Chandler F.U.M.C.
by Linda G. Keeling

I would like to buy $3 worth of God, please, not enough to explode my soul or disturb my sleep, but just enough to equal a cup of warm milk or a snooze in the sunshine. I don't want enough of Him to make me love all men or pick beets with the migrant poor. I want ecstasy, not transformation: I want the warmth of the womb, not a new birth. I want a pound of the Eternal in a paper sack. I would like to buy $3 worth of God, please.

By Wilbur Rees: from Improving Your Serve: The Art of Unselfish Living by Charles Swindoll (1981)

When I first read this passage, I was disturbed by what the author was saying, but I kept going back to what was implied in the satire. What a description of a professed Christian, who believes in Jesus, has faith in the everlasting life, but lacks any real dedication or commitment to living the Christian life!

Have you been in a discussion about the irrelevance of the Ten Commandments in today's society or the need to be concern for the poor when we know that "the poor will always be with us?" I have frequently found myself in the position of wanting only a sack full of salvation.

There is a lot less responsibility and pressure in just believing instead of "walking the walk." My prayer today will be that I will be able to live the kind of life that Jesus wants and that I will be able to walk beside him as he leads me in becoming a totally committed Christian

While we have all enjoyed the rain, the heavy clouds and dark days can really bring on the symptoms of cabin fever.

Need a cure? Volunteer! Marla Frederick is looking for help with the youth programs. She listed a number of opportunities involving various times of the week. Spending time with our youth will cheer one up quickly.

Our community library could also use some part time volunteers. Four hours every once in a while would give you a good chance to review all the new books. Call Nancy Bertholf to set up a training session.

Contact Mary Stewart if you are interested in helping the "Merry maids" keep Fellowship Hall cleaned. And Polly Dunklin frequently needs extra help in the Church Office.

The new Disciple Bible Study, "Invitation to the Old Testament" will start February 26th- April 30th, from 10 to 11:30 A.M. Please contact Martha Copeland (903-849- 6258) or Judy Boehm (903)- 849-5350) if you are interested in this class. Participants from other churches and or denominations are welcomed.

"All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives." 2 Timothy 3:16

A popular place to be for the Christian men is breakfast at Maw's Kitchen. They gather at 8:15 Wednesday, January 17th. All churches and non church members are welcomed.

"That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ" 1 John 1:3

Happy Anniversary to: Danny and Dawnn Crossley, Preston and Wanda Gramble, and Dana and Kenneth Parks.

"Let thy fountain be blessed: and rejoice with the wife of thy youth." Proverbs 6: 18

Happy Birthday to: Danae Luckert, Carol Wendt, Tanner Wilson, Judy Floyd, David Travis, Helen Reese, Rob Burch, Rosie Bussman, Preston Gamble, Chris Cochran, Dan Townsend, Russell Goodwin, James Griffin, Judy Pope, and Sarah Stokke

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe" Proverbs 18:10.

Thought for the week: Do you complain about the rules that God gives in his word? Do you think they are too strict or tie you down? Read Psalms 19: 7-10 and remember "They are a warning to those who hear them; there is great reward for those who obey them." Psalms 19: 11