Newsletter June 8th

GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

The Bible is full of admonitions about how we use our words, because words are so powerful. Out of multiple verses, let me mention a few:
   …”Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” Proverbs 18:21
   …”The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters…” Proverbs 18:4
   …”Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile>” Psalm 34:13
   …”A word fitly chosen is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Proverbs 25:11

Let me turn again to a personal example to prove to you the amazing power of a word that is “fitly spoken”. I have already mentioned that my Dad dropped out of school after the 7th Grade in order to go to work and provide for his widowed Mother. Mom dropped out after the 9th Grade when they married. Further education seemed unneeded.
That type of family heritage often breeds generations of school “Dropouts”.

A “fitly spoken word” changed everything. I can still see myself standing in front of the desk of my 8th Grade Teacher. The only part of our conversation I still remember is one short phrase, “Now, Ed, when you go to college”. Go to college? I never expected to attend. College was not on my radar. I planned to work in a grocery store for the rest of my life. That day, my Teacher’s words sparked something deep inside me. It was a hope, a dream, a vision of future education. Later, when Guidance Counselors suggested that I take College Prep courses, I agreed. My Dad thought college was a waste of time. I had to fill out all the applications with no help at home. Evidently, I did something correctly for I was accepted at several schools.

I did it calmly, gently, but firmly, the only time I ever remember defying my Dad. Near the end of my Senior Year of High School, Dad pulled me aside. Our Big Oak Market was doing well. Dad told me that he was buying an empty building in another part of Albemarle and that I would be the Manager of Big Oak 2. I told him, “NO”, that I was not managing that store. I was going to college. He didn’t like it, but he accepted my decision.

That Fall I headed off to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. My brother, JIm, caught my dream and the next year he was accepted at UNC. Dad relented. He bought a very small, much used, mobile home and parked it in a Trailer Park near the UNC campus. No dorm fees, no eating in the school cafeteria [we cooked our own food] saved lots of money. As Jim and I graduated and moved out, Bob and Roger latched on to the dream and moved in. After we all graduated, Dad sold the mobile home for almost as much as he paid for it! Our parents did not graduate from high school. But all 4 sons are college graduates. We, each, married ladies who are college graduates. All 8 of my parent’s grandchildren are college graduates, The 4 oldest great grandchildren are pursuing college degrees. Much of the credit has to go to my 8th Grade Teacher whose well chosen words sparked hope in my heart. Because of her, I received the education I needed in order to become the Pastor that the Lord called me to be. My brothers were able to have their own careers. Thank you, Miss Lambert. You changed my life.

Our words can bless or curse. As followers of Jesus, let us always be sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Let’s endeavor to speak words that bless, inspire, encourage, enlighten and challenge those we encounter each day. We may change someone’s life, future, or even their eternity. May our prayer be that of the Psalmist [19:14] “Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart, be acceptable in Thy sight, O Lord, my Strength and my Redeemer”.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is at 9:00 am
2. Morning Worship and Children’s Church is Sunday 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 is Wednesday at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
   Friday, June 20–6-8 pm
   Saturday, June 21–8:30 am-1pm—Breakfast and Lunch provided
5. June 14–8:00 am—-WORK DAY

Bless someone with your words today

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church