Happy New Day!

As we quickly approach the dawn of 2009, many are taking this time to reflect on 2008 and make resolutions for the coming year. For the Christian, this time should take on particular significance.

Reflection

There isn't anyone alive who wouldn't acknowledge that 2008 has been a challenging year. Newspapers, television, radio and online outlets have constantly extolled the effects of the economy, oil prices, elections, layoffs etc. Even closer to home, there are those of us who have experienced illness, the death of loved ones and interesting turns in various relationships. To put it succinctly, there is no shortage of bad news.

As Christians however, we are taught to be a thankful and joyful people despite our circumstances, Col 3:17, James 1:2. Focusing our minds and hearts in this way will surely have an affect on how we view things. Not only will be better able to think of the glass as half full, we will be able to be grateful to God for having a glass and having something in it at all. God is our portion and gives us all things pertaining to life. He sent His son that we might have life and that more abundantly, John 10:10.

Coming to the passing of a year, one of the most common and important lines of demarcation, gives us the opportunity to count the innumerable blessings we enjoy. If there were no difficulties or challenges in our lives, it is unlikely that we would be able recognize them at all, instead, taking every good thing for granted. How has the Lord blessed you this year? How have you used those blessings to expand the borders of His Kingdom? What miracles have you been privileged to be a witness to or a part of? How has your life changed for the better?

If we can set aside time once a year to spend precious moments with the Lord and reflect on His goodness, it is a good thing. But you know how we are. Things slip. What if we could make it a part of our routine to do this daily? Now that would be a great thing. What if we kept a log of these things so that at the end of the year we suffered no memory lapse about the the things God has done and is doing in our lives and the lives of others? It is sure that this exercise will not only aid us in our Christian lives, but equip us to do the work of the Lord, 1 Tim 4:6.


Resolution

Another thing that is commonly done about this time of year is to make promises, usually to ourselves, about what we plan to do in the coming year. After all, it is a time when things are new, the outlook is hopeful and the desire to do and be better is strong. It is an excellent time to put away the bad and the past and reach forward to the good and the future. Even the word "resolution" involves an earnest and determined decision. Unfortunately however, studies show that most resolutions have a shelf life of about 3 weeks.

What are we so resolute about? Most speak in terms of weight loss, quitting of bad habits, establishment of an exercise program, being a better person and other things that typically benefit the individual. As Christians, these things can actually be useful in a spiritual sense and have benefit beyond ourselves. Hebrews 12:1, 2 says,

• "Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight (weight loss), and the sin which doth so easily beset us (bad habits), and let us run with patience the race (exercise program) that is set before us, looking unto Jesus (be a better person) the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."

God has seen fit to allow us continued access to his manifold blessings for another year. Though it is a free gift and not one that can be deserved or earned, the Christian should not view it as one that is without obligation on our part. To be sure there are things God requires of us, but out of love and gratitude, we should go above and beyond to conduct ourselves as His children in all things. Further, we should daily seek ways to exemplify the greatest commands given to us, Matt 22:37-39.

As every day sees new blessings from our Lord, as every day grants new opportunities to reflect on the benefits of His love, everyday also reveals the privilege we have in Him to not just resolve, but to perform His will in our lives.

I therefore wish you, not just Happy New Year, but Happy New Day!

Strengthening Our Faith

Merry Christmas?

Well family, we have once again arrived a the time of year when the weather turns cold, hope springs eternal, joy is effervescent and everyone seems happier. Perhaps the person who takes your order at McDonald's ensures that you have hot fries when they ordinarily wouldn't. Perhaps the clerk at your favorite retail outlet smiles and wishes you seasons greetings instead of the brisk and understated "thank you" normally offered before irritatedly helping the next customer. Perhaps there is a change even in you.

Somehow it seems that we are all, if not at our best, certainly better at this time of year. Lights, decorations and the anticipation of gifts under a tree, whether given or received, seems to lift our hearts and our countenances. Whether you are a believer or not, it is understandable that most of us experience a lift during the holidays.

What of the Christian though? What is really on our minds? Are we also caught up in the commercialism of the season, or are we taking the opportunity to remind people of the "reason for the season?" Are we thinking more about PlayStation and jewels or a broken body and spilled blood possible because of a divine birth?

