This Year's Mother Of The Year Is Awarded To ...

Good Monday Morning To You.

I hope all you moms who are reading this had a good Mother’s Day yesterday. We had a really good Mother’s Day service at Friendship Harmony; I’ll tell you about it in a minute.

Last week I shared a prayer request concerning my wife, Miss Bessie. Last Monday afternoon I took her for an X-ray, and after reading the films, the radiologist told us to go straight to the Cape Coral Hospital Emergency Room. The ER physician looked at the X-rays and ordered a CT Scan. The scan showed that she had 4 broken ribs, a punctured lung, and a partially deflated lung with a touch of pneumonia. This was on top of the fractured wrist we were already of. The CT also showed bruising on her liver, but they were not too concerned about that. As I said last week, our orthopedic doctor, Michael Jugan, believes her hip is the problem and the reason for the fall. Thank you for your prayers, and I’ll keep you posted.

Yesterday I gave much thought to my own mom, Alene Cooper. She was a tremendous mom. Every night at bedtime she would come in and sit on my bed and listen to my bedtime prayers. She taught me two. One was, “Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the LORD my soul to keep. If I should die before I wake, I pray the LORD my soul to take. A-men.” The other was, “I see the moon, the moon sees me. God bless the moon, God bless me. And God bless mommy, and God bless daddy, and God bless …..”

Did you pray either of these prayers? The lessons she taught me about prayer stays with me to this very day. The first prayer was a prayer of faith. It was faith in God and faith in prayer. The second was a prayer of thinking of others. I would later learn that was called an “intercessory” prayer. I may not have known the theological technicalities of it in the late 50’s and early 60’s, but I did learn about the importance of prayer.

As I said earlier, the service at Friendship Harmony was tremendous. I know it seems like I always say that, but it is true. The attendance was good and the Spirit in the service was awesome. I thank our Lord Jesus Christ for meeting with us at church. Without the presence of the Holy Spirit, we would be just a club.

The message was called, “Mother Of The Year: Naomi. The message came from selected passages in the book of Ruth. We talked about Naomi being acquainted with sorrow and hard times, yet knowing the LORD was sufficient to see her through. Untested faith is shallow faith, and Naomi’s faith was deep and steadfast. This was from Ruth 1:3-5.

We saw from chapter 1 verses 7-9, we saw that Naomi was considerate of the needs of others. She had buried her husband, then her two sons, leaving herself and her two daughters in law. Naomi was going back home to Israel and told the girls that they could return home and find husbands among the men of Moab.

In chapter 1, verses 16-18 we learned that Naomi was a highly treasured woman. Her daughter in law Ruth said this to her. Ruth 1:16-18
“And Ruth said, ‘Intreat me not to leave thee, or to return from following after thee: for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: [17] Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the Lord do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me.’ [18] When she saw that she was stedfastly minded to go with her, then she left speaking unto her.” What a fitting compliment for a fine lady.

We saw that Naomi was a descerner of God’s will. To accomplish this she had a close personal walk with the LORD. Are you able to descern the will of God? If not, perhaps you need to draw closer to Him. This we saw in chapter 3, verses 1-4. From this wise counsel of Naomi to Ruth, Ruth and Boaz eventually marry and have a son named Obed. He grows and has a son named Jesse, who in turn has a son named David. David would not only become Israel’s greatest king, but from him one day the Messiah, Jesus would be born. Naomi knew the will of God for Ruth, and her simple act of faith blossomed into a Messianic line.

Finally we learned Naomi was known to others as a person blessed of God. From verses 14 and 15 of chapter 4, we saw how others recognized the hand of God at work in the life of Naomi. May we all, women and men alike, follow the fine example set forth by dear Naomi.

May the LORD bless your upcoming week with the blessings of good health and Spirit filled days. There is no video being posted tomorrow, so I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!©

Hold Up Thy Neighbor - Hold Up Thyself

Good Day To You!

I trust you have had an excellent week since we last visited. Some of you have asked me about my mom, Lois Alene Cooper. As you might be aware, mom fell a few weeks ago and broke her leg bone where it connects to the hip. She required surgery, but is now doing great and feeling fine. She is in a rehab hospital in Cincinnati and her therapists plan to get her walking at some point this week. Thanks for your continued prayers for her. Mom will be celebrating her 81st birthday this Thursday, January 24.

Also my wife, Miss Bessie, is having a hard time recovering from an illness. She has what is known as viral syndrome. As I understand, it means that several different viruses were operating in her body at the same time. She was already weakened from her total knee replacement back in November. What we have not mentioned before is that she received blood during her surgery due to severe blood loss. Again, this weakened her and made her system ripe for invading viruses. She is still experiencing a three week headache and nausea. Miss Bessie thanks you for your prayers for her. At the end of the blog, I’ll give you both of these Cooper ladies addresses in case you’d like to send a card.

Yesterday was a tremendous day at Friendship Harmony. The attendance was excellent and it was a really good service. This church is a preacher’s dream. It is very easy to preach here, because the people are behind the preacher. Whether it is me, or Bob Felber, or Jim Pickens, this church prayerfully supports whoever is breaking the bread of life. It is also challenging to preach here. The folks at Friendship Harmony are well read in their Scriptures, so the preacher had better be on his toes. It causes us to study harder and dig deeper, and for that I am grateful.

I preached a message titled, “Hold Up Thy Neighbor, Hold Up Thyself.” The notes are below, and the message will be on www.youtube.com later this week. I’ll send out a special edition of this blog when it is posted. Also at that time, I’ll explain how to find it on youtube if you do not already know. At this time, three prior messages are posted.

Hold Up Thy Neighbor - Hold Up Thyself ©
Galatians 6:1-5
By Pastor Vic Cooper
01/19/13

Intro: Paul tells us that one responsibility of believer’s toward one another is to restore another in times of hardship and failure. He tells us that in so doing we must also guard ourselves.

