MID-WEEK DEVOTION

Don’t forget to check out Brother David’s Mid-Week Devotion on the book of Psalms. They are uploaded each Wednesday on the sermon page.

Church Flower Calendar

If you would like to place flowers in the sanctuary in memory or in honor of someone, please call the church office, so Nikki can get it on the calendar. Please call early to get the date you want.

ASSOCIATIONAL EXECUTIVE/BROTHERHOOD MEETING

The Executive/Brotherhood meeting has been rescheduled, due to current covid-19 spikes. The new date is set for February 11^th. Our Brotherhood Director, Ben Shivers, appreciates everyone’s cooperation and understanding regarding the change. We prayerfully anticipate the month of February to be a better month and look forward to sharing together on the 11th of February.

Giving as of January 20, 2021

Budget for 2021 . . . . . . . .  $320,880.00
Tithes Needed to Date . . . . . $18,512.31
Received to Date . . . . . . . . .  $12,388.25
Needed for weekly budget . . . $6,170.77
Tithes Received this week . . .  $3,533.00

From Our Family and Music Minister

Jesus called His followers to selfless behavior. He commanded His disciples to do things that could only be done if they relied on the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus also commanded His believers to bless those who cursed them and pray for those who mistreated them. He even called for believers to love those who were unlovely. Jesus also taught that as believers, we are to give freely to those in need. Jesus made it clear that if we call ourselves His followers, we must treat others as we would want to be treated. Think about how our world would be different if we as believers followed the commands given to us by Jesus in Luke 6:27-37.

In verses 27 and 28, Jesus was introducing a new way of thinking to a culture full of hatred. During Jesus’ day, Israel was ruled by the brutal forces of Rome. The only thing most Jews could want or hope for is the day that a great leader would come and free them from Roman rule. However, Jesus was teaching that we should love the unlovable. As believers, we are challenged to do the same. Even when someone breaks in line at the store, cuts us off in traffic, has a bad attitude towards us, or gossips about us behind our backs, we are still to show the love of God.

God commands us to do this because our actions could cause others to rethink their actions. If we react negatively to conflict, our reaction usually escalates the problem. But God wants us to counter people’s attacks with love. He wants us to show kindness when we are being shown hatred. Jesus tells us that love is stronger than hate. This loving attitude would definitely cause someone to rethink their actions. Jesus taught us in these scriptures that when we act in love, we show others who God is. When we grow as Christians, we are trying every day to take on the character of Christ. When we truly do this, people see that we are not of this world but that we belong to God.

We’ve all heard the expression that says, “Actions speak louder than words.” The statement is particularly true in this case. We could talk all day long about treating others as we want to be treated, but when we actually do it, it commands the attention and respect of everyone around us. Our sin nature wants to resort to vengeance or telling someone else off after we’ve been offended. But Jesus taught His followers that living as believers is living in contrast to what we know in this world.

Our community needs to hear more than just our words. They need to see Jesus’ life lived out through our lives as an example for them. The thing that strengthened what Jesus taught to his disciples was that they actually got to see Him live what He taught. Our community needs to see our compassion for people who would not necessarily rank high on our list of favorites. Maybe when they see how we treat those that are hard to love, they say in their own hearts, “I want to be like that.”