Upcoming Classes and Sermon Topics

10:00 a.m.   Auditorium class (in-person and online) studying "Strategies of Satan."

11:00 a.m.  Sermons (In-person and online) has begun a study of "The glory of the church: Ephesians.

6:00 p.m.   Sermons (In-person and online) around the theme of "Faithful until death: Romans 8."

7:00 p.m.  Zoom group study of "Ecclesiastes."

A Little Folding of the Hands From: Right Angles by Ralph Bryant

The article this week, comes by way of my dear friend and mentor, Ralph Bryant, who is the preacher and one of the elders of the Abell Street Church of Christ, in Wharton, TX.

I have been learning spiritual life lessons from Ralph, since I met him in the summer of 1981, after I had just begun my first work as a youth minister for the Pearland Church of Christ, where I grew up. Ralph had arrived at the Alvin Church of Christ just about a year before and I met him for the first time at Camp Bandina in that summer of '81. The Lord has blessed my life over and over through Ralph's friendship and his teaching. When I grow up, I want to be just like Ralph.

A Little Folding of the Hands From: Right Angles by Ralph Bryant

Procrastination is an insidious evil. It creeps into our lives and grasps us before we suspect we are in the wrong. Awareness and a willingness to act need to become part of the fiber of our character. There are times when you should not make quick judgments, when you should be judicious in your actions. But the sooner you act to avoid temptations, the better. Dallying over a decision and rationalizing over a situation puts your final verdict in jeopardy, because the scales then tend to tip to the side of half-truths. When the alarm clock goes off in the morning, don’t argue with it, get up. You made the decision last night what time to arise today. Make a stand, act decisively. You will begin to like yourself better. Don’t put off till later what you can do now. Something important may come up later! Proverbs 6:9 -11: “How long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep? Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: So shall thy poverty come…" Ralph Bryant

THE FIRST WORDS TRULY GIVEN BY GOD

The article this week comes to us by way of Bro. Dan Jenkins of the Palm Beach Lakes Church of Christ in Florida and is very timely.

What were the first words ever literally given by God that are part of the Bible? You might immediately answer, “The first words of the Bible are ‘In the beginning…,’” but you would be wrong. Before Moses ever wrote Genesis, our God gave the first written words at Mount Sinai. These words were spoken by God and even written by the hand of God on tablets of stone. There are some amazing words used to describe how all this happened.

When Israel arrived at the holy mountain, the thunderous voice of God gave the Ten Commandments. The Jews were terrified and begged Moses to let God speak to him, and then Moses could tell them what God said. The scene was so ominous that even Moses was filled with fear, even to the point of trembling, when he ascended to the top of Mount Sinai to get the tables of stone written by the hand of God (Hebrews 12:21). There are some eternal truths we need to learn as we read what was happening.

Look at the details carefully and notice the words I have emphasized by using capitalization. The Jews said, “You go near and hear ALL that the Lord our God may say, and tell us ALL that the Lord our God says to you” (Deuteronomy 5:27). What an amazing picture of the inspiration and trustworthiness of the Bible. The prophet of God went into the presence of God and received ALL that God said. He then brought it to the people and gave them everything that God said.

Now look at the concluding words spoken by Israel. “Tell us ALL that the Lord our God says to you, and we will hear and do it.” God heard them speak these very words and said to Moses, “They are right in ALL that they have spoken.” When we study the Bible today, we must have the same attitude. It is one that longs to hear everything God says and promises to listen and do it. The Lord Himself said that this is the right thing to do!

However, there is more than just understanding the words of God given by His prophets. There is more than just knowing these words. God heard their words and then looked at their hearts. “Oh, that they had such a heart in them that they would fear Me and ALWAYS keep ALL My commandments.” The Jews heard the voice of God speak about graven images. They were to receive a written copy of those words. Even God praised them for saying they would do all that He said, but their hearts were not part of their words.

What a great lesson for us to learn. We must respect the fact that the Bible is from God, but we must engrave ALL these heavenly truths in our hearts. God said this is right! It is always right to do right.

Dan Jenkins

MAKING THE MOST OF OUR TIME

From Rayford's Desk...