I. Restore your brother/sister. v1
A. Restore> Gk. Katartizo> to repair or adjust
1. In secular Greek, the word is used as in setting broken bones.
` 2. In the New Testament the word is used for mending fishing nets.
B. Restoration of another must be conducted with meekness. Meekness; gentleness
1. Accomplished by first showing concern.
2. Concern must be followed with kindness.
Concern is a feeling; kindness is an action.
3. Genuine caring means you must be real.
C. During the process you must keep an eye on yourself. Why?
1. Judgmentalism says, “You failed, I never could!” This is arrogant, stupid, and dangerous.

II. The law of Christ. v2
A. Believers are not under the law of Moses, but are under the law of Christ. What is it?
1. Mark 12:31 “…Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.
2. Paul had already reminded this to the Galatians in 5:14.

III. Guard yourself. v3
A. Refers back to v1, “considering thyself.”

IV. Test you deeds. v4
A. Proving (testing) your own works is “considering yourself” of v1, and keeps one from self deception; v3.

V. No contradiction here. v5
A. v2, bear one another’s burden.
B. Bear your own burden.

Which is it?

C. Both!. Two different words are used in the original.
1. v2, burden --- a heavy, crushing load; one man cannot carry it without help.
2. v5, burden --- like a soldier’s backpack; one man can, and is expected to carry it. An American soldier’s pack weighs from 35 to 75 pounds.

Conclusion: As you’ve probably noticed by now, the point of all this is not holding up your neighbor as much as it is holding up, ie considering yourself. Why? If you keep your guard, you will not become someone like in verse one who must be restored.

As I mentioned earlier, here are the addresses I promised in case you feel so inclined to send cards.

Mrs. Lois A. Cooper
c/o Forest Hills Care Center
8700 Moran Road, Room North 305A
Cincinnati, Ohio 45244

Mrs. Bess Cooper
Box 3036
Pineland, Florida 33945

Thanks for being such a loyal reader to this blog --- I really appreciate you. If you are new with us, let me extend you a welcome, and I hope we will visit regularly. I’ll send out a special midweek edition when the video is posted and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!

Does Pastor Vic Really Do Dishes???

Good Monday Morning To You!

I trust you have had a safe and healthy week. The same has not been the case here at the Cooper home. Miss Bessie, along with recovering from her total knee replacement, also has the flu. It has hit her pretty hard. My daughter, Michele, is fighting an upper repertory infection. Even poor ole Pastor Vic had several days where he felt absolutely miserable. I still have the stuffy head and a cough, but at least the body aches and fever are gone. This, however is not the case for Miss Bessie. Please pray for her swift recovery, because quite frankly, I’m not used to performing all these wifely duties; dishes, laundry, cooking, cleaning. I thank God I was born a boy!!! I was standing at the sink, getting myself a good case of dish-pan hands, when a Scripture came to mind: 2 Kings 21:13 “And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria, and the plummet of the house of Ahab: and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipeth a dish, wiping it, and turning it upside down.” Did you catch that? As a man wipeth a dish; not a woman. The author of 1 and 2 Kings is unknown. If I’d have written about a man having to do dishes, I’d write anonymously too.

Some of you have asked about my mom, Alene Cooper. Last week mom fell and broke the femur (the large bone) in her right leg. It required surgery, but her surgeon is confident that she will recover. Mom was transferred on Friday from Jewish Hospital in Cincinnati, to a rehab center just east of the city. She is at the same place she was last year after her gall bladder exploded. We expect her recovery this time should be a bit easier. Please continue to pray for her. I spoke to her just a few minutes ago, and she sounded good. If you’d like to send her a card, contact me for the address.

We had a good service at Friendship Harmony yesterday, in spite of quite a few being out sick. The attendance was still good, and the song service was uplifting. I preached a message on “Some Do’s and Don’ts.” The notes are below, and the message is probably a little different than what you might be expecting. The video will be posted at some point this week if it is useable. I took a couple of coughing spells and I’m sure for internet viewing that might be quite distracting. We’ll see.

Last week’s video from the message, “Bearing The Cross,” is now available online. You can get to it at www.youtube.com. When their home page comes up, type Friendship Harmony Baptist Church in the box next to their logo. We don’t have a picture posted, but you will see a silhouette of a skinny little guy which you may safely assume is me. Here are the notes from yesterday.

Some Do’s And Don’ts ©
Isaiah 41:10; 40:11
By Victor Cooper
1/11,12/13

Intro: Many Scriptures speak of God’s care of and provision for believers.. The “Good Shepherd” teaching is not a New Testament concept. God used Isaiah to convey the same message some 700 years before the birth of Jesus.

I. The “Don’ts.” Isaiah 41:10.
A. Do not fear. To be frightened. Why would Israel be fearful?
1. They had rebelled many times --- perhaps they were afraid of losing their covenant status.
2. Bible Knowledge Commentary Even though Israel was exiled because of sin and unbelief, she still was not rejected by God. Since the covenant the Lord made with Abraham was unconditional (Gen. 15), his descendants need not fear.
3. “You do not have to be afraid because I am still with you.” VCT*
B. Do not be dismayed. To look around bewildered; confused to the point of inaction.
1. Why would they be confused and bewildered?
2. Fear generally leads to confusion.
3. “You do not have to be dismayed because I am eternally your God.”: VCT*

II. The “Do’s”
A. I will strengthen you.
1. The plus: when God strengthens something, it is strong!
2. The negative: Often God strengthens us through trials, much like metal is hardened by fire.
3. The result: Christian maturity.
B. I will help you. It means to aid and comes from a Hebrew root which means “to surround.”
C. I will uphold you. To sustain. Reference.com gives 5 definitions to the word. Their number 4 is interesting: “…to keep (a person, the mind, the spirits, etc.) from giving way, as under trial or affliction.”

