Time Change This Weekend!

     Wow!  Can you believe the devastation the storm “Sandy” has left in its path in the northeastern part of the country?  We have our own problems with weather here in central Arkansas, but I’m so very happy that we are far, far away from such storms.  I am prayerful and sad for those who lost so much in this natural disaster.  My sister-in-law has family and friends in New Jersey.  She has spoken with them and we are very thankful that though they lost property and possessions, they are alive and hopeful to begin rebuilding as soon as they can.

     We are enjoying beautiful weather here in the country.  Cool nights and mornings, and warm days and evenings.  The leaves are really falling now.  Before long the trees will be resting for the winter.  As you probably know, this weekend marks the autumn time-change.  Before you retire on Saturday night, set your clock back one hour – “fall backward.” 

     Thanksgiving and Christmas are on the horizon, only a few days away.  These are truly special holidays for family and friends to be together to remember the “old” times and at the same time look ahead to the coming days.  Let us be thankful for the rich blessings we enjoy every day: our family and friends, our faith in God, the church of Christ, our spiritual family, our jobs that provide a living for us, and the Christian life that leads us all the way to heaven.  It could be that you will be traveling this holiday season.  If so, be careful on your journeys.  Remember that the holiday season is not about how much money you have or how little.  It’s not about how expensive the gift might be that you give or receive or how inexpensive.  It’s not about how much food you have on the table or how little.  The holiday season is about spending time with those you love. It’s about showing and sharing that love in simple and thoughtful ways.  May God bless us all with a happy holiday season this year!  Happiness is a decision. If you know me, I made the decision to be happy a long time ago.

     Cindi and I will be out of town this Sunday morning visiting with our Christian brethren over the valley in Greenbrier.  The church there invited me to preach this Sunday morning and afternoon in their lecture series. I am honored to stand before the church there to preach God’s word.  I will be speaking from Paul first epistle to Timothy in chapter six, verse eleven:  “But you, O man of God, flee these things and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, gentleness.”  Remember me in prayer as I share this lesson with our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ at Greenbrier.  I will be back for our evening service at 5:00 p.m.

     Our Sunday evening series “Foundation Principles” will continue this Sunday evening with a lesson on “God’s Plan of Salvation – Baptism.”  We have considered faith, repentance, and confession.  Baptism is the next step to salvation by grace through faith in Christ Jesus.  Jesus was baptized to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15).  So must we!  Jesus commanded the disciples in Mark 16:15-16; “And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.  He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”  Do we want to be saved?  Then we must believe and be baptized.  Those in Acts 2 asked Peter and rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”  Peter answered their question.  “They Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and let every one of your be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”  I really don’t understand why so many people resist such a simple and clear command from our Lord and Savior.  I didn’t resist.  Are you resisting?