Signs of Salvation - Take a Second to Thank God

Welcome Road Baptist Church
Newnan, Georgia

Time is a very precious gift yet we sometimes take it for granted.

God Gave You a Gift of 86,400 Seconds Today. Have You Used One to Say Thank You?

Daily Word of God - Genesis 17:1

Genesis 17:1 New Living Translation (NLT)

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am El-Shaddai—‘God Almighty.’ Serve me faithfully and live a blameless life.

Daily Word of God - Deuteronomy 29:9

Deuteronomy 29:9 New Living Translation (NLT)

Therefore, obey the terms of this covenant so that you will prosper in everything you do.

Daily Word of God - Romans 7:12

Romans 7:12 New Living Translation (NLT)

But still, the law itself is holy, and its commands are holy and right and good.

Daily Word of God - Colossians 4:2

Colossians 4:2 New Living Translation (NLT)

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 57:8

Psalm 57:8 New Living Translation (NLT)

Wake up, my heart!
    Wake up, O lyre and harp!
    I will wake the dawn with my song.

Daily Word of God - Proverbs 30:5

Proverbs 30:5 New Living Translation (NLT)

Every word of God proves true.
    He is a shield to all who come to him for protection.

Mid-Week Message - He Never Forgets

"Can a woman forget her nursing child And have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, but I will not forget you. 'Behold, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands;'"  Isaiah 49:15-16a (NASB)

I was the child in our family that never forgot anything.  My parents took advantage of that and would tell me whatever they didn't want forgotten so that they would have a reminder should they forget something themselves.  It served me well in my education and in my employment.  I wish I could say that it was still a trait that I possessed.  But, age has changed a lot of things in my life, and that is sadly one of the casualties.

I must confess that this message almost didn't happen this week.  I have had several things on my mind and, had the Holy Spirit not prompted me as I awoke this morning, I fear I would not have remembered that this is Wednesday and time for a message.  So, as I praise Him for the reminder, I will rejoice that He is not forgetful.  

Though our minds may become feeble, His never will.  There will never be a time that He forgets anything about us.  Scripture tells us that He knows the number of hairs on our heads. Isn't it interesting to think about that?  If we lose a hair, He knows about it.  That is how intimately involved in our lives He is.  He knows everything about us, and will never forget.  

In this season of thankfulness, let's express our gratitude for the great love He has for us.  Though we may forget Him, He has promised never to forget us.  And I personally am grateful for this lesson today.  I forgot but He did not and He loved me enough to whisper a reminder.  May you be reminded of how near to you He is this week.  God bless you.  

Daily Word of God - 2 Samuel 22:31

2 Samuel 22:31 New Living Translation (NLT)

God’s way is perfect.
    All the Lord’s promises prove true.
    He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 119:80

Psalm 119:80 New Living Translation (NLT)

May I be blameless in keeping your decrees;
    then I will never be ashamed.

Daily Word of God - Exodus 20:20

Exodus 20:20 New Living Translation (NLT)

“Don’t be afraid,” Moses answered them, “for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!”

Daily Word of God - Isaiah 55:7

Isaiah 55:7 New Living Translation (NLT)

Let the wicked change their ways
    and banish the very thought of doing wrong.
Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them.
    Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.

Daily Word of God - Romans 5:3-4

Romans 5:3-4 New Living Translation (NLT)

3 We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. 4 And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 28:7

Psalm 28:7 New Living Translation (NLT)

The Lord is my strength and shield.
    I trust him with all my heart.
He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy.
    I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

International Day of the Bible - Hebrews 11:6

Hebrews 11:6 New Living Translation (NLT)

And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - 3rd Kernel - God Provides Friends

Today we will be looking at the third kernel of corn which symbolizes the friends that God has given us. Just as the Pilgrims received the blessings of new friends, the American Indians, who helped them overcome the pitfalls and perils of the New World, we, too, receive the gift of friends who come to our aid. As we think about the gift of friends and their friendship, let us always remember that “true friendship multiplies the good in life and divides its evils. Strive to have friends, for life without friends is like life on a desert island… to find one real friend in a lifetime is good fortune; to keep him is a blessing.”

Daily Word of God - 1 Timothy 4:4-5

1 Timothy 4:4-5 New Living Translation (NLT)

4 Since everything God created is good, we should not reject any of it but receive it with thanks. 5 For we know it is made acceptable by the word of God and prayer.

International Day of the Bible

On Sunday, Nov. 12 at noon local time―in public or online―people of all ages are being invited to participate in International Day of the Bible by taking pause for a few minutes to read or even sing Scripture or otherwise creatively express their love of The Good Book.

