GIVE

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Prayers Needed and Prayers Answered

Praise Report!!
Ms. Rosa's daughter Carol Barton tells us that she is now released from the hospital. She is still weak, but wishes to thank everyone for the prayers and calls. I am sure she would appreciate it if anyone would call her. The number is 205-486-4868.

Please remember Harold Sandlin as his surgery date is getting closer. Neal and Sondra are wonderful members of the church.

A nephew of Ronnie Cockrell, Justin Martin, is just holding his own. He is at UAB and is very, very sick. We visited him Monday and they need prayer very much. His mom was married to Ronnie's brother who passed away in 1998. Justin is only 31 and has 1 son.

Please leave comments or call Bro. Smith if you know of others who need our support. As always, lift up our church to the Lord.
God Bless You All and hope to see you Wednesday night and this coming Sunday.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Urgent Prayer Request!!

Church, our Beloved Ms. Rosa, is in the hospital in Haleyville. I have tried to call but could not get an answer. She is in Room 321B and the line to her room is 205-485-7321. Let's all remember her in prayer.
Also, be in prayer for Neal Sandlin's dad, Harold. He is scheduled for cancer surgery soon. We all need to be much in prayer for him. There are so many needs all around us every day and it is vitally important that we all support our church and lift up each other in prayer. Another thing is that we don't want to neglect Bro. Smith and his family. We all depend on him for leadership and he needs our prayers, too.

Please remember that we have a Prayer Chain and the phone numbers are posted on this blog. If you know of anyone who needs help, please call someone at the church.

Changes, Fears, Stresses

If you read the paper or turn on the news these days, you will no doubt hear alot about "change". Not everyone is convinced that our country is headed in the right direction, however. Seems like more often than not, there is much turmoil and fear about the future. When even the most stable companies are going under and wealth is disappearing (for some) all the time, we need desperately to go to the Rock of our Salvation!!! He will never falter and never fail, no matter what the world looks like. Take heart from these comforting words:


Do not look forward to the changes and chances of this life in fear;
Rather, look to them with full hope, that as they arise, God, whose you are,
will deliver you out of them.
He has kept you hitherto~do not but hold fast to His dear hand,
and He will lead you safely through all things;
and, when you cannot stand, He will bear you in His arms.
Do not look forward to what may happen tomorrow,
the same Everlasting Father who cares for you today,
will take care of you tomorrow and everyday.
Either He will shield you from suffering, or He will give you unfailing strength to bear it.
Be at peace then, and put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations.

St. Francis De Sales

Taken from http://www.missgracieshouse.blogspot.com/

May the Lord bless you richly and wrap you in His loving arms in this unsure and turbulent time.

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

The armour bearer

Even tho' we read about how we need to be 'strong in the Lord', it seems like there are times this battlefield gets awfully tiring. Our Lord does know our frame and allows for our human weaknesses. This little poem says alot to me, and I hope you find some encourgement here when it's hard to stay in the fight. Our Father tells us the battle is not our's but the Lord's.


"They don't know that I go running home when I fall down.
They don't know who picks me up when noone is around.
I drop my sword and look up for a smile,
'Cause deep inside this armour the warrior is a child."

Sunday, March 22, 2009

The End of the Age?

We are living in very unique times. Right now, end-time revival is happening as millions around the globe are being saved. In Pakistan, India, and other Muslim countries, Christians are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus Christ. We must learn to walk with the Lord, not with the world. Blessings come from God. When this mighty nation was founded, the Puritans came with the Gospel and settled the land, building churches and seeking freedom of religion. Our forefathers sought God and God first!! In modern times, men have their attention on wrong things, temperal things. Jesus chose us to worship Him, to prepare us for eternity! Many are bound by Satan, but we can know the truth and it will set us free. Turn to the truth~Jesus.

Jesus taught us about the signs of His coming, along with warnings to help us in this struggle we all face, day by day. Turn to Matthew 24 to read His words~they are as relevant today as they were 2000+ years ago. There are many tactics the enemy uses to turn us away from the Light.

Matt. 24
1. Spiritual Deception
Many come in His name to deceive all who will be swayed. The most effective method to avoid this trap is to see if it lines up with the Word of God. Celebrities and even ministers stand up to say that there are many roads to Heaven and everybody will be saved anyway in the end, but don't believe that for a split~second. Go back to John 14:6 and read; Jesus declared Himself to be the Way, the Truth and the Life: no man comes to the Father but by the blood of His precious Son! Praise the Lord!!

2. Great Political Unrest
Matt. 24: 6, 7 There will be wars and rumors of wars, but the end is not yet. Ethnic cleansing doesn't sound so horrific until you realize what it truly is. Satan is alive and well and enjoying the chaos all over the world.

