In a dream our minds create as we go. Landscapes, people, everyday objects…all these are made in an instant. Granted, they are imaginary, but have you ever considered how impressive that is? Sometimes, what your mind makes is so convincing that, upon waking, it takes you a couple of seconds to realize that it actually was a dream. Is this an echo of God’s creative power that we retain since we are made in His image? Perhaps. Of course, what God can do is so much more impressive. We only dream. He speaks and what He says comes to be. And since God can do that, the world we had yesterday doesn’t have to be the world we have today. We should sit up and take notice when the Word says “I am making everything new!” (Revelation 21:5).
Once in a desert, some complainers started whining about the manna-only diet. It was a world without an Arby’s. They didn’t have the meats. But God told them that the world they would have tomorrow wouldn’t be like the world they have today. Tomorrow they would have meat. In fact, they would have so much meat they wouldn’t know what to do with it all. They would have meat for a month! Moses has a really hard time imagining this world. He says “Here I am among six hundred thousand men on foot, and you say, „I will give them meat to eat for a whole month!‟ Would they have enough if flocks and herds were slaughtered for them? Would they have enough if all the fish in the sea were caught for them?” (Numbers 11:21-22). Moses’ problem is that he underestimates the creative power of God. It rained three feet of quail the next day. Not a dream – that actually happened. Such is the power of God.
In fact, the power of God is so mighty that everything we think we know can be changed in an instant. Behold He is making everything new! Today’s world of eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage may just be entirely different tomorrow. Tomorrow we could be living in a world that is beyond all that we could dream of. He “is able to do immeasurable more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). Friends, if you’re a Christian I suspect this world isn’t everything that you hoped for. There might be some serious issues with the world that you’re experiencing today. But fear not. We serve a God that can change it all in a flash. In the time it takes to sound a trumpet. Someday He will.
Doug Wells Camden Avenue church of Christ, Parkersburg, WV
We Were Able to Send a Check for several thousand dollars to the Uvalde church of Christ! Thank you for your generosity! We know this will be of great help to a number of people.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Due to the diminished images by our auditorium projector and its anticipated replacement within a few weeks, we will be conducting our song services without the projector for the next several weeks. Please use the songbooks and follow the song leader as we worship together. Thanks for your help and understanding.
WORLD BIBLE SCHOOL NEWS
Henry Kattner lets us know that 854 processed pieces of WBS mail were shipped to Nigeria last week.
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
What does it mean to live as a Christian in a situation where you are a refugee, like the Ukrainians who have had to flee to Poland to avoid conflict? This recent report from the Christian Chronicle may give us a glimpse and another reason to pray for those affected. For the elders, Ken D
Photo by the Christian Chronicle
WARSAW, Poland — Bizarrely, Yura Taran is thankful for all the years he abused drugs. It was another life ago, before he became a Christian and then a minister for a Church of Christ in the eastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia. But the poison with which he polluted himself had lingering effects. He’s not healthy enough to serve in the Ukrainian military.
Neither is fellow minister Boris Sanzhura of Kramatorsk. He’s thankful for the nagging eye problem that resulted from an old injury. It’s a “thorn in the flesh,” as the apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12. But it allowed him to cross the border with members of his congregation while other men were required to stay. They can’t serve their country by taking up arms. But here, they can serve their flock by taking up the cross. “God turned what was bad into good,” Taran said.
The two ministers live among more than 50 Ukrainian refugees — most of them from Churches of Christ — in a small apartment block in Poland’s capital. Churches in the U.S. helped Polish Christians secure and rent the brand-new facility for the Ukrainians. Eastern European Mission has contributed funds to help with vehicle repairs and supplies. Łukasz Kondracki, a third-generation member of the Church of Christ in Warsaw, and his wife, Nicole, help coordinate the relief effort.
On a Thursday afternoon, as workers installed an oven in an upstairs kitchen, Kondracki talked with Taran about vacuum cleaners and yard equipment — in a mix of Polish, English and Russian. Linguistically, “we’re breaking all the rules,” Kondracki said. As for the work-in-progress facility, “They told me this doesn’t have to be a five-star hotel, but don’t be like what’s going on across the street,” he said, motioning toward the cemetery.
