Worship began in song with a special spirit, and it followed through the entire service. We are thankful that the heavenly Father is mindful of his children. He always knows just what we need. At the request of a dear sister, "Help is on the Way" was sung by Sister Joyce Walters. This blessed song carries a wonderful message.
As Pastor Bob Cartwright took the service, he blessed us from the first word of this week's message to the last. It was as though everyone could listen for hours. First, Pastor drew a picture on the eraser board of a highway that showed a "Y" in the road and explained how a "Y" means a fork in the road with two ways to go. The world is full of alluring things. One side of the highway was the way to the things of the world, while the other was the road to a life lived for Jesus Christ. Which way do we go? The destination depends on the ability to stay on the right road. So often the way starts on the right path but can be drawn away from the path by the lust of things that are set before us by Satan.
In Romans 5:1, 2 -- Hope will be found on the road that gives access to the joy of the Lord. This is because the joy of the Lord is the strength. In the fourth chapter of this book, verse 23, we are made to know that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. So now we're aware, that if it had not been for the cross on Calvary where our Savior gave his life, all would be headed for an eternal life in hell with Satan and his angels. Hell will happen if our eyes are not set on the Lord and obey his commandments.
In 2 Kings 2:1-14, we read of how Elisha displayed a determination to gain his place with Jesus Christ. He desired to have a double portion of Elijah's spirit. Read the entire chapter to really understand the love that Elisha had for Elijah. Many times in this portion of scripture, Elijah told Elisha to tarry while he traveled to another location. Each time Elisha replied the same way, "As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee." As a result, Elijah finally asked why Elisha was so set on being right with him. And he replied, "I pray thee, give me a double portion of thy spirit. Elijah told him that he asked a hard thing: nevertheless, if thou see me when I am taken from thee, it shall be so unto thee; but if not, it shall not be so." This was the only way that his goal would be accomplished. Elisha did not fail, he saw the event that was told. As they went on talking, there appeared a chariot and horses of fire, and Elijah went up in a whirlwind into heaven. When Elisha looked up, he was distraught thinking he had failed. Then he saw the mantle which fell from Elijah and picked it up. He then walked to the bank of the river of Jordan and smote the waters and they parted. He had asked and truly received the spirit. Now I would say that Elisha set his heart on the good road and stayed his course until he received.
Another place that we find the highway gives us a choice, in Deuteronomy 30:15-19 it says, "I have set before you this day life and good, and death and evil. I command thee this day to love the Lord God, to walk in his ways, and to keep his commandments and his statutes and his judgments, if we do this, we will live a life blessed by God." Again in the 11th chapter verse 26-28, we read the same words but with a warning added that if we do not practice the ways as told, all will be cursed.
There are so many examples found in the word that make it known that, when the choice comes to the fork in the road, choose the right path.
In closing, the Pastor took us to Revelation 3:8. He knows our works and He has set before the people an open door and no man can shut it; thou hath little strength but have kept My word and hast not denied my name.
Join the congregation in hearing the true word of God at the church at the top of the hill with the beautiful steeple pointing souls to Calvary. Come to hear more of the truth at the Cove Mission of Hope located in Lanagan, Mo. Services are held at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. on Sunday, with Bible study at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Everyone is welcome, and may God bless.
Religion on 09/12/2019