New Beginning
BY DIANE ROBINSON
This past Saturday we had our ladies meeting and Pat Strough brought us the best message that I have heard in a ladies meeting in a very long time. She had a chain around her neck to show us how so many things can keep us from giving our all to the Lord. I wish that more ladies could have been there to hear this. Several of us had tears in our eyes and what an impact it made on us all. Thanks Pat and we are looking forward to the next meeting which will be March 2.
Our sweet and caring Rev. Doyle Patrick is still in the hospital not doing so good. We all miss him and we want the Lord’s will in his life as he does. We are also praying for Sharon and Darrell Watts, Ted and Georgie Jones, Crystal Barnes, Dorothy Lyon, Mike Clarks mother and many more family members and friends.
Pastor’s message Sunday morning was on the fullness of God, taken from several books of the Bible. Psalms 16:11 Thou wilt show me the path of life. In thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore. Psalms 24:1 The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof; the world, and they who dwell therein. I for one am glad to know that the world belongs to the Lord and the devil will never win. Let’s put the devil under our feet and keep him there.
Father, thank you for loving me unconditionally and help me pass that love along today to someone who needs it.
“The smile that lights the face will also warm the heart.”
Holland Baptist
BY KATHY PEARCE
Brother John Evans Jr. delivered his message from John 1:6-12 Sunday morning. He wanted us to see the man God sent, the reason God sent him, and his message. John was the messenger sent from God. God still sends and calls men today. We need those God sent and God called men. John’s name means God is gracious. We are blessed when God sends men to give us His message. Often we don’t recognize the men God sends.
Verse 8 tells us John wasn’t the Light but was sent to bear witness of the Light. We sometimes expect those Jesus sends to be our Savior, deliverer, miracle worker, problem solver, etc. John was just a man. God didn’t lay it upon him to solve all the needs of the people. All he was doing was coming so they might know “Who” would follow. His responsibility was to bear witness of Jesus Christ. He wasn’t the answer but was sent to show where the answer could be found. The message is to those who receive and hear it. Those will be benefited. The message is for all. The only ones excluded are those who choose to exclude themselves.
Christ was the hope for every man who believed. He came to His own but His own did not receive Him. The Word accomplishes nothing unless we receive it. Much of our problem is the result of not following. We don’t heed the Word. The hope of the world is Jesus. The way we respond makes the difference. The problem is, not all men receive the message.
We remain excited about the attendance of children and youth on Wednesday nights. Those of us who work with them are rewarded as we face the challenge of teaching the Word.
The men plan to meet at 7:30 in the morning for their fellowship breakfast. I believe quail is on the menu. All men are invited to join in this time of enjoyment.
The pastor search committee is meeting seeking God’s guidance in calling the man He already has to be our pastor. The church will be in business session tomorrow night. We have great needs for workers and transportation. We remain in prayer concerning these needs.
Many of our membership are still dealing with health concerns. They remain in our thoughts and prayers.
If you don’t have a place to worship with other believers we invite you to join us at 11 a.m. tomorrow.