Daily Word of God - Deuteronomy 32:4

Deuteronomy 32:4 New Living Translation (NLT)

He is the Rock; his deeds are perfect.
    Everything he does is just and fair.
He is a faithful God who does no wrong;
    how just and upright he is!

Signs of Salvation - "Cross" Training

Welcome Road Baptist Church
Newnan, Georgia

"Cross" Training Inside

Remember Our Veterans - What it Means to Have Strength and Courage

Let us always remember those who served this wonderfully blessed nation. Thank you. Thank you all for your selfless acts of heroism. Thank you for your strength when all seemed lost. Thank you for your courage when things seemed darkest.

Daily Word of God - 1 Samuel 16:6

1 Samuel 16:6 New Living Translation (NLT)

When they arrived, Samuel took one look at Eliab and thought, “Surely this is the Lord’s anointed!”

Remembering Our Veterans

On this day, let us remember our veterans and their service to this great nation. A nation not only blessed by God but also blessed by the service of men and women who believed and continue to believe that this nation should remain free and one nation under God.

In the beautiful words of Abraham Lincoln from his address at Gettysburg, "that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom-and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth."

It is because of their dedication and sacrifice that this nation will not perish from the earth.

Thank you, veterans, for your service, dedication and sacrifice. You will not be forgotten.

Daily Word of God - Genesis 15:1

Genesis 15:1 New Living Translation (NLT)

Some time later, the Lord spoke to Abram in a vision and said to him, “Do not be afraid, Abram, for I will protect you, and your reward will be great.”

Daily Word of God - Psalm 52:9

Psalm 52:9 New Living Translation (NLT)

I will praise you forever, O God,
    for what you have done.
I will trust in your good name
    in the presence of your faithful people.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 20:4

Psalm 20:4 New Living Translation (NLT)

May he grant your heart’s desires
    and make all your plans succeed.

Daily Word of God - 1 Thessalonians 5:18

1 Thessalonians 5:18 New Living Translation (NLT)

Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.

Mid-Week Message - Plans vs. Reality

"Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit”— yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that."   James 4:13-16

"Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand."  Proverbs 19:21

Here is a question for you.  Are you where you thought you would be today?  Has everything turned out the way you planned?  If you are like me, your answer will be a mixture of yes and no.  I always wanted to be married and to be a mother.  Of course my thoughts were fantasies of how everything would unfold.  I am married and I am a mother.  But guess what?  None of us are perfect and we don't compare to the television couples that I based my wishes upon.  Why?  Because we live in the real world where life is a lot more complicated than can be depicted in a thirty minute scripted program.  My child is smart and beautiful but she isn't perfect either and I wasn't, and still am not, the ideal mother who always knows the right answers and never loses her temper.  But I'm sure this isn't a revelation.  

Each of us dreams of the perfect life.  Some of us are fortunate enough to realize some of those dreams.  However, for a great many of us, life takes many different turns than we had ever imagined.  Relationships fail.  Jobs fizzle.  Money slips through our fingers as soon as we get it.  Illness visits.  Death darkens our doorways.  Life isn't always kind.  So shall we just give up?  Declare it hopeless?  

James reminds us that the important thing to focus on is God's will for our lives.  Instead of expecting life to be what we planned, we need to ask the Lord what His will is for us and trust that if we end up somewhere that we never expected to be then we just might be where He wants us to be in order to accomplish His purpose in our own lives and the lives of others.  He is the One that knows us better than we know ourselves and He sees our entire lives in one glance.  Ultimately, our Father knows what we need rather than what we necessarily want.  

Are you struggling with where you are today?  I urge you to go to Him and surrender your own will and invite Him to be in control.  That is the path to peace in life.  It is my sincere belief that His plans for us are far greater than anything we can dream up for ourselves.  Let go of the world and grasp the Kingdom.  God bless you!

Daily Word of God - Psalm 30:11-12

Psalm 30:11-12 New Living Translation (NLT)

11 You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing.
    You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy,
12 that I might sing praises to you and not be silent.
    O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!

Daily Word of God - Isaiah 55:6

Isaiah 55:6 New Living Translation (NLT)

Seek the Lord while you can find him.
    Call on him now while he is near.

Daily Word of God - Luke 11:41

Luke 11:41 New Living Translation (NLT)

So clean the inside by giving gifts to the poor, and you will be clean all over.

Daily Word of God - Proverbs 14:16

Proverbs 14:16 New Living Translation (NLT)

The wise are cautious and avoid danger;
    fools plunge ahead with reckless confidence.

Daily Word of God - Romans 15:4

Romans 15:4 New Living Translation (NLT)

Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us. And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.

