KEEP PREACHING

 

I appreciate the many good compliments that I received concerning the lessons this past Sunday, and every Sunday.  There are some who put forth a great effort to encourage me in preaching GodÕs word.  It relates with what is said in the article on the back page.  It is appreciated and I believe it is sincere. 

I make that comment because I really do appreciate it and because I realize how often the attendance, or lack of discourages preachers, and no doubt elders on any given Sunday. I believe that many members get discouraged as well.    It is so easy to focus on the ones who are not here.  It has often been said to me and I have used it as well, we need to focus on the ones who will come, not on those who will not.  A friend of mine was making a comment that it was discouraging to see the number of people who were choosing to leave the congregation where he preaches and go somewhere else.  There are some people who are looking for what pleases them instead of that which will please God. To those, you just have to let them go. When you compromise to grant what will keep them happy this week, something else will come us later that will cause you have to compromise on yet another thing. PaulÕs admonition to Timothy cannot be compromised to keep people at a particular congregation. ÒPreach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministryÓ (II Timothy 4:2-5). There are some people who just want to have their ears tickled with the preaching.  Do not point out any wrongs I might have in my life, just tell me good things.  We certainly need to encourage one another, but we also need to help correct the problems that may exist in our life.  GodÕs word has the power to do that if we will listen and obey what it says.     

 

 

ARE YOU THANKFUL?

 

Did you know that God commands us to "be ye thankful"? We realize that the holiday called Thanksgiving is one rooted in the traditions of men. Its origins will be recounted on the news and in countless TV programs this week. It is good that we have such a holiday, even if it does have more focus on football than on counting our blessings. But many of us will gather with family and/or friends on that day, and someone will lead a prayer of thanks to God for our manifold blessings.

 

We will then eat turkey or ham with all the trimmings while thinking about or watching some football game, promptly forgetting the things for which all of us should be so grateful. I have a suggestion for all of us to consider as we sit around that table enjoying the bounty God has given us. Surely it is reasonable for us to spend some of that time around the table talking about and expressing our thanks for the loving care and providence we have received during this past year.

 

It was provided by our God who loves us so much that He gave His "only begotten Son" as our sacrifice for sin. Would it not be of benefit to each individual at that table to hear the rest of us recall the blessings of this past year, the joys and even the sorrows of the months since our last "Thanksgiving" day?

 

As I think of the things for which I am thankful, please permit me to suggest the following as good topics of conversation around our tables this holiday week:

 

Our parents and our children. Would it not be a good idea for us grown-ups to recall some memories from our childhood years as we say "thank you" for those who mean so much to us now and who, in the past had such a great part in shaping our lives? And why not say "thank you" for those precious children.

 

The country in which we live. We often become so disgusted with some facets of modern society that we forget the good, positive qualities of a nation with so many freedoms. This is a good time to remember the following words: "I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour," 1 Timothy 2:1-3. Even with its faults, we are truly blessed to live in America in 1998. [Obviously the same truths hold true today - admin@TheBible.net]

 

The church of Christ. In Christ we have redemption from our sin, the hope of eternal life, guidance for daily living, all spiritual blessings and brothers and sisters who love and care for us. All this and the privilege of taking the gospel to those who are "strangers......having no hope, and without God in the world," Ephesians 2:12.

 

Husbands and wives who help us with everyday challenges. If you have been taking your spouse for granted these last few months, why not express your thanks to God for them, then tell them how much you appreciate their support and care.

 

Those who teach our children. For those who take their time and expend their energy to prepare and teach our children the word of God, we are so grateful. It may be the most thankless task in the church. It is so easy to forget what they do and the godly influence they exhibit before their students, our children and grandchildren. How long has it been since you said "thank you" to those who teach your children?

 

Why not spend Thanksgiving Day giving thanks to Him who is the real source of all blessings, both physical and spiritual, James 1:17. Is that not what this is all about?

--By Carl B Garner, www.thebible.net

 

 

Nov 22, 2009

 

ART OF GIVING PRAISE

 

  Psychologists tell us that one of the deepest urges in human nature is the craving to be appreciated. Thus, we contribute immeasurably to the happiness and success of others when we express appreciation for their work and worth.

  We are also advised that the giving of sincere praise brings out outstanding benefits to the one who gives it. Thus, we contribute immeasurably to our own happiness and success when we express appreciation for others.

  Observation teaches that the most successful people have mastered the art of giving praise. Giving honest praise is like Òsaying graceÓ at the table . . . very difficult to start, if it hasnÕt been our pattern. Here are some guidelines to get one started.

