West-Ark Newsletter, 21 December 2003

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Family Lines Newsletter, December 21, 2003
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Ask this question of the man or woman who does not belong to God. Then ask this question of the man or woman who truly belongs to God. The result: it is as though two unrelated questions were asked.

Those who do not belong to God present numerous answers. It may be money. It may be power. It may be pleasure. It may be "success." It may be image. It may be status. It may be control. Do those answers have a common denominator? Yes -- "me!" Whatever delights "me" as "I" seek "my" gratification controls "me."

The answer is singular from those who truly belong to God -- "God!" I exist for God's benefit and purposes. He controls who and what I am. Why? I came from God. I am God designed. Left to myself, I am destructive to me as well as others. I become the most significant person I can be when I allow God to teach me who I am and my purpose for existing. I learn God's values now so I can live with God later.

In Paul's words of Galatians 2:20: I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

The problem is seen in the struggle. It is one thing to say God is in control of who I am. It is quite another deliberately to place God in the position of controlling who I am.

Why? The majority of Christians take the "down the road" view of existence. "I am afraid that I will not overcome that problem." "I am afraid suffering will destroy my faith." "I am afraid my death will terrify me." We are good at killing ourselves with "what if" questions.

The primary issue is not a matter of "what will I do in the future." Tomorrow is not the issue. Today is the issue. We cannot conquer tomorrow's troubles -- tomorrow is not here. We can only conquer the troubles of now. Only they are here.

How can I let God control me? I place Him in charge of my emotions, motives, behavior, and attitudes today. Why? Simple! Each day has enough troubles now to overcome. I never need to borrow tomorrow's troubles because today has enough troubles of its own.

Thus, I place God in control of today's emotions, motives, behavior, and attitudes. If I focus on placing God in control today, I will continue to place God in control when tomorrow becomes today. Do not look at the future and intend. Place God in control now. Only by having the faith and courage to place God in control of today are you prepared to place God in control of tomorrow.

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Have you spent a lot of time shopping? Baskets overflowing with the want lists? By contrast, when God chose to give His gift, the value was far greater than anything we could even give. Yet, God often finds His gift extremely difficult to give away. The gift is priceless, but many refuse to accept the gift God offers to them. That free gift is His Son (Romans 6:23). We cannot buy this gift, yet He is available to all (John 3:16). When we truly understand the cost and the value of God's gift, we find we are at a loss for words to adequately describe what His gift means to us (I Corinthians 9:15). We must remember that we were in debt, and God through His redeeming grace paid sin's price for us. God makes it plain that we must never think what He offers freely in the Son can be purchased. May we accept God's priceless gift!

January Events
* January 5th- Back to School Bash 7:00 p m. Ball Room (UA Fort Smith)
* January 7th - Burger Bash 11:00-1:00 Ball Room ( UA Fort Smith)
* January 8th - Block Party 11:00-1:00 Ball Room ( UA Fort Smith)
* January 15th - LFC Introduction 12:00-1:00 (UA Fort Smith)
* January 20th - Lions Feast 12:00-1:00 Campus Center (UA Fort Smith )
* January 25th - Derrick speaks at Dayton Church of Christ.

Correction: If you wish to make a donation to the Campus Ministry, please make out your check to "West-Ark Church of Christ" and note that it is for "Campus Ministry" in the memo field. ~~Thanks

**Gateway for Kids**
We are in need of several things for GATEWAY. If you have any of these items or wish to donate towards these items, please see Carolyn Harrell or call her at 646-3325.
* A small refrigerator
* Two computers (at least 266's),
* Microsoft Office (6 copies).

Our program is fast outgrowing our equipment. We now have 5 computers and often have 18-20 children in some of our classes. We also need shepherds.

Our memory verse for this rotation is Matthew 4:19-20 (NIV) "Come follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." At once they left their nets and followed Him.

Also name the 12 apostles: Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Thomas, Matthew, Bartholomew, James-the-less, Simon, Thaddaeus, Judas.

**Jail Ministry Update**
Three men from the Sebastian County Jail were baptized on Saturday, Dec. 13th. Ryan Potter, Jeremy Adams and Anthony Inman were taught the gospel of Christ by Steve Breedlove. Thanks to the dedicated men who teach the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Forty men have been baptized this past year.

**LTC Announcements**
* Junior and Senior High Service Challenge participants meet at the Annex at 1:15 p.m. Sunday, December 21st to deliver gifts.
* All Service Challenge and Junior - Senior chorus members meet at the Annex at 2:00 p.m. We'll go to the Methodist Nursing Home to sing and return to the Annex by 4:00 p.m.

**Guyana Mission Trip**
The 14th annual Guyana Medical Mission trip is scheduled for June 5-13, 2004. The first meeting will be in Room 100 at 7 p.m. on Sunday, January 11. Deposit of $500 will be due soon thereafter. If you would like to spend a "vacation with a purpose," please join this mission team. See Michael or Jeannie Cole if you have questions.

