FATHER’S DAY

Posted on June 19, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

Fathers-Day-Destop-WallpaperThe Heavenly Father, An Example for The Earthly Father

Ephesians 4:6 tells us of “one God and Father of all, Who is over all, and through all, and in you all.” By right of creation all men stand under the Fatherhood of God (Acts 17:24-29); but by right of conversion, only those who are Christians can call God, “Our Father” (1 John 3:1).

As our heavenly Father, God . . . .

1. Provides for His children. The blessings of providence are ever with us (Matthew 6:33; Romans 8:28). Spiritual provision (forgiveness of sins) has also been made (Ephesians 1:10).

2. Punishes or Disciplines His Household. Earthly fathers have the right to administer discipline (Hebrews 12:2-12) and restrain children from wayward paths. The Heavenly Father does, too!

3. Hates sin. Romans 1:18 says: “The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men…..”

4. Loves Sinners. Romans 5:8 teaches, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

5. Invites All to Come to Him. Revelation 22:17 says, “Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” Those who come to God through Christ by obeying the gospel are God’s family (Romans 5:1; 6:1-4, 16-18).

6. And How He Loves His Children! “How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And this is what we are!” (1 John 3:1). How we need to lead others to the “water of life”, so that they, too, can be His beloved children and be in this wonderful relationship that helps the earthly father to demonstrate the Heavenly Father’s love to the family, and also helps us bear our burdens and leads us to a glorious eternity with the Father in heaven.

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WEEKLY NEWS JUNE 19, 2016

Posted on June 19, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

VISITING FOR THE MASTER

VISITATION PROGRAM Team #2 (leaders: Cary & Brenda Miller) will meet on Wednesday, June 22nd, at 6:30 pm in the library for their assignments.

Coming Workday

World Bible School workday is coming up on Thursday, June 23rd. The workers will meet in the education building at 9 am and work until all is done.

Monthly Fellowship

Our next Fellowship Luncheon will take place on Sunday, June 26th. As a cool summer treat, the suggestion was made to make it a “Salad Luncheon”. Make your plans to attend and either bring a meat salad, a veggie-salad, a tossed salad, a fruit or other kind of sweet salad, but by no means, leave out the scrumptious desserts to top of the meal! All will be enjoyed and appreciated by everybody!

Would You Like to Improve Your Bible Teaching Skills?

The Central Texas Bible Teachers Workshop is coming up on July 22-23 (Friday & Saturday) at the Cameron Road church of Christ in Austin, TX. Make your plans to attend. It will be a great experience!

human-footprints_318-46627Beautiful Footnotes . . .

We were honored and blessed this spring to be able to help support Troy and Leanna Futrell’s granddaughter Madison on a reading literacy mission trip to Rwanda with Harding University. What follows is Part One of her reflections on the trip.

“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.”

Now that I’ve had time to reflect on my trip to Rwanda, I have come away with a few lessons. As cliche as it is to say, the kids and people of Rwanda taught me many things.

Love everyone no matter what the past holds – Some of the most friendly, loving, and kind people live in Rwanda. We were greeted with nice smiles and waves as we walked along the street or entered the market places. Kids would run after our taxis and come up and hold our hands. Meeting new people would mean a hug or a hand shake was about to happen. It is a truly wonderful atmosphere. The last Sunday our group was there, we went to the Genocide Memorial. It was really hard to read about what had happened, but what was even harder was thinking about how the people we had come into contact with lived through this horrific time. People one year older than me lost family members and friends in the genocide. How are these people so loving and filled with so much joy? The only explanation would be forgiveness. If they can forgive people that took their family, we should be able to forgive someone who has wronged us. “Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong.” Those are the type of people that live in Rwanda.

Be thankful for EVERYTHING – This is a lesson I needed to learn. I take so many things for granted and I don’t even realize it. We have paved roads, clean drinking water that comes out of our sinks, ice, air conditioning, clean clothes everyday, and so much more. We are blessed and lucky to have all of these amenities, but are we thankful for them? I spend too much time complaining about what I don’t have instead of being grateful for the many many, many things I do have.

