The Right Order

Our church was beautifully decorated for the season of Christ's birth. Gene Gardner opened our service with prayer and special prayers were requested for Bob Obenshain, Margaret Brown, Fred Hall, Eve Adams, Carolyn Morgan, Ronnie, Michelle and kids and those traveling this week.

Janet Chaney gave the history of the Lottie Moon offering that we will be collecting during December and read a beautiful story, "The Snowy Christmas Eve." Jeanette Easter thanked everyone for their work and participation on the float we entered in the Southwest City Christmas Parade that won first place. Terry Lett announced that the Christmas play will be performed during the worship service on Dec. 21. Becky Johnson and Karen Gardner led us in singing beautiful hymns of the season with "Silent Night" sung by Gene and Karen. Mitchell Lett asked the blessing upon the offertory and he and Tyrel Lett served as ushers.

Bro. Mark Hall began God's message for us by sharing the experience of putting together kid's toys on Christmas Eve and all of the problems and stress that you can have if you don't read and follow the directions before assembling. His message was titled, "The Right Order" with scripture from Matthew 6:25-34. "Because you think you know better, you don't follow directions and go in the right order." He told us the common thread in the verses was the message "quit worrying." "We worry more in the U.S. and have more death from stress related illnesses than anywhere. Today we get a head start on worrying about tomorrow. Jesus said, 'Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.'" Bro. Mark referred to the scripture, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."

Bro. Mark asked, "If we seek God first, what are we worrying about? That He won't add enough? How much is enough? You see people lined up to buy lottery tickets when the stakes are high. Did you see anyone lined up to get into a church on your way here this morning? What is it to worry? For fear of things that might happen? Stop, give it to God and listen. He'll say 'here's what we're gonna do.' If you don't, worry will just multiply itself. Proverbs 1:23-33 talks about the storms of life, stress and anguish and to trust in God. Verses 31-32 specifically talk about the way of the world today and how we are reaping what we have sown. But verse 33 says, 'But whoever listens to me will dwell safely, and will be secure, without fear of evil.'"

Bro. Mark asked, "Does it do any good to get wound up over something? The answer is in Proverbs 2:1-12. Before you begin anything, seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness first. One of the hardest things as a Christian is to trust His word. You may not get all you wanted, but you will get all you need. Just like those Christmas Eve toys you put together, you may have to disassemble some things you've put together and then get God's direction to put them back together correctly."

During Bro. Mark's prayer, he asked that God will help us to seek Him first and trust Him when we do and we will have what we need when we work for it. In closing, Bro. Mark said, "Give your problems to God when you get them all out of order. Seek God first during this month of December, listen and follow his directions."

Our hymn of invitation was "Leave It There" and Wayne Johnson gave the benediction. We invite you to worship with us during this Christmas season as we celebrate and share in the joy of the birth of Christ. Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. and worship service at 11 a.m. Mill Creek is located 3.5 miles east of Noel just off Highway 90. Everyone is always welcome.