A Hospital for Sinners

At church Sunday night, we had a wonderful service. The teenagers had just returned from Winter Renewal, and they were on fire! One of the teenagers, Caleb, testified. While he was speaking, he said that we need to reach out for sinners and welcome them into church-after all, isn’t that who needs it most? This reminded me of an Abigail Van Buren quote: “A church is a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints.” We have all been in need of God’s grace at one point or another. Jesus was criticized for eating with tax collectors and sinners. But, in Matthew 9:12-13 NLT he tells his critics, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor-sick people do.” Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” I was reminded of a song by the David Crowder Band called “How He Loves”. One of the verses says, "We are His portion and He is our prize, Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes. If grace is an ocean, we're all sinking." That is immeasurable grace and love. According to an online dictionary, grace is defined as “the free and unmerited favor of God.” How much must God love us to offer such grace! To comprehend God’s love for us, do we not have to love others? And, to serve Christ, we must serve others. David McCasland said it well: "When we reach out to people in need, we are able to extend to others the grace of God-guiding them to His healing touch." What kind of touch do you extend?

How Did Mary Do It?

Recently, I was reading the second chapter of Luke (concerning the birth of Jesus). I was struck by the nineteenth verse: “But Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.” There was so much going on around Mary. In this chapter, Mary has just given birth to Jesus, and the shepherds have come to see Jesus because they were told by an angel that He was the Messiah. It is also hard for me to imagine what was going through Mary’s mind. How exciting must it be to see the angel’s prophecy coming to fruition! If that were your baby boy, can you imagine how you would react? I think that I would have been tempted to be proud and boisterous. But, remember what Luke 2:19 said, “She kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often.” I have to think that she wanted to capture each moment of her new life as it happened. If she had been busy gushing to everyone about how wonderful it all was, she might have missed out on something that was being said about her son-the Messiah.

As busy as our lives are today, imagine what we may be able to hear if we took the time to listen. The Lord could be speaking to your heart through those around you. So, when life is bustling, remember to take a moment to grasp the important things in your heart. Remember, the important things may not be the loud things going on in your life, so don’t let the noise distract you.

Power in a name?

Last week, I was making peanut butter fudge, and my phone started ringing. Since I was in the middle of making fudge, I couldn’t answer my phone (and risk messing up the fudge). But, when I was able to check my phone, I had numerous missed calls as well as a couple of voicemails. It turned out that a judge needed to get in touch with me about one of my cases. But, the judge did not have my phone number. So, she had to get other people to call me. That made me think about the direct connection I have to Jesus. I don’t have to depend on anyone else to “call” him for me. I can simply speak his name. If we could grasp this, we may surprise ourselves at the obstacles that we are able to overcome without ever feeling oppressed.

Something else that has been rolling around in my head over the past week or so is a song that Jeremiah Yocom sings. The song is titled “He Knows My Name.” It says:

He counts the stars one and all

He knows how much sand is on the shore

He sees every sparrow that falls

He made the mountains and the sea

He’s in control of everything

All creatures great and small

And He knows my name

Every step that I take

Every move that I make

Every tear that I cry

He knows my name

When I’m overwhelmed by the pain

I can’t see the light of day

I know I’ll be just fine

‘Cause He knows my name

I don’t know what tomorrow may bring

I can’t tell you what’s in store

I don’t know a lot of things

I don’t have all the answers to the questions of life

But I know in whom I have believed

Think about your favorite famous actor or singer/musician. Imagine how star-struck you would be if you saw him/her in person. Then, what if they knew you by name? Wouldn’t you go weak in the knees? Have you considered that the King of Kings and Lord of Lords knows you personally? He knows the number of hairs on your head. He longs for a meaningful relationship with you. But, as we all know, the key to a healthy relationship is communication. I want my relationship with Him to be all it can be. I want to be confident that He knows my innermost thoughts, concerns, disappointments, and satisfactions.