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THE MAN AND HIS DOG

Posted on June 10, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

641a70098e95b5bc6dc102c7f529f21fDo you have a pet? Many do. One thing I’ve noticed is that pets are generally loved and cared by their owners, and some are even spoiled. In fact, many are given consideration above that which is extended to most humans.

Take for example, the story I read recently about a man and his dog in the Ozarks. During quail season an old farmer was out hunting with an ancient pointer. Twice the dog pointed. Twice his master kicked at a matted growth, wheeled sharply and fired into the empty air. When a friend saw no birds rise, he asked the farmer for an explanation. “Shucks,” grinned the old man, “I know there warn’t no birds in that grass. Spot’s nose ain’t what it used to be. But him and me have seen some wonderful days together. He’s doing his best — and it’d be mighty little of me to call him a liar.”

Have you ever contemplated what the world would be like if everyone showed that kind of consideration not only to his dog, but to his fellow man? Is there any doubt it would eliminate many of the bumps, bruises, and rough spots in life?

When it comes to how we treat another, Jesus wrote the book on this topic. “And as you wish that men would do to you, do so to them” (Luke 6:31). It’s little wonder to me that this great principle has become known by all as “THE GOLDEN RULE.” It’s the practical expression of Christian love — the kind of love which would change the world and give a taste of heaven below!

My Bible says, “Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for he who loves his fellow man has fulfilled the law” (Romans 13:8).

If love for a dog would cause an old farmer to shoot at none existing birds, I wonder how it would modify our treatment of each other??? (Windsong Bulletin)

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WEEKLY NEWS JUNE 12, 2016

Posted on June 10, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

VISITING FOR THE MASTER

VISITATION PROGRAM Team #2 (leaders: Cary & Brenda Miller) will meet on Wednesday, June 22nd, at 6:30 pm in the library for their assignments.

ATTENTION

“We would like to thank you for the time and effort you have given to cutting, saving, and sending Campbell’s Soup labels to us. We have received many great benefits from this program over the years. HOWEVER, the Labels for Education program is being cancelled, and we will not have need for any more labels. It truly was a blessing while it lasted.” ~~ Cherokee Home for Children.

human-footprints_318-46627Beautiful Footnotes

Father of the fatherless and protector of widows is God in His holy habitation.” Psalm 68:5 (ESV)

In this time of year when we celebrate parents with Mother’s and Father’s Days, it is important to remember the work of our fellow workers in the kingdom who care for children who are without parents. We are so thankful that our God can use those loving people, like those at Cherokee Home for Children, whom we as a congregation are able to support. We also want to be thinking of and praying for five graduating seniors from the Home this year. For the elders, Ken D

News Items from the Cherokee Home for Children – This year’s Cherokee Day Open House and Food Drive on May 7th: we were blessed with a beautiful day and about five hundred guests here to tour our campus, feast on a BBQ lunch with us, and bring cash and groceries to stock our pantry for the upcoming year. We GREATLY appreciate the friends of Cherokee Home for Children!

Our senior kids were honored with a banquet by the Cherokee Church of Christ and presented Bibles. Five of the graduates live at Cherokee Home for Children.

Courtney Hull, daughter of the Executive Director of Cherokee Home for Children, competed in the St ate UIL Math Competition in Austin during the last week of May.

Several Cherokee Home kids were honored at the San Saba County Rotary Banquet for outstanding grades. Congratulations to Kohlton, Crista, Chase, Tori, Sophia, Kaitlyn, and Courtney. Additional congratulations to Courtney, who also received a scholarship from the San Saba EMS.

The Cherokee Home for Children 2016 Graduating Seniors:  We are so proud of them!

  •  Courtney, Valedictorian of class, will attend Harding University and study biomedical engineering.
  •  Mason will live in Llano and work with family.
  •  Kaitlyn will attend Angelo State and major in Social Work.
  •  Sophia will attend Angelo State and major in biology.
  •  Seth will attend Tarleton University to study Criminal Justice
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LIMITING OUR SUCCESS

Posted on June 5, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

fekete_aranybandazs_45_02.jpgWhen the prophet Elisha was about to die, Joash, King of Israel, visited him and wept (2 Kings 13:14). During this visit, the prophet told the king to take out a bow and some arrows. As Joash put his hand on his bow, Elisha’s hands covered the hands of the king. He then told Joash to open a window and shoot. When he shot the first arrow, Elisha explained that the arrows represented deliverance from Syria, one of Israel’s enemies.

