7/27/2019 RA Issue 2.5

1/13

1June 2008

Volume 2, Issue 5 - June 2008

02The Kingdom of

Self-EsteemTaryn Boeringa

04 Roadquest

06 Ever Wonder Why? Byron Tuininga

08 Self Injury Rhonda Wiersma

13 Freedom of Choice Rob Bonefaas

16 Who is that Knocking

at the Door? Greta Kleyn

20 No Time? Make Time! Marja Breukelman

22 Crossword: Books of theOld Testament Jocelin VanDoornik

7/27/2019 RA Issue 2.5

2/13

2 3June 2008

The Kingdom of Self-EsteemTaryn Boeringa (Hamilton ON)

Welcome to the Kingdom of Self-Esteem! In order to enter thegates you must say I am lovable three times.

This was the main concept of Diane Loomans book titled TheLovables in the Kingdom of Self-Esteem,a book meant to boostchildrens self-esteem. It included a workbook as well as a posterto hang on your wall reminding you of how special you are. A

similarly themed school-curriculum, called Self-Science, wasalso developed, encouraging children to escape the mud-mind andembrace the sparkle-mind, enabling them to do whatever they settheir minds to.

These two examples are the product of a fad back in the late 1980s,which aimed to teach children great self-esteem and so solve allof their problems. However, this emphasis on self-esteem andself-worth soon turned into narcissism. Children were being toldso often that they were specialthat they believed they were

better then everyoneelse, and that,following theirdreams, theycould become

whatever theydesired.

As these childrenhave growninto teenagers,they are holdingonto fantasticaldreams whichthey believe theycan accomplish

some day because they are so special. There is an exceptionallyhigh rate of teenagers these days who believe that they will becomeinstant stars, instant millionaires and instant heroes. This is partly

why shows such as Canadian Idol, The Next Top Model, andWho Wants To Be A Millionaire are so popular these days. Themedia has told us that instant fame is just around the corner.Teens believe that they are so unique and so special that they aregoing to be the next best thing. These high rates of optimism havecontributed greatly to the amount of depressed teenagers that areall around us these days. Some teenagers have lived all their livesexpecting that they will become a celebrity, but once they enter

the real world they begin to realize that this is likely improbable.Their perception that theyare so special is suddenlydashed and can result indepression.

Another negative sideeffect to the push of greatself-esteem is the fact thatmany teens these daysequate looking good with feeling good. There has been an increasein such things as plastic surgery, steroid use, anorexia, and

bulimia. Teens use all of these things to change their body imagein order to feel better about themselves.

It is easy for us to lose respect for other people, if we have

constantly been told we are so smart and so special. Our naturalinclination is to think that we can outsmart our teachers or know

better than our parents.

As Christians, it is important to realize that we derive all of ourworth and esteem from God. Outside of our Saviour Jesus Christwe know that we are worthless sinners, but in his grace and thegift of his Son, He has called us his own children and showeredus with all kind of blessings! Living out of these blessings, weare transformed into people who want to serve God and ourneighbour, and nd worth within the new life that God has givenus. By nding our worth and purpose outside of ourselves in JesusChrist, we can avoid the narcissism of our age, and instead, focuson following Gods will and imitating Christ.

We derive all of our worth

and esteem from God.

2 roadsideassistance

7/27/2019 RA Issue 2.5

3/13

RoadquestReader Response: Sunday Best

Your last Road Quest Sunday best wondered why in ourchurches we have a tradition of wearing special clothes to church.I came across the website of the Carman East Canadian ReformedChurch which explains it like this:

You will notice, too, that most people are dressed up. Pleasedont mistake this for elitism or snobbery. All we are tryingto do is to show honour and respect to the Lord God as muchas we can. Much like if we were to have an audience with theQueen where our whole attitude, demeanour, and dress wouldreect our respect for her Royal Majesty so when we meet withthe King of Kings we want to show Him honour in every way.

But doesnt this make Church a fashion show? Lets notforget what the Bible also teaches us about modesty (nothingextravagant), chastity (nothing to leading others to sin) andhumility (not wanting to attract attention to ourself). Then we cantruly glorify our King with our Sunday best.

