Don’t Be Stupid

Scripture

Don’t be stupid like a horse or a mule, which must be controlled with bit and bridle to make it submit.

Psalms 32:9, GNT

Quote

God loves obedience.

~Jim Nesbitt

There are two primary ways to learn, by instruction or experience. Many of us are like the horse and mule, we have to learn things the hard way. We learn by trial and error which can be very painful. There is a better way: follow God’s instruction with prompt obedience. The LORD will guide us daily if we will submit but the more we rebel, the greater our suffering. The way of the transgressor is hard. Your happiness in this life definitely depends on your obedience to God.

• Great turn out for GOLDEN GIRLS. We had four of our regulars absent and still had ten. Our next meeting is July 2.
• Harvested a bucket of squash yesterday. PTL
• I think it is safe for me to Praise the LORD for the rain–everyone got one yesterday. That’s two for us this week. We got 1 inch on Thursday and an inch and a half today. THANK YOU JESUS.
• VBS meeting this morning at 9:00 in Sanctuary.
• Vote on Search Team today–9:00-10:30
• PROMOTION DAY IN LCBS TODAY!
• David hurt his back yesterday and Tyler is out of town–we are winging it today

VBS JUNE 13-17

VBS June 3-7

VBS June 3-7

VBS June 3-7

God Rewards Obedience

Scripture

“I assure you that everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to come.”

~Luke 18:29-30, NLT

Quote

It pays to serve Jesus, it pays every day; it pays every step of the way

~Frank Huston

In 1880 an uneducated evangelist by the name of Dwight L. Moody felt God leading him to hold an evangelistic meeting at Cambridge University. Moody had a 6th grade education and Cambridge was one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the world. No one encouraged him; as a matter of fact they discouraged him and some even scoffed. The crusade did not get off to a good start and Moody’s critics were having a field day but mid-way through the week, things changed dramatically. The Holy Spirit fell and the altar was filled. Hundreds of brilliant students gave their life to Jesus including the Cambridge Seven [Charles Thomas Studd, Harry Beauchamp, Stanley P. Smith, Arthur Polhill-Turner, Cecil H. Polhill-Turner, Dixon Edward Hoste, and William Wharton Cassel]. Most of these young men came from wealthy families and all became Missionaries to China. They all worked with the renowned Hudson Taylor. Can you imagine, seven brilliant theologians and seven humble Missionaries coming out of one meeting.

The Cambridge Seven

 

• Kane Hogan 5 K run Saturday at 8:00, Point Mallard. One mile fun run at 9:00 am.
• GOLDEN GIRLS this morning at Cracker Barrel in Hartselle @ 9:00 am.
• Baptism Sunday: Sydney Hinkle.
• Deacons Meeting this Sunday March 6 but no meeting on March 13th [Time Change].
• Our next Krispy Kreme Sunday will be March 27th.
• The Franklin Graham prayer rally is April 14, 12:00 noon in Montgomery.
• Continue to pray for those below: Gary doesn’t appear to be worse but neither does he seem to be making progress.  We need a miracle.

NEW YORK – JUNE 25: Franklin Graham, with Bible in hand, addresses the crowd before his father Billy Graham speaks during his Crusade at Flushing Meadows Corona Park June 25, 2005 in the Queens borough of New York. Flushing Meadows Corona Park is the site for Graham’s sermons on June 24-26, which looks to draw thousands of people from across the country, and will purportedly be the aging Christian evangelist’s final crusade. (Photo by Stephen Chernin/Getty Images)

Ten Do Nots In Matthew Six

SCRIPTURE

“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.”

~Matthew 6:34, NLT

QUOTE

God does not reveal His will to the curious and careless, but to those who are ready and willing to obey.

~Warren W. Wiersbe

I am a list maker and a note taker. As I read Matthew 6 yesterday morning, these DON’T of Jesus jumped out at me.

1. Don’t do good deeds to be seen of men.
2. Don’t call attention to your acts of charity.
3. Don’t boast about what you give.
4. Don’t pray insincerely or for show.
5. Don’t babble, get to the point.
6. Don’t act like a hypocrite.
7. Don’t publicize your piety.
8. Don’t store up earthly treasures.
9. Don’t attempt to serve two masters.
10. Don’t worry.

