Diane's Caring Bridge

I want you to read Diane’s comments that were on Caring Bridge.

“God is awesome! He listens to prayers and answers them and works out things for the best. I can't begin to thank everyone for all the prayers, comments, best wishes, cards, etc. during the last 6-7 months. These have all helped me keep a positive attitude (although I had my times) and to keep pressing forward. One thing it taught me is more compassion for others who have/had to fight their battles. Watching others while we waited to be called into the various sections of the process made me realize I really have nothing to complain about. Others are much worse off than me. But the most important lesson I've learned is humility. This has taken me to my knees and strengthened my dependence on God. I confess that I've been complacent in my service to Him and have asked for and received forgiveness. Now I'm anxious to get back to work for Him. My brain is working but my body has no stamina! Soon I hope!! Again, thanks for all the love that's been sent my way! Love to all of you and may God bless you every minute of every day!”

Never once have I heard Diane ask why? Never once have I heard her say her brethren didn’t care.

To be sure there have been some very emotional times that comes from the treatment etc.

However, she learned a long time ago, Who her Savior is.

Read Romans 8:28

Proud of our community.

We were proud of our community for showing respect for Jasper native Army Specialist Jacoby McFarland. We were very glad to share our parking lot as the family and law enforcement met to start their entry into Woodville. While none of us knew this young man, it was very uplifting to see the way he was honored. May God bless this young man’s family.

GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL

GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL

By Keith Bellamy

Over the years there have been comments made to me about someone having a lot of illness in their lives, or maybe there was a lot of tragedy in their lives. The comment is usually something like, "They must have done something terrible in their lives to have so many problems." In John 9:1-2, we notice, “As He passed by, He saw a man blind from birth. And His disciples asked Him, ‘Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?’“ The apostles of Jesus had ideas similar to the comment that has been made to me about people who are having so much suffering. Jesus dispelled that notion with the previous passage in John.

Some will wonder if God is punishing certain folks in different parts of the world that are having earthquakes and the like, and some will make similar comments about the storms across our nation.

There were some present at that very time who told Him about the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices. And He answered them, "Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans, because they suffered in this way? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish. Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and killed them: do you think that they were worse offenders than all the others who lived in Jerusalem? No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." (Luke 13:1-5).

The point of our article is that God is still in control. And we need to be ready! We need to repent and be ready for we don't know at what hour we may be called home. We are not better than those who are suffering. So, let's look to God and admit we are but frail human beings and that He is an awesome God! We Have To Believe GOD IS STILL IN CONTROL!

“NOW WHAT?”

“NOW WHAT?”

by Keith Bellamy

I made the statement after the news of the shootings in White Settlement. I have kept up with Britt Farmer, the senior minister at the West Freeway church. I cannot begin to comprehend what that church is going through. About thirty hours after this terrible ordeal, Britt said, “I have no answers for why the tragedy happened — except that evil exists in the world…”

I do appreciate one of the members saying, “Christians can’t hate.”

The early church was persecuted. The early church grew in spite, of the persecution.

When politicians are turning their backs on God it will continue to get worse. Why would one think that it won’t happen in our country?

As long, as people this country turn their backs on God, it will get worse.

With all of this said, “Now What?”

There is still much to do. Our job as Christians is to lead others to Jesus by our example. Will you do that?

About the close of 2019 by Daniel McGraw

Tonight is the end of 2019... Some argue it is the "ending of the decade." Others want to argue that that will be next NYE. (Honestly, say whatever you want!)

But New Years' Eve offers an incredible opportunity each year. We can take stock of what has happened (good, challenging, and in-between), and begin to look forward to a new start. A fresh slate. A clean beginning. A fresh year.

May your 2020 be full of possibilities: dreams to discover, opportunities to discover, and ways in which you can grow spiritually.

But in Christ this is always a reality. In Christ, God has made all things new!

There's this beautiful verse found in Revelation 21:5. "Behold, I am making all things new... Write, for these words are trustworthy and true." Yes, God is talking about the end of time and the fulfillment of salvation. But this is also a promise that begins for Christians in the here-and-now: "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" (1 Cor. 5:17)

God is in the business of making things new! He can't wait for us to discover the life he has imagined for us. It isn't always easy, but it will be worth it.

Prayer:

Thank you, God, for making all things new through Jesus. As we approach this new year, help me see what new thing(s) you want for my life. Help me dedicate my life to you. Take the old away, and bring the new to stay. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.