ADOPT A REVOLUTIONARY MOTTO FOR YOUR LIFE

Posted on April 3, 2014 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

In the early formation of our country George Washington had the opportunity to become king of the burgeoning nation. But given the young nation’s experience with England and because he had a robust prayer life, he knew there was only one King, so he declined the offer.

The people of the land apparently knew the same. In a 1774 report to King George, the Governor of Boston noted: “If you ask an American, ‘who is his master?’ he will tell you he has none, nor any governor but Jesus Christ.” The pre-war Colonial Committees of Correspondence soon made this the American motto: “No King but King Jesus.”

The story of God’s chosen people might have gone very differently had they chanted the same motto. Instead, they wanted a king. Over the period of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah there were thirty-eight kings. Only five of them were good. Of the others a refrain throughout the Old Testament goes like this: “They did evil in the eyes of the Lord.”

Prophets appeared exhorting the people to turn back to God. God spoke through one of the prophets — Isaiah — to tell the people of Judah that they would be captured and deported to Babylon but afterwards He would bring them back home. The purpose? “Then you will know that I am the Lord; those who hope in Me will not be disappointed. Then the whole human race will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob” (Isaiah 49:23).

In Isaiah 53 the prophet depicts the coming Messiah. “He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to Him, nothing in His appearance that we should desire Him. He was despised and rejected by others, a Man of suffering, and familiar with pain” (verses 2-3). God did not want the people to miss Him. But they did. And still do.

Our nation would have gone a much different route had Washington agreed to be king. But he seemed to know what many others didn’t. When we displease God on the throne of our lives, the outcome will go horribly wrong. But when we put God on the throne in our lives, we put ourselves in the best possible position for godly success. Maybe our godly ancestors knew the best way to start a revolution. Adopt the motto “No King but King Jesus” in your life. See what changes that ignites! ~~ Ray Reynolds, Gulf Shores church of Christ, Gulf Shores, AL

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APRIL 6, 2014 WEEKLY NEWS

Posted on April 3, 2014 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

VISITING FOR THE MASTER

VISITATION PROGRAM Team #1 (leaders: Teri & Joe Winnett) will meet on Wednesday, April 9th, at 6:30 pm in the library for their assignments.

Food Pantry Needs

Present needs include: personal hygiene products and peanut butter. No plastic bags and no egg cartons are needed at this time.

Prayer Request

Dear God, we have a great need! Our lakes are low, we are very much concerned about our water supply; please, bless us with the much needed rain!

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LIVING BY GOD’S MATH

Posted on March 28, 2014 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

Whatever our gifts, education, vocation might be, our calling is to do God’s work on earth. If you want, you can call it living out your faith for others. You can call it ministry. You can call it every Christian’s day job. But whatever you call it, God is looking for people who want to do more of it, because sadly, most believers seem to shrink from living at this level of blessing and influence.

DD00802_For most of us, our reluctance comes from getting our numbers right, but our arithmetic completely wrong. For example, when we’re deciding the size of the impact on the world God has in mind for us, we keep an equation in our heart that adds up something like this:

My abilities + experience + training + my personality and appearance + my past + the expectation of others = my impact on the world

No matter how many sermons we’ve heard about God’s power to work through us, we simply gloss over the meaning of that one little word through. Sure, the way we want God to work is through us, but what we really mean is by or in association with. Yet God’s reminder to us is the same one He gave the Jews when they returned from captivity to a decimated homeland: Then he said to me, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.” Zechariah 4:6 (ESV)

Our God specializes in working through normal people who believe in a supernormal God who will do His work through them. What He’s waiting for is the invitation. That means God’s math would look more like this:

My willingness and weakness + God’s will and supernatural power = my impact on the world.

When we start asking in earnest – begging – for more influence and responsibility with which to honor Him, God will bring opportunities and people into your path. You can trust Him that He will never send someone to you whom you cannot help by His leading and strength. You’ll nearly always feel fear when you begin to make new influence for Him, but you’ll also experience the tremendous thrill of God carrying you along as you’re doing it.

