One of the Greatest Detours to a Christian's Success
Over the years, I have had the privilege to listen to numerous members of the Lord's Church and have been blessed by their insight. As they have opened their hearts and lives, they have revealed their strengths and weaknesses. They have allowed me to see them at their best and at their worst. And it is from these insights that I have come to the conclusion that fear is probably one of the biggest detours to a person's success in life. Yes, what we fear may change from person to person, but every generation experiences it. Consider what has been said throughout history, when contemplating this real subject. In 1623, Sir Frances Bacon said, "Nothing is terrible except for fear itself." The Duke of Wellington made the remark that, "The only thing I am afraid of is fear." And Franklin D. Roosevelt attested, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
As you can see, people have fears. Some dread fear itself, while others are terrified by deep water, heights, insects, aging, and even loneliness. Fears come in almost every shape and size. However, though some of these may seem to be humorous to us, they are far from being amusing to those who experience these fears.
Friends, we must understand that fear has a way of taking control of our lives. Fear can be a permanent detour to our success and can stop us from making advances in our lives. Consider the vicious cycle which is created through fear – "fear breeds inaction, inaction leads to a lack of experience; a lack of experience fosters ignorance; and ignorance breeds fear." Michael Pritchard called fear "that little darkroom where negatives are developed." Beloved, it is quite clear that fear robs us of our ability and can hinder us from moving forward toward our purpose in this life (Eccl. 12:13).
Christ understood the power of fear and that is why He inspired the apostle Paul to proclaim "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Phil 4:13). Through this admonition, Christ has informed you and me that there is no need to be afraid. Whether it is knocking on doors, inviting our friends to worship services, or simply talking about spiritual things with our family, friends, or even our neighbors we have nothing to fear. Though we will experience fear when we stretch our abilities and take a risk for the cause of Christ, we must remember that there is nothing to fear, for our Lord has said, "And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world" (Matt. 28:20).
Allen Weakland
Sympathy
We express our sympathy to the family of Hazel Awbrey. Hazel passed away on October 2nd. Services were held on Saturday, October 4th at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Current Concerns
Elaine Armentrout, niece of Devida Montgomery, was experiencing difficulties since the birth of her son on September 26th. She was prescribed some antibiotics and is doing better.
Bill White, father of Wilma Squire's son-in-law Ron White, has cancer of the jaw. He is in MD Anderson Hospital still doing tests to see if it has spread.
Prayer List
Fran Arbuckle; Mildred Bell; John Don Flowers; Mildred Heslip; Cecil Hext; P. Jayapaul; Earlene Lewis; Estella Morolez; Jesse Ramos; Mabel Riggs; Erin Whitlock; Marilyn Upshaw.
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, "Rejoice in the Lord Always."
Our next Ladies' Night is scheduled for Tuesday, October 14 at 7:00 p.m. Please bring games. We will begin planning for the baskets for our college students who are away from home.
It's that time again! We will be participating in the 2008 Bible Search in Cleburne in November. There will be a meeting to discuss the details on Wednesday, October 15th immediately following services in the auditorium. If your child(ren) are participating, please be sure to be here.
The Lubbock Lectureship is set for October 12th –16th. 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.
The Parkview Church of Christ will be having a Gospel Meeting on October 19th –22nd. Jim Hayes will be speaking. More information is posted on the News and Notes board.
The McCamey Lectures will be held on October 19th-22nd. More information is posted on the news and notes board.
FYI
ATTN MEN: Johnny Warren has set up a training for those of you who signed up to record the sermons on Tuesday, October 21st at 6:00 p.m. The training will be held here at the building. If you did not sign up but are interested in helping, feel free to come to the training.
Attn Ladies: The new sign up sheet for food coordinators is on the news and notes board. Please be sure to sign up!
Odessa Christian School is in need of two daycare workers. The hours are from 10:30 to 5:30 Monday through Friday with paid holidays. They are also in need of substitute teachers and a computer teacher. If you are interested in any of the above positions please contact Shona Wood or Ardia Watson.
Thank You
Thank you so much for the prayers and cards in the loss of my brother.
In Christian love, The Marion Lee Family
Dear Eisenhower family,
Thank you so much for all you have done for Ronnie since his accident. We appreciate the calls, visits, cards, and especially the prayers. He has found these all encouraging and helpful in his healing process. A special thanks to Allen for being with us before, during, and after Ronnie's surgery, we appreciate you! Thanks again to all of you!
In Christian love, Kellie and Ronnie Lane
Youth
John and Sonia Wood will be hosting a youth devotional on Sunday, October 26, 2008 in the annex immediately following evening services. More information to follow.
Bible Quiz Question
This week's answers must be submitted by October 15th. (Read Nehemiah 4:1-13).
Question: 1) What two methods did Sanballat use to discourage the Jews from building? 2) What was the response of the Jews to these threats? 3) What initial strategy of defense did Nehemiah employ against the Samaritans?
Office News
Our food coordinators for the month of October are Lana Howard, Kathy Nunley.
This week's pantry items are green beans, corn, can soups.
| October 12, 2008 | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
Announcements | Charles Wood | Charles Wood |
Song Leader | Ronnie Lane | Rudy Ochoa |
Sermon | Allen Weakland | Allen Weakland |
Opening Prayer | Charles Wood | Charles Wood |
Scripture | Kirk McFarland | Jimmy Nunley |
Second Prayer | Juan Morolez | Bill Bayless |
Closing Prayer | John Bethune | DJ Ray |
|
||
West |
Jr. Munoz |
Trini Wood |
East |
Billy Carson |
Ezekiel Martinez |
Other Responsibilities: Elder: Charles Wood ~ Deacon: Juan Morolez ~ Pulpit: Bill Brown ~ Table: Bill Butler ~ Song Leaders: Ronnie Lane
Sunday AM
"What?"
(Jeremiah 10:23)
Sunday PM
"Failure Is Not Final"
(Matthew 25:14-30)
Our Records
Bible Class... 87
Morning Worship... 133
Evening Worship... 77
Wednesday... 116
Contribution $4,915.50