CHRIST’S PROMISES

Posted on October 16, 2015 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

PromisesOfJesusLife can be hard at times, both physically and spiritually. Jesus knew that, without Him, we would have a hard time dealing with life. That is why He said, “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

Jesus can give rest to the lonely. Life can make us lonely; through imprisonment (of various kinds), divorce, loss of loved ones, alcohol, drugs, and military service. Jesus can fill those empty spots in our lives.

Jesus can give rest to those who worry. Worry comes from fear. We fear the unknown and the uncertain. An unstable economy, a government without a vision, and a struggling society cause many to question their future. Jesus takes care of that; He promises us the strength we need to face our challenges. “I can do everything through Him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). And the final promise is of a home with Him at the end of our lives! Jesus is bigger than any fear we may have.

Jesus can give rest to the grieving. The world struggles with death because the world only lives for this world. With Jesus, we have the hope of something far more precious than what this world has to offer us. With Jesus, we will see again someday the ones we have lost.

Jesus gives rest to those with no hope. Satan wants us to think that there are no solutions to the problems that we face and he wants us to lose hope. With Jesus, we have hope! Jesus went to the cross to give rest to a troubled world. With Jesus, we have the sweet rest we need.  – adapted from an article by Donnie Carnathan, West Erwin Church of Christ, Tyler, Texas

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OCTOBER 18, 2015 WEEKLY NEWS

Posted on October 16, 2015 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

Painting of the Building Exterior

(A note from Cary Miller)

“Our congregation is blessed with a very fine building that has served us well through many years of worship, praise and service. It is now time to repair portions of the building’s exterior and paint soffits (the underside of some of the areas), trim, doors, etc. This job started Monday, October 12, and the job will last approximately two weeks. Portions of the building will be spray painted, and on those days, if you need to be at the building, you should park on the property away from the painting activity. We will try to keep you advised of those special times ‘to be wary’”.

Please check . . .

. . . the “Continue to Remember” list and the “In The Military” list periodically. If you think that your name or the name of a loved one needs to be removed (or added), please let the secretary (Helga) know! And as always, a written note or e-mail is best. Your help is very, very much appreciated!

VISITING FOR THE MASTER

VISITATION PROGRAM Combined Teams 1 & 2 (leaders: Joe & Teri Winnett and Cary & Brenda Miller) will meet on Wednesday, October 21st, at 6:30 pm in the library for their assignments. Next Visitation time for the combined teams: Wednesday, November 11th.

Monthly Fellowship Meal . . .

. . Plan on attending, next Sunday evening, October 25th, after our worship assembly!

Hosts and hostesses will be: Myron & Janet Fietz, Cary & Brenda Miller and Don & Paula Welch. This is always a time for good visiting and eating delicious foods. Come and bring your favorite dish!

footprints-hiBeautiful Footnotes . . .

Thanksgiving – “We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentio ning you in our prayers” — 1 Thessalonians 1:2.

From Gospel Chariot Missions (Southern Africa) – Third Quarter Report 2015

Brethren, there is just toooooooooo much to report on and this report is nothing compared to what is truly happening; it’s hard to explain and report on everything. All I can say, it’s this time of the year where we are firing on all cylinders, teams travelling all directions and just so much happening. Our goal for some years now has always been to try and baptize 2,000 souls a year and we have tried and tried and tried and Brethren, it looks like we are going to, by the Grace of God, accomplish that this year. Thank you Father and thank you team and thank you to YOU for paying the way. Thank you, Thank you, and Thank you. To God be the Glory. In Him. Love, Brother George Funk and the GCM Team

From Welch Grapevine Newsletter (Cambodia) – September 2015

Greetings in the Lord Jesus Christ our beloved brethren,

Please know of our love and appreciation for each of you and the churches that stand with you. May God continue to bless us all through these ministries in Cambodia.  Love & eternal blessings, Dennis & Sharon Welch

“We ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers, as is right, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing” 2 Thessalonians 1:3. Continue to be thankful for and keep praying for all of our partners in spreading the gospel. For the elders, Ken D

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F.E.A.R.

