July 2004

Hello All,

Everywhere you look you see the ads:
Get 12 CDs for the price of one.
Sign up here for a chance to win a trip to Hawaii.
Win a DVD of your favorite movie.
This week only, buy one get one of equal or lesser value free.
Discounted CDs, DVDs, cable TV. Contests for free trips. They all involve hidden rules, hidden costs, and risk. They are all trying to get you to save money or so you think that is what they are trying to do. How often do we go to the store and see something that we like and think that we just have to buy it because it is on sale. I remember when the DVD/VCR machines came out. They were only $300. Diane and I thought we had to get one of those and we tried to justify it by telling ourselves that it would save space. I am happy to report that it did save space, however now you can buy one for $98. We should have known better. Live and learn. How many times have you said to your parents, "I have to have that pair of jeans, they are what all of the cool kids are wearing" or "I am so hungry, can we please go to McDonald's for supper?" In Luke 12:23 Jesus is teaching his disciples to trust God, "For life is much more important than food, and body much more important than clothes." Jesus goes on to tell them in verse 31, "Instead, put His Kingdom first in your life, and He will provide you with these things."
Often times we worry too much about the things that we want and not enough about the things that are important. How often is it that we pray before a meal at home, but when we go out to eat we don't pray. Instead of giving praise to God for the meal we worry about the people at the table next to us. If we start to pray, what might they think? They will probably think to themselves that they should have prayed before the meal. But all too often we worry that they might make fun of us for praying in public.
We need to remember to give thanks to the Lord for what he has given to us, for it all belongs to Him. We are only looking after these things while we are here on earth. Once we have gone to Heaven someone else will have these things. The old saying, "you can't take it with you" is so very true, so build up your riches in heaven.
Take time each day to talk to God and thank him for the things that we have and for giving His son so that we might be saved and spend eternity in Heaven. For all the sales, specials, gimmicks, and other ways that companies use to try and get you to buy their products or services please remember that there is one thing that is free (no money required) and that is our salvation for Jesus has already paid that debt in full. All you have to do is to accept Jesus as your Savior. I have done this and am more and more thankful with each passing day. If you would like to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, please read the following:
1. Know that God loves you and wants a relationship with you. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16).
2. Because we are sinners, we are separated from God. "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).
3. Christ's death and resurrection was for us, to pay for our sins. "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
4. We come to know God by accepting Christ's payment on the cross for our sins. "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9; see also Revelation 3:20).
If you have not done so already, you can invite Christ into your life by simply asking. The following is a suggested prayer:
"Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my heart to You and ask You to forgive me of my sins and make me the person You want me to be. Amen."
The words are not magic. It is the attitude of your heart that is important. If you already know Christ, but you have not made Him first priority in your life, take a minute to pray right now and rededicate your life to Him. If you have questions, please ask me, Pastor Will, or your parents.

Because of Him,

Terry and Diane


Accepting Jesus Christ into your life or re-affirming your commitment
Lord Jesus, I need You. Thank you for dying on the cross for my sins. I open the door of my heart to You and ask You to forgive me of my sins and make me the person You want me to be. Amen.


But those who trust in the Lord for help will find their strength renewed. They will rise on wings like eagles; they will run and not get weary; they will walk and not grow weak. Isaiah 40:31