June 14, 2025 Issue, Page 4 of 12

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RELIGION 4• SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2025 The Elk City News LIFE IS THE WINDSHIELD … I’M THE BUG? are predetermined, don’t real- ery through resentment and ly change anything. Accept- vengeful choices (Luke 6:33- ing the fatalism lie as truth 36). We create the death of creates a helpless, paralyzed despair by choosing discon- hopelessness, even though it’s tentment, ingratitude and a a lie hopeless mindset (James 4:2- 3). Because God is personal, and deeply interested in both To make life-creating our choices and outcomes, He choices, we must realize: says, “No! Life is not prede- Trouble in a sin-contami- termined for you! At salva- nated earth is inevitable (John tion, I gave you the mind of 16:33); misery is not. Christ (1 Corinthians 2:16). I Suffering is unavoidable (1 Area Church Directory Dixie Yoder have given you the ability to Thessalonians 3:4); constant reason; to choose between life weariness and complaining Sunday School 9:15, Worship 10:30 Assembly of God Wed Prairie View Troops 3:30 580-225-2266 and prosperity or death and is chosen. (Philippians 2:14: Wed Prayer Meeting 6:30 There are four lies (among constant failure (Deuterono- “Do everything without com- Assembly of God Seventh-Day Adventist my 30:15). You choose.” We plaining and arguing.”) 115 W. 5th St., Erick Seventh-Day Adventist many) so often repeated that Pastor: Gary Griffin Retrop Baptist Church we’ve become accustomed have been given the incred- We can’t choose how or Intersection Hwy 6 and 55 11375 N. 1990 Rd., Elk City ible privilege of “writing our where we’re born but we can 580-303-0791 580-472-3472 to them and accept them as Assembly of God Service times: truth. They are: (1) Every- history” through our choices, choose how we live life (Deu- 7th and Locust St., Sayre Catholic 2:00 pm Bible Study thing happens for a reason; in partnership with God. teronomy 30:19). 580-928-4296 2:50 pm Church Service Jimmy Blanken, Min. Queen of All Saints (2) If it’s supposed to happen, We can’t choose never to 914 N. 5th St., Sayre it’ll happen; (3) It happened, We are not helpless bugs die physically, but we can de- First Assembly of God 580-928-2385 Methodist so I guess it’s meant to be and randomly smashed on the termine where we’ll live when 2701 S. Randall , Elk City Rev. Danny Grover United Methodist (4) It is what it is. The state- windshield of life! Through our bodies die (John 3:16-18). 580-225-1167 702 W. Country Club Blvd, Elk Kevin Akins, Min. St. Mathews Catholic ments are intended to give salvation, we are God’s be- City 3001 E. Hwy 66, Elk City comfort and assurance but loved children, created in His Our understanding of 580-225-0066 580-225-0262 Grandview Assembly of God Scott Rodgers, Rev. there is no lasting benefit in image; recreated in the image what God is like in life’s dif- Rev. Danny Grover Pioneer and Country Club, Elk City a lie, no matter how often it’s of His Son (Ephesians 4:22- ficulties will determine if we 580-225-7742 Christian United Methodist repeated. 24). We are able to seek His create life—joy and prosper- Bryan Herrick 320 S. Magnoliea St., Erick Antioch Christian wisdom and make thoughtful, ity; or death—despair and 580-526-3949 Baptist 3200 W. Country Club Blvd, Elk City This way of thinking is not intelligent choices that cre- depression. Whether we ex- 580-243-0066 new. In the Fifties, Doris ate abundant life; filled with perience vibrant living or be- Jeff McDowell United Methodist Great Plains Baptist Assn. 802 N. 4th St., Sayre • 580-928-2146 Day’s beautiful voice sang a meaning and purpose. come mired in misery is not 1902 Watts St., Sayre Christian Church Sun School: 9:30 AM/Worship:10:45 deadly lie to millions: “Que determined by the intensity 580-928-2585 1 S. Walnut, Erick Nazarene