GENTLENESS

Posted on October 29, 2021 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist
Photo by Liza Summer on Pexels.com

“Although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I appeal to you on the basis of love” (Philemon 8 & 9).

Sheep can be led but not driven. Attempt to drive sheep and they will stampede and scatter. It is no mistake that God calls us His sheep. Christians don’t like to be driven, either. We’ll kick and run. Our feelings will become bruised. But allow a gentle shepherd to lovingly show us the way by example and we can do marvelous and wonderful things.

Tact seems to be in shorter supply these days. We have become an impatient society. Microwave meals and instant tea and coffee, smart phones and texting leave us itching to get on with life. We are busy people. All our hurrying and scurrying allows little time for tender social graces. The result is rudeness.

Some of us are like the blunt and caustic preacher who judged the impact of his preaching by the number of those he wounded on Sunday. When a sweet sister suggested to him that he could catch more flies with honey than vinegar, he retorted, ― “Sister, I’m not in the fly-catching business. AMEN.”

When will we learn? Paul knew that there were many ways to approach a single situation. He could have been rude and abusive. After all, he was an apostle! He could have reproved and rebuked with all ugliness, yet he chose the gentle approach. He used God’s psychology. He became all things to all people, so they would be able to accept the message (1 Corinthians 9:22).

Marketing has convinced us that packaging is vital. This writer even bought once some cologne simply because the bottle was pretty. But, the contents STUNK! Contents is what matters. Is it worth it, and profitable for the intended purpose?

Nobody takes rude orders well. But I believe most thoughtful people will accept truth/advice when it is ― “packaged” in the spirit of gentleness and offered ―ON THE BASIS OF GODLY LOVE. It would do us all well to speak words seasoned with salt (Colossians 4:6). After all, we may have to eat them later. ~~ West Berry Banner

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WEEKLY NEWS, OCTOBER 31, 2021

Posted on October 29, 2021 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

FELLOWSHIP MEAL

. . . today, October 31st

Hosts and hostesses: Bill & Mary K. Flanary, Pat DeVore, Janet Fietz and Sherry Wills & Ken Love.

THANK YOU NOTE

“Thank you so much for your prayers. My mom, Louise Johnson, is over her pneumonia.’”

God bless you all, Judy Womack

WITH SYMPATHY

William R. Garrison, 89, of Steubenville, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, October 21st in Steubenville. He was the brother of our Sam Garrison.

An intimate family memorial service took place on Monday, October 24th at Fort Steuben Burial Estates Chapel which was followed by the burial.

Our deepest sympathy, love and prayers go out to Sam and his wife Dodie and to all of William’s loved ones.

FALL BACK FOR DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME

. . . ends on November 7th! Remember to “fall back” an hour on Saturday night (November 6th) by resetting your watches and clocks!

BEAUTIFUL FOOTPRINTS

“And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”” Romans 10:15

Photo by Adrianna Calvo on Pexels.com

One of the students in the AIM program, whom we help support is Kyle Hankins, grandson of Danny & Nancy Hankins. What follows is from his first report since starting classes this fall.

STARTING ANEW

A new adventure. This is truly the beginning to a whole new way of living. Life has been full of laughter and excitement with new friends so far. However, there’s stress upon all of that, as we live on our own with loads of homework- but not to an extent I cannot handle.

(Philippians 4:13) God is pretty cool. He works in funny ways. Though sometimes not everything is all fine and dandy, it still manages to work out for good in the end. I hit the ground sprinting as soon as AIM launched. It’s been a thrilling journey!! So much fun. Full of experiences.

A week into AIM, I was unfortunate to get the virus. But the Lord did His thing and worked it out. We were just so thankful that we were able to overcome that rough patch and carry on His works, regardless.

I must introduce my roommates. First is Matthew. Matthew is a character. He’s very outgoing and kind. Always laughing with his biggest smirk, not fearing to show how he truly feels. Then, there’s Sean (or as I like to refer to him as “Seany”). Sean is very intelligent and understanding. And just as hilarious as Matthew, that’s for certain. And finally, my personal roommate that sleeps in the same room as me, Titus. Titus brightens the room. He makes everyone feel welcome. He’s an amazing listener and empathizer. Between us four guys, I can easily feel the brotherly bond grow between each one of us.

From Left to Right: Sean, Me, Titus, Matthew.

Photo by Kyle Hankins

Prayer Requests!

1. Safe Travels!

We’ve been making many trips across Northern Texas, up to even New Mexico.