• Another great Sunday–two great messages. Yesterday mornings sermon is the most relevant message I have heard on the condition of the modern church. You can hear the audio by going to danvillebaptist.org and clicking on the link that Catfish has set up–preachers, it will be worth your time to listen. We also give thanks for the one baptism and the one profession of faith. One per Sunday would give us 52 on the year: I’d take that in a heart beat.
• Our new Media Pastor is doing a great job but he may have to take that turkey down. That is a delicious looking bird.
• A call to prayer for Gary Garner…Gary had a rough week last week. Let’s all pray for Gary. Kane goes to Memphis on Wednesday.
• I got to drive the van last night–Bill is at Disney World. I had 8 and all eight want to come to the Luke 14 banquet next Sunday night. We have a good time on the van. Jeremy and Dian get a little loud sometimes but they are always happy. Sissy asked Dian if she ate some chocolate at AWANA because she was bouncing off the walls in the van, she said yes. Don’t give Dian chocolate or caffeine–she doesn’t need it. I will need a reminder next Sunday evening and I will need reminding to take them home also.
• The GOLDEN GIRLS and SENIOR ADULT Christmas Party is at Cracker Barrel on Saturday December 5th.   Let’s make it 9:00 am. Your meal is your Christmas Present. No fruit or cakes this year. My baker has retired. 
• There is a station out of Birmingham that plays Christmas Music and has Delilah on at night. She was talking about the seven love languages last night. I don’t remember hearing all seven at one time. Her program is great listening around THANKSGIVING.

Rebels By Nature

SCRIPTURE

All of us like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; but the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him [Jesus].

~Isaiah 53:6, NASB

QUOTE

“We are not merely imperfect creatures who must be improved; we are rebels who must lay down our arms.”

~C.S. Lewis

When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, they lost their submissive nature. Adam and Eve had a ‘self’ and ‘self consciousness’ but it was very small. It was so small that they ran around naked and it didn’t bother them. The fall changed everything: self became huge and Adam and Eve became egocentric whereas they had be theocentric. It was not longer natural for them to obey God. Submission and obedience became a struggle and remains so until this day. Obedience would be our delight, our greatest joy if we could make it our practice. How do we recover this self-surrendering nature that Adam lost?

The first step would be to acknowledge the truth, “All we like sheep have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way.” Going a head and admit it, “You want what you want when you want and you will pitch a fit or pout if you don’t get it.” But we can’t stop at confession. Repentance and confession are two different things. All who repent confess but not all who confess repent. The answer to our dilemma may be found in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” We furnish the weakness and Christ provides the grace. Hallelujah, what a SAVIOR! When I was growing up we sang a song that went something like this– “Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him, how I have proved HIM over and over. Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus, oh for grace to trust HIM more.”

• Reagan Bowling came home yesterday. I think Johnny Burnett’s sister has surgery tomorrow at HH. I haven’t heard from Preston Grammer. I didn’t visit yesterday but I assume Bufford Burgess is still in ICU DGH. He is very sick.
• No Deacon’s meeting today. LCBS at 9:15 and Celebrate Jesus in worship at 10:15. I hear rumors that everyone is gone to the lake or the beach but I was told that the last two Sunday’s and we had great crowds so I am going to wait and see.
• Joe David and crew are spending a week with Rita Lindsey in Coco Beach. Her husband’s name is Larry but I don’t remember his last name. Anywho, Rita is a great hostess. Joe David is driving back next Saturday alone. He is like his dad in that he does not mind traveling alone. Ty, Josie, and Lori are flying back with Rita on Monday.
• My Daddy was promoted 20 years ago today if my math is right!