What do you think?

Thoughts from reading “Living Large for God” (The Prayer of Jabez) by Bruce Wilkinson. — via Ken Darnell

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MARCH 30, 2014 WEEKLY NEWS

Posted on March 28, 2014 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

MARCH FELLOWSHIP MEAL

. . . takes place this evening, Sunday, March 30th after our worship assembly. Hope all have planned to attend! And visitors, you are always invited as our very special guests! Our hosts & hostesses are: Bob & Doris Foster, John C. & Ida Brewer and John G. & Tina Brewer.

VISITING FOR THE MASTER

VISITATION PROGRAM Team #1 (leaders: Teri & Joe Winnett) will meet on Wednesday, April 9th, at 6:30 pm in the library for their assignments.

FOOD PANTRY NEEDS

Items needed are personal hygiene products and peanut butter. No plastic bags and no egg cartons are needed at this time.

PRAYER REQUEST

Dear God, we are so concerned about the drought we are still experiencing.  Please, bless us with the much needed rain!

THANK YOU NOTE

Thank you for your prayers and concern for Dennis. He was released from the hospital on Thursday (a week ago) and is back at work — WITH HELP. Ken & Shirley Parker

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I HAVE FINISHED THE WORK….

Posted on March 26, 2014 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

Nearing the end of His earthly ministry, Jesus prayed to His Father. In that prayer, Jesus said, “I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work you gave Me to do” (John 17:4) Jesus said He finished the work that God assigned. Sure, there were more to heal, to feed, to teach, and to send, but Jesus was certain that He had completed His earthly mission. And that He did.

Think about being so positioned with God that we could confidently say, as Jesus did, “Lord, I have brought You glory on earth by completing the work you gave Me to do.” Imagine ending every day, week, month, year saying what our Lord said. Here’s how:

Align yourself with God – prioritize your life. Make the main thing the main thing. “…. Seek ye first the kingdom and His righteousness…” (Matthew 6:33). What in your life would you change for alignment to happen? What are your priorities?

Implement God’s work in your life – once the commitment to align yourself with God is made, carry out God’s work in a way that glorifies and honors Him. “… If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and power forever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:11). Does your daily life and influence draw people toward Jesus or steer them away? In what ways do people see you bring honor to God?

Jesus, while on earth, completed perfectly God’s work. He glorified God by doing the work His Father had given Him. While our walk with God will be marred by imperfection, it is well within our ability to prioritize our lives and as we work in His kingdom, bringing glory to God.

What are your priorities? Will you complete the work God has given you? Is God being glorified in your life?

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MARCH 23, 2014 WEEKLY NEWS

Posted on March 26, 2014 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

FOOD PANTRY NEEDS

Personal hygiene products and peanut butter are needed. No plastic bags and no egg cartons at this time are needed.

REMINDER

On Saturday, March 29th, after the Men’s Breakfast, Lord willing, there will be a WORKDAY. Ask Bill Flanary what needs to be done and what helpful tools need to be brought.

OUR MARCH FELLOWSHIP MEAL

It is only a week away, Sunday, March 30th! As always, we will meet in our Fellowship Room after the evening assembly. Make your plans to attend. Our hosts & hostesses will be: Bob & Doris Foster, John C. & Ida Brewer and John G. & Tina Brewer

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A COMMUNITY OF REFUGEES

Posted on March 15, 2014 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

2014 March I Phone 071“They devoted themselves to the Apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the Apostles. All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as they had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:42-47).

God created humanity in His image. Spiritually. He created you and me in His spiritual image. No one can be you but you. No one can be me but me. We are unique in the way we reveal faith to others. Pretty profound stuff, if you ask me . . .

God exists in community. Father, Son, and Spirit. We, too, are created to exist in community. With the Trinity and with one another.

