Day Thirty - Coffee Club @ 7:00 PM

If you would like to grow deeper in your walk with God. Let me invite you to this evenings (Friday Jan. 30th) coffee club bible study 7:00PM at Borders Bookstore located across from the Strongsville Mall on Route 82. Bring with you a bible, pen notebook, journal. It will be a great opportunity to grow meaningful relationships and go deeper into Gods Word. Hope to see you there.

Day Twenty Seven

Earlier today with Bible, pen, paper and an ample supply of Maxwell House coffee. I dug into my reading and study notes as I prepared for tomorrows Wednesday night Bible study class. As I was researched and prayed my level of excitement began to soar! I hope many of you will consider attending as we look at "The Ways God Reveals Himself"! The old chorus" It Is No Secret What God Can Do" comes to mind, as we will endeavor to seek clarity and understanding about His plans and purposes for our lives. If we hold God at a distance, we will never know the way He operates, thinks, or loves. The closer we become to Him the more understanding we will gain.

Another big winter storm is predicted overnight here in the Cleveland area. What's new!?!? Be sure to check the church website or call the church office 440.842.9600 for any possible service cancellations. We are supposed to receive our biggest snowfall of the winter season tonight. The storm is predicted to end around 7 PM tomorrow. I hope you're all able to enjoy a great evening at home with your families, safe and warm.

Today I'm praying for my son, Randall. He moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina over the weekend. He and a friend of his from West Virginia University moved into a house in that area. Pray with Shari and I that he is able to find favorable employment and that he connects to a Spirit-filled, life giving church. We miss him already! At least we still have Calvin home with us...this empty nest stuff isn't all that easy.

I'm also praying for our missions team to Africa as they raise their funds and prepare for this awesome trip to build a church in Zambia. Our Missionary contact there has assured us that there will be plenty of construction savvy people working side by side with our team. Currently our team consists of fourteen individuals! They will also be able to do extensive evangelism and medical outreaches. Dr.Milton Ntragatakis is doing a phenomenal job coordinating this effort!

Other Missionaries I'm praying for today are...
* Jeff and Michele Dove-Asia Pacific Region
* Issac and Terry Smythia-Uruguay
* David and Marie Turner-Honduras
* Raegan Glugosh-Romania
* Richard and Minna Boettiger-Germany
* Paul and Sharon Ellis-Mongolia
* Jim and Meg Thacker-Burundi
* Jay and Carey Rostofer-Madagascar
* Steve and Beth Daily-Philippines
* Steve and Astrid Dunn-Germany
* Daniel and Beatriz Klaehn-Nicaragua
* Don and Terri Tripplet-El Salvador

Day Twenty Five - Sunday Reflection - Thankfullness

We had another great weekend at Bethel Temple! Again we had an amazing day! I am enjoying our new teaching series on "WORDS - Learning to Speak Wisely". Church felt good today! As I reflect on today's events and happenings, I've got much to be thankful for. Here is my list:

14 Salvations during the month of January
3 Water Baptisms today (2 during our 10:30 AM service - and 1 during our Slavic Ministry service!)
120 New record attendance for our Slavic Ministry service today!
547 Total Combined Attendance today!!
11 New visitors during our 10:30 Am Worship Service!
6 Participants who attended our Run the Race 301 class tonight!
Worship Team - Excellent Job today!
It was Great to see Burt Cipra playing drums again!
Outstanding effort by all!
I am thrilled with the feedback that I've been receiving in regards to the new sermons series on "WORDS". Thanks for your encouraging comments, Shirley Cox, Jack Helms, Tim Lappin, Tim Elswick,, Linda Geisinger, Edgar Santos and two new guests, Ed and Joann Miller! Our Conversations are Changing. For the better!
I am thankful for my afternoon nap today, I can't believe I slept from 1:30 to 4:49 PM. I'm still recovering from a recent touch of the flu and I guess my body needed to rest!

I'm praying especially this evening for:

Irene - Broken ankle surgery
Randy - Upcoming surgery on Thursday
Lehvi - Cancer tests to come back negative
Kim - Healing from Brain Cancer
Loren - Upcoming surgery on Tuesday
Church Staff - I am praying for the great team around me!

Bethel Temple . . . keep up the awesome work. Keep telling your friends and family . . . God is just beginning to fulfill the vision He has laid before us. Don't stop now! Thanks for all you do!