2. Spiritual Growth and Spiritual Mindset!

My priorities should be set upon the Lord and His plans for me. I want the most out of everything He is blessing me with.

3. Classes and Homework!

I will not deny that AIM’s classes are very overwhelming. Intentionality and concentration on my assignments is what I hope to achieve for the remainder of this year. Thank you!

Thank you for keeping me on your mind and prayers. Such an encouragement. I am so blessed because of each one of you and all of your support in my works for the Kingdom of our Lord. I am here, to be all in, as a servant, for His Glory. God Bless!

I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t by the grace of my Lord’s hand… and yours. You mean so much to me and I pray that my work would be pleasing to yours, but most importantly, God’s eyes. God Bless, Church Family. May He show prosperity in all of your endeavors.

Much Love, ~ Kyle Hankins

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MASKS

Posted on October 21, 2021 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist
Photo by u041du0430u0442u0430u043bu0438u044f u041au043eu0442u043eu0432u0438u0447 on Pexels.com

Do you wear a mask? I can remember being so excited one year at Halloween. I found a mask on clearance. It was a full head mask with light up eyes and a voice changer built in. That thing was so hot, and my breath condensed on the inside, but man, I can remember how excited I was to wear it.

We often wear a mask. Our behavior and attitude changes depending on where we are and who we are with. People act one way when they are around their family, and a different way when they are at work or school. Do we act a different way when we are with the Church?

We can even wear a mask and try to hide things from ourselves. That covers our emotions, our sins, our weaknesses, and our fear of judgment. That mask is just as hot, suffocating, and unpleasant as that Halloween mask I had as a kid. We are afraid to be honest with ourselves because we might feel inadequate, exposed, vulnerable, and flawed. The truth is, we are all of those things.

Be honest with each other. The Bible addresses our hiding and lying to each other. “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” (Col. 3:9,10). God knows that only through honesty can we grow and help others grow in the faith.

Be honest with yourself. “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you — unless indeed you fail the test” ? (2 Cor. 13:5) We must be honest with our self. We need to be able to accept the truth to improve and work on areas in our own life.

Be honest with God, He already knows. There is no mask that can hide your actions, thoughts, and feelings from God. “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to Whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). If you think you are hiding from God, you are only fooling yourself.

  • Brad Tolbert, Monticello church of Christ, Monticello, AR
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WEEKLY NEWS, OCTOBER 24, 2021

Posted on October 21, 2021 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

THANK YOU NOTE

“I just thank you so much for the cards, gifts and coming to my “Surprise Party”!

I feel I have reached a milestone and I am happy to be doing that right here at the Highland Lakes church of Christ with my Christian family.”

I love you! Norma Bryan

FELLOWSHIP MEAL

. . . Sunday, October 31st after morning worship

Hosts and hostesses: Bill & Mary K. Flanary, Pat DeVore, Janet Fietz and Sherry Wills & Ken Love

MEMBERS SOUGHT

The Highland Lakes Honor Guard is looking for additional members. This group of veterans assists with honoring veterans at funerals and graveside services. If you would like additional information, see Gary Crabtree, who serves with this group.

BEAUTIFUL FOOTPRINTS

“And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”” Romans 10:15

Photo by Adrianna Calvo on Pexels.com

An update of work in Ukpagada, Nigeria, by Mike Udam whom we help support. Please keep this work in your prayers. For the elders, Ken D

REPORT OF WORK BETWEEN JULY AND SEPTEMBER 2021

Dearly beloved,

The work of the Lord within the periods of July and September 2021 had been very rich in the eyes of man. I hope the Lord will be satisfied with the labors of his servant who according to Luke 17:10 is an unworthy servant.

Within the church meeting at Ukpagada, the Lord blessed our effort with 5 souls to the glory of God. We also lost three souls to the devil for not walking orderly as the Lord directed.

Externally, my team and I spent two weeks in Kenya to strengthen the church there and to the glory of God, the network of my preaching was expanded. My lessons I share daily on Facebook and WhatsApp now feed the church in Kenya, Eswatini, South Africa and the West Africa sub region.

Back at home in Nigeria, I had made a trip to Oron 430 km from Ogoja to speak to church leaders there during the Oro Leadership retreat.

We also spent a weekend in Wula eastern Boki, to strengthen the church there. God blessed our effort with 8 souls. We are planning a big mission there in December this year. Lord willing and with available funds, we will storm the area and hope to make a huge impact.

Photo By Mike Udam

Within this period, our enrollment in WBS got reactivated. Our strategy is now to catch them young. So, most of the students we have now are school students. Close to 100 have so far been enrolled during this period.

