From the Shepherd's Heart....Friday, December 30, 2016

A new car, a new dress, a new app, a new toy; we all like the idea of new.  It just seems better.  A new beginning with our Lord, in life, with our spouse, with our parents, at school.  The slate is wiped clean, we get to start fresh.

"Jesus has a copyright on New Beginnings."  There is nothing like the new beginning He can give in life and relationships.  We welcome 2017 as an opportunity of new beginnings.

As we start 2017 as a church family, let me focus on a few things:

1. We will have our annual Prayer and Fasting emphasis. 

Beginning January 8, I will preach for four weeks on prayer and fasting, looking at the life of Daniel.  He will be our model for fasting and prayer.

I will ask you to join me in fasting these days:  Wednesday, January 11; Wednesday, January 18; Monday, January 23 through Wednesday, January 25.  We will begin at 5:00 pm (sundown) on Tuesday and end our fast on Wednesday at 5:00 pm.

2.  Also on January 8, I will return to the Gospel of Luke looking at portions of Luke we have not covered.  I will begin a new series, "The Greatest Man to Be Born."  And no, I'm not talking about Jesus but instead Jesus said in Matthew 11:11, "Among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than......"  Who did Jesus make that statement about?  That person will be the theme of our Sunday morning messages through the first of February.

  

3.  Do you know what the "Word of the Year" is as chosen by Oxford Dictionaries?  It is post-truth, an adjective defined as 'relating to or denoting circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief.'

In a joint effort, Bro. Craig and I will lead our adults and students to consider "what is truth?" in special teachings on Wednesday nights.  While we will not be meeting together, we will be looking at the same material simultaneously.  We feel it is imperative for parents and students to be on the same page.  More about this Wednesday night.

4.  With all the "new" stuff coming, let us not forget the growth of the church is sustained through our small group ministry, Sunday School.  We will continue to emphasize Sunday School as the most important ministry of our church and encourage all members and guests to be regularly involved in a small group Bible study.

We will be having our semi-annual Care Group Leaders' Training on Sunday, January 22 at 9:15.

Other dates to put on your calendar for early 2017-

February 12:  New Member class

February 26:  GOLD CITY with us all day, singing in the morning service and a full concert in the evening service.

April 14-16: Jay Lowder- EASTER OUTREACH

June 11-15:  Vacation Bible School

July 1-8:  Mission Trip to Mobile

I'm glad I'm at Rainsville First Baptist with you!  I am looking forward to all God has in store for 2017.  Pray for me that I will lead with clarity and integrity.