Woodland
Hills Church of Christ
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Sunday, January 7, 2007 Volume 51, Issue 1 STRENGTH TO FACE TOMORROW One inspirational quote says, "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference." Sayings like this remind us to take life one day at a time. There are three biblical lessons from that phrase which help give me strength to face tomorrow. First, I can have the strength to face tomorrow when I remember the have faith in the promises of God. What gave Joshua strength to become the new leader for God's people? It was that he had faith in the Lord's promise, "Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest." (Joshua 1:9) Christians can also be of good courage because our Lord promised, "and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world." (Matthew 28:20) When we try to look inwardly for strength we fail because without God it cannot be found. May we never forget Paul's words: "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21) Second, I can have strength to face tomorrow when I remember to change for good those things I can. The Christian is responsible for having a positive influence on the attitudes and actions of this world. Christ was commanding us to do our best to change the world when he said, "Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thencefore good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot or men. Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven." (Matthew 5:13-16) Third, I can have the strength to face tomorrow when I remember to let go of those things that I cannot change. There are some people in this world who will never follow our good influence, no matter how hard we try. Of those people Jesus said, "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust from your feet." (Matthew 10:14) We must also remember that some situations are simply none of our business. Paul reminds us of this when he wrote, "And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with our own hands, as we commanded you." (I Thessalonians 4:11) The next time the storms of life seem to be raging against you, and it seems that the waves are too fierce to survive remember these three points. It is my prayer that they will give you the strength to face tomorrow. See You In Bible Class,
TAFT TALK We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. GIRLS DEVOTIONAL EVANGELISM UNIVERSITY The elders really support this weekend, because of the spiritual intensity and high spipritual leve of learning. The cost is $40 but the church pays half...so you must make a check out to the Woodland Hills church of Christ for $20 if you want to go. If you want more information about EU, the website is www.evangelismuniversity.net. We will be leaving on Friday afternoon (the 12th) after school and return time will be on Sunday afternoon (the 14th). I MUST KNOW BY SUNDAY, THE 7TH, IF YOU ARE GOING. YOU MUST TURN IN YOUR MONEY TO ME BY THEN. OTHER DATES TO KEEP IN MIND ON SOLID GROUND Bud Thomas was responsible for making
announcements over the loudspeaker and kept everyone accountable for
staying on task and with the schedule. Preston Pinson, as
always, made many new friends. We could go on and on about all of
the fun that we had this weekend. The total number in attendance
was 206. It was nice to see how far this retreat has come (this
was the 10 year anniversary) and how much work goes in to something like
this. A special thank you is due to all of the parents who
supported their children to go and to all of the youth who made the trip
so great. Much Love,
FAMILY NEWS OUR SICK/HOMEBOUND WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS BRIDAL SHOWER BRING A FRIEND DAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY SYMPATHY CONGRATULATIONS HARDING ACADEMY CHORUS BABY GIRL SHOWER THANK YOU Dear Brothers and Sisters,
SEVEN HATED THINGS God hates all seven of these things because any one of the seven can mar the godliness and beauty of a life. "These six things the Lord hates. Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, a false witness who speaks lies, and one who sows discord among brethren." (Proverbs 6:16-19) God hates these things because they violate every principle of decency and morality. They are sins against God and man. God hates a proud look. God is never pleased with prideful, haughty things. Pride is an offense against the holiness of God. Pride always leads to unkindness and irreverence. God hates a lying tongue. A lying tongue destroys through untrue statements. Lying always comes from an impure heart. Lies always hurt. They destroy good names, disappoint, and hurt others and God. God hates hands that shed innocent blood. Shedding innocent blood shows an ultra lack of sympathy for God's creation. Those who shed innocent blood are out of tune with their Maker. God hates a heart that devises wicked plans. Such a life is spiritually rotten inside. When the heart is wicked the life will be wicked. Some hearts are so bad they are always inventing ways to do evil. (Genesis 6:5) God hates feet that are swift in running to evil. Some are eager to do that which is unholy. They do not wait, they do not walk, and instead they run to evil. They not only do wrong but they do it eagerly. God hates a false witness that speaks lies. Because of false witnesses good men have suffered and evil men have escaped. A slanderer is a their as he robs others of good reputations and the confidence of friends. God hates one that sows discord among brethren. This person tries to undo the good done by faithful brethren. "Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!" (Psalm 133:1) Christians must hate what God hates and love what God loves. To become a Christian you must hear the gospel of Christ (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (Mark 16:16), repent of sins (Acts 17:30), confess Jesus as Lord and Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized for forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38). After baptism allow Christ to be formed in you. (Galatians 4:19) by Charles Box |
