tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-52800121279645210542024-03-13T00:49:42.726-04:00Proclaiming His PraisesUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger284125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280012127964521054.post-70786845946868818772019-03-09T12:04:00.001-05:002019-03-09T12:04:40.133-05:00Our invitation - "Come to Jesus."
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">March 9, 2019</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; margin: 0px;"> - Hello.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Welcome.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>In Matthew 11:1, Jesus “finished commanding His twelve disciples” and
taught and preached in their cities.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>He
answered John’s question (3); “Are You the Coming One, or do we look for
another?” with (4) “Go and tell John the things which you hear and see.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>After speaking about John’s mission and His
own, He rebuked the cities who should have believed in Him but would not repent
(20).<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>He then prayed a prayer of
thanksgiving to His Father (25-27) after which He extended His great invitation
(28-30); <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Come to Me, all who labor and
are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in
heart, and you will find rest for your souls.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."</i></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">I heard about
a Christian brother who skipped out on the assembly of the church one Sunday.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Here is his story.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">I didn’t meet
with the church for worship and fellowship on the Lord’s Day this week.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>On Monday a friend met me on the street and
said, “I noticed that you were absent from our assembly yesterday.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Will you be there next Sunday?”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>“No,” I replied.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>“I can’t make it.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Don’t look for me.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Two Christian brothers saw me on Tuesday at
Walmart and asked me about my absence.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I
said to the first, “I wish I could have been there on Sunday, maybe next
Sunday” and to the second, “My schedule looks impossible, but I’ll try to make
it.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>On Wednesday morning at the Post
Office a fourth Christian brother asked if I would be at church next
service.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>“I’ll certainly try to be
there, but I may not be able to make it.”<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Before I reached my car a fifth Christian stopped me, and then and there
I promised I would be there for sure.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I
don’t know whose official duty it was to contact me, but I couldn’t resist the
invitation from five Christian brothers and sisters.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">What lessons
can we learn from this story?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>#1 - We
all like to go where we are wanted and needed.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>If we want the saved and the unsaved, the different and the indifferent,
as well as our absentee brother or sister to attend when the church meets
together to hear the best news in all the world, we must let them know.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>#2 – I must take advantage of every
opportunity to help others to stay on the pathway to true happiness here and
then heaven hereafter.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If we really want
them to come, we will look for the opportunity to invite them and remind them.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>#3 – We’re all in this together.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Note that one invitation wasn’t enough to
shake this wayward brother into action.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Though he rejected the first invitation with little concern, note the
positive impact of every other invitation and reminder.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">Sunday
morning – “A Scripture Text for Life – Proverbs 3:1-6.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We’ll look at David’s negligence and the cost
of yielding to the devil’s temptations.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana",sans-serif; margin: 0px;">Sunday
evening – “God’s Eternal Promise – Forgiveness.” Amazing Grace how sweet the sound...</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280012127964521054.post-10327950573272805102019-02-28T16:17:00.001-05:002019-02-28T16:17:40.155-05:00Steadfast...Unmovable...Always Abounding...
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello from
Morrilton, Arkansas in view of Petit Jean Mountain beside the beautiful
Arkansas River. It seems that old winter
is fighting hard to stay with us.
Wednesday (27<sup>th</sup>) was a warm and sunny 65. They say that it will be 17 on Sunday evening. As we all know and take comfort in, spring is
just around the corner. I’m glad. It will be so good to see the flowers popping
up and the trees budding out again. God
has everything under control. </span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Harding
Street church of Christ is doing just fine, continuing in the Way of Jesus Christ
in simplicity and steadfastness. It
seems that the world around us moves further and further away from three solid
Christian principles: continuance,
simplicity, and steadfastness. Is faith
in God through His only Son, Jesus Christ, repentance, confession, baptism, and
true Christian living so difficult to understand in these modern times? What does Hebrews 11:1 tell us about
faith? <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things
not seen.”</i> Could it be that the very
reason life seems hopeless to too many people is found is this simple verse of
Scripture? Think about it. Faith is the very substance of hope. Though we may not “see” God, His Son, the
Holy Spirit, or heaven yet, our faith is the evidence and our confidence in
their reality. When we “mess up,” make a
mistake, do something wrong, fail to meet expectations, or commit sin, saying
“I’m sorry” and changing our hearts, minds, and actions is common sense and
exactly the right thing to do. Either
Jesus the Christ, the Savior or He isn’t.
There is no in between. He
is. To deny Him is to reject the Way,
the Truth, and the Life. Jesus is the
One and Only way to the Father (John 14:6).
No matter what people say or believe or teach, baptism is required for
salvation because Jesus declared it to be.
To His disciples He said, “Go, teach, baptize, and teach and He would be
right there with them” (Matthew 28:18-20).
Why do some feel as though these
basic principles are from some “bygone era” and should be discounted as
“old-fashioned” and irrelevant in this, our modern-day society? It is true.
The Bible is still relevant, still vibrant, still alive, still convicting,
still needed, still true yesterday, today, tomorrow, and forever. Count on it.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sunday is
March 3<sup>rd</sup> and so we begin a new series of lessons entitled “A
Scripture Text for Life.” I am so
excited to share this series with you from Proverbs 3:1-6. Every Sunday morning sermon will be taken
from this simple text. Our first lesson
is taken from verses 1 and 2 “My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart
keep my commands; for length of day and long life and peace they will add to
you.” Simple and to the point! You would think so. After all, we all want good and happy days
and a long and peaceful life. But we
have a few problems that stand in the way of remembering and keeping what we
know to remember and keep; problems like deception (Eve), passion (David), fear
(Peter), greed (Judas Iscariot), and impatience (Probably you and me). What
was it that empowered Jesus to stay strong in the midst of these
temptations? He remembered. He kept.
We’ll consider these things and commit ourselves to remember and keep
God’s commands. Come and see.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280012127964521054.post-84419319815043958042019-02-22T13:51:00.003-05:002019-02-22T13:51:25.678-05:00Wow! God certainly does fulfill His promises!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Welcome!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I’m so happy that you are reading my blog
post this week and every week.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>In
addition to this article be sure to check out the other sections of our new website:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><a href="http://www.hardingstreetcoc.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.hardingstreetcoc.com</span></a>:
the Harding Street bulletin, our calendar, education information and coming
soon; good reading for ladies, a youth page, and audio sermons.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We want to communicate the gospel of Jesus
Christ any and every way we can to those who are searching for the Way to
goodness and mercy all the way to heaven.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>David wrote about the Christian life in Psalm 23:6 when he wrote;
“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will
dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Of course these promises rest upon Jesus as the Shepherd of our
lives.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We (The church of Christ that
meets at 906 E. Harding Street) are truly a people who love God.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We want to serve Him every day.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We want to show and share Jesus’ tender
loving care as we serve others.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We want
to reflect the Light to those around us.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>We truly want to teach, love, and care with the same passion and
compassion that Jesus has for all the world. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>May God, the Morrilton community, and the
world see Jesus living in us!</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This week
has been one of those weeks every preacher dreams about and hopes and prays
for.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>On Sunday (17<sup>th</sup>) we welcomed
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Brother Don Atkins</b> to the church of
Christ at Harding Street.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Brother Don
will certainly be a wonderful asset to the church.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>He will be teaching the auditorium Bible
class beginning in March.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>They will
begin a study of the Judges.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We then had
the great privilege of witnessing three new deacons accept their appointment;
Brothers Marion Chenault, Jamie McCoy, and Brent DuVall.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Then at the close of Brother Bane’s sermon we
celebrated a new Christian being born into the family of Christ as <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Emmy Lou DuVall</b> confessed Jesus as
Savior and was baptized into Christ by her dad, Brent, who was just appointed
as a deacon.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Then, later on Sunday we had
a new Christian brother added to the church as <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Seth Hall</b> confessed Jesus as the Son of God and was baptized into
Christ.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>On Wednesday evening we
announced the news that <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">David and Pam
Petroff</b> have decided to be members at Harding Street.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>God always fulfills His promises.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>What did the Apostle Paul write in 1
Corinthians 3:6?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>“I planted, Apollos
watered, but God gave the increase.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This
we will do.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This God will do.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This Sunday
(24<sup>th</sup>) we have Brother Bob Turner and his lovely wife visiting with
us.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Brother Turner will share a lesson
from God’s word at the worship hour then speak to the auditorium class about a
new project he is directing called “The Leadership Project.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If you’d like to investigate this new work,
the website is <a href="http://www.leadership-project.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.leadership-project.com</span></a>.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>And don’t forget the hyphen.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our Sunday
evening lesson is entitled “Jesus – Concerning Salvation.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We often sing the song “Trust and Obey.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The chorus of this song teaches us about true
faith in Jesus:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>“Trust and obey, for
there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>When we look in the Bible we find that faith
is actually a combination of trust and obedience just like the song says.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The writer to the Hebrews in chapter 11 and
verse 6 teaches us about true faith: “But without faith it is impossible to
please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is (TRUST) and that He
is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (OBEDIENCE).”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We’ll consider this on the evening worship
hour.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: calibri;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280012127964521054.post-32960418690329896942019-02-14T12:48:00.000-05:002019-02-14T12:48:15.063-05:00Happy Valentine's Day - All you need is love!<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; margin: 0px;">February 14, 2019</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; margin: 0px;"> – Hello…And Happy Valentine’s Day
today! Love.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Oh
yes!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>All we need is love.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You know this is true. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>What would happen today in your life and mine
if we decided to love the way Jesus did, the way He taught, the way He asks us
to?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Well?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Let’s do it.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Let’s love and see.</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; margin: 0px;">Sunday we
will gather together at 906 Harding Street in Morrilton, Arkansas to remember
Christ Jesus our Savior who loves us and gave His all for our salvation.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>As we remember His sacrifice on this Lord’s
Day let us take a serious and honest look at how we’ve lived our lives so that
we may worship God in spirit and in truth.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive our sins and
cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It could be that our relationship with God is
just the way it needs to be.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Great!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Just keep on keeping on; teaching, loving,
and caring, just like Jesus.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Brother Bane
will be preaching on the morning and I’ll be preaching on the evening.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Next Sunday, February 24<sup>th</sup> Brother
Bob Turner will be with us to preach and then share some valuable information
on the “Leadership Project” at the 10:15 Bible Class hour in the auditorium.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; margin: 0px;">Congratulations
to our three new deacons:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Marion Chenault, Brent Duvall, and Jason
McCoy</b>. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>They will be appointed on Sunday