Arend Witten (Hamilton ON)

Reader Request: Protests

Cornelis Kleyn (Hamilton ON)

A buzz of excitement lls the air as the busleaves for Ottawa... It is time for anotherMarch for Life. Another public protest! A timeof Christian fellowship, and a nice chance toget away to demonstrate what we stand for ona certain issue... Or is it? What do you think ofpublic demonstrations and protests? Should we as

Christians be involved in them? Do public protestsachieve the purpose for which they are intended?Do such marches promote the Reformed faith?

Send us your responses to roadsideassistance@gmail.com

by June 30. Do you have a topic you would like to introduce for

the next issue? You know what to do... start writing and email it to us!

7/27/2019 RA Issue 2.5

4/13

6

Have you ever sat and wondered why it is that you took that lastbreath? Why it is that you were able to survive that last heartbeat,that last swallow? It is not because of how good you are, or howmuch you deserve it, because that is just the thing, you dont.

We were created perfect, that one day, one of earths rst, by theAlmighty God Himself. And that is where we nd the key word,

we were perfect. But, as we still do on a regular basis, we threwaway the perfect opportunity from God. And now, as did Adamand Eve, we choose every day to sin rather than to do good; to livefor ourselves, rather than to live for Him and his kingdom.

And if you havent regularly sat and wondered about why youmade it through that last breath, or why that last heartbeat wasnta heart attack, you have taken for granted what God is doing andmade yourself that much more unworthy of the mercy that youand I have so continually received. We are so quick to take forgranted the simplest things in life, without realizing that they areall blessings, right down to the microscopic digestive enzymes in

your stomach. For indeed, all things are controlled and blessed byGods merciful and all- knowing hand.

Today I couldnt sleep, for I sat and wondered. Why all these

blessings? Here I sit with a healthy body that I have received,surrounded by an incredible abundance of food, shelter, andclothing to maintain it. My heart continues to beat, I continue to

wake each day anew, here also I receive the spiritual strength tolive each day in the comfort that I do.

Ever wonder why you receive it? I do. I know, however, thatthough I do not deserve it, Christ has blessed me with His saving

blood. That is the only reason I receive it. I cannot claim worthy ofthis gift of myself, but it is because of Gods mercy through Christ.That is why I have all that I need. But then again, I still wonder,

why did He die for me?

Ever Wonder Why?Byron Tuininga (Spruce Grove AB)

I cannot answer that, because I cannot grasp that kind of all-surpassing love and commitment. But have you ever sat and

wondered? Sat and wondered how, why, and to what end? Becausewhen I follow my own actions, my own words, my own deeds ofthe day, they are less than worthy of the gift He has given me.If you have thought about this, have you also praised Him andthanked Him daily for it? Not always? Neither have I. That is theglory, the enormity, the true saving value of His gift.

Questions for further study:

After reading Psalm 8 and the article above, what would yousay is the underlying theme?Read Romans 1:20-23. How does this apply to the article?How does our nature direct us in regards to this gift?(1 Cor 2:14)Since we have the inability to do

what is right, how are weable to then come beforeHim and acknowledgeHim and his gifts in ourlives without fear ofrejection? (Heb 2:17,18,Heb 4:14,15)

When thinking now ofour lowly habitual lives,and the engrossing sinsa part of them, how do wenow apply this to our lives?How do you apply the themeof this article to your life? Petersays to us in 1 Peter 2:9 But you are achosen people, a royal priesthood, a holynation, a people belonging to God, that youmay declare the praises of him who called youout of darkness into his wonderful light. Howdoes this sum up the feeling of humility that weshould have, which leads up to a life of praiseto God?

1.

2.3.

4.

5.

6.

June 2008 7

7/27/2019 RA Issue 2.5

5/13

8 9June 2008

Self InjuryRhonda Wiersma (Coaldale AB)

In every post secondary classroom at least two people will haveself injured. This is a startling statistic since many of us have noteven heard of self injury, much less struggled with this addictionto pain. Self injury is literally what it says, deliberately causinginjury or harm to yourself; however, scrape the surface and youllnd people with so many emotional burdens that they are unableto express emotions any other way except through this type of

physical expression.

Self injury, also known as SI, has many different methods to createpain such as cutting, burning, scratching, hitting, scab picking(excessively). Often times, self injurious behaviours tend to becombined, or sometimes one behaviour will escalate into another,combining the two. For example, one self injurer started when she

was eight with scratching and bruising herself. Later, when thepain became unbearable and could not be sated by scratching orhitting, she combinedit with cutting andinterfering with woundhealing.

