February 7, 2010
Welcome
We are so glad you have joined us today. We hope that you find today's service both encouraging and challenging.
The Cage of Failure
Acts 28:1-6 NIV
Ashore on Malta
1 Once safely on shore, we found out that the island was called Malta. 2 The islanders showed us unusual kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all because it was raining and cold. 3 Paul gathered a pile of brushwood and, as he put it on the fire, a viper, driven out by the heat, fastened itself on his hand. 4 When the islanders saw the snake hanging from his hand, they said to each other, “This man must be a murderer; for though he escaped from the sea, Justice has not allowed him to live.” 5 But Paul shook the snake off into the fire and suffered no ill effects. 6 The people expected him to swell up or suddenly fall dead, but after waiting a long time and seeing nothing unusual happen to him, they changed their minds and said he was a god.
Shipwrecks and Snakes
Paul could have developed a victim mentality; but instead, he saw these events as Divine opportunities. It took a shipwreck and a snakebite to strategically place Paul in a place where he could minister to the people of Malta.
Divine Detours
We are not immune to shipwrecks and snakebites, God just uses them to accomplish His purposes. Sometimes, the most spiritual thing we can do is just hang on. God is far more concerned with who we are becoming in the process of the journey, than where we end up on the journey. God is going to get you where He wants you to go; but He is not going to get you there until you are ready to get there. We are not in control, and our missteps and failures cannot frustrate the providential plan of God.
Proverbs 16:9
Proverbs 16:9 NIV
9 In his heart a man plans his course,
Wild Winds
Paul arrived in Malta because of something totally out of his control...the wind. God has the ability to turn our failures into someone else's miracle
John 3:8
John 3:8 NIV
8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”
Prayer Request
Do you have anything you would like for us to pray about. Enter it here. We will join you in prayer this week for God's blessings upon your request.
Old Fashioned Singing
We are having an old-fashioned sing-a-long on Sunday evening, February 28, 6:00, in the Fellowship Hall. Come out and join in the singing as we celebrate some of the older songs of our heritage.
Youth News
The Youth are continuing their Sunday evening Connect Group study on the book of Romans. We encourage all of our youth to join this great study. On Friday, February 26, the youth will be sponsoring an overnight stay in Racoon Mountain Caverns. Jason will have more information available soon as to the cost and travel information.
Civil Servant Appreciation Day
We will be showing our appreciation to our police officers and firefighters on March 27. Amy will have signups for any one person or group to whom you would like to give a “Thank You” cards. The cards need to be turned in by March 21. We will be having signups (March 7, 14, 21) for anyone who would like to bring a dessert, treat, or fruit basket on March 27. We will deliver them to the local fire and police station on that date.
Regional Meeting
There will be a regional meeting of the Cleveland and Chattanooga Churches of God of Prophecy on February 21. The exact location of the meeting has yet to be released. State Overseer, E.C. McKinley, will be the speaker. This meeting is open to everyone. We hope you will join us for this special time to hear from our State Overseer.
HHCA School Board Meeting
There will be a Hamilton Heights Christian Academy school board meeting on Wednesday, February 17 at 6:30 in Pastor Stone’s office. All School Board members are encouraged to attend.
Marriage Retreat
The Tennessee State Marriage Retreat will be on February 12-14 in Pigeon Forge, TN. We have several couples from our church planning to attend. Pastor Stone and Shirlene plan to attend as well. This year’s theme is “The Story of Us”. The special guests are Tim and Karen Harper, Regional Overseers for the Churches of God of Prophecy in the Great Lakes Region. The retreat is designed to provide insight into relationships, but also gives a lot of free time to enjoy in the Pigeon Forge area. Please see Tina Stephenson for more information.