I hope you have been well since we met last. I am doing tremendously well, also. I set a goal for myself to be up to twenty minutes on the treadmill bu Christmas. This past Friday I made it! I did 21 minutes. For some of you, that is nothing, but for me it is a milestone. My former Pastor and good friend, B. J. Thomas, said success is not reaching a goal, but setting another one once the old one is reached. He was right. As we see 2011 quickly winding down, are there goals you have yet to reach? If you have reached them, have you considered what's next? Not preachin' --- just askin'!
What a fantastic day it was at Friendship Harmony! We had a guest speaker this morning; Dr. Tommy Simmons from Arcadia, Florida. Dr. Simmons and his wife Sandy came and shared their ministry and goals for their work, Community Christian Fellowship. These folk are our ministry partners, and Friendship Harmony is honored to serve with them. Our Church recommended them, and supports them as they are in the process of entering the Royal Palm Association. Community Christian Fellowship will be a fine addition to our local association of Southern Baptist Churches.
Tommy preached from Psalm 103:1-5 which says, “Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. [2] Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: [3] Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; [4] Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; [5] Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.” He reminded us that we can bless the name of the Lord in times of prosperity, and discouragement. This is possible because our iniquity (sins) has been forgiven. We have been shown mercy, not judgment. All sins must be judged, yours and mine alike. The difference between a believer and a sinner is that the believer's sin has been judged on the cross. The sinner's sin is judged by living eternally in the lake of fire. The benefit is that as a believer, I will never experience that place of eternal torment. I can know about it from a Theological standpoint, but never shall I experience it. Wow! Talk about a benefit; God's mercy. Do you stand in need of God's mercy? Is there any un-confessed sin in your life? You do not have to wait until Sunday at Church to find the benefit of forgiveness. Take God's offer of mercy now while He is speaking to you. The devil won't tell you not to, but he will try to convince you to wait. When it comes to your relationship, or lack of one with God, wait is the most dangerous word in the dictionary.
Next Sunday, the Lord willing, I'll preach the second and concluding message in our series titled “Life's Purpose.” On Saturday evening, December 24, at 6:00 pm, our annual Christmas eve service will be held. The order of service is tentative, but I possibly will be joined in the pulpit by my long time friend and minister, Bro. Bob Chapman. I'll give you more details next week. On Sunday January 1, at the request of several of our folk, I will begin a prophecy series. If you are in the area, I hope you can be here for all the services I mentioned.
Have a good week, and keep yourself safe if you are doing any Christmas shopping. Park in well lit areas if you go out at night, and go in a group if you can. Start your car as soon as you get into it and pull away. You can put on your seat belt at the first light or stop sign... Ladies hang on to your purses. I witnessed as one woman left her purse in the seat of her shopping cart, then wondered off down the aisle. She made herself an easy target. Men, consider putting your wallet in your front shirt pocket. I heard a reformed pick pocket say that spot is unable to be picked without notice. I know it all sounds foreboding, but Pastor Vic wants you to enjoy this Christmas season.
I'll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!
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