The first disciples that Jesus called, who later would be His Apostles, were not especially talented. They were pretty much like you and I. What is so remarkable about them and their calling was that they left everything to follow Jesus. These men walked away from their families, their livelihood, the life that they knew to follow Jesus. These men didn’t have the opportunity of growing up with Jesus. They didn't know about the Christmas story, they didn't have churches in their neighborhoods. They had no clue who He was, or much less, about what they were getting themselves into. But there was something different about this man. The sound of His voice, the things that He said made them willing to leave what they knew behind to follow and to learn from this man. Later they came to realize that He was the True King, the Messiah. But initially, what did they see in Jesus? What could have caused them to become so radical, so bold? To be obedient to God? To follow Jesus all the way to Calvary? To follow Him till their death? It certainly wasn’t a glamorous life being a disciple of Christ. In those days it was downright dangerous. Yet they chose to follow him. They chose to be on this adventure. They were free to do whatever they wanted, but they chose to follow the Lord. Why? Because somehow they knew that Jesus was the Truth. Somehow they sensed He was their Savior. Somehow they knew that this Jesius just might be the Son of God after all. They wouldn't have laid their necks on the line if they thought He was a fake or a phony. But they are not afraid to stand up for Christ. They were not ashamed of the love of Christ. These first disciples were more than just “believers.” They were followers. In James 2:19 it says, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” Unlike many today who have their names written in a church roll, these believers had their name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. These first disciples struggled just like we do with trying to live up to the standards God set for them and for us. They had trouble with pride, self-importance, and forgiveness just like us. Proverbs 21:2 “Every way of man is right in his own eyes: but the Lord pondereth the hearts.” Again, “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise.” (Pro. 12:15). Pro. 30:12 “There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes and yet is not washed from their filthiness.” There may be multitudes of people today who are filled with righteousness; they may be good, kind and charitable individuals according to our standards, but may be missing the mark according to God’s standard. Just as it took courage and determination to follow Jesus in the first century, it takes the same courage and determination to follow Him in the 21st century. The words of Jesus still ring out: “take up your cross and follow me.”

The Windthorst Trojanettes voyaged 40 miles north to take on the Petrolia Lady Pirates in district action on Friday, Jan 12. The Trojanettes ruled the court for the entire four quarters, winning decisively 70-10.

The Archer City Lady Cats faced off against the Nocona Lady Indians in the first home district game for the Lady Cats on Tuesday, Jan. 9. The 2A sixth ranked Lady Indians ran roughshod over the depleted Lady Cats, grabbing a comfortable 85-26 victory.

The Holliday-City View basketball rivalry is one of the area’s best. With just 15 miles separating the two schools, the matchup has bloomed into a must-see event for the area.

The Windthorst Trojans marched to Petrolia to face off against the Pirates for their first district game of the season. The Trojan’s defense was stingy, holding the Pirates under double digit points in each quarter, leading to a 62-28 victory for Windthorst.

It’s getting hard to describe just how impressive Keitenn Bristow is on the hardwood. Using only one word, it would have to be consistent.

The Holliday boys continue to make it look easy. The 10th-ranked Eagles banished Henrietta to the shadow realm in a 75-29 massacre on Tues., Jan.

The Windthorst Trojanettes took on the Olney Lady Cubs in district play on Tuesday, Jan 9. The Trojanette defense was near-unbreakable, winning handily 58-8.

The Sheriff’s Office received 153 calls for service this past week. As this report is being written there are 16 inmates 2 being female in the Archer County Jail.

Now you can use your library card to check out a mobile hotspot device - just like a book. These pocket-sized devices are easy to use and can connect up to 8 devices, such as your smartphone, laptop, and tablet, to cellular Internet. Use the device to surf the Internet, help your children do their homework, connect to health and banking services, and much, much more! The device and service are already paid for, you just need to come in to the library to check it out!