Hold On

There is a song that I used to sing with my church choir. One of the verses says,


The devil comes a-knockin', trying to steal your soul
Blinding you with circumstances that you cannot control
Your heart's been torn to pieces
You're at the end of your rope
You've gotta a choice to make
Are you gonna hold on or just let go


Hold on to what you got
The fire's not that hot
You can walk on through the flame
Holding on to Jesus' name
The devil is a liar, you can blow out his fire
With the power He has given unto us
Hold on to what you got


Sometimes, we don't give holding our ground enough credit. But, it made me think about what I was told as a child in regards to any potential bully-stand up for yourself. At times, it feels like standing is all you can do. But, remember, standing your ground is better than losing it. If you give up, you have just lost all the ground that you had gained. Psalm 27:1-3 NLT says, "The Lord is my light and my salvation-so why should I be afraid? The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger, so why should I tremble? When evil people come to devour me, when my enemies and foes attack me, they will stumble and fall. Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will not be afraid. Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident."


There is absolutely no reason to ever give up. Even if all you can do is stand, consider Ephesians 6 "Having done all to stand, stand." 

Thankful Thirty

I was invited by a friend to join in an event on facebook. The goal is to name one thing each day (during the month of November) that you are thankful for. So, I thought that I'll blog about it too. My goal is to name one thing daily on facebook, and create an on-going list for my blog. I may expand more on each day in the blog also.


So here goes:


Day 1: I'm thankful for my wonder mom, Tina. She has been and will always be a true inspiration of what a Christian mom should be. When I was younger, I had no idea all that she did. But, now, as I reflect, I am truly amazed by what she accomplished, and she made it look so easy! I'm thankful for her discipline, love, sacrifice, and example. I could not be what I am today without her guidance over the past 27 years. Love you Mom!


Day 2: "I wasn't looking for someone I could live with. I was looking for the one I could not live without." I'm thankful for my husband. He loves me, brings me joy, and challenges me to be my best. He is a wonderful man.


Day 3: "A sister is a friend, chosen by God." I'm thankful for my twin sister, Lesha. I love that we still take our yearly vacations and completely enjoy the time together. We aren't alike in many ways, but I think that is what makes our connection so strong. I'm thankful that God gave me such a great friend from birth. What a blessing!


Day 4: "It was nice growing up with someone like you-someone to lean on, someone to count on...someone to tell on!" I am thankful for my brother, Jordan. If it wasn't for him, I would have probably never given a career in law enforcement a real thought. I still remember standing in El Charro talking about my job (as a hair stylist at the time) and Jordan saying, "Why don't you become a cop?" Now, when we go to El Charro, or sit around any other dinner table, we have plenty of stories to share.


Day 5: I am thankful for my sweet dad, Mar. "The words that a father speaks to his children in the privacy of home are not heard by the world, but, as in whispering-galleries, they are clearly heard at the end and by posterity." ~Jean Paul Richter. My dad doesn't give much advice; but, when he does, it is definitely worth taking.  ♥ ya Dad!

Evergreen or Broadleaf?

I love autumn. Along with the beauty of the trees, I also enjoy the sunny days and the cool nights. I love to see the bright orange and red leaves on the trees. But, have you ever noticed that most evergreens (pines, cedars, furs, etc.) don’t change, even in the coldest months? Do you know why they don’t? 

From some online research I found that as foliage is concerned, they have to have protection to survive the cold months of the oncoming winter. The tissue of leaves on most trees is too tender to withstand icy nights. So, during autumn, plants either have to toughen up to protect their leaves or dispose of the leaves. 

Evergreens toughen up, so they are able to keep their needles. On the outside, they have a thick wax coating that resists freezing. They also have substance inside of them that fights freezing. 

However, the leaves of broadleaved trees do not have the same thick coating, and the cells on the inside are watery and will easily freeze. The tree has to seal off and shed these leaves to ensure winter survival. It makes me consider how tough am I? 

Does God want me to “toughen up” like an evergreen? I strongly believe so. He has provided everything we need to survive the harshest nights. Psalm 28:7 NLT says, “The Lord is my strength and my shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” What a perfect verse for this season. Remember, the nights may be longer and colder. But allow the Lord to be your inner strength and know that, just like the thick coating of wax on the outside of the evergreens, He is your shield. So, be sure to sing Him a song of Thanksgiving.