just prior to the sermon to serve alongside David Blaylock, Tony Chenault, and
Gary Watters.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>To God be the glory in all
that we do today and in the coming days to further the gospel of Christ in our
Morrilton community and throughout the world.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Our task is to plant the seed of the word of God, to water the seed with
faith, love, and hope, and then wait with prayer, patience, and perseverance
for God to fulfill His promise to “give the increase” according to His will and
purpose (1 Corinthians 3:6).<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>And this we
will do!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; margin: 0px;">We are so
very happy to announce that Brother Don Atkins has decided to work and worship
with us here at Harding Street.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Don has
been with us for worship and fellowship for the past couple of months.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>God is blessing us just like He promised by
sending us laborers into His harvest.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>What does Jesus say in Matthew 9:37-38?<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Read it and see.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>When we pray,
God hears and answers.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I am praying for
my Christian brothers and sisters; for those who have fallen away to return and
for those who have not yet been born in Christ to hasten to trust and
obey.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Do you remember the sermon I
preached not too long ago on what it takes to grow?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Remember:<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>FOOD (God’s word spoken, taught, preached, and heard), EXERCISE (Putting
into practice what we learn from God’s word), and TIME (Patient and steadfast).</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; margin: 0px;">LADIES:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>There will be a COUNTY-WIDE Ladies Meeting concerning our upcoming
LADIES’ DAY this Tuesday, February 19 @ 6:00 p.m. in the Annex at Harding
Street.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This meeting is for all ladies
at Harding Street (We’re hosting this year) and also ladies around the county.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280012127964521054.post-4394256089524524202019-01-31T17:25:00.000-05:002019-01-31T17:26:29.545-05:00Can you believe it? February already! - Spring is just around the corner!<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">February 3, 2019</b> - Hello from beautiful Morrilton, Arkansas to reading a little about the happenings in the Harding Street Church of Christ.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>What a view we have from our front entrance;
Morrilton High School and Devil Dog Stadium.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>It seems that I have always been and ever will be a Devil Dog fan.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Every morning when I drop out of my Ford F150
truck seat to go into the church office I glance across the street and thank my
heavenly Father.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our weather
has been really been a bear recently; 18 one day and then 70 a few days later.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I am so happy that the ice and snow is
further north.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Winter will soon give way
to Spring and I’m glad about that.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>God
knows what He’s doing.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It will be so
good to see the flowers popping up and the trees budding out again in just a
few weeks, Lord willing.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Harding
Street congregation is doing just fine, continuing in the Way of Jesus Christ
in simplicity and steadfastness, holding strong to the faith that is in Christ.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It seems that the world around us continues
to move further and further away from these three principles:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>continuance, simplicity, and steadfastness.
(Consider what recently took place in the halls of government in the state of
New York.)<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Is faith in God so difficult
to “get?”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>What does Hebrews 11:6 tell us
about faith? <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>And what about repentance?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>When we sin; saying “I’m sorry” and changing
our hearts, minds, and actions is common sense and Biblical truth (Acts 2:38).<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Is God asking us to do something that we just
cannot do?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I don’t think so.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>And what about confession?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Either we deny Jesus as the Christ or we
confess Him as the Christ.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>There is no
in between (Matthew 6:24).<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>And baptism?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>No matter what people say or teach to the
contrary, baptism is required simply because Jesus declared it to be (Matthew
28:18-20).<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>And is true sincere Christian
living so difficult to grasp?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Why do
some feel as though these basic principles are from some bygone era and should
be discounted as “old-fashioned” and irrelevant in this, our modern-day
society?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Fact is:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The Bible is indeed a very old book; but still
relevant, still vibrant, still alive, still convicting, still needed, still
true in this day in which we live. And here at Harding Street we will ever read
it, respect it, rely on it, teach it, and preach it until our Savior comes
again.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Brother Bane
and I will change things up a little bit this month.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Brother Bane will be preaching on Sunday
morning today, the 10<sup>th</sup> and the 17<sup>th</sup>.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I’ll be preaching Sunday evening tonight, the
17<sup>th</sup> and the 24<sup>th</sup>.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>We will have a guest preacher on Sunday, February 24<sup>th</sup> for
the worship hour and Bible class in the auditorium, Brother Bob Turner.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Brother Turner will be visiting with us to
preach and then share some very important information with us about a
“Leadership Project” that we might get involved in, a ministry that is designed
to help us develop leadership within the church.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We’ll see how it goes. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>In March I’ll be doing all the preaching on
Sunday AM and PM, Lord willing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Remember
that TODAY is the final day to turn in your “Deacon Recommendation Forms.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We hope to appoint some additional deacons to
help David, Tony, and Gary with the ministry of the church.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The elders will be meeting with those you
have recommended and plan to announce the names for further consideration on
Sunday, February 10<sup>th</sup>, Lord willing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Check out
the new Harding Street website – <a href="http://www.hardingstreetcoc.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.hardingstreetcoc.com</span></a>.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We’re still working on it so be patient as we
learn what and how to do what needs to be done.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>God is blessing us.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280012127964521054.post-71486592765722242472019-01-25T13:03:00.004-05:002019-01-25T13:03:54.473-05:00A lot going on in and with the Harding Street Church of Christ...<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">January 25, 2019</b> – Hello and welcome to
you on this beautiful Arkansas Friday!<span style="margin: 0px;"> Sunday (27th) it will be</span> so good to have the opportunity to meet together on the last
Lord’s Day in January, the first day of the week.<span style="margin: 0px;"> W</span>e will study the Bible together.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Through the study of God’s word our faith
grows stronger, our mind becomes sharper, and our confidence in Christ is
reaffirmed after a week of life and living.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>We will pray together today.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>A
family that prays together stays together.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>We want to stay together and “be perfectly joined together in the same
mind and in the same judgment” (1 Corinthians 1:10).<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Today we will sing psalms, hymns, and
spiritual songs together.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We sing
because Jesus sung (Matthew 26:30). <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Just
think about the voice of the Son of God has!<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>One day we’ll hear it.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We sing
like Paul sang; with the spirit and with the understanding (1 Corinthians
14:15).<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The church is to “speak to one
another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in our
hearts to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19).<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We
are to “let the word of Christ dwell in us richly in all wisdom, teaching and
admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with
grace in our hearts to the Lord” (Colossians 3:16).<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>“Worship” can become and for many has become
more about what pleases people rather than what pleases God.<span style="margin: 0px;"> W</span>e will share in the Lord’s Supper, the
bread representing Jesus’ body, the fruit of the vine representing Jesus’
blood.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We have communion together every
Sunday.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>In the Bible the church met to
“break bread” on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7).<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We are continuing steadfastly in the
Apostles’ teaching (Acts 2:42).<span style="margin: 0px;"> W</span>e
will “lay something aside” giving as we have purposed in our hearts, not
grudgingly or of necessity, but cheerfully and bountifully for the work of the
church (1 Corinthians 16:1, 2 Corinthians 9:6-8).<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Let us always worship God in spirit and in
truth.</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have a
lot going on at Harding Street.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We need
every member’s TLC (Tender Loving Care). We need every member's prayers. We need every member.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are
updating our “Those to Serve” List - EVERY MEMBER @ HARDING STREET:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Please if you have not yet filled out a
“Member Profile Sheet,” please do so before you leave on Sunday.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Copies are located on the table in the
lobby.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Just fill it out and place it in
the plastic holder on the table.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Our
deacons need to know who can serve in the many and varied positions in the
service of the church.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Additional
Deacons – Last Sunday (20<sup>th</sup>) we began the process of appointing
additional men to serve as deacons at Harding Street.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>David, Tony, and Gary need our help.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We have until next Sunday evening, February 3<sup>rd</sup>
to make our recommendations to the elders.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>The eldership will then meet with those we have recommended and place
the names before the congregation on February 10<sup>th</sup>.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The church will then have two weeks to review
these men and Lord willing, we will appoint additional deacons on Sunday
morning, February 24<sup>th</sup>.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Copies of the “Deacon Recommendation Sheet” are located on the table in
the lobby.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Please recommend as many men
as you deem qualified (I Timothy 3:8-13).<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Thank you.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sunday we will
complete our lesson series “God’s Power through the Principles of Prayer."<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We have looked at the DEMAND that
we pray, the DESCRIPTION of prayer, and the DIRECTION of Prayer.<span style="margin: 0px;"> Sun</span>day we will consider the DYNAMIC of prayer,
the force that moves the hand of God in our lives. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">COMING SOON:
Our new and updated website <a href="http://www.hardingstreetcoc.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.hardingstreetcoc.com</span></a>.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">IN PROCESS:
Renovation of Kitchen in the Annex/Installation of Commercial Dishwasher.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280012127964521054.post-59469919920596549182019-01-17T12:57:00.000-05:002019-01-17T12:57:49.141-05:00BIG PLANS for 2019 - And we're on our way!<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">January 17, 2019</b> – We have big plans for so many great and
positive changes in the Harding Street church of Christ in this new year.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The elders met with several of the ladies
about renovating the kitchen and the ladies restroom in the annex to better suit
our needs.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>New partitions, new cabinets
and counters, and a new commercial dishwasher are now in the works.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We want to
be better organized in our service to God, to the church, and to our
guests.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The church of Christ at Harding
Street is blessed by God with so many gifted and talented members.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It would be so good to have every member
using their gifts and talents to glorify God.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>So, if you have not yet filled out a “Member Profile Sheet,” please do
so this Sunday.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Copies are located
on the table in the lobby.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Just fill it
out and place it in the plastic holder on the table.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Our desire is to fulfill the Lord’s directive
in I Corinthians 14:40.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We have
three of the finest men in the church serving as deacons; David Blaylock, Tony
Chenault, and Gary Watters.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>They have so
much work to do and are in need of help.<span style="margin: 0px;"> This Sun</span>day (20th) we begin the process of appointing additional men to serve as
deacons at Harding Street.<span style="margin: 0px;"> To the church: </span>Please read I
Timothy 3:8-15 and recommend men of the church who will serve the church well
as additional deacons.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We have until Sunday
evening, February 3<sup>rd</sup> to make our recommendations.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The eldership will then meet with those we
have recommended and place the names before the congregation on February 10.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The church will have two weeks to review
these men and Lord willing, we will appoint additional deacons on Sunday
