January 23, 2000 Humble Messenger
Humble Messenger
Volume 8, Week 4 January 23, 2000
----------------------------
Building Up One Another
[We will occasional run articles written by members of the
congregation. This is one way we can "encourage on another, and build up one
another," 1 Th. 5:11. We commend those who write and encourage others to do so.
All articles are subject to editorial review. srf]
The Quiet Ones - Melanie Bright
The Scriptures are full of commandments admonishing us to love our
brethren (1 Th. 4:9-10). 1 Cor. 13 tells us the importance of caring love. We are blessed
to be members of a congregation where the members do show their love for one another often
in action and in deed. However, there is one group that we may sometimes unintentionally
overlook. We might call this group, "The quiet ones." They come in all ages.
They may appear shy yet they are busy in the kingdom. Often their good works are known
only to a few, and maybe only to the ones they do them for. Helping others is as natural
to them as breathing--"It's no big deal!" They know and believe Jesus' promise
that God knows their deeds and will one day reward them (1 Cor. 4:5). They all have
one thing in common--"They are doers." It may be at-tending worship services and
encouraging the brethren; it might be offering to baby-sit to help a young mother; it
might be offering to take one of our elderly to worship services, shopping or other
chores, or just paying a visit by phone, mail, or in person. It might be the young
Christian who helps out with these chores. Maybe it's taking food; offering a listening
ear in times of trial, grief, joy, or stress. They may be actively involved in teaching or
exhorting others. Love to them is truly a six-letter word--action.
A They are alert to the needs of
brethren.
C They show caring love for the
brethren.
T They spend time in the service of
brethren.
I They are truly interested in their
brethren.
O They look for and take advantage of opportunities
to serve their brethren.
N They are careful not to neglect their responsibilities
toward their brethren.
We can learn from these brethren. The following scriptures show how God feels about them
and their quiet service.
Mt. 6:1-8 - Jesus teach us to do good deeds in secret and not be like the Pharisees.
Pro. 21:14 - Teaches that fits in secret pacifies anger.
Rom. 2:16 - God will judge the secrets of men.
1 Co. 4:5 - God will bring to light the hidden things of darknessŠand each one's
praise will come.
1 Ti. 2:2 - Talks about leading a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.
Jn. 7:1-4 - "No one does anything in secret while he seeks to be known openly."
Num. 12:3 - Moses was called an "humble man."
Php. 2:5-8 - Jesus Himself "did not stand out"--was humble.
Why is it important to get to know these quiet ones?
1. They will be an example and encouragement to us.
2. How can we find out their needs and help if we don't know
about them?
3. There are numerous scriptures showing that God knows and
appreciates all they do. 1 Pet. 3:3-4 clearly says inward beauty including a gentle and
quiet spirit is very precious to God--so they are and so we should all strive to be.
Most of us have known Christians like these that have died. Many times we are saddened and
encouraged at the same time when their "good deeds" are made known. Then it is
too late to get to know them.
All it takes is an effort on our part to be the initiator in getting to know these people.
They are truly hid-den treasures. Jesus said, "Blessed are the poor in spirit for
theirs is the kingdom of God." (Mt. 5:3; Mt. 25:34-40). May we all lean to love and
appreciate these "quiet ones" more and strive to be more like them. *
---------------------
Resolution Tips What Works For Me
Resolution: More Regular, Meaningful, Private Prayer Col. 4:2; Eph. 6:18.
Tips (submitted by your brothers and sisters in Christ): (1) I pray before
getting out of bed in the morning. That way I do not get busy or distracted and not pray.
(2) Offer daily prayer to God of praise only as I look at His creation. (3) I have found
that many of my prayers occur while I'm carrying out daily routine (driving, working,
resting)..not simply a "designated" time.
----------------
Ralph Robinson is undergoing therapy in HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital, Room
115. Visiting hours are 3:00 8:30 P.M. weekdays, and 11:008:30 P.M. Saturday and
Sunday (281/446-6148). He may be able to return home
this week . . . Sommer Emerson had her tonsils removed last Thursday. Some polyps
and a cyst in her nasal passages were also removed (281/592-2186). . . Fred Fergusonıs
(281/324-1775) father had minor prostate surgery at the VA Hospital last week . . . Dickey
Tullos was taken to the hospital last Monday with problems related to sinus drainage
affecting her ability to breathe, but she was able to return to Sun-Bridge on Thursday
(281/548-3877) . . . Boyd Hurstı (281/812-1522) mother fell and broke an elbow. Linda
will be going to stay with her for a while . . . Gina Palermoıs (281/ 812-1102)
father passed away. The funeral will be Monday at 1:30 p.m. at the American Heritage
Funeral Home on Veteranıs Memorial. Burial will be in the VA cemetery . . . Russell J.
Kubecka was baptized into Christ last Monday by Eddie Crain. Russell works with
Eddie. He learned he needed to be baptized for the remission of sins through John
Whiteheadıs teaching in the Acts class. Russellıs address is, 1200 Carolyn, Apt. A,
Humble, 77338 . . . Pat Fontenot will teach Wednesday morning class this week. The
lesson will be, "Practical Applications For Women Walking In Service,"
looking at practical areas of service women can render in the kingdom. If you are
free on Wednesday mornings, why not join the ladies for this period of fellowship and
meditation? Copies of the lesson are available . . . Our gospel meeting with Joe Fitch
begins Feb. 13. "Unity" will be the topic in the Sunday AM Class, Sunday
PM worship period and Wednesday PM. Joe has not yet indicated what the topics for the
other lessons will be . . . The fourth Sunday evening is set aside for men in the
congregation to preach. Rocky Rodriguez will preach this evening.
----
SCHEDULED TO SERVE
Wednesday Jan 26
Song Leader: Gregg Hutson
Close: Jim Crain
Sunday AM, Jan. 30
Announcements: Gregg Hutson
Song Leader: Boyd Hurst
First Prayer: Glenn Bogs
Lord's Table
… Bread: Wallace
Ottersbach
… Fruit of the Vine: Robert
Rice
… Contribution: Rocky
Rodriguez
… Assistant:
Lynn Michaels
Preaching: Steve Fontenot
Closing Prayer: David Dickey
Sunday PM, Jan. 30
Song Leader: Boyd Hurst
First Prayer: Jim Porterfield
Lord's Table
… Bread: Wallace
Ottersbach
… Fruit of the Vine: Robert Rice
… Contribution: Rocky
Rodriguez
Preaching: Singing (5th Sunday)
Closing Prayer: Charles Tu
If you are a scheduled 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 Boyd Hurst.
------------
Wednesday Evening Close
Jan. 26 Jim Crain
Feb. 2 David Dickey
Feb. 9 Kris Emerson
Feb. 16 Gospel Meeting
Feb. 23 Mark Ary