Day Twenty Four

Hey gang! Tomorrow, Sunday Jan. 25th we will be having a our first baptisms of 2009 at Bethel Temple immediately following our 10:30 AM service. A few have already indicated their desire to participate and let the world know that they've chosen to follow Christ, but it's still not too late for you to be a part of this service. Come Sunday with a towel, change of clothes, and meet with Pastor Dale Klaehn at 9:00 AM to go over all the details. We want to make sure that each person clearly understands the meaning and significance of baptism. Baptism is an awesome celebration that we would love for you to be a part of.

What is the meaning of Baptism?
* It illustrates Christ burial and resurrection
* Christ died for our sins . . . He was buried . . . and He rose again!
(1 Corinthians 15:3-4)
* For when you were baptised, you were buried with Christ, and in Baptism you were also raised with Christ!
(Colossians 2:12)
* It illustrates your new life as a Christian
* When someone becomes a Christian, he or she becomes a brand new person on the inside. The old life has passed away
and a new life has begun!

Who should be Baptised?
* Every person who has believed in Christ.
* Those who believed and accepted His message were baptised (Acts 2:41)

When should a person be baptised?
* As soon as you have believed.
* Those who believed . . . were baptised . . . that day! (Acts 2:41)
* There is no reason to delay.
* As soon as you have decided to receive Christ into your life, you can and
should be baptised.

By the way, last nights impromptu Bible study at Borders Bookstore in Strongsville, was a great success. Fifteen individuals actually showed up and received high octane fuel for their souls! Dozens and dozens of customers saw our people digging deep into God's Word and overheard them sharing together the priceless gems they discovered. It was a great way to share a silent witness for Christ that was observable by so many as they were seated at nearby tables. Animated voices, and lots of laughter could be heard as our people shared their insights, biblical truths and personal experiences. Those who attended wanted to repeat the experience again. Those of you who would like to join with us, we will aim for next Friday at 7:00 PM once again at Borders Bookstore, located across from the Strongsville South Park Mall. Come and invite a friend to join with you! It is a great opportunity to deepen your walk with Christ, listen to Gods voice and expand your circle of friends.

Day Twenty Three - Special Invitation!

I just finished a phenomenal two hours with the Lord this morning! The moments I spend with Him are always worth the time and effort. I always want to keep my heart in prime condition and I achieve this as I draw daily unto His presence. Jesus said in John 6:35 (NIV) "I am the bread of life. he who come to me will never go hungry." Fresh Bread is Awesome!! The aroma and taste is outstanding! The Bible exhorts us to "taste and see that the Lord is good". I hope you have some today!

All of us should know that for a lifetime of spiritual growth, continual learning is essential. Recently I've become reacquainted with a simple system for daily devotions. I shared these principles this past Wednesday during my bible study class. Without a doubt this simple system can produce profound results in your life. It will help you develop clarity and purpose right out of the chute. It will also help you apply God's assistance and instructions to the barrage of life's cuts, bruises and grievances you encounter. Time spent with God, good friends, and a good cup of coffee will pack into your heart some pretty priceless memories.

If you long to have the Spirit work more in your life and you desire to reflect His heart more than your own. If your night is unscheduled and you would like to join Shari and I in this simple exercise of establishing a more meaningful relationship with the Lord.

Then accept our invitation and join us tonight, (Friday, Jan. 23rd) at Borders Bookstore in the coffee shop located in Strongsville on Route 82 across from the South Park Mall at 7:00 PM. Bring with you a Bible, pen, journal or notebook. You will leave with fuel for your soul. Everyone is welcome!

Day Twenty One

Yesterday was a great day for America. Millions watched the peaceful transfer of power as Barack Obama became our 44th U S President. Many television news programs estimated the crowd around the U S Capital building at nearly two million. People from all fifty states, from various backgrounds, educational levels, social standing and faiths came together craving a glimpse of history. Our new President will be watched closely in the coming days, weeks, and months to produce the change he promised on the campaign trail. Regardless of your political views, he and his family, and his administration will need the prayer covering of the Christian community to govern wisely, with integrity, humility and concern for the American people. Every American citizen craves for a better future.

