Volume 11 No. 08 
Founded on the Word—Focused on the World April 19, 2009
Consecrated to the Lord’s Service
By Kris Groda
“Consecrated” means to be set apart, made holy and dedicated to something. Admittedly, the term may not be as familiar because we don’t use it in common, every day language. However, our character should reflect that concept in common, every day life.
There are many references to consecration in the Old Testament. During King Hezekiah’s reign, temple worship was restored and the people of God had to be restored too. To make their offering acceptable, the priests (Levites) made a sin offering and made atonement for all of Israel. The whole assembly worshiped as that initial sin offering was consumed. It was after that that Hezekiah said, “You have now consecrated yourselves to the Lord. Come near, bring sacrifices and thank offerings to the house of the Lord”(2 Chron. 29:31).
Being consecrated was essential if your work or offering was to be accepted by God. One time, King Uzziah tried to burn incense unto the Lord. But that was the job of the priests, ’the sons of Aaron, that were consecrated to burn incense’ (2 Chron. 26:18).
Not only were the Levitical priests consecrated to their office (Exodus 28:41; 29:9; Numbers 3:3), the objects used in Old Testament worship with the gold and silver and all that was brought to the treasury was consecrated (Josh 6:19). Even their garments were very important. In fact, there was a consecration process that involved taking , “part of the blood that is on the altar and of the anointing oil and sprinkle it on Aaron and his garments, and on his sons and his sons’ garments with him. He and his garments shall be holy, and his sons and his son’s garments with him” (Exo. 29:21; Exo 40:12-15).
There is, of course, an antitype application for Christians. Remember, all Christians are priests in a holy and royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:5; 2:9). As such we have an apparel, but it is spiritual. We don ourselves with the whole armor of God (Eph 6:10-17). We are to wear the white raiment of righteousness. Jesus told the church in Laodicea, “I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and [that] the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eye salve, that thou mayest see” (Rev. 3:18). Jesus commended some in Sardis saying, “Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy” (Rev 3:4).
Paul wrote that the grace of God teaches us to deny “ungodliness and worldly lusts... live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:11-14). Friends, this is the consecrated life, a life of righteousness and service to the King.
David had a real affection for a temple that he would never see. He provided the wood, precious metals, and stones for the temple. His question: “And who [then] is willing to consecrate his service this day unto the LORD?” (1 Chron. 29:5).
Let us be challenged to live the words of Frances Havergal in his song, “ Take my life and let it be, consecrated Lord to thee....Take my self and I will be, ever, only, all for Thee!” A-men.
“Keep Your Eyes on the Prize”
By Greg Neill
Florence Chadwick was a world-champion swimmer. In 1950 she set a world record when she swam across the English Channel from France in 13 hours and 20 minutes. The following year she swam the Channel from England to France and made history as the first woman to swim the Channel from both shores.
In 1952 Chadwick learned a powerful lesson when she decided to swim the 26 miles from Catalina Island to Palos Verdes, California. The day of the event the water was frigid and sharks constantly trailed her. But these factors did not diminish Chadwick's resolve. However, something else did.
After 15 hours of difficult swimming Chadwick saw no sign of the coastline. As a matter of fact, she saw nothing because a dense fog had shrouded the sea. With her goal nowhere in sight, the exhausted swimmer lost the desire to continue and climbed aboard an escort boat. A dejected Chadwick later learned that she was only a half a mile from the shore.
When asked why she decide to stop, she explained, “It was the fog. If I could have seen land, I could have finished . But when you can't see your goal, you lose all sense of progress and you begin to give up.”
Chadwick's failure was only temporary. A few months later she made another attempt to swim the same waters. On that day the sun was shinning brightly. With her goal clearly in sight, Chadwick set another new swimming record.
