****************************************************************************************************

Bulletin

Lay Lake Church of Christ

Volume 4 May 03, 2009 Number 18

****************************************************************************************************

Vacation Time!

David A. Bass

It’s that time of year again! School is almost out and families are already planning where, when and what they will do for this years vacation(s). Surely, all will agree that it is good to get away for a few days, leave the job and household responsibilities behind and enjoy a period of rest and relaxation. In order to enjoy a vacation, plans must be made in advance. For example:

One must determine how much money is available for vacation. This will determine where one will go, how long he will stay and what activities will be enjoyed while there. As one looks at his finances he must resist the temptation to vacation on the Lord’s money. Our giving to the Lord is to be done each week. The Bible says, “Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him,. . .” (1 Corinthians 16:1). Our giving to the Lord is to be planned ahead of time. “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). God does not want our scraps or leftovers! As we plan our finances for our vacation it is a good idea to leave our contribution with our local congregation since budgets are made with each member in mind.

Second of all, we must plan when we will depart and return. Since vacations are short anyway, we want to use every minute. Because of this we are often tempted to forsake the assembling or Bible classes in order to get an earlier start or leave for home at the last possible moment. We need to remember the words of Hebrews 10:25, “Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” How tragic it would be to die while traveling having put our vacation time before the Lord. If at all possible we should have the desire to be with our spiritual family at home on the Lord’s Day and on Wednesday evening.

We must also plan where we will assemble for Bible study and worship while we are traveling and while we are away. Just as we make reservations where we will stay or for a rental car or tickets to some attraction, we should make advance plans where we will assemble. The church at Lay Lake has a book with listings of almost every congregation in the country. Once you determine where you are going you can check the listings in this book and then find out their times for assembling and their location. Surely, Bible study and worship are worth a little preparation time on our part as we plan our vacation!

As we make our plans we must determine the kind of activities that we will be engaging in. Even though we will be away from home we certainly want to act in such a way as to bring glory and honor to our heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Because I am a Christian I do not want to engage in any sinful activity or even in any questionable activity. As a Christian, I have no business dressing immodestly or placing myself among others dressed immodestly such as beaches or other such resorts (public swimming pools). The Bible says, “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works” (1 Timothy 2:9,10). Jesus said in Matthew 5:28, “But I say unto you, That whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her hath committed adultery with her already in his heart.” As a faithful Christian, I do not want to dress in such a way as to cause others to lust after me nor do I want to place myself where I will be tempted to look at another person and lust. Faithful Christians will want to avoid casino’s and other such sinfulplaces. “Abstain from all appearance of evil” (1 Thessalonians 5:22). I should not want to do anything while away on vacation that I would not do while at home. Remember, wherever we are and whatever we are doing, the Lord is watching. “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

Prayer List

Elizabeth Smith; Don Dean; Bob Spurlin; Catherine Pebou (Sherry Dunphy’s aunt); J. C. Hyche (David’s dad); Gladys Gaut (Kenny’s mom); Bill Nelson (Frieda’s dad); Harold Lee; the Jones family; Dusty Partridge & Jamie Goodwin (auto accident); Martha Eckert; Mary Merrell;; Adam Pilling; Robert Kelley; Corey Boothe, Matthew & Levi.

Upcoming Activities & News

Scripture Reading Today: 1 John 3:13-24

Men’s Meeting: TODAY at 4:30.

Youth Devotional: Devo TONIGHT following our evening worship.

Wedding Tea: TODAY from 2:30 until 4:30 at the home of Ginger Cash in honor of Jason Watts and Kayla Dodson.

Graduation Dinner: Everyone is tentatively invited to the Jones at 5:00 on May 16th. Please see the list on the bulletin board. Bring lawn chairs.

Congratulations: Aaron Dodson (Univ. of Montevallo) and Jason Watts (Univ. of Alabama) are graduating on May 9th! Sandy Arrington, Chris Cain and Kellie Smith will be graduating from High School!!!

Sympathy: to the family of Mrs. Farr (Heather Freeman’s great-grandmother). Funeral services were Thursday.

May Birthdays & Anniversaries

2 - Kayla Dodson
3 - Ronny & April Clements
7 - Ronny Clements
14 - Dick & Becky Smith
17 - Becky Smith
20 - Frieda Parrish
24 - Joe & Ginger Cash
27 - Mandy Payne