3. Great Natural Disasters
v. 7, 8 Think of all that happened following Katrina, or after a war. There is no way to transport food and supplies, people group together out of necessity, often leading to the spread of disease from lack of clean water. The problems mushroom out of control. Did you know that from 1990 to 2000, there were more earthquakes than at any other time combined? Verse 8 tells us that "all these are the beginning of sorrows". We are so close, the time is near and we need to be strong.
That precious lady we all love so, Ms. Rosa, was at church today and I asked her about how we face such scary times? She told me yes, life can be terrifying , but we aren't supposed to live in fear and we simply have to stay close to the Father. She said that when it comes our time, we don't have to fear death because He is our Father and we are precious to Him. He will be there for us. Keep our hand in His, then we can 'stand'. If anybody in the world can testify of His loving care and strength, it would have to be Ms. Rosa. When you meet a saint who has met life head~on and depends totally on God, your spirit bears witness. There is a calm and a peace about her that draws people. It is more than the person, it is the sweet presence of Jesus and His great love. The Bible tells us that when we are led through severe trials, we are to take that test and use it to help and strengthen someone else. Thanks be to God for allowing us to be used in His great plan.

4. Great Religious Persecution
v. 11, 12 Although this has been going on around the world, it is really starting here in America. Need examples?? ACLU, late~term abortion, calling evil good and good evil, love of money, science that states we don't need God anymore, because of iniquity, Jesus said the love of many will wax cold. We see that on every headline, everyday! It may go unnoticed to alot of folks but Montgomery wants to legalize the sale of liquor without people knowing what they have done. Of course, that leads to poverty, while the money finds its way into the pockets of politicians. Disgraceful and shameful in the United States of America. This is NOT why our fathers and grandfathers fought and bled. Verse 13 tells us that he that shall endure unto the end, shall be saved...v 14, this Gospel shall be preached in all the world (and it is going all over the globe right now, thanks to satellite tech) AND THEN SHALL THE END COME. We have no excuse, God sent His witness. We must turn our hearts again to the Lord and stay close to Him. He is the answer, the only answer!!!!

Update!!

As you may know Bill and Jim Elliott will be here to minister in music in April, but due to a prior commitment, they will have to postpone their trip until the following week, making it April 26th. You won't want to miss this exciting time in the Lord and PLEASE make your plans to join us on that day!! Mark your calendars!!! Invite friends and loved ones to hear the Good News!!!!!

Bro. Smith told us about something that happened concerning Bro. Butler who will be here May 7-9. He had just described to the church what a great preacher this man is, and Bro. Butler called Bro. Dewayne "out of the blue". Well, some folks would put it that way, but actually, it was by "divine appointment". Our Lord works that way, doesn't He? Bro. Butler is the pastor of the Carbon Hill Church of God of Prophecy and they run over 100 people strong.

For our Teachers of all classes, please get the names and phone numbers to Pastor in order for follow-up. We need the names of absentees as well as prospects. This will be very beneficial in our outreach to the communities.

The blog for our church is an important tool that we can use. If you are a reader, please use the "comment" function, and also, tell anyone else you know who might be interested in knowing what is happening in the life of our church. We welcome any suggestion and thoughts you have. Feel free to share at any time. The website is more than just a "bulletin"; it has links to other sites and in turn, they link back to us. This helps all the 'sister' churches to keep in touch and share in the joys and burdens of our own home church. We need to pray, PRAY this year~it is vitally important as we endeavor to build this church. And building a church does NOT mean with hammer and nails, it is people. Getting local people involved. We are seeing first fruits now after the first year WCFC has been established. Take hold on the things of God, pray, pray, pray and get on board!!! Truly, soon God the Father will say, "Son, go get my children". We must work and be ready when He comes again!!!

Thursday, March 19, 2009

Corrections

The dates given before were incorrect. Please note the changes below:

We will be having a great man of God to come and minister to us May 7th, 8th, and 9th. His name is John Billy Butler and Bro. Smith assures us he is a wonderful preacher. Hope to see you there.

Our Summer Revival will be July 19-22 at WCFC with Bro. Nick McSpaddin. He has preached at the church before and we saw a great move of the Holy Spirit then. Make your plans to come and join us for these events. You are always welcome at Winfield City Family Church.





There is a destiny that makes us brothers, none goes his way alone;
All we send into the lives of others, comes back into our own.


