Prayer Request - New York

Please keep the families of the dead and injured in New York City in your prayers and thoughts. At least eight people were killed and nearly a dozen more were injured when a truck driver deliberately mowed down people and targeted a school bus in lower Manhattan Tuesday.

Isaiah 41:10 New Living Translation (NLT)

Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.
    Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you.
    I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Daily Word of God - Romans 10:17

Romans 10:17 New Living Translation (NLT)

So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ.

Daily Word of God - Colossians 3:16

Colossians 3:16 New Living Translation (NLT)

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts.

Daily Word of God - 2 John 1:9

2 John 9 New Living Translation (NLT)

Anyone who wanders away from this teaching has no relationship with God. But anyone who remains in the teaching of Christ has a relationship with both the Father and the Son.

Daily Word of God - Luke 10:22

Luke 10:22 New Living Translation (NLT)

“My Father has entrusted everything to me. No one truly knows the Son except the Father, and no one truly knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

Daily Word of God - Isaiah 12:4-5

Isaiah 12:4-5 New Living Translation (NLT)

In that wonderful day you will sing:
    “Thank the Lord! Praise his name!
Tell the nations what he has done.
    Let them know how mighty he is!
Sing to the Lord, for he has done wonderful things.
    Make known his praise around the world.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - 1st Kernel - God Loves Us

In today’s message, we will be looking at the first kernel of corn that reminded the Pilgrims that God loved them. While they endured the first bitter winter in the New World, the Pilgrims had to ration their food. Each received five kernels of corn to live on.

After meeting their new friends, the American Indians, the Pilgrims thanked God for their new found friends and the bounty of the land. Before they dined, each Pilgrim had 5 kernels of corn placed on their plates to remind them of that first bleak winter and what they truly had to be thankful for.

Daily Word of God - Colossians 3:15-17

Colossians 3:15-17 New Living Translation (NLT)

15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 119:1

Psalm 119:1 New Living Translation (NLT)

Joyful are people of integrity,
    who follow the instructions of the Lord.

Signs of Salvation - Get to Know the Author

Trinity Baptist Church
Newnan, GA 30263

"Knowing the Bible is Great. Knowing the Author is Better."

Daily Word of God - Micah 4:2

Micah 4:2 New Living Translation (NLT)

People from many nations will come and say,
“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord,
    to the house of Jacob’s God.
There he will teach us his ways,
    and we will walk in his paths.”
For the Lord’s teaching will go out from Zion;
    his word will go out from Jerusalem.

Daily Word of God - Joshua 24:18

Joshua 24:18 New Living Translation (NLT)

It was the Lord who drove out the Amorites and the other nations living here in the land. So we, too, will serve the Lord, for he alone is our God.

Daily Word of God - Deuteronomy 33:27

Deuteronomy 33:27 New Living Translation (NLT)

The eternal God is your refuge,
    and his everlasting arms are under you.
He drives out the enemy before you;
    he cries out, ‘Destroy them!’

Daily Word of God - Genesis 21:33

Genesis 21:33 New Living Translation (NLT)

Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he worshiped the Lord, the Eternal God.

Daily Word of God - Isaiah 40:28

Isaiah 40:28 New Living Translation (NLT)

Have you never heard?
    Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
    No one can measure the depths of his understanding.

Daily Word of God - James 3:13

James 3:13 New Living Translation (NLT)

If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.

Mid-Week Message - The Blame Game

"Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy."  Proverbs 28:13

"When a man's folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the Lord."  Proverbs 19:3

Comedian Flip Wilson portrayed a character that he named "Geraldine."  That character is credited with the phrase, "The devil made me do it!"  No matter how funny it was, it was also quite accurate.  When we do something we shouldn't or make a questionable choice, we often tend to blame another person or a circumstance for it rather than taking personal responsibility.

This has become rampant in our society.  If a child makes bad grades, his teacher must be doing something wrong.  If we aren't successful at our job, it is because of bad management.  If we have a horrible habit, it is because our parents didn't teach us correctly.  Do any of these sound familiar?  I'm not saying that we never have negative circumstances that influence our choices.  What I am saying is that, in the end, we use the mind that God gave each of us to ultimately make the choice.  

Proverbs 28:13 warns us against concealing our transgressions.  In other words, we need to own up to our actions.  If someone makes us angry and we respond with ugly words, we need to take responsibility for those words.  To wound someone else is never acceptable.  They may have transgressed against us in some way, but that does not give us permission to respond with hurtfulness.  

