Korea on a mission to bring home their new daughter! Let's pray for safe travels and for everything to go smoothly.

If you have updates on these situations, now how we can support our brothers, or have specific prayers requests to share with this group of men, please email: mccrackenrp@gmail.com.

We're looking for some able bodied men to help in a project in our east lawn. We’ve been waiting for river rock and décor for quite some time and we’re trying to get most of it done before May 22. If you're available, please contact Elton Brown:

Phone: 509-778-3874

Email: lexbrix@gmail.com

After a superintendent search process that began in January, the Sunnyside School District Board of Directors has offered the position of Superintendent to current Sunnyside High School Principal Ryan Maxwell, pending successful contract negotiations.

Ryan will officially begin his tenure as superintendent on July 1, 2022.

Let's include Ryan in our prayers as he prepares to embark on a new leadership experience. Let's pray that Ryan's relationship with Christ will be evident in all aspects of his work in the Sunnyside School District! Well done Ryan!

What habits do you have, outside of Sunday morning worship, that allow you to invest in your spiritual development?

If you have resources to help men invest in their spiritual development, shoot us an email: mccrackenrp@gmail.com. Examples: Bible studies, books, podcasts, sermons, devotionals, etc.

Resources to aid you in your spiritual development:

Cary Kresse has a number of studies by multiple well known theologians covering all aspects needed to grow one's Faith in Jesus Christ. Some are in the Men’s Ministry cabinet RM 116, the rest are in Cary's personal collection at home. Cary says, "They touch all aspects of SPRIF and I encourage they be encountered with the attitude expressed in Jody Carnes song 'Nothing Else'". Check it out by clicking this link: https://youtu.be/DLBvCTV23qw If you are interested in exploring the Men's Ministry library or check out Cary's resources, you can email Cary directly: cary1kse@gmail.com

Where Do We Go From Here?

Starting Wednesday, May 11, Cary Kresse will be facilitating a study with Dr. David Jeremiah. In this study, Dr. Jeremiah sits down with Sheila Walsh to discusses ten phenomena happening in our world today that can be directly tied through biblical prophecy to events that transpire during the Last Days. If you're interested, contact Cary Kresse cary1kse@gmail.com.

https://gvnaz.churchcenter.com/calendar/event/102698960

The Gospel of John w/ Larry Marchant

Register here: https://gvnaz.churchcenter.com/groups/seasonal-classes/the-gospel-of-john

You can access all GVNAZ sermons via Facebook, YouTube, or podcast here: https://gvnaz.org/churchonline

**The GVNAZ podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts, Amazon, Google Play, and Podbean.

Keep track of your Bible reading progress by using this app together with your favorite Bible. This visual progress representation will fuel your motivation and make sure you never forget where you left off.

Here are some cool features to this app:

• Mark the chapters you have read
• Easily see which chapters and books are completed
• Partially read books are highlighted to encourage you to continue reading
• Create multiple Bible Trackers for different purposes
• Customize your Trackers with names and colors

• A percentage will show you how much of the Bible you have read
• The Stats page will show you information about number of chapters and books read
• Unlock achievements as you go

• No annoying notifications
• There are no timed plans where you fall behind, which lets you progress at your own pace
• As useful for those who need years to complete the reading, as for those who read every day

The My Bible Tracker app is available on Apple and Android platforms.

S.O.A.P Journal

If you're looking for a way to tackle your Bible reading, you might like the S.O.A.P journal technique. SOAP is a simple method for reading and applying God's word to our lives.

SOAP stands for Scripture, Observation, Application and Prayer and involves four simple steps:

• Scripture – Read a short Bible passage out loud and/or write it out.
• Observation – What do you notice about the verses? What do you think the main message is? What verses, words or ideas jump out to you?
• Application – Ask God how he wants you to apply the verse to your own life.
• Prayer – Pray for yourself and/or for others.

The method is suitable for individual and group use. This is my go-to devotional method. I'd be willing to help someone get started if they needed help. mccrackenrp@gmail.com

What habits do you have that give immediate attention to your physical health and well being?

