Awesome In This Place

A morning praise to our Father.................

Awesome In This Place
Dave Billingham

Lyrics:
As I come into Your presence
Past the gates of praise
Into Your sanctuary
Til we're standing face to face
I look upon Your countenance
I see the glory of Your Holy face
I can only bow down and say...

You are awesome in this place, Mighty God
You are awesome in this place, Abba Father
You are worthy of all praise
To You our lives we raise
You are awesome in this place, Mighty God

Life

There are things for us to cherish and enjoy every day of our lives. We may have to really look for those things sometimes, but it will add meaning in life, which will encourage and satisfy us.

Watch children at play...gaze up at the sky and watch the movement of God's clouds...watch the birds looking for their food.Gaze out your window and just look around at the beautiful scenery of God's handiwork...stand outside letting the breeze gently brush your face.Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea outside with music softly playing...watch the sun rising in the morning and setting in the evening.

Live you life each day as you would climb a mountain. Getting a occasional glance toward the summit keeps the goal in mind. Many beautiful scenes are to be observed from every direction. Climb life’s mountain slowly, steadily, enjoying each passing moment.

God's handiwork is all around us---not only in the form of foliage, animals, but in people. Take time to enjoy what God has done and is doing! You'll enjoy what you are doing a lot more. Take time to talk to God about what He has given you.

Slow down and enjoy the life God has given you. View it with thanksgiving in your heart. He did it all for you and me. He did not mean for us to go through life and not enjoy it. Appreciate the things God has given and done for you. Then give Him the praise and thanks He deserves.

People Need the Lord

People Need The Lord
Greg Nelson and Phill McHugh
1983 River Oaks Music

Everyday they pass me by,
I can see it in their eye;
Empty people filled with care,
Headed who knows where.
On they go through private pain,
Living fear to fear;
Laughter hides the silent cries
Only Jesus hears.

People need the Lord,
People need the Lord;
At the end of broken dreams,
He's the open door.
People need the Lord,
People need the Lord;
When will we realize
People need the Lord.

We are called to take His light
To a world where wrong is right;
What could be too great a cost
For sharing life with one who's lost?
Through His love our hearts can feel
All the grief they bear;
They must hear the Words of Life
Only we can share.

People need the Lord,
People need the Lord;
At the end of broken dreams,
He's the open door.
People need the Lord,
People need the Lord;
When will we realize
That we must give our lives,
For people need the Lord.
People need the Lord.

Understanding Poverty

On Monday, USD 420 hosted an all-day workshop for 700 faculty and staff on Dr. Ruby Payne’s book “A Framework for Understanding Poverty”.

The central goal of the book is educating people about the differences that separate economic classes and then teaching them skills to bridge those gulfs. Framework is the method that delivers that message. Ruby's thesis for Framework is simple. Individuals accustomed to personal poverty think and act differently from people in the middle and upper economic classes. Most teachers today come from middle-class backgrounds. Economic class differences, in an educational setting, often make both teaching and learning challenging. Too often, teachers don't understand why a student from poverty is chronically acting out or is not grasping a concept even after repeated explanations. At the same time, the student doesn't understand what he/she is expected to produce and why. Ruby discusses at length the social cues or "hidden rules" that govern how we think and interact in society – and the significance of those rules in a classroom.

How about Church? What are we doing to tear down the walls that sometimes hinder the message of Jesus being preached to ALL people even those in poverty.

Larry James is a minister that works in the inner city in Dallas, Texas. At one time he was a pulpit minister at a large Texas Church but gave that up to minister to those in poverty and despair. He wrote the following poem about those he ministers and lives with on a daily basis:

I Know Poverty
Seeing, hearing, smelling, touching, speaking—
Daily it arrives in waves, torrents,
Contained, carried about in life,
Expressed a person at a time.
Watching weathered, limping people
Trudging about, through and on,
I think of troubled, wrestling, self-possessed Jacob,
Determined to receive some blessing,
hobbled by the experience.

Tears flow from lack—
A mysterious depth releases watery, salty relief—sweat, tears,
Loss, pain, need, laughter—
Always I’m undone by the laughter—
comedic relief.
Holding the children,
So often the products of a search for purpose,
lingering embrace,
Once here the only purpose becomes survival writ large,
So, love abounds as focus fades in a cruel, satisfying circle.

