**God's Patience**
David Chadwell
2 Peter 3:14, 15 Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation.
To me, one of the powerful evidences of God's character distinctiveness is His patience. God is incredibly patient--determined, tenacious, and patient! Humans are not! Our commitment begins strong and decreases fast. Few humans "follow through." We much too quickly give up! We much too quickly justify failure and discouragement! We much too quickly blame something or someone else!
Not God! He is determined! What He promises becomes fact! No human discouragement diverts Him from His intent!
Consider! From the moment Adam and Eve surrendered to the deception of temptation, God was determined to reclaim His creation. The fact that Cain killed Abel did not result in God's surrendering His commitment! For God, it got worse! People became so evil they did not even think a decent thought (Genesis 6:5). Though God was grieved deeply, He did not quit! Even when God began again with Noah, even when Noah proved such a disappointment, God did not quit.
In fact, God's purposes were enormous. He promised nothing less than being a blessing to all families of the earth (Genesis 12:3). Incredibly, God produced a nation from the childless Abraham. When those delivered people were unimpressed with all God did for them (Exodus 32:10), God did not think of quitting--He thought of starting over!
For centuries, Israel disappointed God repeatedly. Finally, Israel offended God so deeply that He could tolerate their rebellion no longer. Yet, when He announced this through His prophet Hosea, His declaration of accountability turned His stomach. Listen:
Hosea 11:8, 9 How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I surrender you, O Israel? How can I make you like Admah? How can I treat you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned over within Me, All My compassions are kindled. I will not execute My fierce anger; I will not destroy Ephraim again. For I am God and not man, the Holy One in your midst, And I will not come in wrath.
Though Israel of old gave God no option, God did not want to give Israel His wrath.
Consider God's incredible patience. For a long period, much over 2000 years, God was determined to send the Christ. In spite of centuries of rebellion, He did! For almost 2000 years after Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, God patiently has waited for people to claim their promised blessings. Human wickedness has not destroyed God's forgiveness. Human imperfection has not destroyed God's sanctification. Human failure has not destroyed God's redemption. God will do everything for us He promised. God will bless us in every way He intended. If what? If we let Him. We, not God, are the problem. Do you use your life to bless God's patience or to try God's patience?
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**Prayer for Sick
**Continued Prayers**
**Missionaries in Prayer**
**Prayers for Men in Service**
Matthew Faries, Shane L. Newton, Daniel Kweekul, Aaron Bailey, Philip
Lux, Adam Morrissun, Ronnie Wheat, and David Jennen, Jason Roper.
**Sympathy**
We extend our love and sympathy to John Holley in the death of his
brother Horace. Graveside services were Thursday morning at Union Ridge
Cemetery near Dayton.
**Sunday Response**
We have both been away from the church and felt the emptiness. We have
both sinned and ask for forgiveness and for the strength to be better
Christians. We want to be better examples for our families and friends.
We want to thank everyone for the love, concern, and many prayers we
have received.
Wendell and Anita Fenton
(Parents of Natalie Nelson)
**Bridal Shower**
A bridal shower honoring Julie Smith, daughter of Laura and Jimmie
Smith, is planed for Sunday, May 1st, from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. in the home
of Helen Pratt, 3705 May Branch Lane, Fort Smith. Julie is registered at
Dillards and Bed, Bath & Beyond.
**Notes of Thanks**
We can never express our appreciation for all the love shown during the
last few weeks. The visits, prayers, cards, food, and peace lily will always be
remembered.
The Family of Curtis Hendrix
Thank you all so very much for the prayers, calls, and the lovely cards
following my surgery.
I love you all,
Jeanetta Falls
Dear West-Ark Family,
Special thanks to all for your prayers, visits, calls, and cards in
the death of my son, Ronald Lyle.
A special thanks to those who donated a book to the library in memory of
Ronald and to the West-Ark Quilters who made a donation to the mission
fund in his name.
In Christian love,
Willie Lyle
**New Address**
Aline Phillips has moved where she will be near her son, Mitchell, and
family. Her new address is: Aline Phillips, Apartment 105, Wildwood
Independent Living Center, 2860 Neeley Street, Batesville, AR 72501,
Phone 870 793-6604
**Birth Announcement**
Congratulations to the Burkhart family in the birth of Jaci Madison born
April 14, 2005. She weighed 7 lbs. 13 ozs. Jaci is the daughter of Jamey
and Amy Burkhart. The proud grandparents are Stan and Dixie Burkhart.
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**Coming Events**
Under-the-Bridge Workers Needed
We have a fifth Saturday this month and it is West-Ark's turn to do the
under-the-bridge meal. We are short handed this time because of
conflicts for several of our regular workers. We need additional help in
serving the meal and bagging groceries at the Vicksburg warehouse at
10:00 a.m. Saturday, April 30. Contact Jack Lewis at 459-0168.