It's true that no one knows when Christ was actually born. It is also true that nowhere in scripture are we commanded to commemorate his birth. The reality however, is that society has presented us with a golden opportunity to do what Christ HAS commanded, Matt 28:19. Here are a few ways those of us who call up0n the mighty name of Jesus can ensure that those with whom we come into contact will have just a little bit of the Lord during this season dedicated to his birth:

• Send Christian themed greeting cards to all of your acquaintances.
• If you opt for the popular cards made from family photos, take the picture at or in front of our edifice.
• Include a scripture in your greetings. Simple curiosity will send people to their bibles if they do not already know the text.
• Include invitations to worship, bible studies, prayer services or congregational activities with the gifts you give.
• Consider giving bibles, bible reference books or Christian literature as gifts.
• Also consider giving Christian oriented DVDs and CDs, many of which are available at Christian book stores, on line and at other retail outlets.
• Bring up the subject of Christ at holiday gatherings of friends and family.
• If you host a gathering, make prayer a part of the event

Though this is certainly not an exhaustive list of ideas, trying a few of these and perhaps others you can think of will keep us focused on what this season should really be about. Likewise, we can serve as reminders to others about the love of God displayed through the giving of his only begotten.

Many lament the fact that thoughts of giving, thanksgiving, peace and good will are confined to this season. Let us prove with the joy of knowledge and faith that the love of God supersedes all seasons.

Merry Christmas!

Each One Reach One

Each One Teach One

Life Got You Down? (finale)

"Do not worry then, saying, 'What will we eat?' or 'What will we drink?' or 'What will we wear for clothing?' "For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. "But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Matt 6:31-33

Most Christians are very familiar with this passage of scripture. The question is, do we really understand it? These scriptures are filled with advice about handling worries concerning things we all stress over from time to time: life, our bodies, food, clothing and the amount of time we have left on the planet. It is interesting to note that God does not address the "bigger"things that many of us who have been blessed beyond the basics typically complain about. While His focus is on our souls and the basic needs of the body, we are more concerned with houses, cars, job promotions and issues with the opposite sex. It is not that these things aren't important, but the issue is prioritization. How many of us are concerned first about our souls?

Too often we are focused on the material. James 4:13-15 relates a passage about a couple of guys who are more interested in making their next profitable sale. The Holy Spirit revealed in James that we should seek God's will, for our very lives are more brief than we imagine.

I submit to you my beloved that it is an issue of faith. Either you believe God or you do not. The psalmist once famously said, "I have been young, and now am old; yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread." Ps 37:25 Here was one that put his complete faith in God. His life involved experiences that verified his faith. Surely David knew then what Jesus would relate generations later; that righteousness should be our top concern and that God would take care of everything else. In truth, he even provided righteousness for those who would accept it.

So in these challenging times of wars, rumors of wars, natural disasters and economic meltdown, the person of faith has all he or she needs. "Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen." Without that faith, it is impossible to please God. He IS a rewarder of all that dilligently seek Him. Let us consider these thoughts as we face the challenges of the world. Let us be thankful to God for his loving provision. Let us have faith.

Each One Reach One
Each One Teach One

Life Got You Down? (cont.)

Contentment

Clearly, one of the reasons we are not happier and more joyous as a people is that we have failed to find contentment in our Christian lives. Throughout history, mankind has developed a habit of keeping up with the Joneses. As far back as the first born on earth we see evidence of this. Cain was so unhappy that he did not get the same recognition from God as his brother did, he killed him. This points to a very important lesson for us all. It is a lesson framed perfectly by Paul, who spoke more than once about the subject.

• “If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness.” 1 Tim 6:8-11

This passage simultaneously encourages us to be content with having our basic needs met and warns us against being too desirous of things that may be beyond our grasp or need. I’m particularly struck by the assertion that there are those who, due to evident lack of contentment, “have wandered away from the faith.” Surely that is the ultimate tragedy. It calls to memory the rich young ruler who, when instructed by Christ to leave the material behind and follow him, went away sad and without salvation due to his attachment to his things. Sometimes our priorities are all wrong.