"The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; for the Lord upholdeth him with His hand."
Psalms 37: 23-24.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

U.S. News and World Report

It seems that our world is continuing on a downward spiral these days. All the news agencies point to turbulent times and for sure, NO good news. It can be very discouraging to even tune in to see what is happening around the globe on a daily basis. There are hideous crimes, tragic events happening to good people each and every day. The nations of the world seem to be on the brink of all~out war, and ordinary citizens turn on each other over the most insignificant things. Who would have ever imagined the term "road rage" a few years back? Parents have lost the will to love and nurture their own babies, someone goes on a shooting rampage and dozens of people are wiped out, a gunman stands up in a church service and kills a pastor!! Do you wonder how our grandparents or great-grandparents would have reacted to the headlines of this new millennium? They would be shocked!!

Here is some Good News: God isn't. Not at all. He knows everything that will be. He sees the end of the road, the blue skies when we only see storms. The Lord's people must turn to Him for the answers. He IS the answer!!

"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; He also is become my salvation." Isaiah 12:2

The best Sunday School teacher I have ever known, Sharon Tidwell, from Winfield Church of God, would often tell us, "when you are fearful, just remember these words from that precious song",

"turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wonderful face,
and the things of Earth will grow strangely dim,
in the Light of His Glory and Grace".

Here are the lyrics written by Helen H. Lemmel, 1922.

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There's light for a look at the Saviour,
And life more abundant and free!

Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there:
O'er us sin no more hath dominion-
For more than conquerors we are!

His Word shall not fail you-He promised;
Believe Him, and all will be well:
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

Monday, March 16, 2009

What a Friend We Have in Jesus


Sunday, March 15, 2009

Our Sunday Services always begin with talented musicians. This day is no different. Where would we be without them? Bro. Mike Knight is song leader, Randy Smith plays bass, Bro. Smith on guitar and singing, Steve Frederick is our wonderful drummer, Debra Banta sings, Todd Scott plays guitar, as does his son Austin (WOW, what a talent!!!) Joan sings and plays the keyboard. Do you see how the Lord has blessed us with music??? Sometimes, Emily Smith sings too, and she is awesome! Keep in mind, we are treated to Special Music from Deb, Todd, Mike, Emily, Bro. Smith....Thank you, Lord!!!! Not long ago, Jennifer did a Special for us, and whenever we have a visitor who sings, they will also perform. That can almost be a service in itself.

The congregational singing is something the rest of us can enjoy although we may not be such "songbirds". We sang "Glory to His Name" and "Just a Little Talk with Jesus" from the song book this Sunday. It seems as we age, we tend to appreciate the old hymns that much more. If you ever take the time to research the old hymn~writers and see the turmoil in which some of their lyrics were birthed, it causes you to fall in love with those old~time classics all over again. The new music is good too, but there is just something special about the songs that first told about the sweet "Love of God". "Precious Memories", indeed!!

Lamentations 3:22 "It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not".

When you prepare a place for God, He will abide there.

A Few Announcements

Take a look at some great things coming up in the life of our church~and plan to be a part of them!!
April 19th Brothers, Jim and Bill Elliott will be here at WCFC. They are coming from Guntersville and from the Carolinas for a singing on Sunday morning as well as Sunday night. (5pm) These two mighty men of God have been singing for the Lord for many years and at one time part of a quartet. Keep in mind, this will be the Sunday after Easter.

There will be some plans for Easter services here and will be announced later. We want to have something for the little ones too.

May 1st and 2nd The Men's Retreat at Camp Booth. Friday night services, lunch on Saturday then come home Saturday afternoon. There are facilities for everyone there. There is an olympic~size pool, Baseball court, fishing tournament, golf tournament, stadium, old~timers events, boats on the County lake. Let your imagination run wild!!

May 15th and 16th The Ladies Retreat at Camp Booth. All the above facilities, only with a feminine touch. It will be wonderful for the ladies too!

July 16th, 17th, 18th, is State Convention held at Metro Church of God in Birmingham. Wouldn't it be powerful to come straight from Convention and go right into:

REVIVAL here at Winfield City Family Church, Sunday May 19th. Our Revival will be held by Bro. Nick McSpaddin, and will run May 19-22. We pray to see many lives changed during these important days.

Bro. Smith hopes to one day have Bro. John Billy Butler to come and preach to us. Many of us do not know him but we are assured he is a preacher not to be forgotten.

Here is something to consider~Since we have resumed our Sunday night services here at the church, it would be wonderful to host a singing once a month. Perhaps on the 2nd or the 4th Sunday of each month. If anyone has an idea about who would be a good prospect for this, we urge you to contact Bro. Smith with their names. We are always open to suggestions about this or anything that we are endeavouring to do for the cause of the Kingdom. Please feel free at any time to share your ideas with us.

Thought for today~I will not allow the past or the future to rob me of the enjoyment of the now!