morning, February 24<sup>th</sup>.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Copies of the “Deacon Recommendation Sheet” are located on the table in
the lobby.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Please recommend as many men
as you deem qualified.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Thank you so much
for your love and commitment to the Lord’s church at Harding Street.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our theme
for January on Sunday morning is: <b>“God’s Power through the Principles of
Prayer.”</b><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We have looked at the <b>DEMAND</b>
that we pray.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Last Sunday we looked at
the <b>DESCRIPTION</b> of prayer; “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and the
giving of thanks.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>TODAY we will
consider the <b>DIRECTION</b> of Prayer.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Jesus
spoke about prayer in Matthew 6:5-6 and said, <i>“And when you pray, you shall not
be like the hypocrites.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>For they love to
pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they
may be seen by men.”</i><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It seems that these
people had lost the “direction” of prayer.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>They were praying to men.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Jesus
said, <i>“Pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees
in secret will reward you openly.”</i><span style="margin: 0px;"><i> </i> </span>We
pray to the Father in the name of the Son for everyone and in everything.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This we will do.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We’re in the
process of getting our website <a href="http://www.hardingstreetcoc.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.hardingstreetcoc.com</span></a>
up and running again.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Linda Fulkerson
from the Downtown congregation has special expertise in this area and is
working on our site now.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I can’t hardly
wait to see how it will look and all the great things we can do to further the
gospel of Christ over the internet.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>May
God bless our efforts with a harvest of new Christians in the coming days is my
prayer!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Our task is to plant and
water.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>God gives the increase in His own
time and pace.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280012127964521054.post-87640663542199937972019-01-10T16:44:00.002-05:002019-01-10T16:44:17.312-05:00Things are always looking up at Harding Street!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">January 10, 2019</b> – What a day, glorious
day - TODAY!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>God is alive and well.<span style="margin: 0px;"> Sunday is the Lord's Day. We will gather</span> together to worship Him in
spirit and in truth; family and friends, members and guests assembled in the
name of Christ Jesus to sing, pray, offer our gifts, hear a message from the
word of God, and remember Jesus’ life, death, burial, and resurrection in the
Lord’s Supper.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I’m so glad to be a member of the Harding Street Church of Christ at
906 E. Harding Street with you.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We enjoyed a
wonderful feast on Tuesday evening (8<sup>th</sup>) for our monthly
Area-wide Fellowship and Singing.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>What a
joy it was to see so many smiling faces from so many congregations in our
area.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We are not alone in our commitment
to Christ.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Thank you to every Christian
brother and Christian sister for planning and preparing such delicious soups,
stews, breads, desserts, and drinks for our family and our guests.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You are the very best of the Lord’s church at
Harding Street.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I am so proud to be your
minister and friend.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>God is blessing us
with all that we need as we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness in
life and living (Matthew 6:33).</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Remember our
theme for January on Sunday mornings: “God’s Power through the Principles of
Prayer.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Last Sunday we looked at the DEMAND
that we pray. Prayer should be first (1
Samuel 12:19-25).<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Prayer is a command (1
Thessalonians 5:17).<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Prayer is the way
to blessings (James 4:2), the cure for worry (Matthew 7:7-11), and the pathway
to peace (Philippians 4:6).<span style="margin: 0px;"> THIS SUNDAY</span> we
will look at the DESCRIPTION of prayer.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Our text will be 1 Timothy 2:1-4.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Just
what does it mean to make “supplications, prayers, intercessions, and the
giving of thanks for all men?”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>What do
these things mean?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Paul writes to his
son in the faith concerning the desire to “lead a quiet and peaceable life in
all godliness and reverence (dignity)” and that the church should pray for
this.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>He says that this is “good and
acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and
to come to the knowledge of the truth.”<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>We’ll consider these things during the sermon time on Sunday, Lord willing. Hope you can come and hear.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every Harding Street member is asked to pick up and fill out a “Member Profile Sheet” located on the table in the
lobby.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Fill it out and place it in the
plastic holder on the table as soon as possible.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>We need your help in all areas of ministry here at Harding Street as we “abide
in faith, hope, and love, these three, but the greatest of these is love” (1
Corinthians 13:13).<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>In all that we do we
want to “let all things be done decently and in order” (1 Corinthians 14:40).<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>To be “steadfast, immovable, always abounding
in the work or the Lord, knowing that our labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1
Corinthians 15:58) is our prayer, plan, and practice.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Working together in the name of Christ our
Savior will show our community and the world Jesus living in us.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We’re
reviving our website.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Our website <a href="http://www.hardingstreetcoc.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.hardingstreetcoc.com</span></a> will soon
be up and running.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We plan on using our
site extensively in the coming days to promote the gospel of Christ here and
around the world.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Just wait and
see.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You’ll be able to read about the
past, present, and future of the church of Christ at Harding Street.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We’ll have our calendar posted on the site,
news concerning our ladies, our youth, and our education programs, as well as
the many other events and activities at Harding Street.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We plan to have a special page for our local
and world missions.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Anyone will be able
to visit our website to download and hear the gospel sermons right from our
pulpit here at Harding Street.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You’ll be
checking our website out every morning, noon, and night.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>To God be the glory in all that we do.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280012127964521054.post-85137832574293808742019-01-03T12:04:00.001-05:002019-01-03T12:04:31.798-05:00Three days in - 2019 - So far, so good. God provides. I'm happy about that.<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">January 3, 2019</b> - Hello to you
on this third day of 2019.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>So far so good.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Did you make any “resolutions” for 2019?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Lose weight.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Spend less.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Save some.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Finish what I start.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Clean out the garage.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Be more patient.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Have less “screen time.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Talk less and listen more.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Have fun.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Be happy.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The other day my
youngest grand and I were together running errands trying to check off a list
of things that needed to be done:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>#1 –
Walmart to get items, #2 – Post office to mail a letter, #3 – Lowe’s to return
an item that didn’t work, etc.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>She had
the list and I noticed later that she had added a few items to it from the back
seat; #4 – Sing Christmas songs, #5 – Tell jokes, #6 – Play games, #7 – Have
fun, #8 – Be happy.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Isn’t it amazing
what we can learn from our children?</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Proverbs
3:1-6 is one of my favorite passages from the Bible.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Verses 1 and 2; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for
length of days and long life and peace they will add to you.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></i></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Don’t you want length of days, a long
life, and peace?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I do. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>So, we must not forget the laws and the
commands of God.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I receive the promises
only when I meet the conditions of the promises. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>When I remember God’s law and let my heart
keep His commands, then whatever my length of days may be or whatever “long
life” may mean and whatever peace can be mine, will be.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Life cannot always be measured in quantity.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>A better measure of life could be in quality.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Verse 3 and
4; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Let not mercy and truth forsake
you.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Bind them around your neck, write
them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the
sight of God and man.”</i><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What do you
think it means to “let not mercy and truth forsake you?”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Can mercy and truth actually forsake us, or
is it that we forsake mercy and truth?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I
guess either way, we must always let mercy and truth show in and through our
lives from our hearts like a necklace.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>We must never “hide” such valuables from the world.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Our world desperately needs mercy and
truth.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>When I am merciful and truthful,
Solomon says that I am truly successful in life and living.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>People will see me as a light to the world
and so will God.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Verse 5 and
6; <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">“Trust in the Lord with all your
heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge
Him, and He shall direct your paths.”</i><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes our thoughts and feelings are pretty good.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>However, at other times our thinking and what
we feel about a situation cannot be trusted.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>We can always trust in God, in His ways, His will, and His word, the
Bible.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Those who know me know that I am
somewhat directionally challenged.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I
need guidance to stay on the right path.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>What about you?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>When we submit to
God’s leadership, to His will, way, and word, to what is right according to
Him, He promises to direct the paths of our life.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our theme
for January on Sunday mornings at Harding Street will be “God’s Power through the Principles of
Prayer.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Do you pray?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Would you say that the church of Christ at
Harding Street is a praying church?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>When
should we pray?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>How?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Does prayer matter?<span style="margin: 0px;"> This Sun</span>day (6th) we will focus our attention on the
DEMAND that we pray.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Prayer should be
first (1 Samuel 12:19-25 – A very interesting aspect of prayer).<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Prayer is a command from God (1 Thessalonians
5:17).<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Prayer is the way to blessings
(James 4:2), the cure for
worry (Matthew 7:7-11), and the
pathway to peace (Philippians 4:6).<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Let
us pray.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Great things are on the
horizon.</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280012127964521054.post-13836585703556699262018-12-28T20:07:00.001-05:002018-12-28T20:07:04.438-05:00Happy New Year - Almost!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>December 28,
2018 –</b> Hello to you my friends. Sunday is the final Lord’s
Day in 2018!<span style="margin: 0px;"> The Burleson's</span> certainly have traveled
a long way since this time last year.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Cindi and I are so very thankful to be members of the Lord’s church at Harding Street in our home town of Morrilton, Arkansas.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This time last year we lived in Louisville,
Kentucky, 540 miles away from you and from our children and grandchildren.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I was preaching at Watterson Trail in J’Town.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Cindi worked as Director of Compliance and
Risk Management in Jeffersontown, Indiana.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>We had no idea of the changes that would take place in our lives in only
12 months.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Today we live in Morrilton,
Arkansas in our own new house.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>I am the new minister and one of the elders at Harding Street.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Cindi is an instructor and the Director of
the Center for Insurance and Risk Management Studies at the University of
Central Arkansas in Conway.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>And most
importantly, we live only 18 miles from our children and grandchildren.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I stand completely amazed and marvel at the