Women are moreprone than men to

SI. The majorityof self injurers are

young people (preteens to young adults) who struggle withrepression of emotions, often times to the point where they feelemotionally empty, and completely devoid of any pain. This can beaccompanied by feelings of depression, rejection, anger, anxiety,low self esteem, and decreased condence, hopelessness andpowerlessness. Often they have experienced one or more formsof abuse, such as physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, extreme

bullying, rejection, or neglect. They may struggle with eatingdisorders and alcohol or drug dependencies. This paints a bleakpicture, and a stark reminder that whatever sin throws at people,

it is truly ugly and discouraging. We must remember that God islight and he can penetrate even the bleakest situation.

SI fullls many functions. It may serve as a physical expression foremotional pain. One self injurer used her knife to write help onher arm. SI may serve as a punishment when the person inictsupon themselves what they believe are the proper consequencesfor certain thoughts or emotions. The pain caused by self injurymay serve as a calming effect during an anxiety attack and prevent

worse things from happening (a coping mechanism at its nest). Itmay bring the person back to reality after dissociation, or prove to

the individual that s/he is actually alive by blood letting. In effect,those who self injure, hurt themselves to feel good. It breaks thetension, clears the mind, helps them to focus, and allows them tostep back from an overwhelming situation.

Usually, SI is not used to manipulate others (most people whoself harm are extremely ashamed of their self injuring). SI of itselfis not a suicide attempt, but can be a prelude to suicide in severecases; statistics do show that suicide rates increase by 50-100% sixmonths after the rst harm episode. However, there are obviousdifferences between suicide and self harm; one of these markeddifferences is the intent. The intent of suicide is to end all feelingand end life; the intent of self harm is to feel better by obtainingrelief from intense emotions or to create feelings after numbness.

Self injury affects the brains chemistry, which is why some

experts believe it to be an addiction. When the body is injured,the brain releases endorphins to act as natural painkillers whichhave the potency of opiates. When the body undergoes a trauma,such as that experienced with self injury, the body gets bathedin endorphins, providing an immediate, but short lived high(Colleen Rush). When the body gets addicted to these endorphins,the absence of these hormones can create withdrawal symptomsthat may be relieved by self-injuring. As with any addiction, thex oftentimes must escalate to provide the same high, so thecutting becomes deeper and requires stitches, bruising will berepeated over an already existing bruise to cause further pain anddamage, and wounds will be re-injured repeatedly to interfere withhealing.

We must remember that God

is light and He can penetrate

even the bleakest situation.

7/27/2019 RA Issue 2.5

6/13

10

For those helpingThe important thing to do when someone discloses that they areself injuring is to not overreact. Listening calmly and without

judgment is a good place to start. Ask open-ended questions,such as questions that are not easily answered with a yes or ano. Attempt to understand their pain and try to walk a mile intheir shoes. Acknowledge their pain, even though you may notunderstand it, and verbally acknowledge their feelings.

Listening also involves supporting without reinforcing SI. If thesubject of self injury is brought up, make time to listen and talk.

Offer yourself as an instrument of change by making yourselfavailable when they are experiencing a rough patch and want toself injure. Offer a physical place to stay if they are alone and donot feel safe, or help by providing distractions (going outside for a

walk, going somewhere for coffee, etc).

You can learn a lot about SI just by listening to an individual talkabout their experiences, but it is important to not stop there.Educate yourself with good reading material. There are a number

of online resources and booksto read.

Secondly, do not force things.Do barge into their personalpad when they need privacyor when you suspect that theymight be self injuring. Do not

force them to promise that they wont do it again. This will setthem back in any progress they may have made to avoid SI as ameans of coping. Instead of taking away tools, why not encouragethe person self harming to use you as a safe person which wouldinclude receiving the tools when willingly given by the person

who self harms and keeping them in a safe place. So wheneverthe person who is struggling and wants his/her tools, s/he cango to you, the safe person, talk about what is bothering and whythere is a desire to cut. By doing this you are helping to build up arelationship and a encourage a healthier way to deal with stress.

And most importantly, pray for the individual who is self injuring.God hears our prayers, and when God answers prayer, he is notslow as men see slowness, but he works in his own time. Youmay pray that the individual will stop hurting themselves, butit may take years. Be patient; God has a time and a purpose foreverything. But keep praying.