The apartments are appreciated, said Taran’s wife, Yulia. They allow greater privacy than the refugee centers they stayed in on their journey here. In the complex’s spacious backyard, the Ukrainians are setting up a tent for devotionals and planting a vegetable garden.
Some plan to stay here for a few weeks as they look for jobs and new lives in other parts of Europe. Others wait for a chance to return home. It’s a tough wait, Yura Taran said. They get word that things have quieted down and start to think about going back. Then they learn of a new attack.
Meanwhile, the Ukrainians have revitalized the Warsaw congregation, which had dwindled to a handful of worshipers in recent years, Nicole Kondracki said. Mission efforts here have struggled, and supporting churches have pulled out. The Kondrackis plan to move to Alabama in July. In recent weeks, church attendance has topped 60. Church members have rented an auditorium to accommodate the growing congregation of refugees.
“Church” itself has taken on a new meaning for the Ukrainians, Yura Taran said. It used to mean “sitting for two hours, singing songs and then going home. “We’re not doing that here. … Here, we’re in each other’s faces, at each other’s throats!” he said with a laugh. “We’re loving each other, respecting each other, trying to bless each other. And inside of us everything is calm and peaceful. This is our Exodus. Soon, we will find the promised land.”
In a letter dated July 3, 1776, John Adams wrote to his wife: “This will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more.”
The second President of the United States was right. Without question, our freedom should be celebrated! However, in order to celebrate properly, we must understand our freedom. Consider the spiritual truths as well.
Freedom comes at a high cost. The last line of the Declaration of Independence says: “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor.” Jesus Christ gave His life to secure our eternal freedom (Rom. 6:3-9; 8:1-4). You and I must choose to die to self and live for Christ in order to be truly free (Gal. 2:20).
Freedom must be maintained. Freedom can be lost. History has shown again and again that nations can be destroyed. Spiritual freedom can be lost as well (John 8:31-36; Heb. 3:12; Gal. 5:4). Freedom can be dangerous. People with free will and free rein often make wicked choices. We all choose to serve someone or something (Rom. 6:16-18, 22).
Freedom must be loved. Fools take freedom for granted. The wise recognized that they’ve been blessed. “Live as people who are free…living as servants of God” (1 Pet. 2:16; cf. Gal. 5:1).
Bart Warren South Green Street church of Christ Glasgow, KY
Due to the diminished images by our auditorium projector and its anticipated replacement within a few weeks, we will be conducting our song services without the projector for the next several weeks. Please use the songbooks and follow the song leader as we worship together. Thanks for your help and understanding.
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
Recently our brother, Richard Emperado went to Salug, Zamboanga, Philippines to speak on the three days to both young people and adults, it is estimated there were around 400 participants. What follows are his report/photos of that trip. Keep evangelism in the Philippines in your prayers. For the elders, Ken D
Photo by Richard Emperado
1) Speaking at a youth encounter in Salug, Zamboanga del Norte with almost 300 young people from all over Zamboanga peninsula.
Photo by Richard Emperado
2) While in Salug doing the youth encounter, I was also asked to be a guest at a college graduation and delivered the closing remarks impromptu. “NEVER underestimate HUMBLE beginnings”, was my theme when I addressed the graduating class yesterday at ZAMSULA college, I think they liked it, in the middle of my speech I’ve heard applause. I told them don’t let others ( especially the negative ones) “define” you! YOU can go the DISTANCE, live your dreams and be the BEST you could be! ZAMSULA is not a very big college but with great potentials led by its truly visionary president Dr. Eleazar Pastor who is also a brother in the Lord.
Photo by Richard Emperado
3) A Self-discovery session among the young people, this is a six-hour intensive awareness of oneself and awareness of others. I don’t lecture but facilitate and “process” their pains, trauma, and struggles. So many tears were shed, strangers became friends, from bitterness to catharsis. Everyone felt like a “deep thorn” had been pulled out from their aching heart. After the sixth hour the group decided to hold once a month this group dynamic session through zoom and invite me in the system. My opinion is, we need more young people in the church to go through self-discovery process. It is empowering!
Samson was an incredibly strong man. The Lord gave him his strength, and as long as he kept his vow secret, he was safe. No man or band of men could defeat him, but a woman named Delilah did. The Bible says, “And it came to pass, when she pestered him daily with her words and pressed him, so that his soul was vexed to death, that he told her. all his heart” (Judges 16:16-17). She conquered him through sheer persistence.