III. God’s provision. Isaiah 40:11
A. He will feed His flock like a shepherd.
1. The key is “like a shepherd.”
a. Shepherds are totally dedicated to the flock.
Torrey’s Topical Textbook
CARE OF THE SHEEP BY, EXHIBITED IN.
Knowing them. John 10:14
Going before and leading them. Psalm 77:20; Psalm 78:52; Psalm 80:1
Seeking out good pasture for them. 1 Chron. 4:39-41; Psalm 23:2
Numbering them when they return from pasture. Jeremiah 33:13
Watching over them by night. Luke 2:8
Tenderness to the ewes in lamb, and to the young. Genesis 33:13-14; Psalm 78:71
Defending them when attacked by wild beasts. 1 Samuel 17:34-36; Amos 3:12
Searching them out when lost and straying. Ezekiel 34:12; Luke 15:4-5
Attending them when sick. Ezekiel 34:16
B. He will gather and carry them.
1. God initiates the action. He knows when because His eyes are always on His sheep.
C. He will gently lead them.
1. A cowboy drives; a shepherd leads.
2. As a shepherd leads, his own sheep follow.
John 10:14; 27 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. [27] My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

IV. To get the most out of these passages in Isaiah, read them like this: Isaiah 40:11; 41:10; 40:11 He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young. [Isaiah 41:10] Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. [Isaiah 40:11] He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry them in his bosom, and shall gently lead those that are with young.

Conclusion: If you are a child of God, nothing can separate you from Him. Your sin interferes with your fellowship with Him, but He is still your Heavenly Father. Therefore, do not fear nor be dismayed.

For those of you who are here on Pine Island, don’t forget to upcoming events this week. The first is our small group Bible study on the Book of Zechariah. The study begins this Wednesday afternoon at the home of Brenda Conley. It is at 2:00 p.m. and will be led by my good friend and dear collogue Rabbi Jim Pickens. Jim is no stranger to Friendship Harmony and will lead us in good, deep study. If you enjoy good prophecy study, this class is for you. The Book of Zechariah is the Old Testament’s Book of The Revelation. Zechariah speaks heavily concerning the millennial reign of Christ: that 1000 year period of peace and harmony on earth with Christ leading the way. This time period follows the seven years of Tribulation. In fact, Zechariah fills in many facts only briefly alluded to in The Revelation. I cannot think of anyone better to lead this study than a Messianic Rabbi.

Also, next Sunday is our carry in dinner. Our cooks are some of the finest in all of Christendom. Remember, if you eat it in a Baptist Church, it contains no calories and cannot hurt you. If you’re here, be sure to stay and enjoy the food and fellowship.

Stay healthy, safe and warm. If you’re traveling here this week, stay safe on the highways. I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!

THE VIDEO MINISTRY IS HERE!!!!!

Good Monday Morning To You!

In case you did not read last Friday’s special posting of the Monday Morning Blog, it is my privilege to announce to you that we are now online. Last week’s message, “When God Waits,” can be seen on YouTube. Now, not only can you read the notes here, but you can see and hear the message as well. The easiest way of doing it is by copying his link, and putting it into your address bar: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDo11DzK41I. You can also get it by going to: www.youtube.com. When it comes up, type Friendship Harmony Baptist Church into their address bar next to their name. You might have to scroll to find it as there are other Friendship Harmony Churches. It will take you right to the video. I hope it is a blessing to you, and that God might receive all the glory from it. The message from yesterday should be uploaded very soon.

What an awesome time we had at church yesterday. The attendance was terrific in spite of the fact that there some out with this “bug” that is going around. Our congregational singing was through the roof! Eleanor McDonell led the singing, and what a difference it made. She even led us without music. We sing to CD’s, but we did not have the player yesterday. It did not matter --- everybody sang beautifully. Eleanor drew the best out of each of us.

The message was titled, “Bearing The Cross of Christ.” Even though it is our duty to bear the cross, in reality it is an honor. What Christ carried was the cross piece; the main body of the cross was already in place. Our crosses come in many different shapes and sizes, but they are ready for us anyhow. Christ’s cross was very heavy, and so too are ours. Are you ready to bear the cross of Christ? The notes are below and will serve as a guide for your own cross bearing. The video from yesterday should be up later this week. To find it, type in your address bar: www.youtube.com. When it comes up, type Friendship Harmony Baptist Church into their address bar next to their name. Scroll to find the message, “Bearing The Cross of Christ.”

Bearing The Cross of Christ
Matthew 27:32
By Victor Cooper
1/1,4,5/13

Intro: On New Year’s Day, while watching the film The King of Kings, I paid particular attention to the man called upon to bear Christ’s cross when Jesus no longer could. I thought, “What an honor!” Today we can still bear Christ’s Cross, and it is still an honor to do so.