As I was preparing to write this article on Thursday, I realized that the next day was December 1. Then I spent several moments wondering how it could be possible that it was already December. I have heard it said that as one ages, it really does seem like time passes faster. Of course, we all know that no matter how old we are, a second still lasts a second, no faster, no slower, always a second. No matter what year it is, there will always be 31,536,000 seconds -- I can absolutely depend on this. So, in reality time is not going any faster at age 64, than it did when I was 4, but it still feels that way. This is likely because as we get older, we realize that there is in reality a finite number of those seconds available to us, so what we feel, I think, is that each one is more precious and seems to pass more quickly.

All of these thoughts drew my attention to Paul's words in Ephesians 5:15-17, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (ESV) Similarly, the NASB translates verse 16, "making the most of your time...", while the NIV, states, "making the most of every opportunity...". All three translations help to make this truth, oh so timely. Don't waste even one moment in your life. Focus on being careful every day, how you walk, choosing to walk in the wisdom of God. That is how you will always make the best, the most, of every second and every opportunity that God allows.

It is interesting that Paul states that this is so important because the days are evil. Now, we understand that a day itself and those 86,400 seconds, cannot in and of themselves be evil, but the warning is that as we strive to walk as wise and not unwise, evil is all around us –– temptation is never far away –– and so, we must be striving to understand and put into practice the will of the Lord. We must fill our lives with the things that God says matters: love, joy, peace, patience kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23). Or as Peter states in II Peter 1:5-8, "For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." All of these things will enable us to walk wisely, making the very most of every second and they will allow us to experience the most fulfilling, joyful, successful life possible.

Rayford

 As I was preparing to write this article on Thursday, I realized that the next day was December 1. Then I spent several moments wondering how it could be possible that it was already December. I have heard it said that as one ages, it really does seem like time passes faster. Of course, we all know that no matter how old we are, a second still lasts a second, no faster, no slower, always a second. No matter what year it is, there will always be 31,536,000 seconds -- I can absolutely depend on this. So, in reality time is not going any faster at age 64, than it did when I was 4, but it still feels that way. This is likely because as we get older, we realize that there is in reality a finite number of those seconds available to us, so what we feel, I think, is that each one is more precious and seems to pass more quickly.

All of these thoughts drew my attention to Paul's words in Ephesians 5:15-17, "Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is." (ESV) Similarly, the NASB translates verse 16, "making the most of your time...", while the NIV, states, "making the most of every opportunity...". All three translations help to make this truth, oh so timely. Don't waste even one moment in your life. Focus on being careful every day, how you walk, choosing to walk in the wisdom of God. That is how you will always make the best, the most, of every second and every opportunity that God allows.

It is interesting that Paul states that this is so important because the days are evil. Now, we understand that a day itself and those 86,400 seconds, cannot in and of themselves be evil, but the warning is that as we strive to walk as wise and not unwise, evil is all around us –– temptation is never far away –– and so, we must be striving to understand and put into practice the will of the Lord. We must fill our lives with the things that God says matters: love, joy, peace, patience kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. (Galatians 5:22-23). Or as Peter states in II Peter 1:5-8, "For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control, and self-control with steadfastness, and steadfastness with godliness, and godliness with brotherly affection, and brotherly affection with love. For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ." All of these things will enable us to walk wisely, making the very most of every second and they will allow us to experience the most fulfilling, joyful, successful life possible.

Rayford

From Rayford's Desk, 07/03/22

On this Monday, as a nation, we will celebrate our 246th birthday. It seems just yesterday to me, that we were celebrating the Bicentennial (200 years) of America. I can still remember being at my great uncle's home for a big family celebration and watching on television as a parade of Tall Ships made their way into New York Harbor as part of the national celebration. There was much bar-b-cue, potato salad and apple pie enjoyed and as I remember, just a little bit of homemade ice cream, cranked out by hand. Then at dusk, we got out the fire works that we had been wanting to fire off for three days. It was a 4th of July just about like the one that our family and many of you and our fellow Americans will be enjoying on this Monday.

The United States of America is far from a perfect place, but I cherish the liberties and freedom that our forefathers fought for and many died for nearly 250 years ago now. There are many things we as Americans do not agree on, but many more things that we all hold in common. As we enjoy all of the festivities, let us commit to truly being, "One Nation Under God, Indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for All."