Eugene Luther Bailey

• Robert E. Lee was a Christian and a gentleman which is why we lost the war. He fought in the traditional manor, never stooping to acts of terrorism. When Lincoln realized he could not win the war any other way, he sent a terrorist by the name of William Sherman to burn and loot every town he came to. Don’t kid yourself, Lincoln knew exactly what he would do which is why he sent him.We could have done the same but we had a civilized leader and one we can be proud of which is more than I can say for the aggressors. If I was Obama and the blacks, I would chill on the Rhetoric. We don’t need a second civil war and we sure don’t need a racial war. We have done enough reconstruction of history; they need to leave this issue alone.

Terrorist, William T. Sherman

Robert E. Lee

What’s In Your Future

 

 

SCRIPTURE

Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace.  But the rebellious will be destroyed; they have no future.

~Psalm 37:37-38, NLT

QUOTE

God is more interested in your future and your relationships than you are.

~William Franklin Graham

Humans have a fascination with the future. They say at least one out of five Americans read the horoscope daily and one of three check it occasionally. False prophets have made millions of dollars with their books on prophecy. Actually, we do not need the horoscope, false prophet or physics: the bible will reveal our future.

God speaks in Isaiah 46:9-10…Remember the things I have done in the past. For I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me. Only I can tell you the future before it even happens. Everything I plan will come to pass, for I do whatever I wish. Although none of us can predict the future, God has given us the gift to determine some aspects of our future. Moses told Israel: you have two choices–You can obey the LORD and enter the land where you will live or you can disobey, stay here in the wilderness and die. Your choice is life or death, a blessing or a curse.

Rebellion is a curse. Samuel said, “Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft.” Those who rebel against God have no future, period. Proverbs 24:20, For evil people have no future; the light of the wicked will be snuffed out. And you can throw in Proverbs 13:15 for boot, “The way of transgressors is hard.”

Do you bristle with resentment and anger every time someone gives you instructions? Do you feel above taking instructions from anyone but especially spiritual leaders? Just remember, you attitude determines your future.

• Today we pray for FAMILY. Folks we have a lot of hurting families. I was on the phone last night with a broken hearted mom. I am telling you folks, the pain and devastation that sin produces is everywhere. Pick out a family and pray for them. I am leaning very strongly toward connect groups so that we can pray for each other.
• Have not heard from B’ham since yesterday morning. We will probably go down today. Seth came in from Atlanta last night and said all was clear until he got to Hartselle.
• Our front yard is a sheet of ice about an inch thick and nothing melted yesterday.
• Remember, no DEACON’S meeting Sunday. We begin at 9:15 with LCBS. Gregg and I will have coffee and donuts at 9:00. Remember, you have to run your clocks up one hour Saturday night. It is time to Spring Up!

LCBS LESSON PREVIEW for March 8th

“A Birth Like No Other”

Jesus is fully human and fully God.

²⁶ In the sixth month of Elizabeth’s pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, ²⁷ to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. ²⁸ Gabriel appeared to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” ²⁹ Confused and disturbed, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. ³⁰ “Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! ³¹ You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. ³² He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. ³³ And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”

³⁴ Mary asked the angel, “But how can this happen? I am a virgin.” ³⁵ The angel replied, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the baby to be born will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God.

Unique Birth

Jesus could have been born in a palace. Actually, there was a palace with indoor restroom facilities and hot and cold water just a few miles [6] from where Jesus was born. Herod’s palace was one of the most modern buildings of the time but Jesus was born near by in a stable. The KING of kings born in a stable with no nurse maid, no servants to attend to his needs. His birth was celebrated by angels and shepherds. The shepherds were the lowest of the lowly. Most people despised them and no one wanted to be life them.

Just think, Mary had the heartbeat of God within her for 9 months. As the song says, “When she kissed the face of Jesus, she kissed the face of God.” Jesus was a real baby, He cried when hungry, He pooped in his diapers, He had blood in his veins just like you and I.

The Paradox

Reason would have Jesus either be fully God or fully man or perhaps half-God and half-man but Jesus was fully God and fully man. It is a statement of truth that does not make sense and it seems to be a contradiction. Many truths in the scripture are of a paradoxical nature and they require faith. Most of the major decision you make in life require faith.