Posted on October 9, 2015 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

uppsala-sweden-psychology-study-erasing-fear-5Fear — a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger, evil, pain, etc. One of the things that causes many in the world today to fear is that, “What if” What if our worst fear were to come true? What if I lose everything? What if my friends leave me? What if my parents’ divorce? What if I lose the game? What if….What if….What if….

I saw a saying today: F.E.A.R. has two meanings: Forget Everything And Run or Face Everything And Rise.

We face many storms throughout our lives. These storms can cause a multitude of emotions in our lives. Loss of control, fear, beaten down, desperation, and hopelessness are a few of those emotions. When we are faced with different storms in our lives, fear is an option. We can be afraid and we can react to our fear by forgetting everything and running. But in order to combat fear we need to realize that GOD will be there with us through all our fears. We must have courage to TRUST IN THE LORD. Paul, in Acts 27, is a prisoner transported to Rome by ship. He warns the centurion about not sailing. But Paul’s advice not to sail is ignored (v. 10-11). Soon after putting to sea, the ship encounters a major storm. The crew of the ship lost control, became fearful, beaten down by the storm, desperate, and finally hopeless (v. 15-20). But Paul has the courage and faith to stand before the crew and tell the crew what an angel from God has told him. In Acts 27:24-25 he said, “‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told.”

God will use storms in our lives to strengthen us. We must continue to put our faith in Him. We must focus our attention on our faith and not our fears. “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” Joshua 1:9. – Nick Pace, S. Green St. church of Christ, Glasgow, KY

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OCTOBER 11, 2015 WEEKLY NEWS

Posted on October 9, 2015 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

PAINTING OF THE CHURCH BUILDING EXTERIOR

(A note from Cary Miller)

“Our congregation is blessed with a very fine building that has served us well through many years of worship, praise and service. It is now time to repair portions of the building’s exterior and paint soffits (the underside of some of the areas), trim, doors, etc. This job is scheduled to start Monday, October 12, and the job will last approximately two weeks. Portions of the building will be spray painted, and on those days, if you need to be at the building, you should park on the property away from the painting activity. We will try to keep you advised of those special times ‘to be wary’”.

PLEASE CHECK . . .

. . . the “Continue to Remember” list and the “In The Military” list periodically. If you think that your name or the name of a loved one needs to be removed (or added), please let the secretary (Helga) know! And as always, a written note or e-mail is best.  Your help is very, very much appreciated!

VISITING FOR THE MASTER

VISITATION PROGRAM combined Teams 1 & 2 (leaders: Joe & Teri Winnett and Cary & Brenda Miller) will meet on Wednesday, October 21st, at 6:30 pm in the library for their assignments.  Next Visitation time for the combined teams: Wednesday, November 11th

Beautiful Footnotes . . .

footprints-hiOur congregation has been blessed in being part of spreading the Gospel in the West African nation of Nigeria for many years. One person the Lord has used to further this work is Brother Doug Wheeler, from Norman, OK. What follows are portions of a very recent letter from Doug with a significant announcement. Continue to keep Dou g and his wife Dianne, as well as the efforts to save the lost in Nigeria in your prayers. For the elders, Ken D.

Dear Brethren, The time has come! The end of an era has arrived! I announce this – my proposed trip to Nigeria from Jan 2 – Feb 1, 2016 will be my LAST mission trip to Nigeria, West Africa.

I have been traveling to Nigeria for short -term mission trips since 1984. However because of my Elders’ concern for my safety while in Nigeria, we have agreed together that this planned mission trip will be my last trip to Nigeria. Once I return, I will continue to handle the monies you all have been sending me for Nigerian preachers and schools, but alas, even that responsibility will be turned over to the next congregation/missionary at the appropriate time.