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**Remember in Prayer**
* Pauline Alberty is improving but remains in St. Edward Hospital, room 4312.
* Oneta Love is back in the hospital. She is in Sparks Hospital, room 577.
* Lois Jester is in St. Edward Hospital, room 5206.
* Bill Dickey's mother, Beatrice Dickey (age 97), was put in the hospital in Memphis, Tennessee.
* Bernie and Daisy Morris are sick at home with the flu.
* Maile McDonald (Please read the note below from the McDonald Family).

Dear Church Family,
As I sat down to write this letter, I couldn't help but think how blessed we are to be a part of this congregation. We are reminded on a daily basis of the love you have for Maile and our family. Your kind words and many prayers are such an encouragement to us. We want to thank each of you who helped in any way with Maile's fundraiser. Our hearts were filled with so much happiness while we visited with each of you. Your generosity is so appreciated. The Lord blesses us in so many ways every day. He gives Maile the strength to fight her battle. Please continue to keep her in your prayers.
God bless you all,
Travis, Jeanie, Chelsea & Maile

**Continued Prayers**
* Joan & Sam Jenkins (parents of Kerry)
* Mary Smith (mother of Trish Carson)
* Elvis & Sandy Thurman
* Peggy King (mother of Karen Farris)
* Kenneth Daniel (uncle of Melinda Yowell)
* Peter Michael (member of Valley View Church of Christ)
* Janelle Graves Price

**Holiday Service Schedule**
Mid-week assemblies have been moved from Wednesday Nights to Tuesday Nights during the weeks of Christmas and New Year's.
Tuesday evening, December 23rd, and Tuesday evening, December 30th, we will assemble in the Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. for a time of devotion.

Attention: Young Marrieds
You won't want to miss a new Bible class that will begin the first Sunday morning in the New Year that will focus on the unique needs of young couples. This will be a great way to strengthen your relationship with each other and with other young couples. Michael and Jeannie Cole will host this discussion class in Room 200, beginning on January 4th at 9:30 a.m. Please come if you're married and under 30. Bring your friends.

Marriage Enrichment Class
"Keeping the Promise" taught by Brad Pistole begins January 4th. Anyone interested is welcome to attend Sunday Mornings from 9:30-10:15 in the Family Life Center. Why: To honor God by keeping our marriages and our families strong!

**Sunday, December 21st Parent/Teen Christmas Party**
A variety of activities are being planned that will begin around 2 p.m. and go until 10 p.m. Parents and teens are encouraged to participate together. It will be a great day of food, fun, fellowship, and worship together. For more details, go to www.westarkchurchofchrist.org/youth/calendar.htm

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Well, the reason for writing the 3 articles on grace will have to wait for another day, but I would like to share a recent encounter I had that has led me to write one more article in this series. I hope this "little lesson in life" will help your understanding of grace the same way it has helped me.

It was 10 p.m. on my way home from vacation, and I was driving on a dark, lightly traveled road in Van Buren. The kids were asleep, and we were the only vehicle on the road. I thought to myself, "This would be a great time to listen to the new book I just bought."

Earlier in the day, we had been to a Christian Outlet Bookstore, and I had purchased a book on tape. The book was written by Jim Cymbala and the topic sounded so interesting to me. As I reached back under the seat to get the tape entitled "The Church that God Blesses," I remember my foot slightly hitting the brake. Having set my cruise control, this caused the car to decelerate. Naturally, as I continued to "mess" with the tape, my foot naturally found its way to the accelerator in an effort to replace the speed I had lost.

Finally, I got the tape in and turned the volume up. Just as the first words began to play I saw the "blue lights" begin to flash. My natural reaction led me to pull over immediately. I never even looked at my speedometer.

The cop simply turned a quick u-turn and pulled in behind me. He asked me why was I was driving so fast, so I told him the absolute truth. I explained that I was trying to put a tape in the player and that during the process I had bumped my brake. I explained that I was not speeding on purpose and that I was not intentionally breaking the law. After all, I have not had a ticket or violation of any kind for more than 10 years.

He heard my explanation and he rendered his verdict: GUILTY - and he proceeded to give me a ticket for $165. Human nature spoke very clearly to me during the remainder of my trip home.
"This is unfair."
"I don't deserve this."
"My actions and purposes don't deserve this kind of punishment."
Then I was reminded of what happens to everyone who lives in a LAW SYSTEM.

I praise God for the day when I will stand before a different judge. For even though I will be guilty of many things, Christ will be there to stand in my place and accept the blame for all of my shortcomings. I may not ever understand why he remains willing to do this, but I pray that every day of my life will prove how grateful I am for his decision to justify me by his grace instead of his law. How about you?

**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Sunday A.M.   655
Bible Classes 432
Sunday P.M.   N.C.
Small Groups 39
Wednesday P.M. 323
Contribution   $19,089
Children's Home   $198
The Way    67
Hispanic Attendance   43
Hispanic Contribution $132
Laotian Attendance   30
Laotian Contribution   $174

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