The devil does not give up. He is extremely persistent. He will repeat the same temptation a thousand times if that is what it takes. It is true that if we resist the devil, he will flee from us (James 4:7). But he always returns at an opportune time (Luke 4:13). When he does, the temptation is often the same. It just has a slightly different appearance.
It is said that the key to real estate is location, location, location. It also said that the key to education is repetition, repetition, repetition. The devil’s key to temptation is persistence. He knows our weak points and exploits them. He does not even consider giving us a break. Mercy is not in his thinking. He never plays fair. Just when we are at our lowest, he hits us the hardest. Like Delilah, he keeps pounding us with temptation knowing that we will object. But he also knows that if he keeps trying we may give in.
The forms may be different today, but the temptations are the same ones Satan used in the Bible. He provokes us by things we see, hear, and feel. He lures us with “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (1 John 2:16). He tries to cast doubt in our minds and beat us down so that we become so discouraged we want to quit. With some the test is alcohol, sex, or greed. With others it is loneliness and heartache. The devil may attack us through the internet, a false teacher, or even a friend or family member. Whatever the means, he uses them over and over.
There are power-mad people in this world who are calculating and persistent in their goals. Islamists have no intention of letting up on their efforts to impose sharia. The gay, lesbian, and transgender community has spread throughout our culture simply because they refuse to take no for an answer. Global politicians are relentless in trying to convince us that climate change is the moral issue of our time. It is not facts, logic, or truth that is their weapon. It is persistence.
How can we win against an enemy like this? By beating the devil at his own game. By being just as persistent as he is. By repeating “It is written” just as Jesus did (Matt. 4:1-10). By remembering to “pray without ceasing” because “men always ought to pray and not lose heart” (1 Thess. 5:17; Luke 18:1). By searching the Word of God daily and meditating on it day and night (Acts 17:11; Psa. 1:2). So “let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart” (Gal. 6:9). May God give us strength to “hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end” (Heb. 3:6). – Kerry Duke, West End church of Christ, Livingston, TN
We are grieving with David and Sheri Zoller at the loss of their daughter-in-law, Debbie Zoller. Our condolences, prayers and love go out to David and Sheri and the son, husband of Debbie. Funeral arrangements will be known later on. May God’s comfort and blessings be with all.
CHANGE OF CONTACT INFORMATION
Pat Devorehas dropped her landline and now uses her cell phone only. That number is available from the church office.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Due to the diminished images by our auditorium projector and its anticipated replacement within a few weeks, we will be conducting our song services without the projector for the next several weeks. Please use the songbooks and follow the song leader as we worship together. Thanks for your help and understanding.
FELLOWSHIP MEAL
Our Fellowship Meal today after morning worship. Hosts and hostesses are: Ray & Sue Baggett, Allen & Jalyn Smith, Kathy Patterson and Don & Paula Welch.
UVALDE RELIEF
We are still collecting money for the Getty Street Church of Christ in Uvalde to use in relieve work concerning the recent mass shooting tragedy. If you would like to participate in this collection, please, put a notation on your check for “UVALDE” or cash can be handed to the elders with your instructions. We will collect funds through the end of this month and then send it on to Uvalde.
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
For many years, we have worked with Worldwide Spanish Literature Ministry (WWSLM) in spreading God’s wonderful message of Jesus, our Savior, in the Spanish language. This message was sent to hope we will be encouraged to continue to help provide the only chance some people will have at the Gospel. For the elders, Ken D
Photo from Worldwide Spanish Literature Ministry
Recently, I received a humble phone call from an elderly sister asking to buy some hymnals for a church in Mexico. She was very excited that we had them in stock, but more excited because the hymnals were going to help a church in Mexico. At the beginning of our conversation, she had no idea of all that we do here at the ministry. So I began to explain everything to her and boy, did I hear her reaction through the phone. Her comment was Wow. As we begin to get deeper in the conversation, you could tell the sadness in her voice when we had begun to talk about evangelism. She said that before COVID, she would pass out tracks and spread the word to as many people as she could. But COVID hit her and she has not been the same since. She was saddened because she cannot go door knocking anymore due to that, she cannot sustain standing and walking as she used to. She felt that she was not doing her part in serving the Lord as she was supposed to. Boy, was she in for a surprise. I pointed out to her that what she was saying was not correct. I explained to her that sending the hymnals and donating them to the church that needs them is evangelical. So I told her “This is what we are going to do. Not only are you going to receive hymnals you will receive other materials as well. Tracks, books and children’s materials. This will help the congregation grow and also help on Sunday with the children Bible classes as well. This is another way you are evangelizing.” With excitement in her voice, she said, “I never thought of it that way. Thank you for lifting me back up.”