A mark of Christian maturity is how we go about intentionally and intelligently ministering to others. Specifically, how we minister to the spiritual needs of each and every person with whom we come into a close proximity. How we minister to those who are “churched”, who are part of faith. And how we minister to those who are “unchurched”, those who have little or no experience in faith. However, a crucial demographic that we are to be so very intentional in our ministering, is to those who are “dechurched”. And what do I mean by “dechurched” is that we are intentional in our ministry to those who have had bad experiences in organized religion. That we are intentional in our care and in our nurture and in our ministry to those who have come to have an invalid poor opinion of Christ, because of a valid poor opinion of those who wear His name.

To facilitate a community of Christian “refugees”. Where Christian refugees feel safe and protected. To foster a community of refugees . . . sounds an awful lot like the Kingdom of God!

May we glorify God in all of our actions! ~~ from “Reeves’ Rhetoric formerly West Erwin church of Christ, Tyler, Texas

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MARCH 16, 2014 WEEKLY NEWS

Posted on March 14, 2014 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

CORRECTION

In last week’s bulletin Elizabeth Winnett’s nickname was misspelled. It is “Ellie”, and not Ali. My apologies to Ellie and family! Please correct this in your directories and also on the birthday page, November 9th, and the anniversary page, October 22nd. — Helga

MOVING AWAY

“We are moving on Saturday, March 15th, but before we left, we wanted to thank you for your help in our needs, for all your prayers, because we sure needed them. And just want you to know God heard them. This won’t be the last time you will see our faces because we will come back to visit.” Love you all, hope to see you again! Georgia & Charlie Jones

THANK YOU

“A BIG Thank-you to all for prayers on behalf of Billy Hazlewood’s procedure on his leg. It went great and he is now walking with a walker.” We love you all! Myrtle & Billy and Valerie

WITH SYMPATHY

Eva Woodley, the 90 year old cousin of Leana Futrell, passed away on Tuesday, March 11th. Funeral services were held on Friday, March 14th, at the Sneed Funeral Chapel in Lampasas, followed by burial at Oak Hill Cemetery. Eva had been a member of the Broad Street church of Christ in Lampasas. Our love, prayers and condolences go out to Leana & Troy and to all her family and friends.

VISITING FOR THE MASTER

VISITATION Team #2 (leaders: Cary & Brenda Miller) will meet on Wednesday, March 19th, at 6:30 pm in the Library for their assignments.

FOOD PANTRY NEEDS

Personal hygiene products and peanut butter. No plastic bags and no egg cartons at this time.

UPCOMING WORKDAY

On Saturday, March 29th, after the Men’s Breakfast, Lord willing, there will be a WORKDAY. Ask Bill Flanary what needs to be done and what helpful tools need to be brought.

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! Your help is very, very much appreciated!

PRAYER REQUEST

Dear God, again we are concerned about the drought we are still experiencing. Please, bless us with the much needed rain!

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WHAT DOES GOD EXPECT FROM ME, ANYWAY?

Posted on March 10, 2014 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

IMG_2601[1]Modern religion has attempted to make Christianity “user -friendly” by taking a marketing approach to recruiting new members. Popular TV preachers make it a matter of policy to never use the “S” word — sin. Churches openly trumpet a “come as you are” approach (and they both mean casual lifestyle and casual dress). Today’s pulpit mutes repentance and trumpets self-esteem. Hell is old-fashioned. Feel good is in; life-change is out. God is made in man’s image.

Jesus took a different approach. His religion is high stakes: “In the same way, any of you who does not give up everything he has cannot be my disciple” (Luke 14:33). Christ was up front with people. He put nothing in the fine-print — hid no “gotcha clauses” to be discovered later. He said simply: “If anyone will come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for Me will save it” (Luke 9:23-24).

