Good Morning Church Family,

It's always a joy to bring you greetings on Monday morning and to tell you that I love you and so does Jesus. This pastor had a great time yesterday at church. Sunday morning was sure an uplifting service. We had 160 in worship and baptized 9 new converts. God continues to do amazing things in people's lives. If it keeps getting better, I don't know what I'll do.

Sunday night was such a blessing to me. Thanks for the wonderful gift, the many compliments, and the great luncheon. I surely enjoyed the children singing, the teens' skit about me, and the coconut cream pie Joyce Stone made for me! You are a wonderful church family and all your pastors appreciate it. I look forward to the next several weeks and truly want to be a part of what God is doing. Our revival, which starts next Sunday, is something God is really going to use. I can't wait to see the results.

I read an excellent devotional a few days ago and just wanted to share a little from it. The Psalmist said, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life." Did you notice that it said "goodness and mercy?" Not just goodness alone, for we all are flawed and in need of mercy. And not just mercy alone, for we all are fragile and inadequate, in need of God’s goodness. So He guarantees both. And if that doesn’t impress you, try this phrase: “all the days of my life.” Think of the days that lie ahead of you: tough days raising children, days in a dead-end job, underpaid and financially strapped, days of loneliness, days of ill health, days of care giving. Listen: “Goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life.” All of them! And what will the Shepherd do during those days? He will follow you. What a surprising way to describe God. We’re accustomed to a God who remains in one place; who sits enthroned in the heavens and rules. But no, like a Shepherd who comes behind, gently coaxing His sheep forward, our Lord follows us, pursues us, tracks us down and wins us over. Have you sensed Him pursuing you? So often we miss Him; we don’t know our Helper when He’s near. Yet He’s always there; through the kindness of a stranger; through the question of a child or the commitment of a loved one; through a word of encouragement spoken or a touch well timed we sense His presence.

I encourage you to enjoy God's mercy and goodness this week. God said it is available for all the days of your life. I need it and I know you do to. I would ask that each church member would do everything you can to set aside Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday for revival starting this coming Sunday. Please make it your priority. Ask God for a hunger for more of Him. These may be the best days this church has experienced in a long time and I just don't want anyone to miss out on the good things of God. You are in my prayers this week.

Till next time, Pastor Don

P.S. You are all invited to the "Pie, Praise, and Prayer Time" Saturday night at 6pm. Please come out, meet our Evangelist and his wife, Larry and Tamla Leckrone, have some pie and fellowship, and help us pray for our revival services.

P.S.S. Joke of the Week

Assertiveness

A mild-mannered man was tired of being bossed around by his wife; so he went to a psychiatrist.

The psychiatrist said he needed to build his self-esteem, and so gave him a book on assertiveness, which he read on the way home and he finished the book by the time he reached his house.

The man stormed into the house and walked up to his wife. Pointing a finger in her face, he said;
"From now on, I want you to know that I am the man of this house, and my word is law! I want you to prepare me a gourmet meal tonight, and when I'm finished eating my meal, I expect a sumptuous dessert afterward. Then, after dinner, you're going to draw me my bath so I can relax."

After a slight pause he told her: "And, when I'm finished with my bath, guess who's going to dress me and comb my hair?"

And his wife replied: "The funeral director!"

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