ways and purposes of God in life.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>What
will 2019 hold for us, for my family and yours, for the church of Christ at
Harding Street?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The answer to this
question I cannot even fathom to imagine considering what I have just written about
2018.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I do know this.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>God will provide the answers to our
questions, the solutions to our problems, the healing to our hurts, and the
strength, wisdom, and help when we need it.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>In the sermon time on Sunday (30<sup>th</sup>) we will consider what we
should focus as our PRIORITY ONE in this new year, 2019.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Adam and Eve had their unique responsibilities in Genesis 2.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Moses and the Israelites were given the 10
Commandments in Exodus 20.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Solomon wrote
about “the whole duty of humanity” in Ecclesiastes 12.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Micah wrote the three things that were most
important to God in Micah 6.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Jesus was
asked about the “first commandment” in Matthew 22.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>He answered this question and then proceeded with
the second and then taught about the intensity of His command in John 13.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>What is our task today in this new year?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>What should be our PRIORTY ONE in 2019?<span style="margin: 0px;"> Come this Sunday at 9:00 a.m.</span> to see.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Simple.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>To the point.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Come to Jesus.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Live in trusting faith in Him. </span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thank you for the confidence you have placed in Brother Bill
Brice, myself, and Brother Charles Camp as your eldership.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We will give our all to live out the sermon
you’ll hear preached today.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I hope that
we will unite together as one congregation of the Lord’s people to Teach as
Jesus taught, Love and Jesus loves, and Care with the same passion and
principle that Jesus cares for His church and for the lost.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Everyone can use a little “TLC” every
day.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Let’s make it our aim to show and
share TLC everywhere we are with everyone we meet starting right now.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. right after the morning worship hour we
have Bible study sessions for all ages.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Our children are learning so much from God’s word.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Our teens are learning about righteousness
from Abel, courage from Caleb, faith from Timothy, humility from Ruth,
discipline from David, duty from Esther, compassion from Joseph, friendship from
Jonathan, responsibility from Josiah, sacrifice from Jesus, bravery from Joshua,
and service from Samuel in a series entitled; “You Don’t Have to Be Old to Be
Great.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I’m teaching the class and please
parents of our teenagers; make sure your teen has the opportunity to be a part
of this very important study. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God bless us as we finish out 2018 growing the grace and knowledge
of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280012127964521054.post-35672883925039526952018-12-20T13:17:00.001-05:002018-12-20T13:19:01.214-05:00Harding Street Church of Christ is growing and looking forward to 2019<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; margin: 0px;">December 20,
2018</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; margin: 0px;"> – Sunday
is the day!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We will fulfill our plan at
Harding Street to establish a solid foundation for the church in the
appointment of elders. Lord willing, Brother Bill Brice, myself, and Brother Charles
Camp will be appointed to serve the congregation as your elders.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>During the Sunday morning sermon time Brother Bane
will speak about the duties of the eldership to the church and the duties of
the church to the eldership.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>He will ask
the three men who will serve as our elders and every member of the
congregation at Harding Street to commit ourselves to loving God with all our
heart, soul, mind, and strength and to loving the church with the same
passion.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>He will ask us to dedicate
ourselves to prayer and to the ministry of the word in the church and in our
community.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>He will ask us to endeavor to
keep the unity of the spirit in the bond of peace.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>And we will answer the call to this great commission
with a resounding “I will.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; margin: 0px;">Please continue to pray for your elders as we seek God’s wisdom
and guidance in shepherding the church in the ways of Christ Jesus our Savior.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Please be patient and helpful as we learn and
grow closer to God and to one another in the most holy faith.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>There is much to do and God always provides
the means, the plan, and the people to accomplish His purpose for us in the near
and distant future.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>One of my elders
once spoke to me about time and patience.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>He said, “Brother Mickey, there is so much to do and there is simply not
enough time today to get it all done.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If
we don’t get everything done that needs to be done today, then we will find a stopping
place and begin again tomorrow.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If Jesus
returns between now and then, well, what we didn’t get done won’t matter anyway
because we’ll be with Him in heaven. And if Jesus hesitates in His return, then
we’ll just pick up where we left off and continue on. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>So, let’s just smile, work together, and do
what we can do while we can do it.”<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Sounds good to me!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>What about
you?</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; margin: 0px;">Brother Buzz Toland will be with us Sunday evening (23<sup>rd</sup>)
at 5:00 p.m. to report on all the good work we are doing together sharing the
gospel of Christ in the mission field.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Please do your very best to be here this evening to hear the good news
and show him our continued support.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Come
a little bit early this evening at 4:30 for a very special 20 minutes of
singing.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; margin: 0px;">There is a small “mailbox” located in the lobby on your left as
you enter.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This “mailbox” is for our
church mail.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Let’s say you would like to
give a Christian brother or sister a “thank you” note, a birthday card, a
sympathy card, a card of encouragement, or some other communication.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You can save time and money by just bringing
the card with you and leaving it in the appropriate slot; ab, cd, etc.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Also, please check the “mailbox” when you
arrive for worship and Bible study for your mail.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This is a temporary box.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We’re having one built that will serve us
even better.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; margin: 0px;">Men:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>There is a “Wednesday
Evening Devotional” sign-up sheet on the bulletin board in the lobby.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Please go by and sign up to give a short
devotional lesson or thought on a Wednesday evening of your choice.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We need to hear from you.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; margin: 0px;">Teens:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We are having a Teen
Get-Together at the home of Mickey and Cindi Burleson, 10 Winthrop Road in
Morrilton on Saturday evening, December 29<sup>th</sup> from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00
p.m.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Food, singing, games,
Alabama/Oklahoma NCAA Semifinal Game watching, and just being together as we
close out 2018 and plan for a brand new year.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Hope everyone can schedule to be there.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>We plan on doing this every month in 2019.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280012127964521054.post-79160676348669266282018-12-15T10:51:00.002-05:002018-12-15T10:52:19.403-05:00We're almost there. Have a terrific weekend.<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">December 15, 2018</b>
– Can you believe that Christmas is only 10 days away?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>My dad told me about time and how it is.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The older you get the faster time seems to
pass by. Plan to stay after Bible class tomorrow for a special Birthday potluck
lunch together in the annex.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>God is blessing
us.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Together we can do so much more.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Congratulations to Katie Chapman upon her obedience to the gospel
of Christ on Sunday, December 2<sup>nd</sup>.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>We will present her baptismal certificate and a book “Now that I’m a
Christian” after the worship hour on Sunday morning.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Please let her know how proud we are of her commitment to Christ Jesus. She
is one of our champion teens.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">We are continuing in our plan at Harding Street to establish a
solid foundation for the church in the appointment of elders. We have
three men who are now in view to become our next eldership; Bill Brice, myself,
and Charles Camp.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The congregation has
done an outstanding job in prayer, consideration, and recommendation of these
three men.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Please continue to pray for
these men as they also pray for God’s wisdom like Solomon did in I Kings 3, for
guidance like Moses did in Exodus 18:1-23, and for strength like Jesus did in
John 17 when He was about to give His life for our salvation.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>May God bless our efforts to further the
cause of the gospel in Morrilton, the great state of Arkansas, and throughout
the world.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">Next Sunday, December 23</span></b><span style="color: black; margin: 0px;">, Lord willing we will appoint the new eldership of the Harding
Street Church of Christ during the sermon time on Sunday morning.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Brother Bane will officiate the appointment
on behalf of the church and ask each Christian brother who will serve as an
elder to dedicate himself to faithful patient service and faithful steadfast
leadership in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Plans are to begin the process of
recommending and appointing deacons as soon as we enter the new year,
2019.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There is much to do.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Jesus
spoke to His disciples in John 4:34-35 and said, “My food is to do the will of
Him who sent Me and to finish His work.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Do you not say, ‘There are still four months, and then comes the
harvest’?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Behold I say to you, lift up
your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Just this morning (13<sup>th</sup>) I was
walking down the sidewalk in town trying to get the first thing done from my
“to do” list when I heard someone call my name.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>I looked up to see one of our Christian sisters who has fallen away from
her once firm and committed faith in Christ Jesus.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We talked for a few minutes about this and
that, work, my mission to tackle the things on my list, my return to Morrilton,
then we spoke about what is most important; the faith.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I don’t know if our meeting will accomplish
what I would like it to but I do know that she now knows that someone is
praying for her and that there is a pathway from where she is to where she can
be all because Jesus walked that path.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>My desire and prayer is to walk the pathway that Jesus walked in my thinking,
speech, and actions.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>How about you?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Are you walking in the footsteps of Jesus?</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There is a small “mailbox” located in the lobby on your left as
you enter.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This “mailbox” is for our
church mail.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Let’s say you would like to
give a Christian brother or sister a “thank you” note, a birthday card, a
sympathy card, a card of encouragement, or even a Christmas card.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You can save time and money by just bringing
the card with you and leaving it in the appropriate slot; ab, cd, etc.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Also, please check the “mailbox” when you
arrive for worship and Bible study for your mail.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Please, let’s make an extra effort to build
each other up in the most holy faith by sharing words of love and encouragement.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Our “mailbox” is just one way to accomplish
this very thing.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Do you remember what
Jesus said in Acts 20:35? Jesus said it.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Paul quoted it.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Luke wrote
it:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>“It is more blessed to give than to
receive.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Oh, how true it is.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>See for yourself.</span></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280012127964521054.post-16939158717750166222018-12-06T16:27:00.000-05:002018-12-06T16:28:35.591-05:00There is much to do. There is work on every hand. Here am I send me.<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; margin: 0px;"><b>December 6, 2018</b> – Christmas is only 19 days away.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Then “Happy New Year – 2019” is next up.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>What will the new year hold for you and me,
for us at Harding Street church of Christ?<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>I’m thinking about all the wonderful times we’re going to have as a
Christian family; the tremendous opportunities for service, fellowship, and
growth that will be presented to us and the many and various challenges that
await us, challenges that will strengthen our faith, revive our hope, and lead
us to a deeper and fervent love for one another and for our Savior Jesus
Christ.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I’m thinking about, praying for,
and planning for the many people who will walk through these doors at 906 E.