**Mother's Love Dinner**
There will be a short meeting down front after church Sunday morning for
the women who would like to help with the mother's Love Dinner May 17th.
**Join Us for Senior Game Day**
May 5th, 1:00 - 3:00 in church annex
Hope to see you there
**Ladies Tea**
You are cordially invited to attend a ladies tea honoring the
ladies of the class of 2005
Where: West Ark Church of Christ, Family Life Center
When: Saturday, May 7th, 11:00 am
RSVP - Beth Frederick
Our theme this year is Hats Off To The Graduates so we are asking
everyone to wear a hat to the tea. We are thrilled that the United
Ladies of Tulsa will be returning again this year to do our program for
us. We hope all the ladies of the congregation can attend to show our
support for these fine young ladies.
We are asking all ladies with last names beginning with A-M, please
bring a salad. All ladies with last names beginning N-Z please bring a
dessert.
**Teachers Meeting**
There will be a meeting this Sunday, May 1, at 5 pm in Room 100 for all
those who have taught, are teaching will be teaching or want to teach 3
year olds through 1st graders. We will be discussing some BIG and
EXCITING changes for our kids. If you are a current or a scheduled
teacher for this age group and cannot attend the meeting or if you have
any questions, please contact Dena Jenkins.
**Teen Day with Rena Road Church of Christ**
Saturday, April 30. The topic is "Challenges." The Speaker is Paul
Fletcher. Registering is 8:30. Closing is: 3:30. Lunch is provided.
**Happy Birthday**
May 4
Aline Phillips
May 8
Marjorie Blake
May 9
Ronald Bartlett
Eddie Harrell
May 10
Torrey Bishop
Adina Boatright
Milton Hendrix
May 12
Floy Lee
May 13
Sally Smith
May 14
Mathew Griffin III
**Financial Workshop**
There will be a financial responsibility workshop held on May 7, 2005
from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. in the church annex. Babysitting will be
provided. Paul Shirley, Ralph Harmon and Jordan Walker will be the class
leaders. Please RSVP to Jordan Walker at 479 785-5923.
**"Written Without Ink"**
Chris Benjamin's web journal.
http://www.westark.org/benjamin/blog.htm
**Annual Church of Christ Golf Tournament**
The annual Church of Christ Golf Tournament will be at Ben Geren Golf
Course on Saturday, June 18, 2005. It is a 4 man scramble golf
tournament. Those who wish to participate need to call me or West-Ark
Church of Christ to sign up. Please leave your name, phone number, and
your average score for 18 holes. The sign up deadline will be Thursday,
Jun 16th. On the day of the tournament, participants need to check in at
the pro shop by 10:15 AM. We will draw for teams at 10:30 AM and tee off
times start at 11 AM. If you have any questions, please call Niketa Stinchcomb.
**Mothers Day**
Honoring Babies Born Since July 6th 2004
May 8th, Beginning of Church Services
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** "Family Life Ministry" **
Brad Pistole
"Meeting for Parents and Teens -
May 15th"
Who: New 7th graders and their parents
(All other youth group members and their parents are also welcome)
What: Meeting to welcome and inform new youth group families
about youth group expectations and activities
When: Sunday, May 15th at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Large Youth Room in the FLC
Why: To welcome our new families and to discuss all the plans for the
5 major youth events of the summer. Information sheets with
all events, costs, deadlines, departure times, etc. will be given
out at this meeting. Come join us!
Our current 6th graders will promote and join the youth group on Sunday morning, June 5th
**First Sunday Nursery**
A.M. Nursery
Melissa Walker
Dena Jenkins
Irene Willis
Annette Sharp
P.M. Nursery
Dixie Burkhart
Gina Williams
**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Sunday AM Worship 676
Bible Classes 437
Sunday Evening 280
Wednesday PM 307
Contribution $15,739
Children's Home $269
Hispanic Contribution $173
AM Hispanic Attendance 62
Laotian Contribution $269
Laotian Attendance 31
the Way Contribution $75
the Way Attendance 35
**Schedule of Services**
Sunday Morning Worship, 10:30
Sunday Bible Classes, 9:30
Sunday Evening, 6:00
**Communion Servers**
For the month of May
Prayer Leader:
Bill Walker
Servers:
Darrell Peters
Kelvin Kleman
Gene Monk
Jim Selig
Adam Davis
John Carson
Ben Neal
Brent Perkins
James Anderson
Greg Simpson
Darrell Moses
Burnie Morris
Sam Lively
Ron Morton
Jim Newton
Patrick Pruitt
Ushers/Nursery Communion:
Kevin Vaught
Larry Todd
Office Phone (479) 452-1240
Fax (479) 452-5767
office@westarkchurchofchrist.org
www.westark.org
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