For those who do self injureYou are not alone if you cut or self injure. Remember, you havenothing to be ashamed of; you are doing the best you can tosurvive against overwhelming obstacles. Good job for surviving

and not taking the permanent approach to temporary problems.Even though the Bible has no clear mention of self injury, you doread in Corinthians and Ephesians that your body is a temple ofthe Holy Spirit. God created you in his image; He doesnt want

you destroying your body with scars because He loves you and Henever will remove his love or his care from you.Secondly, remind yourself that God offers hope. There is alwayshope for those trapped and lost in temptations and addictions topain. God breaks the fetters of the addiction. Our hope remains

with Christ; look to Him when facing temptations and strugglesand He will help you bear the weight of them (1 Cor 10:13).

God gives forgiveness freely when you repent and ght againstunhealthy tendencies. In Daniel 9, it says that the Lord your God ismerciful and forgiving even though you have rebelled against him.

You can nd that this forgiveness drips from pretty much everyPsalm. In Romans 8, you can read that there is no condemnationfor those now in Christ.

God also gives you other people to help ght the battle. No one isan island; we are called to live in the unity of the body of Christ(Eph 4). Talking to your local minister about your strugglesis often times benecial, as well as talking to a professionalcounsellor, or even a trusted adult. Coming out and disclosingthat you are self injuring is difcult. Some people who have notheard of, much less understand self injury, tend to be harshand judgmental. But, there are people out there who do try to

June 2008 1110 roadside assistance

Acknowledge their

pain, even though you

may not understand it.

7/27/2019 RA Issue 2.5

7/13

12 13June 2008

Freedom of ChoiceRob Bonefaas (Hamilton ON)

As an immigrant from the Netherlands, people often ask me,Why did you come to Canada? I usually explain that a sequenceof events occurred which attracted me to Canada: visiting family,seeking work experience, seeking job security, school, girlfriend,ance, wife, and now Im back in school.

Like the Netherlands, Canada is a free country. A free country

fosters freedom of expression and belief. As citizens of thiscountry, we are allowed and even encouraged to express and

believe what we choose. However, even in a free country thereare laws which prohibit us from harming our neighbours. Lawsprescribe a positive restriction of our freedom, restricting it whenthat freedom is used to violate our neighbours rights. Throughouthistory, laws have been amended to protect people and to promotefreedom for individualsand diverse groups.

However, for twentyyears there has notbeen a law in Canadaprotecting the most

vulnerable groupof human beings,namely the unborn.In Canada, abortion isallowed during the fullperiod of pregnancy,

with no medicalreason needed.The nullication ofCanadas previous abortion law was intendedto protect mothersexperiencing an unwanted pregnancy. All mothers who havean unwanted pregnancy do need support. However, offering anabortion to mothers experiencing a crisis pregnancy does not servethe mother and the unborn well.

12

understand and will accept what you tell them. I encourage youto come out about your secret and nd help. Ecclesiastes 4:12tells us plainly that one can be overpowered, but two can defendthemselves.

For those who want to cutIf you have read this article and think cutting may help you, I urge

you to stay away from this unhealthy coping mechanism. It can behighly addictive. People I have talked to say that it helped themthrough a tough emotional crisis, but in the end it bit like a snake

because it is so hard to let it go.

Getting through your emotional difculties is tough, but a goodway to deal with them is nding healthy coping skills: exercise,journaling, artsy things (painting or playing an instrument). Thelist is endless.

In your emotional distress, I also urge you to take it to God (evenif you nd healthy coping mechanisms). God calls us to call uponhim in times of trouble and he will rescue you from them (Ps 50).Not only should you take it to God but also immerse yourself inBible reading. It is part of the devils ploy to get you away fromGod, and cutting is a way for the devil to do just that. Do not godown that path, brothers and sisters.I also urge you not isolate yourself, and to nd a good supportsystem. Talk to someone that you can trust and are comfortable

with- a minister, a teacher, a good friend, or a parent. If you feellike you do not have these resources, call 1-800-DONTCUT. I urge

you, though, to cultivate relationships with godly people. Do notmake that rst cut, brothers and sisters. It is a path full of troublesand sorrows. Take care, and rest in God.

