Life In The Body

News and Notes for the :

Shelbyville

Church of Christ

January  29,  2012

Pancakes

This is an old story but it illustrates an eternal truth :

Six -year-old Brandon decided one Saturday morning to fix his parents pancakes. He found a big bowl and spoon, pulled a chair to the counter, opened the cupboard and pulled out the heavy flour canister, spilling it on the floor.

  He scooped some of the flour into the bowl with his hands, mixed in most of a cup of milk and added some sugar, leaving a floury trail on the floor which by now had a few tracks left by his kitten. 

Brandon was covered with flour and getting frustrated. He wanted this to be something very good for Mom and Dad, but it was getting very bad.

  He didn't know what to do next, whether to put it all into the oven or on the stove (and he didn't know how the stove worked!).

  Suddenly he saw his kitten licking from the bowl of mix and reached to push her away, knocking the egg carton to the floor.

  Frantically he tried to clean up this monumental mess but slipped on the eggs, getting his pajamas white and sticky.

And just then he saw Dad standing at the door. Big crocodile tears welled up in Brandon's eyes. 

All he'd wanted to do was something good, but he'd made a terrible mess. He was sure a scolding was coming, maybe even a spanking. But his father just watched him. Then, walking through the mess, he picked up his crying son, hugged him and loved him, getting his own pajamas white and sticky in the process.

  That's how God deals with us. We try to do something good in life, but it turns into a mess. Our marriage gets all sticky or we insult a friend, or we neglected a certain Christian duty, or our health goes sour. Sometimes we just stand there in tears because we can't think of anything else to do. That's when God picks us up and loves us and forgives us, even though some of our mess gets all over Him. “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” ( II Peter 3: 9 ).

  But just because we might mess up, we can't stop trying to "make pancakes" for God or for others. Sooner or later we'll get it right, and then they'll be glad we tried. Paul said, "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord."  ( I Corinthians 15: 58 ).

-- Submitted via email 

Power To Overcome

Many years ago a preacher told of a teenage girl stricken with polio. As he visited with her, she told him about a conversation she'd had with one of her friends, who told her, "Affliction does so color life." To which this courageous young girl agreed, but said that she would choose which color. At her young age she had already discovered one of life's great secrets: It's not what happens to you that matters as much as what happens in you. For faith in God does not so much shield us from danger and death as it gives us the power to overcome it. “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.” ( Rom. 10:17 ).

 Remember: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” ( Phil. 4:13 ). “Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer man is decaying, yet our inner man is being renewed day by day. 17 For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, 18 while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal.” ( 2 Cor. 4:16-18 ).

 Final Goodbyes

Lyle Gaddis :  Friday, with great sorrow, we laid our dear friend and brother to his final rest.  In behalf of the family we heartily thank those who provided that excellent meal afterwards.  Well done !    

Lillian Nichols : The mother of Mike Nichols, who attended with Mike & Madonna when she was able, passed away this past Thursday.  Visitation will be Monday evening from 5-8 and the funeral will be Tuesday morning at 11:00.  

We extend our sincere sympathies to both families.

Bible Quiz Next Week

We are now studying in the book of Exodus so next week we will review chapters 3 & 4.   We will learn about how Moses was called to be God’s spokesman and how Aaron became the intercessor between Moses and the people.  Jo squeaked by Susan for a close victory. Motivated by her first win she’s already studying the chapters for next week so you would be wise to start studying now.

 Singing Tonight 

Since we were unable to have our song service last week, we will have a singing service this evening.  Please come and bring a friend .. the more parts the better the harmony. 

Note :   Notice that last phrase, “Bring a friend.”  We keep talking about the future of the church and the need for growth, but talk doesn’t produce a result.  However, what does bring about a result and does so consistently is the bringing of friends to every service and every event.  Every time you invite a friend to come to church with you you are helping the church to grow .. even if the one you invite refuses.  The cumulative result of every individual interaction with a non-member is to building of a positive reputation in the community.  Help us come to be known as a loving and active group of bible practicing Christians.  “Bring a friend.”

Prayer List :

Shirley Gaddis :  The loss of her mate of 55 years is a horrific stressor to one with Shirley’s health issues.

 Those in need of ongoing special prayer :  

Gail Boldt  :   Age related maladies – mobility issues

Shirley Gaddis :   Several age related maladies 

John Robert Moore :   Age related maladies

Madonna Nichols :   Recovering from cancer

Francis Reynolds :   Very painful arthritis, etc.

Butch Reynolds :   Recovering from heart procedure

Stella Zanders  :   Age related maladies

Agnes Stevens : ( Bob’s Mom ) Age related maladies

Tina :  ( Brenda’s friend ) is waiting for a liver transplant.

Carolyn : ( Brenda’s friend ) Very painful cancer - hospice  

 Note :  Since Phil Miller will be delivering the lesson this week the will be no outline included.

Visitors are always welcomed.

We invite you to visit our assemblies. 

Schedule of Services :

            Sunday Morning :     Bible Study ….   9:30 a.m.

                                                     Worship .……  10:20 a.m.

            Sunday Evening :      Worship …….   6:00 p.m.

            Wednesday :             Bible Study …..  7:00 p.m.

Ya’ll  Come !