Young—too young—mothers and grandmothers,
Some too young themselves,
Many more far too old
For the demands of children absent daddies.
Blame doesn’t work—
nothing sticks with this hopeless paste!
Responsibility on the forward side
Seems a reasonable goal,
A key to understand, to investigate.

Smells can be fierce or noble,
Sickening or inviting, crushing or hopeful,
Depending on the soul of community—
Are we cooking or surviving?
I know poverty.
The impoverishment of soul,
of spirit,Of private, inner space,
Meant to be a meeting ground,
A host table for sacred conversation among people
Beyond caste and class and race—but it is gone.


For more information on Larry James:
http://www.larryjamesurbandaily.blogspot.com/
Central Dallas Ministries
P.O. Box 710385
Dallas, TX 75371-0385
Phone: 214-823-8710

Rejoice and be Joyful!

Ever have a bad day?
A bad week?
A bad month?
A bad............
I could go on and on.
But how about losing all you have.
All your personal possessions.

Many in the Gulf Coast states have lost everything as well as even some here in the Rossville and northeast Kansas counties last week during the floods.

It’s hard to rejoice when bad things are happening.
Hard to rejoice when you lost your job.
Hard to rejoice when the little ones are teething and you haven’t slept in several nights.
Hard to rejoice when your spouse says I’m leaving.
Hard to rejoice when you can’t pay the bills.
Hard to rejoice when your best friend dies of cancer.
Hard to rejoice when the pain you have is unbearable.

Even through the pain, suffering, and destruction of life there is still One to be thankful for and rejoice and praise continually!

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior."
Habakkuk 3:17-18

TV or the Bible?

Tuesday night I had a rare evening at home without any school meetings or activities. I turned on the television to see what was on and a show called Rodney came on. The show is a comedy and has been on a couple of seasons. First time I had seen it. The show talked about church and hell. Rodney’s family had been attending church regularly but Rodney didn’t feel like attending. Well his wife and kids finally convinced him he should go. At the worship service Rodney heard some “fire and brimstone” preaching and decided he needed to make some drastic changes in his life. The bad thing about the show is it joked about the concept of heaven and hell. It showed a preacher that was more concerned about football than saving his congregations souls and at the end of the show Rodney and the preacher decide to sit down and have a beer together.

That show did nothing for the cause of Christianity. What it did was make people feel like church is just an option not a necessity. Typical Hollywood telling us what is right and wrong.

Looking at Matthew 7:15-23, we find Jesus stating:
“Not every one that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

Television might show us what they think Christianity should be all about but the Bible gives the correct answers on how we should live a life that is pleasing to God.

Enjoy the Journey

Mike Cope, Minister of the Highland Church of Christ in Abilene, Texas, has some great blogs that he shares with his readers each day. This was a recent blog he posted that hit me "right up side the head". I often forget about the journey and only think about my destination......Enjoy the read!

At our home, we are Shel Silverstein fans. Here's one for today:

I went to find the pot of gold
That's waiting where the rainbow ends.
I searched and searched and searched and searched
And searched and searched, and then--
There it was, deep in the grass,
Under and old and twisty bough.I
t's mine, it's mine, it's mine at last. . . .
What do I search for now?

So often we think that there is some great destination that we're waiting for. We find ourselves "killing time" (a horrible phrase) just waiting for that destination. We forget that it's the journey itself that is full of life.

You can't wait for your kids to grow up so you can have a little peace and quiet. There is the joy of the journey.You can't wait for retirement so you can play golf. There is the joy of the journey.You can't wait for your church to "do things right" so you can be happy. There is the joy of the journey.You can't wait for American to get back to the good old days. There is the joy of the journey.

Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Lion, and the Scarecrow are headed to Oz. But the heart, the courage, and the brain they need come from the journey--not from the diminutive wizard behind the curtain.

Bilbo Baggins' walking song has it right:

The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then?
I cannot say.

I have my eyes on an incredible destination. But the journey is filled with joy--even in the midst of pain. I don't want to miss that joy!What's out there on the road for you this day? Don't put off today waiting for Friday. Don't blow off this week waiting for next week or this month waiting for next month or this year waiting for next year. Too many people miss life waiting for something better.

