"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink., but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost" (Romans 14:17).

Many people have a complete misunderstanding of what Christianity is all about. Religion is often seen as a system of rules and regulations -"thou shalt" and "thou shalt not" do such and such. Rather than enhancing life, religion is perceived to take much of the fun out of living. Just the opposite ought to be true.

Someone has made the following observation: "The most uncomfortable person in the world is one who had just enough religion to make him uneasy, not enough to be enjoyed, and too much to be ignored." As you might imagine, such an attitude makes for a miserable life.

Christianity involves more than rules and regulations, it is a relationship, too! It is a daily walk with Jesus. Life is enriched when we follow Christ, Jesus came that we "might have life, and .. have it more abundantly"

(John 10:10). He offers righteousness, peace, and joy to all who desire them (Romans 14:17).

It is true, we do miss out on the fleeting pleasures of sin when we follow Jesus, but we also avoid the destructive consequences of sin. Paul warned, "the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 6:23). Jesus offers much more than He demands!

It's sad when people believe that they cannot follow Christ and also enjoy life. The devil wants us to believe it, but it is not true! In Jesus Christ we discover a richer, fuller, and more meaningful life than can be found anywhere else. Give the Lord a chance. You will not be disappointed.

THE VALUE OF A SMILE ?

• It costs nothing, but creates much.
• It enriches those who receive without impoverishing those who give.
• It happens in a flash, and the memory of it sometimes lasts forever.
• None are so rich they can get along without it, and none so poor but are richer for its benefits.
• It is rest to the weary, daylight to the discouraged, sunshine to the sad, and nature's best antidote for trouble.
• Yet it cannot be bought, begged, borrowed, or stolen, for it is something that is no earthly good to anyone until it is given away.
• And if in the course of the day some of your friends should be too tired to give you a smile, why don't you give them one of yours?
• For nobody needs a smile so much as those who have none left to give!

Author unknown

Youth Retreat
Many of our young people are away this morning at a youth retreat. Keep them in your prayers that they may have a safe return.

Directory Photos
We are currently taking photos in the annex after services for a new directory. See Johnye Sims for an appointment.

There are three requisites to the proper enjoyment of earthly blessings: a thankful reflection on the goodness of the giver (God); a deep sense of our own unworthiness; and a recollection of the uncertainty of our long possessing them. The first will make us grateful; the second, humble; and the third, moderate.

Don’t forget the weekly prayer session in classroom #3, each Sunday evening at 5:30 p.m.