I believe Jesus is fully God and fully man but I cannot explain it. His unique birth helps me understand but that does not dispel all the mystery. Jesus entered this world and the world of flesh and blood through the portal of Mary’s womb. He existed before He was incarnated. He was the same age of His father but older than His mother. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit not Joseph’s sperm. Therefore, Jesus did not inherit our sinful nature. He took our human nature from Mary but He took God’s sinless nature from the Holy Spirit. Jesus was fully human but He was not twisted, perverted in his thinking. He could sin I suppose but He had no desire to sin. It was as natural for Jesus to be perfect as it is for me to be imperfect. He was tempted but not in the same way that you and I are tempted: we are tempted to rely on the flesh, He was tempted to rely on His divine powers. You and I have never been tempted to turn rock in to bread or jump from high building without a parachute and it is because we don’t have supernatural capability; He did.

REASONS FOR A VIRGIN BIRTH

1. One reason for Jesus’ virgin birth is that it identified Him as the Messiah. Isaiah 7:14 prophesied that a virgin would be with child. Ever since that prophecy, the Jews had looked for that particular sign. God uses miracles to validate His messengers. A virgin birth is a powerful validation.
2. Another reason for the virgin birth is that having a biological father would have annulled Jesus’ deity. He could not have been the son of Joseph and the Son of God at the same time. Every person born of man has inherited Adam’s sin nature (Romans 5:12, 17, 19).
3. The virgin birth is also a picture of GRACE. Joseph had no part whatsoever in the conception of Jesus. Mary’s role was passive; she merely accepted God’s gift. As Ephesians 2:8-9 says, the work of salvation is done by God alone. Neither holiness nor salvation can be brought about by the effort of man.
4. Since man sinned, technically for God to remain holy, a man had to die for those sins. Jesus became human so that He could qualify as our sacrifice for sin. Jesus is our atonement. He is the lamb without spot or blemish. Thus He had to God-Man to fulfill this role. The Just {Jesus} became the Justifier.
5. Jesus is Unique. He is not merely a man as some would have us believe. Napoleon said, “I know men and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man.”
6. To deny the virgin birth is antithetical to the Christian faith. It is a denial that a virgin with conceive and give birth to the Messiah. It is a denial that Jesus is God. It is a denial that the word of God is infallible.

QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

1. We live in a Republic: what is the difference between a Republic and the Reign of Christ?
2. Which heresy is more destructive: to deny the deity of Christ or to deny His humanity?
3. What encourages you about Jesus humanity?
4. What excites you about Jesus deity?
5. Can you name something in fiction that comes close to the story of Jesus birth?
6. In your personal opinion, who is the most popular woman in history?
7. Why are we having a lesson on Jesus birth in March?

 

The Peace Of God

SCRIPTURE

Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done.  Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand.

~Philippians 4:6b-7a, NLT

QUOTE

Peace is such a precious jewel that I would give anything for it but truth.

~Matthew Henry

While Jack Taylor was serving as pastor he had a female member to be diagnosed with terminal cancer. The woman was a widow of a few years but not that old. She did not take the bad news well. She became so embittered that no one could stand to be around her. Finally, her friends came to Dr. Taylor and told him the problem; he agreed to pay her a visit. He knocked on her door and she invited him in; for the next hour or so he listened as she poured out her complaints. When she ran out of steam, Dr. Taylor asked: “Have you given thanks to God?” She erupted with second diatribe….“Give thanks to God, are you crazy. Do you actually expect me to give thanks for cancer?” Dr. Taylor responded, “I did not ask you to thank Him for the cancer; the question is, have you thanked Him for all He has done in the midst of all you are suffering? The bible says, ‘In all things, give thanks’…it does not say, ‘for‘ all things give thanks. Don’t thank Him for the cancer but thank Him for what he has done for you.”

Suddenly she saw the truth that is expressed in today’s scripture…Tell God what you need and thank Him for all He has done. Paul said, once a believer has done these two things, the peace of God that passes all understanding will become a reality. Don’t expect to receive His peace until you are willing to thank Him for what he has done. By the way, the woman in the above story died with cancer a few months later but she died in peace. She became an avid witness for Christ during the remainder of her life.

