Verse of the Week

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant,
but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those
who have been trained by it.

Hebrews 12:11

Pearl in an Oyster

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Is there anything more powerful then when God places beauty in the midst of ugliness?

I remember pictures of the 911 tragedy. While everything on my T.V. screen was chaos you could see touches of love in the midst of the chaos. People were helping people that they didn’t know.

I remember as a child watching a tornado drawing close to our community. The storm had a terrible strength that was capable of destroying anything in its path and yet it was so beautiful and captivating. I could not quit looking at it. I am still fascinated by the power of the weather and can sit and watch storms for hours.

Last year while traveling across South Dakota I watched a storm as it dropped huge amounts of rain. The clouds were thick with thunderheads reaching tens of thousands of feet into the sky. A beautiful rainbow was clinging to its tail reminding those in the aftermath of Gods promise.

I watched a Youtube clip today that touched me very deeply. The clip exposed my self righteous pride and forced me to look at how ugly I had become. In the clip a “not so pretty” woman sang on the show “Britain’s Got Talent”.

The sound that came from this woman could only be described as Heavenly. What a beautiful thing it was to watch as the whole theater stood to their feet as she sang. I sat watching as tears welled in my eyes and my ugly judgmental pride lay before me forcing me to look at it and admit its existence.

Who would have put a pearl in an oyster but God? Who would have thought of making Diamonds out of coal but Him?

I sat in silence as I pondered how God hides his beauty in the world.

Eventually I got around to asking myself why I judge people by how they look. I had no answer but I must admit that I am very judgmental. Even though I have seen God use the least of us in many occasions. So where am I going with all this? Well, I wish I knew. I just wanted to share with you what I have found by looking at myself for a short time. I have found that;

None is as ugly as he who believes he is beautiful.

None is as beautiful as he who prefers others over himself.

Thank you father for sending us your beauty. Thank you Jesus for teaching by example. Now Jesus, I ask that you help me to remain as humble as I feel right now. Preferring others before myself and seeing people through your eyes of love.

Amen

-Larry

True Bravery

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Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, “A hero is no braver than an ordinary man, but he is braver five minutes longer.” The same is true for a good father. When he feels fear about meeting monthly bills, or his child possibly doing drugs, or paying for college, or a marriage that seems dead, he digs deep and determines to do the right thing and stick it out. He keeps his marital vows. He keeps his word to his kids. He leads a life of self-sacrifice so his children may live better.

It is said of righteous old men that they plant the acorns of trees they will never sit under. In the same way, your courage will allow unforeseen generations of your family to flourish. You matter more than you imagine. Don’t lose heart.

Stay strong Brother!

Danno

Verse of the Week

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The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD,
And He delights in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;
For the LORD upholds him with His hand.


Psalm 37:23-24

Verse of the Week

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Blessed is the man who endures temptation;
for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life
which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (NKJV)

James 1:12

Shop Talk 3-24-11

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This was a very open and emotionally moving meeting. We welcomed a new Brother to the group- Derek shared his story and the things on his heart. He is a good, caring man who really wants to learn more about God. We are glad to know him.

There were many concerns shared at the meeting from our regular attenders, and prayers were offered to the Lord for them. It is good to have a safe place to verbalize the stuff inside sometimes, so that all the Brothers know what is going on, and can begin to pray and support each other. After all, we are a group of men relating to each other through our life struggles. We did manage to sneak in two chapters in Genesis which had a similar theme to the evening's conversations. Everyone participated, and everyone feels good about where the group is headed.

The next group meeting we will be discussing the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. Easter is such an important time of any Christian's walk with Him. We felt that it would be good to reflect on the the Easter story for the next two meetings, and then go back to our regular schedule.

Special thanks to the Bond Slaves for the pizza! And thanks to Will for bringing it. As always, thanks to Larry for hosting and being a strong, positive influence. Your honesty and humility should be a model for all of us. Thanks, man.

Let the riding season begin,
Danno

Shop Talk

Thursday's meeting was a lot of fun. It was really great to see everybody.
We started out by giving out the name patches as well as the new 70X7 patches.
My wife (Ana) made up some pigs in a blanket that tasted fantastic and Danno brought some delicious banana bread that had been baked by his wife (Shellie).
If we aren’t successful in expanding our minds we will certainly be successful in expanding our waistline. Dennis rejoined us after a month of absence. We enjoyed getting the opportunity to visit with him.

New business
Danno brought up an idea of setting a date for a ride and bike blessing.
Danno shared a little about the “Dirty jobs” trip and established that the date to meet with the Berean church. The new date will be announced. However it appears it will most likely be toward the end of the Summer. Michael has generously donated a larger table for the shop. Thanks Michael!