Keep me in your prayers. After eight years of work at Ukpagada, I thought the workload would reduce, it is now that the workload has increased. I now teach Bible classes in the two new congregations that we established (Ukpe = Thursday and Okuku = Friday) in addition to my two days at Ukpagada. As of now, with our dwindling economy, my expenditure on fuel and vehicle maintenance is now very huge.

The summary is that the work must be done and I am available. Thank you for your continued support. It has boosted my work so much to the glory of God.

My first daughter, NT-Rose, is through with secondary school at the age of 16. She is warming up to enter the university in the next three months or so. Pray for her.

In the last quarter of this year, our lectureship is the main focus of my drive. We shall have evangelism, open air preaching and indoor lectures. It is scheduled for between the 25th-28th of November.

God bless you all.

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FIVE WISE SAYINGS FOR LIFE

Posted on October 16, 2021 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist
Photo by gaspar zaldo on Pexels.com

I love sitting and listening to older, wiser folks than myself. I love history and learning it from people who loved it. There is something about sitting on a porch swing with someone old in days who has seen so much change and endured so much through their walk in life. The proverbial writer acts as a father to us and treats you and I as “sons and daughters” who are learning. As disciples of Jesus, that’s exactly what we are doing and we constantly sit in the learner seat. Thank God for wise fathers who taught us what to do right. Even so, for those of us who had no good fatherly example in life, we learned what “not” to do. I wanted to share some of the wise words and sayings I’ve heard in the first 35 years of life.

1. When you hear a kind word spoken about a friend, pass it along (Proverbs 3:27; Galatians 6:10). If it’s a negative word, keep it to yourself.

2. As a man, spoil your spouse, not your children (2 Samuel 12:3, 8; Proverbs 5:18–19; Ephesians 5:25; 1 Peter 3:7).

3. It is not our job to get people to like us. It is our job to like people (John 13:35; Hebrews 13:1; 1 Peter 1:22; 2:17).

4. To help your children turn out well, spend twice as much time with them and half as much money on them (Genesis 44:30; Proverbs 22:6; Ephesians 5:16; 6:4; Colossians 4:5).

5. Focus on others, not on self (Galatians 2:20; Philippians 2:3–5). Someone wrote, “How to Be Miserable.” It reads, “Think about yourself. Talk about yourself. Use „I‟ as often as possible. Mirror yourself continually in the opinion of others. Listen greedily to what people say about you. Expect to be appreciated. Be suspicious. Be jealous and envious. Be sensitive to slights. Never forgive a criticism. Trust nobody but yourself. Insist on consideration and respect. Demand agreement with your own views on everything. Sulk if people are not grateful to you for favors shown them. Never forget a service you have rendered. Shirk your duties if you can. Do as little as possible for others.”

Better to apply the principles of: Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 19:19, Luke 10:27, Romans 13:9, Galatians 5:14, James 2:8. By living those, the blessings of Ecclesiastes 11:1,2, at the right time and time of need, will come back to you.

Jake Sutton Piedmont Road church of Christ Marietta, GA

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WEEKLY NEWS, OCTOBER 17, 2021

Posted on October 16, 2021 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

WELCOME

Today we welcome Andy Baker from World Christian Broadcasting as our guest speaker, He will give a report during Bible class and preach at the worship hour.

WCB is based in Franklin, Tennessee where Andy is the Chief Executive Officer. We are looking forward to what he will share with us.

FELLOWSHIP MEALS

For Everything There is a Season, a Time for Every Purpose (Eccl. 3:1)

The elders believe the time has come for fellowship, that is, a fellowship meal. Conditions permitting, we intend to resume our monthly fellowship meals after the morning assembly on the last Sunday of each month. We realize that there may be some who are not comfortable yet with the idea of gathering for a meal, but there are many who feel ready to take this next step toward what was “normal” 18 months ago.

We intend to have our first fellowship meal of 2021 on Sunday, October 31st. We invite everyone to get out their cookbooks and bring something delicious to share after we have worshipped our Lord together on the 31st of October!

If all goes well, we will have our annual ―Holiday fellowship meal on Sunday, December 5th, after morning worship (this typically takes the place of the November and December fellowship meals). Please mark these dates on your calendars and pray for the success of these plans. We hope to see you there!

