Bill’s Bestowals:
“The Example to Follow”
“I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing.
He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”
(John 14:12)
The following was sent to me a few months ago, and it was true of me, too.
As a kid I loved reading DC comics, and Superman was my favorite character.
I often thought, “Wouldn’t it be cool to be him?”
Read on:
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When I was a kid, I always wanted to be
SUPERMAN.
There was nothing he couldn’t do!
He’d hurdle buildings – race a train – then he would lift them, too!
Superman was not of this world. He arrived here as a baby.
And as He grew people saw he was more than just a mere mortal –
for he could do so many incredible things!
And then he displayed what he stood for:
he modeled justice, liberty and compassion.
He made choices based on the greater good.
He stood up for the underdog.
He was an example of love.
Wouldn’t it be cool to be SUPERMAN?
Yet – I can never be like him.
It is not in my genes – nor is it in yours.
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When I was a kid, I didn’t know I wanted to be like
JESUS.
I didn’t understand that there was nothing He couldn’t do;
Though He’d evict demons & heal the sick – and give a blessing, too!
Jesus is not of this world, though He arrived here as a baby.
And as He grew people saw He was more than just a mere mortal –
for He could do so many incredible things!
And then He displayed what he stood for:
He modeled justice, liberty and compassion.
He made choices based on the greatest good.
He stood up for the underdog.
He is love (I John 4:8, 16).
And not only CAN I be like Him, I am CALLED to be like Him!
(Consider John 14:12-14; Philippians 2:5; John 13:12-17; John 13:34-35)
He has even given a part of Himself to me (John 14:15-17; 16:5-15)
to guide me in this direction.
I can be like Him.
With the Holy Spirit by faith –
I have the right genes!
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With Vacation Bible School just a week away, we must consider: How can we be a part of helping those who attend experience Jesus so that they will receive Him, follow Him and pursue His calling on their lives? Consideration of that question is part of OUR calling! Let’s help them know Him … that would be REALLY super, man!
Shalom! Pastor Bill
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August 2023 Calendar:
Sunday: Fellowship Hour begins 9:30 a.m.
Sunday School begins at 9:45 a.m.
Worship at 11 a.m.
Tuesday: Lunches of Love in Janssen Park 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (ends August 15)
Thursday: Grief Share meets at 10 a.m. in Fellowship Hall.
August 2: Fellowship Committee Meeting, 10 a.m.
August 2: Christian Education Meeting, 11:30 a.m.
August 6: Join others to see OLT Play “The Fantastics” directed by April Burt, 2:30 p.m.!
August 7-11: Vacation Bible School, 9-noon daily.
August 8: Membership & Evangelism Meeting, 6 p.m.
August 12: Ouachita Strings Violin Recital, 4 p.m.
August 13: Back to School Prayer Walk, 2-4 p.m. in each of our local schools.
August 14: SFA Committee Meeting, 1 p.m.
August 15: Building & Grounds Meeting, 10 a.m.
August 16: Session Meeting, 5:30 p.m.
August 20: Fellowship Potluck Meal following Worship
August 20: Back to School “Blessing of the Backpacks”
August 27: Movie Day – Patch Adams – 4 PM – C0ke Floats and Popcorn
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES:
7 – Annette & Bill Hays 20 – Billie Joplin
16 – Mike Landry 27 – Earl Harrell
18 – Jamie Malloy
SERVING THIS MONTH:
Ushers: Tommy Myers & Earl Harrell
Communion Preparers: Delta Reed
Communion Servers: Leon Myers, Garrett Lundberg, Bill Hays
Dora Venable & Annette Hays
SPECIAL COLLECTION SUNDAYS:
August 6: Personal Care Collection
August 27: Goodland Academy
