We had a wonderful crowd as we gathered to worship Sunday morning at Mill Creek Baptist Church. Doug Cory greeted our visitors and opened our service with prayer. Special prayers were requested for Brother Mark Hall, Gina Hamilton, Jeanette Easter, Skip, Tom Collingsworth, the Armstrong family, Gayla Forcum and Barbara Cory.
We had a wonderful fish fry and fellowship dinner Saturday evening. Thanks to everyone who helped. Brother Mark and Shelley will host the widow and widowers luncheon next Sunday after our morning service, and there will be an Easter egg hunt for the kids immediately following the Easter Sunday service. Ladies, remember to wear your Easter bonnets. Shelley shared a couple of praises, and Bobby Bryan announced about the Noel Senior Citizen's Appreciation Dinner Saturday evening.
Linda Abercrombie shared the devotional, "Watutu," a child's version of "I love you" and read Hebrews 12:14. Linda talked about how things can be misinterpreted by people who just sometimes look for a fight. "In our world, misunderstandings abound. They subtract from the peace. We would have more peace if we would just give the benefit of the doubt sometimes."
Mitchell Lett asked God to bless the offering, and he and Tyrel Lett served as offertory attendants. Susan Cory played, "Mansion Over the Hilltop." Karen Stroud led the congregational hymns while blessed with special music from Jerry Abercrombie, who sang, "Thanks to Calvary."
After reading the 55th chapter of Isaiah, Brother Mark shared God's message for us, "Gettin' Tuned In." Brother Mark began by talking about the good old days before cable TV when you had to go outside to turn the TV antenna to pick up a clear picture and get reception. He compared a clear picture to a snowy one.
"We have to get tuned in to get a clear picture. God has so much for us if we can get tuned in. We miss so much when we are not. We miss out on good living because we chase what we think is abundance. When we chase worldly abundance, we miss out on the abundance God gives us. So many of those blessings we take for granted. We breathe His air. God gives us things to love and enjoy. We just need to get them."
Brother Mark told us there are six things we need to get tuned in to for God.
First, there is abundance of life. "Only God can give abundant life, if we stay tuned in.
Second, He will give us a secure life. God has made a covenant with us. There is nothing more secure than that. We need to incline our ear to hear God and block out the background noise. Our security is being able to hear His voice. Hear it yourself and don't depend on others to hear it for you and interpret it for you." Brother Mark referred to Isaiah 55:3-5.
Third, God will give us a forgiven life if we stay tuned in. Brother Mark referred to Isaiah 55:6-7 and said that we need to stay tuned in while God is near.
"We feel bad for things we have done and it is hard to forgive ourselves, but we can't forgive others and ourselves until you tune in to God and He says He forgives you. You won't hear that 'I forgive you' if you don't stay tuned in."
Fourth, the reason we need to stay tuned in to God is for the stress-free life. Brother Mark told us that to relieve stress, it takes faith.
"Faith takes God at His word even when circumstances seem to deny the truth about His promises. Faith helps with a stress-free life. You can't live stress-free without faith. Life can be overwhelming. Choose to believe that God's word is the most powerful force in the universe. Just like we count on spring, we can count on God's word."
Brother Mark referred to Isaiah 55:8-12. We need to stay tuned in to God for a peaceful life. Brother Mark referenced Isaiah 55:12 and said, "For peace, stay tuned in to God. Even in the storms of life when the wind blows and we get turned away, God is still there."
Sixth, Brother Mark told us the reason to stay tuned in to God is for eternal life (Isaiah 55:13). Brother Mark talked about how road signs give us direction.
"God gives us that sign for directions. It is Jesus. We need to lock our eyes on Him and run to Him. He is the way to eternal life. When things seem completely hopeless and out of our element, keep your eyes on Jesus and He will give you hope. Jesus is there for another day, a brighter day, on the other side of the darkness. Keep your eye on Jesus, and He will bring you through to the other side. Jesus has overcome the world when the world seems to have overcome us. This world is not our home. With faith, Jesus will bring us through the darkness. When the picture gets a little snowy and unclear, stay tuned in to God."
Our hymn of invitation was "Lord, I'm Coming Home." Dwayne Hazelton gave the benediction. We then shared in the observance of the Lord's Supper in open communion. Rick Lett and Jerry Abercrombie passed the bread and the cup to the congregation as Brother Mark read 1 Corinthians 11:20-32.
We invite you to join us in worship to celebrate Easter and all it means in remembrance of what our Savior Jesus Christ did for the world. Next Sunday, we will also have a guest speak to us about the Missouri Baptist Children's Home.
Everyone is welcome to come, hear even more of the goodness of God. Sunday school begins at 10 a.m. and worship at 11 a.m. Bible teachings are held every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Bible study at 6 p.m. every Wednesday.
All services are held at Cove Mission of Hope Church, located at 53 MO-59, southwest of Lanagan -- the church on top of the hill with a steeple reaching toward the heavens.
Religion on 04/11/2019