One may comment that this thought is all well and good, but suppose a person finds themselves suffering? It could easily and most understandably be asked, “How can a person be content if they are living a life of pain?” As I often say from the pulpit, I’m glad you asked. Let us again seek the Spirit supplied wisdom of the apostle Paul:

• "Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Cor 12:10

Surely every Christian, if not currently, certainly at some point in our lives, can identify with this very powerful statement. There isn’t a person alive (or dead for that matter) that hasn’t undergone adversity. Nevertheless, Paul amazingly says that he is not just content but well content. This point is well made enough on it’s on own, but those of you familiar with the passage will well know the context of the statement. Verses 7-9 contain the famous telling of his “thorn in the flesh” and how after seeking God three times for its removal was told that His (God’s) grace was sufficient for him.

Family, Paul was suffering mightily, and he was one who knew suffering well. In fact Christ told him that he would suffer many things for His cause. Nevertheless, once reminded of God’s amazing grace, he was content. Lord help our unbelief! This thought is exponentially multiplied in Phi 4:11 where he says, “…I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I am.” I submit to you that we are without excuse.

Like you, I know that we are all but humble and fleshly creatures. There are many needs of the body, mind and spirit that we all suffer. My desire is to point out to you that there is an ever present solution and supply to every problem and need. To the person of faith, knowledge that there is a promised eternity with the Lord is a glory in which to rest. Sometimes our problem is that we allow our gaze heavenward to be diverted. We are like Peter who had enough faith to get out of a floating boat and walk on the sea, his attention focused on Jesus. We are equally like him when we allow are attention to be captured by our circumstances and surroundings and thus begin to sink. Thank God Almighty that Jesus is there to lift us when we lose faith.

The divinely inspired scriptures provide the perfect final thought:

• I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. Phil 4:12

Next time, we will talk about that very faith and how it is necessary to rise above our various situations and prevail within the lives that sometimes get us down.

Each One Reach One
Each One Teach One

Life Got You Down?

One only need take a glance at the newspaper, a look at the news or simply pass by a gas station these days to get downright depressed. These days there are wars and rumors of wars, natural disasters of flames, floods, quakes and tsunamis. A presidential election is taking place and it seems that most of us aren't satisfied with the choices. Folks are losing their jobs, losing their homes and to top it all off, the kids won't wash the dishes, cut the yard or take out the trash without being told 26 times.

Yep, times are tough.

Or are they?

Brothers and sisters, family and friends, I submit to you that we serve a God of hope and prosperity. I can't deny that all of the above are true. I won't even try to convince you that there aren't people hurting all over this planet. But with the last breath left in my body, I'll shout to the hilltops that we serve a great God who cares for each and every one of us.

Our problems are those of perspective, contentment and faith. If we could make positive adjustments in just these three areas, our lives (and our outlook) would improve immeasurably.

Perspective
I once read a story about a guy who was happy all the time. He always had a kind word to say and when anyone asked him how he was doing, he would say, "I'm superfantastic! Aren't you?" Most people wrote him off as a crackpot, but some inquired about his amazingly positive attitude. He would stop and take time to tell them how great things were, and by extension, how awfully bad they could be. He'd say things like, "Hey, I could be lying in a hospital with tubes running out of every orifice, but I am, by the grace of God, standing here talking to you. Worse, I could be lying destitute underneath a bridge near death with no one to care, yet here I am, by the grace of God talking to you." After exchanging a happy "Farewell," he went his way, humming along through the day.

As it would happen, one day he was in a terrible accident. He suffered massive contusions, many broken bones and a fractured skull. He was taken to the hospital unconscious with out much chance to live. As the doctors stood around him in the operating theatre, preparing to operate on his many wounds, the man found himself with a brief moment of consciousness before they applied the anesthesia. Through the foggy haze of his pain he noticed the grim and hopeless yet compassionate expressions on the doctor's faces. With the last ounce of his strength, he smiled at them all and said, "Do a good job guys. I plan on coming through this just fine by the grace of God, so do your work with the expectation of success."

You see beloved, we need to develop an understand that the way we look at life and all it brings is a choice. We can choose to look at all that is wrong and lament it, or we can choose to look at all that is good and celebrate. Both good and bad will be with us while we sojourn in this world, but to walk around sour, pessimistic and defeated is a choice just like being happy, optimistic and victorious is. It is true that into every life some rain must fall, but without the rain there would be no life. It is true that into every life some pain must come, but without the pain, we would learn few lessons and gain little strength.

