Grant County church of Christ
December 9, 2007
PLEASE DON'T TELL MY FATHER!"
Jerry W. Carmichael
The shiny new convertible reached speeds over 100 miles per hour as it raced through the streets of the small town. Closely behind it was a police car with lights flashing and sirens blaring. Behind the wheel of the convertible was the son of one of the town's most prominent citizens. The young driver lost control at a curve and the car came to rest on its side in the ditch. As he was being pulled from the wreck he was heard to say over and over again, "Please don't tell my father!" How naive of one to think that in a small town where everyone knew each other, that his father would not hear of this high speed chase and capture involving his son!
As ridiculous as it may seem, a similar story unfolds everyday in our lives. We do things which we know we are not supposed to do, and we naively think that we can somehow hide them from God.
God's omniscient nature makes it impossible to hide sinful behavior from Him. "And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account (Hebrews 4:13)" The wise man Solomon, informed readers of this undeniable truth hundreds of years ago, "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: fear God and keep His commandments, for this is man's all. For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14)." Why, God even knows the number of hairs on one's head (Matthew 10:30)!
There is a way for one to stand unashamed before God. "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15)." Let us ever encourage one another to diligently strive to meet God's approval by following the direction that He gives us in the Bible. God knows how we behave . He knows whether or not we faithfully attend the services of the church. He knows whether or not we live the Christian life daily, wherever and in whatever situations we find ourselves.
We are His representatives here on earth. "Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:20). We are sent forth as lights shining in the midst of a world darkened by sin. "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). No one has to tell our Father in Heaven how well or how poorly we are doing, He Already Knows!!!
The 20 Truths of Life
1. Faith is the ability to not panic.
2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you pray, don't worry.
3. As a child of God, prayer is kind of like calling home every day.
4. When we get tangled up in problems, be still so God can untangle the knot.
5. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape.
6. Do the math. Count your blessings.
7. God wants spiritual fruit, no religious nuts.
8. Dear God: I have a problem. It's me.
9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.
10. Laugh everyday, it's like inner jogging.
11. The most important things in your home are the people.
12. Growing old is inevitable; growing up is optional.
13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open.
14. A grudge is a heavy thing to carry.
15. He who dies with the most toys is still dead.
16. We do not remember days, but moments. Life moves so fast, enjoy your precious moments.
17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it; otherwise it's just hearsay.
18. Learn from the turtle; it only makes progress when it sticks out its neck.
19. Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage.
20. Be more concerned with your character than your reputation. Your character is what you really are.
CAN YOU HEAR THE SNOW?
By Maureen Eaton
My students and I had just run outside. It was snowing a rare occurrence in Florida. Most of the youngsters had never seen this chilly white stuff before. They jumped and giggled, trying to lick the fluffy little flakes as they fell.
Zack tapped my shoulder. "Can you hear the snow?" His five-year-old fingers formed the words in the air. Deaf since birth, he did not know if snow made noise. "Can you?" he signed again.
His innocent question caught me by surprise. I had never really stopped to think about it. I had never really listened. So we stood, quietly, and watched. And I listenedwith my ears, my eyes and my heart. "Yes", I signed, nodding my closed hand. "It is a quiet sound. But yes, if I really listen, I can hear it."
He smiled, as if hed known the answer all along, and resumed his tongue-tickling game with the snowflakes. I thought more about his questionand my answer. Isn't serving God a little like trying to hear the snow? Sometimes the answers are clearer when we stop, and listen.
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ON THE LIGHTER SIDE
A mother decided that her 10-year-old daughter, Cathy, should get something practical for Christmas. "Suppose we open a savings account for you?" the mother suggested. Cathy liked the idea. "It is your account, darling," the mother said as they arrived at the bank, "so you fill out the application." Cathy had no problems until she came to the space marked, "Name of your former bank?" After a moment’s hesitation, she wrote, "Piggy."
Visitors
You are our honored guest and we welcome you back anytime you are in the area. Please fill out a visitor card located in the rack on the back of the pew.
Prayer List
Bill Mollett is back at home. Please continue to pray for him.
Sandy Mills is still suffering from kidney stones and will have surgery again on December 21.
Reminder
If you need a ride to church services please let Jerry know as soon as possible.
Statistics
December 2, 2007
Attendance 33
Contribution $300.00
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MEET WITH US
205 Hopperton Lane
Dry Ridge, KY 41035
(859) 824-6200
Sunday AM Worship……..... .9:30AM
Sunday Bible Study………...10:40AM
Sunday PM Service……….. .6:00 PM
Wednesday Bible Study…... 7:00 PM
Minister: Jerry Carmichael: jerrywc@juno.net
Website: www.grantcountycc.org