In Philippians 3:13-14, Paul exhorts us to keep our goal in sight and to continue pushing forward. “Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended. But one thing that I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things that are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”
The Christian life is a race of endurance. There are difficulties in life that we must overcome. The devil is always lurking, trying to get us off track. People and circumstances can disappoint us to the point where we just want to give up. If we keep focus on our prize, we can finish the race and gain the victory through Jesus! Keep your eye on the prize!
The Parable of the Nail
A new place of worship had just been completed. People came from far and wide to see it. They admired the beauty of its windows, the fresh new walls, the carpet on the floor, and
its new pews. On the roof a little two-penny nail held a shingle. This little nail heard the people praising everything else, but none mentioned the shingle nail or even seemed to be conscious of its existence.
The little nail became very angry and said, “If I am that insignificant, no body will miss me when I quit.” So the little nail pulled out, raced down the steep roof and fell to the soft ground below.
That night, a big rain came and the shingle nail was buried in the mud. The difference between being buried in the mud and holding down a shingle is this: before, the nail was obscure – but useful. Now, he is obscure – but useless. Furthermore, before he was protected in a dry place under dry shingles. Now he will soon be eaten up with rust. The worse is yet to come.
The shingle that the nail held down was now loose, and without cooperation from the nail, it blew away leaving a hole in the roof. The same big rain that buried the nail leaked through the vacant spot where the shingle had been, running into the auditorium. The water ran down the walls leaving them marred. It leaked upon the carpet and the beautiful rug was stained.
All of this because one little nail, in a fit of jealousy, refused to do a little job he was capable of doing. Sadly, so it is with many in the Lord’s church today. But, Paul said, “Nay, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be more feeble are necessary” (1 Cor. 12:22). We are all vital to the body of Christ. Never underestimate your importance to the church.
Brotherhood Events
You are invited to Ladies Day on Saturday, May 02, 2009
At North Jefferson church of Christ
2311 North Jefferson Avenue
Mount Pleasant, Texas 75455
903-572-1136
Please RSVP by Tuesday, April 28
Other scheduled events
April 19-22—Mt. Vernon—Gospel Meeting
April 26-29 — North Jefferson—Gospel Meeting
May 3-6 — Blodgett — Spring Gospel Meeting
Watch your bulletin for more events forthcoming.
Prayer List
Justin Barker, Rachel Barker, Louis Bell, Doris Bell, Jim Duncan,
Irene Duncan, Dorothy Kyle, Wade Miller, Thelma Reed.
Also: Carolyn (Katy) Cabell, Wesley DuBose, Ronald Duncan,
Jennifer Freeman, Janice Lineberger, Wayne Lineberger, Charles Whitney
Congregational Shut-Ins:
Home: Doris Bell, In Tyler: Louis Bell, Pleasant Springs Assisted Living: Annah Brown,
Home: Irene Duncan, Home: Joyce Lee, Villa Assisted Living: Georgia Lide, Mt. Vernon:
Alice Lovelady, Home: Marie Plemmons, Assisted Living: Helen Roper, Home: Rebecca Tippit.
Notes of Interest and Upcoming Events:
ATTENTION: Anyone leaving a note of any kind on the Secretary’s Desk for inclusion in the bulletin … you will need to sign the note and show your telephone number in case I need to verify or clarify your meaning. — Thanks, Rhodney Freeman
Health Updates:
Vernon Garrett is back at home and recovering from his recent surgery . He has been able to attend services this past week.
Jim Duncan saw his doctor Thursday and the doctor told him his aneurism has not grown so they are concentrating on other health problems at the present time. He still has some discomfort and has not been feeling well.
Georgia Lide returned to Assisted Living last week.
Doris Bell is still in Titus Regional Medical Center recovering from her recent hip surgery.
Charles Kyle continues to recover from his recent table saw accident. Dorothy has undergone some treatments for her lower back.
Hallie Lang has been confined to her home with bronchitis and laryngitis, but is beginning to be able to talk just a little.