Harding Street to hear the gospel, see that gospel lived out in our community
by the church, and then want to have what we have.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I’m praying for you and me, that we will look
at the world through the eyes of Jesus to see their need for salvation in
Christ and show and share His invitation with them.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We can do this.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>One day at a time.<span style="margin: 0px;"> And of course, LORD WILLING. Jesus promised His return. He didn't say when. So we must plan for tomorrow and prepare for and stay prepared for His return, maybe today.</span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; margin: 0px;">At Harding Street are
continuing in our plan to establish a solid foundation for the church in the
appointment of elders. </span><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; margin: 0px;">This Sunday, December 9</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; margin: 0px;"> – I will be in Louisville, Kentucky at the Watterson Trail
congregation preaching on Sunday morning and afternoon, then officiating
a wedding. Brother Bane will announce the names of those who have been
recommended by the church to be the next eldership at Harding Street at the morning worship hour.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; margin: 0px;">(The church will have 2 weeks for prayer, consideration, and
discussion as to the qualification or disqualification of those recommended.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>REMEMBER – God has given us the qualities we
should look for in the elders who will lead us and serve us.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>There are no perfect men.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We are looking for men who love God, His
church, His word, the saved and the lost.)</span><br />
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; margin: 0px;">Sunday, December 23</span></b><span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; margin: 0px;">, Lord willing – The Official Appointment of Elders of the Harding
Street Church of Christ. During the sermon time on Sunday morning we will
officially appoint those you have recommended and approved to the eldership at
Harding Street.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; margin: 0px;">Plans are to begin the process of recommending and appointing
deacons as soon as we get the eldership appointed.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>“There is much to do.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>There is work on every hand.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Hark!<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>The cry for help comes ringing through the land.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Jesus calls for reapers, I must active
be.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>What wilt Thou, O Master?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Here am I, send me.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Here am I, Lord, send me.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Here am I.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Ready at thy bidding, Lord send me.”<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>You probably recognize this hymn # 693 in our books.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Like me, you have probably sung this hymn
many times.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We must not only sing this
hymn, but believe it and apply it to our lives.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Will you, will I “be active” and answer Jesus’ call for help with a
resounding, “Here am I, send me?”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I
will.</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; margin: 0px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "arial" , "sans-serif"; margin: 0px;">Come by the teen class room when you have a chance and note the
new decorations on the wall in the corner.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Katie Chapman started something new and exciting.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>She was the first to place here handprint on
the wall along with her name and the date of her baptism, December 2, 2018.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The other class members followed suit.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>To those who have not made your decision yet
to confess Jesus as Lord and Savior and put Him on in baptism:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Just keep listening, reading, thinking, and
moving forward.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>When the time is right
for you to believe and obey Christ, just do it.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>I am ready to help you.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280012127964521054.post-29091704718300490782018-11-30T21:12:00.003-05:002018-11-30T21:25:18.139-05:00From my heart to yours. We're growing. God is good!<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Can you
believe it?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It’s December already.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The count down to Christmas and “Happy New
Year – 2019” has begun.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Cindi and I are
“in” (with an exception or two) our new house at 10 Winthrop Road.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Take Moose Street toward the river, past the
“old hospital” now the residence of our senior citizens, first street to the
left, then look for #10 on the right up in the trees.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We’re planning an open house before Christmas
as soon as we get our things in place.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>We want our Christian family to know how wonderful it is to be home in
the beautiful town of Morrilton, Arkansas.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">At the Harding Street congregation w<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">e are continuing in our
plan to establish a solid foundation for the church in the appointment of
elders.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>SUNDAY,
December 2</b> – All Recommendation Forms must be turned in to Brother
Bane or Brother Burleson by evening service today.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Thank you to every Christian brother and
sister for your prayers, consideration, and your dedication to see the Harding
Street church of Christ be the light to the world we can be.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This week the ministers will
then meet with the men the church has recommended to discuss their desire and
qualifications.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Next
Sunday, December 9</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"> – I will be Louisville, Kentucky preaching
on Sunday morning and afternoon, then officiating a wedding.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Brother Bane will announce the names of those who have been recommended.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(The church will have 2
weeks for prayer, consideration of those placed before the church, and
discussion with ministers as to the qualification or disqualification of those
recommended.)</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Sunday,
December 23</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">, Lord willing – The Official Appointment of
Elders of the Harding Street Church of Christ.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>What a way to close out the year and enter the new year with a renewed
sense of purpose and dedication to the cause of Christ in the Morrilton area
and into the whole world.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Together we
can accomplish all that God has in store for us according to His own divine
purpose.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This Sun<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">day (2) Brother Bane will be
preaching the great gospel of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Let us focus our whole being on Jesus’ love
for the world.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>When we sing, let us sing
like we mean every word we say.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>When we
pray, let us realized that we are speaking to God, the Creator of everything
and that He wants to hear us and give us all that will make us better.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>When we share in the Lord’s Supper, let us
remember Jesus’ sacrifice while examining our lives.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>When we give, let us do so cheerfully and
generously.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>And when Brother Bane preaches,
let us hear and do what is good and right.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>I’m so happy to be a member of the church of Christ at Harding Street. Worship every Sunday at 9:00 a.m. with Bible Study following at 10:00. Sunday evening at 5:00 and Wednesday evening at 7:00. Come and see.</span></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280012127964521054.post-22661189847851407432018-11-23T16:47:00.002-05:002018-11-23T16:47:43.082-05:00Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family - God is Good<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">From the Heart of your
Minister and Friend – Mickey Burleson</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">November 23, 2018 – Hope you
are enjoying your Thanksgiving weekend.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>I try to make the holiday last as long as I can.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Oh, how good God is to all of us, richly
blessing with every thing we need according to His will and purpose.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I am thankful.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I think the businesses in the area are sort
of taking advantage of my own way of thinking.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>“Black Friday” now begins on Friday before Thanksgiving and lasts and
lasts.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Sometimes we get so wrapped up in
buying and selling that we forget to be thankful.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Last Sunday (18th)</b> we introduced
our plan to lay a solid foundation for the church in the appointment of elders
to serve and lead us.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We also looked at
the qualifications of an elder.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I hope I
didn’t complicate God’s expectations and directions too much.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We plan to appoint elders first then continue
to the appointment of deacons.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Here is
the plan in a “nutshell.”</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Sun</b><b>day,
November 25</b> – Pick up a Recommendation Form from the
table in the lobby, prayerfully consider the Christian men at Harding Street,
and recommend any who would be good shepherds to guide us toward heaven.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We’re not looking for perfect men, just men
who love God, love His church, and earnestly desire to honor Him in life and
living.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Fill out the form and give it to
Brother Bane or Brother Burleson.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Sunday,
December 2</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"> – All Recommendation Forms to be turned in to Brother
Bane or Brother Burleson by evening service.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(Ministers will then meet
with the men who have been recommended to discuss desire and qualifications.)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Sunday,
December 9</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"> – Announcement to the church of those who have been
recommended.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">(The church will have 2
weeks for prayer, consideration of those placed before the church, and
discussion with ministers as to the qualification or disqualification of those
recommended.)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Sunday,
December 23</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">, Lord willing – Official Appointment of
Elders of the Harding Street Church of Christ.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">G</span></span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">od will lead us and show us
the way.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Join me in praying for our
future elders now, even before we know who they are.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Isn’t that what faith is all about; “For we
walk by faith and not by sight.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our sermons today and this evening
will focus once again on “Growth – What does it take.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We’ll consider Growing Broader through
Ministry this morning and Growing Wider through Evangelism this evening.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>God bless us.</span></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280012127964521054.post-70667183232348971292018-11-15T15:58:00.000-05:002018-11-15T15:59:43.962-05:00From the Heart of your minister and friend, Mickey Burleson<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><b>November 15, 2018</b> – Can you
believe that next Thursday is Thanksgiving? Morrilton, Arkansas is certainly
beautiful this time of the year.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>As you
travel I-40 west from Little Rock about 50 miles north and west on the Arkansas
River at the foot of Petit Jean State Park you’ll come to the only “Morrilton”
