Here we are again. Fall has finally given us some wonderfully cool weather. This is such a beautiful time, when the leaves turn those rich colors that warm your heart and make you want to snuggle up and read a book.
Let me suggest a good one that will tell you every kind of story and give you a new outlook. It's called the Bible. There is always something new in the Word, no matter how many times you read it. There's nothing boring about the love, encouragement, instruction and truth we find in this precious book. Try it!
With this in mind, we want to extend a blessing to our visitors from Arkansas, Brother Don and Sister Virginia (Rae) Step. We were so glad to have them in our worship service this morning.
The songs were especially anointed as Brother Daniel sang "There is a River" and "The Old Rugged Cross." There is nothing that can draw the Spirit into our service like the hymns of old.
The title of our message, "What's Wrong?" is very catchy, and I admit that I was wondering where Pastor Bob Cartwright was going with this. As usual, he quickly opened new thoughts in the minds of God's people.
He started by telling us that the true meaning of the word "compromise" is the inability to deal with our own problems. If Satan can keep you from the house of God, where the Living Word is spoken, he will weaken you and make you vulnerable to the ways of the world. It is so easy to pet our flesh and just stay home when we are tired and don't want to get out. Yep. I've been there. I want to tell you that churches are closing due to the lack of attendance. One denomination recently announced the closing of 1,500 of their churches. Yes, I said 1,500. As Pastor Bob asked, what is wrong?
Hosea 6:1-3 tells us that if we will return to the ways of the Lord, He will heal us and raise us up. He has the answer to every question that causes us to wonder where we stand in our relationship with Jesus. You might not feel you can understand what you face from day to day, but you can be sure He will never leave you nor forsake you.
James 1:5 tells us, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and unbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
So, I guess that backs up the old saying that ignorance is no excuse. We surely must know the instruction of the Lord because in 2 Timothy 2:4 we are assured that we must not entangle ourselves with the affairs of this life or we will not please Jesus Christ.
We have a leader that, in Philippians 1:6, reminds us again that He has began a good work in you and He will complete it. How great is it to know that in a world full of questions, such as "What's wrong?" He has the answers and will lead us through every hard time.
Pastor closed with another eye-opening statement. We heard these words as he quoted scripture: "My people perish from the lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6)."
What knowledge? Not the learning we get from school, but the real training which comes only from the written Word. So, where will you turn for a map for your life? How about finding a good Bible-believing church and taking the love and help given by the God-fearing people who are there?
If you do not have a home church, we would love to have you worship with us in Lanagan at 10:30 a.m. Sunday and 6:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Our dear Sister Sandra made an announcement about the Ladies Meeting on the second Saturday of the month and an upcoming Harvest Day Celebration. Watch our church news for more information.
Prayer is the answer to "What's Wrong," so let us not cease to call upon our Lord and Savior. Until next week, God bless and keep you.
Religion on 09/29/2016