I. Bearing Christ’s cross requires desire.
A. Simon of Cyrene was given no choice. He was compelled,
i.e. forced into service.
1. Simon may have been honored, or he might have been aggravated. We do not know.
B. You are free to choose --- it’s a labor of love.
C. Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and David were referred to as servants.
1. These men were each called to service and accepted the call.
D. Paul called himself a servant in Romans 1:1.
E. God rewards servants. Matthew 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

II. Bearing Christ’s cross requires strength.
A. Simon had the strength to physically carry the cross, whereas Jesus did not due to the severity of the beating He’d received.
B. The cross is still heavy.
1. Christ’s cross, actually the crossbeam, weighed about 100 lbs.
2. The crosses you carry sometime seem to weigh in excess of 100 lbs.
C, The strength comes not from within, but from above.
Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
D. We are given strength due to Christ’s death.
Romans 5:6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

III. Bearing Christ’s cross requires determination.
A. We know Simon completed his mission by what the Bible does not say.
1. Never do you read of another being pressed into service; just Simon.
B. You can have the desire and the strength, but if you do not go ahead with a dogged determination that you’ll carry the cross no matter what, you’ll get nowhere.
C. The Bible calls it perseverance. Perseverance comes from a Greek word proskarteresis meaning persistence; not quitting.
Example: In the movie Chariots of Fire, young Harold Abrahams, a champion sprinter, had just suffered his first-ever defeat. After the race he sat alone, pouting in the bleachers. When his girlfriend tried to encourage him, he bellowed, “If I can’t win, I won’t run!”
To which she wisely replied, “If you don’t run, you can’t win.”
Abrahams went on to win the 1924 Olympic Gold Medal in the hundred-meter run.

IV. Bearing Christ’s cross requires sacrifice.
A. Simon sacrificed his comfort and his plans, albeit forced.
B. We are often called to sacrifice our comfort and plans too, along with other things.
1. time
2. abilities
3. money
C. We are called to offer ourselselves as a living sacrifice. Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
1. Radio teacher Steve Brown says, “The trouble with living sacrifices is they keep wanting to jump off the altar whenever the fire gets really hot.”
2. You might think God would not call you to be a sacrifice, but He called His Son to.
D. Sacrifice has another side to it --- the joyfull side.
Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Conclusion: A great honor was bestowed on Simon of Cyrene. You too should feel just as honored to be able to bear the cross of Christ. You must desire it, be strengthened for it, have a focused determination, and be willing to be the sacrifice.

Again, I hope the notes are a blessing to you as you look into God’s word. If I might make a suggestion: why not make yourself a printed copy of the notes, then follow along with the video. For last weeks notes, simply scroll down to last Monday’s blog, then go to YouTube and follow along

For those of you who were wondering, my mom fell last Thursday and broke her right leg. She required surgery to repair the damage, but she is recovering nicely. If you’d like to send her a card, just contact me, and I’d be happy to give her address to you. Be sure you stay safe and healthy, I don’t want anything happening to you. I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!





Good Monday Morning To You!

In case you did not read last Friday’s special posting of the Monday Morning Blog, it is my privilege to announce to you that we are now online. Last week’s message, “When God Waits,” can be seen on YouTube. Now, not only can you read the notes here, but you can see and hear the message as well. The easiest way of doing it is by clicking on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDo11DzK41I. You can also get it by going to: www.youtube.com. When it comes up, type Friendship Harmony Baptist Church into their address bar next to their name. You might have to scroll to find it as there are other Friendship Harmony Churches. It will take you right to the video. I hope it is a blessing to you, and that God might receive all the glory from it. The message from yesterday should be uploaded very soon.

What an awesome time we had at church yesterday. The attendance was terrific in spite of the fact that there some out with this “bug” that is going around. Our congregational singing was through the roof! Eleanor McDonell led the singing, and what a difference it made. She even led us without music. We sing to CD’s, but we did not have the player yesterday. It did not matter --- everybody sang beautifully. Eleanor drew the best out of each of us.

The message was titled, “Bearing The Cross of Christ.” Even though it is our duty to bear the cross, in reality it is an honor. What Christ carried was the cross piece; the main body of the cross was already in place. Our crosses come in many different shapes and sizes, but they are ready for us anyhow. Christ’s cross was very heavy, and so too are ours. Are you ready to bear the cross of Christ? The notes are below and will serve as a guide for your own cross bearing. The video from yesterday should be up later this week. To find it, type in your address bar: www.youtube.com. When it comes up, type Friendship Harmony Baptist Church into their address bar next to their name. Scroll to find the message, “Bearing The Cross of Christ.”

Bearing The Cross of Christ
Matthew 27:32
By Victor Cooper
1/1,4,5/13

Intro: On New Year’s Day, while watching the film The King of Kings, I paid particular attention to the man called upon to bear Christ’s cross when Jesus no longer could. I thought, “What an honor!” Today we can still bear Christ’s Cross, and it is still an honor to do so.

I. Bearing Christ’s cross requires desire.
A. Simon of Cyrene was given no choice. He was compelled,
i.e. forced into service.
1. Simon may have been honored, or he might have been aggravated. We do not know.
B. You are free to choose --- it’s a labor of love.
C. Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and David were referred to as servants.
1. These men were each called to service and accepted the call.
D. Paul called himself a servant in Romans 1:1.
E. God rewards servants. Matthew 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

II. Bearing Christ’s cross requires strength.
A. Simon had the strength to physically carry the cross, whereas Jesus did not due to the severity of the beating He’d received.
B. The cross is still heavy.
1. Christ’s cross, actually the crossbeam, weighed about 100 lbs.
2. The crosses you carry sometime seem to weigh in excess of 100 lbs.
C, The strength comes not from within, but from above.
Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
D. We are given strength due to Christ’s death.
Romans 5:6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

III. Bearing Christ’s cross requires determination.
A. We know Simon completed his mission by what the Bible does not say.
1. Never do you read of another being pressed into service; just Simon.
B. You can have the desire and the strength, but if you do not go ahead with a dogged determination that you’ll carry the cross no matter what, you’ll get nowhere.
C. The Bible calls it perseverance. Perseverance comes from a Greek word proskarteresis meaning persistence; not quitting.
Example: In the movie Chariots of Fire, young Harold Abrahams, a champion sprinter, had just suffered his first-ever defeat. After the race he sat alone, pouting in the bleachers. When his girlfriend tried to encourage him, he bellowed, “If I can’t win, I won’t run!”
To which she wisely replied, “If you don’t run, you can’t win.”
Abrahams went on to win the 1924 Olympic Gold Medal in the hundred-meter run.

