You Never Know!
Gary C. Hampton

There is, at times, a temptation to think that my decisions impact only my future. In other words, if I make good choices, or bad, only I will enjoy the rewards or suffer the consequences. However, all of us, especially fathers and mothers, need to realize that someone may be watching our every move to help him decide how he should act.

Batsell Barrett Baxter once wrote:

"I remember several years ago, on a Sunday morning after I had preached a sermon, I came down from the pulpit, as my custom was, and sat on the front row while the Lord's supper was -behig served. There was a little boy, pre-school age, on that front row, who Inched over toward me: until he sat very close beside me Men, he leaned close to my ear and said. 'I wish I was you! Nobody ever said that before and nobody since just a little boy whose name I did not even know.- I knew his family. I had seen him a few times, but I did not even know his name. But he had heard me preach about Christ, and he had seen me stand In front of, the congregation. It was my impact as a preacher, not as an Individual, that had impressed him so deeply. His statement left an imprint on me I cannot afford to disappoint that little boy, just as you cannot afford to disappoint the people who look to you. Oh, If we could only feel the power of the influence that we wield upon the lives of others. Oh, how much easier It would be for us to be what God wants us to be!"

It is Important for me to ask myself, "What would Jesus do?" (1 Peter 2:2 1), before I take any action, not just for my own sake, but also for those who may be watching me. After all, you never know who may see you as an example to follow! ❧

A HYPOCRITE
Copied from The River Road Reminder

A hypocrite is neither what he seems nor does he seem to be what he is. He is condemned by the world for seeming to be a Christian and by the Lord for not being one. On earth he is outwardly the picture of a saint – a wolf in sheep's clothing; but in eternity, stripped of his ill- appropriated apparel, he will appear at the judgment in his true colors and in his hideous deformity. "Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do" (Hebrews 4:13).

Please Be Advised
Beginning February 19, 2006, when the buzzer sounds for classes to begin, the exit doors on the north and east (office entrance) sides of the building will be locked. All late-comers will have to come to the foyer doors to get into the building.

Wednesday Schedule
Beginning in February (this month) and continuing until further notice, the 4th Wednesday of each month will be a song learning and practice service in the main auditorium. On month’s with five Wednesdays, we will continue to have our 5th Wednesday night devotional service instead of regular classes.

Cupid’s Café Tonight
The annual Cupid’s Café fellowship meal is scheduled for tonight (12th) after the PM worship services. This is the event where the men prepare a meal for and serve the ladies. All are invited to attend.

Men’s Breakfast
The regular Polk County churches of Christ Men’s Breakfast is planned for this coming Saturday morning (Feb. 18th) at 8:00 AM here at Orange Street. Our guest speaker is scheduled to be Glenn Duncan from Pinellas Park speaking on the subject: "Surprise". All of our men are encouraged to attend.

Very Important Change
Beginning the week of March 5th, all of our evening services will start meeting earlier. Sunday evening services will begin at 5:00 p.m. and Wednesday evening services will begin at 7:00 p.m. If you have questions or concerns please see one of the elders.

Change For Ghana
This year’s Ghana Campaign is fast approaching. Remember to continue filling your Change For Ghana collection jars with your loose change.

“If in the hurry and rush of a day, you meet someone who is too weary to give you a smile - leave one of yours. For no one needs a smile so much as those who have none left to give.”

– Dr. Charles H. Mayo