Look out today and smile at THAT spouse, THOSE kids, THAT job, THOSE friends, THAT church, THOSE neighbors.

Reaching People Where They Are

In my professional life we have been in the process of examining learning styles of the new generation. As I have researched many educational systems and philosophies I keep coming up with several articles on generational differences in the church. The following article breaks down the groups that make up our society and church of today.

Reaching People Where They Are
by Roger Palms

If we believe that one method of presenting the Gospel is adequate for all listeners, we may miss out. Why? Because generations hear what we say in the context of their own culture. The Gospel doesn't change, but the way that people hear the Gospel does change.
The Holy Spirit knows the heart of each person in each generation. As faithful followers of Jesus Christ, we can be alert to how the Holy Spirit is reaching out to people where they are and not treat people as though they are the same as we are.

The characteristics of the generational categories are not firmly fixed. People are individuals, and the generations are on a continuum. But as we reach out to people and seek to bear fruit for Christ, we need to be aware of the ways that different generations learn and the cultural influences that they have when they hear the Gospel. Who are these generations?

Millennials --- born 1982 or later

Some 72 million young people comprise this age group. Millennials are the second-largest segment of society.

They respect their parents more than their parents know. They listen to their grandparents more than their grandparents realize. They are savvy to advertising hype, eager to pursue meaningful relationships, interested in what worked in the past. Millennials long for stability.
Who are they? They are Generation Y, the net generation, the echo boom, the bridgers --those who are coming of age in the new millennium. And they are open to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
They are curious about concepts of sin and redemption. They experience little residual Christianity in their culture. Many are absolutely certain of only one thing: there are no absolutes.

Many Millennials get their religion from the Internet. They combine Eastern philosophies and New Age leftovers, an eclectic gathering of this and that. Yet Jesus is attractive to them.
Show them who Jesus Christ is.

Busters --- born 1965-1982

Busters are the first of a totally postmodern generation. The 65 million in this age group have been called the X Generation, the Boomer shadow, the nowhere generation, the "shy me?" generation. They don't like those labels.

They long to be respected, to be listened to, to be appreciated. They want to be treated individually, not as a collection or a group. They were latchkey kids, many from divorced and blended families. They watched MTV with its constantly changing images. Feeling is more important than content, process than function.

They would like to fix things, especially the things they think that the generation before them has broken. They want marriages that last. Children are important to them. "How did you stay married?" they ask. "How did you find God?" "What's it like to have inner peace?" they want to know.

They are spiritual, but for many of them anything spiritual will do. They are into "faiths" more than faith. They are looking for something to give them meaning and hope.
Point them to the One who can give that to them.

Boomers --- born 1946-1964

Boomers --- 77 million strong --- have influenced everything around them.
Boomers went through the era of Vietnam War, campus unrest, the "hippie" movement, free speech, free love, the Jesus movement. But they also got caught up in the greedy `80s. They are known as much for being the "me" generation as they are for being the change-theworld-with-a-cause generation.

They want to know how Christianity works, primarily how it works "for me in my life." They want to know, "Will God help me with my finances, my divorce, my children?"

We can speak to that if we will come alongside and hear them. Many Boomers are coming to the point in life where they wonder, "Is this all there is? Isn't there something more?" Boomers are exploring church again, old truths again, hearing again the message that they pushed away when they first rebelled against their parents' generation.

Offer them solid Bible content that they can apply to their lives and discuss with their peers.

Builders --- born 1930-1945

Also called the silent generation, 33 million Builders are sometimes considered the nongeneration. They weren't of age during the Great Depression or during World War II, but they weren't part of the Vietnam War and campus unrest either. They are in-between.
They want certainty; they have a sense of responsibility and duty. They want their lives to count for something.

More resolved than the generations that have followed them, Builders formed their philosophies and convictions during their student years and didn't change too much afterward. But their hearts still have that inner restlessness that God put there.

We can quote the Bible to Builders; they respect it as God's Truth. Yet many may think that they have heard it all before and even may have tried Christianity once --- but what they may have tried was church and rules without having encountered the living Christ as Savior and Lord.

Show them what it means to be right with God by God's definition, to move past faith in faith to faith in Christ.

Seniors --- born 1929 or earlier

Of the 25 million people in this generation, many Seniors came of age during the Great Depression and fought in World War II. They are loyal, conservative, hardworking, patriotic. If they know about Christianity, it may be more denominational than biblical, more like a club to be joined just as they join civic or community organizations.

