I once heard my granddad say that “I used to think I was smart until…” and you can fill in the blank. It may be until he finished talking to the phone company, or until he talked with someone else about something. There are some people in this world that for me a conversation is just a very humbling experience. I find out very quickly that I don’t know nearly as much as I thought that I did. I am sure that I’m not the only one who has ever had this experience. The bible gives us “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (2 Pet 1:3). Peter reminds us that we are given all things through the “knowledge” of God which we can only find in His word. The bible is an exhaustive book, as a matter of fact it is sixty six exhaustive books which tell us “all things” we need to know to please God, and spend eternity in heaven. Read More
Things We Know
Category Ande's Thoughts
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Rom 8:28)
Sometimes the news can be interesting, but most of the time I don’t watch it. On a normal day I will know some events that are going on, but will rarely be able to quote the ten o’clock news in any shape form or fashion. I know for many of you those things which we see on the news just “gets at you”. Most people agree that in the current economy, with the current state that so many things are in that peoples mood just isn’t as elevated as it once was. Maybe you can look back to your personal life and see things that affect your mood. Maybe you worry, maybe you in some cases even feel down. I have heard Tim say many times that we can not for certain know what someone is thinking, and that is absolutely true. Each of us have our own stresses and our own obstacles to overcome. What are some things we should remember from the word of God when we face times of stress and temptation? Read More
He Cares For You
Category Ande's Thoughts
Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you. (1 Pet 5:6-7)
I hope that in this life you have been blessed with a great friend somewhere down the road. Great friends are few and far between. I have always heard that if in this life you have just one good and true friend you have done well, and I believe that to be true. A true friend will listen to you when you have troubles, and will build you up when you need to be built up. A true friend will also do all they can to help you get to heaven. A true friend will truly care.
Peter reminds us to “humble ourselves”. The term humble means to “depress” or to “humiliate”. It means that we are to place ourselves under another, or to take a step back. We are to “humble” ourselves in under the mighty hand of God so that he may “exalt” us in due time. James reminds us similarly that we are to “humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord and He will lift you up” (Jas 4:10). It was even said of Jesus that he “humbled himself” to the will of God the Father and became obedient even to the point of death (Phil 4:8). God expects us to humble ourselves here, so that He can exalt us, or lift us up in due time. The term exalt is a term that means to elevate – The term is used by Peter to say “exalt” and by James as “lift up” and the term simply means to elevate. Read More
Be Still
Category Ande's Thoughts
The events of the last few weeks have almost been overwhelming, this past week I was given an opportunity that I always enjoy, to speak at JCA for their chapel service. I admired how the students who were there were quiet , attentive and respectful during times of singing, and as the lesson was being presented. There is much to be said for those students taking fifteen minutes of their morning to listen to the word of God. Sometimes we believe that our only option in “being still” and to acknowledge God, happens only during times of bible study and worship, but the truth is, all of us have the opportunity to “be still”. Read More
Christians Must “Be”
Category Ande's Thoughts
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.” (Josh 1:9)
Our kids can tell you because most of them have been there. Football season has finally arrived, we have some who play football for Pell City, and some who play for JCA, we have some who are in school football and some who play park ball. The time of year is here where football games begin, and most began just this past week. While some play other sports, this is the time of year our football players have waited for. They have practiced for months.. They must “be” here for practice, and “be” there for games. They must ‘be” prepared to play at any time should a player be injured or the need be there for them. The option to “be” prepared is really not an option If they want to continue to play. They must always “be” on guard. Read More
Back To School
Category Ande's Thoughts
“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” (Matt 6:33)
Just look back over the last few months; it is amazing that for most of our kids’ school started this past week. Seems like when I was younger it was uncommon to go back this soon, but nevertheless, school is on us for our kids, and summer is over. This has been a busy summer, it began with our block party over two months ago. Our families, including many of our children handed out hundreds of flyers concerning the church here. Our vacation bible school was a great hit, attendance was up this year, and has continued to increase each year. Indian Creek Youth Camp for many of our young people was a highlight of the summer, Backwoods Christian Camp was not that far behind, then comes the Southern Evangelism Conference which many of us attended just last weekend, and the summer wrapped up with our homecoming, and gospel meeting with Charles Box. It has been a busy summer. Read More