Newsletter Sept 13th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Deacon Officers for 2026-2027
Chairman—-Jeff Keplinger
Vice Chairman—-Kenny Linker
Secretary—-Garry Hamilton
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We extend our love and sympathy to Mr. Robert High due to the death of his Brother-in-law, Mr. Burnice “Junior” Ward. May the Lord comfort you during this difficult time.
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It is amazing to think about the vast number and variety of vegetable seeds that are available today. One Master Gardner told me that according to the seed catalogues that came to him that there are over 50 different types of green beans alone. It is quite obvious that if I want to eat a certain variety of green beans then I must plant the correct seed. No other seed will put the desired dish on my table. Galatians 6:7 reminds us “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked. Whatsoever a man sows, that shall he also reap.” God created the world so that “Every seed bears fruit after its own kind ” [Genesis 1:11] every sensible person recognizes that truth when it comes to natural seed sowing.

However, the same principle applies in spiritual and relationship matters. Do you want folks to show kindness to you? Sow kindness to others. Are you blessed when you “mess up” and are forgiven? Be quick to forgive others. Want people to pray for you? Pray for them. Do you need financial blessing? Then sow financial seeds in the lives of others. Give to individuals and to Christian Ministries that are glorifying Jesus. Perhaps, someone reading this is thinking, “Pastor Ed, I tried sowing a financial seed and nothing positive happened”. Let’s consider a few possibilities:
   …Did you sow in “good soil”? Some ministries are scams. The money goes into someone’s pocket and not into real ministry.
   …Did you sow your seed and get discouraged because nothing happened the next day or next week? Read the seed packets. Some seeds produce in 45 days, others in 60, and some in 90. Fruit trees take several years before they begin to produce their fruit. Often, we give up too quickly.
   …Did you just sow once or twice and then quit sowing? It is the faithful Sowers who reap a harvest. Paul instructs Timothy [2 Timothy 4:2] to be “Instant in season and out of season”.  Things may be going well, or they may be going poorly, continue to sow.

Growing a good crop of peaches requires pruning, fertilizing, and frequent spraying. It is a year round task. Years ago, one of the Growers my family used told us—- Because of changing weather conditions, in an average 5 year span, there would be 1 fantastic year, 2 average years, and 2 poor years. The harvest varied, but the Peach Grower was faithful to continue to tend to his orchard. As a result, he was blessed in the long run scheme of things.

God’s Word is true. We can be stingy or generous. We can sow love or hate. We can forgive or hold grudges. We can be holy or worldly.  We can honor the Lord or the devil. Each of us chooses the crops we will harvest. What are you planting in your field???

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church are at 10:00 am. Also available at 10 in the parking lot on 99.1 FM and on the website after 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are at 6:30 pm on Wednesday  in the Fellowship Hall
4. $ 270— Beginning Offering for the NC Missions Offering. So much of our Disaster Relief ministry is funded by this offering. Please give generously any time during September
5. REVIVAL—October 11-14. Rev. Mark Caldwell preaching. Pray!! Invite!! Plan to Attend!!

Praying for good crops in all our fields

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church