References and Resources for further reading:1) The Scarred Soul,by Tracy Alderman2) Treating Self-Injury: A Practical Guide,by B.W. Walsh

7/27/2019 RA Issue 2.5

8/13

14 15June 2008

According to law, if you have been violated, or a sequence of eventsleads to circumstances out of your control, you cannot violateanother human being for what has happened to you. If someonesteals my car, I cannot go and steal my neighbours car.

Choice?The Pro-Choice movement wants to force doctors in Canada topresent the option of abortion to the mother who has an unwantedpregnancy. However, they do not want to present the life-savingoption of adoption. Supposedly, the process above describes givingpeople a choice. Imagine being in a crisis situation and having to

make a life-changing decision based on slanted information. ThePro-Choice movement came into being to give an option, butthey in fact took it away.

The New Webster Encyclopaedic Dictionary of the EnglishLanguage gives the following denition of choice: the act orpower of choosing; a selecting or separating from two or morethings that which is preferred; selection; election; option;preference; the thing chosen; the best part of anything; worthy of

being preferred; select; precious.

In the beginning, God gave Adam and Eve a choice. He said, Youare free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat

from the tree of knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat ofit you will surelydie(Gen 2:16, 17).That God gave thiscommand impliesthat He gave Adamand Eve the abilityto make choices;moreover, itimplies that Adam

and Eve had the ability to make therightchoice. The choice isbetween many trees and one tree, between good and evil, betweenlife and death. Indeed, the consequences for making the wrongchoice are life-changing.

LifeLife on earth did change drastically when Gods command wasdisobeyed; sin entered the world through one man, and deaththrough sin, and in this way death came to all men, because allsinned(Rom 5:12). As with Adam and Eve, the mirror of Gods

Word and Law today too reveals our sinfulness. And throughself-examination, we become aware of how much we need Godsgrace. The law was added so that the trespass might increase.

But where sin increased, grace increased all the more, so that,just as sin reigned in death, so also grace might reign through

righteousness to

bring eternal lifethrough JesusChrist our Lord(Rom 5:20, 21).

We cannot makeright choices onour own.

Therefore, we seekour life outsideof ourselves andin Christ alone!Just having thisknowledge and

comfort puts us ahead in the world in which we live today. Wealready have obtained eternal life even though we live on earth;

we are enabled to make the right choices because God sent us hisSpirit, through whom we testify that we are children of God (Rom8:16). All this means that because of Christs saving work, wehave a Father in heaven through whom we understand what lifeon earth is to be like. He has revealed it to us through his Word.Therefore, we say Abba, Father (Rom 8:15). As Christians wemust prefer life; moreover, we must protect and promote life. Wecannot dissociate the gift of life from the One who gave it.

And so, when it comes to the freedoms we have in our country, weas Christians must take the right stance on issues like abortion.Knowing what God teaches us about this issue, we cannot bepassive.

The Pro-Choice movement came

into being to give an option, but

they in fact took it away.

7/27/2019 RA Issue 2.5

9/13

16 17June 2008

Have you ever wondered what to do and what to say when aJehovahs Witness (JW) team comes to your door? Some of usmight think that they are a nuisance, and simply say Im notinterested, and close the door, while afterwards thinking that weperhaps should have said something to them. Others of us might

be nervous, feeling responsibility to witness to them, but at acomplete loss as to how to do that! What do JWs believe anyway?How are they really different from us, and how can we respond tothem?

There are many JWs in the world today; in the United States, thereare over a million of them! The average JW spends ten hours amonth going from door to door. 100 000 of these will devote up

to 100 hours per monthto their witnessing work!No wonder that the JWorganization is growingat a rate of approximately4000 converts per

week, and is buildingve Kingdom Halls (orchurch buildings) every

week worldwide! Forall of these JWs, door-to-door knocking is oneof the most importantrequirements for theirsalvation. It is the onlyrecord that is kept oftheir Kingdom Hallmembership.

The JW religion is actually like slavery. A JW must attend vehours of meetings per week (including Sunday meetings), and at

these meetings people dont ask questions, because that wouldarouse suspicion! They are told to avoid independent thinking,and to accept Watchtower Society teachings without question. JWsmust also devote a lot of time to communal religious training. Only15% of their study time is devoted to their version of the Bible,the New World Translation, while a whopping 85% of their studytime is devoted to Watchtower publications. And despite all theirstudy, JWs have no personal relation to Christ and no assurance ofsalvation.

