The theme for our week of camp in Knoxville this past week was UP. We talked about Growing UP. The apostle Paul stated in Ephesians 4:15, ÒBut speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.Ó We know we are going to grow physically to a certain point, but we are also to grow spiritually. The thing about growing spiritually is that we will continue to do so as long as we live on this earth. At least, that is what we are supposed to do. Peter tells us, ÒBut grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. AmenÓ (II Peter 3:18).
We talked about Looking UP. The verse we used as our theme for the week was Colossians 3:2, ÒSet your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are upon the earth.Ó The Hebrew writer states in Hebrews 12:2, ÒLooking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.Ó The New American Standard Version translates it, ÒFixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.Ó We are to fix our eyes on Jesus and keep them there. We need to look up in prayer in good times and in bad times.
We talked about Think UP. Colossians 3:2 applies to this point as well. Philippians 4:8 gives us a list of things that we are to think on. ÒFinally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.Ó We need to think positive things.
We talked about Listen UP. When I think about listening, I always think about James 1:19, ÒWherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:Ó It is so important that we listen to what GodÕs tells us in His word. Meditate on the word UP this week.
Qualities That Keep Us from GodÕs Best Blessings
ÒAnd this I pray, that your love may
abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may
approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without
offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness
which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of GodÓ (Philippians
1:9-11).
IF WE DONÕT
DO AWAY WITH THE THINGS THAT KEEP OUR LOVE FROM ABOUNDING, WE CUT OURSELVES OFF
FROM GODÕS GOODNESS.
We need to
work on purifying our hearts, so that they become ever-expanding receptacles
for the gifts of God.
Consider the
concept of ÒlazinessÓ in regard to spiritual growth. Numerous texts in the
Proverbs speak of the general undesirability of being a sluggard (Proverbs
6:6-11). But sluggishness is more than a minor character flaw. It can kill us
spiritually. The writer of Hebrews said, ÒWe desire that each one of you show
the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not
become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the
promisesÓ (Hebrews 6:11,12).
The church
in Ephesus was praised for having been stalwart in their defense of the faith
and tireless in their work for the Lord (Revelation 2:1-3). ÒNevertheless,Ó
Christ said, ÒI have this against you, that you have left your first love.
Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works,
or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place;
unless you repentÓ (Revelation 2:4,5). Having previously loved and served the
Lord so fervently, a certain coldness had begun to restrict their relationship
with Him. Unless they took decisive steps to correct this problem, it would
destroy their fellowship with Christ. He would disavow them and disown them.
God has made
it possible, through Jesus Christ, for us to have a truly rich relationship
with Him. But the richness of this relationship canÕt be enjoyed if our hearts
are held back by indifference and inactivity. Loving God is a vigorous
transaction indeed, and loveÕs rewards come to those who are reaching forward.
May we leave behind anything that dilutes our love for God Ñ and anything that
limits our capacity to receive GodÕs love for us.
ÒWake up, believers, from your lowly condition!
Throw away your laziness, sluggishness, coldness, or whatever is interfering
with your pure love for ChristÓ (Charles Haddon Spurgeon)
--WordPoint, 05/10, Gary Henry
MONTROSE FAMILY NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
July 11, 2010
WORSHIP----SUNDAY---9:00
AM
Co-Coordinator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Robert Hackett
Announcements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Billy Halliburton
Scriptures Reading..2 Cor. 4:1-6.. Justin Draper
Song Leader . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . Jimmy Smith
Opening Prayer. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . .. .Jacky Carver Jr.
LordÕs Supper-Preside: Roger
Draper
Serve: Steve Anderson, Craig Anderson
Mitchell Brooks, Brian Harville
Closing Prayer.............................. Harold
Smith
GreeterÑ Steve & Maria
Anderson
GreeterÑ Roger & Cynthia
Draper
Count Offering. . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . Jacky Carver, Sr.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .
. . . . . . . . . .
Kaleb Bush
AM SermonÑ Tree of Life
PM SermonÑ ItÕs Good for You
Announcements . . . . . . . .
. . . . . .. Billy Halliburton
.Song Leader. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . .
. Harold Smith
Scripture Reading..2 Cor.
4:7-12É.. Justin Draper
Opening Prayer . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . Mitchell Brooks
LordÕs Supper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... Jacky Carver Sr.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Addison Halliburton
Closing Prayer . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . .Jimmy
Smith
BIBLE STUDY WEDNESDAY---7:00 PM
AnnouncementÉ . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . Billy Halliburton
Song Leader . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . Jimmy Smith.
First Prayer. . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . Jacky Carver
Sr.
Opening Prayer . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . Roger Draper
Closing Prayer . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . .. .Larry Kemp
Prepare Communion for July
Sherry Jo & Kelly
Note: If you are not able to fulfill your assignment listed
above, please notify the coordinator so that he can find a replacement.
We are asking each family to
bring items for the pantry to be used for needs in the community as they arise:
Items for week: Canned Soup
NURSING HOME: Lucille Smith,
Those on the sick list:
Donald Chaffin (Zion) Lou GehrigÕs disease
Hoss WestÑSmith County Health Care
Vaughn Allen
John William LeonardÑspine
problems
We rejoice in the baptism of
Robin Kemp and Katie Elmore at Bagdad this past week. Also VickieÕs niece, Lindsey Wagers was baptized at camp
last week.
Wednesday. . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Worship Sunday AM . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . 100
Bible Study Sunday AM .. . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . 78
Daily Bible Readers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. 38
Worship Sunday PM . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Offering . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . .
$2557.00
Upcoming Events
Jackson/Smith County Youth Camp is July 18th- 24th.
Youth Day is August 14th. at home of Pat Bush
BIBLE READING SCHEDULE FOR JULY
01
Psa. 116-120
02
Psa. 121-123
03
Psa. 124-126
04
Psa. 127-129
05
Psa. 130-132
06
Psa. 133-135
07
Psa. 136-138
08
Psa. 139-143
09
Psa. 144-146
10 Psa. 147-149
11
Psa. 150;Prov.1,2
12
Prov. 3-5
13
Prov. 6-8
14
Prov. 9-11
15
Prov. 12-16
16
Prov. 17-19
17
Prov. 20-22
18
Prov. 23-25
19
Prov. 26-28
20 Prov. 29-31
21 Eccle, 1-3
22
Eccle. 4-8
23
Eccle. 9-11
24
Eccle. 12;
S. of S. 1-2
25
S of Sol. 3-5
26
S of Sol. 6-8
27
Isaiah 1-3
28
Isa. 4-6
29
Isa. 7-11
30
Isa. 12-14
31 Isa. 15-17