sera, sera. Whatever will be, Prosperity is defined as “a of our circumstances, but by Bible Baptist Church 580-526-3284 will be....” and even Christians flourishing, successful, thriv- our attitude during circum- First Church of The Nazarene 1018 W. B Avenue, Elk City 816 W. 6th St., Elk City learned to believe that we are ing condition”. We create stances. “Come to Me,” Jesus First Christian Church 580-225-5344 580-225-2026 helpless to influence the di- and receive thriving success said, “when you are weary (Diciples of Christ) 1500 N. Randall, Elk City Rev. Andrew Dages rection life takes; that we are by fixing our minds on God’s and overburdened, and I will Central Missionary Baptist 1205 W. B Avenue, Elk City 580-225-7801 like bugs on a windshield way of thinking in our deci- cause you to rest…I will ease, 580-225-0212 Pentecostal that “just happened” to be in sion-making (Colossians 3:1- relieve and refresh your mind, First Christian the wrong place at the wrong 3). God empowers us to be will and emotions…for My 1601 N. 4th St., Sayre Grace Temple Eastside Baptist 601 W. 20th St, Elk City time. confident (2 Corinthians 3:4- yoke is useful, gracious and 421 N. Booth Avenue, Elk City 580-928-3639 Lindell & Nequita Brown, Pastors 5) and successful (Deuterono- pleasant…My burden is light 580-225-0742 Church of Christ This wrong belief is called my 8:18). We choose a thriv- and easy to be born.” (Mat- Chase Brower, Min. Iglesia Evangelica Cristo Es La Church of Christ “fatalism” and is the founda- ing life by behaving toward thew 11:28-30 Amplified) 216 N. Adams Ave., Elk City Pena Fairview Baptist 600 W. Main, Elk City tional lie upon which false others with generosity (1 580-225-0718 312 S. Lusk Avenue, Elk City Pastor, Jose Reyes religions are built. Webster’s Timothy 6:18); with kindness Infinite Grace Ministries 580-225-0203 Gantt Carter, Min. 580-799-2964 defines fate as “an inevitable and forgiveness (Ephesians exists to share the good news 301 S. Magnolia Ave, Erick and usually adverse outcome.” 4:32) and by treating others of how knowledge of Biblical First Baptist Douglas Holland, Minister Presbyterian as we want to be treated (Luke truth and wisdom apply in 1600 W. Country Club Blvd, Elk City Fatalism teaches that our des- 580-225-7951 816-726-6988 tiny is predetermined by an 6:31) practical, life-changing ways. Bible Study 10am Sunday First Presbyterian Call 580-774-2884 to sched- Worship 11am Sunday 217 N. Washington Ave., Elk City impersonal god/force, and First Baptist 580-225-3130 On the other hand, we ule your appointment today! 400 S. Sheb Wooley, Erick Ladies Bible Study 10am Wednes- that our choices, because they day perpetuate our own mis- 580-526-3375 Jason Klechner, Min. Evening Open Bible Study 7pm Non-Denominational Wednesday The Way Church First Baptist 201 S. Jefferson Ave., Elk City 504 N. 4th St., Sayre Church of Christ Elk City 580-928-5518 Meets at Pioneer & Bell 580-225-5295 Elk City Community 120 S. Randall Ave., Elk City First Hispanic Baptist 580-225-1184 919 W. 8th St., Elk City Northeast Church of Christ 580-225-7901 616 N. Locust Avenue 580-225-4395 Gateway 4227 W. 3rd St., Elk City Main Street Baptist 580-225-1184 1101 N. Main St., Elk City Westside Church of Christ 580-225-3052 Curtis Newton, Min. 580-225-2938 Church of God The Link Mt. Carmal Baptist 200 S. Main, Elk City 1801 W. A Avenue, Elk City 501 W. 1st, Elk City 580-225-2061 580-225-0227 Joe Thompson, Min. Trinity Fellowship Sayre One Church Jehovah’s Witnesses 580-928-2345 200 East Broadway, Elk City 580-210-8881 Jehovah’s Witnesses 402 E. Washington Ave., Sayre Christ Ministiries Kevin Brosius (pastor) 804 W. 6th St., Elk City 580-928-9330 580-243-9708 Prairie View Baptist Lutheran I-40 & S Hwy 34, Elk City Pastor Tod Thornton Christ Lutheran 1023 W. 2nd St., Elk City Call today to support the church page! 580-225-3000