Newsletter  July 26th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Unfortunately, not every family is a loving family.  However, one of the special characteristics of a loving family [a family where the Dad and Mom love one another and parents and children have real love] is the trust the children have in their parents. A violent storm, with fierce thunder and lightning, rages in the middle of the night. There is the “pitter patter” of little feet. A timid voice says. “Mama, Daddy, I am afraid. Can I sleep with you?” Even though the storm continues, the little child snuggles up to a parent, feels safe and secure, and soon is sleeping peacefully. At other times [dark nights, big crowds] the child reaches up and takes the hand of a parent and knows that all is well.

Recently, I flipped on my TV and a choir was singing an old song that I had not heard in many years. I will give you two lines. How much of the song do you remember?
   …”Put your hands in the hands of the Man who calmed the sea
   …Put your hands in the hands of the Man from Galilee” 

What a wonderful truth that teaches. At one time or another, all of us experience storms in our life. The storms of life may rage [sickness, financial need, disagreements. Rejections, deaths, divorce, fired from our job, etc.] Those who put their hands in the hands of Jesus face those storms with a love, a comfort, a peace, a protection, that those without Jesus never have. Even in the middle of the storm, those who hold the Hand of Jesus are secure. This week, allow the Bible to speak to you and encourage you.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me, Thy rod and Thy staff, they comfort me”. Psalm 23:4

“I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: My God, in Him will I trust”. Psalm 91:2
“Thou shall not be afraid for the terror by night, nor for the arrow that flieth by day”. Psalm 91:5
“There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling”. Psalm 91:10

Jesus said, “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of My Hand. My Father, which gave them Me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of My Father’s Hand.” John 10:28, 29

“For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind”. 2 Timothy 1:7

As that song reminds us, the safest place for now, and for all eternity is to have our hand in the loving Hand of Jesus. Remember His promise, “I will never leave you nor forsake you”. Hebrew 13:5. Are you living your life, Hand-in Hand, with Jesus?

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church are at 10:00 am. Also available in the parking lot at 10 on 99.1 FM and on the website after 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. Homecoming—August 16—Rev. Kinney Wallace—-Plan to stay for the Covered Dish Meal
5. Revival—October 11-14—–Rev. Mark Caldwell

Another comforting Hymn—-SHELTERED IN THE ARMS OF GOD

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church