Sometimes smaller churches make the mistake of thinking that they cannot do much for the cause of Christ. We assume that limited numbers and limited resources means we can only have limited results. This is not true! Allow me to share with you the opening lines of a recent letter from Doug Wheeler who has just returned from his annual trip to Nigeria . . . “Dear brethren, I want to thank you for your support and the great interest you have in Nigerian evangelism! I must say that you are one of the leading congregations in INFLUENCE for Christ and His church in Nigeria, BECAUSE of your WBS (World Bible School) program you have going on in Nigeria through Sylvester Imogoh . . . How does that make you feel? You ought to feel honored and blessed that Christ is doing such a significant work through us! As a small child I loved to throw a pebble into a pond and watch the ripples move out over the entire surface. I was fascinated that something so small could affect something so large. Who would have ever thought that the little ole Highland Lakes church of Christ would be one of the leading churches in the world to have an influence on the entire nation of Nigeria? Brethren . . . let’s keep the ripples going . . . it’s having a great impact for the Lord! — Joe
Out of love for one another…….
We are currently requiring everyone attending the Sunday morning worship assembly and Wednesday evening Bible study to wear a mask in keeping with the Health Departments guidelines. We thank you for your consideration of and care for others. Masks are available if you need one.
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” (John 13:34-35 ESV)
Scripture of the Week
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” ~~ Psalm 139:23-24
Something to Smile About
My Favorite animal
Our teacher asked us what our favorite animal was, and I said, “Fried chicken.” She said I wasn’t funny, but she couldn’t have been right, because everybody in the class laughed.
My parents told me to always be truthful and honest, and I am. Fried chicken is my favorite animal. I told my Dad what had happened, and he said my teacher was probably an animal advocate, the people who love animals very much.
I do, too. Especially chicken, pork and beef.
Anyway, my teacher sent me to the principle’s office. I told him what happened, and he laughed, too. Then he told me not to do it again.
The next day in class my teacher asked me what my favorite animal was. I told her it was chicken. She asked me why. I told her it was because you could make it into fried chicken.
She sent me back to the principle’s office again. He laughed, and told me not to do it again. I don’t understand. My parents taught me to be honest, but my teacher doesn’t like it when I am.
Today, my teacher asked us to tell her what famous person we admire most.
I told her, “Colonel Sanders.”
Guess where I am now . . .
“A cheerful heart is good medicine . . . “ ~~~ Proverbs 17:22Think About It
Longing for Home
“And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him for he had placed the children of Israel under solemn oath, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry my bones from here with you‟” (Exodus 13:19).
Joseph had enjoyed a distinguished career in Egypt. Next to Pharaoh, he had held the highest position in that country. Yet those long years of faithful service never made him feel he really belonged in Egypt. Before he died, he adjured his people to take his mortal remains to the land God had promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The Lord expects His people to be faithful in their earthly positions and responsibilities. By so doing they honor Christ and His church. Yet they are to never become so attached to this world that they prefer it to the land of promise.
Our home is not here, but in heaven. Here we are pilgrims and sojourners on our way to a better place (1 Peter 2:11).
Peter thus wrote, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you” (2 Peter 1:3-4). — Glenn Walton