But friends let us also remember, not just on the 4th of July but every day, that as wonderful as our liberties and freedoms are as citizens of the United States of America, none of these come close to our liberty and freedom from sin that we have in Christ Jesus. I am afraid that sometimes people, including some Christians, assume that freedom means that we can just do whatever we want to do. Freedom is great, but with it come responsibilities also, in a free, democratic society, where we must also follow the laws of the land. Our freedom as Americans is found in the ability that we have to make personal decisions, within the law. Our freedom as Christians is about our being free from the consequences of sin, as Paul so aptly describes about our lives in Christ in Romans 8:1-2, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death."

As we live free in Christ, we are still called by our Lord to be good citizens, "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore, whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment. For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Would you have no fear of the one who is in authority? Then do what is good, and you will receive his approval, for he is God's servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the servant of God, an avenger who carries out God's wrath on the wrongdoer. Therefore, one must be in subjection, not only to avoid God's wrath but also for the sake of conscience." Romans 13:1-5. At the same time, we must never forget that the Law of Christ supersedes man's laws as Paul again makes clear, now in I Corinthians 10:23-24, “All things are lawful,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful,” but not all things build up. Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor."

From Rayford's Desk, Mothers

To celebrate all of our Mothers this week, I considered sharing one of the beautiful poems that have been written for this purpose.     Instead, I decided to turn to God's Word. I am often asked by the children of a sweet wife and mother who has passed to share a specific portion of scripture in honor of their mother. The passage is found in Proverbs 31 and is often entitled, "The Worthy Woman."  This is, in fact, a text which honors all mothers, past and present, and I want to share a section of this text with you all to do that very thing.

"23 Her husband is known in the gates when he sits among the elders of the land.

24 She makes linen garments and sells them; she delivers sashes to the merchant.

25 Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come.

26 She opens her mouth with wisdom, and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.

27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:

29 “Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.”

30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs 31:23-31

To all of our dear mothers who may be reading this article, please know that all of us who are children are indebted to you for your love, patience, encouragement, training and yes, at times your discipline. You are now and for the rest of our lives, an incredible blessing to us.

From Rayford's Desk, 04/17/22

Lots of exciting things are on the horizon as we continue to move back towards normal. On Sunday evening, May 1st, we will be having another special "Worship in Song" and everyone who can is invited to be with us that evening at 6 p.m. at the building. This of course will also be livestreamed for those who cannot be here. Then on May 15th, we will be having our first Fellowship Meal in more than two years, immediately after morning worship in our Fellowship Hall. Of course, it was also exciting to see our Sunday Morning Bible Classes get off to such a great start last Lord’s Day and I look forward to this each week, as we continue moving forward.

As I have mentioned in the past, I very much enjoy the writings of my friend and dear brother in Christ, Jeff Jenkins, in his articles that appear several times a week on his Facebook page. I really appreciate Jeff's perspective on the important things of life as we walk with the Lord and want to share a recent article with you today.

"Very Late Tuesday Night Thoughts From the Mound. The longer we live, the morewe learn that life presents many changes and challenges.         Some of the changes are uncomfortable and not enjoyable, but many of them can bring great joy to our lives.

One change that can occur is our perspective on life and how we look at life. Hopefully, we will become kinder in our dealings with loved ones and people we don’t know. Prayerfully, all of our relationships will be more enjoyable and meaningful. Prayerfully, we will grow in our faith.

Hopefully, our prayer life will become more vital, more vibrant, and increasingly more profound. Hopefully, we will gain more wisdom, the kind of understanding from above, the wisdom that is “pure, peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, and without hypocrisy.” Hopefully, we will recognize that our purpose in life is to glorify God. Prayerfully, we will grow in each of these areas, but it is up to us, and it often depends on our perspective." Jeff Jenkins

From Rayford's Desk, 04/10/22

Julie and I began praying for our children when they were very young, that they would grow up to know and love the Lord and choose to walk with him their entire lives. We followed these prayers up with trying our best to both lead the proper example for them, imperfect though we were, and to teach them in every way to love God. We also began very early praying for the husband that Shelly would choose and the wife that Michael would choose, that they would love our children with all their hearts, but just as importantly, love the Lord with all of their "heart, soul, mind and strength."