– Jessica Barron, the voice of WWSLM (www.spanliterature.com)
There are some very interesting promises that God, as our heavenly Father, has made to each of us. And since He has made such promises to us, we as parents ought to use them as an example of the promises we should make to our children all through their lives.
I promise to be there for you. God promised Jacob to always be with him (Genesis 28:15). That promise continues to all Christians today (Matthew 28:20). We should promise to always give our children the emotional support they need.
I promise to comfort you when you need it. God has promised comfort to His children (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). We should always be available when our children need a shoulder to cry on, an arm to lean on, or a heart to tug on.
I promise to love you unconditionally. God loved us even while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). Our children must always know that we love them regardless of what happens in their life.
I promise to listen to you. One of the great things about God is that He is always willing for us to talk to Him (Psalm 34:15). We should be no less as a parent. We should always want to hear what our children have to say. Their words and opinions must be important to us.
I promise to forgive you. When God makes such a promise, He not only forgives the sin, He remembers it no more (Jeremiah 31:34). Our children need to know that when they come admitting their mistakes, we will always be there with open hearts and arms to forgive anything and everything.
Make and keep these promises to your children and you will always have a godly home.
Edd Sterchi, Broadway church of Christ, Campbellsville, KY
Due to the diminished images by our auditorium projector and its anticipated replacement within a few weeks, we will be conducting our song services without the projector for the next several weeks. Please use the songbooks and follow the song leader as we worship together. Thanks for your help and understanding.
UVALDE RELIEF
We will be collecting money for the Getty Street Church of Christ in Uvalde to use in relief work concerning the recent mass shooting tragedy. If you would like to participate in this collection, please, put a notation on your check for “UVALDE” or cash can be handed to the elders with your instructions. We will collect funds through the end of this month and then send it on to Uvalde.
FELLOWSHIP MEAL
Next Sunday, June 26 after morning worship: Hosts and hostesses will be: Ray & Sue Baggett, Allen & Jalyn Smith, Kathy Patterson and Don & Paula Welch.
CHANGE OF PHONE NUMBER
Pat Devorehas dropped her landline and now uses her cell phone only. That number is available from the church office.
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
First report from Kyle Hankins (Part 1) since their AIM team arrived in Alaska. Keep them in your prayers. For the elders, Ken D
KERYGMA with KYLE HANKINS – May 2022 Issue 8
STARTING ANEW
We’ve arrived to Alaska!! I cannot believe it’s already been two weeks. We’ve done so much since we’ve been here and haven’t stopped running a 100 mph. From orientation to youth forums, YAG, VBS’s, and visiting congregations all around Alaska.
Photo by Kyle Hankins
My Coordinator and the Team
Mike Katkus, 33, is the coordinator here in Alaska. He and his wife, Annie, have two kids. Their names are Yunity and Myles. We have Team Day together on Tuesdays and he mentors us every Wednesday. Team Day is a day of fellowship with one another as a team, while Mentor is a day of recognition of when/how we could better ourselves in a manner that’s in step with God’s statutes. The amount of time and effort he invests in us is very admirable. In addition to our coordinator, we have the previous AIM team from last year overlapping our time as well. Gracie (20, from Washington) and Natalie (20, from Alabama) are the sweetest people you could ever meet. Our team does everything together and is very unified.
YAG is short for Young Adult Group.
Every Sunday evening, we have dinner, a bible study, and time spent with one Adult Group. Every Sunday evening, we have dinner, a bible study, and time spent with one another on a volleyball court. We have about 20 or so young adults that attend from church. And we try to invite others to join us for fellowship. I’ve been mostly acquainted with Joseph, a soon-to-be graduate from high school. His living situation isn’t the easiest at the moment, so reaching out to him and being a light and friend to him in this moment seems like it could bring him peace in a stressful time.
