War! Are we ready?

Posted on January 11, 2013 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

01 11 13 IPhone 002It was seven o’clock in the morning. Sitting close by in the doctor’s waiting room was a Little Rock policeman who obviously was getting ready to go on duty. I couldn’t help but notice the weight of all of his equipment. I remarked that he must really get tired by the end of the day lugging all that around (bullet-proof vest, gun, flashlight, night stick, phone, handcuffs, taser, etc). He replied, “It amounts to an extra forty pounds and I’m worn out at the end of my shift.” He continued, “I dare say every policeman on the force has back problems.” If a policeman is to fight crime he needs all the protection he can get, and this man was ready.

Watching fire-fighters on television, as they responded to a blazing inferno, I noticed that all of them had on protective clothing. I went to the internet to find the weight of clothing these men were wearing. Apparently it varies from sixty to seventy pounds. That is heavy! But if you are going to fight fire you need all of the protection you can get.

I thought about our young men going to war. These platoon soldiers average about ninety-one pounds of extra weight for their protection. Imagine, if you can, carrying all of that around in heat, cold, rain, and storm. But no one wants to go to war without all of the protection available. It’s a matter of life and death.

The Christian is engaged in a warfare more dangerous than any of these because it is not just a matter of the here and now, but eternity. Our very souls are at stake as we fight against “the powers, against the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spiritual host of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12).

We dare not go to war in our own strength. If we attempt it, we are doomed! Thanks be to God who provides for us with the necessary armor! Have you put on all the protection God offers? Have you missed anything? You will find a check list in Ephesians 6:10-20. Please read it, study it and compare it with your life. In Charles Wesley’s great hymn, Soldiers of Christ, Arise, he urges, “Leave no unguarded place, No weakness of the soul”

Make sure you are prepared, Satan’s attacks are sure to come!  John Gipson – Little Rock, Arkansas

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January 6, 2013 This Weeks News

Posted on January 5, 2013 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

LADIES’ CORNER

Our Ladies Bible Class will start up again next Wednesday, January 9th, at 10:00 am in the Fellowship Room. Lessons will continue from the book by Dana Grubb, “Changed by Jesus”. Mary K. Flanary will be the teacher. You have not attended this class yet? This is a good time to start!

FOOD PANTRY NEEDS!

Thanks to everybody who contributed food recently! The pantry is quite well supplied (at the moment) with various foods, but it still needs peanut butter, that good source of protein. Again, your help is greatly appreciated!

WHY SO GLOOMY?

Our world is full of sadness and sorrow. Death comes and takes our loved ones. Financial troubles wreck our future plans. Sickness robs us of the idyllic scene we had envisioned for our lives. If we are not disciplined, we let these rob us of a happy life.

Jesus knew life would be hard on His disciples; it was hard on Him, too. But, He advised, “In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). Because Jesus has overcome, we can have a happy life. He has robbed death of its power (1 Corinthians 15:50-58). He has given us heavenly riches when we are impoverished here (Ephesians 3:8). He has promised us an eternal home without sickness and death (Revelation 21:1-5). So don’t be gloomy, but positive and hopeful! Because our Savior overcame, we can overcome through Him!  BULLETIN DIGEST — Darwin Hunter, Sunset church of Christ, Shreveport, LA

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Thoughts for a New Year

Posted on January 5, 2013 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

As we welcome 2013 into our lives, I’m sure we all wonder what this new year will bring. We know there will be joys and sorrows, arrivals and departures as well as many surprises along the way. None of us can predict exactly what will come . . . and when we try to we usually embarrass ourselves. Like back in 1967 when “experts” predicted that technology would shorten the work week by the year 2000 to 22 hours and we would only need to work 27 weeks a year. They declared that our biggest problem would be in deciding what to do with all our “free time”.

Such predictions are embarrassingly wrong most of the time . . . but there are some words that are always appropriate for each new year. Not surprisingly, such words are found in the Bible:

“Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil. So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:15-17).

Our time in this world is not unlimited . . . so we need to use it . . . wisely . . . in harmony with God’s will! May God help us to use the 8760 hours of this year in a way that produces the most good fruit for Him. — Joe

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New Bible Classes Starting in January, 2013

Posted on December 23, 2012 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

On Sunday morning, January 6th, the new study for the adult Bible classes will be in James.

This book is a wonderful study of practical Christian living. In fact, some have called this book “The Gospel of Common Sense”. James reminds the Christian that love will be needed to face the challenge of daily living in every generation!

Joe Winnett will be the teacher in the auditorium and Charles Greenawalt will be the teacher in the Fellowship Room.  Ken Darnell and Cary Miller will be the substitute teachers, at different times for the class.

On Wednesday evening, January 9th, Joe Winnett will be teaching in the Fellowship Room, his topic will be “Perfecting the Heart”.

