Newsletter Jan 4th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

It has been many years, but I still remember one unhappy event from my wedding day. I knew that our Honeymoon trip involved driving several hundred miles. As a result, I had new tires placed on my car. Everything seemed fine as I drove the few blocks from the tire store to my house and then to the church. Our wedding vows were finished about 7:30 pm on a Friday night. Pamela and I jumped into my car and headed to her parents’ house. She was going to change into some traveling clothes, grab her suitcases, so we could head out on our trip.

Suddenly, my car was almost undriveable. It bounced and jerked all over the road. I had trouble keeping it under control. My first thought was that the folks at the tire store had not balanced my new tires. My second thought was that something had broken in the suspension system. I was close to tears. I knew I would not be getting any repairs done that late on Friday night in Albemarle. The thought of spending my wedding night in the house with my new In-laws was embarrassing.  Besides, I knew that if I did not leave town, my Dad would expect me to show up the next morning at the Curb Market ready to go to work. 

Shortly after we finally made it to Pamela’s house, some guys from our wedding showed up. They were doubled over laughing at the prank they had pulled. They had filled my hubcaps with rocks. Every tire was out of balance, Frankly, I FAILED TO SEE THE HUMOR IN THE SITUATION! I did not use any un-Preacher-like words. But. I threatened them with “great bodily harm” if they did not fix their mess. They realized I meant it. The prospect of a hospital visit did not appeal to them, so they undid their prank. Pamela and I had smooth driving on our trip.

As we come to the close of 2025 and approach the beginning of 2026, have any rocks gotten into the “hubcaps” of your life? Life will always have “potholes” and some rough broken pavement. But life always runs smoother when we deal with the things we can control.
   …Have you allowed sinful ideas or actions to creep into your life? The devil tells you it is “okay” but you know the Lord is not pleased.
   …Have you been faithful with your tithing and your extra giving to Godly ministries?
   …Have you been faithful, or careless, with your weekly attendance at a place of worship?
   …Is the Lord pleased with the way you have used your talents and spiritual gifts?
   …Have you experienced areas of hurt, and now you hold anger, unforgiveness, and thoughts of revenge in your heart?

As we clear away those “rocks” in our lives, we find peace with God and peace with others. Let’s begin 2026 having done all we can do personally to have a year of smooth driving [living].
I am praying two prayers from Psalms.
   …”Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts, and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting”. [139:23, 24]
   …”Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight O Lord, my strength and my redeemer”. [19:14]

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church are at 10:00 am. Also available  in the parking lot at 10 on 99.1 FM and on the website after 12:30 pm
3. Prayer and Bible Study are Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. $ 1470—Final total for the Lottie Moon Offering for Foreign Missions

Smooth driving in 2026

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church