Newsletter Aug 2nd

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Late last summer, I came out of the house and realized that the guys who mow my yard had put weed killer on the weeds in my flower beds. Unfortunately, they did not know weeds from flowers. They also poisoned my flowers. This Spring, Ted and Bonnie, were kind enough to find some of Pamela’s favorite flowers so that I could replant. I replaced all that had been killed. Because of dry weather, I had to water a few times, but those new plants were growing and blooming.

It was not long until I noticed that the grass was also returning. Little clumps, about the size of my hand, began to appear. I knew that I should get busy uprooting that grass while it was still small. But, at my age, I do not enjoy working in 95 degree heat. [Actually, working in that type of heat was never fun, but even more so now.] I kept delaying. Now, those little clumps of grass have continued to grow and are threatening to take over.

In a similar vein, I look in the mirror and realize that I need to lose weight. Sadly, I know the truth. If I had gotten serious and acted when I gained the first 10 extra pounds, and if I had acted every time that happened, I would not be needing to lose a bunch now. Procrastination is not a good thing.

Those two illustrations have a spiritual application. For years, I have heard this expression, “THE ROAD TO HELL IS PAVED WITH GOOD INTENTIONS”. Many people who are in Hell today planned to go to Heaven. They planned to begin to attend church—next Sunday. They planned to accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior—at the next revival. They planned to live for Jesus—soon. Years came and went, The commitment was –someday soon. That –someday soon—never came and they are  eternally lost.

I know many backslidden Christians [At least I hope they are Christians]. At one time, they were “on fire” for Jesus. Now the fire is gone. Bible reading and prayer were neglected. Church services were missed. Anger and a grudge were held against a Pastor, a church, or a fellow Christian. Perhaps, some “flirting ” that was not quickly stopped, led to adultery.  Barney Fife on the old Andy Griffeth show, made lots of hilarious mistakes, but one time his advice was right on target: “NIP IT, IN THE BUD, NIP IT IN THE BUD”. Whatever the situation, it was not “Nipped”, and an “on fire” for Jesus believer became backslidden and cold toward spiritual matters.

Friends, consider the following verses:
   …”Keep the heart with diligence, for out of it are the issues of life”. Proverbs 4:23
   …”Yet, a little sleep, a little slumber, a folding of the hands to sleep: so shall thy poverty come as one that travelled. And thy want as an armed man”. Proverbs 6: 10, 11
   …”Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour. Whom resist steadfast in the faith….”. 1 Peter 5:8,9

As long as we have life and a sound mind, we can still be saved. We can also return from a life of backsliding. The choice is always our own personal decision. What type of relationship do you have with Jesus today?
   …My Spirit will not always strive with man…”. Genesis 6:3
   …”No man can come to ME, except the Father which hath sent ME draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.” John 6:44

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 99.1FM 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—Pack that picnic basket and stay for the fellowship meal. Bring guests with you
5. REVIVAL—-October 11-14—-Rev. Mark Caldwell —Pray for these services

Learn from Barney

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church