Good evening to each of you! I want to ask you to pray for Mildred as she is not feeling very well. Fact is she has not felt well in quite some time. So, please pray for  her. Some of you ladies might call her (478-477-5435) and pray for her. She doesn’t need a long call, but a call and prayer would encourage her.

Blessings to you!

Mac

Sue Wicker called to tell me that her niece, Kim Strup, was in a 5-car auto pileup on I-75 south, enroute to Valdosta. She had four or five people in the vehicle with her. Apparently, she was the one who was seriously hurt: broken neck, pelvis, etc. Please remember to pray for her and for her family.

Thanks,

Mac

Yes, indeed, we are back in Macon–safe and sound (as far as I know). Word is that Kevin did an outstanding job Sunday. Another word is that many of you missed his incredible message. Another word is that he is struggling with rejection. The final word is this: I will let you decide whether or not to believe that last word.

A REMINDER:The Romans Bible study begins tomorrow evening at 7:00 at Flint River Memory Care Center. I am looking forward to seeing you then and there!

Grace lavished!

Mac

Today, the Docs have done both an upper and lower GI scope but found nothing; therefore, the assumption is that the problem is in her small intestine. Around 2:00 this afternoon, she had to swallow a camera that will take pictures as it passes through her entire GI tract. This will take approximately eight hours. Hopefully, this will reveal the problem.

Both Kathy & Travis need our continued prayers.

Thanks,

Mac

Kathy Almand is in Northside hospital with an apparent GI bleed. I am trusting that this will be a blessing in disguise, and the Docs will be able to diagnose her medical problem.

Please pray for both Kathy and Travis, as well as the Docs.

Thanks,

Mac

I am reading a book by Paul Zahl, “Grace in Practice,” that I think you would enjoy reading. I have not finished it, so I cannot tell you that I agree with everything he says, but what I have read is quite good.

These are a couple of quotes from the book: “Grace is love coming at you that has nothing to do with you”; Grace is a love that has nothing to do with you, the beloved. It has everything to do with the lover. Grace is irrational in the sense that it has nothing to do with weights and measures; “Grace is one-way love.”

Yea, I thought that would whet your appetite!

Grace to you!

Mac

I talked with Roger & Barbara yesterday and the news was good: apparently he had petite mal seizure last Sunday, as the scan showed that his brain is clear! Now that is good news!

I talked with Mildred tonight and she says she is feeling much better. Since we are the same age, I know that this is good news, too!

Data sent you her love today! Says she cannot wait to come back to church. The other day, I told her that I would be teaching a Bible study at Flint River in February. I reminded her of that today and she responded with: “Yes, they tell me that you will be bringing revival soon!” Well, I hope that is true! I am not sure what revival is, but I think we need one!

Kevin and I spent some quality time together yesterday. He was doing some serious Spring cleaning at his office. He even had the gall to ask me if it would be okay to shred some of my files to make room for his. I told him I would take it under advisement, after I discussed it with my attorney.

I noticed on Facebook tonight that Joanie and Melanie are taking an Alaska cruise in August. Joanie said it has something to do with a bucket list. I will have let you interpret that, as you will. I am hoping that the bucket won’t have to be used to bail the ship!

Remember: religion is the seamstress that is trying to mend the veil that Jesus tore into!

The date for the Bible study on Romans has been changed FROM February 12 TO February 19, as the staff at Flint River Memory Care remembered that they are having a Valentine Banquet on February 12. The residents are supposed to be “dressed to the nines” so it should be a great night.

Please mark your calendars!

Grace & peace!

Mac

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.