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.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
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.
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.
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."
"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!!!!
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!!!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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