It takes a conscious decision and a committed effort to realize, understand and live the psalmist's realization that "This is the day the Lord has made. We will be glad and rejoice in it." Psalm 118:24. Recently we studied the story of Ruth. Recall all that she went through. She lost a father-in-law, a brother-in-law, a husband and, for all intents and purposes, all she knew and grew up with. Her choices, ultimately placed her in the lineage of Christ.

What's your perspective?

Next week, we'll take a close look at something else that influences our outlook on life: contentment.

Until then, consider this: if life has you down, let Jesus lift you up.


Each One Reach One
Each One Teach One

Taking Inventory

I believe it is important for every Christian to stop and take stock every now and then. It is so easy for us to be caught up in the cares of this world. We all have families, households to maintain, jobs, various relationships, fun (and sometimes not so fun) pursuits and a variety of obligations. Where does our relationship with God fit into all of that?

This thought caused me to develop a series of questions for myself that might also be beneficial to you:

• What grade do I give my personal relationship with God? Jn 21:15
• Is that grade higher or lower than the one I'd give myself for my relationship with my wife, kids, family and friends? Matt 10:37
• How much dedicated time do I spend alone with God or specifically doing his work? Matt 6:6, 10:38
• What efforts can I point to that would cause me to grow closer to Him and thereby cause Him to draw closer to me? James 4:8
• Is God pleased with what He sees in me? Matt 25:31-46
• Do I understand who God is? Gen 1:1, Rev 1:8, Gal 4:5,6
• Do I understand what that means? John 3:16, Matt 6:33, 7:7-9
• Do I really understand what he expects of me? 1 John 5:3, Matt 22:37,38
• Can my commitment be seen in my actions, how I allocate my time, resources and how I prioritize, whether someone is looking or not? Rom 12:1,2
• Do I honor my commitments? Matt 5:37
• Is my study of His word sufficient? Acts 17:11
• Is my prayer life sufficient? Eph 6:18
• Am I at least attempting to live a truly righteous life? 2 Tim 2:22
• Am I exemplifying the life and teachings of Christ? John 13:34 Phi 2:3

This is by no means an exhaustive list. I could come up with questions to ask myself all day and well into the night. It is not the questions that concern me, but the answers. You see brothers and sisters, we must all learn to be honest with ourselves in all things, but particularly as it relates to our relationship with our God. Let us not be like the person who observes himself in the mirror and turns away, forgetting what he saw (James 1:23,24). In our heart of hearts, we know. What it is important to know is that God does too (Heb 4:13).

It is only when we truly come to grips with where we are on the journey toward spiritual maturity, that we can make the necessary course adjustments to reach our destination (Phi 4:13,14). It is sure that we will arrive somewhere but will it ultimately be where we desire?

Without each of us performing a regular spiritual inventory and making adjustments where needed, we will never be able to live up to the responsibilities given to us, nor realize the privileges we have in Jesus. To do anything less contributes to spiritual apathy, complacency and ultimately, may God forbid, our own destruction.

If we at the O'Fallon congregation are to fully embrace our mission of Adoring God, Building Up the Saints and Creating Disciples, it must start with each individual.

Have you taken inventory today?

Each One Reach One

Each One Teach One

You Are The Light of The World

A member of the congregation recently displayed some curiosity about how I put sermons together. Thinking that others might have the same question, I thought I might submit this for your consideration.

I'm sure that every minister has his own way of going about it. I find what works best for me is prayer, more prayer and still more prayer. Through clearing the mind and focusing on the Lord, I submit myself to His influence and do all I can to be obedient.

It also requires a lot of study. Studying includes quite a bit more than what one does for the specific sermon. The influence from the Lord that one must be open to is enhanced by exposure to and study of the word (John 14:26). In fact, I believe it is absolutely necessary according to Hebrews 1:1,2. How else shall we learn of Him than through His Son who is the Word (John 1:1).

