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Family
Lines Newsletter, January 23, 2011
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**When Godly People Do Satan’s Work**
By David Chadwell
But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan!
You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s
interests, but man’s.” Matthew 16:23
How can a God-focused person do Satan’s work? First,
acknowledge such happens. Peter was a God-focused person. However,
if Jesus called Peter Satan, at that moment in that act, Peter did Satan’s
work. Second, note Peter did not know he did Satan’s work. He was
certain he did God’s work! When Peter told Jesus, “This will never happen
to you,” he affirmed a loyalty that furthered God’s objectives (he
thought). Third, note Peter actually opposed God’s purposes when he was
certain that he assured the accomplishment of God’s purposes. He was
certain his affirmation of loyalty in this manner was
encouraging!
The point is this: when a human confuses personal desires
with God’s objectives, he/she will do Satan’s work believing he/she is
doing God’s work. Exchanging human desires for God’s objectives is spiritually
deadly! For example, was it good to be committed to Jesus’ continuing
physical life? Peter thought so! What was God’s objective?
Jesus’ humiliating death and glorious resurrection! What was Jesus’
physical desire? To live! Read Matthew 26:37-39.
Jesus did not want suffering, but he surrendered to God’s
purposes. Did Peter’s affirmation of loyalty encourage Jesus’ surrender?
No! So who was Peter helping—God’s purpose or Satan’s
discouragement? Here Peter worked for Satan not God!
How did that happen? Peter wanted Jesus to be Israel’s
physical king. He wanted first- century Israel to be an independent power
in world politics. He wanted to serve in Jesus’ administration. None
of that could happen if Jesus died!
God had something better in mind—a universal Savior who
extended forgiveness to all! However, for that to be, Jesus had to
die. What seemed good to Peter was disastrous to God’s purpose.
Human desires were not God’s purpose! What made sense to Peter powerfully
discouraged Jesus! Human desires destroyed God’s objective!
Do you surrender to God or try to manipulate God? Do
your wants oppose God?
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**Order of Worship**
Worship Leader -- Brent Evans
Lord, I Lift Your Name On High (on screen)
#155 – Highest Place
Welcome
Blessed Be The Name of the Lord (on screen)
Wonderful, Merciful Savior (on screen)
We Fall Down (on screen)
Worthy Is The Lamb (on screen)
Table of the Lord
Prayer for the Bread
#315 – When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (vs. 1,
3)
Prayer for the Fruit of the Vine
#383 – Jesus, Keep Me Near The Cross (vs. 1,
3)
Offering
Learning to Lean (on screen)
Coins for Christ
Children’s Worship
#647 – Soldiers of Christ, Arise (vs. 1, 2)
Message -- Chris Benjamin
Song for Responses
I Am Mine No More (on screen)
Shepherd’s Prayer
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**In Our Thoughts & Prayers**
• Betsy Schad, John Priester’s mother, is having open-heart
surgery on Monday (1/24/11) in Oklahoma. Melody requests prayers for Betsy
and for John’s safe travel this weekend from Indiana to Oklahoma.
• Carolyn Harrell’s lumpectomy went even better than
expected. The doctor believes that all cancer was removed and is
contained. Please continue to pray for complete healing and for strength
during any subsequent treatment.
• Debbie Belote requests your prayers for answers to
unexplained muscle weakness and fatigue.
• Genevieve Rhodes has been dismissed from the
hospital.
• Mary Hudson has been released from the
hospital.
• Russ McConnell is scheduled for surgery on his neck
Thursday morning (1/20/11) at Washington Regional Hospital in
Fayetteville. Dr. Larry Armstrong is his surgeon.
• Maygun Harvey, 17-year-old niece of Stephen & Rebecca
Fowlkes, is recovering from surgery.
• Phillip White was readmitted to the hospital last weekend,
but is now back at home.
• Wendal Hull had a stroke Saturday evening, but is still
making good progress in his recovery following heart surgery. He is at St.
Edward Hospital, and may get to go home this weekend.
**Bereaved in Prayer**
• Grace Peters died Sunday morning at the age of 97.
Funeral services were Wednesday (1/19/11) at Ocker Funeral Chapel in Van
Buren.
• Donna Moses, mother of Jean Jackson, passed away Tuesday
(1/18/11). Funeral services will be in Nebraska. If you would like
to send a card, Jean’s address is 910 Wofford Lake Road, Fort Smith, AR
72916.
**Continued Prayers**
Allen Mobley
F. E. Cook
Harold Gouty
Jewell House
Lela Neal
Margaret Stone
Mary Ann Scholle
Mary Frances Jackson
Myra Flippo-Puckett
Ray Brisco
Richard Broyles
Wilma Son
Will Abernathy
**Cards of Sympathy**
If you would like to send a card to the Yarberro Family, the
address is:
Aaron & Sherry Yarberro
Dorothy Caldwell
1818 Hermitage Circle
Fort Smith, AR 72908
**Looking Ahead!**
Sunday, January 30
6:00 PM Family Meeting
and fellowship meal.
**Sunday AM Bible Class**
All who wish to hear Dr. Bob Whittaker speak on the mission
work in Nigeria are invited to the Auditorium at 9:30 AM on Jan. 23rd.
**Car Clinic for Single Ladies & 60+**
Bring your car to the Annex parking lot for minor repair
& maintenance from 8 – 11 AM, Saturday, February 5. Since
the guys have to work outside, the Car Clinic is always “weather
permitting”—they don’t work in the snow or rain.
**February Widows/Widowers Lunch**
We will be hosted by Coleen & Paul Shirley. Vans
will leave the Annex at 11:30 AM on Saturday, February 5, and will return after
the festivities end.
