Just Perhaps

Posted on November 29, 2012 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

How many times have you let a really good opportunity pass by? We all probably have tales we could share with each “one-upping” the next. And who knows how many got away that we never knew about!

God expects His people to be opportunistic. Paul instructed, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10). Now, I understand Paul’s context here. Clearly he means as the occasion to be generous and to do good arises, do it. Some brethren would have us to place restrictions here that the Holy Spirit did no place. Frankly, it’s a pretty straightforward command that is quite easy to understand. When the opportunity is there, seize it! Don’t let the occasion get away. There’s nothing real tough here. Well, nothing other than recognizing the opportunity. We often admit missing opportunities to do good, be it benevolence or evangelism. How can we prepare ourselves for the opportunities God grants? I like Jonathan’s approach.

Jonathan and his armor bearer went against a Philistine garrison, declaring, “Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf” (1 Samuel 14:6). They did not know what God would do, but they also did not know what God would not do. So they decided to find out. If God chose to do nothing, things would not go well for them. But on the chance He would do something they decided to act.

Have you ever stepped up to serve God based on what “may be”? If you are like most, the answer is, “no”. Most want assurances that God does not feel obliged to grant. He did not owe Jonathan an explanation or promise other than what He gives to all His people, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10b). Jonathan saw the Philistine garrison as an opportunity, so without any special assurance, he attempted to seize it.

Jesus told the one-talent man (Matthew 25) that he should have seized the opportunity to see what God might do. He even told him that He would have been happier if he’d failed at trying rather than succeeded at doing nothing. As he should have done, so we must look at opportunities to serve God, and once we have come to the best course we can figure out, move ahead to see if “just perhaps Lord will act in our behalf.” — BULLETIN DIGEST

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November 25, 2012 This Weeks News

Posted on November 23, 2012 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

Thank You

“Thank you so much for the basket of goodies! What a loving, most appreciated gesture from my church family. The Dallas Cowboy memorabilia was such a special surprise. But more than all the items in the basket is the love and thoughtfulness that went into putting the basket together. Thanks also for all the prayers, beautiful cards and phone calls. Most of all I appreciate the love and support and can’t wait to fellowship with my family.”  Love, Doc

Work Day Thank You

And in regard to those who came on work day: “Thank you for all the great work you did on Saturday work day.” Thanks again and God bless, Bill Flanary.

Our Holiday Fellowship. . .

. . . is coming up next Sunday evening, Dec. 2nd after our worship assembly. Those of us who want to take part in contributing stuffed animals for children in emergency situations ( a program of “Seton Care-A-Van”): Seton Hospital requests that the stuffed animals be brand new (this according to the Health Department) and free of objects a child might swallow, for instance, button eyes and noses. If you have any questions, please contact Norma Bryan.

Cookies for Cherokee Home for Children

As it is our good habit, we send a cookie contribution to the Cherokee Home for Children at this time of the year. Their Holiday Party will take place on December 16, but our cookies need to be here, in the Fellowship Room, by Wednesday, December 5th, before 10:00 am the latest! The Ladies Class will pack them up then. You may bring store-bought ones or your favorite home-made kinds, all are acceptable. Your generosity, as always, is greatly appreciated by all who live in the Home!

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The Duties of Christians from Acts 11:19-30

Posted on November 23, 2012 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

In Acts 11:26, we see that “the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” Could it be that God wanted to mark this point in time to give His people the new name He promised in Isaiah 62:2 because then and there they were doing everything He wanted of His followers? Let’s take a look at the text to see what they were doing:

Acts 11:10-21, “Now those who were scattered after the persecution that arose over Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia, Cyprus, and Antioch, preaching the word…preaching the Lord Jesus. And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord.” Here we see them evangelizing.

Acts 11:22-24, “Then news of these things came to the ears of the church in Jerusalem, and they sent out Barnabas to go as far as Antioch. When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord…and a great many people were added to the Lord.” In this section edification and encouragement take place.

Acts 11:25-26, “Then Barnabas departed for Tarsus to seek Saul. And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.” It is obvious here that fellowship and worship is taking place.

Acts 11:27-30, “…there was going to be a great famine throughout the world, which also happened in the days of Claudius Caesar. Then the disciples, each according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brethren dwelling in Judea…” And finally, we observe them helping others who are in need.

