Is It Not a Little One?
Though these words may seem insignificant at first glance, we must be reminded that they were uttered by Lot when he was directed to leave Sodom (Gen. 19:1, 12ff). Yet, instead of fulfilling the wishes of his merciful God, he instead begins to bargain with God to implement a change in direction which to Lot was a "little thing." Friends, these words seem to be the motto for many in our society today. Their religious axiom is "Is it not a little thing?" Friends, though something may appear to be unimportant does not mean that it is. Consider these thoughts.
First, the best of men have always been afraid of little sins. The holy martyrs of God have always been willing to endure the torments of doing right rather than stepping so much as one inch aside from the road of truth and righteousness. Consider Daniel (Dan. 6), when the king's decree went forth that no man should worship God for a period of time, he nonetheless prayed three times a day as he had done before. Friends, why didn't Daniel cease his vocal prayers, why didn't he close his curtains, why didn't he keep his petitions in thought alone? Wouldn't he have been accepted by such practices as compared to his normal way of doing things? Ah, but alas, Daniel judged that as little as the offense might have been, he would rather suffer at the mouth of the lions, than to fall into the hands of a living God (Heb. 10:31). Consider also Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Dan. 3). They were asked by King Nebuchadnezzar to simply bend their knee and worship the golden image. Was that not a small thing to ask? How could this slight of homage not be acceptable? However, to them it would be better to burn for God then to turn from Him. Friends, these three young men would rather suffer, than to sin. And even though the entire world might have excused such a slight act with a plea of expediency, they knew they would not tread such a path. They would rather be exposed to the fiery furnace than commit treason against the Most High.
Second, the best of men know that a little thing always leads to bigger and greater things. Friends, it is a well known fact that in order to bridge a gulf or expand over a river, it always begins with shooting something small across first. Only then can larger and stronger material be sent over to build something that will allow mankind to cross such an abyss. This is also true concerning how Satan works. He begins by shooting some thought across our minds that seems insignificant at first glance, and yet, however small it may appear, it has the ability to become something greater. Just as a deed becomes a habit and a habit becomes a way of life, so goes the way of little things until man is swallowed up and drown in iniquity. Consider this thought in the light of Achan's life (Joshua 7:1ff). Satan shot a thought across Achan's mind that the accused thing was a good thing. Achan then looks upon it, for it is a little thing. He then touches it, for how could holding this forbidden thing be such a big sin. He then takes it and hides in his home. Some would agree with Achan that it was but a small thing, yet for such an act his very life would be requested in exchange all for such a little thing. Friends, though something may seem small in its infancy, they too will grow as they reach maturity.
Beloved, remember that Lot didn't think that it was such a big deal to change the destiny which God had directed. However, does a little stone found within your shoe make you limp, hurt, and even stop your endeavors? Since such is the case, we can conclude that little things, no matter how small matter tremendously. If you would abide in Christ, walk with Him, and have fellowship with the Lord on High, take heed of the little things that can spoil the tenderness of our heart and lead us away from God.
Allen Weakland
Current Concerns
LeeRoy Bell is now in room 403 at Odessa Regional Medical Center (Alliance). He is dealing with some infections.
Russell Montgomery, brother of Devida Montgomery, underwent emergency surgery Sunday morning, January 6th in order to remove fluid from
around his heart and lungs. He will be in the hospital for seven days and then will be receiving in home care and treatment.
Lou Duncan, sister of LeeRoy Bell is in room 442 at Medical Center Hospital. She is having trouble with her defibrillator.
Dolores Sanchez, mother of Barbie Martinez and Kristal Sanchez, will be going to San Antonio for some tests on the week of February 11th.
Anna McGlothlin, mother of Anita Smith, has pneumonia and has been suffering from breathing problems. She is taking treatments at home.
Thelma Smith, mother of Eugene Smith, has pneumonia. She is at Odessa Regional Medical Center in room 321. She is on oxygen and breathing treatments.
Prayer List
Bill Arbuckle; Mark Brewer; Halley Brookshire; Harold Carver; Mary Francis Denman; Mary Fuentes; Marie George; Mildred Heslip; JoAnna Minter; JoAnna Minter; Cathy Scott; James Smith (Nick's dad) and family; Junior Whitley; DeLora Wood.
Shut-ins
Mildred Bell; Mary Dunn; Fay Gann; Cecil and Mildred Hext; Virgie Price; Charles and Pearl Tucker.
Events
Watch In Search of the Lord's Way with Mack Lyon every Sunday morning at 7:30 am on CBS, channel 7. This week's topic will be entitled,
"Where are the Dead".
FYI
The Wednesday morning Bible Class subject will be the book of Revelation.
The Lakeview Christian Home will be here on the week of January 14th. They are requesting canned fruits or any canned foods.
We are beginning to plan our Ladies' Day for March. We need your help with this. We are asking if you have any nice used coffee cups that you
could part with for us to use for a special project.
Youth
There will be a youth devotional for 6th grade and up with their families on January 13th in the annex. It will be hosted by Alex & Barbie Martinez.
Boys bring drinks and girls bring desserts.
We are needing hosts for the monthly youth devotionals. Please sign up to host one or more on the sign up sheet on the bulletin board in the east
foyer.
Thank You
A special thanks to Jewell Dennard for donating a microwave to the annex.
It is with the deepest gratitude that I wish to thank you for the cards, prayers, and words of encouragement with the loss of my cousin. You have
made this time bearable. I would also like to thank all those who prepared desserts and purchased drinks for the funeral. I love you all!
In Christian love, Rachel Galvan
Invitation
You are all invited to the 80th Birthday Celebration of LeeMore Cook on Saturday, January 12, 2008 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Come and go or stay
awhile. In the home of Ronald and Michelle Cook, 3503 76th Street, Lubbock, TX 79423. Phone number on bulletin board in east foyer. No gifts
please, but cards or hugs will be deeply appreciated.
Office News
Our food coordinators for the month of January are Kathy Nunley and Lana Howard .
| January 13, 2008 | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
Announcements | Lon Howard | Lon Howard |
Song Leader | John Carroll | Cameron May |
Sermon | Allen Weakland | Allen Weakland |
Opening Prayer | Lon Howard | Lon Howard |
Scripture | Richard Siler | Mike Smith |
Second Prayer | Bill Tolbert | Scot Straw |
Closing Prayer | Tom Sorenson | Frank Vargas |
|
||
West |
George Warren |
Cody Wesson |
East |
Johnny Warren |
Craig Wesson |
Other Responsibilities: Elder: Lon Howard, Deacon: Ronnie Lane, Pulpit: Juan Morolez, Table: Bill Brown, Song Leaders: Ronnie Lane
Sunday AM
"Fountains of Tears"
(Mark 14:66-72)
Sunday PM
"An Attitude That Rocks"
(Acts 17:5-9)
Our Records
Bible Class... 117
Morning Worship... 188
Evening Worship... 129
Wednesday... 129
Contribution $5,140.85