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I’m thankful for this jail ministry. Plain and simple, I’m thankful that God most definitely called me to be a part of this new ministry at that time, and I’m thankful we’re still at it today, eleven years later. But there are other reasons to be thankful for “In Spite of . . . . (fill in the blank) Ministries)”. I’m thankful for a church that has supported this ministry for eleven years. I’m thankful for Ken Corbitt who, as the church treasurer, had such faith in this ministry that he never questioned me when I asked him for a check for something (for usually more Bibles for our ladies, etc.). We didn’t have to ask very often, but He has been a Giant of the Faith in this church in so many ways, and this has been just one of those many ways. Thank you, Ken. I’m thankful for Rhonda Saeed for the little miracles she works every other week in keeping me on track with these articles. Thank you, Rhonda. Thanks to Tim and Helen Musgrove and Ted and Bobbi Stewart who have taken on facets of this ministry and have worked quietly behind the scenes, and God has blessed them with many decisions for Christ! Thanks Helen, Tim, Bobbi, and Ted. I’m thankful for the staff at Coffee County Jail. Almost all of them have treated us kindly and with great support. I’m thankful for our government. Yes, you read that correctly. I’m thankful for our government because the rules for daily living, found in our precious documental foundation, The Constitution, allows us to do what we do every single week of every year. For as long as we are blessed with the freedom to go into our jails and share Christ crucified, risen, and coming again, then I’m thankful. I’m thankful for those of you in our congregation who have taken the time to ask often how things are going at the jail for us, and how they can pray for us. Thank you. You have been a blessing and an encouragement to us. And I do think that possibly, some amazing day in Heaven---not so far off, Jesus will look into your eyes and say, “Thanks for your prayers for the least of these, good and faithful servant.” (Matt. 24) Jan Boettcher Scooter Bill Deen Bennie Dockery, Sr. Sandra Dockery Larry English Lamar Harper Delores Harrell Robert Howard Sam Jones, Jr. Earlie McQuaig Addie Mae Myers Lonnie Myers Gerry Bailey Tom Boddie Jairus Brooks Vicki Burks Sonia Bush Devin Carver Ricky Carver Ricky Corbitt Alvin Cribb Donna Croucher Sarah Davis Lacey J. Neugent Donald Newell John Porter Cindy Richardson Linda Stapleton Dubb Spann Kathy Vickers Bill Whiddon Please contact Rhonda Saeed to add additional prayer concerns. When Satan Divides the Church Have you ever noticed there’s always someone or a group of someones in a church fellowship who do their utmost best to stir up the congregation, but not in a good way? Strife among church members is the goal of Satan and he uses Christians as well as non-believers to accomplish his bidding. Now you may say, “How in the world can Satan use a Christian to cause chaos?” Well, it’s very easy apparently. Either these people are very weak when it comes to their faith and their testimony or they have issues in their lives that prevent them from seeing the manipulations of Satan. When Satan finds out who he is able to use, he will give these persons a sense of entitlement that makes them feel empowered to try and control every aspect of the innermost workings of the church and its workers. They will be compelled to question each and every action performed at the church, often being very abrasive and unkind in their motives. They hurt others and seemingly it does not bother them. They hold on to grudges FOREVER, not seeing that it prevents God from forgiving them of their own actions and failures. Now, these individuals may not realize it but they are causing friction and divisiveness with their actions. When Christians feel that they are being attacked, again and again, and there is no one who is willing to correct these individuals, that’s when church splits happen. How do churches prevent this kind of thing from happening? Well, it begins with the elders of the church being made aware of it and being led by God to correct it before it goes too far. Now, if these elders and pastors will “straddle the fence” and try to appease both sides, instead of taking corrective action (as the Bible states) then you will most likely see long-standing church members who have been faithful in their time, talent and treasure, leaving to seek out a church who preaches and fulfills the commands of God. When this happens, it doesn’t take long before the church doors will close and that is when Satan is content with what he has accomplished. So, here’s the gist of this lesson. Be faithful in your church attendance, your study of God’s Word, in giving of your tithe and your talent in service to God. If you will focus on these things daily you won’t have time to look for things to complain about and be critical about. If you will do this God will guide you in letting go of things in the past that you keep holding on to that prevent you from being the most productive Christian that you can be for the Kingdom. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Receive us; we have wronged NO MAN, we have corrupted NO MAN, we have defrauded NO MAN. I speak not this to condemn you; for I have said before, that ye are in our hearts to die and live with you. 2 Corinthians 7:1-3 Reedy Branch Baptist December 3, 2017 Life Ready Ephesians 6:13-24
