The Champions Spirit
Volume 67, Issue 48
November 30, 2008
In This Issue
Packed Bags
It was a hard time. The long struggle against cancer (and sometimes even the medications) had taken their toll. While he looked to be asleep and unaware of what was going on around him, Tony Riley was asked how he was doing. Surprisingly, he replied, "I'm packing my bags" and then fell right back to sleep. A day later, when asked a similar question under about the same circumstances, his reply was "I'm going home."
On Tuesday morning, in a time of peaceful sleep, Tony went home to be with his Lord. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends, but all rejoice that he has now completed his journey.
What a lesson we can learn.
"Packed bags" make the journey home possible. Certainly, the price for the trip to that heavenly home prepared for us (John 14:1-4), is more than we can ever think of paying. Thankfully, that price was paid for us by the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus by His death on the cross (1 Cor. 1:18). We can never forget that! We must never forget that!
There is a sense, however, in which we also must "pack our bags." Jesus Himself said, "Not everyone who says Lord, Lord will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven" (Matt. 7:21). Tony fulfilled the words of Jesus (John 3:5) as he was "born again by water and spirit" or as Peter put it (Acts 2:38), he was baptized for the remission of his sins and received the gift of the Spirit. Through the succeeding years, Tony served as a deacon and taught Bible class. He was actively interested in the church and its well-being. Tony "packed his bags."
When the time comes for that trip, which all of us must one day take, may it be that we too will be ready, looking forward to going home—with packed bags.
—Larry Keele
FAMILY MATTERS...
Guests are a blessing! Whether you are here visiting family, live in the neighborhood, or are just passing through our area, thank you for coming.
We welcome Marcus and LaVanda Palmer and their children, Marcus, Jr., Mia, Mai, Miles, Mallory and Mason. We look forward to getting to know them and work together.
As mentioned above, Tony Riley died on Tuesday. He will be greatly missed, but through faith we believe that he is in a place of peace and comfort now with the Lord. To Nadine, Brian, Tammy and all the rest of the family, we offer our sympathy—and hope! God bless you!
Important things are coming in December.
First, next week, we will discuss the general vision of this congregation and the Planning Committee will distribute a survey. From your input they will formulate suggestions for the elders to consider for our future. These surveys will be collected on the 14th. The 13th will be our Adult Progressive Dinner—one of the highlights of our year. Sunday, Dec. 14, Eddie Cloer will speak of Truth for Today. This work, which we sponsor, covers much of the globe with the Gospel in printed form. A special contribution will be taken at that time.
Parting Thought: "What really matters is what happens in us, not to us." —James Kennedy
HAVE A BLESSED WEEK!
Bill's Bits
End of Year
The holidays have started! With Thanksgiving 2008 come and gone it seems like we immediately turn our attention to Christmas and then New Year's. The month of December seems to just fly by! As we get ready for the rest of the holiday season, one of the things that marks our journey is a need to clean. Walker's toys have taken over the living room (a blessing actually) and there is furniture to move in order to make room for the Christmas tree. Our "to-do" list seems to be growing rather than shrinking. But that is O.K. too. We are reminded of the blessings of the year past and how God is working in our lives.
As you near the end of the year and things seem to get hectic, take a moment to stop and look for how God is blessing you. Are the toys high? Then God has given you a wonderful family to enjoy! Furniture to move? Isn't it wonderful to have a home! So many gifts to buy! How amazing to be surrounded by friends and family!
God is moving even in this busy time. Take a moment to look for Him.
—Bill Rasco
John's Jogs
Dear God,
Even at this time of national Thanksgiving....
My words of thanksgiving...
Do not come easily.
I'm afraid I've fallen
into the alluring trap
Of feeling pretty good
about my accomplishments.
I have my health...
Even a measure of wealth...
Abilities... opportunities...
What more do I need?
No Father,
I don't need anything more ...
Anymore things...
I just need everything.
Since every good and perfect gift comes from you...
I can't boast about anything at all.
My first breath and my last...
And everything in between...
Is possible only because
You make it possible.
Thank you God
For life...
Not just this one...
But the better one to come.
And help me never to forget...
How gratefully I must drink...
O, thou fount of every blessing.
(Author unknown)
Food for thought this Thanksgiving time.
—John Qualls