Archive for 'October, 2009'

Little Emily ran into the house, crying as though her heart would break.

     “What’s wrong, dear?” asked her father.

     “My doll!  Billy broke it!” she sobbed.

     “How did he break it, Emily?”

     “I hit him over the head with it.”

      It’s an old, old story that began in the Garden of Eden.  I think it is significant that, after the sin committed by Adam and Eve, God asked Adam if he had eaten the fruit (even though He already knew the answer).  It was a chance for Adam to be honest, an opportunity to take responsibility.  Instead, Adam blamed Eve, Eve blamed the serpent, and ever since we have been pointing the finger at others for our transgressions. 

      “It wasn’t my fault.”  “I couldn’t help it.”  “He made me do it.”  We continue to point fingers and make accusations.  All the while, God is hoping that we’ll be honest enough to admit our mistakes, knowing that only then can we find forgiveness.

      I John 1:9-10 “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.  If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar and His word has no place in our lives.”

      Is there anything you need to be honest about and own up to today? -TFTD

God bless you all and have a great week,

Michael

Ladies it’s time to meet and eat this Saturday, October 3.  Meet at the church at 11:00 then on to China Star for lunch and laughs at 11:30.  If you have any questions see Glenda Stephens.

H. S. Girls’ Night Out & H.S. Men’s Group:  Monday, October 5^th at Dee Goldsmith’s, meet at the church building @ 6:30 p.m. to travel together.  Also, you need to bring a pumpkin.  A meal will be provided.

We will be putting together Christmas boxes to send to Mexico this year, we are working through the Green Lawn Church of Christ in Lubbock.  We need your help with items to pack in the boxes, for a list of suggested items check the foyers.  The ladies’ class will pack & wrap the boxes the first part of November.  Put your donations in the south foyer box.  If you have any questions see Cynthia.

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Sermon: Michael Bryan

Song Leader: Lou David Allen

Prayers:  Opening- AM-Scott Carey     PM- Jimmy Bellah

     Closing-  AM-Billy Lucas  PM- Jim Jacobs

Lord’s Table: Shelton Boyd, Joel Owens, Joe Neill, Billy Jones, Tim Walker, & Ray Juarez

     PM- Shelton Boyd

Pick-up Cards: Tyler Jones & Kyle Owens

Worship Helpers: Cody Buczyna & Jonathan Juarez

Nursing Home: Logan Cravens

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Devo: Kacey Toliver

Song Leader: Lane Boyd

Prayers: Opening- Michael Bryan     Closing- Dustin Simmons

    “For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law … To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it.” (I Cor. 9:19-23)

    I am a selfish person in recovery. There are some things in life that I want just for me. I want things done my way and I want them done with the people I choose. It’s not that I don’t care about others; it’s that I know my way is best. Having an attitude like this has caused more splits and arguments than I can remember. It’s a good thing God came into my life; I don’t think I would have many friends today otherwise! God has taught me many things, but most of all I have learned to open my heart and see needs greater than my own. I realize that all my choices affect others; my life is not all about me.

    “All they care about is getting things the way they want”

    As a church we struggle with selfishness too. I’ve visited many churches that like to have things done just for them. They have a set view on neighborhoods, worship, family life, politics, and all their decisions are based around promoting those specific goals. Just like me in my younger selfish days, these churches don’t have many friends. Outsiders look at the church and say, “All they care about is getting things the way they want,” and they’re right. As a believer in Christ I am constantly disciplining myself in order to become less concerned with ME. As a church we must learn to do the same.

    So how do I open my heart to others without losing what’s important to me? That’s the question that every individual and church must answer for themselves. We must never be willing to sacrifice the things we believe in to gain popularity, but we must find a way to become all things to all men, so that we may by all means save some.

    Are you presently experiencing a new life? God’s word says, “if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!”

    This new life is a free gift of God through faith in Jesus Christ. Wherever you are in life, whatever you’ve done, you can begin again. - (c) 2007 Herald of Truth

God bless you all and have a great week,

Michael