That got me to thinking...are you a Christian who craves more of God in your life? When we intentionally get close to God, He moves close to us. As you sense His presence surrounding you, all is well regardless of your circumstances. I'm so very grateful for His presence in my life. I've found that sitting at the Lord's feet brings outstanding results into my life! His presence empowers, fuels, guides, ignites, and sustains absolutely everything I attempt to accomplish for His glory! There are numerous memories in my heart that remind me of the instances when God spoke to me in my morning or evening devotions. My daily moments with Him are always a top priority. Without that time alone with Him I stumble forward spiritually imbalanced and weakened. My day soon becomes empty, tiring, and totally chaotic. All too often I've discovered that neglecting to feed my soul with His word brings devastating results into my life, ministry, and relationships. I know that I need to hear and be directed by God each day.

Sadly, too many go through life with a starved soul and a famished heart. Time spent with God will challenge you, provoke you, and change you. You cannot remain the same. Some once wrote "You can celebrate God in a crowd, but you can only get to know Him one on one". I heartily agree with that statement. We all need time alone with Him. Make your time with the Lord the highlight of your day. Learn to filter out the unnecessary things in order to maintain a life of spiritual fruitfulness. You'll be glad that you did!

Here are some nuggets that I discovered this morning during my devotions and prayer time. All of these are from the Message Bible.

*Nahum 1:7 "God is good, a hiding place in tough times. He recognizes and welcomes anyone looking for help, no matter how desperate the trouble."
* Hosea 14:9 "If you want to live well, make sure you understand all of this. If you know what's good for you, you'll learn this inside and out. God's paths get you where you want to go. Right-living people walk them easily; wrong-living people are always tripping and stumbling".
*First John 3:20 "God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves".

Day Eleven

Whew! It's been a full day. Just got home from our first RUN THE RACE 101 discipleship class of the new year. Nine individuals signed up for the first of three consecutive weeks for personal and spiritual growth. It was very encouraging and refreshing to hear their comments and impressions of Bethel Temple. You folks are making an outstanding impact on our guests!! Keep up the great work. Don't miss next weeks opportunity to participate in RUN THE RACE 201.

Wasn't today's worship service superb. I thought for a moment that that we were going to all experience something glorious. Thanks to our worship team for doing such a marvelous job of ushering in God's presence! The winter weather hampered their practice schedule but they didn't miss a beat today. Great job team!!! ( Brian Muyendekwa, Rich Ontko, Tim Elswick, Jerrod Mercer, Sean Born, Judy Burdett, Sandy Butler, Pastor David Shores, Ashely Gerycz, Darwin Nealon, Edgar Santos, Randy Umbel, and David Burnside ).

I hope that you realize that each time we gather for church people are coming with baggage. Some come with questions, "What am I going to do with my life?", "How can I cope with all the demands in my life?", "Why am I always disappointed?", others come loaded down with concerns and the storms of life beating against them. Moments in our sanctuary provide for them the opportunity to connect with God and others of like faith. Some of our greatest moments of impact in another persons life is when we take the time to connect and pray with them. Loving people is what is what creates the fertile soil for God's presence to flourish. Ask God to show you who you are to extend Christian love to this coming week. Have a great week!

Day Nine

Tonight's Prayer Service at 7 pm has been cancelled due to the winter storm we are receiving here in the Cleveland area. Bummer! But you can pray at home. Last evening's Prayer Service was terrific! There was such a great spirit among everyone present. The sense of community was incredible. Each individual who came forward to lead in prayer, blessed all of us with their heart and passion as they focused on the ministries they represented. We are blessed to have so many outstanding people leading in our ministries. The impact of their work is eternal and inestimable. Their contributions in the life of our church make a huge difference. At the conclusion of the service Tim Elswick had everyone come forward to pray for the hundreds of names of people that are far away from God that were submitted this past Sunday. That's what I call embracing the vision for 2009!!! I believe that God is going to bless Bethel Temple many times over for becoming outwardly focused and more intentional in reaching the lost! Have a great evening with your families tonight, make some popcorn, play some games, and make some special memories with the kids!!!

Day Eight

I love God more than ever!!! His grace in my life constantly amazes me. Last night's Biblestudy class was fantastic! Everyone it seemed was filled with extra energy. Lot's of fun conversations and connections taking place. Let me give a HUGE THANK YOU to Larry and Dolly White for the awesome, best, most incredible, chicken soup ever...ever created!! Everyone enjoyed it.