At the same time, He gives us an incredible offer. He promises to help us! We can do all things through Christ Who gives us strength (Phil. 4:13). The good news is not that if we straighten ourselves up we will be saved — that would be bad news, since we cannot do that (Eph. 2:9). The good news is that Jesus enables us to become like Him (Phil 2:12-13). His power manifested through His Word, works in us and gives strength to accomplish all He asks of us (Eph. 3:14-19; 6:17).

IF ANY WILL COME AFTER ME. Jesus’ invitation is both voluntary and universal. He forces no one to be His follower. His is an all-volunteer army (Mt. 11:28-30). The requirements are universal. No exceptions. No favors. No waivers. We cannot stay where we are and go with God at the same time. What adjustments may be required?

We may have to change our thinking. If we have a job inconsistent with Christian principles, we must look for new employment. If money is too important to us, we must do as Jesus suggested to the rich young ruler (Luke 18:18-27).

We may have to change relationships. If a relative forbids true religion, we must chose Christ (1 Cor. 7:15). If friends constantly tempt us to sin, we must find new friends (1 Cor. 15:33; Mark 14:54-72). Unholy and forbidden relationships must be severed (Gal. 5:19-21; 2 Cor. 6:14).

We may have to change commitments. If we are spread too thin to worship God and to do our part in building His kingdom, we need to take irons from the fire (Eph. 5:16; Heb. 10:25).

LET HIM DENY HIMSELF. Self is best defined as an individual’s own welfare, interests, advancement, and agenda. To deny self then is to refuse to fulfill personal interests ahead of others or manipulate others to our own advantage. Denying self literally means “to turn one’s self off”.

TAKE UP YOUR CROSS. A strange thing to say in Jesus’ time! Today we might say, “To follow Jesus, take a seat in the electric chair.” The cross, crucifixion, was shameful in Jesus’ time. With the beam tied across his shoulders, the prisoner was spit upon, mocked and hit with things. It was painful. Are we willing to take up our cross daily?

AND FOLLOW ME. This statement of Jesus is recorded eighteen times in the Bible. It means commitment, it means sacrifice, denying one’s self. Some might venture that Jesus’ approach will never work, so it is not done. But it needs no improvement, only to be taught. It needs no marketing, only practicing.

A religion that costs nothing is worth nothing. A religion that costs everything is worth everything. “Come and follow me” (Mt. 19:21) ~~ adapted from an article in “House to House, Heart to Heart”

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MARCH 9, 2014 WEEKLY NEWS

Posted on March 10, 2014 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS!

Jonathan and Elizabeth (Ali) Winnett and son Cain let it be known last Sunday, that they wanted to place membership with our congregation. We welcome this young family and hope that they will have a good and blessed new start for their lives in Kingsland. Jonathan is the son of Teri & Joe Winnett, Ali is their daughter-in-law and Cain, of course, their beloved grandson. They will be living with Joe and Teri for a while. Address, phone number and birthday/anniversary information for your directories is available from the church office.

VISITING FOR THE MASTER

VISITATION Team #2 (leaders: Cary & Brenda Miller) will meet on Wednesday, March 19th, at 6:30 pm in the Library for their assignments.

THANK YOU!

A big “thank -you” to Kyle Welch for donating his plumbing skills to help the church with a much needed job. We are truly fortunate to have members like Kyle and his plumber’s helper (Don Welch) who are willing to give their time and talent for our benefit. Be sure to give Kyle an appreciation hug (it’s OK to hug Don too!). — Joe

Thanks to everyone who showed up to help Wednesday a week ago. It made unloading and sorting all that food go fast, plus we all had the added benefit of fun and fellowship with our brothers and sister in Christ. Highland Lakes church of Christ has an awesome bunch of Christians. David & Sheri

Dear Brothers & Sisters,

We really appreciate the visits, phone calls, and especially the prayers on Larry’s behalf while he was in the hospital last week. On Friday he had successful cardiac conversion in Cedar Park and is doing well at this time. God answered your prayers and ours in a powerful way. In Christ, Larry & Evelyn

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