Spiritual Renewal ~ Inviting or Avoiding?
All of us are faced with the reality that none of us are getting younger. In fact, as time passes, we will find ourselves unable to do what we once found so easy to accomplish. This truth also informs us that what we can accomplish often requires more time, energy, and effort as compared to what it required previously. We may even find ourselves facing new consequences like throbbing joints, stiff necks, and achy muscles. In fact, whether we are talking about those who are presently enjoying their youth or those who are in their prime, the reality remains the same that none of us are immune to the ramifications of aging.
As one considers these facts of life, and especially as we experience it, it makes the anticipation of our daily spiritual renewal a significant blessing. Friends, our spiritual strength should not depend on the condition of one’s failing back or one’s faulty knees. In fact, our spiritual well-being should not be stopped or hindered neither by physical aches or pains, nor by our having difficulty getting out of bed. Beloved, let me clarify that I truly understand that there are times when an individual’s physical condition is so severe that it hampers their ability in every way. Nevertheless, God has blessed us with the ability to be spiritual giants even when we are physically frail.
Realizing this truth, why do we have so many disregarding their responsibility to be renewed (II Cor 4:16)? Is it because they are avoiding renewal instead of inviting it into their lives? Friends, when we neglect the opportunity to gather ourselves together for Bible study, or to be present when the saints meet (Heb. 10:23-25), we are in all reality disregarding the necessity of being renewed spiritually. When we allow the physical things of this life, which will one day pass away (II Pet 3:10-12), to interfere with our inviting a spiritual renewal into our lives, then we are evading our own spiritual regeneration.
Beloved, God has informed us that the one who neglects his spiritual renewal is the very one who is "…blind, and cannot see afar off, and has forgotten that he was purged from his old sins" (II Pet. 1:9). So, what characterizes you better – inviting spiritual renewal or avoiding it?
Allen Weakland
Current Concerns
Jurlean Warren had a chemical stress test done on Tuesday, October 16th. She received a good report and did not have to
have an angiogram.
Rachel Cunningham, granddaughter of Iola and Wallace Cunningham, will be having surgery Thursday, October 18th in
Lubbock.
Kiah Bayless, the brother of Bill Bayless has been hospitalized for an infection. He has been experiencing declining health
for sometime now. Kiah lives in Goodyear, AZ.
Janet Gray, a niece of Mary Bayless, who has suffered with cancer for many years but had been in remission for some time
now has turned for the worse. Bill and Mary have requested our prayers as they travel to Conroe, TX to be with the family
during this trying time. Janet is 64 years old.
Prayer List
Alvie Adams; Fran Arbuckle; Darlene Brown; Billy Carson; Yolanda Carson; Mildred Heslip; Helen Jones; Doc King; Fran
McFatridge; Bessie Millwee; Harmon Rex; April Rocha; Mike Roemisch; Patsy Sanchez; Baby Ava Camille Simmons; Rosa
Simmons; Susan Simmons; James Smith; DeLora Wood.
Shut-ins
Mildred Bell; Mary Dunn; Fay Gann; Cecil and Mildred Hext; Wilma Mitchell; 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, "Biblical Christianity."
There will be an adult devotional on Saturday, October 27th at 7:00 p.m. at John and Sonia Wood’s house. Please bring
Mexican food.
We will be taking the church van to the Westside Church of Christ for their upcoming Gospel Meeting with Loy Mitchell
speaking. This event will take place on October 22nd and 23rd. If you are interested in riding the van, please be at the
church building no later than 6:15 p.m. on both nights.
FYI
The title of Wednesday’s morning Bible Class lesson is entitled "Show Hospitality One to Another." 1 Peter 4:7-10.
We would like to bring it to the congregation’s attention that we have received two new Allen Webster tracts entitled,
"Give Your Tobacco to a Billy Goat" and "How to Stop Worrying." These tracts are displayed along with many other
tracts that we offer as additional insights on certain issues. Feel free to take advantage of these tracts.
There is a book in the foyer that we have purchased for Leemore Cook. We would like everyone to sign it to let her know
how much she means to us and how much she will be missed.
Odessa Christian School needs a day care worker on Tuesday s and Thursdays from 10:30-5:30. Salary in $7.90 per hour.
Burt Groves has a limited amount of copies of his commentary on Luke. If you are interested in purchasing one, they are
$10.00 each. You may contact Burt if you have any questions.
Thank You
Dear Eisenhower family, Thank you so much for the many cards, delicious food and the prayers for me during my
surgeries and hospital stay.
You don’t realize how much it is all needed until something happens. We have much to be thankful for to our Brothers
and Sisters in Christ at Eisenhower. Thanks to Allen for his visits. The prayer offered on my behalf helped me through
and of course, Charles enjoyed the "not having to cook" part.
DeLora and Charles Wood
Thanks to everyone for the prayers, calls, cards and visits in the past months on behalf of our son and family. The
support is vital in recovery.
In Christian Love, Harmon and Jackie Rex
Dear Christian Friends,
We thank you very much for the cards and prayers on behalf of Cecilia while she recovers from the pain of the operation
she goes through each week.
We thank you, John & Cecilia Bethune
We would like to thank you for your prayers, calls, cards. We know God answers prayers, so we still ask for your prayers
on my behalf. Thank you again.
In Christian love, Junior Whitley
We have received a thank you note from the Simmons family. It is posted on the bulletin board. Please take the time to read it.
Baby Shower
Someone Special, Someone Dear, Someone New to Love is Here!
Ava Camille Simmons Born: September 7, 2007 at 5:25 p.m.
Weight: 1 lb. 3 oz. Length: 12 1/4 inches
Join us in showering
Rebecca Simmons
On October 27, 2007 2:00 p.m.
Eisenhower Church of Christ (Annex)
807 E. 21st Odessa, TX
Jennifer Wallace ~ Wendy Pickett ~ Amy Stoker
Selections at Babies ‘R’ Us and Target
Office News
Our food coordinators for the month of October are Christy Weakland and Sonia Wood.
Attention members: We will no longer be printing announcement sheets on Wednesday nights and for Sundays,
we will only be printing some if new announcements need to be made. More Edifiers will be printed in order to ensure
that you receive all the updated information that we have.
The elders would like to express their appreciation for all those who have contributed to the expense incurred from
our switching from a tract to a CD recording of the sermons and bible class lessons here at Eisenhower. This is to let
you know that the total cost of this endeavor has been completely covered and is appreciated immensely.
| October 21, 2007 | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
Announcements |
Charles Wood |
Charles Wood |
Song Leader |
Ronnie Lane |
Cameron May |
Sermon |
Allen Weakland |
Allen Weakland |
Opening Prayer |
Charles Wood |
Charles Wood |
Scripture |
Lon Howard |
DJ Ray |
Second Prayer |
Steve Horton |
C.M. Riggs |
Closing Prayer |
Mark Ingram |
Bill Ryan |
|
||
West |
Tom Sorenson |
Jeff Wood |
East |
Alex Martinez |
Bradley Martell |
Other Responsibilities: Elder: Charles Wood ~ Deacon: Jeff Wesson
Pulpit: Jimmy Nunley ~ Table: Tony Marrs ~ Song Leaders: Ronnie Lane
Sunday AM
"Qualifications of Deacons"
(1 Timothy 3:8-10)
Sunday PM
"Qualities of the Deacon’s Family"
(1 Timothy 3:11-12)
Our Records
Bible Class... 107
Morning Worship... 159
Evening Worship... 117
Wednesday... 147
Contribution $4504.41