Singing and Preaching

We enjoyed a great day in the Lord this past Sunday morning and night with Jim and Bill Elliott. They are so very talented and the words really do come from the heart. They all stayed with Ray and Lou Carter and on Saturday night, my husband and I joined in with a good meal followed with piano playing and singing. What a talent these two brothers have and they use it for the Kingdom.

Praise God!

Concert Announcement

I recieved a note from Marcus and Betty McDonald about an upcoming event we will be interested in. Let's all make plans to attend this singing. If you have never heard this group, you will be in for a great blessing!

There will be a "Right to Life, Sav-A-Life" BENEFIT CONCERT
featuring "Pure Heart"- Tucson Stovall
Sacred Harvest

Faith Fellowship Church, Winfield, AL Sat. May 9, 2009 at 6:30 pm

Special Speaker: Harry Saylor

Celebrate Mother's Day with an enjoyable evening of music and help save precious lives.

(Through Pregnancy Care Centers in Alabama and others)


Sponsored by Pure Heart Ministries and Fayette County Right to Life 205-487-5998

Want to go 'a fishin'?`

Read the story of the miracle of fishes Jesus performed with Peter in Luke 5:1-11. Jesus told Peter to "Launch out into the deep, and let down you NETS for a draught", Peter must have doubted the word of Jesus since they'd worked all night and caught nothing. He told Jesus that 'nevertheless at thy word I will let down the NET'. The Master told him to let down NETS, more than the one NET, as Peter said. That tells us that God is able to bless with more than enough!!! He took Peter from a worldly outlook to the way God had in mind to bless him. Peter changed his mindset and obeyed Christ. What a lesson for us today.

We hear the voice of the Lord all the time, but do we listen? Satan is also speaking but that is why it is so vitally important for us to be faithful to the church, and be active in following the Lord. Just like a mother can pick out the cry of her baby from all the others, we have to learn to hear the voice of God in our lives. We need to read the Word and pray and mingle with other Christians~that's how we succeed~to launch out into the deep. We must expand our faith, because without it we can't please God. It takes faith to follow and obey God. After an encounter with the Lord, your life will NEVER be the same! The potential and the plan of God for your life would amaze you if you could see His path for you.

Have you been praying for something for what seems like forever? The correct prayer is to be obedient. Jesus turned to His 12 disciples and told them the harvest is plenty but the laborers are few. What we need to do is to pray "Lord, take_______________(whoever you have a burden for) before God and pray that someone will cross paths with him/her to point them to the Lord". Meanwhile, you go out and talk to people, invite them to church, love and encourage them. The Word tells us "You reap what you sow".

Bro. Smith remembers a precious lady he knew who had a ministry of calling people she was concerned about. After 10 long years, the woman she had prayed for and called each week came to church and was saved. The testimony the woman gave was that untold times she had been sitting with a gun pointed at her head when the phone would ring and the prayer warrior would be on the other line, encouraging and just loving her. What a beautiful picture of our Lord Jesus who stands at our heart's door and knocks, yearning to come in and abide with us. If you have ever noticed that famous painting of Jesus standing at the door, there is no doorknob on the outside. That is because Christ will never come in until you let Him into your life. You have to open it from the inside. He is above all, a gentleman.

We still need Prayer

Please continue to pray for Harold Sandlin. He had surgery for what they thought was cancer and got a very good report, then had a setback with gallbladder trouble, and had to have another surgery. That went pretty well, but he took pneumonia and the doctors have not been able to take him off the ventilator. They say he may be slightly better, but he has a long way to go yet. Also, remember his family, his wife Eloise and son, Neal and his wife, Sondra.

Right to Life Update

As you know, Marcus and Betty McDonald are very much involved in the Right to Life Movement. She reports that they attended one of the recent "Tea Parties" taking place all across the USA and it was better than GREAT!!!!!! They were glad they went. There are many of us who would have been there if it were possible.

Then, on Thursday, Marcus did two radio programs in Birmingham and they will be on next Tuesday and Wednesday on 92.5 WXJC at 7:30am. The first program will address the whole scope of Right to Life and all that involves. The next one will be about the Obama abortion agenda and what can be done about this serious issue. Make yourself a note to catch these radio shows by Mark.

Please keep in mind that the next Meeting will be held at their home. All are welcome and it would be wonderful if someone could go and represent WCFC. We need to be making plans now for this meeting.