• Today we pray for the Holladay Family. We will give the teachers a day off.
• Kenny’s CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICE is a 1:00 pm. Visitation from 11:00-1:00. We are feeding the family after the service. Call Jennifer Garner or Mandy Bowling if you have questions.
• THE GATHERING Wednesday night at 6:30. Supper at 5:30 and AWANA at 6:15.
• GOLDEN GIRLS meet this Saturday at Cracker Barrel at 9:00 am.
• See how many you can identify out of the picture below?

To Be or Not to Be, Holy!

 

1. SCRIPTURE

But now you must be holy in everything you do, just as God who chose you is holy. For the Scriptures say, “You must be holy because I am holy.”

~I Peter 1:15-16

QUOTE

Holiness is not the way to Christ–Christ is the way to holiness.

~Yaakov

MY THOUGHTS

For the second week in a row, I sat down to study my LCBS lesson and I did not comprehend a thing so I took a nap. What is your reaction to this implicit command to be holy. It is found throughout scripture. There is not a single reference to it in the O.T., there are multiple references. Over and over again. Leviticus 20:7 reads, “So set yourselves apart to be holy, for I am the LORD your God.” This command is found 6 times in Leviticus alone. How many holy people do you know? Most Baptist can’t think of a single person when asked this question whereas our holiness friends will recite a list. A lot depends on our definition of holy. The word holy {I Peter 1:15-16} is hagios and it is used in two ways in scripture: [1] It speaks of God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit who are absolutely holy in purity, majesty and glory. [2] It is also used of men and things in so far as they are devoted to God. These are called hagioi “Saints”…”Sanctified” or “Holy ones.” The Temple was also called holy, as were certain places in the temple. The church is referred to as a Holy Nation, Holy Priesthood and our bodies are referred to as Holy Temples.

In today’s lesson we see some characteristics of a holy person:

1. They are obedient to Christ [v.14]
2. They do not conform {not afraid to be different} [v. 14]
3. They are not man-pleasers but God-fearers [v.17]
4. They work from the point of redemption {Christ work on the cross}. They understand that it is what He did that makes us holy. [v. 18-19]
5. They are empowered by Christ resurrection. [v.21]
6. They love sincerely. [v.22]
7. They incarnate the word of God. [v.23]

We cannot be something we are not. Holiness is a divine miracle. I could never put my self in a position to be holy, Christ did this for me. Everything is grace from A-Z, the Redemption of Christ made me holy, the resurrection of Christ enables me to live holy. God puts it in me but my obedience to Christ is what works it out. The reason I and most others don’t live a holy life is that we focus on our weakness and failure and not God’s power.

1. God’s power spoke creation into existence. You and I were  not there, we had nothing to do with it.
2. God’s power liberated Israel from the powerful grasp of Pharaoh: who in the world at that time thought such a thing was possible. God did it with ease!
3. God’s power can liberate you and I from bad habits and selfish ways: Study the life of Paul for an example.
4. God’s power is greater than any possession or addiction: Mary Magdalene would be a prime example.
5. God’s power can make things new even in a sinful world. The church would be an example.

God is a genius, you cannot be holy unless you are willing but you will not be holy a part from His grace. Oswald Chambers say, “We can’t be holy but we can give Christ permission to make us Holy.” He has it fixed it so no one can brag. Holiness can only be achieved one way, HIS!

• Excited about the FRONT PEW SHOWER today…anxious to see if it goes well.
• Joe David in preaching in Hatton today: he will be back with us Wednesday night.
• Scratch sheet for Deacons and Trustees is in the foyer [you have three weeks]

 

 

 

 

A lot of you remember Glenn Coffee who played running back at Alabama. He played a couple of years in the pro’s and had one really good year before abruptly retiring. He recently graduated jump school in Fort Benning. Here is his testimony about leaving the NFL…

As far as the NFL goes, I have a hard time putting it like this because it sounds kind of harsh, but I feel like it ruins a lot of lives more than anything else. And that goes for people who have short careers in the NFL and long careers in the NFL. Because what happens is they see that as success. And money throughout your life has nothing to with your salvation inChrist. A lot of players get that money. And they chase that money, man, and I feel that they’re really missing the true meaning of life. So I’m constantly afraid for the NFL and the players because kids growing up nowadays, they see that as the end all, be all. And that’s just not the case.

