July 15, 2001


Volume XXI - Number 28  

Who Loves Me?
Harold G. Taylor

David lamented, "No man cared for my soul." Psalm 142:4

Perhaps life has caused you to pine, "Who cares? No one is concerned whether I live or die." Cross-burdened, we often sigh, I don't want to be manipulated, maneuvered, or mistreated - I want to be loved!"

Often our problem with love is not a lack of it, as much as failing to recognize it when it comes along. We often resent authority, advice, inquiry, helpfulness, and conversation. What we often brand as imposition, meddlesomness, and ill motives in others is nothing but their expression of love and good will toward us. We must not only develop the capacity to love but to accept this crown virtue from others.

Friendship love has many dimensions. Contrary to the thinking of many, love is a Joseph who forgives without reward; a Jonathan who plays second fiddle to a David for the royal throne; a David who admonishes his Solomon to "shew thyself a man"; a father who sets strict boundaries for a prodigal; a Paul who rebukes a Peter to his face; and a Barnabas who stands behind his John Mark or Paul, when others doubt. Love wears many faces.

Who loves me? My friend, you are loved when your highest good is sought your greatest happiness encouraged and your future success is secured. Love seeks your company, believes in your potential, shares your dreams, solicits your help, stands among your people and disbelieves your critics.

Friendship love never fared better than the day beloved Ruth petitioned Naomi, "Entreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and whither thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there I will be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me." Ruth 1:16-17

Homes will be paradise, marriages will know heaven and the brotherhood will possess the unity of the Sacred Three, when such love is exhibited and graciously accepted.

Why, friend - many love you!  •


AM SERMON:
"The Indestructible Kingdom"
(Daniel 2:44)
PM SERMON:
"God's Symphony In Progress - The Christian Graces: Self-control"
(2 Peter 1:1-11)

Baptized
We are made to rejoice that Cliff Powell was baptized for the remission of sins, this past Wednesday afternoon, in Matt and Kim Faneuf's pool. Cliff was baptized as a teenager but says he didn't understand what it was all about. We are strengthened by his conviction and courage. Keep Cliff in your daily prayers that he may overcome the trials in his life.

Teacher Needed
We need a teacher for the Wednesday evening Cradle Roll Class. If you are able to help out in this area, please see Greg Littleton as soon as possible.

Youth Fellowship
The teens and the young at heart will meet tonight in the annex, after the evening services for their bi-weekly devo and fellowship. For further information see Matt Faneuf or Bob Bauer.

Children's Class
Our youngsters meet each and every Sunday evening at 5:40, here in the auditorium, for a few minutes of story and song. The scheduled teacher for tonight's session is Greg Littleton.

Home Bible Study
The regularly scheduled monthly home Bible Study and Devotional is planned for this coming Saturday evening at the home of Bob and Shirley Bauer. If you plan to attend -- please sign-up on the list posted in the foyer.

July Pantry Item
Brother Pasley Sims reminds us that this month's pantry item is Canned Meat. Help us keep the pantry stocked so that we are prepared at every opportunity to help those in need.

Raisins For Ghana
Bob Bauer has informed us of the need for raisins, to carry over to the work in Ghana. The raisins are rehydrated and then the juice is used for the fruit of the vine in the Lord's Supper. He requests only the large packages, as they are easier to carry and store. See Bob if you have any questions.

Personal Work News
Congregational family members were assigned to teams mostly by alphabetical listing. Team leaders and back-ups will be contacting members with times and information in the near future. The congregational Visitation/Evangelism Program should be in full motion by August 2001. If you were overlooked being put on a team, contact Jim Hall.


If you wait too long to make a decision, you are not making a decision at all. You are avoiding one.

Upcoming Events

IN PROGRESS - Camp Carmel Bible School
2-4 pm Monday - Friday
Orange Street - Auburndale

VBS (one day) - Springhead - Sat July 21

Don't forget to attend the weekly Prayer Session in Room #3
- each Sunday evening at 5:30

Bill Norton, Mary Garrett, James Huggins, Vanessa Powell, Elsie Chambers, Wanda Greene, Corbin Hobbs, Jr. & Marie Howard, Joe Shockley,
Treva Blaylock, Nan Alexander, Jasper Sims, Cliff Powell, Johnny White,
Ervin & Alma Eubanks, Norris Clark, Sue Church, Don & Sheila Adkins,
Robert Cox, Earl & Vernon Wilkes, Roger Reece, Mattie Hughs, Mel Chambers, Vannie Dowdy, Sherry Hobbs, Linda Thompson, Karen Bauer

In The Nursing Homes

Doc Anderson, Elizabeth Gillespie, Victoria Wooster