Author: janicevance

by Justin Morton

It’s the sound so many have been waiting to hear. The final bell of the school year has rung, and class is finally dismissed. The kids are excited because summer is finally here, although some of the adults may not quite share the same enthusiasm. The end of the school year brings a time of relaxation, adventure and cherished moments spent with family and friends. For many of us, over the course of the next several weeks, we will take a much needed vacation. While that may just mean relaxing around the house, it could also mean loading up the car and traveling several hours to some thrilling destination with our family.

The summer is usually an exciting and memorable time. And while this time of year provides us with ample opportunities for travel and memory-making adventures, I want to issue a challenge for each and every one of us. No matter what our plans are this summer, whether we are spending the majority of our time here at home or on the road to bask in the sun, let’s make sure we include worship and fellowship with believers as a part of our summer plans.

The Hebrew writer reminds us, “ And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near” (Hebrews 10:24-25). We need to remember that worship and fellowship provide great opportunities to help encourage us, strengthen us and build our faith.

Even during the summer months, when our routines may change, gathering for worship and fellowship remains vital. For one thing, God is still worthy of our worship, even when we are “on vacation” (Psalm 29:2; 145:3). You and I being on vacation does not change the fact that God is still deserving of our worship and praise. Secondly, no matter where we may find ourselves this summer, the devil is still on the prowl (I Peter 5:8) and looking to destroy us (John 10:10). The more time we spend away from God and the great people of God, the better opportunity Satan has to deceive us and influence us away from the Lord (Revelation 12:9).

So, no matter where we may find ourselves this summer, I want to challenge you to make sure the Lord and His people are a part of your journey. Make a commitment right now, before you even begin your summer fun, that on the Lord’s Day you and your family will always be assembled with the saints, no matter where you are.

 As May rolls around, young people, and teachers, are celebrating the end of another school year.  Summer is an opportunity to take a break from the rigors of class attendance, homework, and exams.  More time can now be spent with family, friends, and pets.  Vacation travel is a possibility for some, while hobbies will keep others occupied.

This past week, we celebrated with our graduating high school seniors their academic achievements, wishing them well as they move to the next stage of their lives.  We also have some college graduates, and they too are to be commended for their achievements as they will transition to another level in their lives.

For our students who will be returning for another school year in the fall, use your time wisely in your academic studies.  Do the best you can do in your studies.

Thank you, teachers, for educating our young people.  Whether you teach in our public schools, private schools, or home schools, we need good, Christian teachers in the classroom.  Walter Hill is blessed to have many educators and other support personnel.  Thank you!

As important as a good academic education is, we must never lose sight of the fact that a solid, Biblical education is also essential to living a life that is pleasing to God.  Personal Bible study is key to gaining a greater knowledge of God and His Word.  Whether we are a child or the most senior adult, we have a responsibility to study God’s Word and keep His Words on our hearts.

Walter Hill provides Bible classes on Sunday and Wednesday evenings to enhance our learning and understanding of God’s Word.  We have classes for the youngest of our children to the oldest of our adults.  These classes would not be possible without having capable teachers teaching the classes.

The Bible class teachers at Walter Hill are to be thanked for their service in preparing classes and providing instruction.  Teachers put much time and effort into making our Bible classes beneficial for us.

The author of the book of Hebrews writes of some great people of faith in chapter 11, but at the end of the chapter he states that time did not permit him to mention so many more that did mighty things.  There are many involved in teaching at Walter Hill, beyond teaching a Bible class.  It could be VBS, Lads to Leaders, devotionals, or personal Bible studies.  Thank you to all our teachers, regardless of the specific role you have.

Men, one request we frequently receive from our Wednesday evening teachers is to keep the devotional talks before class brief.  When the devotional talks go too long, the teachers do not have enough time to teach the material they have prepared.  Please try to keep your devotional thoughts to about 10 minutes.  Your help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

by Scott Miller

             Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes is a leadership program geared to train the youth in leadership in the Church.  Leadership through the program is determined in four different ways:  1)leadership through spreading the gospel and teaching, 2)leadership through leading worship, 3)leadership through fellowship and relationships, and 4)leadership through knowledge.  All these leadership skills are vital for continual growth in the Church. 

The program also gives adults an opportunity to serve and build strong relationships with the youth that they would not have otherwise.

Strengthening and sharpening these leadership skills gives youth encouragement and confidence in themselves to lead and even stand up for the teachings of Christ at times when standing up for Christ is not popular.

The question for each of our youth that participates in the events is,  “Are you more confident in the scripture and leadership skills than you were last year?”  If the answer is yes, then the program is a success. 

Each of these leadership skills can be used in the Church, in the family, and in the business world.  The world needs more Christian leaders!

Last weekend, our youth from 4 years old to 19 years old participated in the Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes convention.  What a great weekend!!!  The focus of the weekend was “God meant it for Good”  – the story of Joesph.  We had up to 50 at the convention and up to 35 participate in the activities.