As always, Betty writes that they so enjoy visiting with our church and it is extra special for them since Mark's sisters are always there. Plus, their sister, Judy, was well enough to attend as well. We had a great crowd for Easter Sunday and talk about FOOD!!! It looked like we hadn't even knocked a dent in it, there were so many wonderful dishes!!!

Speaking of food, on Wednesday night, there was a choice of deserts. Ray and Lou Carter brought a fresh strawberry cake to add to the mix. (Don't think there was anything left but the plate) Please remember to come out on Wednesday night at 7 and enjoy the teaching and fellowship.

You are needed!

If you are feeling sad and lonely, and there is nothing you can do
Just take courage and remember, there is someone needing you.,

You were created for a purpose, for a part in God's Great Plan,
Bear ye one another's burden, so fulfil Christ's law to man.

Are you a father, son or daughter, you have a work none else can do.
Are you a husband, wife or mother, there is someone needing you.

Someone needs your faith and courage, someone needs your love and prayer,
Someone needs your inspiration, thus to help their cross to bear.

Do not think your work is ended, there is much you can do,
As long as you are on this earth, there is someone needing you!!!!!

Satan Loves those Strongholds

11Corinthians 10:4, 5
A stronghold is anything or any thought that puffs itself up against the wisdom of God. We must be "mighty through God" in pulling those things down. The devil is always lurking about to find our most vulnerable spots to attack. Doubt is the opposite of faith and that opens the door to the enemy so he can run in. Read Romans 13:12. The Word tells us to cast off the works of darkness and put on the armour of Light! We have His help, we are not alone in this struggle. Have you found as I have that it is a hard struggle to do it alone~in fact, it can't be done alone. We need the Saviour's strong hand. The very hand that is nail~scarred for our deliverance. When David was feeling helpless and hopeless, he thought back on the victories that the Lord had already delivered him out of and he strengthened himself in the Lord!! 11 Samuel 22: 2-7. Great passage to mark in your Bible!

We are in a constant, did you get that, a CONSTANT battle, a warfare with spirits that want to drag us down. Our weapons are not carnal~we must cast down imaginations, like arguments, unbelief, disobedience, pride~the power of a seed~thought is amazing. But as in Mark 11:23-26, we know we have that Holy Spirit living in us, but we need to get hold of doubts, and wrong thinking. It will help our spirit mind to be strengthened, and remove the old way ways of thinking, so we can start living in the ways of the Lord. Bro. Smith's spiritual mentor, Bro. Haney used to say to him, "It is a continual process, this warfare: we should eat, live, and love the Word. The Bible is an endless sea of knowledge~jump in and swim forever in it" WOW

It is interesting to find that a stronghold is also a place of protection, a fortress that is there to protect us from our enemies. 1 Samuel 23: 14 tells about David when King Saul was hot on his trail, and David "abode in the wilderness in strongholds...but God delivered him not into his hand." David's stronghold let him see the enemy first and escape.

We are servants of whoever we yield to. Why do we blame God for the evil we see everywhere? Satan uses that mindset to control us and run our lives. Attitude is 98% of the victory~it makes all the difference. Go back to the Word~God is for me and has a perfect plan for me. The key is held in the knowledge of the Word.

Let's get in the Bible and swim forever!!

Passion Week

We are in the sacred time of Easter, Passion week. The death and burial of Jesus Christ is only half the Gospel, but what sets Christianity apart is that we serve a risen Lord!! NO other religion can say that. His entry into Jerusalem is the fulfilled prophecy spoken of in Zechariah 9:9. The donkey He rode on helps prove it, and is mentioned in all four Gospels. His first entry parallels His second entry-the Scripture gives us clues about the Second Coming.
We read in Matt 21 how Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem. God had an important plan for this animal. Let's look at the parallels between that entry and the next time the Lord comes to earth:

1- Jesus rode on a donkey, the next time He comes He will be riding a Great White Horse
2- Jesus was alone, next time He will come with legions of His Angels
3- Jesus wore a crown of thorns, next time He will wear the Crown of Crowns
4- Jesus was the King of the Jews, next time He is coming as King of Kings and Lord of Lords
and the whole creation will bow to the Lamb of God!!
5- Jesus was mocked, the next time He will be feared
6- Jesus was a man, soon He will come as God with all power given to Him
7- Jesus had nails of iron in His hands, then He will return with a Rod of Iron in His Hand
8- Jesus was lifted up on that Old Rugged Cross, next time He will be seated on His Throne
9- Jesus was judged by man, then He will be the Judge of all Mankind
10-Jesus was as a lamb, when He enters the world again, He will be the Lion of the Tribe of
Judah, and that Lion will roar so that the whole world will hear what He has to say!!!