in the United States of America.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>As you
exit I-40 just look up to the top of the ridge and see God’s handiwork of just
about every color; green, gold, silver, yellow, tan, and brown.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Make a slight right turn and drive about a
mile.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>On the right you’ll see our
beautiful Morrilton High School with Devil Dog Stadium and our new Devil Dog
Arena.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Look left and you’ll see our
property at 906 E. Harding Street; the meeting place of the Harding Street
Church of Christ.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I can almost watch the
Devil Dog’s play football from my office.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>What a prime location for preaching the gospel and showing and sharing
Jesus’ grace to the world.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Cindi and I will close on
our new house in Morrilton this week and plan on moving right in. We plan to
host an open house for the church sometime early December, Lord willing. I have
a mighty long list of “honey-do’s.” <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>What
do they say?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>“The longest journey begins
with but a single step.”</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">The ministry at the Harding
Street Church of Christ is moving forward with God’s rich grace and
provision.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This Sunday (18<sup>th</sup>)
I will introduce our plan to lay a solid foundation for the church in the
appointment of elders to serve and lead us to ever greater service.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We will also look at the qualifications of an
elder.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We plan to appoint elders first
then continue to the appointment of deacons.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Here is the plan in a “nutshell.”</span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">This
Sunday, November 18</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"> – Distribute Elder Recommendation Forms –
Forms are located on the table in the lobby.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Turn in forms to Brother Bane or Brother Burleson.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Forms will be kept confidential.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Instructions are on the Recommendation
Forms.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Only signed forms will be
considered.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">(The church will have 2
weeks for consideration and filling out forms.)</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Sunday,
December 2</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"> – All Recommendation Forms to be turned in to Brother
Bane or Brother Burleson by evening service.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">(Ministers will then meet
with the men who have been recommended to discuss desire and qualifications.)</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Sunday,
December 9</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"> – Announcement to the church of those who have been
recommended.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">(The church will have 2
weeks for prayer, consideration of those placed before the church, and
discussion with ministers as to the qualification or disqualification of those
recommended.)</span><br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">Sunday,
December 23</span></b><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">, Lord willing – Official Appointment of
Elders of the Harding Street Church of Christ.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;">We’ll see how it goes.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>God is so good to us. Our only desire is to
serve His will and purpose. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Take a look
in your Bible in Titus 1 and read about Titus’ commission from the Apostle
Paul: “For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the
things that are lacking, and appoint elders in every city as I commanded you…”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Paul then gives Titus the Holy Spirit’s list
of characteristics that would qualify a man to serve as an elder of the church
of Christ.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Now just change “Titus” to
“Mickey” and “Crete” to “Morrilton.”</span><br />
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280012127964521054.post-19257734810929235042018-11-08T11:10:00.000-05:002018-11-08T11:10:05.358-05:00From the Heart of your minister and friend...
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">November in beautiful Morrilton, Arkansas...<span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">We had a terrific Sunday last week (4<sup>th</sup>) with
147 members and guests assembled together for worship, study, and fellowship.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We had almost 100 to stay for Bible class at
10:00. And what about that celebration lunch we enjoyed together?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>What a sight to behold!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Such wonderful blessings of food and
fellowship, laughter and happiness!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Thank you for your kindness
and your generosity.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Cindi and I cannot
begin to tell you how honored we are to work with you as we travel this pathway
of life together toward heaven.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We’re
making big plans. Come and see.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">CHRISTIAN MEN & FAITHFUL MEMBERS OF THE HARDING
STREET CHURCH OF CHRIST:</span></b><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We are in need of qualified Elders and
Deacons to serve the church of Christ at Harding Street.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif";">Christian Brothers: <span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Please check out a couple of passages in the
Bible (I Timothy 3:1-15 and Titus 1:5-9 – Qualifications of Elders and Deacons)
and be ready to say, “YES” to the call to service and leadership here at
Harding Street. Read the list of qualities every Christian man should endeavor
to have. Examine yourself through the eyes of Jesus our Savior.<span style="margin: 0px;"> Note that "Perfection" is NOT mentioned in God's list of qualifications. </span>If you find that you are lacking in any of
the characteristics listed, begin today to make corrections and then plan to
take your place alongside your fellow Christian brothers to serve the church of
Christ at Harding Street as an elder or a deacon.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">WE
NEED YOU! </b><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I can just “see” it now;
qualified men standing before the church accepting the call to service and
leadership as elders and deacons ready, willing, and able to show and share the
gospel of Christ in our Morrilton community.<span style="margin: 0px;"> And know that you have two experienced gospel preachers, Brother Bane and Brother Burleson to stand with you all along the way. </span>To God be the glory in all that we think, say, and do.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>He will show us the way.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>He will provide.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">I came across this article in my files
and thought we could use a bit of humor as we think about the personal duties
and privileges we each have as members of the church of Christ at Harding
Street.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The article is entitled; Why *
d*dn’t b*y that comp*ter…</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Wh*le look*ng for a comp*ter for the
off*ce, * fou*d one that was cheaper than all the rest.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>*t looked l*ke all the others except one
th*ng, two letters on the keypad wo*ld not work.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The other twenty-fo*r letters worked j*st
f*ne.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>*t had all the n*mbers and
p*nct*at*on marks, but for some reason, * j*st co*ld not make myself cons*der
*t.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Yo* m*ght th*nk *t was wrong not to
s*ggest we b*y th*s part*c*lar comp*ter, after all, *n the Lord’s ch*rch yo*
can always f*nd a few members who do not work and are absent *n the*r
attendance.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Everyone knows that *t
really makes no d*fference whether every member works or not.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>There *s always someone else who can *s*ally
make *p the d*fference. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>*nder these
c*rc*mstances * do not th*nk yo* wo*ld have wanted a comp*ter w*th a keypad on
wh*ch all the keys wo*ld not work. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">Why then do expect our Lord to be
sat*sf*ed when all the keys *n H*s ch*rch aren’t work*ng?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>*n case yo* are wonder*ng how keys not
work*ng w*ll ca*se so m*ch tro*ble, j*st look what happens when “U” and “I” are
not work*ng!</span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280012127964521054.post-75981569449003890662018-11-02T12:52:00.000-04:002018-11-03T19:50:29.047-04:00Greetings from the Harding Street Church of Christ...<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>November in Morrilton,
Arkansas</b></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It certainly is good to be home. Remember to “fall backward” on Saturday evening before your retire. Fall is such a beautiful season…the changing
of the leaves, the aroma of fall in the air (and turkey in the oven too), football (The Devil Dogs are headed to the state playoffs!), thoughts of the holiday
season on the horizon…simple things that remind us of God’s power, His promises,
and His provision for all who love Him and live according to His purpose
(Romans 8:28). I am so very thankful to be the minister at the Harding Street Church of Christ. Harding Street is located at 906 E. Harding Street, Morrilton, Arkansas 72110 directly across the street from Morrilton High School's Devil Dog Stadium. Today marks a new beginning for me and I pray
for every Christian brother and sister. Working with Brother Bane
and every member of this great congregation will be a great honor for me as we
all unite together under the banner of the gospel of Christ. Great things are ahead for us. May we all appreciate God’s riches and let
Him know just how thankful we are to be His children, today and every day.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Please be
patient with me while I adjust to a new and better way of life.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I am usually pretty quick to put a name to a
face, but sometimes…well, you probably know how it is.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Before long we’ll be running on all
cylinders.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I plan on being in the
“study” at the church building every morning, Monday through Thursday at 9:00
a.m.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I can be there earlier for coffee
or for breakfast if you’d like to pick me up or if you just want to stop by to visit. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Of course my schedule can change depending on
who might be in need.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">My cell number is
on the bulletin board or you can just ask me for it.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Again, thank you to every member at Harding
Street for your love, your support, and your desire to share in all that God
has in store for us in the near and distant future.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I’ll be
preaching the entire month of November on our theme:</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> “Growth – Just What Does It Take?”</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I will introduce the series this Sunday morning
(4</span><sup style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">th</sup><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">) then follow up with these lessons:</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Growing warmer through fellowship, Growing
deeper through discipleship, Growing stronger through worship, Growing broader
through ministry, and Growing wider through evangelism.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Of course, on the Sunday before Thanksgiving
I’ll share a lesson or two on gratitude.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I am thankful for you.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Speaking
of gratitude; I heard about a lady who boarded a bus.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">There were no seats available until a
gentleman stood up and kindly offered her his seat.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">She was so surprised by his gesture that she
fainted on the spot.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">After she regained
consciousness she said “Thank you” to man who offered her his seat and upon
hearing her gratitude, he fainted.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">I
don’t know if this is true or not, but as Christians let us do more than talk
about gratitude, let’s show the world we live our gratitude to God and to
others by our actions.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Today and every
day, say “Thank you” and truly be thankful.</span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280012127964521054.post-18945889992505243302018-09-17T16:42:00.002-04:002018-09-17T16:42:49.550-04:00Feeling fine in Conway, Arkansas. Ever looking up and forward.
