J. A. Thornton, preacher at New Albany, Mississippi, has reported on a young man there who is a Christian, whose name is Steve Stroud. Brother Thornton wrote as follows:

"Last Wednesday night, Steve came to mid-week services. We congratulated him on the circumstances in which he came. Steve is on the ball team at school and they had a game on Wednesday night. He told his coach he could not play because of the Wednesday night service. His coach told him to play or turn in his suit. He came to services. The next day, he took his suit in and told his coach he would play, but not on Wednesday night and that if he did not want him on this basis, he could have his suit. He kept Steve on the team."

"Congratulations, Steve, on your courage and convictions. You preached a great sermon by action."

America's priorities need to be changed. Schools should recognize spiritual values enough not to have sports events on Wednesday night because of church services. There is nothing wrong with sports, but such can take too much time and cause people to neglect far more important matters. Over-emphasis on athletics was listed as one of the causes of the fall of Rome.

America needs more spiritual emphasis even if such should require reduction of athletic activities. Some the impression that nothing is as important as athletics. The Bible says that bodily exercise profits a little, but that godliness or spiritual exercise is profitable unto all good things (I Timothy 4:8). Steve Stroud has set a good example that, if followed by all young men in America, this wonderful country would be greatly blessed at a time when there is a great need for spirituality in the land.

Next Sunday
The elders are asking to meet with the congregation next Sunday (March 13) at 5:00 pm, concerning the 2005 budget and the appointing of additional elders and/or deacons. All members are encouraged to be here.

A rule for each day -- let God do something for you each day. When one stumbles through weakness or ignorance, let the Lord be with you, because "He delights in mercy". Let him bear your burdens. God's people are encouraged to "cast their burdens upon the Lord, and he will sustain."