Listen & Learn
I have found over the years that it has been a tremendous benefit to take time to talk with older, faithful Christians and to listen carefully to what they had to say. They freely offer so much wisdom, which comes only by experience, speaking volumes concerning what they have learned. Often, though, far too many close their ears to their race, ignorant of the terrain, when you can consult those who have traveled that route already? Friends, likewise, eternal benefits may be reaped by redeeming our time by listening carefully to the lessons freely offered by those great men and women of faith whose experiences are already penned in the pages of God's Holy Writ. Remember that exhortation of Paul, "for whatsoever thing are written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope" (Rom. 15:4). The testimony of those in the past, which comes to us through inspiration (II Tim. 3:16-17), is recorded for our own development. Therefore, when we fail to study, we are in essence closing our ears to the counsel of those who have gone on before us and thus cheat ourselves out of helpful, practical learning.
Beloved, may I ask you a very important question, when was the last time you traveled through the pages of God's Word and listened to the instruction and~or counsel of individuals like Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joshua, Elijah, David, Nahum, Jonah, Zephaniah, Ruth, Paul, or Christ? If you have, then you realize that Noah could tell you how to find grace in the eyes of God (Gen. 6:8-9). Abraham would teach us what it means to walk by faith (Gen. 22). David would instruct us concerning what it means to be a man after God's own heart (Acts 13:22), and Christ would inform us of proper humility (John 12:1-ff) and personal, sacrificial living (Phil. 2:1-14).
Friends, it will take a lifetime of study for us to spend the proper amount of time with those who have gone on before us, gleaning and applying the lessons which our forefathers have to offer. Please determine now to avail yourself to these invaluable fortunes found within the pages of God's Holy Writ. There is no doubt you will be enriched; besides, isn't that what we all want in the end?
Allen Weakland
Current Concerns
Rocio Chacon will have surgery to remove the tumor on her thyroid on Wednesday, September 3rd.
LaVerne King went to Dallas on Wednesday, August 27th for a check up on her pace maker. She hopes to return by Saturday, August 30th.
Jesse Ramos, father of Rosie Simmons, had surgery Friday afternoon, August 22nd. He had several factors working against him. He is at Medical Center Hospital in room 930.
I.B. Huff, a former member here, is in the hospital in McKinney, TX for a problem with his kidney and a stomach infection. He may get to go home some time this week.
Prayer List
Fran Arbuckle; Bill Butler ; Mildred Bell; Mark Brewer; Mildred Heslip; Cecil Hext; Clemente Martinez; Estella Morolez; Lily Munos; Betty Reeves; Mable Riggs; Frank Vargas; Erin Whitlock; Delora Wood; Thomas 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, "God's Word, Lost and Found."
We will have special services on Sunday, August 31st. We will have our regular morning Bible class and worship service and then a potluck luncheon. We will have our evening service immediately following the potluck luncheon. There will be no 6:00 p.m. service.
The Lubbock Lectureship is set for October 12th. thru16th. The theme is The Law of Christ. It will be held at the Southside Church of Christ in Lubbock, TX. Make plans to attend if you are able. Allen Weakland will be one of the many wonderful speakers at this event. A flyer is posted on the News and Notes board in the east foyer.
FYI
Steve Horton will begin the Wednesday morning class on September 3rd in the annex at 10:30 a.m. He will continue his study on the book of Revelation. The potluck luncheons will still be held the last Wednesday of every month.
Promotion for Bible classes will begin on Wednesday, September 3rd and Sunday, September 7th.
We need men who are willing to do the recordings of the sermons upstairs in the balcony on Sundays, Wednesdays, and any special services such as Gospel Meetings or Summer Series. We would like to get at least 12 men to sign up so that we may rotate each one and no one will have to serve more than one month out of the year. If you are willing to help with this matter, please sign up on the list on the bulletin board in the east foyer. We will have training with handouts for each of you.
We are in need of someone to head up organizing the visitation program. If you are interested and able to do this, please contact one of the elders.
The Truth for Today Commentary series edited by Eddie Cloer has published its newest commentary. This volume is 1st and 2nd Thessalonians by Dr. Earl Edwards of Freed-Hardeman University. We have one copy available for purchase for $29.99.
Odessa Christian School is in need of a computer teacher. If you are interested, contact Shona Wood.
Bible Quiz Question
We will be using questions from Nehemiah until November in order to help our study for the upcoming Bible search in Cleburne, TX. There will be more than one question to answer. Parents please try to help your children answer these questions at home.
This week's answers must be submitted by September 3rd. (Read Nehemiah 2:4-9.
Question: 1) When given the opportunity to make a request of the king what did Nehemiah do? 2) For what did Nehemiah pray? Was his prayer answered? 3) What authority did he receive from the king? How was this authority expressed?
Thank You
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Thank you so much for all your prayers and cards. It is comforting to know that you are praying for me. We are truly blessed to be a part of such a wonderful Christian family.
In Christian love,
Rocio Chacon & Family
Office News
Our food coordinators for the month of August are Sharon Bell and Susan Simmons.
The office will be closed on Monday, September 1st in observance of Labor Day.
Regular office hours have resumed. We will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. We are closed from 12:00 to 1:00 for lunch.
We are preparing to print out new pocket directories to be ready the first part of September. There are several people whose information has changed and several of our newer members who have not turned in their information to the office. Please provide us with any new information as soon as possible.
Note: Nancy Taylor has a new phone number. If you need to contact her please call the office for her number.
This week's pantry items are sugar, canned meats, and syrup.
| August 31, 2008 | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
Announcements | Mike Smith | Mike Smith |
Song Leader | Steve Horton | John Carrol |
Sermon | Allen Weakland | Allen Weakland |
Opening Prayer | Mike Smith | Mike Smith |
Scripture | Jimmy Nunley | Kirk McFarland |
Second Prayer | Rudy Ochoa | Juan Morolez |
Closing Prayer | DJ Ray | Jr. Munoz |
|
||
West |
Ronnie Lane |
Craig Wesson |
East |
Kirk McFarland |
Cody Wesson |
Other Responsibilities: Elder: Mike Smith ~ Deacon: Don Easlon ~ Pulpit: Jeff Wesson ~ Table: John Wood ~ Song Leaders: Ronnie Lane
Sunday AM
"It is Finished"
(John 19:28-30)
Sunday PM
"Exalting Christ"
(Acts 5:28-31)
Our Records
Bible Class... 104
Morning Worship... 172
Evening Worship... 110
Wednesday... 122
Contribution $5,427.25