Below is a copy of the article I put in last week’s handout. I did not mention the Bible study this morning due to time restraints. Please reread the article and give me your feedback.

Thanks!

Mac

A New Bible Study?

A few of you have shown interest in having a Bible Study. One even suggested that we study the book of Romans. As I trust you know, I love to teach the Bible, and I certainly love to teach Romans, so I am excited about the possibility. I do, however, have some concerns, which I will list below:

1. Although we can use the church building, I would like to find a venue that might reach more people. At this point, I am not sure what that venue might be, so I am asking for your suggestions.

2. I also realize that gasoline is expensive and our group is scattered over quite an area, so I would like the venue to be centrally located, in order that more of you could attend without having to drive so far. Again, I am asking for your suggestions.

3. Most of you are already familiar with the book of Romans and, consequently, you are aware that it is the most comprehensive presentation of the gospel any of us will ever read. In other words, it is an incredible evangelistic tool. I am, therefore, wondering if you would be willing to bring someone with you, someone who might not be as familiar with the gospel message as you are. I would appreciate your input regarding this.

4. If we are going to begin this study, it is important to me that those who agree to participate make doing so a priority, which means attending the sessions and being on time. Yes, I realize that unexpected events do occur, but they should be the exception, not the rule.

5. Experience tells me that the day of the week and the time we choose is very important. Yes, I know we cannot please everyone; however, I would like for you to make your suggestion as to the particular day, as in Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, and your preferred time.

6. Most of us have no desire to commit to anything “until Jesus comes,” so I am confident that we need to decide on a beginning date and an ending date, keeping in mind that we cannot cover Romans is six weeks. Again, I am asking for you suggestions.

7. Finally, I realize that some of you have no desire to add anything else to your already busy calendar; therefore, being the teacher of grace that I am, I want you to know that the pressure is off. I will love you—regardless.

Douglas and Valorie Chance are trying to arrange for us to eat catfish at a small restaurant in the big city of Allentown, GA in Twiggs County. I can vouch for the restaurant, as I have eaten quite a few catfish there. The plan is to eat Friday evening, January 18, 2013. If you want to attend this culinary experience, I need to know ASAP, as Valorie needs to advise the cook so she will know how many catfish to catch. The time will be announced later.

I need to hear from you, if you desire to attend. You can leave a comment on this post and I will get it.

Looking forward to seeing who can eat the most catfish: Mac, Travis, Larry, or Jerry (you can guess which Jerry!).

Today Bob’s Doc released him to DRIVE!! Watch out traffic, as he has been out of the saddle for several weeks and he feels like a freshly minted 16 year old with a freshly issued driver’s license!

Please keep both the Tweddle family and Mildred Brandful on your prayer minds.

Blessings!

Mac

Am I just living on another planet, or do we have the best congregation on this planet? I am not very smart, especially at my age, but I am smart enough to know that God is blessing us and then some. Thank you so much for simply being who you are and, especially, for being a part of Grace Christian Fellowship. This pastor’s heart is very full tonight, as I realize again just how fortunate I am to be where I am and doing what I love.

Blessing to each of you!

Mac

Yesterday I visited Peggy Seymour at Flint River Memory Care Center. No, she does not have a room there, yet; instead, she operates the Carrot Top Beauty Salon located on the premises. Because she has no shingle hanging outside the door, I am having one made as soon as I can find the proper sign shop. The picture I have included here will definitely be a part of the sign. I think I got permission from the lady sitting in the chair. When she sees the sign, I am sure I will find out the truth.

Anyway, if you haven’t already visited Flint River Memory Care, there are many people awaiting your visit. Feel free to visit anytime. When you pass by Peggy’s office, be sure to sign the sign, and stop in for a conversation. It is amazing what a body can learn from visiting The Copper Top Beauty Salon.

Roger’s oncologist was very happy with the results of the PET scan! Nothing has changed from the last scan and everything is stable! This is GREAT news to begin the New Year!

Because he has Stage 4 cancer, the Doc will continue chemotherapy indefinitely. Thankfully, it doesn’t debilitate Roger, as it does some. This is a good thing–a blessing, indeed!

Please continue to pray for both Roger and Barbara! How I praise God for them and for the blessing they are to me!

Grace & peace!

Mac

To each of you GCF folk: it is my sincere prayer that 2013 will prove to be the best year of your life. I am very aware that there will be some rain and some sunshine, some fun days and some not-so-fun days; however, I am trusting that, through it all, the joy of the Lord will prove to be your strength.

Remember that it is more blessed to give than to receive; it is better to give your life away, than to keep it; it is to your advantage to love your enemies and to pray for them; it is an often forgotten truth that God doesn’t need you, but your neighbor does; it is very wise to learn to be a good listener; and, finally, it is utterly foolish to take your eyes off Jesus and put them on your circumstances.

Regardless of what this New Year might hold for you, remember that God is still God, that Jesus is still Lord, and that both of them, along with the Holy Spirit, are on your side. Because they are for you, no one can successfully be against you.

Forward ho!

Knowing that this is a busy time of the year, I wanted to remind you that we will be  gathering this Sunday morning to worship Him, so plan to be present and accounted for, as it will do you good and help you, too. Jesus will smile!

The text: “The thief comes only to steal, kill, and destroy; I am come that you might have life and have it more abundantly” (John 10:10).

I have the feeling that all of us will need to plug into those truths, as we begin this new year at the bottom of the cliff; whatever, that means.

The truth is, we are not going to be at the bottom of any cliff because we are seated in Christ at God’s right hand in the Heavenly Places! Not to shabby for the likes of us! A thing of grace–indeed!