The Christian Race
Carl Lewis is probably one of the most well known track and field athletes of our day. He has won numerous races and has collected several gold medals in both the 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games. As an athlete, Carl Lewis understands the importance and essentiality of preparation. He makes it a point to not only be physically prepared for the race, but he also knows the significance to winning a race is found in making sure that he is willing to run the entire race, to pace himself, and to run with confidence.
The same is true for the race that each and every Christian must run. In 1 Corinthians 9:24-26, the apostle Paul says, "Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air."
The race which Paul is describing is the Christian life that each child of God lives. And it is during the process of that race that each and every Christian must realize the magnitude that is placed on each of these areas for victory to be achieved. If it is our desire to win the greatest race ever run by man, we must first recognize the value of running the entire race. Has anyone ever received the winner’s prize and yet never completed the race? All of us can see the injustice of such an event if that were to occur. The same is true for the Christian. He cannot expect to receive the crown of life (James 1:12), except he run the entire race (Rev 2:10).
Another aspect of winning is found in the tempo in which one runs the race. This is a very vital component of the Christian life. So many begin the race by going full speed, only to find themselves running on empty. Whether or not one can finish the race depends upon one’s endurance. Each Christian must pace himself so as to avoid yielding to temptations that come along during the race (Heb. 12:1-3).
The final piece that is essential for winning is confidence. The athlete who possesses conviction, poise, and belief coupled with ability will nine times out of ten win the race. As Christians we must trust in that incorruptible crown (I Cor. 9:25) which our Heavenly Father has promised to those who love Him. Only then will we stand in the winner’s circle.
Friends, the Christian life can be, to some extent, compared to an athlete, like that of Carl Lewis. Each child of God should see the importance of making sure they give their all, making it a point to pace themselves, and to run with total trust and confidence. On the other hand, we do not run to obtain a crown that perishes, rather we run to obtain an "incorruptible crown" (I Cor. 9:25) and that is worth obtaining.
Allen Weakland
Sympathy
We express our sympathy to the family of Fred Gray. Fred passed away on November 26th in Midland. Services were held on Wednesday, November 28th in Midland. Fred served as a deacon here at the Eisenhower congregation in the 70’s. He was a member at the Fairmont Church of Christ in Midland.
Current Concerns
Sharon Bell fell at the hospital in Fredericksburg where Leroy was. She is home recovering.
Mildred Heslip is at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Center in room 202.
Sydney Galvan fell on Monday night at home and landed face down on the floor. It looks like she did not do any permanent damage to her teeth, but will need to be rechecked soon. She is under antibiotics, painkillers, and mouth rinse. She is in quite a bit of pain. She is 9 years old.
Christopher Golden, son of Gina Golden (friend of Glenna Callendar), is in Medical Center Hospital in room 855. His liver is failing and they are not sure of the cause.
Prayer List
Kiah Bayless; Lee Roy Bell; Janet Gray; Mildred Heslip; Roger, Jonna, Thomas & Grant Hopkins; JoAnna Minter; Baby Ava Camille
Simmons; Junior Whitley; DeLora Wood.
Shut-ins
Mildred Bell; Mary Dunn; Fay Gann; Cecil and Mildred Hext; 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,
" I am Bound for the Promised Land."
You are invited to an Open House on Saturday, December 8th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. You have made us feel welcome at Eisenhower and
we want you to feel welcome in our new home. Allen, Christy, Hannah, and Joshua Weakland
Our last Ladies’ night of the year will be held on Tuesday, December 11th at 6:30 p.m. Bring a homemade gift or a gift valued at $10 or
less. Also bring your favorite finger food. We are starting earlier due to the game we will be playing.
FYI
The Wednesday’s morning Bible Class subject will be the book of Revelation.
The New Mexico Christian Children’s Home will be conducting their "needs drive" on December 12th. Some items they
have suggested are bar soap, beef broth, and chocolate chips. They also accept monetary donations that you can give to the office staff.
Our "Fall Gospel Meeting" series is now available on CD’s—$6.00 set of 4.
Youth
Youth party at the Warren’s home on December 9th immediately following evening services for 6th grade and up and their families.
Please bring a finger food to share and one white elephant gift per child (used or humorous). Contact Karla Warren or Christy
Weakland with any questions.
Office News
Our food coordinators for the month of December are Devida Montgomery and Glenda Hillis.
| December 2, 2007 | Morning | Evening |
|---|---|---|
Announcements |
Charles Wood |
Charles Wood |
Song Leader |
John Carroll |
Cameron May |
Sermon |
Allen Weakland |
Allen Weakland |
Opening Prayer |
Charles Wood |
Charles Wood |
Scripture |
Bill Brown |
Don Easlon |
Second Prayer |
Bill Tolbert |
Frank Vargas |
Closing Prayer |
George Warren |
Elder McCarty |
|
||
West |
Steve Horton |
Jeff Wood |
East |
Juan Morolez |
Trini Wood |
Other Responsibilities: Elder: Charles Wood ~ Deacon: Ronie Lane ~ Pulpit: Bill Butler
Table: Larry May ~ Song Leaders: Ronnie Lane
Sunday AM "Outfitted for Spiritual Life I " (2 Peter 1:5-11)
Sunday PM "How to Stay in the Light" (1 John 2:7-11)
Our Records
Bible Class... 72
Morning Worship... 85
Evening Worship... 72
Wednesday...
Contribution $3,417.00