Newsletter Nov 23rd GREETINGS FROM BARBEE’S GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

At first, you may dispute this, but I am guessing that there are certain people you try to avoid. Even though you try to be nice to everyone, there are some folks you had rather not see. Who are they? I suspect that if you hear that a certain person has a “really bad cold”, “the Flu”, or “Covid”, you do your best to stay away. You don’t want their germs or viruses attacking you. It is a natural reaction.

As I was thinking about avoiding certain people, my thoughts turned to others whose presence we do not enjoy:
   …That “Deadbeat” who is always wanting to “borrow” money and never pays it back
   …The person with a “filthy mouth”. His conversation is filled with vulgarity and he usually has a vile story he wants to tell
   …That person who always has an attitude of “gloom, despair, and misery”. They are miserable and want you to join in that misery
   …The person who never speaks a kind word to you
   …The person who is “always right”. You know the type—–“My mind is made up. Don’t confuse me with the facts”.

On the other side of the coin there are people who are totally different. Proverbs 17:22 describes such a person by saying, “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine”. Proverbs 15:23 says, “A man has joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good it is”. Proverbs 25:11 “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Colossians 4:5,6 “Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man”.

These are the people you want to hang around and not avoid. They bring joy, instruction, kindness, and blessing.
   …The person with an understanding, teachable spirit
   …The generous person who is always willing to give and to help
   …The person whose words are kind, uplifting and soothing
   …The person with a joyful attitude
   …The person who is so full of Jesus that Jesus “spills” out of them and touches everyone around them

As I compare the two lists, “People to Avoid” and “People to Fellowship With”, I ask myself, “Which type of person am I?” The wonderful news of the Gospel is that Jesus can transform us into beautiful examples of His love.  Remember, John and his brother James, wanted to call down fire from Heaven on a Samaritan village [Luke 9:54]. That same Apostle John would later write: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God”. [1 John 4:7] Walking with Jesus changed John’s heart and way of talking.

My goal in life is to follow Jesus closely, and to allow Him to make me sweeter, kinder, more like Him, every day that He gives me to live. I think it is a good goal. What is your goal?

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS

1. Sunday School is a 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 Wednesdays at 6:30 pm in the Fellowship Hall
4. Continue to make your gifts for the NC Baptist Children’s Homes
5. November 23—Called Church Conference—Adopt a Church Budget for 2026—Building and Grounds updates—and a new committee member
6. November 30—COMMUNION
7. December 6—-5:00 pm—Christmas Stew and Fellowship
8. December 14—6:00 pm—Children’s Christmas Play and a time of Fellowship

Soft, sweet words, are healing words

Pastor Ed and Deacons of Barbee’s Grove Baptist Church