NewFPC Blog
Be Kind
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Last fall Larry and I dismantled a log house on the property of a church in Beech Creek, KY. In the front yard of the church was a small sign that said only “Be Kind”. Over the period of eight weeks I read that sign every day and thought, “what’s that all about?” It stuck with me and I began to see the same sign in yards around the town.
What is kindness - a smile to someone you know and love, maybe a smile to a stranger, a kind word, or letting someone ahead of you in the checkout line? Maybe it’s opening a door or a steady hand offered to an older person. That’s just a surface interpretation, but it can mean so much more.
I recently heard a sermon by Rev. Mike Hudson of Christ Venice in Florida. The sermon was about Jesus’ reaction to unkindness. He did not return ridicule with ridicule, or meanness with meanness, or insults with insults, but he responded with love. Jesus did not return what the world and man threw at Him, but gave love (kindness) instead. He said, “Love God and love one another."
First Line of Response
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Dear Friends in Christ,
Leonard Ravenhill wrote, “No man is greater than his prayer life. The ministry of prayer - the highest ministry of all human offices - is open to all.”
I often hear followers of Jesus say, “All I can do is pray.” I’ve wondered what that brief statement might sound like to our Savior who has extended to us, His people, the unbelievable privilege and amazing opportunity to talk with the Creator of not only each of us, but every component of the universe. All I can do is pray! Prayer should be our first line of response and defense. Jesus emphasized the importance and power of prayer by His words and example. Scripture tells us that Jesus often withdrew to a quiet place to speak with His Father. Jesus gave us The Lord’s Prayer as a model for prayer (Matthew 6:9-15) and commanded us “to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Jesus also stated that His House should be a House of Prayer (Matthew 21:13). Jesus shared two parables that encouraged His followers to persevere in prayer and to not lose heart (Luke 18:1-14). If our Savior emphasized prayer as vital, should prayer not be the focal point of our life as Christ’s followers?
Let's Pull Together
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I believe that the last thing Lon told Dawn was if she needed to ask someone to step in and do a job she should call Jane. Jane answers “yes” before she realizes what is involved in the request. This is how I felt when she asked me to supply an article for the Newsletter. I don’t know how many people had already told her “no” until she recalled Lon’s advice.
I struggled at first, but then I thought, Jane, you don’t have to write the article. You just have to find one to print. I have two books full of “good stuff” which I have collected over the years. Let the search begin. I read until I found this one.
Like a Tree Planted by the Rivers of Water
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"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall proper." Psalm 1:1-4
If the last few months have taught me anything, it’s that God is my stabilizer. In Him, with His presence and His promises, is life - life with peace that is contrary to this world.
Over the years of my Christian walk I’ve ruminated over this Scripture, especially the line “And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water...” I’m sure you've heard of the giant sequoias in California. Some have been standing for 3,200 years, depending on what website you read, and are over 300 feet tall, again depending on what website you read.
Google Blogger
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A blog site has been set up for the church on Google Blogger. Any church member or guest is welcome to post to the site. If you would like to post a blog, log in with the user name This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and the password "blogger123". You can post a comment to a blog without having to log in. We will monitor the content of the site to keep it appropriate.