If you have resources or know of events that men can join to improve their physical health and well-being, shoot us an email: mccrackenrp@gmail.com. Examples: hikes, camping trips, fishing, running, weight lifting, walking, etc.

Resources to help you in your physical development:

Coming Soon! If you've got content, links, events, etc. let me know and I'll add it! mccrackenrp@gmail.com

What habits do you have that help you build deep, satisfying relationships?

If you have resources to help men build deep, satisfying relationships shoot us an email: mccrackenrp@gmail.com

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Young Adult Ministries

What: Young Adult Ministry

Who: Young adults 18+ (single, married, w/ kids, all YA welcome)

When: Tuesdays this Spring + Summer activities

We want to hear from you! Follow us on insta (@gvnazYAM) and take our survey or contact Josh Parrill parrilljoshua@gmai.com.

What habits do you have that helps you to sharpen your mind?

If you have resources to help men keep their mind sharp, shoot us an email: mccrackenrp@gmail.com. Examples: classes, books, podcasts, projects, hobbies, etc.

As a senior citizen, 60 years of age or older, and a Washington State resident, you are encouraged to take advantage of the Gold Card Program at Yakima Valley College (YVC). A Gold Card allows you to attend state supported classes at a reduced cost. The Gold Card also allows for attendance at ball games and some other college presentations without charge. To qualify for a Gold Card waiver, you must be at least 60 years of age prior to the quarter you are planning to attend.

Gold Card holders are invited to attend designated day or evening state funded classes in which established class size is not exceeded and permission is granted by the instructor. Gold Card holders may enroll on the third day of the quarter or when the class has met at least once, whichever is later. One or two classes may be taken on a space-available basis for $5 plus fees.

Fees include any applicable lab fees, plus a $4.50 per credit combined service fee, a $4.50 per credit technology fee, and a $4.50 per credit ELearning fee. The Gold Card holder is responsible for buying any required class supplies or materials. Gold Card holders do not receive college credit and do not have to be take tests. A grade of “N” (audit) is posted on your transcript. A Gold Card is not valid for “community service” classes or seminars.

A Gold Card may be obtained at the Registration & Records Office located in the Deccio Higher Education Building (#8) or email registration@yvcc.edu. A written request listing first name, last name, address, phone number, date of birth, and photo ID may also be forwarded to:

Yakima Valley College
Information Office: Attention Gold Card
PO Box 22250
Yakima, WA 98907-2520

Note: Gold Card holders are subject to the same parking regulations as all students. OUr brother, George Montanaro has used this resource and is willing the help anybody navigate the enrollment process. george.montanaro@yahoo.com

What habits do you have that helps you steward the money God puts in your hands?

If you have resources for men to being better stewards of the money God puts in their hands, shoot us an email: mccrackenrp@gmail.com. Examples: Classes, strategies, budget tools, contact information, etc.

Get started with EveryDollar in about 10 minutes. Build your first budget, customize categories, track expenses, set up savings funds—and more! EveryDollar has helped millions of people learn to love budgeting by taking the stress out of planning and managing money. You’ll be amazed how much faster you can reach your goals—just by budgeting with EveryDollar. EveryDollar is available on Apple and Android platforms.

Here's what we need from you:

• Clear your calendars for May 5, 6, and 7 of 2023 and encourage your friends to do the same.
• Pick one area of the SPRIF formula to work on. In what ways will you work to build your competence in your spiritual life, your physical life, your relationships, your intellect, or your finance?
• Start to build your Circle of 5. Who are the 5 men in your life that will help you and hold you accountable? Call them. Text them. Invite them for coffee. Start the conversation.
• Send us any pray requests, celebrations, and updates regarding your respective groups. You can't do this alone! Prayer requests and updates can be sent to mccrackenrp@gmail.com.
• If you know of other men or churches that would like to be a part of this community, let us know and we will add their contact information to our mailing list. Email contact information to: mccrackenrp@gmail.com

Man Camp 2014