Monday, March 18th, 2019
Monday’s Moments…
“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us. Romans 5:3-5
Bad days (as well as good) are inevitable… How we respond to suffering and perseverance is part of God’s plan of building our strength, attitude, and character in Him. Failure and disappointment can often discourage us, causing us to feel like nothing ever goes right in our personal efforts and circumstances. Sound familiar? If so, consider this guy’s story…
A young man was learning to be a paratrooper. Before his first jump, he was given these important instructions to memorize:
- Jump when you are told.
- Count to ten and pull the ripcord.
- In an unlikely event your parachute does not open, pull the emergency ripcord.
- When you land, a truck will be there to take you back to the airport.
With the instruction memorized, the young man climbed into the airplane for his first jump. When the plane reached an altitude of 10,000 feet, the instructor shouted for the young man to jump, and so he jumped. He counted to 10 and pulled the ripcord as instructed but nothing happened. He then pulled his emergency ripcord but still no chute opened. “Oh great,” thought the young man… “And I suppose the truck won’t be there either when I land!”
I suppose we all feel that ways sometimes, letting our discouragement turn to negativity can easily be our resolve. But Paul reminds us that God uses these things to build Christ-like attitude, character, and perseverance within us for His glory and the hope He gives us. Today, if your emotional parachute does not open, count your blessings and be reminded of the great love (and hope) God has for you!
This Sunday we will finish our sermon series in Acts as we look at how God uses each of us as Instruments in His hands… we’ll look at how God took a gospel-liability like Saul and turned him into an kingdom-asset named Paul. Join us this Sunday as we continue to worship and apply God’s Word and Love into our ministry blueprint at FBC.
What a joy it was to have Josh & Deb Roadcap join our FBC family this past Sunday. We love their family, and look forward to serving the Lord together in the days ahead.
Ladies don’t forget – this is the final weekend to sign up for “Cozy Mountain Lodge” Ladies Retreat. Call the church office for details, or sign-up at the information table Sunday and invite a friend!
Currently we have raised over $1400.00 towards our Annie Armstrong Missions offering goal of $2500.00. Consider what gift you may give to help further the gospel and ministry effort beyond the boundaries of our community.
Finally – We are collecting “Olivia’s Bunnies” in the bunny box to help distribute to kids in the Neonatal Hospital Units to help with comfort and compassion for families that need some extra encouragement. Any new and kid-friendly stuffed animal will be appreciated. Olivia’s Bunny Box is located in the church foyer.
Coming Up:
- Every Wednesday – First Kids at 5:30pm, Youth “LIFE” Group & Prayer Meeting at 6:00pm
- March 30th – Ladies Retreat (Cozy Mountain Lodge)
- Annie Armstrong Mission Offering March – April (Goal: $2500.00)
- April 7th – Phil & Pam Morgan leading Worship, 11:00am (Love offering will be taken)
Health & Recovery:
* Charlie Sage (Cindy’s husband)
* Carl Burnley
* Eli Chapman
* Colton Eshelman
* Diana Tanis
Homebound – Joyce Brammer, Judy & Jerry Buttress, Joann Drummond, Mary Schmidt, Joann Miles
Ready to jump?
Doug Schildknecht
Monday, March 11, 2019
Monday’s Moments…
The apostle Paul wrote: “For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” (2 Cor. 2:15)
Several years ago. Chicago newspapers carried the story of a busboy in a Chinese restaurant who went to the bank to get change for $500. The restaurant needed $250 in coins and $250 in one-dollar bills. The teller grabbed a stack of $100 bills by mistake and gave the young man $250 in coins and $25,000 in bills! The young man noticed the error immediately, but detecting a windfall, didn’t say anything. He left the bank with the money and hid it at a relatives home. With some of the money, he went to another bank and got the $250 in one-dollar bills. He then returned to the restaurant, thinking he had make a small fortune.
Meanwhile, when the bank teller discovered her mistake, she couldn’t identify the person to whom she had given the $100 bills to, but she could remember how he smelled. She knew from his scent that he worked in a Chinese restaurant. She not only remember the aroma, but she was able to connect it with the exact restaurant where the busboy worked. With the police, she located the restaurant and identified the busboy. He was promptly fired and the money was recovered. The bank decided not to prosecute, since it was their mistake, and wanted to preserve good relations with the restaurant.
Considering this story, and the verse above… the question must be asked: What do you smell like? As Christians, we are to carry with us “the aroma of Christ”, which means there should be something about us that radiates the love of Christ in how others see (and smell) the difference Jesus make in us. Ordinarily, aroma is the byproduct of activity – when you work up a sweat, eat garlic, cook or BBQ, etc. In the same way, when we serve and worship Christ, and do so in a spirit of love and humility, we begin to pick up the aroma of Christ.
So, how are you smelling to others today? :-)
Quote: “Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary use words.” St. Francis of Assisi
Join us this Sunday as we continue our Journey in Acts – The Blueprint of doing Church Ministry. This Sunday we’ll study – “When God Says Go” as we look at the story of Phillip and the Ethiopian. After worship, plan on staying for lunch as our fellowship committee is hosting a Baked Potato Bar with all the fixin’s. Please bring a sided dish or dessert to share.
Ladies, don’t forget this months “Ladies Retreat” at FBC on Saturday, March 30th This is a great opportunity to invite an unchurch friend to come enjoy the comforts of “Cozy Mountain Lodge”, which is the theme of this year’s retreat. Call the church office to register or sign up at the information table, cost is $15.00, and invite a friend… Saturday, March 30th, 8:00am – 3:30pm, breakfast and lunch provided.
You may have heard by now, that there was a fire in one of the apartment complexes in Buckner last night. Six families have been displaced, and it is our understanding the six units were destroyed along with all belongings. Fortunately no life was lost and we commend our fire fighters and first responders for a job well done. The Red Cross is involved with helping these families, and we have offered our clothes closet and benevolent help for any families that may have need. At this time we have plenty of clothes and do not need donations of clothing. However, we invite you to pray for these folks that they would see (and smell) Christ in us as their needs arise.
Coming Up:
- Every Wednesday – First Kids at 5:30pm, Youth “LIFE” Group & Prayer Meeting at 6:00pm
- Sunday, March 17th – St. Patrick’s Luncheon after Worship
- March 30th – Ladies Retreat (Cozy Mountain Lodge)
- Annie Armstrong Mission Offering March – April (Goal: $2500.00)
- April 7th – Phil & Pam Morgan leading Worship, 11:00am (Love offering will be taken)
Health & Recovery:
* Charlie Sage (Cindy’s husband)
* Ann Smith’s mom – Goldie (St. Mary’s)
* Bobbie Bragg
* Eli Chapman
* Colton Eshelman
* Diana Tanis
Homebound – Joyce Brammer, Judy & Jerry Buttress, Joann Drummond, Mary Schmidt, Joann Miles
Sniff, sniff… what’s that I smell? :-)
Doug Schildknecht
