He Knows

Life is not always clear... or easy... or even fun. Sometimes the Lord allows us to go through things that are just plain hard... or messy... or unpleasant. Sometimes life just seems to stink!

This week we celebrate Thanksgiving here in America, a time of year when many find themselves feeling like there's nothing to be thankful for... their problems and trials make them wonder if God even cares.

But this morning I read a passage which spoke to me in a new way. Nobody had more troubles than poor old Job. Once in the midst of his trials he let loose with this glorious hymn of praise:

But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. (Job 23:10)

Wonderful words indeed. But this morning I noticed, seemingly for the first time, the words that proceed it. Find your Bible and read Job 23:8-9, for therein Job mentions that he can't find God. He looks left and right and before and behind and up and down, but he can't find God. THEN, he says, "Regardless of whether I know where He is, or what He's doing, He knows where I am and what I'm doing, and everything will be ok."

If you're going through a trial, and don't know what God's doing, take comfort in Job's words of wisdom - God knows.

CELEBRATE!

The Lord gave us a wonderful day of celebration this past Lord's Day, and a big thank you goes out to all who worked hard to make it a success. There are probably a few who went home on Sunday afternoon after laboring incessantly over food, setup, and cleanup, and collapsed in near exhaustion. I know I did! But I'm always reminded of one of the Lord's promises - "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." (Galatians 6:9) If you're one who left the church too tired to feel like celebrating, take comfort in that verse. God rewards His workers!

On another note - there are some important announcements for this week:

Wednesday - Prayer Meeting is cancelled this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Spend time with family and friends!

Thursday - Happiest of thanksgivings!

Friday - Roping of the Greens. Those who signed up for this should be receiving phone calls to schedule your time slot.

Saturday - 4:00 PM - Hanging of the Greens. Help us decorate the building for Christmas.

Happenings - Week of 11/16/2008

Lots of stuff happening this week. Will you be a part?

On Wednesday, you can join us for Prayer Meeting - 6:30 PM at the church.

On Thursday, we will be touring the Haven of Rest rescue mission in Akron. If you would like to travel with a group, we'll meet at the church, leaving for Akron at 5:15 PM. If it is more convenient, just meet us at the Haven of Rest Missions Building (175 E. Market Street) at 6:00 PM. If you have not yet seen this ministry, it is well worth your time to do so.

Sunday, November 23rd, is Celebration Sunday! Special music will be provided by the Howes Family, and a celebration dinner will be enjoyed by all immediately following the service. YOU APPRECIATE WHAT YOU CELEBRATE! Let's celebrate all God is doing in our lives at FBC!

Set those clocks back on Sunday!

"Turning your clock back on Sunday may be good for your heart. Swedish researchers looked at 20 years of records and discovered that the number of heart attacks dipped on the Monday after clocks were set back an hour, possibly because people got an extra hour of sleep." (By STEPHANIE NANO, Associated Press Writer)

Less heart attacks - there's a nice result of setting those clocks back! But what about being more rested and prepared for a morning worshipping our Lord on the Lord's Day? Who would have thought that the simple act of turning our clocks back in the fall could reap both physical and spiritual benefits?

Turn that clock back Saturday night. We'll see you in church Sunday morning, rested, refreshed, and heart attack free!

He Seeks Fruit

He spake also this parable; A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard; and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none. (Luke 13:6)

In the parable of the barren fig tree, found in Luke 13:1-9, Jesus compares you and I to a fig tree planted in God's vineyard. Think about that image for a minute, and you'll no doubt see some interesting truth:

• It indicates He has made every preparation for our salvation. By planting the tree in His vineyard He gives it every chance of success - shelter, cultivation, irrigation, fertilization, etc. And He has done the same for you and I. We had nothing to offer that could earn our salvation, and so He took care of that for us. Jesus Christ is the ultimate provision - He paid for the sin we could not pay for - Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all. (Isaiah 53:4-6)
• It also indicates that He expects us to bear fruit! As you read the parable you see the fruit He wants is repentance - turning from sin and turning to Him.

Are you bearing the fruit of repentance that the Lord wants from you?

Happenings - Week of 10/27/2008

There are a couple of great opportunities this week here at FBC -

1. Wednesday prayer meeting - tonight at 6:30.
   
2. Haven of Rest service day - Saturday at 10:00. Meet at the Haven of Rest in Akron and join us as we set up tables and serve a meal to those in need.
   
3. Judgment House - Saturday evening - we will meet at the church at 8:30 and travel together to Hope Community Church in Hudson.
   

Peace

I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; For You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety. (Psalm 4:8)

The news is filled with doomsday reports these days, whether real or drummed up for political advantage. Regardless of what you read, remember that the Lord is still in control. And because of that, we can lie down in peace, and sleep.

May God's people be reminded of that truth, today.