Elisha then told Joash to take a few more arrows and strike the ground with them. Joash struck the ground three times with the arrows of God’s deliverance, but then stopped. Elisha was puzzled and angry with Joash. He said, “You should have struck the ground five or six times; then you would have struck Syria till you had destroyed it. But now you will only strike Syria three times” (2 Kings 13:19).

Why was Elisha angry? He was angry because Joash had been given the power of God to defeat Syria completely, but Joash did not take full advantage of such power. Joash should have been so moved by the prophecy, that when he was asked to strike the ground, he would have done so with passion, excitement, and courage. Elisha should have had to beg him to stop striking the ground with the arrows of God!

The church of today needs to heed the advice of Elisha. We are limiting our own success. We have the power of God in our hands, but are afraid to use it. We don’t read and study the Bible enough! We don’t take the Bible to our community! We don’t get excited enough about what it can do! We don’t defend it with our lives like the church once did! We need to stop tap, tap, tapping the arrows of God upon the earth! God wants the victory to be complete! The power is available — but we need to gird up our loins and find some courage to strike the earth with conviction!

In my mind and heart, this prayer for the church of Jesus Christ continues: “Father, restore in us your plea. Give us the nerve to change the world. Give us the courage to renew our priorities. Give us some arrows! Help us to make them count!”

“The Lord will appear above his people; his arrows will fly like lightning!” (Zechariah 9:14).

– Jeremiah Tatum, backtothebible.blogspot.com

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WEEKLY NEWS JUNE 5, 2016

Posted on June 5, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

A Special Report this Morning!

The combined adult Bible Classes are meeting in the auditorium this morning to hear a report from Mike Nappier about the mission work in South Africa. We support two missionaries there, George and Quinton Funk. Mike works with one of the sponsoring congregations and he also campaigns with George. We are looking forward to what Mike has to say about this work!

VISITING FOR THE MASTER

VISITATION PROGRAM Team #1 (leaders: Joe & Teri Winnett) will meet on Wednesday, July 8th at 6:30 pm in the library for their assignments.

Thank You

Thank you to my sisters and brothers in Christ, for your many prayers for my aunt, Jolene Jones. She went joyfully to her Heavenly home May 10th, 2016. Please keep her children, Jedda, Mark and Rowley in your prayers as they struggle with our loss. In Christian love, Janet Fietz

We want to express our condolences with love and prayers to Janet and to all in the family and their friends.

human-footprints_318-46627

How blessed we are today to hear a report from Mike Nappier about the mission work in Africa, were we help support two missionaries, George and Quinton Funk with Gospel Chariot Missions. It reminds us of Paul’s cooperation with congregations and Apollos as God’s fellow workers (1 Corinthians 3:9 ESV). Keep this effort in thought and in prayer. What follows is a report from the Gospel Chariot Missions Facebook page. For the elders, Ken D

You never know whom you help and what God will do through the m. Last year whilst campaigning in Zimbabwe, my partner as we reached out was Stanley Shereni. He pleaded with me to please help with a portable baptistery for the prisons. I agreed and we gave him one and to date he has taught hundreds in the prisons in Zimbabwe. Here is a bit of what Stanley reported.

“Greetings brother, I hope you are well I am now back in Chinhoyi the trip to Mutoko was a memorable one. We had 89 baptisms and after that we had a fellowship meal with the inmates and 6 officers. At first I was told that 73 would be baptized but when I went there 89 got baptized, included in the baptism were two officers. There were no ladies because all had been released because of the amnesty. All the inmates and the two officers are studying with us. I gave then lessons from unit three for them to continue studying. I also gave out 250 WBS Intro lessons for the other guys to start studying.”

Keep up the good work Stanley and let’s not forget those in prison. We all make mistakes and need a second chance. Let’s all encourage Stanley to keep on keeping on. Thank You Lord.