IV. Bearing Christ’s cross requires sacrifice.
A. Simon sacrificed his comfort and his plans, albeit forced.
B. We are often called to sacrifice our comfort and plans too, along with other things.
1. time
2. abilities
3. money
C. We are called to offer ourselselves as a living sacrifice. Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
1. Radio teacher Steve Brown says, “The trouble with living sacrifices is they keep wanting to jump off the altar whenever the fire gets really hot.”
2. You might think God would not call you to be a sacrifice, but He called His Son to.
D. Sacrifice has another side to it --- the joyfull side.
Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Conclusion: A great honor was bestowed on Simon of Cyrene. You too should feel just as honored to be able to bear the cross of Christ. You must desire it, be strengthened for it, have a focused determination, and be willing to be the sacrifice.

Again, I hope the notes are a blessing to you as you look into God’s word. If I might make a suggestion: why not make yourself a printed copy of the notes, then follow along with the video. For last weeks notes, simply scroll down to last Monday’s blog, then go to YouTube and follow along

For those of you who were wondering, my mom fell last Thursday and broke her right leg. She required surgery to repair the damage, but she is recovering nicely. If you’d like to send her a card, just contact me, and I’d be happy to give her address to you. Be sure you stay safe and healthy, I don’t want anything happening to you. I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!
















Good Monday Morning To You!

In case you did not read last Friday’s special posting of the Monday Morning Blog, it is my privilege to announce to you that we are now online. Last week’s message, “When God Waits,” can be seen on YouTube. Now, not only can you read the notes here, but you can see and hear the message as well. The easiest way of doing it is by clicking on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDo11DzK41I. You can also get it by going to: www.youtube.com. When it comes up, type Friendship Harmony Baptist Church into their address bar next to their name. You might have to scroll to find it as there are other Friendship Harmony Churches. It will take you right to the video. I hope it is a blessing to you, and that God might receive all the glory from it. The message from yesterday should be uploaded very soon.

What an awesome time we had at church yesterday. The attendance was terrific in spite of the fact that there some out with this “bug” that is going around. Our congregational singing was through the roof! Eleanor McDonell led the singing, and what a difference it made. She even led us without music. We sing to CD’s, but we did not have the player yesterday. It did not matter --- everybody sang beautifully. Eleanor drew the best out of each of us.

The message was titled, “Bearing The Cross of Christ.” Even though it is our duty to bear the cross, in reality it is an honor. What Christ carried was the cross piece; the main body of the cross was already in place. Our crosses come in many different shapes and sizes, but they are ready for us anyhow. Christ’s cross was very heavy, and so too are ours. Are you ready to bear the cross of Christ? The notes are below and will serve as a guide for your own cross bearing. The video from yesterday should be up later this week. To find it, type in your address bar: www.youtube.com. When it comes up, type Friendship Harmony Baptist Church into their address bar next to their name. Scroll to find the message, “Bearing The Cross of Christ.”

Bearing The Cross of Christ
Matthew 27:32
By Victor Cooper
1/1,4,5/13

Intro: On New Year’s Day, while watching the film The King of Kings, I paid particular attention to the man called upon to bear Christ’s cross when Jesus no longer could. I thought, “What an honor!” Today we can still bear Christ’s Cross, and it is still an honor to do so.

I. Bearing Christ’s cross requires desire.
A. Simon of Cyrene was given no choice. He was compelled,
i.e. forced into service.
1. Simon may have been honored, or he might have been aggravated. We do not know.
B. You are free to choose --- it’s a labor of love.
C. Abraham, Joseph, Moses, and David were referred to as servants.
1. These men were each called to service and accepted the call.
D. Paul called himself a servant in Romans 1:1.
E. God rewards servants. Matthew 25:23 His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.

II. Bearing Christ’s cross requires strength.
A. Simon had the strength to physically carry the cross, whereas Jesus did not due to the severity of the beating He’d received.
B. The cross is still heavy.
1. Christ’s cross, actually the crossbeam, weighed about 100 lbs.
2. The crosses you carry sometime seem to weigh in excess of 100 lbs.
C, The strength comes not from within, but from above.
Psalm 18:2 The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower.
D. We are given strength due to Christ’s death.
Romans 5:6 For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

III. Bearing Christ’s cross requires determination.
A. We know Simon completed his mission by what the Bible does not say.
1. Never do you read of another being pressed into service; just Simon.
B. You can have the desire and the strength, but if you do not go ahead with a dogged determination that you’ll carry the cross no matter what, you’ll get nowhere.
C. The Bible calls it perseverance. Perseverance comes from a Greek word proskarteresis meaning persistence; not quitting.
Example: In the movie Chariots of Fire, young Harold Abrahams, a champion sprinter, had just suffered his first-ever defeat. After the race he sat alone, pouting in the bleachers. When his girlfriend tried to encourage him, he bellowed, “If I can’t win, I won’t run!”
To which she wisely replied, “If you don’t run, you can’t win.”
Abrahams went on to win the 1924 Olympic Gold Medal in the hundred-meter run.

IV. Bearing Christ’s cross requires sacrifice.
A. Simon sacrificed his comfort and his plans, albeit forced.
B. We are often called to sacrifice our comfort and plans too, along with other things.
1. time
2. abilities
3. money
C. We are called to offer ourselselves as a living sacrifice. Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
1. Radio teacher Steve Brown says, “The trouble with living sacrifices is they keep wanting to jump off the altar whenever the fire gets really hot.”
2. You might think God would not call you to be a sacrifice, but He called His Son to.
D. Sacrifice has another side to it --- the joyfull side.
Hebrews 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.

