Aspiration for Purity
"Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word" (Ps 119:9)
The aspiration for purity seems to be more then just a lost art. In our day and time, we are often expected to simply accept (the new definition of tolerance) the adulterated ways of others. Some have gone as far as to demand that no one has the right to make any kind of moral judgment as to how another person ought to live. And yet, as one contemplates the words of the psalmist above, one is immediately confronted with the fact that there is a difference not only in the realm of what is right or wrong, what is black and white, or what is righteous or unrighteous, but we can also observe that all of us are amenable to pursue this principle of purity. But for that to happen, we must acknowledge several vital principles that the author brings to our attention.
First, we must concede the fact that our ways are not His ways (Isaiah 55:8). Too often, man’s arrogance sets the norm for virtuous living. This leads to relativism which allows man to do what is right in his own sight (Judges 17:6; 21:25). However, this type of attitude is not only foolish (Proverbs 12:15), but we are sternly warned as well to avoid such a mind-set in our lives (Proverbs 14:12; Isaiah. 5:21).
Second, we must acknowledge that His is a better way. Friends, since God’s ways are higher then our ways and His thoughts are higher then our thoughts (Isaiah 55:9), it is imperative that we begin conceding that He has a better way of living (Colossians 3:17). The psalmist makes it clear that the "way" of the young man was contrary to the ways of God. For the phrase, "Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way" describes both the young man’s course of life and that his lifestyle or track in life was following a specific rut which was impure. And only through proper examination would the young man come to acknowledge that his course of life was filled with potholes instead of peace and joy (James 3:13-18).
Third, we must recognize our responsibility to heed His ways. The psalmist informs us that there is an essential necessity to "take heed" to the Word of God if man is to ever obtain a cleansed soul. Only by observing what is according to the Word of God can a sinner be cleansed from his sins by the blood of Christ (Ephesians 1:7; Colossians 1:14). For it alone is the only weapon that can hew down and cut off the stubbornness of man. It single-handedly can master the lusts of men when they are in their greatest pride. Friends, only when our hearts heed the ways of God can we overcome and stand renewed (Psalms 119:10-16).
Even though the aspiration for and the means to obtain purity are very clear, man has managed over the years to cloud the issue. Beloved, if man truly desires to know and yearn for purity, he must recognize that any aspiration for purity can only be achieved when man concedes that his ways are not God’s ways, acknowledges that God’s ways are better, and accepts his own responsibility to heed the blueprint which God has established (John 12:48).
Allen Weakland
Current Concerns
Bill Arbuckle is at home having a very difficult time breathing.
Mildred Heslip will be having hip replacement surgery on November 2nd at Alliance Hospital.
Prayer List
Alvie Adams; Fran Arbuckle; Kiah Bayless; Rachel Cunningham; Janet Gray; Mildred Heslip; Helen Jones; Doc King; Bessie Millwee; Patsy Sanchez; Baby Ava Camille 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, " Guided by the New Testament."
John Wood will be taking a trip to McKittrick Canyon on November 10th. He is willing to take high school grades and any parent willing to take their younger children with them. This particular trail is a rough terrain and you will need to wear well supported shoes and also bring a jacket along because of the cooler air. If you are interested in going, please let him know. It will be a day trip. There is a sign up sheet in the foyer if you plan to go.
FYI
The title of Wednesday’s morning Bible Class lesson is entitled "Bear One Another’s Burdens." Galatians 6:1-2
There are two books in the foyer that we have purchased for Leemore Cook and Doris Roberson. We would like everyone to sign both books to let them know how much they mean to us.
Odessa Christian School needs a day care worker on Tuesday s and Thursdays from 10:30-5:30. Salary in $7.90 per hour.
Odessa Christian School’s Annual Settler’s Day, is scheduled for Saturday Nov. 3, 2007, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Silent Auction, Book Fair, lots of booths, and fun. Turkey, dressing and all the fixings, dessert, and drink; supper is from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Adult tickets are $6.00 and children are $3.50. You may purchase tickets by calling OCS’s office at 362-6311 or at the door. Cakes and pies (nothing that needs to be refrigerated) are needed for this occasion and also volunteers to help with the various booths. If you can help with any of the above requests, please contact OCS.
Odessa Christian School is also having a Book Fair which is scheduled for October 29th—November 3rd. You can sign up on the Book Fair web page which they listed on their information sheet. We have posted OCS’s newsletter on our bulletin board. You can write down the web page address from their fax.
If you would like a copy of the commentary on Luke by Burt Groves, please sign the sheet on the table in the east foyer.
Don’t forget to set your clocks back one hour on November 4th at 2:00 a.m. You might make it to worship an hour early if you forget.
Youth
Allen and Christy Weakland will be hosting a teen devotional on November 10th. More information to come.
Thank You
To the church: After viewing the pictures from my test the Doctor detected no change since last year, which to me is great news. You were all so supportive in love, prayers, hugs, visits, and gifts. We love you all.
Jurlean Warren
Thank you all for your prayers, love and support now and before I moved here. I am so thankful to be here. I am so thankful to be here with such loving brothers and sisters.
In Christian love, Sheila Stanton
Office News
Our food coordinators for the month of October are Christy Weakland and Sonia Wood.
| October 28, 2007 | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
Announcements |
Charles Wood |
Charles Wood |
Song Leader |
John Carroll |
Rudy Ochoa |
Sermon |
Allen Weakland |
Allen Weakland |
Opening Prayer |
Charles Wood |
Charles Wood |
Scripture |
Richard Siler |
Jack Wright |
Second Prayer |
Mike Smith |
Bill Bayless |
Closing Prayer |
Leon Sledge |
John Bethune |
|
||
West |
Ronnie Lane |
Cameron May |
East |
Scot Straw |
Craig Wesson |
Other Responsibilities: Elder: Charles Wood ~ Deacon: Jeff Wesson
Pulpit: Jimmy Nunley ~ Table: Tony Marrs ~ Song Leaders: Ronnie Lane
Sunday AM
"Deacons and Their Work"
(John 12:26 and Matthew 23:10-11)
Sunday PM
"The Character of John the Immerser"
(Matthew 11:11)
Our Records
Bible Class... 102
Morning Worship... 167
Evening Worship... 110
Wednesday... 135
Contribution $4,339.70