But for now, I request your prayers to God on my behalf and your financial support to make my last mission trip to Nigeria a spiritual success. Over the decades, you brethren have supported so many works in Nigeria through me – motorcycles for preachers, church buildings for congregations, support for preacher-training schools, tracts printed and circulated, Bibles bought in Nigeria and distributed through the preachers to those who need them, needed benevolence for many, leadership seminars that need to be held, and effective evangelistic efforts through world Bible School Seminars in so many villages, towns and cities in Nigeria! I compliment and commend you for our mission work TOGETHER over the decades!

Thank you so much for your support over the decades to Nigerian Evangelism! May Go d continue to use us to help spread the saving gospel of Christ to this great African country! In Christian love, Doug W.

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THE STORY OF THE CRACKED POT

Posted on October 8, 2015 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

 crackedpicAn elderly Chinese woman had two large pots, each hung on the ends of a pole which she carried across her neck. One of the pots had a crack in it while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water. At the end of the long walks from the stream to the house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.

For a full two years this went on daily, with the woman bringing home only one and a half pots of water. Of course, the perfect pot was proud of its accomplishments.

But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its own imperfection, and miserable that it could only do half of what it had been made to do.

After two years of what it perceived to be bitter failure, it spoke to the woman one day by the stream.

“I am ashamed of myself, because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your house.”

The old woman smiled, “Did you notice that there are flowers on your side of the path, but not on the other pot’s side? That’s because I have always known about your flaw, so I planted flower seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back, you water them.

“For two years I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate the table. Without you being just the way you are, there would not be this beauty to grace the house.”

Each of us has our own unique flaw. But it’s the cracks and flaws we each have that make our lives together so very interesting and rewarding…you’ve just got to take each person for what they are and look for the good in them.

SO, if you think that you may “not have done quite as much as you ought to”, maybe you should consider that even the “cup of water”, or the loss of water from “a cracked pot” can bring enjoyment and pleasure to an “empty table” and “grace a house”!

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OCTOBER 4, 2015 WEEKLY NEWS

Posted on October 8, 2015 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

THANK YOU NOTES

Dear Beautiful Church Family,

May God reward each of you in a special way for your kind and generous donations. It is appreciated more than you know. Be assured it will be put to good use since we lost everything — even the car. Please keep us in prayer that we accept God’s will in this disaster. I know God will work everything out in His time and in His way. We just need to trust Him. God love and bless you all. In Christian love, Sam & Dody

To My Christian Family,

I want to thank everyone for your prayers and your concern for me after my accident.

Thank you for the cards, food and visits, and all the ways you encouraged me.

It is comforting and healing to know you were lifting up prayers for me to a loving God. And He heard you and answered! I don’t know what I would have done without you.

I love you with the love of the Lord. Pat DeVore

A Temporary change in the “VISITING FOR THE MASTER” program

Team #1 and #2 will join together for the remainder of 2015. The combined group will meet in the library on October 21, November 11 and December 9. These dates will be on the calendar here at the appropriate times.

Beautiful Footnotes . . .

footprints-hi“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV)

Paul’s words to the Ephesians are as true today as they ever were. It is truly by God’s hand that former communist bloc nations are asking for the Bible – in their schools. Ukraine, Romania and Croatia are wanting more. More spirituality. More morality. More God. Providing more for their children and their future.

Eastern European Mission (EEM) thinks this is a good thing and is saying, “Yes” to these nations and is working on fulfilling these requests, but they need your help. So,

EEM has asked individuals and churches, all across the nation, to participate in The Million Dollar Sunday on September 27, 2015.

For just $5, you can help make this happen. $150 provides for a class and $1,000 supplies an entire school. Eastern European Mission has the opportunity to place Bibles and Biblical literature in the schools of Ukraine, Romania and Croatia – in their native languages.

The Highland Lakes congregation has supported efforts of the EEM in the past. Let’s partner together in this effort and do more. Please join in this effort to fulfill this request and help spread the gospel. Do what you can to help. The Bible. We want everyone to get it!

For the Elders, Ken D.