The Lord chose the donkey and He chose us that we would be used of the Lord. John 15:16 Yield to Him and be used-that is all that will matter when we face the Lord on that Day!!!!
That donkey made Jesus more visible and if we allow the Lord to lead us He will be exalted in us-what a priviledge. We show our love for the Saviour by putting aside our rebellion, remember the Lord uses His truth to set us free.

Praise the Lord-we had a young mother saved Sunday morning. Pray for her as she begins her new walk with the Lord.

Praise Report!!!

As you know, we have been requesting prayer for Harold Sandlin's cancer surgery: the report is great!!!! The docs say they got it all and he is doing well enough to not have to even stay in ICU. Praise the Lord!!!!
Thank you for the prayers.

Keep these in mind....

Coming up on April 25th, we are having a photo shoot and asking you to sell Antique Picture packs to benefit the church. This is only for kids. They supply old-timey clothing for the children. See Beth Smith for info. Her number is 522-7623 (cell) or 487-8740 (work). Also, it would be nice for us to have a few folks here at the church that day to meet and greet. This would benefit WCFC.

Please, everyone, mark your calendars for April 26. Jim Elliott and his brother and the families will be here at the church for morning and night Singing and Evangelistic Services. Invite people to come with you and let's pack this little church-house out!

In May, be ready for Men's and Ladies' Retreats.
For the Men's, May 1-2. They will meet at the church and leave from there.
For the Ladies' May 15-16. They will have Donna Howard as Ladies' Minister and Joan Smith will be their personal guide.

Revival May 7, 8, 9. with Bro. Butler.

June means camping, outreach, kids' retreat @ Green Pond. (between Bessemer and Tuscaloosa) If you have never been to camp, you have missed something that will stay with you the rest of your life!! I know I vividly recall days spent in camp (wayyyyy back when) There are many things to do and one of the best parts is what is absent: tv, phone, radio. Speaking from experience, that part MIGHT not be so inviting to the kids now, but it is well worth it in the long run. The beds, mealtimes, facilities, schedules, etc are a bit foreign but that is all part of the whole "camp experience" thing. It is secluded, with constant Christian activities, night services, and new friends to meet!!! SEND YOUR KIDS TO SUMMER CAMP Click on this link to check out the Camp www.campboothe.org

July 16-18 is State Convention at Metro Church of God in Birmingham. At the same time, there is a Youth Convention and Kid's Crusade. Make plans to attend, especially if you have never had the opportunity to go.

Revival is July 19-22 with Bro. Nick McSpaddin. It is never too early to pray for Revival.

Right now we have an urgent prayer request for Harold Sandlin. He is Neal's dad, Lou Carter's brother and Dianne Cockrell's uncle. The doctors are doing surgery for cancer today, Monday, April 6th. We pray for the best outcome and for the Lord to be glorified in this situation. Whenever anyone faces major surgery or a serious health issue, it is so important to pray for the family who will be there to care and support the one in need. Sickness involves the WHOLE family.

As you know, this is Easter week, and we will not be having services at WCFC. Instead, we have been invited to participate in Community-wide Service @ Faith Fellowship Church. It is located behind the Main State Bank in Winfield. Jeff Norris, Pastor of New Life Fellowship, will be bringing the message. Several churches will be involved and we want to represent our church well. It begins at 7pm. Remember, no church here Wed night.

Jesus: Betrayed and Crucified

We were so glad to have Bro. Todd back as our SS Teacher, altho' Deb Banta did an outstanding job filling in for him.
Why has the Cross come to symbolize Christianity?

Today, as in Biblical times, the world views Jesus Christ as the meek and mild, almost helpless victim. He went about doing good but when it came to defending Himself, He "opened not His mouth: He is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her sheerers is dumb...." Is 53:7. To any believer today, it is sickening to hear someone mock Jesus. They don't realize that when He returns again, He will not be meek, He will be coming as a mighty warrior, King of Kings and Lord of Lords!!! What a day that will be!