Conclusion: A great honor was bestowed on Simon of Cyrene. You too should feel just as honored to be able to bear the cross of Christ. You must desire it, be strengthened for it, have a focused determination, and be willing to be the sacrifice.

Again, I hope the notes are a blessing to you as you look into God’s word. If I might make a suggestion: why not make yourself a printed copy of the notes, then follow along with the video. For last weeks notes, simply scroll down to last Monday’s blog, then go to YouTube and follow along

For those of you who were wondering, my mom fell last Thursday and broke her right leg. She required surgery to repair the damage, but she is recovering nicely. If you’d like to send her a card, just contact me, and I’d be happy to give her address to you. Be sure you stay safe and healthy, I don’t want anything happening to you. I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!

Running

Good Monday Morning To You!
Let me begin by saying how saddened I was to learn of the carnage left behind by the tornadoes that ripped through the mid west. My brother, Greg, told me the storms were very powerful. Although all my family is fine, he told me his son, Chris, was very close to where one touched down. Our associate pastor, Bob Felber, is from Salyersville, Kentucky. Salyersville suffered a good deal of damage, but we praise the Lord his family was not injured in any way. When you say your prayers today, be sure to ask God’s blessings on those who were hurt, or who lost someone they loved. If you have ever suffered a major catastrophic storm, you can surely emphasize with these people. I have been through a category three hurricane, and believe me when I tell you that words cannot express the shock and horror you experience after it has passed. Going through a storm is not the hard part, although I do not mean to lessen it’s effects. The hard part comes after the storm passes. Then comes the time of dealing with things and emotions that you never dreamed you’d have to.

Thank you also for praying for my mom, Alene Cooper. She is doing much better since I last reported. She is able to swallow thin liquids once again, and her mind is sharp. I’m having some trouble understanding her because she has lost so much weight that her teeth no longer fit. If this the only lasting side effect of her ordeal, we will be pleased indeed. She still cannot stand or walk on her own, but the physical therapy people are confident that strength will return and that she’ll be up and about soon. If you would like to send her a card and let her know that you are praying for her, the address is Lois Alene Cooper; c/o Forest Hills Care Center; 8700 Moran Rd.; Cincinnati, Ohio 45244 Room 405B. Thanks again for your prayers. I am totally convinced that the prayers of God’s people are what have brought her through. I thank the Lord that He has seen fit to spare her.

The services at Friendship Harmony were good yesterday. Our folk love singing those tried and true hymns found in hymnals in many of our churches. Even though the weather was cold, rainy, and extremely windy, we had good attendance. I was pleased about that! After I preached the final message in the three part “Going Forward Series,” Pastor Bob Felber led us in our Communion Service. Pastor Felber conducted a beautiful Lord’s Supper, and it was a pleasure for me to get to sit in the congregation and receive the elements. I think the last time I received the supper without officiating was about twenty years ago. I am so blessed to be serving FHBC with my friend and colleague, Bob Felber!

Here are the sermon notes from yesterday. The point I hope people understood was that a good runner has a coach. Believers are in this race (called life) and we are blessed to have the best coach possible as we run it. Our coach: The Holy Spirit. I hope these notes are a blessing to you as you study God’s word.

Going Forward By Running
Various
Going Forward Series 1 of 3 By Victor Cooper
02/9,28,3-1,3,4/12

Intro: To conclude our Going Forward Series, we look at Going Forward By Running. In message one, we looked at Going Forward By Standing. In message two, it was Going Forward By Walking. In order to run, you must first be able to stand, then walk. This lesson is designed to help us run.

I. We go forward by running this race called life.
Hebrews 12:1-3 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, [2] Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. [3] For consider him that endured such contradiction of sinners against himself, lest ye be wearied and faint in your minds.
A. Running. No option --- you’re in the race.
1. It’s not a race of “me against you.”
2. Every runner runs his/her race as best they can with the aid of the coach; the Holy Spirit.
B. Looking. The good runner has a focal point.
1. For the believer the focus should be on Christ.
2. The Christian runner gets into trouble when he/she takes their eyes off their focal point; the Lord Jesus.
C. Considering. Consider all Jesus endured.
Hebrews 12:3 (NLT) Think about all he endured when sinful people did such terrible things to him, so that you don't become weary and give up.

II. We go forward by running with good coaching.
Psalm 119:32 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
A. Adam Clarke Commentary I will run—The particle éë, which we translate when, should be translated because: Because thou shalt enlarge, or dilate, my heart; make plain my path by cleansing me from my impurity, and taking the hinderances out of my way. I will then run without dread of stumbling, and every day make sensible progress.
B. Solomon was given an “enlarged heart.”
1 Kings 4:29 And God gave Solomon wisdom and understanding exceeding much, and largeness of heart, even as the sand that is on the sea shore.
C. Largeness of heart has to do with expanding ones mind.
D. Essentially the psalmist in our verse above was saying,
[VCT] “Lord make me smarter so I can better apply thy words.”
1. Apply His words to what? To every aspect of life.
E. The runner is successful because of the coach!

III. We go forward by running according to the published plan.
Isaiah 40:31 But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.
A. Is it possible to run without getting tired?
1. Physically, no. At some point even marathon runners’ bodies give out.
2. Spiritually, yes! To do so, you must follow the prescribed plan.
B. Habakkuk was instructed how to run.
Habakkuk 2:2 And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.
C. Paul assures us that running according to the Scriptures will not be a waste of our time.
Philip. 2:16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

Conclusion: We go forward for the Lord by standing, walking, and running --- all three. You do not pick one or two and do those.. Sometime it is necessary to stand while at other times it becomes necessary to walk, or even run.

I hope your week is a good one. I pray that as you run your race you are looking always to the coach and keeping you mind fixed on the goal. If I can ever help you with things like that, please let me know. I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!