Seniors may be struggling with illness, with financial limitations, with worries about children and grandchildren, and with loneliness because they have fewer friends still living. They also may be filled with fear: fear for physical safety on the streets, fear of the future, fear of death.

Tell them about the One who takes away all fear. Tell them the Good News of God's peace and security and the certainty of salvation in heaven.Are we ready to change? Our day is similar to the days of the first century. When Cornelius, a Gentile, needed to hear the Gospel, God broke the Apostle Peter out of his old way of thinking so that he could become the evangelist that God wanted him to be. And Peter was big enough to change (Acts 10:1-48).

Generation Y Embraces Choice, Redefines Religion

The Washington Times
www.washingtontimes.com

By Cheryl WetzsteinTHE WASHINGTON TIMESPublished April 12, 2005

Most young Americans strongly believe in having choices, an attitude that is likely to shape their identification with traditional religions, a study says.

"Generation Y," born between 1980 and 2000, is "bringing [media] industries to their knees" by embracing IPod, TiVo and other technologies that allow unprecedented consumer choice, said Roger Bennett, co-founder of Reboot, a Jewish group that is examining generational issues.

The big question is how traditional religions will respond to a new generation of Americans who value choice, informality and personal expression, he said.

It may mean the rise of "orthodoxy a la carte," where, as with IPods and music, young Americans take a "mix and match" approach to religion, said Bill Galston, a domestic policy adviser in the Clinton administration.

It also could mean an even deeper culture war, said Mr. Galston, as young Americans push their religious pluralism and a backlash emerges from other young Americans who don't want to lose traditional and religious moorings.

Reboot's study, "OMG! How Generation Y is Redefining Faith in the iPod Era," was released yesterday in a press conference at the Brookings Institution. The study is based on a survey last year of 1,385 persons ages 18 to 25.

To add depth, samples of black, Muslim, Jewish, Asian and Hispanic youths were included, said Anna Greenberg, vice president of Greenberg Quinlan Rosner Research, a firm known for its work with liberal political groups.

The Reboot study drew on other research, including the General Social Survey and a Greenberg Quinlan Rosner study on "America's Evangelicals," for data on religious characteristics of older generations.

The Reboot study found that 23 percent of Generation Y, like Generation X, do not identify with a religious denomination or don't believe in God. This is more than twice the number of nonbelievers among baby boomers, or those born between 1946 and 1965, Ms. Greenberg noted. Generation X was born between 1966 and 1979.

Twenty-six percent of young Americans call themselves Protestants, but the survey showed that 14 percent of the generation belonged to "other" kinds of Christian churches.

Catholic identification was stable, with 20 percent of both Generation Y and Generation X choosing this faith. However, the number was down from 23 percent Catholic identification among baby boomers.

Generation Y members also were strongly religiously pluralistic -- only 7 percent said "all" their friends were of the same religion, and about 10 percent said they belonged to a non-Christian religion.

Previous studies of religion have indicated that young adulthood is often a time when religious interest drops. Federal data tracked by the Washington-based research group Child Trends shows that 12th-graders are less likely than eighth-graders to say that religion plays an important role in their lives. The trend is reflected in student attendance at weekly religious services.

Still, religious identity plays a significant role in the lives of Generation Y, Ms. Greenberg said yesterday. More than half said they regularly pray before meals, and a third or more said they talk about religion with friends, attend worship services and read religious materials every week.

The Reboot survey further found that Generation Y was "more liberal and progressive" than older generations, both in political leanings and on social issues such as homosexual "marriage" and immigration. Fifty-four percent of voters younger than 30 voted for Sen. John Kerry last year -- the only age group the Democratic presidential candidate carried, the study noted.

However, although many of these young Americans worry about getting good grades and finding work after school, their biggest concern is the solidly "moral" issue of nonmarital sex -- 35 percent of Generation Y members are "very worried" about "getting a sexually transmitted disease," the study noted.

Copyright © 2005 News World Communications, Inc. All rights reserved

Our Eyes Are Upon You

12 “O our God, will you not judge them? For we have no power to face this vast army that is attacking us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you."