Our Biblestudy was all about developing and deepening our relationship with God. Relationships are built and strengthened when ample time is spent getting to know the other person. All of us are busy. Our lives are so full. Whatever you give your time to tell's a lot about what you truly value. Time is considered a pretty valuable commodity these days. God has plans for us to thrive emotionally, financially, relationally and spiritually. Essential to experiencing His blessings is to make room for Him in your life. I hope that you value your relationship with Him enough to establish a daily time with Him in devotions and prayer.

I'm very excited about where God is taking us at Bethel Temple. God is always faithful to His Word. If you have just recently begun to attend Bethel Temple we are hosting a First Time Guests Luncheon on Sunday January 18, in the Fireside Room, immediately after the 10:30 morning worship service.This luncheon is open to any of our guests that have been coming to BT for the past few months and have been wanting to find out more about our church, staff, and look further into getting involved. Lunch and childcare will be provided free of charge. If you would like more information about the luncheon please contact Pastor Dale Klaehn at dklaehn@bethel-temple.com or call 440-842-9600.

Today's massive goal is to attempt to update our RUN THE RACE discipleship materials. There is a lot of good information that will be presented that is helpful to anyone who wants to improve their spiritual life. We're looking for a good turnout to our first 2009 RTR 101 class being held this Sunday evening at 6 pm. Our lesson's this week will highlight our personal commitment to Christ and His Church, you will also be led to make a lifelong commitment to spiritual growth and development. These classes are required for membership here at Bethel Temple. Hope too see as many of you as possible attend!

Day Six

Today i spent a good part of the day putting some final touches on this coming Sundays message. It will be the kick off to a new six week teaching series.

If you've ever lacked verbal wisdom at times, then I'm sure you will find this series beneficial. All of us have the capability to transform our tongue into a wellspring of life. possessing the commitment to doing and speaking the right things in 2009 will inspire others around us and change our relationships for the better!

Tomorrow evening is the start to our new Biblestudy topic "In Step With God". The material for these lessons are from the book that Dr. Charles Stanley wrote. The more we learn about God, the more our lives will change. Understanding His ways and how He works in our lives always lead to hope. You may be standing on the brink of a blessing. Join us with a friend and allow God to show you how to take hold of His blessings and walk into a bright new future. We meet at 7 pm in the main foyer. Hope to see you there!

By the way, if you recently made a commitment to become a Christ follower, our first Water Baptism Service of 2009 will be held on Sunday, January 25th, at the conclusion of the morning service. You can contact the church office to be one of the first to get registered (440-842-9600). There will be a class offered during the Sunday School hour (9 am) on that date to go over the significance of baptism and provide you with some important instructions. We will also be gathering the neccesary information for the Baptism Certificates that will be distributed to each participant. More details will be forthcoming in the bulletin on Sunday.

Anyone else depressed over Ohio State's loss to Texas last night??? All I can say is ... GO CAVS!!!

Last question, anyone else battling with a nasty cold or the flu? I can't seem to stop this achy, coughing, sneezing stuff. This demonic junk jumped on me hard yesterday and today it's been merciless! I'm gonna have to ask (ok beg) my wife Shari to make me some chicken soup! I hear there are some secret "healing ingredients" in that stuff??? I think I need some and alot of prayer!!! Don't forget to pray for PR today!!

Day Four

Today was an outstanding day to be at Bethel Temple. God overwhelmed us with His grace and unbelievable blessings! Thanks to all of you for making today such a tremendous success. Everything just seemed to click. Worship was again phenomenal, as many made their way around the altars and spent some personal time in God's presence. The feedback I've recieved thus far has been really encouraging as I shared with you todays vision casting message "THE WORD OF THE LORD FOR 2009". A healthy church is one that shares the Good News to those who are lost and far away from God. Our vision in the coming year is to be a light to the many communities in our area. Everything we do during this new year of opportunity will be to try and touch other's with Christ's love, compassion, and kindness. Believing that evangelism is one of our church's core values our ministry team is preparing steps that will enable everyone to get involved. This will require a collaborative effort to be successful. Our vision for 2009 provides our church family with clear direction and purpose. You will be hearing much more about the opportunities you can connect to and participate in through out the year. We will be sharing the first one that the ladies of BT can be involved in this next Sunday (Jan 11).