Hosts For The October 31st Fellowship Meal: Bill & Mary K. Flanary, Pat DeVore, Janet Fietz, Sherry Wills & Ken Love

BEAUTIFUL FOOTPRINTS

“And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”” Romans 10:15

Photo by Adrianna Calvo on Pexels.com

A short but exciting bit of news from our fellow workers with Gospel Chariot Missions who were are blessed to help support. Keep this work in your prayers. For the elders, Ken D

Hi Everyone.

Pray this finds you doing well. We would like to slow down and send a short one-thought email to help you see the amazing work you are supporting with not too much reading, just God working in us and through us all. To Him be the Glory and you the appreciation.

TODAY’S DID YOU KNOW? FROM AFRICA

DID YOU KNOW That the Gospel Chariots are Rolling AGAIN! and there have been many MANY RECENT BAPTISMS!

Photos By George Funk Gospel Chariot Missions

PLEASE CONTINUE HELPING – GOD IS GOOD

MATCHING FUND NUMBER ONE AND NUMBER TWO RAISED

We now have the funds to build a new Gospel Chariot for West / North Africa for the multiplication of disciples and churches everywhere. We also now have the funds to fly key leaders to safe Gospel Chariot discipleship campuses for discipleship training. Watch as you see God do amazing things in the coming months. BIG BIG BIG THANK YOU.

PLEASE, we still need help as we go worldwide. We will send you showing some amazing things happening because of you. TO GOD BE THE GLORY.

In Him, Brother George Funk, Gospel Chariot Missions

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ABRAHAM’S EARLY MORNINGS

Posted on October 10, 2021 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist
Photo by Gareth Davies on Pexels.com

I am not really a morning person. I loathe early alarms. Most days, it takes me a while to really get going. If, however, the day promises something out of the ordinary and pleasant, like the beginning of a vacation, I’ve been known to wake up before the alarm clock goes off. But the prospect of an unpleasant day makes getting up that much more challenging and pulling the covers over my head that much more alluring.

That’s one thing, among many, that makes the faith of Abraham so amazing to me. There are three times in his life that the Bible says he arose early in the morning—and he knew on all three of those days that what he had to do would not be pleasant.

The first is Genesis 19:27 where Moses tells us that Abraham “went early in the morning” to a special location where he would survey the destroyed cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The second is Genesis 21:14. There Abraham “rose early in the morning” and with great sadness kicked Hagar and Ishmael out of his house to appease Sarah. The third is Genesis 22:3 when Abraham “rose early in the morning” to take Isaac to Mount Moriah with the intention of sacrificing him to God.

Abraham, no doubt, arose early to some beautiful mornings and pleasant activities. But his only early mornings specifically mentioned in the Bible are the three above. How brutal they must have been! How tempting it must have been for him to keep rolling over and sleeping just a little longer. But instead of hiding under the covers, he rose up early and met the challenges of the day.

Life brings with it many unpleasant days. But with the help of God and the faith of Abraham, we can throw off the covers, confidently rise from our beds, and face what each day brings. For God has promised, “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isa. 41:10).

  • Eddie Parrish, Brown Trail church of Christ, Bedford, TX
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WEEKLY NEWS, OCTOBER10, 2021

Posted on October 10, 2021 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

UPCOMING GUEST SPEAKER

Next Sunday, October 17th, Andy Baker from World Christian Broadcasting will be our guest speaker, giving a report during Bible class and preach at the worship hour. WCB is based in Franklin, Tennessee where Andy is the Chief Executive Officer. We are looking forward to all that he will share with us.

EATING OUT TOGETHER

The group that enjoys eating out together will meet on Thursday, October 14th at the “Highlander” in Burnett. Time: 5 PM. There is a sign-up sheet on the table in the back of the auditorium.

FOR EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON, A TIME FOR EVERY PURPOSE     (Eccl. 3:1)

The elders believe the time has come for fellowship, that is, a fellowship meal. Conditions permitting, we intend to resume our monthly fellowship meals after the morning assembly on the last Sunday of each month. We realize that there may be some who are not comfortable yet with the idea of gathering for a meal, but for those who feel ready to take this next step toward what was “normal” 18 months ago, we intend to have our first fellowship meal of 2021 on Sunday, October 31st. We invite everyone to get out their cookbooks and bring something delicious to share after we have worshipped our Lord together on the 31st of October! If all goes well, we will also have our annual “Holiday” fellowship meal on Sunday, December 5th, after morning worship (this typically takes the place of the November and December fellowship meals). Please mark these dates on your calendars and pray for the success of these plans. We hope to see you there!

