Pastor's Thoughts

Be much in prayer throughout this new year. Make this a year of Bible Study and prayer. Our church has encouraged each of our members to be involved in daily Bible reading and to attend Bible Study at least once a week. Turn your hearts to the Lord this year as you open His Word and immerse yourselves in His truth, His precepts, His principles for life. God speaks to us, and does so primarily and most precisely, through His Word. We must be immersed in what God's Word says. Sunday School and our Sunday evening Bible Study are currently our church's small group Bible Study options. Our goal this year is to open up other options for the study of His Word. Men's Bible Studies, Women's Bible Studies, specific topics, and special interest needs are possibilities. If you are interested in attending or leading one of these groups, please let the church leadership know.

Prayer is also vital to our growth as believers, as a church body, and as a source of power

and effectiveness in our work for the Kingdom of God. We should all seek to grow in our prayer ministry. C.H. Spurgeon, in His devotional, "Morning and Evening," says the following.

"A prayerless soul is a Christless soul. Prayer is the lisping of the believing infant, the shout of the fighting believer, the requiem of the dying saint falling asleep in Jesus. It is the breath, the watchword, the comfort, the strength, the honor of a Christian. If you are a child of God, you will seek your Father's face and live in your Father's love. Pray that his year you are holy, humble, zealous, and patient; have closer communion with Christ, and enter more often into the banqueting-house of His love. Pray that you may be an example and a blessing to others, and that you may live more to the glory of the Master. The motto for this year must be, "Continue in prayer."

Whoever you are, wherever you are in your journey with Christ, prayer and God's Word need to be a vital part of your spiritual life. Bible reading plans are available on the front pew. Study God's Word with us on Sunday morning and evening. Pray daily and join us for weekly prayer time each Wednesday evening.

Blessings,

Pastor Hal Sexton