Eisenhower Edifier                    December 10, 2006

Lessons Learned From Faithful Job


Be People Of Conviction
We see this trait come alive in the way Job dealt with his so-called friends. One of the major theories of the day was that prosperity and adversity were always directly tied to conduct. Prosperity always meant that one was being rewarded for good behavior, and vice versa. This was certainly a comfort to the wealthy and healthy. They could look upon the poor and sick because they were obviously suffering because of sin. The disciples of Jesus were affected by this thinking also. (John 9:2).

This was the view of Job's friends. Throughout the whole ordeal, they contended that Job had sinned in some grievous fashion. Therefore, God was punishing him. Yet, Job unwaveringly maintained his innocence. He was a man of conviction (6:24-25; 12:4).

Be People of Complete Commitment
A cynic is one who believes that human conduct is motivated totally by self-interest. In the book of Job only served God because he "got things" from God. His cynicism was not just an attack on Job's character, but was also an attack against God. To him, God was not worthy to be worshipped because he is God, but because he bribes people to worship him by blessing them with material gain. Job's life answered such charges (1:21). Job's faithfulness was not predicated on anticipating the blessings that would come from such service. He was willing to serve God no matter how much or little material things he had. Some of us only serve God when things are good. When everyone's well, there's money in the bank and life is smooth, we are the pictures of fidelity. But when the money runs short, our health fails, we face some opposition or ridicule, we bail out! Instead of continuing to serve God, sometimes we blame him. God is worthy of our worship and our loyalty because he is God (Psa. 18:13; Rev. 4:11).

Be People Who See the Importance of Worship
At the beginning of the book, we see him offering sacrifice to God on behalf of his children (1:5). The tragedies that befell Job soon after verse 5 were devastating, to say the least. His livestock, servants and family were all taken from him. What would be our response? Job's response? He worshipped (1:20).

Thinking of this point always brings to mind the time of my father's death in 1993. He died on Friday morning, December 31st. We spent all day Friday making arrangements and all day Saturday visiting with family and friends at home and at the funeral home. The service was scheduled for Sunday afternoon. When Sunday morning came I asked my mother if she felt up to attending worship, thinking that she didn't feel well enough. That's what I get for thinking. Her response was, "On Sunday I belong with the other saints." So, we went to the worship assembly. Even as an adult my faithful mother taught me a much needed lesson. Regardless of the terrible tragedies of life-most of which we don't understand-God is still deserving of our worship.

Be Patient People
This is probably the attribute of his character by which he is most recognized (James 5:11). The word "patience" means steadfastness, endurance or staying power. THE word does not mean docile acceptance, but a determination to hold true in spite of adversity. His patient endurance is best exemplified in Job 13:15 when he said, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in Him."

Job was truly a great example of loyalty to God in the face of the word circumstances. If we could but capture a small part of his impeccable character, nothing would get in our way of serving God to the fullest.

-Eddie Parrish


Restoration
Michael Arbuckle, Bill and Fran Arbuckle's grandson, came forward stating that he has been gone from church too long and wishes to come back to God and Jesus Christ. He has also expressed his wish to place membership here at Eisenhower Church of Christ.

Current Concerns
Harvey Garvin has congestive heart failure.
Ireba Chaffin fell and broke her hip.
Montrella Ruffner had tests on Thursday due to heart problems.
Sydney Galvan will be having her adenoids and tonsils removed in addition to having tubes put in her ears on December 27.
Kay Baker, former member here, fell and broke her arm.
Amanda Davis will be undergoing kidney surgery this month.
Jacob Perez, Susie Ramirez's 17 year old cousin, is in need of prayers for some legal problems he is about to face.

Prayer List
Alvie Adams; Mark Brewer; Darwin Carroll; Toni DeCristofaro; Ruth Davis; RuLonna Edwards; Harvey Garvin; Marion Lee; Kayli Martell; Justine McCollum; Wilma Mitchell; Elizabeth Ann Newbold; Ruth Norman; Bessie Peevy; Grace Rose Register; Jackie Rex; Jim Reyna; David Ryan; Janelle Shirley; Delora Wood.

Shut-ins
Mildred Bell; Ruby Brown; Mary Dunn; Sharon Fisher; Fay Gann; Cecil and Mildred Hext; Lela Jo McElroy; Virgie Price; Alma Stallard; Charles and Pearl Tucker; Nell O Beth Willoughby

FYI
The ladies' night for December will be cancelled due to the holiday hustle and bustle. We will resume on January 9th where we will be revealing our secret prayer sister.

Events
Watch In Search of the Lord's Way with Mack Lyon every Sunday morning at 7:30 am on CBS, channel 7. On Sunday, December 10, the lesson TBA.
The New Mexico Christian's Home will be having their Needs Drive. Their truck will be here Wednesday, December 13. All items are appreciated. Some suggested items are muffin mixes, brown sugar, and chocolate chips. Monetary donations are also accepted.

Office News
Our food coordinators for the month of December Carolyn Siler and Adah Ray

The Truth For Today Commentary on "Psalms 51-89" are available in the office ($28.50). The following books are also available in the office: Some Questions About Worship ($12); Truth for Today Commentary on "Ezekiel," and "Psalms 1-50" ($28.50); Fishing For Men : The Art of Personal Evangelism ($9); The Word Became Flesh: A Study of Christ and His Work ($11); and Some Questions About Bible Authority ($10).


Opportunities to Serve
December 10, 2006 Morning Evening
Announcements Lon Howard Lon Howard
Song Leader John Carroll Steve Horton
Sermon Steve Horton Steve Horton
Opening Prayer Lon Howard Lon Howard
Scripture Juan Morolez John Bethune
Second Prayer Jimmy Nunley Rudy Ochoa
Closing Prayer Ronnie Lane D J Ray
Lord's Supper
West Larry May
Victor Martinez
Bill Brown
Don Easlon
Marcus Crain
Jeff Wood
East Johnny Warren
Mike Smith
Tom Sorenson
Richard Siler
Cameron May

Other Responsibilities: Elder: Lon Howard ~ Deacon: Mike Smith

Pulpit - John Wood ~ Table - Jeff Wesson ~ Song Leaders - Ronnie Lane

Sunday AM ~TBA
Sunday PM ~ TBA

Our Records

Bible Class...123
Morning Worship...169
Evening Worship...138
Wednesday...109
Contribution...$5,463