Our generous contribution last Sunday for this great cause , was $1,255.00. Thanks to all who helped!

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THE GREATEST GIFT

Posted on September 26, 2015 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

GreatestGiftA long time ago in Persia, a benevolent ruler named Shah Abbis reigned. To get to know his people better, he wore disguises to mingle among them.

One day, he went as a poor man to the public baths, and sat by the fireman tending the furnace. At mealtime, he shared his food, and talked to the poor man as to a friend. Again and again, he visited the fireman until the man grew to love him. Finally, the emperor revealed his identity to the fireman. The emperor expected the fireman to request a gift of him. However, the fireman requested nothing. With love and wonder, the fireman declared, “You left your palace and your glory to sit with me in this dark place, to partake of my coarse fare, and to care whether my heart was glad or sad. On others you may bestow rich presents, but to me you have given yourself.”

Of course, we know a Ruler far more benevolent than this Persian monarch. We know a Ruler Who left the ivory palaces of heaven to come and to live among us (Psalm 45:8). We know a Ruler Who was clothed with flesh and took upon Himself the form of a servant (Philippians 2:5-8). We know a Ruler Who became poor that we might be made rich (2 Corinthians 8:9). We know a Ruler Who was such a friend to us that He gave His life for us (John 15:12-13). Of course, the King is Jesus Christ. – Via House to House, Heart to Heart Vol. 20, No. 2

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SEPTEMBER 27, 2015 WEEKLY NEWS

Posted on September 26, 2015 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

THANK YOU

Thank you for your prayers, support, and many words of encouragement for a successful recovery from my recent accident. We are home where I will continue physical therapy for several weeks. It is truly an honor and blessing to be a member of Christ’s church in Kingsland which is filled with Christian love and compassion. Sincerely, Bob Foster

Our Fellowship Meal

..takes place today after our evening worship assembly. Hosts & hostesses are: Bill & Mary K. Flanary, Adam & Josie Garcia and James & Vicky Williams.

Come, bring your favorite dish and enjoy this fellowship with good food and pleasant company!

VISITING FOR THE MASTER

(VISITATION PROGRAM) Team #1 (leaders: Teri & Joe Winnett) will meet on Wednesday, October 7th, at 6:30 pm in the library for their assignments.

SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION

See “Beautiful Foot Notes” about today’s special contribution to EEM. Mark your check “for EEM” or put cash in an envelope marked “for EEM” and into the regular collection plate.

footprints-hiBeautiful Footnotes . . .

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV)

Paul’s words to the Ephesians are as true today as they ever were. It is truly by God’s hand that former communist bloc nations are asking for the Bible – in their schools. Ukraine, Romania and Croatia are wanting more. More spirituality. More morality. More God. Providing more for their children and their future.

Eastern European Mission (EEM) thinks this is a good thing and is saying, “Yes” to these nations and is working on fulfilling these requests, but they need your help. So,

EEM is asking individuals and churches, all across the nation, to participate in The Million Dollar Sunday on September 27, 2015.

For just $5, you can help make this happen. $150 provides for a class and $1,000 supplies an entire school. Eastern European Mission has the opportunity to place Bibles and Biblical literature in the schools o f Ukraine, Romania and Croatia – in their native languages.

The Highland Lakes congregation has supported efforts of the EEM in the past. Let’s partner together in this effort and do more. Please join in this effort to fulfill this request and help spread the gospel. Do what you can to help. The Bible. We want everyone to get it! For the Elders, Ken D.

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ANYONE

Posted on September 19, 2015 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

19c3e757a8534ff8d127240ec568f020“If any man is thirsty, let him come to me and drink” (John 7:37).

Anyone. Anyone who is thirsty. Anyone. Anyone who thirsts. Anyone who has become dissatisfied with a lifeless life. Discontent with existing, but not living. Anyone.

Jesus stands on the last and the greatest day of the Feast of Tabernacles and declared that for those who are spiritually thirsty, living water is a present reality.