God gave to me a specific word during one of my prayertimes with Him that I shared in the service. Some have asked me for a copy of my handwritten notes, which I'm sure would be a struggle for some to make out so I'm going to post it here for you who wanted to have it again...

Listen to the Word of the Lord..This is what the Almighty says..."I will save my people, from every direction as far as the eye can see. I will bring them back to life! And they will be my people. I the Lord your God will be faithful and righteous towards each one who calls upon My Name. Let strength this day come into your hands and hearts so that My Church may be built. Plant deep within your soul the seed of faith, for it shall grow well. And it's vine shall bring forth it's fruit. The soil of your prayers will produce crops too marvelous for human understanding. I will shower you this day with heavens dew and you shall reap in abundance an inheritance, saith the Lord. Do not be afraid. Recieve this day courage. That kind that is incomparable and uncommon. For you shall become a blessing to many! For I the Lord your God have determined to do good once again in your midst. For many will yet come and say together to you "May we be where you are and entreat the Lord and seek His face and favor". For you shall see in the coming days many whom will take firm hold of you and seek permission to go with you to this place of worship because they have heard that God dwells here and that He is with you. For great and marvelous will be His deeds done among you! This is what the Almighty says...For I have determined to give you My peace, My prosperity, and My Happiness"!!!

I believe that BT is poised to do something incredible in Cuyohoga County and that 2009 is going to far exceed our expectations! Below are some pics from this mornings 10:30 service and a few from this afternoons Slavic ministry service. What a privilege it was for all of our pastors to spend time praying for each one to become a bold witness for Christ in the new year. Over 300 names of unsaved family and friends were submitted to us for prayer during this year. We are believing that God will be able to see each name added into the Lamb's Book of Life.

Don't forget that tomorrow begins our Week of Prayer. You are invited to join others and come pray nightly at 7 pm. See you there!!

Day Three

This morning I woke up early as I customarily do, made some coffee (God's daily gift to mankind) and settled in my office here at home and began praying for tomorrows service. I started thinking about why should someone consider coming to church? Why come to Bethel Temple specifically?? Here are some of my thoughts..You can add comments to this post as to why you believe people should consider coming to Bethel Temple!

Why visit Bethel Temple?
*It's in a great location and easy to get to!
*Parking is great.
*It's an inviting place to worship.
*There is a great team of volunteers in place ..ready to serve!
*You can experience life together with some really down to earth people.
*You will enjoy being a part of a church that is intentional about reaching the lost.
*People here are hungry for more of God's power and presence!

So Please Tell Your Family, Friends, Co-Workers, and Neighbors About Us And Invite Them To Come With You Tomorrow!!!!

For your consideration....

Many people are experiencing financial challenges today as never before. They are struggling with overwhelming debt, inadequate savings, unforeseen financial emergencies, out of control credit card spending, etc.. Did you know..Everything comes from God, belongs to God, and is dispersed by God. We are the stewards of His possessions. Do you recognize God as the owner of your belongings? Keith Faust, will be teaching the "CROWN FINANCIAL CLASS" this quarter to assist interested individuals who desire to obtain true financial freedom. You will be able to obtain valuable information and resources designed to support your steps towards life changing principles. You will learn to set simple goals that are measurable and once your objectives are reached will provide you with encouragement and financial freedom! This class meets tomorrow in our large conference room. Our greeters will be happy to assist you if you need help locating this room.

Also, I'll be teaching the Adult Quarterly Class (50 WEST) in classroom 96. Join us as we look at "Having The Spirit Of Christ". The Apostle Paul saw a single cure for things that can trouble any church. The Holy Spirit can equip, unify, and strengthen it. Today's believers need what the Holy Spirit alone can provide. If your not connected to any of our other great Christian Education classes yet, let me invite you to check us out on this first Sunday of the New Year!!!!

Day 2

I've established some personal goals for myself on Day 2 of the New Year. Although it's not an exhaustive list here are some of my initial thoughts for 2009.