Another regular occurrence is placing the blame on God.  "I wouldn't have done that if God had only provided what I asked for."  "God made me this way.  He knew I would be like this."  That second phrase hits very close to home.  I have an eating disorder.  Rather than asking Him for His help, which He is ready and willing to give, I have spent far too many years in my life blaming Him for creating my body in the way He did.  Yes.  He did create me. And yes, He did know what weaknesses I would have.  However, His plan was for me to walk with Him and to trust that what is impossible for me is possible with Him.  Our Father wants to be just that.  Our Father.  He desires for us to turn to Him in times of difficulty.  No matter what we are tempted with, He can get us through it. 

What do you struggle with?  What is there in your life that it is easier to blame someone or something else for rather than take the responsibility yourself?  What would change if you turned to the Lord and allowed Him to cleanse you and guide you in the future?  Whatever it is, I hope you let Him transform it.  Take His hand.  He loves you far more than you can ever imagine.  May He bless your week. 

Daily Word of God - John 14:21

John 14:21 New Living Translation (NLT)

Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. And I will love them and reveal myself to each of them.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 127:1

Psalm 127:1 New Living Translation (NLT)

Unless the Lord builds a house,
    the work of the builders is wasted.
Unless the Lord protects a city,
    guarding it with sentries will do no good.

Daily Word of God - Isaiah 46:4

Isaiah 46:4 New Living Translation (NLT)

I will be your God throughout your lifetime—
    until your hair is white with age.
I made you, and I will care for you.
    I will carry you along and save you.

Daily Word of God - Romans 12:2

Romans 12:2 New Living Translation (NLT)

Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

Daily Word of God - Titus 2:2

Titus 2:2 New Living Translation (NLT)

Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. They must have sound faith and be filled with love and patience.

Daily Word of God - Ephesians 5:20

Ephesians 5:20 New Living Translation (NLT)

And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Give Thanks for 5 Kernels

Many years ago, my wife and I started a series of messages that started weeks before Thanksgiving Day. The series was based on a story about a Thanksgiving tradition that stemmed from the first winter the Pilgrims endured. That first winter was very bitter and cold. With food supplies dwindling, rationing was the only solution. Each pilgrim received 5 kernels of corn daily to sustain them.

After surviving that winter, the Pilgrims received a gift from God. The Indians came as friends to help the Pilgrims by teaching them planting techniques in this new world. They showed them areas to hunt and fish. Truly blessings from God.
During that first Thanksgiving of bounty, they placed 5 kernels of corn on each plate to remind them of the blessings that they had received and to be truly be thankful. We, too, sometimes need to be reminded of our blessings. Those blessings that truly sustain us daily.

In the coming Sundays and the day before Thanksgiving, we will look at the tradition of those 5 kernels of corn.

Daily Word of God - Colossians 3:15-17

Colossians 3:15-17 New Living Translation (NLT)

15 And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.

16 Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. 17 And whatever you do or say, do it as a representative of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through him to God the Father.

Daily Word of God - Psalms 27:4

Psalm 27:4 New Living Translation (NLT)

The one thing I ask of the Lord—
    the thing I seek most—
is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life,
    delighting in the Lord’s perfections
    and meditating in his Temple.

Signs of Salvation - Jesus Reforms

Trinity Baptist Church

Newnan, GA 30263

God formed. Sin deformed. Jesus reformed.

Daily Word of God - Proverbs 28:13

Proverbs 28:13 New Living Translation (NLT)

People who conceal their sins will not prosper,
    but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

Daily Word of God - Acts 20:35

Acts 20:35 New Living Translation (NLT)

And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: "It is more blessed to give than to receive."

Daily Word of God - Romans 8:1-2

Romans 8:1-2 New Living Translation (NLT)

1 So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. 2 And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death.

Daily Word of God - Isaiah 29:23

Isaiah 29:23 New Living Translation (NLT)

For when they see their many children
    and all the blessings I have given them,
they will recognize the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob.
    They will stand in awe of the God of Israel.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 51:10

Psalm 51:10 New Living Translation (NLT)

Create in me a clean heart, O God.
    Renew a loyal spirit within me.

God's Gifts During Trying Times

All good things come from the Lord. When you face those trying times in your life, you should always remember that God gives you what you need to overcome them. You just need to believe, have faith, dream and love.

When you believe, all things are possible. Mark 9:23

Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. Matthew 7:7 (NLT)

Daily Word of God - Hebrews 10:23

Hebrews 10:23 New Living Translation (NLT)

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.