Bible Study, Genesis 13-15.
We found that when Abram and his wife Sarai left Egypt that his nephew Lot traveled back with them. Now, both of these men had livestock and Abram had much gold and silver that he had earned while in Egypt. When they returned near Bethel the plains were not sufficient to meet the needed grazing land for both of them. Abram offered Lot the choice of land and whichever Lot chose Abram would move to the other land. Lot chose what would appear to be the better land and Abram moved to a lesser plain.
However God had a plan for Abram and came to Abram in a vision and told him he would be given all of this land.

After the local kings are overtaken and their people and property are taken from them in battle. Abram chases them down once he hears that his nephew Lot was one of the prisoners. Abram returns all of the belongings back to the kings and takes nothing as reward from the kings. God speaks once again to Abram and promises him that even though he is an old man and has no children of his own, he will have as many offspring as there are stars in the sky. A dark sleep is placed on Abram and he is shown a vision of what is to come for his offspring.

Wrapping it up
Prayer was offered for the needs of the families in our group and thanksgiving to God for his promise to supply for us.

Remember if you can’t meet with us. You can follow along in the Bible.
Call or Email us with any concerns, questions or prayer needs.

Blessings, Larry

The Back Patch

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Well, it looks as though the Brethren will be taking the next step. This step we feel has been ordered by the Lord. After much prayer and consideration the Brethren have decided to become a group that will wear a patch on our backs. This patch represents our decision to follow God.

It does not mean that we live sinless lives or that we have attained perfection. The patch is an outward sign of an inward change. I will still stumble and fall in my life. But I know that Christ Jesus loves me. I know God will use my Brothers to help me stand on my feet. Together we Brethren travel the path that God leads us down, and with His help we can make our path a little brighter for those who may follow or cross it. Please pray with us as we walk this new path.

With a backpack full of failures and a heart that’s made of stone
I stand before my future feeling weary and alone.
Not knowing what awaits me and burdened on the way
You asked if you would carry my backpack for today.
You smiled and took it from me like it had no weight at all
We walked and talked of battles fought while answering life's call.
“Why would you want to carry all these failures everyday
I don't even remember them,” I heard you softly say.
Then slowly you began to drop my failures from the pack
my heart became much lighter as each one fell from the sack.
“Walk on without these failures walk on until you're home
Your load is now much lighter and you’ll never be alone”.

If by wearing the Brethren patch on my back I can help someone turn to Christ and give up their heavy burdens, then I am willing to wear it. Whether that person is a fellow Brethren or someone outside the group I will obey God's leading.

None are perfect only FORGIVEN.
70X7

Larry

The Brethren Covenant

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The Brethren is based on honesty, accountability and responsibility. This is a group of men taking responsibility for the people around them (brother's keeper). Most motorcycle groups are about pride and "what power can the patch bring me?" The Brethren takes the brother's keeper stand to support each other as they battle daily struggles. Whether it is in the habitual arena, personal struggles or family needs. This includes all facets of the Brethren life.

Honesty- The willingness to reveal one's struggles in life. Exposing your weaknesses and allowing your Brethren to support you in working on it, so it doesn't ruin your life. NEVER IS A BRETHREN ALLOWED TO SHARE ANOTHER'S STRUGGLES WITH ANYONE OUTSIDE THE GROUP. GOSSIP AND CHARACTER ASSASSINATIONS WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. What happens here stays here. If this bond is broken, you will be reprimanded or asked to leave the group.

Accountability- Taking responsibility to help a fellow Brother deal with and work through struggles. Making yourself available anytime a fellow Brother needs support. This would have no limits. Accountability is double edged. Not only are you available to support a Brother, but you will be challenged by a Brother to move forward in bettering yourself.

Responsibility- Taking responsibility for your neighbor in life. If you see a need, you are expected and required to do something positive to better that person's life. The easiest response may be to ignore the situation because "the person gets what they deserve". Fortunately, God doesn't give us what we deserve, but chooses to show us love and a way through the situation. As a Brethren, you are expected to assist in finding and assisting families and individuals in need. This includes people outside the Brethren group whenever possible.

The group is about being your Brother's Keeper. This way of living is taken from the Biblical passage in Matthew chapter 25, verses 35-40.

A Thought to Keep

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We would rather be good employees, helpful volunteers, and even generous givers before we give up our secret sins. But the Lord will not be satisfied with any sacrifice except our hearts. When we humble ourselves before him, he is always ready to accept us.

Stay Strong Brother
Danno