This was their service to Christ: telling others about Him, building brethren up in Him, bowing down to Him, and doing benevolent acts in His name. So, Christian, are you keeping up with your duties?

by Ed Sterchi, Jackson church of Christ, Jackson, MO

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November 18, 2012 This Weeks News

Posted on November 17, 2012 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

Asking for Prayers

Patrick Harvill, while visiting here with his sister Teri and brother-in-law, Joe Winnett, came forward to ask for the prayers of the congregation. Having had to deal with health problems for many years, he requested the prayers of fellow Christians for spiritual and also physical strength. We love you Patrick; we are glad you were able to come for a visit!

Wednesday Classes Cancelled

All mid-week Bible classes will be dismissed on Wednesday, November 21st, the day before Thanksgiving.

About Our Holiday Fellowship:

In our bulletin last week was an article about our Dec. 2nd Holiday Fellowship and a request to those of us who would like to participate in bringing a stuffed animal or two for children in an emergency situation. Since this article was printed, Seton Hospital requested that the stuffed animals be brand new (this according the Health Department) and free of objects a child might swallow, for instance, button eyes and noses. Also, the organization in charge of this program is called “Seton Care-A-Van”. If you have any questions, please contact Norma Bryan.

 

Help Yourself to Happiness ~~ Helen Steiner Rice

Everybody everywhere seeks happiness, it’s true,

But finding it and keeping it seems difficult to do,

Difficult because we think that happiness is found

Only in the places where wealth and fame abound —

And so we go on searching in palaces of pleasure

Seeking recognition and monetary treasure,

Unaware that happiness is just a state of mind

Within the reach of everyone who takes time to be kind —

For in making others happy we will be happy, too,

For the happiness you give away returns to shine on you.

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Longing to See

Posted on November 17, 2012 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

Each and every one of us brings our own experiences to the table. Our experiences, whether good or bad, influence greatly how we view the world in which we live.

For so many of us, even the term “Christian” is one of such blessing and comfort. To be a Christian is to be a follower of Christ. It succinctly defines not solely our reality as those who have answered the call of Christ, but also depicts our way of life as “followers of the Way.” There is such authenticity and genuineness found in the simplicity of being Christ-followers when we truly see ourselves for who we are called to be in Jesus. When we truly see every moment of life as God designed and God lived.

The reality, however, is that many have had not had such experiences. To them the term “Christian” elicits adverse emotions. Perhaps their negative perspective has been conditioned by the hypocrisy of one who claims belief in Christ, but whose life simply does not reflect the authenticity salvation calls for. Maybe their negative experience came by way of arrogance or pride or as they exclusivity witnessed something in the lives of those who profess faith.

Certainly we can only be accountable for ourselves. As well, certainly there are treacherous moments when we do not reflect our Lord, Jesus Christ. However, not only does the Gospel message call us to fidelity to the Savior, but an unbelieving, skeptical world longs to see it. Even if they don’t realize it, it is Jesus they are longing to see.

“Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus; Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death — even death on the cross” (Philippians 2:5-8).

When they see the reality of Jesus lived out in the reality of our lives, it is then that they will be drawn to follow the Way of Jesus.  And isn’t this very reality of our Savior that first called us to follow Him ourselves? — borrowed

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Translating God’s Word into Daily Living

Posted on November 10, 2012 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

♥ “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ”  (Eph. 5:21).

♥ “Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others” (1 Cor. 10:24).

♥ “Each one of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up” (Rom. 15:2).

♥ “Love does no harm to his neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law” (Rom. 13:10).

♥ “We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not please ourselves” (Rom. 15:1).

♥ “Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification” (Rom. 14:19).

♥ “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Gal. 6:2).

♥ “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each one of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Phil. 2:3- 4).

♥ “This is how we know what (true!) love is: Jesus laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers” (1 Jno 3:16).

♥ “Be careful, then, how you live — not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is” (Eph. 5:15-17).

♥ “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you” (Jms. 4:7-8a). ~~ selected

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November 11, 2012 This Weeks News

Posted on November 10, 2012 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

Attention, Singles

The singles group will meet at “Sweet Things” today, Sunday, November 11th, for their monthly luncheon.

Budget for 2013

The elders will meet tomorrow, Monday, November 12th, to discuss the budget for 2013. If you have any suggestions about this, let them know.

WBS Workday

Come and join the World Bible School workers on Thursday, November 15th at 9 am morning! Help is always needed, the work is enjoyable and pleasant and the company is superb! Instruction is offered and the system is easily learned. Those morning hours, 9 am to before noon will be a blessing to you! So come!

Workday at the Building!

Everyone is encouraged to come to the church building on Saturday, November 17th at 9:00 am for some special clean-up, inside and outside. Some classroom painting will have to be done, too. Please, put it on your calendar. Ask Bill Flanary what tools you need to bring.

