Thursday

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us.

1 John 4:16 (NIV)

Pray for Carol (Mrs. Edward)Bridges who has had heart surgery and Nadine (Mrs. Murphy) Bridges who will be leaving the hospital and facing treatment choices.

Quinton West (13) was doing better while hospitalized. Pray he will be able to come home without another relapse due to asthma.

Pray for the Nunnery family of Kentwood who lost their home and contents in a weekend fire. Some of the family is staying with local relatives and some at a hotel in Hammond.

Mrs. JoAnn Carter continues to deal with her health issue. Pray for strength for her as she continues her battle.

Mrs. Faye Price is now in Regency Rehabilitation in Covington. Hopefully, as she improves she will be able to be moved closer to home. Please continue to pray for her, the medical staff, and the family.

Mrs. Annie Bell Harrell has a new doctor and is undergoing tests. Pray for a diagnosis and treatment that will be effective in improving her quality of daily life.

Continue to pray for Mr. Raymond Anthony as his health has not been good lately.

Aubrey Perry, brother of Karen Miller, had surgery Monday. Pray for him and his family as they wait to see if it will be helpful in his treatment.

Cliff Titus continues to have health issues. Pray for Cliff and Lauree as they deal with these problems on a daily basis.

Help the children of the AWANA group by bringing in cans of chunky soup which will be delivered to some of the senior adults in our community. The collection will continue through the end of the month.

Buy a ticket ($15) from a youth for the Valentine Banquet and support them as they plans for a summer mission trip. The banquet will be February 13th at FBC, Kentwood.

Pray for the Smith and Clark families as they plan a memorial service for Riley and deal with Frann’s health issues. Pray the family will see God’s love in this difficult time.

KEEP YOUR MOUTH SHUT

The Arizona Republic reported this story (so I’m assuming this story really is true!):

“As Terry Mikel was speeding toward Tucson, he passed a car, an unmarked Arizona Highway Patrol car. The officer pulled Terry over. When Terry explained that he was late for a class he was teaching at the University of Arizona, the officer took pity on him and let him off with a warning. Before he went back to his car he said, `Slow down and drive safe.’

“Terry felt obligated to correct him. `Excuse me, Sir, but it should be “Slow down and drive safely. You said, “Drive safe.”‘

“The officer walked back to his car and wrote him a $72 speeding ticket.”

We can’t do it, can we? We just can’t seem to keep our mouths shut! Looking back, we know we shouldn’t have said a word, but at the time we felt so compelled to speak.

Maybe you didn’t get a ticket as a result, but you’ve done something just as foolish, haven’t you? Maybe even this morning, before reading this message. Maybe even before leaving your house! James was so right when he wrote,

“If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body….. For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and creature of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. But no man can tame the tongue.” (James 2b,7-8a)

That’s not an excuse, incidentally, to let our tongues run wild. Rather, it’s a challenge. As hard as it may be to control our tongues, it is essential that we as Christians strive to do just that. We stand to lose more than $72 if we fail to do so.

“He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.” (Proverbs 13:3)

“Lord, we truly want to use our tongues to Your glory this day. As difficult as it may be, help us to guard our mouths as we resist the temptation to speak at those times when we ought to keep quiet. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

Don’t forget the share group meeting at the cabin tonight at 6:30. Everyone is invited.

Be careful in the cold weather this week. Stay safe!

Anna Lee