Along with the importance of study is the importance of awareness. A minister must be aware of the needs of the congregation. Those needs are most often uncovered through general conversations, counseling, home visits or questions asked by the members. Ultimately however, it is usually a combination of things that determine the subject of a given sermon, or as in the case of what is typical for me, a sermon series.

Since we have spent the majority of our year thus far sharing about each one teaching one and each one reaching one, it seemed best (through prayer, study and awareness) to pursue what Jesus Himself had/has to say to all of us: The sermon on the mount. For the next couple of months, we will explore themes contained in this pivotal discourse regarding the relationship between God and man.

Last week, we began this series with a sermon entitled "You Are The Light of the World."
To give you a bit more insight into how I put thoughts together for a sermon, I've included the text of my study and that which was preached from this past Lord's day. Except for a few last minute notes scribbled in margins, this is what I actually use. It is interesting that my sermons have gone from being 13 page manuscripts to 10, to 5, to 3 to this half page. Even this is sometimes reduced to notes in the margins of my bible and a few carefully placed post it notes.
I hope you enjoy this "minister's meditation."

***

You Are The Light
Matt 5:14-16

"We blind ourselves, impeding our own vision, we put on spiritual shades."

Light: to give light" expressing "light as seen by the eye," and, "reaching the mind," "Primarily light is a luminous emanation, which enables the eye to discern form and color. Light requires an organ adapted for its reception Matt 6:22. Where the eye is absent, or where it has become impaired from any cause, physical light is useless (23). One must also be equipped to receive spiritual light. “The natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit for it is foolishness to him and he cannot understand them because they are spiritually apprised…” 1 Cor 2:14.

· God as light-James 1:17, 1 Tim 6:16
· Jesus as light-John 8:12, 12:35,36
· You & I-Eph 5:8

Scope of the light-vs 14, 15b
· Illuminate the world
o The gospel for all nations-Acts 2:7-11
o Our mission field-Matt 28:19
· The world begins at our doorstep
o Like you can’t hide a city, you shouldn’t be able to hide
§ Gospel msg, love for one another, activity in the community, this building, ourselves. It should be obvious and if it isn’t something isn’t being done right. Share with friends, community etc. That’s what EOBO was about.
· Is your family safe? Share the gospel at home
o Matt 13:57-prophet not w/honor except at home

Sense of the light-vs 15

"Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 "But if anyone walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him." John 11:9-10

When the lights were last out at your house, what did you do?
Stay in darkness?
o Illuminate with light-where did you put it?
§ Provide it so that it is beneficial to all
§ Effects of stumbling around in the darkness
· Physical and spiritual
§ You are meant to shine with the love of God
· Even as Moses, identified as having been with him did

Salvation of the light-vs 16
· Letting your light shine is not about calling attention to yourself but to God-Acts 16:22-30
· Light shines on your good work, don’t let it be a spotlight on an empty stage.

Unconditional

It is my hope that you had a joyful resurrection day. It is my further hope that you carry it around in your heart every day. It is because of the death, burial and most importantly, the resurrection that we have been given access to the promises of God, who in His great wisdom, has given us His Holy Spirit as earnest (Eph 1:14).

I was blessed to have dinner with an extended family yesterday after worship. Among the many things we discussed were eggs, gifts and "Easter Bunnies." Naturally, these things have been part of the lexicon of this time of the year for many centuries. Rather than taking up that debate, I find it useful to remind us all about not only the sacrifice of our Savior on our behalf, but something more that is seldom thought about: our role in His crucifixion.

For those of you that are members of the O'Fallon church of Christ, you may be aware of a wonderful piece of art by Thomas Blackshear that hangs in my office. This picture is a constant and powerful reminder to me of both of these things. So my offering this week is a real look at the purpose and point of this time of year. I share with you an original poem inspired by the sacrifice of our Lord.


Unconditional

"There is so much blood!" I groan
As it pools around my feet
The hammer heavy in my hand
Fingers cold from dead nail's grip

Anger's raging inferno
Reduced to cold wet ashes
Righteous indignation
Transformed to crushing guilt

"What have I done to this innocent?"
As my heart collapses within
The insignificance of who I am
Magnified by the immensity of Him

Surely there is no salvation
For the murder that I have committed
His blood is a crimson stain
On my soul, Hester Prynne's letter

Completely undone am I
With no hope left in this world
Contemplating my future destruction
Welcoming what I richly deserve

As my knees buckled, life leaving me
From behind he raised me and said,
"You didn't do this to me,
Out of love I did this for YOU"


Hebrews 6:4-6

Each One Reach One
Each One Teach One

Excitement

I must first say that I'm a bit embarrassed that I've neglected this form of communication with you badly. I know that there are number of you that might wander this way from time to time and perhaps experience disappointment that there has been nothing new posted here since Christmas.

