Family News and Notes
Since David is still on vacation at the printing of the bulletin you are being treated to several articles by Johnny Ramsey.
Again remember our Gospel Meeting that begins on Sunday, October 9th and running thru Wednesday, October 12th, with Michael Light of Bangs, Texas as guest speaker. Please make plans to attend.
Grady has prepared some updates for your Church Directory. These should be on the table in the foyer. Please take one copy per family.
Boles Children's Home is actively looking for a married couple who is interested in ministering as house parents to a maximum number of 8 children ages 9-17 years. If you are interested please contact David Caper, C.E.O. at the Administration office at 903-883-2204 or Amber Milner or Angie Proctor at Shero Professional Services at 903-883-2088 for qualification requirements, benefits, etc.
Special Contribution for Katrina Relief
Our recent special contribution for hurricane Katrina relief in the amount of $4,450.00 has been sent to a sister congregation in Gonzales, LA. Gonzales is located only a few miles from New Orleans. This is the congregation where Bro. David Coats was the preacher. Bro. Coats held a Gospel meeting for us in the Spring of 2003. The congregation in Gonzales is also the congregation where Bro. Jody Sparks and his family worshipped when he was working in that area some time ago. About a week after the hurricane, we had contacted the Church there regarding their needs. One of the elders advised us that they were alright at that time; however, they were feeding about 500 evacuees each day. He asked that we check back with them in a couple of weeks, which we did. We were informed that the congregation there is still feeding about 150 each day. In addition, they have been buying essential food, water, and other supplies and trucking these into the New Orleans area for needy brethren. Some non-members have also been given assistance. We determined that this is where we should send our most recent relief effort. We are grateful for the opportunity to worship and work with brethren who are so generous and willing to share with others in times that most of us have never experienced. To God be the glory! The elders.
Elna O'Neal underwent another procedure at Baylor Hospital in Dallas to install a stint in the artery to her leg. Everything went well and was successful, but she is suffering a lot of pain. She was scheduled for release by Friday and plans were for her to stay with her daughter in Dallas for a few days before returning home.
Wayne Pickrel is scheduled for consultation Tuesday and current plans are for him to begin Chemo and radiation treatments as soon after that as possible
Wayne Lineberger continues to experience depression and his condition is not good at all. He requested that we remember him in our prayers and expressed a desire to be restored as a faithful member of the Lord's Church.
Hollis Lee has been transferred to Tyler as of last Tuesday. Hollis has lots of problems, as does Joyce.
Billye Campbell had surgery early last Friday morning in an attempt to help alleviate her problems. About 9:00 AM surgery was completed and she was in recovery. Her doctor stated all went well and the shunt was working as expected. It was thought she may be able to return home on Saturday.
Ronald and Delores Traughber placed membership with our congregation on Wednesday evening. Please welcome this family. updates for your Directory should follow soon.
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PRAYER LIST:
Justin Barker, Rachel Barker, Louis Bell, Winell Blackard, Annah Brown,
Billye Campbell, Perry Cooper, Zenith Hargrove, Hollis Lee, Joyce Lee, Georgia Lide, Elna O'Neal, Winnie Patton, Wayne Pickrel, Dorothy Sargent, Alva Mae Sheets,
Edith Shiflet, Rebecca Tippitt
ALSO: Melba Boyd, Austin Cody, Denise Dering, Wesley & Juanita DuBose, Ruby Jeffery, Wayne Lineberger, Lonita Thompson
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BLESSINGS
Johnny Ramsey
There are so many vibrant passages and principles in the Bible concerning the value of Christianity that one must carefully search for the most eloquent of them all. We are blessed indeed by the contribution the Lord makes to our earthly sojourn. Truly, we are always led in triumph in Christ Jesus (II Corinthians 2:14). Since He was delivered for our offenses and raised again for our justification (Romans 4:25) we owe to the cause of the Savior our best efforts. An unknown poet contributes these words:
"If only I had found Jesus sooner
If the past I could only recall
But how thankful I am
For the blood of the Lamb
And the fact that I found Him at all !"
How empty and vain our days would be without our blessed Redeemer. he provides sunshine, purpose and hope to an otherwise drab existence. While we were yet sinners God sent His son to die for us (Romans 5:8) and to leave us an example to follow (I Peter 2:21) so that one day we could dwell in heaven. Abundant living is the heart and core of the gospel system (John 10:10) because "the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts" (Romans 5:5). The Lamb of God came to take away our sings (John 1:29) and to give unto us the words of eternal life (John 6:68). Verily, "the unsearchable riches of Christ" provide us with the best of two worlds (Ephesians 3:8-21). Christianity involves four fundamental issues. First of all we must submit our wills unto the Lord (Acts 9:6). Secondly, we must admit our sinfulness (I Samuel 26:21). Thirdly we must humbly commit our very soul to His cause (Romans 12:2) and lastly, we should ever be ready and willing to transmit the message of truth to others (II Timothy 2:2). When we consider the bountiful arrangement that the gospel produces in our lives such matters ought to naturally and graciously follow. Another unknown poet tells us of the power in the Cross of Calvary:
"I knelt in tears at the feet of Christ
In the hush of the twilight dim,
And all that I was, or hope, or sought,
Surrendered unto Him.
Crowned or crucified, my heart
shall know
No King, but Christ, who loved me so?"
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IT IS TIME
Johnny Ramsey
Many passages of Scripture emphasize the urgency of using what time and opportunity we have to the glory of God. We dare not waste a moment of golden and precious time. To deny, postpone and procrastinate is a serious crime against heaven and the salvation of souls. Satan has always wanted us to wait until tomorrow while the bible fervently reminds us that today is the moment of salvation (Hebrews 3:15). Whatever we engage in must be for God's glory!
That, according as it is written, He that glorieth,
let him glory in the Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:31)
Using time wisely as we make proper choices reminds us of a famous verse from Jesus in Matthew 6:21
"For where your treasure is, there will
your heart be also."
In the last paragraph of Romans 13, the inspired Paul challenges us to be fully aware of our response to the brevity of life and our loyalty to God by utilizing our energies in those matters that truly count. Spiritual stupor must be overwhelmed by zealously engaging in activity that demonstrates our allegiance to heavenly matters. It absolutely is time to awaken to the challenge of the following matters:
The Challenge of Christian Living
World Evangelism
Full Use of our Talents
The Power of Bible Preaching
The Influence of Godly Homes
Congregations That Are Pure and Holy
Church Discipline
The Reality of Heaven and Hell
Recognizing God's Power
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LOOKING BACK
Johnny Ramsey
We should never look back except to recall fond memories of loves ones who urged us on to higher ground in spiritual pursuits or to promises we made to God to walk in the footprints of Jesus. Satan wants us to get bogged down in regret, remorse and anguish over weakness, sin, shame and despair. We must, with Paul, forget those matters of the past and press on to higher ground (Philippians 3). Too many sad people think on the following level:
My inferiority complex is not as good as yours
Lot's wife looked back and lost all hope due to her incessant attachment to evil companions. Luke 17:32 truly points us to future hope and not to past mistakes. Perhaps this reminder will challenge us to make the most of today!
In just two days, tomorrow will be yesterday
So many folk brag of what they will accomplish tomorrow but James 4:14-17 clearly warns us to make the most of time now and trust in God whatever comes beyond the present moment.
For his anger endureth but a moment;
in His favor is life: weeping may endure
for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. (Psalm 30:5).
When we choose to live in optimism we do not allow negative and destructive matters to sadden and overwhelm us. Paul, in prison, is a great role model on this topic:
I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13).
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