Coffee did not like California. He missed Alabama and regretted leaving. He said, “I quit the NFL because my heart was not in it. I believed the Lord was leading me to do something else.”

 

Glenn Coffee

His Grace At Work In Us

Prayer For REVIVAL in America

SCRIPTURE

For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.

Philippians 2:13, NLT

QUOTE

Grace will not suffer a vacuum, any more than nature.

~Johann Albrecht Bengel

COMMENTARY

Paul prayed for the Thessalonians asking God to enable them to live a life worthy of His calling, giving them the power to accomplish all the good things their faith prompted them to do. “If you do this,” Paul said,  “the name of our Lord Jesus will be honored because of the way you live, and you will be honored along with him. This is all made possible because of the grace of our God and Lord, Jesus Christ.” The process of sanctification demands our obedience. God doesn’t do it without us and we can’t do it without Him. He demands our obedience but we cannot obey a part from the working of His grace. It is God who gives us the desire and the power to please Him. Amazing grace, who can explain it? I certainly cannot but one thing I know, Tis grace has brought me safe thus far and His grace will lead home.

EXTRA

• A heartfelt THANKS to all. The visitation for James Kyle’s family was overwhelming and then the meal yesterday was out of this world. It was a table fit for a king. Thank you one and all. You make me proud. Wayne Penn had the time of his life. I have never met anyone who loves to eat as much as Wayne. Mandy and team get an A+. I know that Christine and Gerry helped, along with TLC, Alias Betty R, Floyd, Sandy Dandy and Jennifer. I am sure I left someone out, I always do.
• Service went good: Tyler Jolly was superb on sound and video. Doug was outstanding as always. The Josh Grogan Video was moving. Wayne did very good on the opening and Joe David connected big time. It was a really good service. Unique, but that is the way it should have been.  
• Our MISSION OFFERING Sunday provided us with enough money to do the 12 houses. Mandy has already mailed the money to GRACE MINISTRIES. Our mission team will be leaving Huntsville International Sunday morning September 15 at 6:30 am. and we return late the following Saturday.
• The Summer is flying by and I should care but I don’t. It wouldn’t hurt my feelings to see a light frost, anything to slow this grass down. Our garden is literally run a way, it is a jungle.
• I need to meet with nominating committee tonight after church.

Bound And Determined

Prayer For REVIVAL in America

SCRIPTURE

Then they said to Jeremiah, “May the Lord your God be a faithful witness against us if we refuse to obey whatever he tells us to do!  Whether we like it or not, we will obey the Lord our God to whom we are sending you with our plea. For if we obey him, everything will turn out well for us.”

Jeremiah 42:5-6, NLT

QUOTE

Christians don’t tell lies they just go to church and sing them.

~A.W. Tozer

COMMENTARY

The tiny remnant of Judeans whom Nebuchadnezzar allowed to stay in the land came to Jeremiah the prophet and begged him to intercede for them. They pleaded with him to go to the LORD in their behalf and they promised to obey…“Whatever He tells us to do, we will do it if we like it or not.” Jeremiah assumed that they were sincere and he prayed for ten days. The Lord told Jeremiah to tell them to stay put, trust Him and not go to Egypt. When he told them what the Lord said, they accused him of lying.  They had their minds made up when they came to Jeremiah, they wanted his approval and God’s blessings but they were not sincerely seeking God’s will.  Folks, God is not going to bless our rebellion and disobedience. For the men of Judah, prayer was a formality not a force. They sounded sincere and very spiritual but in reality they are neither. They were bound and determined to carry out their plans even though their plans were in conflict with God’s will.

