Newsletter Sept 20th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Many of you had a laugh a few weeks ago when I wrote about the limits of Pamela’s love for me. She loved me enough to marry me, and to stay married to me for 55 years. However, she did not love me enough to make a second trip to the Peach Orchard with me. One miserable, itchy, scratchy, trip lasted her a lifetime!!!!

Recently, I learned that my little white furry friend, Heidi, also has limits to her love. Many times a day, Heidi jumps into my lap. She wants to be petted.  If I am reclining, she climbs up on my chest and rests her little head under my chin. It is a beautiful gesture of love. However, one night recently, I noticed a limit to that love. A limit to her desire to be near me. 

It was after midnight. The house was dark. I was seated on the couch. Heidi was stretched out near the fireplace. I closed my eyes and began to pray. Then, I began to sing. For about 30 minutes I sang old hymns, praise choruses, and songs I made up. When I opened my eyes, Heidi was nowhere to be seen. I went looking. She had “escaped” to another room. She had her little head buried in a blanket like she was trying to cover her ears!! Evidently, the one thing about me that Heidi cannot tolerate, is my singing.

I never was a gifted singer. A few times when we were sitting together and singing in a church service, Pamela elbowed me and said, “Not so Loud”. Later, she denied doing it, but I distinctly remember those times. Anyway, as I have aged, it seems to me that my singing has gotten worse. The good news for people like me is that the Lord does not look with disfavor on those of us who are “off key” and “out of tune”.

   …”Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands”. [Psalm 100:1] My singing is “joyful” and most of the time it resembles a “noise”. The Lord still likes it.
   …”Hallelujah! Praise the Lord! How beautiful it is when we sing our praises to the beautiful God, for praise makes you lovely before Him and brings Him great delight”. [Psalm 147:1 TPT]. Heidi may escape to another room. But when I am singing praises to my God, I am lovely in His sight and bring Him great delight.

So, also, it is with you, my fellow Believer. Your voice may be opera quality, normal, or terrible. God, gave you at birth the abilities you have or don’t have. Sing praises to your Lord. Sing at church. Sing at home. Sing in the car. Sing when alone out in nature. Let your love for Jesus resound with your praise songs. God will be pleased. He will be delighted. And, if you are sincere in your praises, the Lord will come and spend some special fellowship time with you.
   …”Yet, I know that You are most holy, it is indisputable. You are God-Enthroned, surrounded with songs, living among the shouts of praise of your princely people. [Psalm 22:3 TPT]

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 on Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. $ 820—Latest total for our NC Mission Offering. An excellent start. Continue to give during September.
5. Tuesday, October 20— Fall Apple Trip
6. October 11-14—-Fall Revival—Continue to pray for a genuine move of God. Invite others to attend. Bring “Finger Foods” and stay for a time of fellowship after the Sunday Evening Service

Let everything that has breath, praise the Lord!!!
 
Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church