2 Chronicles 20:12

Jehoshaphat knew that the only way they could defeat the larger and stronger armies was to keep his eyes on the Lord. I need that direction and reminder each day. The only way to survive the enemy is to focus on the Deliverer!

Blessed Be the Name

One of my favorite hymns of the past "Blessed be the Name" was written By William Clark in the late 1800's. A powerful song of praise to the One that reigns above!

All praise to Him
Who reigns above
In majesty supreme,
Who gave His Son for man to die,
That He might man redeem!

Refrain
Blessèd be the Name!
Blessèd be the Name!
Blessèd be the Name of the Lord!
Blessèd be the Name!
Blessèd be the Name!
Blessèd be the Name of the Lord!

His Name above
all names shall stand,
Exalted more and more,
At God the Father’s own right hand,
Where angel hosts adore.

Refrain

Redeemer, Savior,
Friend of man
Once ruined by the fall,
Thou hast devised salvation’s plan,
For Thou hast died for all.

Refrain

His Name shall be
the Counselor,
The mighty Prince of Peace,
Of all earth’s kingdoms Conqueror,
Whose reign shall never cease.

Refrain

Won't You Be My Neighbor?

It's a beautiful day in this neighborhood,
A beautiful day for a neighbor.
Would you be mine?
Could you be mine?...

It's a neighborly day in this beauty wood,
A neighborly day for a beauty.
Would you be mine?Could you be mine?...

I've always wanted to have a neighbor just like you.
I've always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you.
So, let's make the most of this beautiful day.
Since we're together we might as well say:
Would you be mine?Could you be mine?
Won't you be my neighbor?
Won't you please,
Won't you please?
Please won't you be my neighbor?

Fred Rogers wrote this song for his television show many years ago. It asks many important questions about being a neighbor. On Sunday we will have our annual Friend Day. The theme is Won't You Be My Neighbor? Be in prayer for this special day of worship as we reach out to our friends and neighbors. Our goal is 400 in worship.

A Friend Is...

A friend is...
One who sticks with you no matter what.
One who shares the burden of your heart and life.
One who shares the burdens of their own heart and life with you.
One who tells you the truth - even when you don’t want to hear it...because a real friend only desires your best.
One who laughs with you.
One who cries with you.
One who cheers you on in the race of life.
One who covers your backside in battle...while you cover theirs.
One who loves your family almost as much as you do.
One who continually points you to Jesus.
One who is not afraid to hug you.
One who lavishes love on you but is restrained with their flattering words.
One who desires to take off the masks and walk in intimacy.
One who covers you with respect and keeps secrets well.
One who takes over for you when trauma leaves you helpless.
One who ‘gets you’ and your vision and does not try to quench it.
One who helps you polish the pearls of your heart and never tramples upon them.
One who walks side by side through life, facing all the hurdles with you...holding your hand when you die.
One who is not ashamed of your past...and not ashamed to glorify God with you.
One who is proud to be seen with you.
One who comes to the rescue when rescue is required.
One that is always there with whatever you need...quiet understanding; joy; tears; understanding; faith...one who is ‘there’ like a warm fire on a cold winter’s night.

He Became One of Us

He Became One of Us
by Alan Smith

On February 15, 1921, there was a doctor who performed an appendectomy. The doctor performing the surgery was Dr. Evan Kane who over his 37-year medical career had performed nearly 4,000 appendectomies, so this surgery was not at all unusual except for two things.First of all, this was the first time that local anesthesia had ever been used in major surgery. Dr. Kane believed that local anesthesia was safer than putting a patient completely to sleep. Most of his colleagues agreed with him in principle, but they wanted to see first if it would actually work.So Dr. Kane searched for a volunteer, a patient who would be willing to undergo surgery while under local anesthesia. It wasn't easy to find one. Most people are squeamish at the thought of being awake during their own surgery. Others are fearful that the anesthesia might wear off too soon.Finally, though, Dr. Kane found a volunteer, and on Tuesday morning,February 15th, the operation began. The patient was prepped and wheeled into the operating room. A local anesthetic was applied. And as Dr. Kane had done thousands of times before, he cut open the tissues and removed the appendix. The patient had only minor discomfort and recovered quickly, dismissed two days later.Dr. Kane had proven his theory. Thanks to the willingness of a bravevolunteer, Dr. Kane demonstrated that local anesthesia was an alternative, even a preferred alternative.But I said there were two facts that made this surgery unusual. I've told you the first: the use of local anesthesia. The second unusual thing was the patient -- the patient was Dr. Kane. You see, in order to prove his point, Dr. Kane operated on himself. The doctor became a patient in order to convince the patients to trust the doctor.As unbelievable as that may seem, it is insignificant compared with what Jesus Christ did for us. The Great Physician voluntarily became one of us. He placed himself in our shoes. He left the glories of heaven to live on this earth as one of us -- to suffer our pains and feel our fears. Why? So that when you hurt, you will know that you have someone who understands -- your Great Physician -- and you will have confidence to go to him for healing."Inasmuch then as the children have partaken of flesh and blood, He Himself likewise shared in the same....For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted." (Hebrews 2:14a,18)