 

1.  Look for little things for which you can express appreciation. We tend to wait for colossal achievements before uttering one word of commendation or encouragement. Rare and refreshing is the person who goes on a Òtreasure hunt,Ó searching for little things to praise.

 

2.  Look for things close at hand for which you can express appreciation. The human tendency is to see glamour in things at a distance and defects in things close at hand. It doesnÕt take much sense to find fault with things and people close by. Conversely, it requires sensitive perception to detect the genuine worth of nearby treasures. 

 

3. Voice your appreciation.  It isnÕt that we donÕt appreciate others . . . ItÕs just that, for some unknown reason, we are hesitant to voice that feeling. It is necessary to say nice things to have them do good . . . not merely think them. When we donÕt praise quickly, the impulse often fades away.

 

It may well be that one of the greatest duties you can perform this day will be speaking a word of appreciation.                                                             ÐJohn Gipson

 

ÒNow we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all menÓ ( I Thess. 5:14) ÑArticle taken from Glad Tidings of Good Things

07/10/08

 

MONTROSE FAMILY NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Nov 22, 2009

 

THOSE PRIVILEGED TO SERVE

WORSHIP----SUNDAY---9:00 AM

Co-Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . .  . . Mitchell Brooks

Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . .  . . Steve Anderson

Scriptures Reading...Gal. 4:6-11 . . . Brian Harville

Song Leader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..  ..    Glen Reece

Opening Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  .  . Jacky Carver Sr.

 

LordÕs Supper-Preside: Robert Hackett

Serve: Jacky Carver Jr., Roger Draper, 

            Ted Russell, Addison Halliburton

Closing Prayer................................ Brian Smith

 

Greeter- Robert & Linda Hackett

Greeter-  Tim & Teresa Hommrich

 

Count Offering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Jacky Carver, Sr.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .         .  . . . . . . . .  .  Kaleb Bush

AM Sermon--  Thanksgiving

PM  SermonÑ4th. Sunday Singing

 

WORSHIP---SUNDAY---6:00 PM

Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  Steve Anderson

Song Leader. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..  . Jimmy Smith

Scripture Reading..  Gal.4:12-16 . . . Brian Harville

Opening Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     Harold Smith

 

LordÕs Supper  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  .  Billy Halliburton

Serve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . . . .  .Ethan Leonard

Closing Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  .  .

 

BIBLE STUDY WEDNESDAY---7:00 PM

Song Leader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   . Jacky Carver Sr

First Prayer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  .  . . .Roger Draper

Opening Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  . .Jimmy Smith

Closing Prayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . .  .  .    .  . . Glen Reece

 

Prepare Communion for Nov.

Linda Hackett & Teresa Hommrich

 

Prepare Communion for December

Dianna Dillehay

 

Note: If you are not able to fulfill your assignment listed above, please notify the coordinator so that he can find a replacement.

 

MONTROSE BULLETIN BOARD

NURSING HOME: Lucille Smith,

Those on the sick list:

Donald Chaffin (Zion) Lou GehrigÕs disease

Kathy Harville

Vaughn Allen

Barry Wayne Kemp

Webb Craighead

Marie Castleman

Rick & Debbie SlagleÑKarnÕs congregation

 

 

OUR RECORD OF LOVE FOR CHRIST 11/15/09

Wednesday. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .   42

Worship Sunday AM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     91

Bible Study Sunday AM .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .     79

Daily Bible Readers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      40

Worship Sunday PM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .      67

Offering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .       2451.00

 

We are asking each family to bring items for the pantry to be used for needs in the community as they arise: Items for week: Bars of Soap.

 

Congratulations to Zach Grubbs and Mary Ann Reece in their marriage. Their new address is:
1701 Summerfield Dr. Apt. 8, Lebanon, TN 37087

 

 

BIBLE READING SCHEDULE FOR. NOV

01 John 2-4

02 John 5-7

03 John 8-10

04 John 11-15

05 John 16-18   

06 John 19-21

07 Acts 1-3

08 Acts 4-6

09 Acts 7-9

10 Acts 10-12

11 Acts 13-17

12 Acts 18-20

13 Acts 21-23

14 Acts 24-26

15 Acts 27-28

     Rom. 1

16 Rom. 2-4 

17 Rom. 5-7

18 Rom. 8-12

19 Rom. 13-15

20 Rom. 16;

     I Cor. 1-2

21 I Cor. 3-5

22 I Cor. 6-8

23 I Cor. 9-11

24 I Cor. 12-14

25 I Cor. 15-16

     II Cor. 1-3

26 II Cor. 4-6

27 II Cor. 7-9

28 II Cor. 10-12  

29 II Cor. 13;

      Gal. 1-2

30 Gal. 3-5