As always, we desire your sincere prayers for our church and want to stand as a Light in our community.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Alabama Judge Roy Moore

Here is a poem written by this judge who was sued by the ACLU for his stand on the Ten Commandments and was stripped of his judgeship and now they are trying to strip him of the right to practice law in Alabama!!! See what you think about his poem.

America the beautiful,
or so you used to be.
Land of the Pilgrim's pride;
I'm glad they'll never see.

Babies piled in dumpsters,
Abortion on demand,
Oh, sweet land of Liberty;
your house is on the sand.

Our children wander aimlessly
poisoned by cocaine
choosing to indulge their lusts,
when God has said abstain.

From sea to shining sea,
our Nation turns away
From the teaching of God's love
and a need to always pray.

We've kept God in our temples,
how callous we have grown,
When earth is but His footstool,
and Heaven is His throne.

We've voted in a government
that's rotten to the core,
appointing Godless judges,
who throw reason out the door.

Too soft to place a killer
in a well~deserved tomb,
but brave enough to kill a baby
before he leaves the womb.

You think that God's not angry,
that our land's a moral slum?
How much longer will He wait
before His judgment comes?

How are we to face our God,
from Whom we cannot hide?
What then is left for us to do,
but stem this evil tide?

If we who are His children,
Will humbly turn and pray:
Seek His holy face
and mend our evil way:

Then God will hear from Heaven;
and forgive us of our sins,
He'll heal our sickly land
and those who live within.

But, America the Beautiful,
If you don't~then you will see,
A sad but Holy God
withdraw His hand from Thee.

~Judge Roy Moore~

This says it all. Let's all offer our prayers for Judge Moore to be blessed and for America to wake up and realize what we need to do to keep OUR America the Beautiful. Let's lift Judge Moore up in prayer. He has stood firm and now he needs our support.

IN GOD WE TRUST!!!

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

BLAH~Snow Day!!!


It is rare that anyone would not welcome a "break" due to "Snow Day", but this was a little bit different for the church members who had to call off Sunday morning services. Our very determinded pastor tried his best, but who can argue with the State Troopers? Of course, we all know here in the Sunny South, just the slightest hint of the white stuff sets off a mad rush to the stores to stock up on supplies~milk and bread. Snow is beautiful and fun, but this little "dusting" could have picked another time.

However, on Sunday night, we had our church services as usual. Bro. Mike sang "We'll All Bow Down", Bro. Todd played guitar and sang "That Good Old Gospel Ship" and Sister Banta did "It's a Good Thing to Praise the Lord". We all enjoyed some old hymns from the songbook. Those old songs never get old and they seem to bring back sweet memories from the simpler times.

Bro. Smith's message was "No More Excuses". In a marriage, as in our walk with the Father, it takes love but also committment. We have to be strong in the Lord to be overcomers, as we live in this world today. We have a choice whether to do good or evil, and that choice is POWERFUL!! A gift from God. Living for Jesus makes fear leave, you have hope, it rids you of anxiety. James 1:12 leaves no doubt that when you endure temptation, when you are tried, you will recieve the Crown of Life.

We are in the Army of God and we are to pierce the darkness with the Word as a mighty Sword. Satan terrorizes us if we fail to recognize the power that the Father has given us. The bait the devil uses on us is our own desires. He can entice and trick you by illusion, fantasy. Remember, if Satan can get you drawn into the conversation, to just get you thinking about his lies, that opens the way for your deception. We must be vigilant and aware of the snares of the enemy. James 1:15 "Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."

Thanks be to God for His infinite mercy.

Sunday night services~AT LAST!!

This last Sunday evening service on Feb. 22 was more precious since Sister Debbie Banta preached to us a great message. Not only does this mighty warrior for the Lord preach, she is very talented in singing. You can always count on her to deliver, and as she likes to put it, "be instant in season, and out of season".
Highlights of the sermon were that something that's really important to God is for us to be an effective witness. Many folks can quote the Scriptures, but their life doesn't show that they live what they profess. 1Timothy 6:11-13 urges us to fight the good fight, profess a good profession before many witnesses. We must have love for the lost, and (v. 14) keep this commandment without spot. Here is a promise from God's heart to us: "I the Lord will hold thine hand, and will keep thee...." Isaiah 42:6.

We have to be ready to share, to reach someone around us. To see another person come to know Him is the greatest joy a believer can experience. One thing Deb said that really touched me was that since we all have unsaved family members or friends, we need to reach out and minister and pray for people around us, and God will honor that seed faith and raise up someone else who will minister to our loved ones.
Lord, give me a heart of love, is my prayer. God Himself is the Source of love and all things lovely.

We at WCFC desire your prayers and support. God bless you all.