I know that I will always be Shelly and Michael's father, worry about them and their spouses and our grandchildren and pray fervently on their behalf, but when on last Saturday afternoon at 3:00 p.m., Michael Welch and Daisy Elliott both said "I Do", I stopped and thanked God for answering my prayers in such a special way.

It is wonderful to not only feel blessed to have welcomed Daisy into our family as our daughter-in-law and nearly eight years ago, having welcomed Drew Binkley as our son-in-law, but also to truly feel that we now have two sons and two daughters. God is so good!

Parents, pray for your children's souls, pray for their spiritual growth, pray for their success in this life and don't forget to pray for the spouses that they will one day marry.

From Rayford's Desk

I am constantly challenged and encouraged by the writings of my friend Jeff Jenkins, in his several-times-a-week postings on his Facebook page, "Thoughts From the Mound" (Flower Mound, Texas). I found this recent posting to be especially helpful to me and I wanted to share it with you all.

"During our college years, one of our favorite professors was famous for his short snippets of wisdom. One of the many that vividly comes to mind is, “Nothing in life matters…unless it somehow touches eternity!”

There are times in life when we get slapped in the face by reality. It is a stark reminder that some of the things we spend our time focusing on, arguing about, and worrying about are not that important. If we are not careful, life’s mundane and trivial matters will overwhelm us.

Then BOOM, some crisis hits us that reminds us that people are more important than possessions, relationships are more important than riches, holiness is more important than happiness, and love is more important than loads of other things. God’s Word instructs us to focus on things above and not on things that are on earth. May God help us spend an increasing amount of time in our lives on those things that matter most!

Dear Loving Father, Help us as Your people to never forget what is most important in life. May we understand that the only thing that really matters here is what touches eternity. Father, we pray that we will model for others what it means to have our hearts and minds in Heaven. We long for that day when we will be with you in eternal joy.

In the Name of Jesus, we pray, Amen."

Jeff Jenkins "

If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.

Colossians 3:1-3

Friends, as our Bro. Grady Kaiser has reminded us at the beginning of each of our studies in Ecclesiastes on Wednesday evenings, this is our calling from God. What follows then in this text is equally powerful, "When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." Colossians 3:4

From Rayford's Desk

I know that you all join me in being overjoyed as we continue receiving word from our county and state officials that the number of Covid cases are in decline. On behalf of the Elders, I am so very excited to announce to you all that we are now ready to continue opening things up by adding back our 10:00 a.m., Sunday morning Bible Classes, at the building, beginning on April 10 . We will have a Cradle Roll class for our littlest ones, in their room just past the nursery area off the auditorium, that will be taught by Janet Thompson. Downstairs, we will have a class for all of our other children, taught by Julie Welch and a class for our youth, from 6th grade - 12th grade, to be taught by Cobey Pete. In compliance with Montgomery County mandates, our children will not be required to wear masks in their Bible classes, but rather, this will be left to the discretion of their parents. Up in the auditorium, there will be a class for all of our adults, taught by Rayford Welch and Tom Lowery. This class will focus on the Parables of Jesus. Again, our hope and prayer is that our adding back the Sunday morning Bible classes will be another big step towards our returning to normal in all areas of our congregational life. In John 16:28 -33, the Lord is preparing His apostles for the very difficult struggles they are about to face, as He will be arrested that very night, put on trial, wrongly accused and condemned, then give Himself to die on the cross. He tells them, "I came from the Father and have come into the world, and now I am leaving the world and going to the Father.” His disciples said, “Ah, now you are speaking plainly and not using figurative speech! Now we know that you know all things and do not need anyone to question you; this is why we believe that you came from God.” Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? Behold, the hour is coming, indeed it has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and will leave me alone. Yet I am not alone, for the Father is with me. I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Friends, in the world that we live today, we face many different struggles and even tribulation s, both as we strive to walk with the Lord and as we face things like a pandemic and the current instability in our world. But we must continue to trust that no matter what happens from this moment forward -- in everything