GREAT FELLOWSHIP

Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.

God clearly teaches His children, how to live here in our place,

We are to love our enemies and always show them God's grace.

Be kind to those who curse you, showing goodness to those who hate,

Keep on praying for them, and you'll receive His favor which is great.(RP)

Last night we had such a great time at our church fellowship. Our discussion time was reviewing what the missionary spoke about Sunday morning. Margie & I were not here for that, but we listened to the message on our iPads at home. So we were able to enter into the discussion also. We really appreciated the time. We have a full schedule today. Thanks for praying. 

SEARCH COMMITTEE

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

Matthew 24:35

One thing is certain in this sin-filled world; God is always in control,

No matter what mankind thinks, He is always and everywhere on patrol.

I'm so glad His words are in this book; the Bible is precious to me,

My prayer is that all will read what it says, and with Jesus want to be.

Thank God His words will never pass away; they are with us to stay,

So we praise Him for all He's done for us, and trust Him and obey.(RP)

The search committee met last night again to go over more paper work regarding the calling of a head pastor. It is a long process and we are all aware of how critical and important it is to do things thoroughly. Much prayer is a vital part of this procedure. We appreciate those who are praying with us about it. Thanks for praying.

CHURCH DUTY

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; The righteous run to it and are safe.Proverbs 18:10

There is power in the name of the Lord, like a very strong tower,

A place where one can take refuge from someone trying to devour.

God's children find safety in Him as they run for help to this place,

And the consolation He gives is a reminder of His love and grace.(RP)

Today I have the privilege of being in the church in case I am needed for anything. I take advantage of the time to do elder tasks and am available if someone comes in needing my help. I always enjoy the time spent there. Tonight I attend a meeting of the elders, so the day is pretty well filled with responsibilities. We trust your day goes well. Thanks for praying. 

FACING THE WEEK

The fool has said in his heart, "There is no God." Psalm 14:1

Those who deny the existence of God are robbing themselves of best,

And surely they'll miss eternal life, and that beautiful heavenly rest.

How foolish to think there is no God when you look at our vast universe,

To think of the millions of animals and plants; His world is so diverse.

Only a fool would say there's no God; he has marked himself for sure,

When life is over and He meets the One he denied, he'll know there is no detour.(RP)

Here we are on Monday.  We check our schedules and there are not too many things for this week, but actually there are things for about every day, so I guess the week will fill up quickly.  I will be trying to get ahead on my Joshua study, plus getting ready for the upcoming Bible classes that start in about two weeks. It is hard to believe the time passes so quickly. Thanks for praying.

SUNDAY

1 John 5:21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. 

Amen.The thing we love more than God is an idol we should avoid,

These idols ruin lives and each one should be destroyed.

We are entreated to keep ourselves pure; God promises help for this,

So earnestly seek His power my friend, and never an opportunity miss.(RP)

It is a beautiful day here in Ferndale. We will not be in our church today, because I was asked to teach Sunday School and preach for our friend Fred Karlson. Some of his members are in our Friday Bible study at the Ferndale Senior Center, so it will be nice seeing them again. At our church this morning, Rick and Lisa Caynor, missionaries going to Spain, will be speaking. Thanks for praying. 

PREPARING

1 Thessalonians 5:18

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Prayer is acceptable always, and thankfulness ranks very high,

And as we pray, to our Father we draw nigh.

His will is for us to give thanks in everything we do,

And obedience to this brings us joy through and through. (RP)

I am studying Sunday School material and reviewing my message for tomorrow at Woodlyn Chapel where I will be teaching the Sunday School and preaching. Some of the members of this church attend our Friday Bible studies at the Ferndale Center.  We have known the pastor and his wife for many years. Yesterday we had a delightful time with David and Susan Lancaster and their daughter Courtney at an ice cream shop. 

We trust your day goes well. Thanks for praying.

BOOK

For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh;

and these are contrary to one another,

so that you do not do the things that you wish.

Gal 5:17

This old flesh is such a battle as we want to live for Christ,

We desire to live for Jesus but often by our enemy are enticed.

The Spirit and the flesh fight on, each craving first place in line,

But the Spirit wins this battle when we to His leading resign,(RP)

I am in the process now of reading the remaining chapters that Laurel Hicks has edited and proofread for our book. I will send back to her all corrected chapters for her second check. We are hoping it will not be long now before the finishing details are in place and we can publish it. It all takes time and we fully understand this. Thanks so much for praying.