On The Emmaus Road With Jesus

Good Monday Morning To You!

Many of you have asked about my mom, Alene Cooper. Several weeks ago we almost lost her to a rupturing gall bladder. She came through the surgery fine, but spent a week in the i.c.u. Physically she has progressed well, but she stayed in a mental fog for her entire hospital stay. She was released to a convalescence hospital in the eastern suburbs of Cincinnati, and since that time she has made remarkable progress. Yes, we are grateful for the wonderful care she is getting there, but we give God all the glory for both her physical and her mental healing. Just before I started writing this blog, I called and spoke to her. She sounded good, and her mind appeared clear. She says she’d love a good cold drink of water, or a glass of Pepsi. At this time, her water has to be thickened because she chokes on thin liquids. Beginning today, she will begin therapy that will help with the swallowing. I told her that when she was able, I’d come up and we would drink a Pepsi together. She promptly told me that Pepsi Colas were fattening and I didn’t need one. I think her mind is more clear than we imagined! Thank you for praying for her. The prayers of God’s people have made all the difference. I’ll keep you posted both here, and on the church facebook page which is www.facebook.com/friendshipharmony.

The services yesterday at Friendship Harmony were absolutely fantastic. The congregational singing was tremendous. Two of our ladies, Penny Johnson and Karen Fain, sang a special. They sang “Amazing Grace.” As they sang, you could tell it was coming from their hearts, and that they believed what they were singing. As some of you know, I traveled with several gospel groups some years ago including The Anchormen and The Maranatha Singers. I can tell you that I personally knew several people who were unsaved, yet singing about Jesus. Don’t get me wrong, these were very talented people, but they could not sing from their hearts. I’d rather hear a fellow believer sing about my Lord than a sinner any day of the week.

Once again the attendance was nothing short of phenomenal. We had many returning visitors, plus quite a few first time folk. We are so honored when visitors come and share their time with us. We were especially encouraged to have several young people with us. One little boy came for Sunday School, so we went off together and I told him the story of Noah. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done! I have taught the Scriptures for years including lecturing at the seminary level. That I can do with no problem, but I must confess teaching a six year old with a terrific imagination was something I hadn’t done since I taught a primary Vacation Bible School class back in 1972. I have gained a new respect for the fine men and women who teach Children’s Sunday School classes every Lord‘s day.. Give me a class full of “would be” theologians any day of the week. There was something the boy, Will, asked me before we dismissed. He said, “Next week can we talk about Jesus?” Yes my new little friend, next week we’ll talk about Jesus.

In yesterday’s message, I preached part two of our three part “Going Forward” series. As you might recall, in part one we looked at Going Forward By Stand Still. If you did not get the notes, you can scroll down to the Monday Morning blog dated 2/12/12 and review them. Today the message title was Going Forward By Walking. The notes are below and I hope they are a blessing to you.

Going Forward By Walking
Luke 24:13-27
Going Forward Series 1 of 3 By Victor Cooper
2/13,16,24,25/12

Intro: In our series opening message, we examined the paradox of going forward while standing still. Today we look at the topic Going Forward By Walking. Just as the two men on the Emmaus Road walked with Jesus, we too have that opportunity every day.

I. We walk in the light. John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
A. Jesus is the light. No other light can outshine Him.
1. In the New Jerusalem, Christ will be the light of the city.
2. In the New Jerusalem the light of the sun will pale in comparison to the light of Christ.
B. Believers are no longer in darkness, but light.
1. Darkness def. The absence of light.
2. Light def. Illumination
C. Our Light is also our truth and our Life.
John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

II. We walk in a new life. Romans 6:4 Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

A. The Bible declares that in Jesus our lives are new.
2 Cor. 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
B. New> Gk kainos> fresh This verb is in the perfect tense. It means constantly fresh.

III. We walk after the Spirit. Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
A. walk> Gk> peripateo> to walk about to prove you can.
B. after> Gk> meta> to accompany
C. We walk uncondemned.
D. Walking after the Spirit is the antidote to carnality.
1. Carnal def pertaining to the flesh; given to the ways of man, not God; the opposite of spiritual.
2. 1 Cor. 3:1/ 2 Cor. 10:4 And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;)

IV. We walk by faith. 2 Cor. 5:7 (For we walk by faith, not by sight:)
A. Faith is expected. Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Cf. (Habakkuk 2:4)
B. Faith pleases God. Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

V. We walk in obedience to God’s commands.
2 John 1:6 (Living Bible) If we love God, we will do whatever he tells us to. And he has told us from the very first to love each other.
A. Learning His commands comes from prayer, Bible study, and church attendance.
B. Command> Gk> en-tol-ay‘> prescription
C. Obedient walking is rewarded. Psalm 19:7-11 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. [8] The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. [9] The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. [10] More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
[11] Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

Conclusion: The song says, “Are you walking daily by the Savior’s side?” Are you? We’ve discussed standing with the Lord and walking with the Lord. You cannot walk if you are not standing.. You can do neither if you do not have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. A believer cannot walk with the Lord if the light has been dimmed due to sin in one’s life. Are you going forward by walking?

Have a good, safe, and healthy week. If you are in the area I hope to see you at Friendship Harmony this coming Lord’s day. If youb are far from us, please rememberr us in your prayers. Thank you for being a loyal reader, and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!

ALENE COOPER REFUSES TO ANSWER ADOPTION QUESTION!

Good Monday Morning To You!