**Note of Thanks**
Dear Members of West-Ark,
Thank you so much for the many recent calls, cards, and
prayers on my behalf. I received a good report from the doctor with instructions
to stop the chemo drops at the end of January, followed by a return visit to him
in May. I appreciate all of you. Prayers have been
answered!!
In Him,
Winston Turpin
Dear Church Family,
Thank you so much for the delicious fruit basket. I
especially appreciate your thinking of me.
Doris Karr
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**The Hope Chest Says “Thank You!”**
We just want to thank all who helped make the 2010 Hope Chest
Toy Giveaway a great success! Approximately 400 people were able to choose toys
for their families. Without everyone who donated toys, dressed
dolls, repaired bicycles, made cookies, gave money for batteries, helped get the
toys to the building, set the toys out and then participated in
entertaining children and helping the shoppers, this could not have
happened. From young to “not so young” it took everyone to complete the
circle.
I appreciate each of you for giving of your time and
talents. Thank you to CURE for letting us store the toys in the
warehouse.
A very special thanks to Sandra Anderson, Linda Davis,
Jennifer Dotson, Farrell and Lucille Graves, Carolyn and Charlie Hankins, Sharon
Faries, Jack and Glenda Lewis, Davenia Scholle, Julie Wilson and Maxine Yates
who worked tirelessly during the year to assure our toys were in great
shape.
We have so many servant hearts here at West-Ark and the Lord
is glorified by your actions. As we think about NEXT year, please remember
the Hope Chest as you clean out your closets. It all starts
there!
Connye Neal
for the Hope Chest
**Baby Shower for Jackie Sofio **
Saturday, January 22
2:00 to 4:00 PM in the Annex.
It’s a boy!
**King's Kids News**
New date for Mystery Dinner!!
Sunday, February 13, 6 PM
Get more info and register today at
www.westarkkids.org/register
Has your child made news recently??
We’d love to know so we can spread the word!
Please email your news to Dena at dena@westarkkids.org or
Rachel at rachel@westarkchurchofchrist.org
Please complete a King’s Kids Registration form (available at
the King’s Kids Board in the foyer) for each of your children. This
information helps us to better serve your kids and your family. Thank
you!
Join the King’s Kids mailing list by emailing
dena@westarkkids.org and on Facebook by searching West-Ark King’s
Kids.
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**Youth Group News**
WAYG Class – Sunday, January 23, 9:30-10:30 AM
We’ll have a combined Sunday AM class as we continue to
discuss what it means to be ALL IN! Come with an open heart, an open mind
and your Bible! Let’s make 2011 the year where everything changes in our
lives!
The Journey – Wednesday, January 26, 7-8 PM
Don’t miss out as we lift our praises to God and share a
message from His Word. Bring a Bible and bring a friend! We’ll continue our
study of Moses on his journey, in answering God’s call.
HONDURAS & BULGARIA MISSION TRIP MEETING
Stay tuned for our first preparation meetings coming
soon! We will still make room if you still want to go on either of these
two life-changing trips! Contact Rick or Rachel
immediately!
Home Devo – Sunday, January 23, 2011, 6-9 PM
Mark your calendar for a great night of fellowship, food, and
praise together as a youth group (all 7th-12th graders!). We’ll leave from
the building at 6 PM sharp and be back by 9 PM. We’ll be at the Beneux’s
home in Alma. PLEASE bring $3 to help cover food costs, bring your Bible
and a friend!
Intersect Worship – Sunday, January 30, 2011, 7-8:15
PM
Join us in this NEW version of praise and worship.
While it is initiated by the WAYG and the LFC, it is open to anyone. We’ll
begin upstairs in Room 211 immediately following the all-church fellowship meal
that night.
WAYG Family Clusters – Sunday, February 6,
2011
You won’t want to miss out on this opportunity to fellowship
with other youth group families that live in your geographical area.
PLEASE make it a point to be a part of this phenomenal gathering … most groups
have great food, awesome relationship-building fellowship and a
devotional. Look for an email from your host home soon! (Oklahoma/Van
Buren/Alma/North cluster – Jim & Karen Harris, Central Fort Smith cluster –
NEED A HOST HOME!!!, East Fort Smith cluster – Dave & Dwonne Cogswell, South
Fort Smith cluster – Rick & Lorie Jones, Greenwood Cluster – Kevin &
Christy Hesslen)
Sweetheart Luncheon – Sunday, February 13,
2011
We need all WAYGers to help as we serve a great meal to honor
our 55+ members. If you are 55+, please sign up on the sheet on the Youth
Group bulletin board in the foyer so we can get an approximate headcount.
We’ll meet in the gym, immediately following morning services.
If you (or your Jr. High or High School student) has an
accomplishment to share with the church family, please email it to Rick at
rick.odell1@gmail.com or Rachel at
rachel@westarkchurchofchrist.org.
**Happy Birthday**
January 23
Race Burns
Tom Porter
Ellen Smith
January 24
John Carson
Tom King
Julie Orick
January 25
Toka Beall
Carrie Burress
Molly Odell
January 26
Harper Bice
Haleigh Evans
January 27
Jeana Belote
Paul Beneux
Larry Todd
January 28
Charles Dicks
Gene Monk
Barney Puckett
**Nursery Helpers**
Morning
Berniece Rogers
Sharon Faries
Kelsey Spickes
Evening
Denise Lusby
**Attendance and Contribution Count**
Bible Classes ………… 377
Sunday AM Attendance 495
Sunday PM …………… 130
Wednesday Classes … N/C
Contribution … $17,001.23
Children’s Homes .. $204.91
Coins For Christ
….
$26.84
Lao Worship
Attendance ……………… 20
Contribution ………… $168
Office Phone (479) 452-1240
Fax (479) 452-5767
office@westarkchurchofchrist.org
www.westark.org
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"Making disciples for Jesus who are eager to serve
others."
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