EXTRA

• Senior Adult Luncheon today at 11:30 in the parlor
• Great service last night: I was blown away, my group tripled. I loved it. This makes two straight great services at night.
• T-Bone and Holli’s baby is still in Huntsville: Joe Wheeler is better.
• A man by the name of Milton Slate [was a member of Hopewell for years] is in critical condition in HH. Milton was a meat cutter at Kroger when cancer struck him as a young man. He has had multiple surgeries and all kinds of treatment and was in remission for years [I guessing 20 or more] but now the cancer is back and its everywhere. Pray for Milton and also Clayton Clements.
• Bitter Blue Betty of Twitter said: “England has a Royal Family, we have a royal pain.”

Fear Not, Falter Not

Prayer For REVIVAL in America

SCRIPTURE: “Fear not, falter not before this vast army; it is for God, not for you, to fight them.” {II Chronicles 20:15, Moffatt}

QUOTE: Show me someone who has done something worthwhile, and I’ll show you someone who overcame overwhelming odds.  ~Doctor Lou

COMMENTARY: Life can present some intimidating circumstances; things that leave us feeling overwhelmed, shocked and afraid. When Jehoshaphat got word that three nations had allied against him, he was afraid. Three to one has never been good odds. Adding insult to injury is the fact that the three nations were kinsfolk. Ammon and Moab were descendants of Lot and the Edomites were Esau’s descendants. The LORD did not permit Israel to attack any of the three as they came out of Egypt because they were relatives. So Jehoshaphat is both shocked and afraid: he feels both betrayed and bullied.

What do we do in the midst of intimidating circumstances? How do we cope when the odds are against us? First we give thanks that we have the scripture to guide us. As we look into the word of God, we see clearly what our game plan should be.

1. We pray! Jehoshaphat not only prayed privately, he called a national prayer meeting. He decreed a day of prayer and fasting for all Judah and had them gather in Jerusalem for a prayer conference. So when faced with intimidating circumstances, we pray and there is always added power when we come together to pray.
2. We seek a word from the LORD. In Jehoshaphat’s case, the word came from a Levite named Jehaziel [Beheld of God], a descendant of Asaph who was David’s minister of music in Jerusalem. Asaph served David and Solomon in leading the praise and worship at Jerusalem. I don’t know if Jehaziel was the Minister of Music or just a member of the Levitical Choir but God spoke to him and gave him a message for king and country: “Fear not, falter not, before this vast horde. The LORD is going to fight this battle and you will be His witnesses.”
3. We obey! We do exactly as the LORD commands.  Jehaziel said,  “The Battle is the LORD’s”but that did not mean that the men of Judah could stay at home, watch TV and play video games. God’s demands that we exercise our faith and we cannot be His witnesses unless we join the battle and see His salvation first hand. Obedience is our way of demonstrating our faith. Jehoshaphat lead his army to battle but he had the choir in front praising God for the victory. Putting your choir in front of your infantry, demonstrates a lot of faith, amen!
4. We stand! Note verse 17… Take your positions; then stand still and watch the Lord’s victory. He is with you, O people of Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Go out against them tomorrow, for the Lord is with you!”
5. We gather the spoils! If we are faithful to pray, seek God’s will, demonstrate our faith in obedience and take a stand…God will give victory and we will be busy gathering the “Enormous booty” [Moffatt]. It took the men of Judah three days to gather the spoils of war and they never fired a shot. The three armies killed each other before the men of Judah arrived.

EXTRA: God is good. We got our Marine home and then our cheerleaders had to ship out for a month. Smyrna, Tennessee is a beautiful town but I prefer Hartselle, actually, I prefer Danville. The traffic on I-65 was heavy I thought but on I-24 it was much worse. I was actually glad to get back to I-65. Another beautiful day weather wise. My new tomatoes are looking good. If anyone is running short on mosquitos we have a million or two we will share. All the rain water I have saved is not helping. I have to be sprayed up to go to the garden.

Remember a couple of changes tomorrow: NO DEACON’S MEETING but I do want to meet with MATTHEWS  at 8:45 in Sanctuary. I’ll have donuts there about 8:30.

The Bailey sisters are having a yard sale at IRONMAN TODAY! Mylee and Ryder are running a lemonaid stand and selling BIG MAMA BROWNIES. I know that would appreciate the business and they need the money.

This poor cat need reviving! Amen!