Thursday

If it is possible, as far as it depends on you,

live at peace with everyone.

~Romans 12:18 (NIV)~

 

Thank you for praying for my mother, Dot Smith, last week. She is much better now.

 

 

You can pray for several people are in North Oaks:

• Mr. Henry Harris
• Gary Travis of Roseland
• Mr. Buddy Holmes (friend of Bro. Joe Baugh)
• Karen Baugh (sister-in-law of Bro. Joe)
• Mrs. Jeanette Rhodus
  
• Jimmy Tolar
• Randy Fairburn
• 
  

Pray for Lisa Davis, sister of Susan Rimes, as she undergoes treatment for cancer again.

Continue to pray for Joan Hagan. She’s resting in bed and trying to get over her falls so she can have surgery Wednesday.

You are invited to a special prayer meeting for Joan Hagan today at 4 P.M. at te Secret Closet Clothes Store (by the railroad tracks on highway 38). A love offering will be taken to help purchase a piece of equipment Joan needs.

I talked with Rebecca Blades‘ aunt. She said it was a miracle Rebecca is alive. Rebecca continues to improve. Keep her in your prayers.

Prayer has been requested for Bobby Warren of Arcola. He was injured in a motorcycle accident.

Deacons for the week

• Jimmy Tolar
  
• Lloyd Hayden

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering

• Received – $10,636.85
• Goal – $13,000.00
• We’re 82% there!

There will be a youth spaghetti fundraiser Sunday, May 4th. Call Bro. Bucky to see how you can help.

Two youth need sponsors for camp this summer. Contact Bro. Bucky for more information.

Vacation Bible School

• Outrigger Island
• June 9-13
• 8:30-11:30
• Volunteers needed

On Mission in Kentwood

• Saturday, April 26
• Starts with donuts at 8 A.M.
• Bring brooms, rakes, gloves, etc.
• Call the church to sign up or to give a name of someone who needs assistance

 

PLAYING GOD

 

We sometimes refer to someone’s actions as “playing God.” By that, we usually mean that they are standing in judgment over another person in a way that only God can, or that they are making a decision regarding who will live or who will die. Most of the time, we use that term in a negative way. I heard a story recently, though, told by Mee Spousler that sheds a whole new light on the term “playing God.”

Mee tells how she was trying to put her three-year-old son to bed for a nap. When she was unsuccessful, she put him in her bed and laid down with him to encourage him to rest. She fell asleep, but he didn’t. When she woke up, she saw him sitting on a chair at the end of the bed, and asked, “Luke, what are you doing?”

“I’m playing God,” he replied.

“Playing God?” she asked.

“Yes,” he said. “I’m watching over you while you sleep.”

What a beautiful thought, because that is what God does. David wrote: “I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me from His holy hill. I lay down and slept; I awoke, for the Lord sustained me.” (Psalm 3:4-5)

Wouldn’t it be great if we could all, like that 3-year-old boy, learn to “play God” in ways that would impact this world for good?

We need to “play God” by looking at the hearts of people rather than the clothes they are wearing.

We need to “play God” by forgiving those who have offended us.

We need to “play God” by refusing to allow race or the color of a person’s skin to create barriers.

We need to “play God” by being patient, kind, and loving to the the people we deal with throughout the day

We need to “play God” by showing compassion to those who are suffering or in need.

We need to “play God” by keeping our promises and living lives of honesty and integrity.

We need to “play God” by living in such a way that we reflect the nature of our Heavenly Father.

I hope and pray that people around you will see you “playing God” this day.

Have a great day!

Alan Smith
Helen Street Church of Christ
Fayetteville, North Carolina

 

 

We need to “play God” by showing compassion to those who are suffering or in need.

You can do this by participating in On Mission in Kentwood Saturday. I’m looking forward to seeing you there.

Anna Lee