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THE ONLY ONE PULLING

Posted on June 4, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

Warwick1

An out-of-towner drove his car into a ditch in a desolated area. Fortunately, a local farmer came to help with his big strong horse named Buddy. He hitched Buddy up to the car and yelled, “Pull, Nellie, pull!” Buddy did no move. Then the farmer hollered, “Pull, Buster, pull!” Buddy did not respond. Once more the farmer commanded, “Pull, Coco, pull!” Nothing.

Then the farmer nonchalantly said, “Pull, Buddy, pull!” And the horse easily dragged the car out of the ditch.

The motorist was most appreciative but very curious. He asked the farmer why he had called his horse by the wrong name three times. The farmer said, “Oh, Buddy is blind and if he thought he was the only one pulling, he wouldn’t even had tried.”

We are a lot like Buddy. We don’t like to do something if we think we’re the only one pulling. Need an example? Did you ever say, “Why should I put my time and effort into the work of the church? No one else seems to care!” Or, “Why should I put forth the extra effort to do a good job at work? No one else does, and it wouldn’t be appreciated anyway!” Or, “Why should I be nice to him/her? He’s /she’s certainly not going to make any effort to be nice to me!”

See what I mean? Like Elijah in the cave, we say to God, “I alone am left” (1 Kings 19:10). Nobody else is faithful. Nobody else is trying. But God told Elijah He had 7,000 on his side. Like Buddy and Elijah, we may be blind. Blind to what others are doing around us. But, even if we are the only one doing what is right, we need to continue.

“And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not loose heart” (Galatians 6:9).

Hang in there, there is work to be done!

Alan Smith, University Blvd. church of Christ, Whitehouse, TN

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WEEKLY NEWS MAY 29, 2016

Posted on June 4, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

Thank You

Thank you to all my brothers and sisters in Christ for your many prayers for my cousin Charlotte Smith. The Lord took her home at 3:15 am May 24, 2016 while she was at Sheldon, MO. Her ashes will be brought back to Texas and a memorial service will take place later on when all the family can get together. Please keep her sisters Sally and Sheila in your prayers as they struggle with our loss.   In Christian Love, Sherry Wills

Our condolences, love and heartfelt prayers go out to Sherry, Sally and Sheila and to all the family and friends.

A Special Treat Next Sunday Morning!

Next Sunday morning, June 5th, the combined adult Bible Classes will meet in the auditorium to hear a report from Mike Nappier about the mission work in South Africa. We support two missionaries there, George and Quinton Funk. Mike works with one of the sponsoring congregations and he also campaigns with George. Don’t miss this special and exciting report!

Very Important!

Those who cannot perform their Sunday A.M. duties, please call Bill Flanary before services!

Visiting for the Master

VISITATION PROGRAM Team #1 (leaders: Joe & Teri Winnett) will meet on Wednesday, July 8th at 6:30 pm in the library for their assignments.

human-footprints_318-46627Beautiful Footnotes

“I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to feel this way about you all, because I hold you in my heart, for you are all partakers with me of grace…” Philippians 1:3-7 ESV

It was such a wonderful blessing to have been able to spend time last weekend with Dennis and Sharon Welch as they spent time with us as a congregation and shared their hearts with us concerning the work of spreading the Gospel of our Lord with the precious souls of Cambodia.

The time we were able to spend together helps us all develop hearts and attitudes that reflect our God’s desire that all should be saved. It also helps us better understand and appreciate terms like, fellow worker, fellow laborer, fellow soldier, fellow servant, and fellow brother in Christ.

The Spirit of God and the hearts of Dennis and Sharon are moving them to teach people in Cambodia the Gospel, so that they might become saved disciples of Jesus and as disciples that they will share with others so that more disciples of Jesus can be made. They seek what Jesus has asked us all to do as disciples, teach and make disciples who will teach and make disciples.

The example and commitment of the Welches to the growth of the Kingdom should make us all reevaluate our own discipleship and commitment to the Great Commission. Continue daily to support the Welches in thought and prayer, they are, after all, so very easy to love.  For the elders, Ken D

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THE SEARCH FOR SPIRITUALITY

Posted on June 4, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

spirituality-stain-glassorig.jpg

Spirituality is a highly sought after quality, and has been throughout the ages. In the ancient city of Ephesus, sacred prostitutes served daily in the temple of Diana because it was thought that sexual union brought closer union with the gods. Mothers have thrown their babies into the crocodile-infested Ganges River in the search for spirituality. In Jesus’ own day Jews washed meticulously, dressed ridiculously and wouldn’t even eat an egg laid on the Sabbath in their quest for greater spirituality.