November Church News

November Church News

Monroe First Congregational Holiness Church

1113 South Broad Street

Monroe, Georgia 30655

Pastor Greg Baldwin

Sunday School 10:00, Sunday Worship Service 11:00 & 6:00,

Tuesday Worship Service 7:30

Follow us on facebook: www.facebook.com/monroechchurch

Welcome

Here at Monroe CH Church, we are a family of believers. We want to capture the hearts of every generation and join together in pressing “toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:14). Thank you for joining with us to magnify and worship the Lord today. If you don’t already have a home church, we would love to have you with us each week. Along with our mid-week service on Tuesdays, we also have small groups on Tuesdays. We are certain that we have something suited for you.

Weekly Sunday School Trivia Questions

October 30^st~ What is the “glory of children?”

November 6^th~What will an idle soul suffer?

November 13^th~Who loves at all times?

November 20^th~ What is the name of the land where Sarah was buried?

Nursery Guidelines

The nursery is staffed by one adult and one young adult and will be

available during the sermon portion of the service.

Words for Life

I love autumn. Along with the beauty of the trees, I also enjoy the sunny days and the cool nights. I love to see the bright orange and red leaves on the trees. But, have you ever noticed that evergreens (pines, cedars, furs, etc.) don’t change even in the coldest months? Do you know why they don’t? As foliage is concerned, they have to have protection to survive the cold months of the oncoming winter. The tissue of leaves on most trees is too tender to withstand icy nights. So, during autumn, plants either have to toughen up to protect their leaves or dispose of the leaves. Evergreens toughen up, so they are able to keep their needles. They have a thick wax coating that resists freezing. However, the leaves of broadleaved trees do not have the same thick coating, and the cells on the inside are watery and will easily freeze. The tree has to seal off and shed these leaves to ensure winter survival. It makes me consider how tough I am? Does God want me to “toughen up” like an evergreen? I strongly believe so. He has provided everything we need to survive the harshest nights. Psalm 28:7 NLT says, “The Lord is my strength and my shield. I trust Him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.” What a perfect verse for this season. Remember, the nights may be longer and colder. But allow the Lord to be your strength and know that, just like the thick coating of wax on evergreens, He is your shield. So, be sure to sing Him a song of Thanksgiving.

Prayer Requests

In your prayer time this week, please remember:

Jesse Mullins, Jamie Rowden, Margaret Hicks, David Pace, Sandra Phillips, LeWanda Ramey, Dee Cordle, Melissa Christian, Shane Charles, Gary Butler, Bro Billy Autry, Sherman and Joy Baldwin, Robert and Glenna Deel, Gene McCullough, Eva and Delano Casper, Lisa Perry, & Scott Williams.

Announcements

§  Nursing Home Ministry is the first Saturday of each month. Sister Judy Daniel directs this ministry & would appreciate your prayers & support.

§  November 3^rd~Brotherhood Meeting with Thanksgiving dinner @ 7:00

§  Christmas in Mexico~we will be sending Christmas poppers to the Monroe Church in Mexico again this year. Please bring the following items: toilet paper rolls, bags of individually wrapped candy (no chocolate-it melts), small toys (balloons, crayons, small bouncy balls, etc.), & Christmas wrapping paper. The Mexican Christmas party (to stuff and wrap the poppers) will be November 5^th @ 5:00 p.m. in the fellowship hall.

§  November 11^th~Dinner & a movie. Dinner @ 6:00; Movie @ 7:30. Pastor’s Pals-Bro Greg & Sis Tina will provide child care in the nursery during the movie. Menu & movie to be announced soon.

§  November 13^th~Robin and Steve Snider will be worshiping with us. Steve will be preaching.

§  November~WM’s Thanksgiving dinner

§  December 4^th~William Strickland, our new director of Missions USA, will be with us.

§  Remember to check the projection for additional announcements.

November Birthdays

Jessica McWilliams~November 3^rd

Judy Daniel~November 5^th

Greg Baldwin~November 9^th  

Bobby Driver~November 13^th

Rachel Cobb~November 18^th

Zoey Michael~November 24^th

Madison Lazenby~November 26^th