ORIENTATION
Orientation was held the first few days we were in Alaska at Midnight Sun Bible Camp, the camp the team and I will be counseling. Initiation involved us jumping into freezing cold water and having no running water for a few days. Our only access to heat were from building fires. It was such a fun experience, with time getting to know one another. We fished and canoed. But we also discussed expectations and goals for our time here on the field.
YOUTH FORUM IN ANCHORAGE
This weekend spending time with the youth kids and getting to know the youth from all different places in Alaska was so much fun! I really enjoyed connecting with a student in the Anchorage area, Luke, and leading songs and activities. Most of the youth I’ve met will all be at Bible camp, so I was happy to be able to connect with them in some fashion before camp began.
SUNDAY SPENT IN SEWARD
On the 28th, we slept in the church building. I had prepared a lesson on “Peacemaking”. Tucker was still dealing with family stuff, so he was unable to preach. Thankfully, we had other men take part in Church services. Five members attended that day and were all very sweet and welcoming. What a blessing to partake in fellowship with that church family. I look forward to seeing them again once we go back through Seward.
Welcomed! Our welcome here in the state of Alaska has been wonderful and will hopefully continue as such.
Safe Travels!
We are constantly on the move. As soon as we arrived, we hit the ground running and have yet to stop. Though it’s only been two weeks, we’ve had four trips. And much more to come this summer.
Living Arrangements!
Tucker and I just bought an apartment! We are now in the process of finding furniture and have some things lined up for us.
Transportation!
We bought a vehicle. However, there were multiple issues that the owner wasn’t honest about we need to fix.
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.
“Mr. Duke, what do you think about the question of life on other planets?” More than one Russian student asked me this question in a Moscow university over thirty years ago. I had expected questions about God, and there were many. But I was surprised at the number of times they asked about extraterrestrials and other ideas like reincarnation and the theory that “God” was actually a traveler from another planet, a view popularized by the 1968 book Chariots of the Gods by Erik von Daniken. I later realized that what happened in Russia is what occurs in any culture where the knowledge of God and His Word are absent. In their very human search for answers as to who we are and where we came from, people try to fill this void with vain speculation and superstition.
Now America is going down the same path. There is a great ignorance of God and the Bible in our land, especially among young people. This lack of a biblical worldview leaves them open to believe whatever they read or hear. Recently I was talking with someone in this “Christian nation” right here in the buckle of the Bible belt. He is highly educated and was raised in a denomination which in terms of belief about God and the inspiration of the Bible would be considered very conservative. He now believes it is presumptuous for us to think we are the only intelligent beings God created in the universe. It appears that interest in this issue is growing. Also, according to one survey, belief in reincarnation or at least in the possibility of it is also on the rise. The distinct Judeo-Christian features of this country are giving rise to paganism and its endless speculations.
One of the problems with the idea of intelligent life on other planets is the matter of salvation from sin. If these beings exist, did Jesus also die for them? Did He also go to their planet or planets? The Bible gives no hint of God placing free will beings outside of the earth in this physical universe. He made “from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their habitation” (Acts 17:26). God made the earth “to be inhabited” by mankind (Isa. 45:18). He created the sun, moon, and stars for our benefit and enjoyment (Gen. 1:14-19; Psalm 8:3-8; Psalm 19:1-4).
We have enough to contend with in this world without dabbling into other worlds. Because of the internet we not only know what people on the other side of the planet are doing, but we are also curious about what is happening beyond the stars.
The bigger question is why there is such a sudden interest tin his area. Who is putting these ideas into people’s minds and diverting their attention from the real issue—salvation from sin? There are men here and throughout the world who are working to confuse and distract people from reading the Bible. lt will take a strong, deliberate effort on our part to avoid chasing rabbits in our personal free time, in our families, and even in our churches. Our job is not to answer every question. It is to ask the most important questions and seek God’s answers in the Bible. We are in a spiritual battle!
Kerry Duke, West End church of Christ, Livingston, TN
You probably noticed that the projected images on the auditorium screen during the worship assembly are much dimmer than normal. We are in the process of upgrading our projector system and it will be much better once we get all we need and get it installed. In the meantime song titles are announced and the songbooks are available. We appreciate your patience. Good things come to those who wait.