Hallie’s great grandson, Jaxon Vaught, is now at home from the hospital where he has been for the 6 weeks since his birth. He was born with a hole in his heart, if you will recall.
Janice Lineberger continues to improve from her recent two heart surgeries. She is a very sick person. We need to continue to pray for all these folks.
Linelle Latimer, sister of JoAnn Miller, was scheduled to return home on Thursday.
Randy Cooper went forward last Sunday evening asking for the prayers of the congregation that he may be more dedicated to the Lord’s work and be more of a Christian.
Gospel Meeting Invitations:
Post card invitations have been printed and ready for distribution. If you have not yet picked up your packet, check the table in the foyer.— Kris Groda
North Jefferson’s Spring Gospel Meeting is set for April 26 through 29, 7:00, p.m. nightly, Monday through Wednesday, and on Sunday he will preach at 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. and will teach Bible Class at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday.
We will have a noon luncheon on Sunday, April 26, 2009 … on the first day of the Gospel Meeting.
The Clothing Drive (which has been on-going the first Sunday of each month, continues today. If you bring clothes please place them in the Multi-Purpose Room for pick up and packaging.
There will be a Teachers Meeting at 4:45 p.m. this afternoon. All current teachers and those who will be teaching in the next quarter are encouraged to attend. —Cindy Armstrong
A meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. this afternoon, following the Teacher’s meeting, to finalize plans for Ladies Day. Sign-up sheets for salads are on the round table in the foyer. —- Ann Pickrel
There will be a Teacher Appreciation Banquet on Friday night, April 24, in the Multi-Purpose Room. If you have taught at least one (1) quarter at any time during the last ten (10) years you and your spouse (if you have one) are encouraged to be in attendance. This banquet is for teachers and spouses only and it is not for the rest of the congregation. There will be a special guest in attendance. If you have any questions contact Bob Hedges.
THANK YOU … “We want to thank each of you for your cards, phone calls and most of all .. The prayers offered in our behalf. We love each of you.
THANK YOU … “Dear Christian Family: Thank you so much for the beautiful flowers in memory of my mother. All your prayers, calls, cards, visits and many acts of love are so appreciated. It makes our grief so much easier knowing how much others care.
—in Christian love,
Janice, David, Jon, Ben, Amanda and the Jack Orbison family”
THANK YOU … “Dear Brothers & Sisters: I would like to send a very heartfelt ‘thank you’ to each of you who took time to send a card, visit or call to us during my recent hospital stays and now that I am home. Thank you also for the food & words of encouragement and especially for the prayers that you offered for my recovery. I look forward to getting stronger every day and to be up and about very soon. Your caring hearts and loving spirits supplied our every need. May God bless each of you for your kindness and generosity.
— In Christian love,
Those to Serve
Sunday 04-19-2009
Sunday Morning Worship:
Announcements……........................... Royce Armstrong
Song Leader............................................. Weldon Miller
Opening Prayer ........................................ Gene Garner
Closing Prayer ......................................... Roger Grimes
Lord’s Table—Month of April 2009
Southside: Northside:
Rance Robison Royce Armstrong
Sid Charlton Jon McCain
Sunday Evening Worship:
Announcements……...................... Royce Armstrong
Song Leader................................... Royce Armstrong
Opening PM Prayer............................ George O’Neal
Closing PM Prayer.................................... David Neal
Sunday Evening Lord’s Table
Bronson Roper Daniel McCary
Serving Wednesday Night– April 22, 2009
Song Leader ………….................…….... Grady Duncan
First Prayer……...………........................... Jim Duncan
Closing Prayer..................…....………… Ron Traughber
*If you plan to be out of town or are not physically able to serve, please call someone to take your place or call the church office.
PLEASE NOTE: This bulletin is formatted Friday morning each week. Any news items or articles you wish included must be submitted to the Editor no later than Thursday Night. You may call Rhodney Freeman at 903-572-1181 (home) or 903-572-1136 (Office)