What do they believe?

What follows is a very brief overview of what JWs believe:Jehovah is the only proper name for God.Jesus is not true God who assumed our human nature to

become our Saviour. Rather Jesus is the created Son of God,Michael the archangel, and a god. Jesus paid only for Adamssin, and thereby only cleaned the slate, so that we could havea chance to do good

works to earn our ownsalvation today.JWs cant pray toJesus. If they are foundguilty of worshippingHim, they are dis-fellowshipped andostracized by JW familyand friends.The Holy Spirit is a force, but He is impersonal.Only 144 000 people will go to heaven, and 9000 of these areliving on the earth today. JWs who do not belong to the 144000 will live in a restored paradise on earth.The Good News is that in 1914, Jesus became the invisibleruler of Gods Kingdom in Heaven, with the WatchtowerSociety headquartered in Brooklyn, NY as His visible agencyon earth.

We who do not believe in the special revelation of theJW religion belong to the devils organization and will beannihilated at Armageddon.There is no salvation outside the Watchtower Society.

1.2.

3.

4.5.

6.

7.

8.

Who is that Knocking at the Door?Greta Kleyn (Hamilton ON)

JWs have no personal

relation to Christ and no

assurance of salvation.

7/27/2019 RA Issue 2.5

10/13

18 19June 2008

I think that all those of us who go to catechism lessons and Biblestudies can already see that the above points are wrong andunscriptural, and we can see what is wrong with them. (At leastI hope that you can see what is wrong with these points! If not,maybe you can talk about it at Bible study)

Then we can also see what comfort we have as ReformedChristians! We know that we are so sinful and totally unable to doanything at all for our salvation. No amount of door knocking that

we do, and no amount of meetings we attend will ever be enoughfor our salvation! But we do know that Jesus, who is true God,

has come to this earth and delivered us from sin, and taken awayall our burdens for us. We are again free to worship Him and tolive thankful lives before Him. And we have the help of the HolySpirit, who truly is personal Hedwells in our hearts tomake us holy again and toencourage us in thankfulobedience.

What to do?So what do we do whena Jehovahs Witnessknocks on ourdoor?

First pray to God for help, and then witness of the greatness of ourSaviour Jesus Christ. Here are a few pointers for conversations

with JWs:Say that you trust in Jesus and not in an organization(John 3:16)Emphasize that you know for sure that you have eternal life(1 John 5:13), and that you will be with Christ Jesus forever(John 14:1-6).Point out that you are notsaved by the things that

you do, and do good works

only out of love for God(Eph 2:8-10).Say that youll pray thatthey know the peace and

joy you experience(Rom 5:1 and CD V). Prayer has greater impact than you think.Encourage JWs to read the Bible and go without Watchtowermagazines for a time.Plant seeds of doubt in their mind about their religion.JWs are trained to talk about doctrine, so dont get intodetailed discussions about doctrines if you dont know theanswers.Discuss Bible verses thoroughly within their contexts.Try not to accept Watchtower magazines or literature. Thiscommunicates that you dont want anything to do with the

Watchtower Society, and reiterates your point about the Bible

being the only source of knowledge for salvation.

Let us, who have the truths and comforts of Gods Word, be trulyinformed about the JW religion so that we can confront thisunchristian cult. We are called to be lights in the world around us,so when we hear that knocking on the door, let us communicatethose wonderful riches that we have been given.

Recommended reading:How to Respond: Jehovahs Witnesses,by Herbert Kern

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.7.

8.9.

What comfort we have

as Reformed Christians!

7/27/2019 RA Issue 2.5

11/13

20 21June 2008

No Time? Make Time!Marja Breukelman (Neerlandia AB)

Busy, busy, busy, we always feel busy. In the meantime someoneasks us what our week unveiled, and we hesitate to answer because

were not really sure, but it sure feels like we were super busy!The question is with what? Many little things quickly add up and

before we know it today becomes yesterday, this week becomeslast week, and this year last year.

How do we spend our time? Watching TV every night, going to themovies on weekends, or bumming around? Or do we spend a lotof our time doing Bible study and reading? Dont get me wrong,

we do need to relax and have fun on weekends because family andfriends are very important, but we need to keep others in mind as

well. Our prioritiesmust be kept straight.