What happened in your life last week? I hope everything was good. I told you last time we met that I thought I was adopted. Mom usually comments to me by phone about what I’ve written. Whenever I’m mistaken, she tells me. However, this time she is being mysteriously quiet. She hasn’t denied my adoption theory. Hmmm! That’s frightening!! I know my brother Greg is adopted. On his shelf at home is a …. I can’t say it. I’m embarrassed and ashamed. I cannot believe it. It’s a black mark on our family name. No Cooper has ever been guilty of such an atrocity. It is so hideous and vulgar that whenever I’m in Cincy and borrowing his room, I have to hide it. I cannot believe it and I hope my laptop does not explode for what I’m gonna have to type. I’m surprised that Mom allows it. Here goes! He actually has a Los Angles Dodgers baseball cap on display. Please forgive this blasphemy. Greg is a Reds fan first and foremost as is the right thing to do, but to display a Dodgers cap within 5 miles of Great American Ballpark - OOOoooohhhhh! I offered to buy it for twice what he paid for it. I wanted to take it down to the Ohio River and toss it in. If I ever go home and find a Philadelphia Phillies cap on his shelf, you’ll be reading about me in the papers! (Yes, he used to have one as a kid, but somehow it disappeared. No mom, I didn’t do it!)

Yesterday was another super day at Friendship Harmony Baptist. Burt Nelson pointed out verses in Scriptures that spoke of correct medical procedures taught thousands of years before man “discovered” them. What an awesome God we serve! Our minister of music, Ken Birdsong and his wife Margaret, out keyboardist, did a piano - trumpet duet of selected hymns that made your hair stand on end! I whispered to Pastor Felber when he came to preach, “You get to follow that!” He followed it well as he preached to us from Psalm 22. He preached about how the history of mankind was affected one particular Friday. That event, the crucifixion of Christ, is still effecting man today. The crucifixion demands a response from every individual who ever lived, lives, or will live in the future. You must either believe it and confess Christ, or dismiss it and reject Him. What have you done? What will you do? If I can answer any questions, let me know.

Pray for Pastors Felber and Cooper as together we attempt to lead Friendship Harmony into the paths God has provided for us. This is an awesome group of dedicated Christians whose main desire is to follow Christ. It’s an honor to Pastor such fine people. I know I speak for Bobby when I tell you that we will keep Christ first in our lives and that we will do our best on behalf of the Friendship Harmony Baptist Church. The LORD and each of you deserves nothing less.

Have a good week and I’ll see you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!!!

Blessings from on High!!!

Good Monday Morning to you.

Pour yourself a cup of coffee or a glass of juice and let’s visit for a while. Was your last week good? Mine bordered on awesome. It started with a meeting at our Southern Baptist local Association’s office. They host a meeting once a month concerning new church starts. I appreciate all the good coaching I am receiving from Keith Lancaster from The Florida Baptist Convention, and from Everett Rafferty, our local director of missions. Their assistance has been to me priceless. I’ve been in the ministry since 1972, so I have learned and experienced a few things over the years, but starting a church from scratch is a different phase of ministry for me. Next was my 57th birthday back on January 20. It’s hard to believe I’m 57 --- I look so much younger. On Saturday my wife, Miss Bessie, fixed my favorite meal. That is a tradition in our house. On your birthday, you get your favorite meal. Mine is turkey, dressing, cauliflower casserole, and hot yeast rolls. Yum - yum!! We had birthday cake that my kids bought on my birthday. It was funny. They had it decorated with purple and pink flowers and said “Happy Birthday Vickie.” Creative little creatures, aren’t they? Also on Saturday I received a real birthday blessing. A good pastor friend of mine had an antique pulpit he was not using. When I first saw it nine years ago, I fell in love with it; it is an extremely beautiful piece of furniture. Other preachers fell in love with it as well and wanted it badly. When we preachers really want something, we say it is badly needed. When you lay persons really want something, we preachers say you are covetous. That is one of the seven deadly sins you know. Any way, I asked if I could send my brother by with his camera to photograph it, as I have a master carpenter in my Church who could replicate it. He agreed, but before the conversation was over, he had given me that pulpit! It now is sitting in my parent’s garage in Cincinnati, just waiting for a ride down to Friendship Harmony Baptist Church. The old saying is true, “You can’t out give God.” The blessings He has showered down on our new Church is nothing short of miraculous!

Yesterday at Friendship Harmony I preached from 1 Corinthians chapter 1 about having a Christ Centered life. That church had groups with their favorites: some favored Peter, some Apollos, some Paul, and some Christ. Paul taught them emphatically that it must be Christ and Christ alone. He said unity must be centered around Christ. Whether it is a church, a marriage, or a family, put Christ at its center and have everyone positioned around Him. Life works much better that way. That does not mean things will be perfect. Remember, we are imperfect people living in an imperfect world. Our glorification comes in Heaven. Here, we must do the best we can with God being our Helper. Is Christ at the center of your heart and home? If He is you will have a good life with a fantastic end. That end will be to live in the presence of Jesus Himself. The psalmist would say, “Selah!” We can say, “Wow!”

I hope you have a really great week. I know I will. I’ve got lots of visits to make, and I really enjoy visiting with many of you in your homes. Don’t forget, if you are here with us on Pine Island, our constitution service at Friendship Harmony is February 13th in the morning worship service. We have special guests coming from The Florida Baptist Convention and The Royal Palm Baptist Association. For some of you this might be a once in a lifetime chance to see how a Church becomes a New Testament Church. As of now, most of the legalities are in place, but technically we are considered a mission. On February 13, with the adoption of the constitution in place, we will become an a fully constituted Church. In my entire life, I have seen this only one other time. On that occasion, I was the Pastor of the sponsoring Church. I can tell you from experience, it will be a great day in the Lord. Following the service a fellowship meal is planned. Featured will be ham, turkey, and meatloaf with lots of delicious sides and of course desserts. I hope you can come.

One final note before I go. Today, January 24th, is my Mom’s birthday. Happy Birthday Mom!!! I wish I could be there with you to help you celebrate. I love you!

I’ll see all of you next Monday Morning With Pastor Vic!