Mid-Week Message - Whatever It Takes

Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"   Isaiah 6:8

Each time I read this verse I am more in awe.  The willingness that it reveals is astounding to me.  But it teaches me something very important.  We need to be available to the Lord to do what He needs done.  What should matter the most is His kingdom and His will. 

Years ago, I prayed a prayer, after which I began to place a lot of stipulations.  The prayer was simply, "Lord, do with me what you will.  Whatever it takes, Lord, do."  As I thought about the words that had come out of my mouth, fear set in.  What if that meant that something or someone I loved would be taken from me?  What if that meant serious illness?  What if that meant going somewhere difficult?  What ifs poured forth like a fountain.  But the prayer had already been uttered.  Could I stand before my heavenly Father and say, "I changed my mind?"  

It took me awhile to think things through. In the end, I poured out my heart and shared my fears with Him.  I figured that since He made me, He would understand.  And in the end, I said the words again, "Whatever it takes, Lord, do."  Because I want to be used of Him.  I want to bring glory to His name and honor Him in His kingdom.  I want to be who He created me to be.  

My challenge this week is for you to think about those words, and if you have never prayed them, that you do so.  It sounds much easier than it truly is.  But I promise you that it will deepen your relationship with the Lord and you will learn some new things about yourself.  God bless you.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 26:1

Psalm 26:1 New Living Translation (NLT)

Declare me innocent, O Lord,
    for I have acted with integrity;
    I have trusted in the Lord without wavering.

Hope, Faith and Miracles

I ran across this beautiful reminder of hope, faith and miracles. There are many who are facing difficulties in their lives. Continue to have hope which will take you to the next step. Each day and each moment is a step. Let the Lord guide your steps. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 New Living Translation (NLT)

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
    do not depend on your own understanding.
6 Seek his will in all you do,
    and he will show you which path to take.

Daily Word of God - Proverbs 13:6

Proverbs 13:6 New Living Translation (NLT)

Godliness guards the path of the blameless,
    but the evil are misled by sin.

Daily Word of God - Job 2:3

Job 2:3 New Living Translation (NLT)

Then the Lord asked Satan, “Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil. And he has maintained his integrity, even though you urged me to harm him without cause.”

Daily Word of God - Titus 1:9

Titus 1:9 New Living Translation (NLT)

He must have a strong belief in the trustworthy message he was taught; then he will be able to encourage others with wholesome teaching and show those who oppose it where they are wrong.

Daily Word of God - Romans 6:17

Romans 6:17 New Living Translation (NLT)

Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you.

Daily Word of God - 2 Timothy 1:13-14

2 Timothy 1:13-14 New Living Translation (NLT)

13 Hold on to the pattern of wholesome teaching you learned from me—a pattern shaped by the faith and love that you have in Christ Jesus. 14 Through the power of the Holy Spirit who lives within us, carefully guard the precious truth that has been entrusted to you.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - Blessing of Abundance

When you think about it, God blesses you each and every day. When you get up in the morning, you have been blessed with another day to share the Good News. Each breath and beat of your heart is a blessing. Although all are blessings from God, there are those that are very special. Those are the ones that God has poured over you like an anointing oil. They are the special blessings of abundance. God loves you so very much and He wants you to know that you are blessed and His.

Daily Word of God - Proverbs 17:22

Proverbs 17:22 New Living Translation (NLT)

A cheerful heart is good medicine,
    but a broken spirit saps a person’s strength.

Daily Word of God - Isaiah 48:17

Isaiah 48:17 New Living Translation (NLT)

This is what the Lord says—
    your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel:
"I am the Lord your God,
    who teaches you what is good for you
    and leads you along the paths you should follow."

Signs of Salvation - No Matter What, the Message is Always Available

Welcome Road Baptist Church
Newnan, GA 30263

The person that does this sign is on vacation.
Come inside for the message.

Daily Word of God - Ephesians 6:11

Ephesians 6:11 New Living Translation (NLT)

Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.

Daily Word of God - 1 John 4:4

1 John 4:4 New Living Translation (NLT)

But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 84:10

Psalm 84:10 New Living Translation (NLT)

A single day in your courts
    is better than a thousand anywhere else!
I would rather be a gatekeeper in the house of my God
    than live the good life in the homes of the wicked.

Daily Word of God - Deuteronomy 31:8

Deuteronomy 31:8 New Living Translation (NLT)

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.