We need to make aneffort to participatein organized churchfunctions, makecongregational visitsto meet new peopleand visit the elderly.They love visits from

young people. Too often we dont feel like going, but once we have,we are glad about it, and so feel the need to do these things moreoften.

To experience the communion of saints and be a part of it weneed to make an effort too; it goes both ways. Let us notmake excuses or leave it to others (the easy way out), butembrace opportunities to meet new people and buildone another up in love and prayer. God requires our

acts of love and giving the fruits of the spirit. Galatians 6: 9-10says, Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the propertime we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as wehave opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those

who belong to the family of believers.

A good way to go about these things, making themhabitual, is to write down functions fromthe bulletin and visits we would liketo make that particular month.It works well. We are slaves to

righteousness, so let us walkour talk and be imitatorsof Jesus Christ, out ofthankfulness forhis sacrice.

To experience the communion

of saints and be a part of it we

need to make an effort too.

RoadsideAssis

tanceisnowon

FACEBOOK!Sea

rchfor

RoadsideAss

istanceMagazi

neandjointhe

group.

7/27/2019 RA Issue 2.5

12/13

22

8. Describes Davids reign as King serving God, and also his weakness andfailures

9. The man among the myrtle trees, a man with a measuring line, theying scroll, and the woman in a basket are some of the eight nightvisions given to the prophet this book is named after

10. Contains a dialogue between a prophet (whom this book is named

after) and God concerning Judah and Babylon14. The 28th book of the Old Testament15. The story of Gods creation is recorded here17. This man (whom the book is named after) describes and interprets the

dreams of Nebuchadnezzar19. Named after a young Moabite woman20. Poetic book containing ve chapters, each written using the Hebrew

alphabet in its structure21. Book named after the main character who remains rich in God even

though his earthy possessions, family, and health are taken away25. Presents an account of the 38 years in which Israel wandered the

desert following the establishment of the convenant at Sinai26. The last chapters speak of the fall of Jerusalem and Judgment against

many nations28. Contains the story of the people of Israel walking through the Jordan

river on dry land and the establishment of Israel in the promised land

Crossword: Books of the Old TestamentJocelin VanDoornik (Hamilton ON)

Across3. Inspired many songs which we sing every Sunday6. Meaning exit or departure7. Contains more dates than any other OT prophetic book; emphasizes

Gods sovereignty11. Contains a lists of those who helped rebuild the wall, sealed the

covenant, residents of Jerusalem and other towns, and priests andLevites

12. Message which alternates between oracles of doom and hope, speaking

of judgment and deliverance by God13. Two main ideas: judgment and comfort through salvation16. Three chapters long; describes the locust plague and drought in Judah,

repentance, and restorations, pointing forward to the Day of the Lord18. Named after the woman who became queen after Vashti22. After Ninevehs earlier warning and repentance in the book of Jonah,

once again they returned to wickedness as told in this book, andNineveh is destroyed

23. Begins with the historical records and genealogies from Adam to Saul24. First return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple27. The last and fth book of the Pentateuch29. Explains the laws and regulations for worship, ceremonial cleanness,

moral laws, holy days, the Sabbath year and the Year of Jubilee30. Contains many sayings of the wise31. Named after a prophet who came from Tekoa where he earned his

living tending the ock and working in the sycamore-g grove32. Very short book calling the people to rebuild the temple, purication

and blessings, and the promise to Zerubbabel33. Describes the history of Israels monarchy from the closing days of

King David until the Babylonian exile34. Speaks of Edoms gloating over Israels destruction, and Gods wrath

which would destroy Edom, Israel being delivered, and Godstriumphant kingdom

Down1. After eeing his mission, this book describes his punishment in the

belly of a sh, and subsequent fulllment of his mission to Nineveh2. Describes many leaders including Ehud, Deborah, Gideon, Abimelech,

Jephthah, and Samson4. Last book of the Old Testament5. This prophet warns against coming destruction against Judah and

points forward to the great Day of the Lord

1 2

3 4 5 6

7

8 9 10 11

12

13 14 15

16 17

18 19

20

21

22 23

24 25

26

27

28

29

30

31 32

33 34

EclipseCrossword.com

7/27/2019 RA Issue 2.5

13/13

24

Articles and other submissions are welcome any time, but should be in by June 23 to be

considered for the next issue, or August 25 for the one thereafter.