During the Feast of Tabernacles there were two primary ceremonies. One was the Festival of Lights in which lamps were lit all around the Temple courtyard on the final night commemorating the restoration of the Temple by the Maccabees during the inter-testimonial period. It is as the light of these lamps flood the Temple grounds that Jesus stands and exclaims, “I am the Light of the world.” Earlier on the final day of Tabernacles was the water libation ceremony in which water would be poured out before the people upon an altar symbolizing the water from the rock in the desert wandering (Exodus 17), through which God saved and provided for His people. It is during this ceremony that Jesus stands and declares, “If a man is thirsty, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him” (John 7:37-38).

A few chapters earlier in the Gospel of John, Jesus had spoken similar words to the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:13-14).

“This water” (I envision Jesus motioning toward the well). Physical water, the water of this world. Or “living water”. The choice is ours.

Why do we continue to believe that this world has anything to offer that satisfies? Why do we find ourselves returning to the well of despair? The well of heartache? The well of futility? Rather than drinking deep from the well of life? The living water of the Kingdom of Jesus.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good” (Psalm 34:8a)

“As the deer pants for streams of water so my soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts for the Living God” (Psalm 42:1-2a)

Living God. Living water. Life that is life. Life that is filled. For anyone who is thirsty. Anyone.

~~ Via West Erwin church of Christ bulletin, Tyler, Texas

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SEPTEMBER 20, 2015 WEEKLY NEWS

Posted on September 19, 2015 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

THANK YOU NOTE

Dear Church Family:  It is with heartfelt thanks for your support and generous monetary contributions that you have given us to help us on our way to recover from the disaster that we have suffered. With friends like you and with the help of God we will overcome.  In Christian Love, Sam and Dody Garrison

The Cherokee Home for Children Benefit . . .

. . . will be this coming Saturday, September 26th at the Home.  A good time to visit, help the children and pick up bargains at the auction!

Congratulations

Judy & Barry Womack are the proud grandparents of Weston Wayne Ausmus of Angleton, Texas. He was born on Monday, September 14th, weighing in at almost 8 pounds. Judy & Barry are with the new baby and family for a few day. We pray God’s richest blessings on the newborn and the family.

VISITING FOR THE MASTER

VISITATION PROGRAM Team #2 (leaders: Cary & Brenda Miller) will meet on Wednesday, September 23rd, at 6:30 pm in the library for their assignments.

Food Pantry Needs: tooth paste, deodorant, and shampoo. Can you help?

Our Fellowship Meal, next Sunday, September 27th, after our evening worship assembly. Hosts & hostesses will be: Bill & Mary K. Flanary, Adam & Josie Garcia and James & Vicky Williams.

footprints-hiBeautiful Footnotes . . .

Cherokee Home for Children News

Hooray! School has started again. We sent off 25 good – looking kids to their first day of the 2015-2016 school year. With the school schedule comes football practice, football games, early morning cross country workout, karate class, piano lessons, tutorials, and homework. The karate class is being taught by a good friend to Cherokee Home to those of our children who are interested. The kids will be able to advance as far as they choose with the Sensei’s help. Please pray for our kids to have a great school year that is marked by achievement, good behavior, and fun.

The Cherokee Home for Children 2015 Auction benefitting the kids will be Saturday, September 26. If you have not been before, you don’t know what you are missing! If you come, you will find something that you “need”! All proceeds go to meet the needs of our children. A hamburger concession stand will be available for lunch. Bidding begins at 9:00 A.M. If you have any questions, call the office at (325) 622-4201 or (800) 689-3292.

Mark 10:13 -15 13 “And they were bringing children to Him that He might touch them, and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, he was indignant and said to them, “Let the children come to me; do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. 15 Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”

Our Lord was indignant when His disciples hindered the children. Our congregation has long supported the Cherokee Home for Children financially. We need to continue to do whatever we can to help, and encourage these children and all others to receive the kingdom of God. Pray for them daily. Do what you can. For the elders, Ken D.

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