Our youth participated in sharing the gospel through speech, leading others in singing and worship, debating “hot” topics in the Church, puppet teams, reading scripture to a group and testing of Genesis Bible knowledge through Bible Bowl.  We also used our talent by presenting scrapbooks and art projects at the convention – including an actual coat of many colors. 

This weekend we discussed that God is able to use activities and events that the world would consider not good to bring about good.  There were many lessons on Joseph and what happened to him that God was able to use for good, as well as, lessons on Paul and what happened to him through the missionary journeys that God used for good.

Puppets gave our youth an opportunity to grow and lead through fellowship with each other as Esther, Paul, David and Joesph battled it out for a game of Bible jeopardy.  Congrats to Esther for the most points!  Still looking for the insta-coat when temperature in service becomes extreme.  (“insta-Coat it’s no joke”).

We would like to thank all the youth who participated and the adults who helped.  As Lads to Leaders/Leaderettes say, a Church’s Lads/Leaderettes program is only as good as the adult leaders. 

We are starting to prepare for next year!  If anyone wants to take an area to lead and train, let Scott Miller know.

by Justin Morton

Today is a special day.  Easter Sunday, sometimes called Resurrection Day, is a time when many will fill auditoriums for the purpose of worshipping and celebrating God’s great victory over death.  If you are visiting with us today, we are so glad you are here!  We hope you find our worship uplifting and God honoring.  If you have any questions about what you hear or see today, please ask someone, and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

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Imagine what it must have been like for Jesus’ followers during the three days His lifeless body laid in the tomb.  After all the chaos and sorrow of Friday, those hours must have felt incredibly bleak.  Despite Jesus telling His disciples about His death and resurrection on several different occasions, they did not understand (Mark 9:30-32; Luke 18:31-34).  They were expecting their Messiah to establish an earthly kingdom and help the Jewish people break free from the grips of Roman rule.  But like many other so-called “messiahs” before him, death seemed to swallow up any hope of Jesus being the long-awaited Messiah.  Those hours between Friday evening and Sunday morning were probably filled with doubt and despair.

The women showed up at the tomb early that morning to prepare the body with spices for burial (Mark 16:1; Luke 24:1).  The disciples, who heard reports that the tomb was empty, did not believe it (Luke 24:11); a few translations say they thought it was “nonsense.”  While there are many unanswered questions about those silent hours, one thing is fairly certain—the disciples were not anticipating the amazing events of that day. 

But then, early on Sunday morning, everything changed.  The women found the stone rolled away and the tomb empty (Luke 24:2-3).  The body of Jesus was gone.  In a state of perplexity, they heard some of the most encouraging words ever uttered, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?  He is not here, but has risen” (Luke 24:5-6).  Those words transformed their hopelessness into hope.  Immediately, the women went and reported what they had seen and heard.

Friends, the tomb that was empty a couple thousand years ago is still empty today.  Because of that empty tomb, we gather each Lord’s Day to celebrate.  The grave has been conquered.  And thanks be to God, our victory has been secured because of Jesus Christ, our living hope! 

I love this time of year – Spring is here!  It is a season of renewal, with nature coming back to life after months of barrenness.  This change is a reminder of God’s wisdom and creativity.  In His wisdom, He established seasonal cycles as recurring reminders of His presence and power (Romans 1:19-20).  The beauty of new blooms should not only inspire awe, but also lead us to acknowledge the Creator who made it all.

Our lives also experience seasons.  Some are filled with joy, while others are challenging and test our faith.  Observing nature’s cycles reminds us that we sometimes need spiritual renewal.  Just as winter can leave the landscape bare, life’s trials can leave their marks on us.  We need God’s word to guide us through these challenges and root us firmly in His goodness (Psalm 1:3).

The tree described in Psalm 1 is planted by rivers of water (Psalm 1:3).  Let’s ensure we stay close to our source of spiritual nourishment, renewing our commitment to daily Bible study.  Imagine examining your own annual growth ring, like those of a tree.  What would this year’s ring show – a season of growth or a season of drought?  We have control over our spiritual growth, so let’s commit to being in the word daily.

Our brothers and sisters may be experiencing different seasons.  Some may be sad while others are happy.  If you’re in a joyful season, use your energy to encourage Christian brothers and sisters who may be in a different season.  If you’re in a difficult season, rely on the support God provides through the church.  Reach out to others to strengthen connections, helping each other in daily life.  By doing so, you aren’t burdening others – you are blessing them by giving the church an opportunity to demonstrate its faith in God, even in difficult times (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).

Through all seasons, God remains in control.  In both bright days and dark nights, He is our Maker, Redeemer, Protector, and Father.  Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego in Daniel 3:16-18 exemplified this faith when they faced the fiery furnace.  They did not doubt God’s ability to deliver them, but resolutely stated that even if He chose not to deliver them, they would still serve Him instead of Nebuchadnezzar’s gods.  Similarly, we may face hardships, but God is always God, and our commitment to Him should not depend on circumstances.

If you need spiritual renewal, look to nature’s cues from God.  Embrace this time with joy and refresh your commitment to studying His word, connecting with fellow Christians, seeking opportunities to serve others, and remaining steadfast in your commitment to Him.  Remember, “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23).