That being said, we lost an important part of our church this week. Michael Mooney, if you do not already know, worked with our benevolent program. Besides the needs of our church family, we get calls every week from the community wanting help. This is one of the most difficult ministries in the church, especially when dealing with people we don't know. People who come off the street will lie to you most of the time, many want to take advantage of you, some will even be verbally abusive, and other things that makes this work hard. It takes a special person to be wise in knowing how the Lord's money could best be used to help the needy and trying to maintain the spirit of Christ, while no allowing their hearts grow cold. I did benevolence for years and understand this too well. Mike always treated people with respect, he listened, tried to be fair, and represent Christ and His church in a godly manner. He will be missed. Please pray for our elders as they pray and seek guidance from Holy Spirit to find a replacement. And of course, pray for Fran and the rest of the family. But also praise God for resurrection and the reunion we will all have with the redeemed one day.
I would like to commend this church for sending around 100 cards and letters to the Swindleman family, who lost a baby recently, in our community. You didn't have to do it. No one would know if you did or not. We really didn't expect to be given a number of cards sent. It is times like this you love being part of a body of people. May God receive all praise.
Yesterday we prayed for the persecuted Christians. We are hearing more and more about believers being martyred for their faith in Christ. It doesn't look like this threat will end anytime soon. When you hear something about ISIS this week, take time to say a little prayer for these Christians. Let us turn it this negative name into a positive that reminds us to talk to God. If you want to see the testimonials of some of these Christians in other parts of the world click here http://sundayiscoming.com/ The resurrection of Christ is what gave the early believers hope in such trying times, as well as His coming again.
NEW SERMON SERIES: Recently I heard a preacher talk about a parable of Christ that didn't give a conclusion. In other words, it left it open ended. We don't really know what happened. In my studied opinion, when you find something like this their is probably a reason. So I began to seek out other parables that may be similar. I found two more. Beginning next Sunday we will begin this series entitled, The Untold Story. We will begin with Jesus' parable of the barren fig tree. (Lk. 13:6-9) Invite others to join us. Can you think of anything greater for anyone to hear than the words of the Messiah?
This coming Sunday evening we will be meeting at Round Island. We will begin eating at 5 pm (bring your own picnic). If you have a kayak, canoe, SUP, raft, some of those blow up floats for your arms, etc., come out at 3 pm to do a little sight seeing with the group. Also you can come out early if you want to fish, watch the manatees tip over our kayaks or just hang out. You may want to bring bug spray, chairs, or anything else you think you might want to bring. In the spirit of the humor of Mike Mooney, here are a few pictures of "boats" you can use.
Go out today and live like Jesus is alive, because He is. Do not fear death. Do not fear a world filled with sin. Take time to praise God. Read the "red letters" of the Bible, that is the words of Jesus. Pray for those around you, I mean really pour out your heart. Love God with all your heart. Love others through your actions and words. Be an encouragement to someone at work and be an encouragement to someone during our Wednesday night meeting together. Most of all be Jesus to the world.
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