Woodland
Hills Church of Christ
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Sunday, February 19, 2006 Volume 50, Issue 7 MEMORIZING GOD’S WORD One of the things that made David a man after God’s own heart was his love for the word of God. He spent a great deal of time meditating on the precepts of the Lord. It was the guide of his life. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." (Psm. 119:105) David involved himself in the memorization of the scriptures to help him walk closer to God. "Thy word have I hid in my heart, that I might not sin against thee." (Psm. 119:11) David’s love for the ways of the Lord is an example to us all. We too need to love God’s word, and we ought to be involved in committing it to memory. I have been using our Wednesday night auditorium class to assist us in this area. We are involved in a class on "How To Study The Bible With Others," and we always begin class with an assigned memory verse. The class has been doing great on these verses so far, and I want to encourage you to keep it up. So that you don’t get behind, following is a list of the memory work you should be current on: Week 1 John 3:16 We will continue to begin class every Wednesday night by calling on people randomly to quote a verse (so you must always be prepared). Also you have to keep up on the previous verses because I will also select them randomly as well. Remember, you can use this as an opportunity to help your family memorize scripture throughout the week as well. David’s desire was to always have God’s word with him. I hope this will be our desire as well! See You In Bible Class Sunday,
TAFT TALK Senior Ladies Tea Gatlinburg Getaway March Girls Devo Guys/Girls Night Out Lock-Out Spring Retreat Good listening is a skill that requires practice, empathy and true concern for the other person. Much Love,
FAMILY NEWS
OUR SICK/HOMEBOUND WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS OUR RECORD CONGRATULATIONS FELLOWSHIP MEAL THANK YOU We thank God for His abundant blessings! We thank Him especially for letting our family from Russia come to join us in celebrating our marriage and for giving us such a wonderful Christian family here at Woodland Hills! This past holiday season was truly magical for us! When Ellie and I decided to get married we knew that we would do everything in our power to have my family come from Russia to be with us during such important and exciting time. As the date of our wedding was approaching, it was becoming increasingly uncertain whether my parents would be able to come to the U.S. During those days we and our friends prayed a lot, and God heard our prayers! Though we were overjoyed when we saw my parents step out of the airplane and onto Memphis soil, in the back of my mind I was concerned about them being here for such a long period of time, 34 days!!! Of course, very soon it became apparent that those concerns were absolutely silly. We couldn’t wish for a better wedding, and everywhere we went my parents were greeted with the warmest welcome! Especially, we would like to thank you, Woodland Hills Church, for your most generous gifts and your love! Before I came to this country I often worked as an interpreter for American missionaries in Ukraine, but I never even dreamed of interpreting for my parents while on their first trip to USA. This most recent interpreting experience once again reminded me that there is no language barrier for sincere feelings! Now, my parents are back in their home in Rostov-on-Don, Russia. With temperatures well below freezing they are sending their warmest "Thank you!" and "We love you!" to all of you. Thanks so much from all of us! Nick and Ellie Aleshchanov THANK YOU
IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES Tomorrow will never come for many people. "Whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away." (James 4:14) The nature of our life is that we are on earth only for a brief time. What if tomorrow never comes in your life? If tomorrow never comes I want to be found in Christ. The Bible teaches we should, "be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith." (Philippians 3:9) I care nothing for self-achieved righteousness; I simply want to be found in Him. If tomorrow never comes I want to have served faithfully in the Lord's army. I long to hear God say, "well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord." (Matthew 25:2) Whatever has been put into my hands my goal is to be trustworthy in it. Being God's faithful servant is what matters. If tomorrow never comes I want to die in the service of my Lord. I realize, "I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day; the night is coming when no one can work." (John 9:4) I desire to be busy with God's business during the daylight of my life. Night is coming. If tomorrow never comes I want my family and friends to know of my love and I want to leave them an example to follow. Paul said, "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." (1 Corinthians 11:1) My prayer is that the example of my life can be such that I can say to family and friends, "follow my example. I followed the Messiah; now you follow me." If tomorrow never comes I want to have made some difference for good in my world. "Let your gentleness (unselfishness) be known to all men. The Lord is at hand." (Philippians 4:5. I want to serve my fellowman realizing that the Lord is near. What would be your desire "If tomorrow never comes?" Would you wish for one more day to obey?" (Mark 16:16) Would you wish for one more day to be restored? (Acts 8:22) Or would you pray, "Come, Lord Jesus?" (Revelation 22:20) by Charles Box, Walnut Street Church of Christ
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