Does One's Worship Seem Like a Grind?
We are seeing, far too often, Christians walking away from Worship Services saying that they have not been edified and that they have received nothing from their worship to God. Consequently, they fail to worship God in Spirit and in Truth, as dictated in John 4:24; but they also develop a poor attitude toward worshipping God which makes one's worship seem like a grind. From this, is it any wonder that these same individuals begin to forsake the assembly and continue to go deeper into sin which creates a chasm from the one true God (Is. 59:1-2)? I often wonder if these same people could get something out of the worship service, then could the subsequent chain of events which we just spoke of be avoided. How then can one get something out of one's worship and not experience worship that seems like a grind?
As with all pertinent questions, God has revealed an answer to our inquiry within His Holy Writ. David, a gentleman who is known as a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22), penned the answer to our question long ago in what we know as Psalm 5:7. He wrote, "But as for me, I will come into thy house in the multitude of thy mercy: and in thy fear will I worship toward the holy temple." As we can see, David received his spiritual edification by giving 100 percent in his worship to God. He approached God by recognizing first that it was a privilege to worship God and that he was standing before a God who was abundantly merciful (Eph. 2:4-8). This enabled him to go before God's throne with his soul bowed down in reverence and awe (Eccl. 12:13) for he understood who he stood before – the Almighty. The Creator of all, the ever-merciful Sustainer, the One who is due profound reverence was the very God whom David worshipped. It was with this type of attitude that David was able to give his all and hence received the blessings which go hand in hand with that (Gal 6:7-8).
Beloved, there really is no secret concerning how one gets something out of one's worship. As David revealed, one must first give of onesself, coupled with a reverent attitude, recognizing whom one services and worships. When one is willing to do this, only then will one get something from one's worship and it will no longer be just a grind.
Allen Weakland
Little Things You Can Do That Help In A Big Way
Greet a visitor and ask him or her to sit with you.
If you are going with a group out for lunch after services, invite someone you don't know well to join you.
Seek out visitors after services and let them know how much you appreciated their visit and invite them to come back again.
Kindly let people know that you are glad to see them.
Call someone who was not present for services and gently and lovingly tell them they were missed.
Gently ask a person who looks puzzled if you can help.
Help a child find a song and follow the words with them.
Tell someone you have been praying for him or her.
Do some needed "little" job around the building.
Give the ministers, deacons, secretaries, teachers and those who serve us a "honk" of encouragement.
Smile at those who really need a smile…(really we all do!)
Let your spouse know that you really appreciate him or her.
Tell your kids you love them (even if they are teens!)
Reach out to children on their level, and give them a hug.
The suggestions above do not require a lot from us and may seem like "small things", but they surely do help us grow and encourage others in a big way!
Let's continue to commit ourselves to God's cause, God's commandments and God's community.
Author Unknown
Sympathy
We express our sympathy to the family of Brenda Bell, sister of Lee Roy Bell. Brenda passed from this life on Saturday, March 1st. Funeral services were held on Monday, March 3rd.
We express our sympathy to the family of Pearl Tucker. Pearl passed away on Tuesday, March 4th. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. at Sunset Memorial on Thursday, March 6th. Allen Weakland will be officiating.
We express our sympathy to the family of Bill Kail, brother of Ann Ellison. Bill passed from this life on Saturday, March 1, 2008. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, March 8th in Fort Stockton.
Restoration
Halley Brookshire came forward on Sunday, March 2nd. He made the statement that he wants to return to his roots and that he has let the outside influences enter his life.
Placing Membership
Roy and Hazel Brown have expressed their desire to place membership here with us at the Eisenhower Church of Christ.
Current Concerns
Bill Butler had a good report and does not have to go back to the doctor until May.
Bill Carson has been having some chest pains.
Kim Sampson's daughter was admitted to the hospital.
Harold Williams, former member here, was admitted to Midland Memorial Hospital on February 25th suffering from an infection in the head area. They are discouraging visitors at this time.
Brooke Wilson, daughter of Denny and Robyn Wilson, broke her collar bone while playing a basketball game.
Nick Smith will need an additional four rounds of chemo as a precautionary measure. This will begin Wednesday, March 5th.
Dolores Sanchez, mother of Barbara Martinez and Kristal Sanchez, had a doctor appointment on Tuesday, March 4th to have tests done.
Geneva Ybarra, sister of Susie Ramirez, will be having tests done in the middle of March for cancer.
Prayer List
Bill Arbuckle; Patsy Carol; Mildred Heslip; Cecil Hext; LeeRoy Bell; Mildred Bell; Yvonne Howard; Rosie Simmons; James Smith; DeLora Wood.
Shut-ins
Mary Dunn; Fay Gann; Cecil and Mildred Hext; Virgie Price; Charles 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, "Wanted: A Liar."
FYI
Don't forget to set your clocks ahead one hour on Saturday night at 2:00 a.m.
The Wednesday morning Bible Class subject will be the book of Revelation.
The Tipton Home Truck will be here on the week of April 7th. They have asked for the following items: Tylenol, liquid laundry detergent, Kleenex, chicken broth, pre-sweetened Kool-aid, cereal, gallon-sized zip lock bags, aluminum foil, and spaghetti sauce.
There will be a meeting for all individuals currently teaching, who have taught in the past or desire to teach, after the evening service, Sunday, March 16th.
Carolyn Wilkerson has a new address: 2320 E. 21st, Building 6, Apt. 606.
Donna Bivins has moved. Her new address is P.O. Box 97, Bronte, TX 76933. We have placed a book on the card table in the foyer for all of you to sign for her. Be sure to let her know how much we will miss her.
Youth
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.
Our next youth devotional will be on Sunday, March 16th. The Easlons will be hosting it.
Thank You
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Thank you so much for your prayers for Chuck Weaver. His surgery went well. Chuck has returned to work. He is having real bad headaches but he was told that in advance. Hopefully they will subside soon. I appreciate your asking about him. I love you all. It is so wonderful to be a part of this Christian family.
James & Terresia Weaver, Leta Collier & Chucker Weaver
Thank you! Eisenhower Brethren for the Grocery Items &/or funds so lovingly donated to help care for the children. You are very special to us! The New Mexico Christian Children's Home
Office News
Our food coordinators for the month of February are Maxine Newton and Patsy Mitchell .
We are trying to fill our pantry. Every two weeks we will have new suggested items. This week's suggestions are canned
fruits and juices, canned potatoes, and hot dog chili. Thank you!
| March 9, 2008 | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
Announcements | Mike Smith | Mike Smith |
Song Leader | John Carroll | Cameron May |
Sermon | Allen Weakland | Allen Weakland |
Opening Prayer | Mike Smith | Mike Smith |
Scripture | Mark Ingram | Ronnie Lane |
Second Prayer | Larry May | Juan Morolez |
Closing Prayer | John Bethune | Burt Groves |
|
||
West |
Jeff Wesson |
Alex Martinez |
East |
Charles Wood |
Cody Wesson |
Other Responsibilities: Elder: Mike Smith ~ Deacon: Jimmy Nunley ~ Pulpit: Scot Straw
Table: Tom Sorenson ~ Song Leaders: Ronnie Lane
Sunday AM
"Imitating Our Father"
(Ephesians 5:1-17)
Sunday PM
"Turning Trials into Triumphs"
(1 Peter 2:4-8)
Our Records
Bible Class... 111
Morning Worship... 166
Evening Worship... 117
Wednesday... 136
Contribution $6,169.60