As Todd said, 'if you've ever been backstabbed, you know how that hurts'. Jesus knows our every hurt and heartache. We need to get fixed in our minds that God is not just waiting for us to trip up so He can punish us, He is our Friend, there to help and encourage when we come to Him with our failures. What everlasting comfort, and what an awesome Saviour.
Noone knows why Judas betrayed Him. Mark 14:20-21. Jesus said it would be better for that man if he had never been born. Scripture does not tell us why Jusas did what he did, but he did, and Jesus faces the ultimate punishment for which He was innocent. Christ took our sins upon Himself because He loved us that much. The Lamb of God died for us, is it too much for us to live for Him?

The Old Rugged Cross

What a great day in the Lord we had this Sunday. Bro Todd, our beloved SS teacher has been off for a little break and Sister Deb Banta filled in for him. She is an evangelist, teacher, singer, plays drums, well, the list goes on and on. Oh, and a songwriter, too!! Jesus taught that we are to keep our "saltiness" in this world. How? To keep His commandments, pray, set a watch on our lips and our hearts. And, as Bro. Todd pointed out, the most important thing is to serve others in the name of Jesus Christ. If anyone I know fits this example, it is Todd Scott. His LIFE is his testimony! Jesus asked His disciples "are you able to drink from that bitter cup that I drink?" How do we get to that place? His mercy is eternal and His grace is extended to help us get through the tough times. We must draw on those times when He has ministered to us in the past. That gives us strength to be still and reflect on His Great Love and Amazing Grace. The smallest thing a Christian does from a sincere heart and in the name of Jesus, that name that is above every name, will be rewarded.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ms. Rosa's family says thank you for all the care shown to her and asks our continuing prayers. She has a home in Missouri and often wishes she could be there. That would be difficult for anyone, but don't feel you have no purpose. You are important and needed. You are needed to pray. That is why we are here, to bless others. Bro. Smith told of an old friend, Bro. Willie Johnson, a preacher/evangelist, who was blind the last 10 years of his life. This old saint recieved calls from D.C. to California, and he kept on evangelizing from his one room. Only in eternity will it be told the importance of what is done for the Master. YOU are important to God!!

Debra Banta met a lady in Walmart who asked for prayer, Ina Busby who is very sick and her husband, Benjamin, battling cancer. That dear lady asked for prayer. There is need all around us.

Our Sunday Morning Service began with one of those precious old hymns, "When We All Get to Heaven". Sometime, just flip through the songbook-it is uplifting to just read the sweet lines of those songs our parents and grandparents sang to worship the Father. "Take My Hand, Precious Lord"... through the storm, through the night, lead me on to the Light. Or, "We'll Soon Be done with Troubles and Trials". Anyone else having to encounter troubles and trials?

Bro. Mike Knight sang one of the most beautiful hymns of all time, "The Old Rugged Cross". It was annointed singing, and he did a great job, as always.
The message Sunday was taken from Luke 24. Jesus has been crucified and resurrected. He lives again. Christ wants us to come to Him for refuge. Psalms 46:1 "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." He is forever with us and desires to dwell in our hearts if only we do not turn Him away. He has made the way clear for us, and tells us in Hebrews 4:16, "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need". I can personally tell you that I have come to that mercy seat many times and found help and peace in the middle of storms. When we can truly trust and obey His Word, we can know real peace. Grace is an everyday walk-we have to go to where it's at. It's with God and He's everywhere all the time and all the time everywhere. He can bend time, He's in our past, present, and future!!! "Before the foundation of the world, Jesus was crucified", you don't have to understand it, just believe it, BELIEVE IT. Unbelief is folly, not to believe all the prophets is 'great folly'. Belief in the One True God is our strength and our protection. If Satan can conquer you, it will be through your mind. Go back and read 11 Corinthians 10:4 and 5. "....casting down imaginations, every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God,....bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ". Make no mistake, there are demonic spirits at work today and they speak to the mind, tormenting us. We must release the past, and feelings of guilt and unworthiness-He is bigger than our sins and He tells us they are cast into the depths of the sea. If the great I AM casts away our most vile of sins, surely we can take Him at His Word!!!

Slowness of the heart to believe creeps into the people of God. We are not immune, we are sluggish to believe Christ, but quick to believe the News, advertising, some fantastic new product that will change our lives. We get suckered into 'man's ways' all the time. Yet, God's Holy Bible is mistrusted. Isaiah 53:1-who will believe our report? We pray, why not believe it? That is lack of faith, and we need to seek to trust Him more.

Who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely upon his God. Isaiah 50:10