What is spirituality? W. E. Vine writes regarding spirituality and the spiritual man: “Things that have their origin in God, and which, therefore, are in harmony with His character…the spiritual man walks by the Spirit…and manifests the fruits of the Spirit in his life.” It is that quality of life that results from a right relationship with God. It is evidenced by such things as love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22, 23).

The essence of spirituality is reflected in Paul’s prayer for the church at Philippi. He prayed that they would approve the things that are excellent, and that they would be sincere and without offense until Christ came (Philippians 1:10). That should be our goal. Spiritual men/women have eternal values. They follow a divine standard. They live a distinctive life.

Our search for spirituality will not be complete until we learn the will of God and make it our own. That is only possible when we become careful Bible students. The Bible, understood and applied, makes for spiritual men and women. Spirituality may be a difficult concept to define, but a spiritual person is easily recognizable.

Are You Searching for Greater Spirituality?

Roger Rush via church of Christ Massillon, OH

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WEEKLY NEWS, MAY 22, 2016

Posted on June 4, 2016 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

WELCOME!

We Welcome, Dennis & Sharon Welch this morning! Dennis will give a report in the combined adult Bible class in the auditorium and, afterwards, he will preach. We will also enjoy Dennis’ & Sharon’s company in our Fellowship Meal at noon. Be sure and stay for this!

Our Fellowship Meal Today

Today, after our morning worship assembly, we will have our monthly Fellowship Meal. Hosting this meal are: John & Tina Brewer, Tommy Sledge, Kay Parker and Tanya Arnold with her capable kids.

VISITING FOR THE MASTER

VISITATION PROGRAM Team #2 (leaders: Cary & Brenda Miller) will meet on Wednesday, May 25th, at 6:30 pm in the library for their assignments.

THANK YOU       

Thank you for all your thoughts, prayers and cards. A special thanks to you that attended the visitation or the service for my sister, Joan.  In Christian Love, Troy & Leana

Very Important!

Those who cannot perform their Sunday A.M. duties, please call Bill Flanary before services!!!

New Library Resource!

We have recently obtained some bound copies of the “Reason and Revelation” journal produced by our brethren at Apologetics Press. The journals are bound by year and feature scholarly articles dealing with issues such as Islam, abortion, homosexuality, evolution and various other topics of biblical interest.  We encourage you to take advantage of this excellent source of information! The volumes can be found in our church library.

human-footprints_318-46627Beautiful Footnotes

We are honored and blessed to have our beloved brother and sister in Christ, Dennis and Sharon Welch, with us this weekend as they take time out of the mission field of Cambodia to visit us and report on the work they are involved in. We are thankful that God has seen fit that we can be fellow laborers with the Welchs in financially supporting the sharing of the Good News in Southeast Asia and keeping this work and the Welchs in our hearts and before the Father in Heaven through our prayers.

Recently Dennis and Sharon Welch encouraged the elders and any other interested brethren to read the book “We Are Not The Hero” by Jean Johnson, to get a better understanding of the true making of disciples of all nations. What follows is from that book. Consider it to evaluate the evangelism as you know it and pray for all involved in evangelism (and that’s all of us).  For the elders, Ken D

The Test of Any Work

Are those who have followed us to Christ now leading others to Him and teaching them to make disciples like ourselves? Note, it is not enough to rescue the perishing, though this is imperative, nor is it sufficient to build up newborn babes in the faith of Christ, although this too is necessary if the first fruit is to endure; in fact, it is not sufficient just to get them out winning souls, as commendable as this work may be. What really counts in the ultimate perpetuation of our work is the faithfulness with which our converts go out and make leaders out of their converts, not simply more followers….

The test of any work of evangelism thus is not what is seen at the moment, or in the conference report, but in the effectiveness with which the work continues in the next generation. Similarly the criteria on which a church should measure its success is not how many new names are added to the roll nor how much the budget is increased, but rather how many Christians are actively winning souls and training them to win the multitudes.

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