BEAUTIFUL FOOTPRINTS

“And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”” Romans 10:15

Photo by Adrianna Calvo on Pexels.com

It is always time to rejoice and honor God when souls are added to His kingdom. Let us offer prayers of thanksgiving and of encouragement to these new brethren that our fellow workers in Nigeria are reporting on below. May God be praised for His marvelous grace and mercy. For the elders, Ken D

HARVEST OF SOULS TODAY (September 26th) A team of preachers stormed Wula, eastern Boki, in Cross River state, 9km to the Cameroon Republic, and established a congregation there last year. For two days now, we repeated the exercise and the Lord blessed us with 6 souls. We left this morning with a prayer….LORD LEAD US TO READY SOULS FOR THE GOSPEL AND DIRECT THOSE WHO NEED THE GOSPEL TO US. God answered our prayers. To God be the glory. Excited to be busy in the vineyard of the Lord. Historically, the church in Wula started in my office with the conversion of my Head of Department three and half years ago. His conversion has brought his wife, daughter, cousin, mother, and now a congregation in his village. The Lord is ready to give us victory if and only if we will work. Ours is to preach and it is His duty to convert.

Keep us in your prayers.

Sincerely yours

Mike Udam

Photos from Mike Udam

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FOR EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON

Posted on October 2, 2021 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

For Everything There is a Season, a Time for Every Purpose (Eccl. 3:1)

The elders believe the time has come for fellowship, that is, a fellowship meal. Conditions permitting, we intend to resume our monthly fellowship meals after the morning assembly on the last Sunday of each month. We realize that there may be some who are not comfortable yet with the idea of gathering for a meal, but there are many who feel ready to take this next step toward what was “normal” 18 months ago.

Photo by Kaboompics .com on Pexels.com

We intend to have our first fellowship meal of 2021 on Sunday, October 31st. We invite everyone to get out their cookbooks and bring something delicious to share after we have worshipped our Lord together on the 31st of October! If all goes well, we will have our annual “Holiday” fellowship meal on Sunday, December 5th after morning worship (this typically takes the place of the November and December fellowship meals). Please mark these dates on your calendars and pray for the success of these plans. We hope to see you there! — Joe

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WEEKLY NEWS, OCTOBER 3, 2021

Posted on October 2, 2021 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

A SERVICE OPPORTUNITY
Meals on Wheels needs volunteers to deliver for about an hour at a time. This is a great service opportunity. Pick a day and a friend, if you like, to join you in supporting those less fortunate in your community.
Thanks so much,
Nita Burton
Hill Country Community Action Association, Inc.
(Contact information is available from the church office)

THANK YOU NOTE
To Our Very Special Church Family:
Your prayers, your cards and hugs have been such a show of love for us in the loss of Harold’s special “twin” cousin and Sarah’s sister. We say thanks to each one. May God’s blessings be with each of you. Our love,
Harold & Sarah

BEAUTIFUL FOOTPRINTS

“And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”” Romans 10:15

Photo by Adrianna Calvo on Pexels.com

This note came in from Sylvester this week and thought we all would enjoy hearing about how the newly enlarged Ugbogbo Church of Christ building in Igarra Edo state Nigeria is being used. God is working mightily in Nigeria. Continue to pray for our brethren there. For the elders, Ken D

Today we had the first one of the Quarterly Bible Lectureship that we are restarting after many years since we stopped. Besides other challenges, space was another factor. Now with our expanded hall we are all too happy to serve. Our Monthly Leadership Seminar holds the first Saturday of every month.
Today, rain threatened to disrupt the program, but it stopped early enough and we were able to continue. We are not yet able to invite brethren from other congregations to take advantage of our program. The reason is because of the COST OF FOOD.

For this lectureship, we sent our invitations to nonmembers in the community only. Despite the rain and the fact that today is the main market day for Igarra, yet we had a total attendance of 237 adults. With 120 children who were present, so we created a class for them in the Children’s Building. We had the opportunity to give out tracts and gospel materials. And God blessed our efforts for out of the visitors, we baptized 2 – a husband and wife.

We have started building a bank of contacts of addresses and phone numbers for follow up. This program promises to be productive of rich dividends for the growth of the Kingdom. Our only challenge is that the inflation in Nigeria is outrageous at this time. So feeding the crowd is huge challenge. And there’s no way we can assemble a crowd for half a day without food! The next Bible Lectureship is going to be in November. Please pray for us to continue to have success and encouragements.

In His Services
Sylvester Imogoh
Ugbogbo Church of Christ, Igarra

Photos by Sylvester Imogoh

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