HOLIDAY PARTY
THE HEIGHTENER
"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall exalt you." -James 4:10
| Volume XXVIII |
November 28, 2006 |
Number 48 |
|
VIEWPOINT
It’s hard to fully
understand all that drives us. William
James said we’re driven by the need to gain, keep, or recover happiness. Alexander Pope said that
self-love is the “spring of motion.” Former President Lyndon B.
Johnson said, “Sex and envy are the greatest drives in life.” Former
President Nixon said, “People react to fear, not love. They don’t teach
that in Sunday School, but it’s true.” Maybe French philosopher La
Rochefoucald nailed it when he said that we would be embarrassed by our best
deeds “if the world were to see all their underlying motives.” Solomon wrote, “All of a
man’s ways seem right to him, but the Lord weighs the heart” (Proverbs 21:2). This
reminds us of Jeremiah’s words, “The heart is deceitful above all
things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?”
(Jeremiah 17:9). I cannot determine what
motivates others. I have trouble
reading the intentions of my own heart; how can I judge what drives someone
else? David’s prayer was “Create
in me a pure heart” (Psalm 51:10).
He understood that his motives were a mixed bag, sometimes leading
to greatness, sometimes leading to disaster. And he understood that his heart
needed to be made new by the power of God’s mercy. We can’t afford to waste our
time second-guessing that which only God can judge and only God can change.
Instead, we must make a habit of laying our own hearts on the altar, asking
God to redeem and purify our motives — and to use us in spite of who we are, not because
of who we are. I look forward to seeing you
Sunday with a Bible, a smile and a positive word!
RA |
|
Grumpy! This is a true story. A woman had Snow White and the
Seven Dwarfs in her yard as lawn ornaments. One morning she
found that Grumpy was missing. The thorough search of the
neighborhood and many inquiries were fruitless. Grumpy had
vanished. Weeks later, he suddenly appeared in his usual spot, the same
grump’s expression on his painted plaster face. But attached
to him with duct tape was a photo album. One picture showed him
in front of Perhaps the pranksters hoped a free world tour would cheer up
the little fellow. But it did no good whatsoever. He
returned as sour as when he left. Isn’t it amazing that God shows us His wonders and educates
us in His ways, yet through this amazing journey so many of us, like
the Grumpy lawn ornament, remain unchanged, unaffected, untouched?* For a
moment, observe God’s wonders…
Consider His Creation. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies
proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1). “For since the
creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power
and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what
has been made, so that men are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). Consider His Communication. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of
God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete,
thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
Through the Word of God, we are able to know God and His will for our
lives. Consider the Cross of Jesus Christ, God’s Son.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that
whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life”
(John 3:16). “This is how God showed his love among us: He
sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through
him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and
sent his Son as the propitiation (Divine substitute) for our sins”
(1 John 4:9-10). The wonders of God should change us
more and more into the image of His dear Son (Romans 8:29). Observing the wonders of God,
will you remain unchanged, or will you allow God to change your life? (Living
Water) |
E-MAIL AND CELL PHONE LIST
There are new e-mail and cell phone lists
available on the table in the vestibule.
MEN'S RETREAT
The Men’s Retreat will be at Bald Rock Lodge at
HOLIDAY PARTY
Everything is in order for our Holiday Party – it is
going to be an exciting event. The
party is Saturday, December 2 at 6:00 at
.
STEWARDSHIP PLANS
Our
Cedar Grove shepherds have already been working on a church budget for 2007.
Good stewardship is an important spiritual consideration, and it’s part
of sound oversight (Mt. 26:21). Please
think about the challenges involved when the new budget is presented.
OUR SICK
Vivian Raines is back at the
Health Care Center after spending a few days in the hospital.
Continue to remember Evelyn Bohannon, Susan Carson, Nell Peters, J. W.
and Vivian Raines, Richard & Joyce Smith and Geneva White.
|
THOSE TO SERVE - DECEMBER 3, 2006 |
|
|
Welcome |
Ross Anderson |
|
Song Leader |
Bobby Mitchell |
|
Opening Prayer |
Jimmy Pulliam |
|
Lord's Table |
*Romeo Brinkley |
|
|
*Chris King |
|
|
Jimmy Scott |
|
|
Chris Thompson |
|
Scripture Reading |
Merritt Eagling |
|
|
John
14:5-7 |
|
Closing Prayer |
Greg Cannon |
|
Welcome -PM |
Ross Anderson |
|
Song Leader |
Bobby Mitchell |
|
Opening Prayer |
Dave Hamby |
|
Scripture Reading |
Armando Banuelos |
|
|
|
|
Closing Prayer |
Merritt Eagling |
|
Communion Preparation |
Sally Ray |
|
Nursery Attendant |
Willie Mae Warren & Sandy Wisenkbaker |
RECORD 11/26/06
|
Bible School |
95 |
|
Worship AM |
128 |
|
Worship PM |
67 |
|
Wednesday Bible Study |
41 |
|
Contribution |
$ 3,231.11 |