June 6, 1999
Meditation - A Lost Faculty?
Warren E. Berkley
When I turn my computer on every morning, my first task is to check my e-mail.
Occasionally, there is a problem with my internet server or the phone lines. I can't get
my mail! I may have to wait over an hour for the problem to be solved. Now ten years ago I
didn't have e-mail. I waited for the postal carrier to arrive, and after writing a letter
I might wait for two weeks before getting a reply. That was then. Now, just within a few
years, I am so dependent upon the speedy e-mail process, I grow impatient within minutes.
Perhaps I'm a victim of the affliction I'm now going to write about!
We live in the age of instant information connections. Satellite networks, the internet,
fax machines, cell phones, pagers - and we now demand and expect the speed of this
technology. It has become a necessity for many of us. And while I'm not arguing against
the use of technology, my fear is there may be some disadvantages we need to guard
against.
We may become so oriented toward instant media, that we gradually become incapable of
sustained thought, careful study and biblical meditation. We may develop such an impatient
disposition, that we want everything quickly and in a digested format. (133 MHz is as slow
as a stamped of turtles running through peanut butter!)
The computer software program I use to access Bible passages is called QuickVerse. I saw a
new edition of the King James Bible advertised in a popular catalog the other day, called
"the One-Minute Bible." The ad said, "Read just one minute a day and get a
clear overview of the entire Bible - in only a year." I believe there is reason for
concern about this, especially for the next generation. The Word of God is being marketed
to appeal to our sense of speed!
I wonder if it wouldn't do each of us a great deal of good to TURN EVERYTHING OFF for a
period of time each day (radio, CD player, TV, computer, fax machine, pager and cell
phone). Once everything is unplugged, read the Word of God; think about what it says,
examine yourself and pray. Whatever happens in our electronic culture, don't let
meditation become a lost faculty in your own life or home.
Here are a couple of good resolutions: "I will meditate on Your precepts, and
contemplate Your ways Š Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the
day." (Psa. 119:15,97).
Workday THIS SATURDAY, June 12
Remaining Work:
* Enlarge handicap spots by approximately one foot each
* Paint new handicap spots (use template)
* Repaint parking lot lines (in grass) and spray Roundup on them to kill the grass
* Plant landscaping shrubs/plants (Jeff Bogs, David Dickey & Johnathan Bernard)
* Paint first and last classes (First class needs second coat (Dwight).
* Paint auditorium back and front walls, including sink area. (Started; back wall
trimmed and ready for rolling.)
* Clean up study and possibly paint?
* Shorten pews (see Doug Bernard if you wish to help)
* Clean pews (Done except for last two on left side facing toward front of building)
* Refinish pews (later)
* Install curtain in nursery - get input from users
* Install shelves in bathrooms (use counter top splash board)
* Clean up end class room (near door)
* Decide if cribs needed in nursery - get input from users
* Get rockers for nursery
* Store track material and tapes
* Paint class room tables - 2 yr. class and 3-4 yr. class
* Paint conduit to new lights
* Drain and clean baptistry
* Install programmable thermostats for new A/Cs
* Add signs to father's nursery room door (Doug)
* Add class room signs to class room doors (Doug)
* Replace/fix speaker in mothers' nursery
* Clean out shawls and other material from mothers' nursery
Our Gospel Meeting is
only TWO WEEKS away!
June 20-25
Speaker: Ross Triplett
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News of Interest
Emily Cannon will be having surgery Monday, June 7, to have tubes
inserted into her ears . . . John Lowrance is continuing to experience a pressure
in his chest area and is scheduled to have additional tests run Tuesday . . . Jim Crain
has been having trouble with his throat and is to get it checked out this week . . . Wally
Ottersbach is in Europe and Rocky Rodriguez is in Denver this week . . . New
reports posted: Reuben Amador; Carlos Capelli . . . If anyone has Sacred
Selection song books they no longer have a use for we can send them when we send the ones
in the annex to brethren in the Philippines . . . Gospel Meeting: June 6-11, Benchley
(near College Station), Kenny Vaugh speaking, further info in foyer . . . A meal
list for our meeting with Ross Triplett is posted in the foyer. Lunch and
supper times are available. This allows more people to have the opportunity to visit
with Ross and Bobbi and get better acquainted with them. It is not necessary to prepare an
elaborate meal. Oftentimes a sandwich, burger, or something similar is very appropriate.
The main goal is not the eating, but the privilege to express appreciation for Ross' work
in the gospel and Bobbi's support and to enjoy the company of fellow believers. Even if it
is but thirty minutes or so at a fast food restaurant, it can be a pleasurable and
profitable experience. If you have never done this before, this is a great opportunity to
take a new step in service! . . . The adult class lessons are available for download at
the web site: http://www.kingwoodcable.com/colblip/humblechurchofchrist/.
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Transportation for Zelma Bobbitt
‹ June ‹
Sun., 6, am - E&E Osteen pm
- Dw. Osteen
Wed., 9, pm - Jim Crain
Sun., 13, am - E&E Osteen pm - Bernard
Wed., 16, pm - Michael Gove
Sun., 20, am - E&E Osteen pm -
Dw. Osteen
Wed., 23, pm -
Sun., 27, am - E&E Osteen pm - Rice
Wed., 30, pm -
"If I have kept the poor from their desire, or have
caused the eyes of the widow to fail . . . Let my shoulder fall from the socket, and my
arm be broken off at the elbow." Job 31:16,22.
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"Thou hast ordained Thy precepts, That we should keep them diligently."
Psa. 119:4, NASB.
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SCHEDULED TO SERVE
Wednesday, June 9
Song Leader: David Osteen
Sunday AM, June 13
Announcements: Gary Tuttle
Song Leader: Dwight Osteen
First Prayer: Larry Legg
Lord's Table:
Bread: Doug Bernard
Fruit of the Vine: Mark Ary
Contribution: Eddie Crain
Assistant: Billie Lovell
Closing Prayer: Glenn Bogs
Sunday PM, June 13
Song Leader: Charles Tu
First Prayer: Gary Tuttle
Lord's Table:
Bread: Jim Porterfield
Fruit of the Vine: John Lowrance
Contribution: David Osteen
Closing Prayer: Rocky Rodriguez
If you are a song leader, but know you will be
unavailable, please notify Jim Crain. If you are scheduled to serve in any other
capacity but cannot serve as scheduled, please notify Gregg Hutson.