WLMO Newsletter-January 2002
FROM THE PASTOR'S PEN- Dear Friends and Co-Laborers: Has there ever been a day when the word’s of King Jesus rang truer? “Distress of nations, with perplexity” is certainly a clear and present sign of our times. (Luke 21:25) But in our zeal to discern the times and the seasons, let’s not forget that there’s work to do and a kingdom gospel to proclaim as well! Even though we should ready ourselves for what appears to be the soon return of Jesus Christ, we should never lose sight of the marching orders given to the church, to “go forth” with signs following. And we need to be prepared to do just that in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. Of course, there’s more to our commission than simply delivering the Good News! We also need to clearly communicate the scriptural conditions which must be met in order to receive all that belongs to man through Jesus’ death and resurrection. It’s a job for the whole body of Christ on earth. Not just the leadership, pastors, teachers, and evangelists! Every born-again believer has a role to play in delivering the Lord’s message and all are called to fulfill a specific ministry...whether it be large or small. If you or I are a pastor involved in the five-fold ministry today or are called to serve in any other capacity which requires us to preach or teach the Word of God, we must follow Jesus’ example in speaking the truth. Especially that which is hard for our listeners to hear. The world around us has created, and continues to promote, a moral vacuum which is opposed to scriptural principles. As believers, we need to stand up and set the record straight. Wherever and when ever necessary. As many of you know, a number of years ago, Rebecca and I chose to remove our children from the public school system and teach them at home. Although it’s never been easy, when all is said and done, it’s a decision we do not regret. And I feel even more strongly today that the safety and spiritual health of the generations to come are dependant upon our active involvement, as believers, in what our children are taught and exposed to. We cannot trust public education, with its secular, anti-Christian bent and its encouragement of open-minded coddling of the perverse, to mold the minds of our sons and daughters. Men, as heads of households and appointed protectors of their families, have a scriptural mandate to speak out, as well as act, to ensure that the next generation of homes will properly serve the Lord. (Deut 6:1-9; Joshua 24:15) Jesus never taught a “politically correct” doctrine or suggested tolerance of any beliefs or practices contrary to the scriptures...and we should steadfastly follow His example. The body of Christ faces apostasy...a falling away from sound principles of the faith...the beginnings of which are already upon us. Yes! The perilous times, of which both Jesus and Paul spoke of openly, are threatening the very fabric of our society. You and I, however, can stand in the very face of these trying times by returning to the concepts and principles of the Living Word...in our homes and our personal lives...right now...this year! May God bless you exceeding abundantly through His covenant with you...as you seek to do His will! In His precious and powerful name, -Rev. John Knox ______________________________________________________________ For The Ladies- (I shared this article with the gals that attended this year’s Ladies’ Christmas Tea. I hope that you enjoy it as well. God bless!) Teacups... They come in all sizes, shapes, and colors. Some are short and fat, some are tall and slender, some are stout and strong, while still others are very fragile and delicate. But every one is different...unique...and useful...made to serve a purpose. Just as teacups are different...so is what goes in them! Some cups hold tea, while others hold coffee, hot cider, juice, or just plain ol’ water. It’s all a matter of personal choice and preference. Another choice we make when filling our cup is how full to fill it. Some cups have “just a smidgen” in the bottom, while others are “comfortably full.” Still others are “full to the brim” and “overflowing. Hmmm...how much like people’s lives and life itself this sounds as we study out and think about teacups and what goes in them! Like teacups, people come in all sizes, shapes, and colors...yet each one is different...unique...and useful...made to fulfill a divine purpose. Just as unique as what goes into a teacup...so is what goes into a person’s life. Different events and happenings all aid to our individual uniqueness. While many of these events and happenings are part of God’s divine course for our individual lives, a lot of these events and happenings are made as a result of our own choosing. Each of us make choices every day that will effect our lives...forever changing it’s course in one way or another. Some of these choices are big, major decisions that leave a definite mark on our personal history and time-line, but...by far...most of the decisions that we make are small, day-to-day decisions...decisions made as minute-by-minute we work through the day at hand. Decisions that for the most part are forgotten as quickly as they are made, but in some small way, as small decision upon small decision is made, they will effect our life...forever changing it’s course...in one way or another. What kind of decisions are you making minute-by-minute? What do those choices reflect about what’s really going on inside of you? Are you making decisions that glorify the Lord? Are you constantly striving to live daily for Him? Are the decisions you make aiding in and adding to your spiritual growth? Or are the decisions that you are making in day-to-day life leading you, one small step at a time, further