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
We rejoiced to hear from Nigeria this recent evangelism report from our beloved brother Monday John Akpakpan, who greatly helps with our efforts in the work there. Several years ago, he and Sylvester Imogoh got to come and visit us here in Kingsland. Rejoice in this good news and keep these efforts in your prayers. For the elders, Ken D
1st June 2022
Dear Brethren,
Greetings from Akwa Ibom State.
(Photo by Monday J. Akpakpan)
EVANGELISM WORK IN MAY 2022.
– WBS Seminar took place at Iton Ikono, Uyo L. G. A.
– Another one was done at Adiasim Ikot Ondo, Essien Udim L.G.A. Akwa Ibom State
– Women Gospel Meeting conducted at Ikot Ubom, Afaha Obong, Abak
– We had 2 baptisms at Two Towns Church of Christ, Manta/Midim, Abak.
– There were 5 baptisms at Ikot Oku Ikono, Uyo.
– We had 3 baptisms at Church of Christ, Ikot Ekpeyak Ikono, Uyo.
– We had 1 baptism at Central Church of Christ, Ukpom Abak.
– M. B. Archibong reported 8 baptisms in May 2022.
– Nelson Akpan reported 3 baptisms.
– Two Towns Church of Christ Manta/Midim and No. 18 Ebom Avenue Church of Christ conducted House to House evangelism and Open-Air Preaching on the last Sunday of May 2022. Many people were enrolled into WBS Lessons. Many people showed deep interest to study the Word of God There were many prospects.
– There are 2 baptisms at Ikot Okumfang, Abak L. G. A. by Anameti Akpan.
– Church Leadership Workshop took place at Nigerian Christian Bible College (N.C.B.C.) Ukpom, Abak.
Dear Brethren, thank you all for giving us good Armours to make us good Soldiers of Christ. May I mention few of the Armours that help us to fight the War effectively. Bible Lessons, World Bible School Lessons, Financial support and the biggest one is your Prayers. Your work cannot and will not be in vain. Keep up your good work. Thank you.
“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)
Mask use is optional during our Sunday morning Bible Study and worship assembly and the Wednesday evening Bible study. We recommend that those who are unvaccinated or have personal health concerns to wear a mask. We thank you for your consideration of and care for others. Masks are always available if you need one.
Join 97 other subscribers
Scripture of the Week
“Praise be to the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion, Who comforts us in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.” ~~ 2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Something to Smile About
A dog ran into a butcher shop and grabbed a roast off the counter. Fortunately, the butcher recognized the dog as belonging to a neighbor of his. The neighbor happened to be a lawyer. Incensed at the theft, the butcher called up his lawyer neighbor and said, “Hey, if your dog stole a roast from my butcher shop, would you be liable for the cost of the meat?” The lawyer replied, “Of course, how much was the roast?” “$7.98.” said the butcher. A few days later the butcher received a check in the mail for $7.98. Attached to it was an invoice that read: Legal Consultation Service: $150.
A linguistics professor was lecturing to his class one day. “In English,” he said, “A double negative forms a positive. In some languages, though, such as Russian, a double negative is still a negative. However, there is no language wherein a double positive can form a negative.” A voice from the back of the room piped up, “Yeah, right.”
Think About It
Think About It
You Can’t Push a Chain
A chain is a handy device. You use it to pull a car
out of the ditch. You can hoist a heavy item. You
can use one to anchor a boat or secure a gate.
But can’t push with a chain. It will pull or hold,
but try to push and it’s pretty much useless.
People are a lot like a chain. When linked
together they can be powerful, if you pull them and
don’t try to push. You start pushing them and the
links go every which way.
Too many times we try to lead folks by just
pushing them. We’re in the back trying to get things
moving and it rarely works well. All that shouting
and cajoling and needling might move things an
inch or two, but the bang for the buck is
underwhelming.
If we stand at the front and start pulling,
however, things change. Things snap into place.
The effort is multiplied. The strength of the whole is
unified.
In any role — parent, teacher, mentor, boss
— that we want to help lead others, we would be a
lot better off if we try pulling instead of pushing.
– Barry Haynes, Hope church of Christ, Hope, AR
Highland Lakes church of Christ 