Prayer Request - First Baptist Church, Sutherland Springs, Texas

Please pray for the families of the victims and those who were injured in a church shooting in the small Texas town of Sutherland Springs, Texas. According to reports by the ABC Affiliate, KSAT 12, 27 are dead, 30 injured. 

The shooting happened at the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, where around 50 people usually attend service, according to local reports.

A witness reported seeing a man walk into First Baptist Church and began shooting around 11:30 a.m CST.

Wilson County Commissioner Albert Gamez Jr told CNN that at least 27 people have been killed in the shooting, but the death toll is expected to climb.

May God comfort all those affected by this horrible event.

Daily Word of God - Jonah 2:9

Jonah 2:9 New Living Translation (NLT)

But I will offer sacrifices to you with songs of praise,
    and I will fulfill all my vows.
    For my salvation comes from the Lord alone.

Sunday Praise & Worship Message - 2nd Kernel - God Provides for Us

As we continue to study the Thanksgiving tradition of the 5 kernels, we will exam the meaning of the second kernel. Its meaning is simple. God provides for us. Yes, God provides for us. In every instance of our lives, we are blessed by God’s bountiful provisions. Because He loves us, He will always provide for our physical and spiritual needs.

Daily Word of God - Hebrews 12:28-29

Hebrews 12:28-29 New Living Translation (NLT)

28 Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe. 29 For our God is a devouring fire.

Daylight Saving Time Ends for the US Today

Remember Daylight Saving Time ends today. Set your clocks back 1 hour.

Daily Word of God - Proverbs 17:3

Proverbs 17:3 New Living Translation (NLT)

Fire tests the purity of silver and gold,
    but the Lord tests the heart.

Signs of Salvation - Fall for Jesus

Trinity Baptist Church

Newnan, Georgia

"Fall for Jesus. He never leaves"

Remembering Our Veterans - "In Flanders Fields"

A beautiful poem by John McCrae for his friend, Lieutenant Alexis Hannum Helmer, who was killed by a German artillery shell in the Second Battle of Ypres.

Daily Word of God - Psalm 41:1

Psalm 41:1 New Living Translation (NLT)

Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor!
    The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble.

Daily Word of God - Colossians 3:17

Colossians 3:17 New Living Translation (NLT)

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 - Acts 8:22

Acts 8:22-23 New Living Translation (NLT)

22 Repent of your wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive your evil thoughts, 23 for I can see that you are full of bitter jealousy and are held captive by sin.

Songs that Sing to the Soul - "When You Look at Me"

When you are feel alone and afraid, that is when you can say a small prayer that is mighty and calls on the power of the Lord to save you. When the Lord looks at you, He sees a child. His child. 

Daily Word of God - Proverbs 16:6

Proverbs 16:6 New Living Translation (NLT)

Unfailing love and faithfulness make atonement for sin.
    By fearing the Lord, people avoid evil.

Daily Word of God - 1 John 2:1

1 John 2:1 New Living Translation (NLT)

My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate who pleads our case before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who is truly righteous.

Daily Word of God - 1 Peter 1:3-4

1 Peter 1:3-4 New Living Translation (NLT)

3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, 4 and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay.

Daily Word of God - Romans 15:7

Romans 15:7 New Living Translation (NLT)

Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.

Mid-Week Message - The Wind Beneath Our Wings

"..but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

What a wonderful verse!  So much hope!  Often quoted, it is clung to in times of difficulty.  And well it should be.  It turns our thoughts upward and reminds us that it is the Lord that will renew our strength.  We get so tired here.  Life is hard.  Some days it seems that around every corner is another hurtle that must be conquered and we wonder each time how we are going to make our way over it.  

I love that we are given the example of an eagle.  Majestic in appearance, eagles are admired for their beauty, grace and strength.  But did you ever wonder how the eagle would describe life?  As wild animals they must face the elements of nature every minute of their lives.  They must toil for each morsel of food, fight for territory, defend their nests and their young and defend themselves against predators if and when they are encountered.  To me, this sounds like a hard life. 

There is so much more to these beautiful birds than what we see as spectators.   That the scriptures use them to give us hope is quite meaningful.  If I were to add my own paraphrase, this verse would go something like this, "..those who hope in the Creator God, will renew their strength and be able to carry on just like the eagle soars even when its day has been full of toil and woe; they will run and not grow weary because the Lord will continue to strengthen them through each and every painful step and they will walk in confidence, leaning on Him to keep them on their feet."  

What is wearing you down today?  I urge you to look up and to grab the hand of the Almighty.  Allow Him to use the examples in nature to reassure you that He is in control.  For, if He can be the wind beneath the wings of a weary eagle, then just think what He can and will do for us.  God bless you.  

Daily Word of God - Ephesians 5:1

Ephesians 5:1 New Living Translation (NLT)

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children.