Alan Smith
Boone Church of Christ
Boone, NC

Psalm 93

Psalm 93

1The LORD reigns, he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed in majesty and is armed with strength. The world is firmly established; it cannot be moved.
2 Your throne was established long ago; you are from all eternity.
3 The seas have lifted up, O LORD, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves.
4 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea—the LORD on high is mighty.
5 Your statutes stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days, O LORD.

Unity of the Body

I know God stretched me growing up.

Growing up on the west coast as a “Beach Kid” I enjoyed the lifestyle and relaxed atmosphere that Southern California had to offer. Growing up in the church on the west coast was very different from the church of the mid-west. Devotionals and worship services on the beach, bus ministries that brought in hundreds of inner city San Diego and LA kids on Wednesday nights, no ties, bible study groups that met in homes, more spontaneous worship services where members discussed personal situations that they were encountering in their lives. Having to adjust as a church community with many different backgrounds, cultures and beliefs.

Then we moved to Oklahoma. A more conservative church and lifestyle. One that I now appreciate more and more. Coat and tie required. Deep bible study and lessons directly focused on God’s Word. Large churches of over 1,000 members very common. Took a little while to get use to the more solemn quiet worship style.

Then I went off to college. York was a little of both. Worship was exciting. Great singing. Emphasis was on praising our Heavenly Father. Small groups were important. Bible study was mandatory. Some of the best people in the world were my teachers: Mabrey Miller, James Hinkle, Tim Woodruff, Mike Cravens. Great men that inspired me as a Christian and showed me what the church could become if we would all work together.

I appreciate the body of Christ. From the “L” Street Church in San Diego to the East Hill Church in York, Nebraska to the Central Church in Topeka. I pray that we will truly become one body. A unified group of believers that focus on each other’s needs. When we have disagreements we don’t talk down about each other, but we love each other and respect our differences and truly appreciate our brothers and sisters for the good they are accomplishing for the Gospel of Christ.

I like the following song that Keith Lancaster wrote about being a united body. It’s my prayer for every church:

Let's Get Together
Words and music: Keith Lancaster, Bill Spencer, and Rodney Britt © 1985 Anthony K. Music (ASCAP)

There are too many Christians
Who don't talk to each other
They're not acting like brothers
They're not loving at all
They' refuse confrontation
They choose gossip and slander
For solutions meander
Well they're in for a fall
We can't keep going on like this every day
Hear what I say

Chorus:
Let's get together
Let's stop the fighting
Let's start uniting
Let's get together
Let's stop the fighting
Let's start uniting

There're too many people
Who don't know the Savior
They see our behavior is not what is should be
So let's get together
No more fussing and fighting
We need love and uniting
To be one family
We can't keep going on like this every day
Hear what I say

Repeat Chorus

Bridge:
It's time we stop the fighting
And start giving our love to each other
Oh don't you know that they're never gonna see how we're lovin' our Lord
Unless we're givin' our love to each other

Repeat Chorus

"How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity!" Psalm 133:1

"I in them and you in me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me." John 17:23

"And over all these virtues put love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossians 3:14

Central News

A great day at Central on Sunday as Sarah was baptized into Christ. What a blessing to see an individual give their life to the King of Kings! She will be an encouragement and blessing to all of us at Central.

Leadership Training for Christ kicked off last night for students in grades 3-12. If you were unable to attend the meeting, please see Robert, Debbie or Chris to get more information. Many contribute their time to help our young people as coaches, sponsors and event coordinators. Last year we had close to 100 individuals from Central involved in LTC. If you would like to help with LTC please volunteer for this great ministry.