*I want to be completely given to Christ
*Become a better worshipper of Jesus
*Grow a more intimate relationship with Christ
*Experience the power and presence of God more in my life
*Remain truly grateful for the opportunities presented to me
*Preach and teach with strength and clarity
*Live out what I proclaim
*Engage people in ministry more
*Strengthen networking relationships with other successful pastors
*Stay connected more closely to my mentors and accountability partners
*Be a ton of fun to be around

Here's a great link to assist you in reading the Bible from cover to cover in 2009. It's called http://www.youversion.com/ and it will help make the Bible a more meaningful part of your life. I chose the New Living Translation (NLT) for my personal Bible reading plan this year. It is simple to download and use. I downloaded it to my Blackberry in just a few short minutes and now I can keep up with my daily scripture readings anywhere I have some free moments.

Just a little while ago our leadership team met and went over the final plans for this weekends first Sunday of 2009! Be sure to start the year off right and make plans today to be with us with your entire family and invited guests! We believe that 2009 will be an transformational year for us at Bethel Temple. We look forward to God moving and renewing more lives than ever,seeing God draw more people to Him who are far away, seeing more marriages restored and more people set free from destructive addictions. Anticipation is building and I can hardly wait for Sunday to get here!!

Today I'm praying for...
* Roz Donaldson's mother who is recovering from another recent surgery
* Kim Hawkins complete healing from cancer
* May Soas as she recovers from surgery (Amir says they are hoping to attend services this Sunday..We've missed them!)
* Gardiner Trane and their HVAC technicians to be able to repair (2) units that serve our sanctuary that went down earlier this week before this Sundays service! Brrrr!!
*Benny and Shirley Cox as they prepare to lead us during our upcoming "Week of Prayer"
starting Monday Jan. 5th at 7 pm (don't they do a phenomenal job of heading up our prayer
ministry at Bethel Temple?!!!). See You There!!
*Vicky Gonzalez, Milton and Jenny Ntragatakis, Pastor Dale and Tracy Klaehn, Ashely Gerycz, Bill and Kim Hawkins, Robyn Burdett, Reggie Duke, all these wonderful folks called, emailed or texted me their New Years Wishes! I pray that they all get a double portion of God's Blessings in 2009!!!!
*For This Sundays message "The Word of the Lord for 2009" will be well recieved and embraced by all
*I'm praying that our first ever "Vision Seed Offering" is a tremendous success! This offering will start us toward our goals for 2009

Here's a question that you can give me some feedback on for my future use in upcoming Communion services. What does Communion mean to you? I would really like to hear from as many of you as possible to find out your personal thoughts concerning this very important ordinance of the church. How does taking the elements impact your life and spiritual walk with God? Please send me your comments to my email address at rusdebord@aol.com

Happy New Year

2008 will be memorable for a variety of reasons. some forgettable, some forever cherished. Day One of 2009 brings with it a renewed sense of optimism and hope. Today is the first day. The first day to begin reading the Bible through completely. First day to pray to God and share with Him my needs, desires, and hopes. First day to say to my wife, Shari and to my sons Calvin and Randall, I Love You! First Day to make my life count to God in 2009. Each day of this new year will be packed with opportunities for personal and spiritual growth. some of those opportunities will come in the form of challenges and obstacles. While others will find us with the wind at our back experiencing wonderful moments of celebration. There will be both successes and failures, yet the lessons learned will make each of us better individuals.

On this first day, I am again challenged to examine my life, my heart, and my motivations in order to gaze deeper inside myself to find out where my focus is. In the midst of change, in the midst of ministry commitments, in the midst of family responsibilities, in the midst of a lot of craziness and disorder its easy to lose sight of the number one priority of my life . . . My relationship with God! I want to renew that relationship, fall back in love, and fall on my knees daily in submission and worship to Christ! May 2009 be the year that as a ministry leader, husband, father, and friend that I've positioned myself better in order to experience all of Gods extraordinary plans for my life.

The Bible says in Psalms 46:10 "Be still and know that I am God". It's astounding what God can say and do when you remain silent and still. Lately, I've doing a lot of that. He has spoken into my heart on a number of occasions during my quiet moments with Him. As He speaks and I listen I am being challenged deep on the inside. I love His presence and His anointing that He has placed on me. It is my sincere desire to humbly serve and lead this magnificent church into one of its greatest years of ministry ever. I hope you are filled with the same desire and zeal for the coming year as I possess. I will be praying for you to have your "Best year Ever!" Let's all crave more of God, His presence and His power in our lives in 2009!