and further away from the Lord? If so...it’s never too late to change the course that your life is taking. Also, just as we must decide what to fill our lives with, we must choose how full to fill them. Is your life shallow and, for the most part, empty? Perhaps it is “comfortably full?” Perhaps you are one of those people who are careful not to step outside the comfort zone that you, in fact, have set up for yourself. Or are you adventuresome and willing to step outside of your comfort zone...fully lending yourself to the Lord so He can accomplish His goals and His agendas through you, as well as, lead you into a life that‘s “full to the brim” and “running over?” Whatever the case...I challenge you...the next time that you fill your cup...with whatever it is that you enjoy drinking...reflect back over your life. Think about the things that we have discussed here. Compare your life to a teacup. What kind of cup would you be? What would be in the cup? How full would it be if your life were suddenly transformed into a teacup? ? Are you willing to pour out your life as a drink offering unto the Lord...so that He, in turn, can re-fill you with His love and compassion for people? Are you ready to put yourself in position to receive all that He has for you as He fills you with an unquenchable zest for life? In John 10:10 Jesus tells us that He came that we “might have life” and that we might “have it more abundantly.” Are you willing to step back, re-evaluate and let Him fill you and your life “up to the brim” and “running over?” Boy! I sure am! I am to the point that I want less of me and more...more...more of Him. How about you? As we finish up this holiday season and go into 2002...I will be praying for you...lifting you before the throne...and asking God to reveal His plan for your life to you. (Please...do the same for me?) In the meantime...I encourage you to really get down on your face before the Lord and seek Him with all of your heart. Allow Him to permeate your very being. As you do so...move into position to receive from Him all that He has for you! ? I feel that, as women, we need to get in tune to the Lord, then ...get ready! Get ready! Get ready! He’s got something for us! And I, for one, don’t want to miss it! God bless you! Love and ((((Hugs)))), ~Rebecca _______________________________________________________________________________________________________ MISSION TRIP TO PERU SCHEDULED FOR THIS SUMMER Our 21-year-old son, Zach, is getting ready to go on another mission trip...this time to Peru for the entire summer. Your thoughts, prayers, and support would be greatly appreciated as Zach fulfills the call that God has made on his life. Thank you! _________________________________________________________________________________________________ (Taken from the Liberal News 1/3/02 with corrections made.) CHRISTMAS TEA ENJOYED Christmas Tea Enjoyed On Saturday afternoon, December 22nd, a pre-Christmas tea was held at the home of Pat McLees, hosted by Rebecca Knox of West Liberal Mission Outreach. Nine young ladies were in attendance ranging in age from fifteen to seventy-four. Refreshments served were double orange scones with orange butter and hot tea. Each one reminisced of Christmas’ past. Everyone enjoyed the afternoon of friendship and fellowship. ___________________________________________________________________________ Recipe DOUBLE ORANGE SCONES 2 cups flour 3 T. sugar 2 1/2 tsp. baking powder 2 tsp. grated orange peel 1/3 c. margerine 1/2 c. manderine oranges, drained 1/4 c. milk 1 egg Mix all ingredients together. Flatten dough into a disk in the middle of a cookie sheet. Sprinkle 1 Tablespoon of sugar over the top and, using a floured knife, cut disk into eighths. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Serve with Orange Butter (recipe below). Make 8 scones. ORANGE BUTTER 1/2 c. margerine 2 T. orange marmalade Mix together until well blended. Serve on warm scones. ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Now available: "The Challenges Of The Proverbs 31 Woman" by Rebecca Knox 40 page devotional/workbook type booklet Price: $5.00 plus $1.50 shipping and handling To order contact: Rebecca Knox P.O. Box 13 Liberal, MO 64762 Phone: (417) 843-6469 E-mail: wlmo@tiadon.com ARE YOU READY? Despite the world situation at present we believe that God’s people can look forward to the days ahead with great joy and anticipation as the time of Jesus’ return grows near. If He were to come today...would YOU be ready? Let me ask you another question...If you were to die today...do you know...beyond the shadow of a doubt...where would you go? To heaven? Or to hell? If you’re unsure of the answer to that question...or if you know the answer and you just don’t like it...it’s not too late! I’d like to urge you...don’t delay! Pray this prayer with me today: “Dear Heavenly Father...Lord God I know that I am a sinner. Lord...I praise you and I thank you for the work that Jesus did on the cross for me...for taking my sins and dieing in my place...and for three days later raising from the grave...in order to offer me the gift of eternal life through Him and His shed blood. God forgive me of my sins. Jesus come into my heart and live inside of me from this day on. In Jesus’ name I pray...Amen!” If you just prayed that prayer and meant it with all your heart...let me be the first to congratulate you and welcome you into the family of God! You are a new creature in Christ Jesus. Old things have passed away...behold! All things are new! If you have questions or need help in your new walk with the Lord...feel free to call us...anytime...day or night...at (417) 843-6469. We’ll be looking forward to hearing from you! God bless you!
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