Sept. 23, 2007
Volume XXVI - Number 38  

What Is God Telling Me?
Author unknown

What is God telling me with the problems He permits in my life? The problems we face will either defeat us or develop us, depending on how we respond to them. Unfortunately, most people fail to see how God wants to use problems for good in their lives.

1. God uses problems to direct us. Sometimes God must light a fire under us to get us moving. Problems often point us in a new direction and motivate us to change our ways (Proverbs 20:30).

2. God uses problems to inspect us. People are like tea bags. If you want to know what's inside them, just drop them into hot water! Has God ever tested your faith with a problem? What do problems reveal “What Is God Telling Me?” (Continued from page one)

about you? "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience" (James 1 :2-3).

3. God uses problems to correct us. Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It's likely that as a child our parents told us not to touch a hot stove, but we probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something like health, money, or a relationship by losing it. "My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes. My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness" (Psalm 119:71-72).

4. God uses problems to protect us. A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents us from being harmed by something more serious. Last year a friend was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem, but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management's actions were eventually discovered. Joseph said, "Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good" (Genesis 50:20).

5. God uses problems to perfect us. Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in our character than our comfort. Our relationship to God and our character are the only two things we're going to take with us into eternity. "And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope" (Romans 5:34).

Here's the point: God is at work in our lives even when we do not recognize it or understand it. However, it is much easier and profitable when we cooperate with Him.


AM SERMON:
"Are You a “Gimper?”"
(2 Timothy 4:6-8)
PM SERMON:
"The Possibility of a Pure Heart"
(Psalm 119:9-16)

Make Plans Now - To Attend Our
Gospel Meeting
October 14-17, 2007
with guest speaker
Bruce Daugherty
speaking on the theme:
“A Call To Remember”
Studies in Church History

Complete details will follow!

NOTE: Classes starting first Sunday in October (7th)

Auditorium class -- Chad Tagtow -- “Song Interpretation”;
Aud B -- Bob Bauer -- “Making Your Marriage All It Can Be”; Classroom 3 -- Gaylon West -- “Genesis”

The Pantry
There has been a change in the food distribution program. We are reducing the hours to 10 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Thursdays. This reduces the hours each week from 4 to 2. We are trying to set up a rotation schedule so no one person has to be here every week. We only need 3 people here each Thursday, so the more people willing to help - the less often they will have to come. See Wanda for more info.

Ladies’ Work Group
The Ladies’ Work Group is scheduled to meet tomorrow (Monday) evening at 7 p.m. in back of the annex. All of our ladies are invited to attend and participate.

Cell Phone Directory
If you would like to have your cell phone number published in the church directory, please add it to the listing posted in the foyer. If you DO NOT wish to have your number published, make sure to cross it off, if it is on the list.

Pocket New Testaments
The elders are making these pocket size New Testaments available to any of our members who would like one. This is a handy little Bible (NKJV) with a large amount of reference material in the back. It is especially suited for personal work and evangelism. If you would like to have one - see one of the elders.

 

Katherine Moses,
Zach Mathis,
Luther Pendergrass,
Mona Howard, Jason Powell,
Wilda Cox, Pete Peeples,
Bill Guy, Minnie Lee Stout,
Pansy Sims, Brice Oliver,
Frances Kidwell, Gina Dupree

– Shut Ins –
Ken Skinner, Robert Cox,
Frances Black, Cliff Powell,
Mattie Hughs

– In The Nursing Homes –
Elsie Chambers (Auburndale Oaks #242)
Robert Pearson (Tandem)
Jewell White (Auburndale Oaks)