Let us first take time to pray for all those affected by the Hurricane Matthew. We are to pray one for another -- even those we have never met. I truly feel a great compassion for the people who are so wounded and lost loved ones. So, in the coming days, let us take time to bow our heads and pray as if these people are our neighbors.
We were so glad to have Brother Daniel and Sister Jody Cartwright's daughter-in-law and her beautiful sons, as well as her brother and family. Another visitor was Sister Lee Orlick.
We had such a wonderful time in the Lord. Among our singers was a very willing young boy named Maddox Cartwright. He sang "God Bless America" and had backup by Malia. These children are such an inspiration to all who hear them. I'm sure they both had proud grandparents busting their buttons. Birthdays were honored for Sister Carolyn Cook and for Maddox's baby brother, Carson. Also Sister Carolyn and her husband, Jody, celebrated an anniversary.
Our pastor then continued with his message, which actually was an extension of the song. He made the statement that it's time for us to take a stand and speak out for the right and condemn the wrong. The scripture was 1 Kings 18:21-24 where Elijah came to the people and asked them, "How long halt you between two opinions?" He was asking them to choose which God they would serve.
He said, "If Lord be God, then follow him: but if Baal, then follow him."
Then he went on to prove the power of our true and living God. He told them to prepare the altar for their sacrifice as was the custom in that day. Then Elijah told them to call upon their God to send the fire to consume the offering.
They called upon the name of Baal from morning to noon and then cried out again and again, "Hear us, O Baal," but nothing happened.
Then Elijah likewise presented his offering, but made it much harder for a fire to burn. He made a trench around the sacrifice and filled it with water. He ordered that they pour four barrels of water into the trench.
In the evening, he called out, "Hear me, O Lord. Hear me that this people may know that thou art the Lord God. And they must turn their hearts back to you."
Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice, and the wood and even the water was made dry. Of course when the people saw this they fell on their faces and they said, "He is the Lord God."
That was taking a stand that proved the existence of a God of action, not one who cannot hear and answer. Have you ever been put to the test of upholding the right? We are faced with a discussion when we vote next month. We must vote the Bible way so pray and ask God who we need to lead our country out of the mess it is in. Yes, I said "mess." You see, if you step back and look you will see an America that is heading for ruin. Our government was founded on the truths of the Bible. Some of the first schools were held in the house of God, using the Bible as a textbook. Where have those times gone?
We see new laws being enforced that take away the freedom that men and women have died to preserve. When prayer was taken out of our schools, it saddened the heart of those who depend upon prayer for guidance. What's happening to our precious America? There is a scripture that tells us if we would turn from our wicked ways God would heal our land. There is power and victory for those who will call upon His name and be willing to stand for the right and shun the wrong. The way to stand begins on our knees seeking the will of the Father.
In closing, Pastor Bob Cartwright reminded us that when all looks dark around us, Jesus is the light and will show us the way to a life of peace and safety. I ask you to please look at our world and then ask yourself, "Can I make a difference?"
We, as always, invite you to worship with us. If you need directions to our church, call Pastor and Sister Naomi at 417-436-2329.
Until next week, God bless you.
Religion on 10/13/2016