Dear loved ones, my prayer for us this week is that we come to a greater knowledge of the grace and mercy of our lord, and that it inspires us to extend the same to those around us.  Keep reading for to learn what’s happening at BBT.

We had a small group last Sunday as quite a few were home sick.  Priscilla is doing well now.  Edith was not feeling well and told Priscilla but since she was out we didn’t get the message. Things have been a little busy at my house this week so I have not had a chance to follow up.

I did appreciate the discussion we had during Sunday school about how we can extend the reach of the church.  Some good ideas were presented and I hope we’ll be able to implement some of them soon.  Keep thinking about these things.  We need everyone to be involved.

The message for Sunday is entitled, “You Deserve it!”  What exactly is it that we deserve?  Theologians, politicians, philosophers and advertisers all tell us what they think we deserve, or at least what they want us to think we deserve. Church people know the approved answer.  It could be summed up with Romans 6:23.   But if we’re honest we could all make a list of the things we think we are entitled to have.  I am going to say some things that are pretty basic.  All of us have been in church long enough to have heard them many times before, but does knowing them change the way we think and act day to day?  For most of us the problem isn’t really in being able to distinguish right from privilege, but in the attitude of our hearts.  The question isn’t really about what we deserve.  It is about who we will serve.  When we serve ourselves, we are concerned with what we deserve.  When we serve God, we are concerned with what He deserves.

Finally, those who follow our Facebook page have already seen that Bobbi is in ICU on a ventilator.  Pray for her and the family.  Kelvin left a message with me that he will not be there on Sunday.  He did not explain but we know he has been fighting pneumonia and other medical problems.  Keep praying for Don, Tim, and Linda.

Love to you all.  I hope to see you Sunday.

Larry