Next Week is Thanksgiving!

All mid-week Bible classes will be dismissed on Wednesday, November 21st, the day before Thanksgiving.

Our Holiday Fellowship

Our Holiday Fellowship will be on December 2nd. We will have our regular fellowship meal, and for those who would like to participate, please bring a stuffed animal for “Care Event”. This is a program for small children needing emergency care. Dress up in your reds and greens and join us for an evening of good eating, singing and fellowship. We look forward to seeing all of you.

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EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION

Posted on November 10, 2012 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

The way information is processed and is passed evolves over time. From word to mouth, letters carried by the Pony Express to the latest blurb found on the internet, the way information is effectively shared and received continues to develop day by day, year after year.

In the early days of newspapers, when newspapers were the primary method of delivering the news, when something big had occurred, the publisher would not only publish the usual daily paper, but would also publish an “Extra”. The extra newspapers were sold on the street corners, often by newsboys, who had a stack of papers and would sell them to those who passed by. When an “Extra” was published, the newsboys would call out loud “Extra! Extra! Read all about it!” to call attention to the fact that something big had happened, and that an extra bit of pressing news had been published.

How do we go about sharing the Good News of Christ? How do we go about communicating Christ in a post-modern and, as some would express it, a post-Christian, culture? What is effective? What is not? What was once effective but no longer is? How do we adapt? It has been said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, believing a different outcome will be the result. But that never happens. Now the message of the Gospel remains the same. But how do we go about carrying out the mission of Christ in the contemporary world we find ourselves in? Sound discussion has taken the place of fierce argumentation. However, many today ask the question: “Is there really anything that is worth discussing?”

Christianity has always existed as a culture within a culture. Being mission-minded people and effectively carrying out the mission of Christ entails both a striving after the Kingdom and an understanding of the environments in which we find ourselves a part.

The Apostle Paul affirms, “I have become all things to all men, so that by all means possible, I might save some” (1 Corinthians 9:22). Same message. Differing methods. No one has all the answers. But I believe asking the questions is a step in the right direction.  ~~ by Jason Reeves, West Erwin church of Christ Tyler, TX

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November 4, 2012 This Weeks News

Posted on November 1, 2012 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

VISITING FOR THE MASTER

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

ATTENTION SINGLES

The singles group will meet next Sunday, November 11th, for their monthly luncheon. Ask Mary Smith for the location.

WORKING AT THE BUILDING

Everyone is encouraged to come to the church building on Saturday, November 17th at 9:00 am for some special clean-up inside and outside. Some classroom painting will have to be done, too. Please, put it on your calendar. Ask Bill Flanary what tools you need to bring.

WITH SYMPATHY

Evelyn Stone, Mark Stone’s mother, passed away on Thursday, October 25. Mark is the son-in-law of Troy & Leana Futrell. Funeral services took place in Fort Worth on Monday, October 29th. We express our heartfelt sympathy and love to all in the family. Our prayers for divine comfort are with them.

ANN HOVER HAS MOVED

Ann Hoover has moved to Marble Falls.  She will be attending the church in Marble Falls with her daughter Alta Kilgore now. Alta said: “My mother already likes her new place. I will also bring her back to Kingsland to visit with you sometime on Sunday morning.” Call the church office for her new address and phone number.

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Politics and Church

Posted on November 1, 2012 by highlandlakeschurchofchrist

Americans hear a lot about the separation of church and state, but few know what it means. The founding fathers explained what they had in mind. They were forbidding Congress from establishing a state religion, such as was common in all European nations. Contemporary secularists try to convince us it means that our government, schools and society should be entirely secular; that all things relating to God should be confined to church buildings and homes. But the good and right that we learn at church and in the home will automatically bring us to act in a good and beneficial way wherever we are. The Christian is unable to separate his godly behavior from daily life! He will be the best neighbor, citizen, student, friend and, yes, even politician! This can only benefit any relationship and our nation.

As Christians we support the concept of the separation of church and state, it is a safe guard that keeps large, powerful religious bodies from imposing their will on the nation and on those who do not share their views. And it also keeps the government from forcing its views on us.

As Christians we are respecting and supporting the laws of the land as we are told in the word of God, as long as those do not clash with God’s requirements. Therefore we do not influence people on how to vote, but we encourage them to train their consciences in godly ways and, as good citizens, to pick the candidates who will guarantee to the best of their abilities a peaceful and blessed life for all. ~~ selected

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