Humble Servants
Bill Dillon

Someone has wisely said, "The world's masters are soon forgotten; the world's servants- never!" The men and women who tower high above the horizon of the years are those who serve selflessly and sacrificially in bringing glory to God. These precious ones can be best described as humble servants of God. They labor tirelessly. They teach Bible classes, visit the sick, counsel the troubled, comfort the sorrowing, prepare food, wash dishes, pray diligently, and influence others for the gospel. All this, and more, they do for the purpose of exalting God's name on earth. Though the spotlight of recognition seldom shines upon them, yet, the world would be a much less desirable place without them.

Obedience is the key to being a servant. Eli ah, championed the cause ij of God atop Mt. Carmel, and prayed, "let it be known ... that thou are God in Israel, and that I am thy servant... " He then added, "... and I have done all these things at thy word." (I Kings 18:36). Not some things, or a few things, but ALL THINGS! Elijah's powerful petition to God achieved in a moment, what the heathen howlings of a whole day had failed to do.

On the occasion in Luke 5, Peter and the others had spent a long night fishing with no success. Jesus bade them to launch out into the deep and let down the nets for the catch of a lifetime. Simon then said, "Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing, nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net." (Luke 5:5). The disciples obeyed and the nets were filled to overflowing with fish!

God is honored when His word is obeyed. Robert Bums said, "They never sought in vain who sought the Lord alright."

Humble servants of God are the light of the world. Taking God at His word and toiling with all their strength., the ripples of their lives go out in ever widening circles of godliness. Humble servants of God don't keep score of offenses, don't care who gets credit, and don't get their feelings hurt due to oversights. They only say, "We have done that which was our duty to do" (Luke 17:10).

Are you a humble servant of God?

As a rope is twisted from many threads, so is sin very rarely single; but one grows out of another, and often the new is committed to cover or excuse the old. Wicked suggestions are the first threads, the cherishing of these with satisfaction the second, the sinful purpose the third; and the perseverance in it binds the sinner to his ruin.

J.E.L. Gotthold

Guest Speakers
We have truly been blessed with some great speakers while we have been looking for a new full time preacher. We offer our sincere thanks to those who have filled in as well as those who have already tried out for the position. We would like to welcome today's speaker, Nathan Kidwell and note the following:

• April 23 - Ted Horn
• April 30 - rep from "Rainbow Omega"
• May 7 - Garry Martin (from Michigan)

Photo Directories
ATTENTION: Those who signed-up to have their photo made for the new directory on Tuesday the 25^th, need to note that - that time has been moved to Saturday the 29^th - from 11am to 5pm. If this is a problem, see Sandy Callender. There has been NO change for those signed up for this coming Thursday, the 20^th.

"But the path of the just is as the shining light, that shineth more and more unto the perfect day." (Prov. 4:18) The path of the wicked is a terrible, dark, and dangerous way. The path of the righteous is a beautiful, brightly lighted way. It is strange that so many will choose "darkness."