Rather than an excuse, let me provide you with reason (and this is directed more toward the O'Fallon family, however I hope, trust and pray that any who come this way might be encouraged).

This has been an extremely busy year filled with great things for the glory of the Lord. I hope that many of you are aware of most if not all of these goings on, but just in case, let me detail a few exciting things for you here:

• Our "Each One Reach One, Each One Teach One" theme has been amazing. We introduced the concept as it relates to our ABCs of Simple Christianity, during the first two weeks of January. We then finished up our series on what "thus saith the Lord" to the seven churches in Asia. The last two messages in the series gave us a great segue into fulling embracing the theme for the year by demonstrating the concepts in what the Lord said to the churches in Sardis and Philadelphia. From there we began a month of messages highlighting Each One Teach One and the beginning of March saw the start of a series of messages based on Each One Teach One. Many have been encouraged and edified by these messages. In case you missed any, they are on the website.
• Though I wouldn't put it under the category of excitement, we've had two of our elders, Ken Longar and Burney Baggett step down to take on other duties within the congregation. Burney has agreed to take on the responsibility of Minister of Education. This will be a massive benefit to our family and we are looking forward to the great things he will do. Ken is still in prayer about what God has next for him, but he and Jo are still with us, still active, still serving and still doing great things in the Lord. They have been a wonderful help to many members, not the least of which is Anderson family, who recently lost John, and the Jones family, who recently welcomed little Elijah.
• A group of volunteers has been established to breath even more life into the congregation. Twice monthly meetings have been established to discuss things like a church social calendar, small groups, fellowship and involvement, ladies ministries, men's ministries and youth ministries. This group is not just discussing things, but have indeed placed things in motion. Most of the rest of this list has to do with the actions of this group. Exciting.
• Men's Power Breakfast have been established and scheduled monthly. We've had two so far this year and we are averaging about 25-30 men and boys that participate
• Women's Prayer Luncheons have been established and scheduled quarterly. We've had one so far and it had similar attendance to the men's effort
• Alan Burnett is chairing a committee of interested members who will form the Youth & Family Minister search team. More will be discussed about this in the next few weeks
• The Walker Family has agreed to take on the church calendar for social activities. We believe that getting people moving will help each of us to reach all of us as well as provide opportunities to teach those who we pray will one day be part of us.
• Though we are saddened by the departure of Andy McCowan from his years long duties as small group coordinator, former elder Charlie Ontiveros has agreed to take on the responsibility of guiding and assisting our small group program. There are surely exciting things to come on that front.
• Scott Rank has infused new enthusiasm as it relates to our newsletter. This will become one of our prime means for getting information out to the family. We are even discussing mailing them out to members' homes to ensure they have this information in hand.
• Due to the departure of great leader Julie Edwards, Michelle Lewis, Mary Dell Baggett and Belinda Manis have agreed to take on the responsibility of women's ministries.
• John Meyer, as deacon of involvement is all over the place with gathering information about what our members' interests and capabilities are in the effort to establish even more activities and ministries in which members can become involved. Watch for the One To Another Ministry. Exciting!

Of course, I could go on and on. The bottom line is that we are a people on the move. We are a people busy for God. And though God has placed several of our long time and beloved members in other works, often in other states, He continues to bless us with new family members. The McDonald family had joined us from Memphis and we've seen the baptism of Lisa Carpenter and Rod Nash in the last few weeks.

Yes beloved, these are exciting times and they promise to be even more exciting and enriching as time goes on. If you are not a part of what's going on, I encourage you to get involved. This is the Lord's church and WE ALL are members. We each need each other to do what God has blessed the ability to do to ensure the health and welfare of the body.

May God Continue To Richly Bless You!

Each One Reach One

Each One Teach One