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;">September 17, 2018</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> – We’re doing fine in Conway, Arkansas.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Cindi’s position at UCA is going very well.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>She’s teaching two business classes this
semester, getting a better grip on her duties as the director of the center for
insurance and risk management studies, and best of all; enjoying plenty of “Nana
opportunities” with our three grands.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’m taking every day to
pray, read, study, and prepare for what lies ahead in the coming days.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Cindi is keeping me pretty busy with plenty
of “honey-do’s" and those three grandchildren of mine are keeping me busy with plenty of love and laughter. We are blessed. God is everything.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My speaking schedule has picked up a little bit lately. I’ll be preaching at
Harrison and Willow in Conway this Sunday (9/23).<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Next Sunday (9/30) I’ll be presenting three lessons
on “Tapping into Greatness” at the Mar’s Hill Church of Christ just outside
Conway.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>On Sunday evening, October 7<sup>th</sup>
I have the great privilege of preaching in Morrilton at the good Downtown congregation.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Harrison and Willow has asked me to preach God’s
word in October on Sunday the 21<sup>st</sup> and again on the 28<sup>th</sup>.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I’m so very thankful for my family and friends
here in the central Arkansas area for your prayers for me and your continued
words of encouragement as I seek a new ministry.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Thank you too to my friends back in my old
Kentucky home for your prayers and messages of support.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I certainly miss my fellow Christian family spread
out all around the world.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>One day we’ll
all be together again.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Meanwhile, we’ll
just keep on keeping on.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Allow<span style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"> me do a little
promotion for the The Harrison and Willow Church of Christ.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The meeting facilities are located at 1130
Harrison Street in Conway, right across the street from Larry’s Pizza.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The congregation is very kind, loving, and
friendly. Cindi and I visited with the church last Wednesday evening and heard
a great lesson on the 12<sup>th </sup>chapter of Revelation.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Their facilities are well-maintained,
up-to-date, clean, and inviting.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Every
member was happy, friendly, and welcoming.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>If you are looking for a group of Christians who remind you of Jesus,
come and see.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The church has a very nice
website:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><a href="http://www.harrisonwillowchurchofchrist.com/"><span style="color: blue;">www.harrisonwillowchurchofchrist.com</span></a>.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Check
it out.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I’ll be preaching this coming
Sunday morning and evening.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Come and
hear.</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280012127964521054.post-23571638418041114242018-09-07T12:08:00.001-04:002018-09-07T12:08:25.162-04:00Conway, Arkansas - The Bears, the Wampuscats, and the "Ridges"
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>September 2018</b> – Conway,
Arkansas…north and a bit west from Little Rock on I-40…population a little
under 60,000…three colleges, good schools, and fine friendly people…F150s,
Rams, Silverados, Canyons, and Jeeps just about everywhere you look…and mainly three
glorious grandchildren to see, love, and experience.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I certainly miss my friends and Christian
family at Watterson Trail, but the call of those grands finally won out.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Cindi and I are living in an apartment
temporarily until we can find a house and I can find a ministry position.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The church of Christ is strong here and God
has plans for me.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I’m patient and
prayerful for His direction.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>He
certainly does work in mysterious ways.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>And while I wait, He provides.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I
am thankful.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Moving is tough, expensive,
wearisome, and worth it when it is the right thing to do at the right time for
the right reason.<span style="margin: 0px;"> For example; t</span>oday (9/7) is my one and
only grandson’s 12<sup>th</sup> birthday and you know what?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I’m present! I'm here to see him, physically hand
him his surprise and watch him open it.<span style="margin: 0px;"> That is an awesome feeling. </span>I’m
having lunch with my youngest at her school today.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>They tell me there’s nothing more exciting to
a third grader than to have her PopPop come to her school with Chick Filet for
lunch.<span style="margin: 0px;"> My oldest granddaughter will be acting in a play in the next few days and is the featured dancer. And I'll be here to watch her. </span>I’m truly living the dream.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>God is good.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 10.66px;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don’t have a ministry
position yet.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Don’t worry (I’m speaking
to myself more than I am to you).<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>God
has everything in hand.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>He does.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I am praying every day for God’s
direction.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>One of my favorite passages
in the Bible is Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do
not lean on your own understanding.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>In
all your ways acknowledge Him, and he will direct your paths.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Of course while I am trusting, I am active
and awake to all the possibilities around me to work, to serve, to love, and to
honor God in life and living.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I’m ready
when He’s ready. And I can wait as long as He needs me to wait. And I'll be trusting and obeying the whole way to His next mission for me.</span></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280012127964521054.post-21717590779337257892018-08-23T13:52:00.001-04:002018-08-23T13:53:49.424-04:00Final Blog Article as MINISTER of the Watterson Trail Church of Christ<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>August 2018</b> – I
have really enjoyed the past four glorious years as your minister and friend at
Watterson Trail in our old Kentucky home; J’Town/Louisville.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>In a way, our time together has been just a
moment and yet again, it seems that I’ve always been a Kentuckian.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It is true that I’ve been mixed up most of
the time trying to decide whether to be red or blue.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>One Saturday not too long ago I wore my U of
L shirt and my Kentucky Blue cap.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We’ve
had some wonderful moments on the mountain top.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Many new Christians have been added to the Lord’s church.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We’ve experienced too many of our dear Christian
brothers and sisters leave this world to rest in Paradise.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>There have been so many changes:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>eldership changes, deacon changes, preacher
changes, babies born and on the way, and every member who desires growing in
wisdom, stature, and in favor with God and man.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Of course we have visited the valley too.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>There have been a few negatives, not that
many, but a few simply because we are human beings who live in the world.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It is my prayer and desire that we all have
experienced happiness and grown in God’s grace as we have shared in His
abundant blessings together.</span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This <b>Sunday,
August 26<sup>th</sup></b> will be my last Sunday as minister at Watterson Trail,
but our friendship will never have a last Sunday or a last any day.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Cindi and I are moving back to Arkansas permanently
to be close to our children and grandchildren.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>They need us and we need them.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>God
is already at work and will provide a terrific minister to serve with you in J’Town.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>God will give the eldership (Dan, Chuck, and
D) the wisdom and vision to know this new minister and his family and see him
through the maze of discussion, deliberation, meditation, and thoughtful prayerful
patient decision.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Please stand firm with
your elders and deacons and reject the enemy’s temptation to grow complacent
and negligent in your duties as members of the Lord’s church which He loved so
much that He gave His One and Only Son, our Savior Jesus Christ.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Our elders need every member of the church of
Christ at Watterson Trail to stand beside them in every way to see that God is
glorified in our every decision.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Now is
the time to stand up together.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Souls are
at stake.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Our neighbors and the area
congregations around us are looking to see what will happen.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Will we turn our eyes upward and
forward?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Jesus has already told us how
He feels about Christians who look back.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>You can read Jesus’ words in Luke 9:62.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>And what did our brother the apostle Paul say about looking back?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>In Philippians 3:13-14 he said that looking
back was the “one thing” he refused to do; “forgetting those things which are
behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>He pressed onward and upward toward God in
Christ Jesus.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Don’t be like some of our
brethren who simply can’t let go of the past.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>How sad for them.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>And if you’re
reading this and find that you are doing just that, make a change.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Be different.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>Look up.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Press on.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Don’t look back except to remember the grace
of our Lord Jesus and what He did for each of us on that old rugged cross.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; margin: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I will not give
up.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I will not give in.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I will not give out.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I will not look back.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I will look upward and forward.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I hope you will do the same.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>God is so very good to us.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Thank you for your friendship, your support,
and your love and generosity toward Cindi and me these past four glorious years
that we have had together. Please pray for us as we make the move back to Arkansas. We will always think of you and pray for God's abundant grace for you.</span></span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280012127964521054.post-2938434519718756792018-08-01T10:15:00.002-04:002018-08-01T10:16:33.163-04:00It's almost THAT TIME OF YEAR again - Back to School!!<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">August 2018</span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"> - It’s that time of the
year again; back to school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Everyone up
early…To bed earlier too would be a great idea…Everyone learning, changing, and
growing…More traffic…Less time is seems…More laundry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">Preparation and patience is required at home
and everywhere else.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My mom always had
us pick out our school clothes at night before we climbed into bed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some students wear uniforms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I like this idea.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Why?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It simplifies what we wear to school, it's usually less expensive, and everyone "gets to" wear "designer" clothes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Ha. </span>It will take a few days, but the old “back to school” routine will soon
be the new normal for all of us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’m
very happy we have a few more days of summer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Around J'Town, s</span>chool begins on the 15<sup>th</sup>!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">During these busy times let us remember what is
most important: living our lives for God.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Every day remember to pray for yourself, for others, and for our world.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">You can do this while you get ready for the
day or on the way to or from school.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Read and remember God’s word at some point every day, even if it’s only
a verse or two.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sometimes I write out a
verse or a positive quote and place it on my mirror so I can think about it
while I’m getting ready.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> Reading the Bible before bedtime, even just a verse or two can help us refocus. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sunday?</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sunday’s are so much more than a
day off from work and school.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We get to meet
together with our Christian family and friends for Bible study, fellowship, and
worship at 9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. every Sunday.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Sleep in a bit longer on Sunday.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">You know you can get here by 9:30!</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Even if you skip breakfast, we have fresh hot
dough nuts and juice every Sunday morning before Bible class here at Watterson
Trail.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We are so very blessed to have
such loving prepared effective teachers that will certainly be a blessing to
you.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We sing together; no complications,
just our voices together praising God.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We pray together. Oh, how much our community, our nation, and our world