On one of my favorite web sites this morning I saw the following story about time and schedules:

Have you seen the cartoon of the two little girls at the bus stop, chatting as they hold their personal planners? One says: "Okay, I'll move ballet back an hour, reschedule, gymnastics, and cancel piano . . . you shift your violin lesson to Thursday and skip soccer practice . . . that gives us from 3:15 to 3:45 on Wednesday the 16th to play."

Sad that our lives have been dictated by palm pilots, personnal planners and schedules. The technology and information age has forced our society to run at a rapid pace throughot the day where we don’t have any time to just slow down and talk and visit with friends, neighbors and sometimes even our own families.

Jesus had time to stop and visit with people. In his fast paced life he took the time to meet the needs of others.

On Sunday, October 2, Central will be celebrating Friend Day. A day set aside to invite a friend to worship. Spend some time this week praying for an individual that you would like to invite to worship and class on that day. Then take the time and slow down and visit with that person and allow our enthusiasm and the power of god in our lives to tell them about the great family at the Central Church.

Be in prayer for Friend Day as well as be praying for our friends. Our goal in worship is 400.
May God be glorified in our efforts!

Order of Worship

Order of Worship

Sunday, September 18, 2005


Announcements

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-3

47 Holy, Holy, Holy (Verse 1 and 4 Only)
100 Holy Ground

Prayer

271 Son of Man
176 Lamb of God

Communion
Contribution

Dismiss 2x2

227 On Zion’s Glorious Summit

Message

Invitation 273 More Precious than Silver (Sing Twice)
276 Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus (Chorus Only)

Closing Announcements

528 I Know that My Redeemer Lives (Verse 1 and 4 Only)

Closing Prayer

God Will Make a Way

The following words have meant very much to me the past few years as I sometimes walk the lonely, lonely road of life. The belief and faith I have in the One who can heal and give me peace means more than anything to me. He can make a way!

God Will Make A Way
Words and music by Don Moen
Proverbs 3:6"In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. "

God will make a way,Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way.

By a roadway in the wilderness, He'll lead me
And rivers in the desert will I see
Heaven and earth will fade
But His Word will still remain
He will do something new today.

God will make a way,
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way.

Think Before You Speak

Think Before You Speak
by Alan Smith

One of my favorite quiz shows of all time is "Family Feud." One of the joys of watching it is seeing what people will say when they don't have very long to think. These are some actual answers from contestants who have appeared on the quiz show "Family Feud":

Name a song with "moon" in the title — Blue suede moon
Name an item of clothing worn by the 3 musketeers — A horse
Name something that floats in the bath — Water
Name something you wear on the beach — A deck chair
Name something red — My cardigan
Name a famous cowboy — Buck Rogers
Name a number you have to memorize — 7
Name something you do before going to bed — Sleep
Name something you put on walls — Roofs
Name something in the garden that's green — Shed
Name something that flies that doesn't have an engine — A bicycle with wings
Name something you might be allergic to — Skiing
Name a famous bridge — The bridge over troubled waters
Name an animal you might see at the zoo — A dog
Name a sign of the zodiac — April
Name a non-living object with legs — Plant
Name a domestic animal — Leopard
Name a part of the body beginning with 'N' — Knee
Name a way of cooking fish — Cod

You know what the problem is!The answers sound ridiculous, but you know what the problem is: giving an answer in the pressure of the moment and trying to be the first one to blurt out an answer. Yes, we all know that sometimes, the mouth begins to speak before the brain has had time to completely process the question and the answer.

When you speak (or email) without taking time to think, the things that come out of your mouth (or your computer) can be pretty funny. They can also be quite damaging. That's why James warned us: So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. (James 1:19)

Just a reminder to pause for a moment before you speak (or email) to someone today. You just might save yourself some embarrassment and someone else a lot of hurt feelings.


HEARTLIGHT® Magazine is edited by Phil Ware and Paul Lee. HEARTLIGHT is a registered service mark of Heartlight, Inc. PO Box 7044, Abilene, TX, USA 79608. Copyright © 1996-2005. Heartlight is supported by Westover Hills Church, Southern Hills Church, and loving Christians from around the world.