This study will be an examination of the attitude problems that even Christians can struggle with. Topics such as “Forgiveness” and “Discouragement” will be examined as we examine our attitudes in contrast to the heart of Christ. The goal is to make our hearts like His heart!

At the same time, Cary Miller will be the teacher in the Auditorium. This study will be on “Prayer”.

Members of our congregation have expressed a desire to study the subject of prayer, so that they may be more effective and comfortable in lifting their heart-felt communication to our loving Heavenly Father. Jesus’ disciples recognized this same need, and they asked the Master to “teach us to pray”. In reply, Jesus gave them the model prayer we know as “The Lord’s Prayer” (Luke 11:1; Matthew. 6:9-13). From this example, we learn that the criterion of acceptable prayer is not length or poetic grandeur, but the expression of ———-!!!!!  Do you want to learn about the rest of this sentence? Then, come to the auditorium on Wednesday evening, January 9th, as we launch into a quarter’s study of this characteristic activity of the Christian life.

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December 23, 2012 This Weeks News

Posted on December 23, 2012 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

Warmest Thoughts and Best Wishes

For a Happy Holiday

And a Blessed New Year!

Don & Norma Bryan

Claude Fletcher

Troy & Leana Futrell

Ken & Thelma Thuleen

(Elders & wives)

Joe Winnett (Minister)

Helga Blackstone (Secretary)

CONGRATULATIONS

On December 1st, the first annual “Little Miss/Mr.

Snowflake Baby Show“ was held at the Kingsland

Chamber of Commerce’s “Kingsland Christmas”.

Contestants ranged from age 4 to 48 months. Jessica

Arnold, daughter of our Tanya Arnold, was entered and

she won second place in her category, girls age

36 to 48 months. Way to go, Jessica!

THANK YOU

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Thank you for all the prayers, cards, calls

and your kind thoughts during Larry’s illness.

We love you and thank God for such

a great church family.

Larry & Evelyn Moore

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December 16, 2012 This Weeks News

Posted on December 13, 2012 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

New Bible Classes in 2013

A PREVIEW OF OUR UPCOMING CLASSES, STARTING IN JANUARY

On Sunday morning, January 6th, the new study for the adult Bible classes will be in James. Class format will be the same, one class in the Fellowship Room and another one in the Auditorium. Ken Darnell, Charles Greenawalt and Cary Miller will be the teachers at different times in the Fellowship Room, and Joe Winnett will teach in the Auditorium. On Wednesday evening, January 9th, the topic “Prayer” will be taught by Cary Miller in the Auditorium. Joe Winnett’s study is named “Perfecting the Heart”. He will teach in the Fellowship Room. More information about these classes will be in next week’s bulletin.

With Sympathy

Georgia Jones’ brother, Delbert Popham, passed away on Friday, December 7th, in Floresville, Texas. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 16th, at the River Oaks Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas. Our prayers, love and heartfelt sympathy go out to Georgia, Charlie and to all the family and friends.

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Our Concept of God

Posted on December 13, 2012 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

I Phone 2012 12 13 026Don’t we find ourselves at times spiritually in a certain phase in our journey of faith? And maybe not even in a phase, but rather, more likely spiritually bankrupt? What do we do when we begin to feel this way? Maybe it’s found in the ebb and flow of faith. Maybe it only characterizes a small portion of time. Or maybe it is descriptive of decades. Years of complacency. No zeal. No excitement. No anticipation. No experience of God. What then? What next?

In his book “Attributes of God”, A.W. Tozer writes: “A local church will only be as great as its concept of God. An individual Christian will be a success or failure (in the Kingdom) depending upon what he or she thinks of God. It is critically important that we not only have a knowledge of the Holy One, but that we truly come to know Him in His majesty and wonder.”

Maybe what we “think of God,” as Tozer puts it, is directly related to our being spiritually just in a phase or bankrupt.

Do we think enough of God? How much thought do we honestly give Him during the course of the day? How often do we engage in silent conversation with Him if even for a brief moment? How often do we pray? Really pray? Not as an aside. But heart and mind, engaged in prayer with our Father. How much time do we set aside in reading, and especially studying Scripture and, with this, being truly fed by God’s Word? How often do we read what others have written to broaden our concept of God? How many conversations do we have throughout the week with others who are seeking to be faithful to our Father? Do we seek out Christian insight from others who have faith? Because of what we “think of God” is answered in questions such as these.

The Apostle Paul writes, “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better” (Ephesians 1:17).

The question is: Do we really want to know Him better?

Somehow spiritual discipline has too often been divorced from faith. Faith is too often seen as mental ascent rather than a life characterized by discipleship. No wonder we find ourselves so often spiritually anemic!

Discipleship. Living cognizant of the presence of God. Spiritual discipline. A life characterized by faith and faithfulness. When our practice reflects our concept of God — it is then and only then that we will begin to know Him better. — borrowed

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December 9, 2012 This Weeks News

Posted on December 8, 2012 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

Attention Singles!