need God’s providence.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We give from
God’s wonderful blessings to help others.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We examine ourselves as we remember the Lord’s sacrifice for us by
sharing in the Lord’s Supper together.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">(How some churches meet without “breaking bread” together on the Lord’s
Day, I just don’t understand.)</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We get to
hear the gospel of our Savior Jesus Christ preached. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">God’s word is indeed “a lamp to our feet and a
light to our path” (Psalm 119:102).</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Our
meeting concludes at 11:30.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Let’s not
forget our midweek meetings too.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">We meet
on Wednesday’s at 7:00 during the school year for Bible study and a devotional
service that helps us make it to the weekend.</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hey!</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;">Let’s do this!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: none;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280012127964521054.post-38188233276841620662018-07-25T18:53:00.001-04:002018-07-25T18:54:02.008-04:00PRAYER THAT GETS RESULTS - Just hear me out and you'll see what I mean<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>July 25, 2018</b> – My Christian brothers and sisters at
Watterson Trail in J’Town, Kentucky are alive and well, going and growing,
showing and sharing the love of God in the everyday Christian life.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Things are different lately.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Our Tuesday Summer Series is simply
fantastic.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I’ve often said that we have
the very best gospel preachers in the entire nation within a 50-mile
radius.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Our theme is <b><i>“The Greatest
Questions – The Greatest Answers – The Greatest Book.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></i></b>This week Brother Greg Circle from Palmyra,
Indiana did an outstanding job teaching us about Jesus’ question in <b>Matthew
16:24-28</b>, <i>“For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world and loses
his own soul?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Or what will a man give in
exchange for his soul?”</i><span style="margin: 0px;"><i> </i> </span>I always learn
so much from our sessions on Tuesday’s.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>If you have an hour on Tuesday, drop by 9607 Watterson Trail at 7:00
p.m. in J’Town for a lift.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Our goal is
to honor God, show our devotion to Christ and our love for all.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We don’t always succeed in our goal, but we
are certainly trying every day to be more and more like Jesus.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Next Tuesday (July 31) our Brother Zack
Martin from Cedar Springs will be with us to share a lesson from Hebrews 2:3
and the question “For what is your life?”</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This Sunday (July 29) I’ll be preaching about prayer.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I want my prayers to get results.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Just wait a minute.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I know.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>When you first think about that statement, <i><b>“I want my prayers to get results”</b></i>
you might think that I’m being a presumptuous.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>I am not being presumptuous.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I want
to know that my prayers will be heard and answered according to God’s
will.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Don’t you?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>If not, why do we pray? Anyway, if you’ll
give me the “benefit of the doubt” I’ll show you what I mean.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Our lesson Sunday morning is entitled, “What
Prayer Isn’t – What Prayer Is.”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I’ll
give you the first point:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Prayer is NOT
negotiation.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Prayer is real.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Prayer is not what we do.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Prayer is who we are.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You’ll see.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>We’ll have two points on Sunday morning and then the other two points on
Sunday afternoon at 1:30.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Our <b>“HOUSE TO HOUSE – HEART TO HEART”</b> magazine came in this
week.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This time we ordered plenty of
copies, enough for you and your entire family, friends, neighbors, and anyone
else.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I hope you’ll get one, read it for
yourself, and then help us distribute them out to our community.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>The edition is terrific.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Get yours this Sunday.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>See you then, Lord willing.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>God bless us all.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280012127964521054.post-54737810159728665072018-07-23T21:58:00.003-04:002018-07-23T21:58:52.337-04:00A little bit about SELF-INITIATIVE today.
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>July 2018 – SELF-INITIATIVE – Doing what needs to be done without
having to be told to do it.</b></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b></b><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Take a look at Andrew, one of Jesus’ apostles and Simon
Peter’s somewhat quiet brother.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>In <b>John
6</b> Jesus was helping all who came to Him.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>He went up on a mountain, sat down, and lifted His eyes to see a
multitude of people coming toward Him.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Jesus
then asked one of His disciples (Philip), <i>“Where shall we buy bread, that these
may eat?”</i> even though He already knew what He would do.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Philip gave him the answer that most of us
would have given; <i>“Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them
that every one of them may have a little.”</i> <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We would have probably said, “Jesus!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Are you kidding!<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>There’s not enough money in the bank to feed
this many people!” Then Andrew shows self-initiative.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Andrew said to Jesus, “There is a lad here
who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?”<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Boy, did Andrew, Philip, and everyone else,
including you and me, find out just what Jesus, the Son of God can do with
whatever we have.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was thinking about others who showed self-initiative:<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Pricilla and Aquila showed self-initiative
when they heard a mighty eloquent preacher named Apollos preach about Jesus,
except he only knew about the baptism of John.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>They took Apollos aside and explained the way of God more accurately.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>We find that Apollos “greatly helped those
who had believed through grace” and he “vigorously refuted” those who denied that
Jesus was the Christ.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>You can read about
this in <b>Acts 18:24-28</b>.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Joseph of Arimathea along with Nicodemus showed
self-initiative and great love for Jesus even though they were somewhat shy in
their faith when they alone came to take Jesus’ body down from the cross to
prepare it and bury it in that brand new borrowed tomb.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Jesus didn’t need that tomb for long, only
until Sunday morning.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>This is a
beautiful reading in <b>John 19:38-42</b>.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>It
is very difficult for me to read this passage without crying.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I would like to think that if I would have
lived in that day, that there would be a third person with Joseph and Nicodemus…Mickey.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You can probably think of many, many more from the Bible
that exercised self-initiative.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I enjoy
these kinds of exercises…</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How can we create and cultivate self-initiative within
ourselves and within others?<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I hope the
following suggestions will help us do just that.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 48px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="margin: 0px;">1.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</span></span>GET DISSATISIFED</b> – I’m not talking about being
dissatisfied with God or Jesus or the precious gospel written once for all in
the Bible, nor with someone or anyone else.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>We must get dissatisfied with ourselves.<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>We need to realize that we can be better in Christ.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>I can, you can be better.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Just realize it and then do what needs to be
done.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 48px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="margin: 0px;">2.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</span></span>TURN LOOSE</b> – Learn to say “yes” more often.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span><i>“Be zealous for good works”</i> – <b>Titus 2:14</b>.<span style="margin: 0px;"> <i> </i></span><i>“And let us consider one another in order to
stir up love and good works"</i> – <b>Hebrews 10:24</b>. <span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>When we look at our limitations, weaknesses,
and “humanness” as walls between us and our capabilities we kill
self-initiative.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Saying “yes” sets us
free from these walls.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 48px; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="margin: 0px;">3.<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
</span></span>WEEN YOURSELF</b> – Learn to stand on your own two
feet.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Open your eyes and look around you
to see where you are and then where you need to be and can be.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Don’t wait to be told to move forward.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Just move. Assemble with the church anytime and every
time you have the opportunity.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Volunteer
to help in any way you can.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Study the
Bible every day.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Pray in faith without
ceasing.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Grow in Christ.<span style="margin: 0px;"> </span>Try!!<span style="margin: 0px;">
</span>God will bless you for it.</span></div>
<b></b><i></i><u></u><sub></sub><sup></sup><strike></strike><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5280012127964521054.post-59793128149725971392018-07-17T11:24:00.001-04:002018-07-17T11:24:12.626-04:00CHANGE - Something we want and don't want...<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>July 17 – CHANGE</b> - Something we want and don’t want.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Change can be frightening and at the same
time interesting and exciting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Change is
going on all around us, above us, and within us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Change – We may not accept it readily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We may love it or hate it, look forward to it
or deny it, accept it or reject it, bless it or curse it, try to alter it or
pretend it doesn’t matter, but either way change just keeps on keeping on.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All we can do is adjust and move forward with
it and in it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When we do, we’ll find
that change can be a friend.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Don’t
believe what I’m saying is true?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Look in
the mirror.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I try to talk to my children about life and living and they
say, “Dad, things today are not the same as they were when you were our age.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Things have changed.”</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yep.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I
know this is true.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I was a boy, my
mother would send us outside this time of the year to play.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You know, I rarely see children playing outside
anymore.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had no cell phones,
computers, or video game consoles.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To
get our friends in the neighborhood together we’d have to walk over to their
house or ride our bike if we had one to see if they could play.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I lived out in the country.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our friends were two miles away.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We had no expensive playground equipment.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Of course we did have trees to climb, barns
to play in, and forests to explore.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We
had no swimming pools or splash pools.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We
did have streams, rivers, lakes, and ponds to swim in.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No organized sports except for the one’s we “organized”
in the backyard between us, like “the goal line is the fence on my side and
your shoes on the your side” or maybe setting up the bases for baseball; first
base is a soda can, second is a baseball glove, third a paint can lid, and home
is piece of cardboard.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And we didn’t
always have a bat and a ball.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sometimes
we had a stick and a rolled up wrapped up something held together with rubber
bands.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ever played Hide and Seek?</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How about Mother May I?</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">No?</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then you haven’t really lived!</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We
did have an imagination, that’s for sure.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’m glad things have changed.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And
I’m sad things have changed.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God doesn’t change.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He is the same, yesterday, today, and forever.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God does change.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He changes us, makes us better, stronger,
wiser and readies us for all the changes that lie ahead.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I’m excited about all that God has in store
for us in the near and distant future.</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He knows. We may not. He does.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0