The singles group will meet at the “Grand Buffet” Sunday, December 9th for their monthly luncheon.

Dear Church Family and Friends,

As most of you know, we are to turn our granddaughter, Savannah, over to her mother, Samantha, on December 21st.  Raising, loving, and teaching Savannah has truly been a blessing from God.

We want to thank each and every one of you who have loved her, watched her grow, and enjoyed her many antics throughout the five short years with us. Thank you for your support, your kind words and encouragement, your concerns, and especially your many prayers as we have struggled with the decision to make this change in Savannah’s life.

We pray, constantly, to God for His support, wisdom, and strength for us and Savannah to make this transition.

We sincerely hope you will continue to keep us and, especially Savannah, in your prayers. We trust Our Lord will continue to hold Savannah in His arms and give our daughter, Samantha, the patience, strength, wisdom, and love as she takes over the most precious of God’s jobs . . . that of motherhood.

In Christian love, Myron & Janet Fietz

Just For a Short While

Recently, for several weeks, Dale & Kathryn Dowlearn, visited with us here at our worship services. They were working at the Rio Vista Resort as assistant managers. Unfortunately and regrettably, this job did not work out for them. They just wanted us to know, how much they had enjoyed being with our congregation, even if it was only for a short time. They are living in Pflugerville now.

Open House

All are invited to a Come and Go Holiday Open House at Cary and Brenda Miller’s home, in Kingsland, on Monday, December 10th; from 5 until 8 pm or until you get ready to leave. This event is hosted by many of Santa’s Elves and Helpers! Please come and enjoy the festivities (and food).

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THE BABY WITHOUT SWADDLING CLOTHES

Posted on December 8, 2012 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

I was twenty years old. Going to college. Preaching for a small church in Texas on Sundays. I didn’t mind that the drive was over a hundred miles away. Another “preacher student” went with me. I would drop him off in a near-by town, and pick him up on the way home (he always urged me to preach short (?) sermons on Sunday evenings so he wouldn’t have to wait so long for his ride). We would visit on the way up, and listen to the Longine Symphony on the radio coming home. This Sunday began like any other, but it was going to turn into an educational experience. Following the morning worship, the elders said, “John, we think there is a lady who may have had a baby, and we want you to check on her this afternoon.” It was my first inkling that ministry might involve much more than preaching sermons. When I inquired if one of them might be able to go with me, I was quickly told that each of them already had plans for Sunday afternoon!!! (The elder with whom I was spending the day was in the rocker when I left, but had moved to the couch by the time I had returned).

Following directions carefully, I drove out of town about 10 miles and turned on a dirt road for about 200 yards. There wasn’t any house. I got out of the car wondering what I should do next. Then out of the corner of my eye, I saw a wisp of smoke rising out of a draw some 200 feet away — the only evidence of life anywhere around. Making my way carefully down through the brush, I finally saw a dugout. The new mother I had gone to see was living in a hole in the ground! No water, no electricity, no food — nothing! She was holding the unclothed baby in her arms while a naked two-year old stood close by her side. I was her first visitor since she had delivered her baby on Wednesday. There had been no doctor, no nurse, no midwife, no friend, and no medication— not even an aspirin. She had delivered the baby without assistance—save for the two-year old.

Many years have gone by since that Sunday afternoon, and the beginning of the education of a young preacher boy, but they haven’t stilled the questions: Where was the father? Why had no one helped? How did the church know about this young woman? Why did they wait for the “preacher” to come on Sunday? And why was no one willing to go with me on that visit???

People all around us are hurting. Should they be made to wait on the preacher? Who do you think should help?

– John Gipson, Little Rock, Arkansas

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December 2, 2012 This Weeks News

Posted on November 29, 2012 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

Open House

All are invited to a Come and Go Holiday Open House at Cary and Brenda Miller’s Home, in Kingsland, on December 10th, from 5 until 8 pm or until you get ready to leave. This event is hosted by many of Santa’s Elves and Helpers! Please come and enjoy the festivities (and food).

Our Holiday Fellowship. . .

. . . will be this evening, Sunday, December 2nd after our worship assembly. Many thanks to all of us who took part in collecting stuffed animals or dolls for the “Seton Care-A-Van”! Hope everyone is planning to attend! Bring your favorite dish and enjoy this special fellowship.

Cookies for Cherokee Home for Children

The Ladies Class will pack up our cookie contribution for the Cherokee Home for Children on Wednesday, December 5th, at 10:00 am. Please have them here at the Fellowship Room before this time. Store-bought ones or your favorite home-made creations, all are acceptable. Your generosity, as always, is greatly appreciated by all who live in the Home!

Visiting For The Master

(VISITATION PROGRAM)Team #2 (leaders: Cary & Brenda Miller) will meet on Wednesday, December 5th, at 6:30 pm in the Library for their assignments.

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