Published: June 12, 2009 10:10 pm      

The joy we have as believers only comes from God

“I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” (Habakkuk 3:18)

We sing a song in the church that says, “This joy I have the world didn’t give and the world can’t take it away.”

What brings this kind of joy to an individual, a marriage, or a family — the kind of joy that would cause one to dance, leap and spin around? Is it our possessions, or jobs, even our friends or family?

The prophet Habakkuk looked around and saw the devastating results of the Babylonian invasion. He concluded that he could be stripped of everything and his joy would still be there! He had learned that joy does not come from things which can be so quickly lost, but eternal joy comes from the Lord, the God of our salvation.

What a lesson for us who get so easily caught up with jobs, possessions, and the problems of the present moment. Let’s proclaim the joy of God and his salvation. Amen.

We greet you today with life, love and joy in the name of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ who is the author and finisher of our faith.



Thought for the week

“Be careful of your thoughts. They could break out into words at any time.”



Women’s Conference

Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church presents its 7th Annual Women’s Conference on Saturday, June 13. This year’s theme is “Healing The Wounded.” (Isaiah 5:35) Preacher of the hour will be co-pastor Anita Harris. Come hear God’s word for God’s women. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. For registration information, call Sis. Vanessa Ballew at 625-9517.



Clarksville Baptist

Bro. Harold Bratcher, a former pastor in Madison County, and missionary to Brazil, his wife Marie, and sons, Asa, Mark and Steve, will be at Clarksville Baptist Church, located at 2063 Berea Road, on Sunday, June 14 at 11 a.m. They will lead the morning worship service. Everyone is invited. Friends of the Bratchers are encouraged to attend.



Men and Women’s Day

New Liberty Baptist Church, Bobtown, will observe Men and Women’s Day on June 14 at 3 p.m. The special guests will be Pastor L. A. Newby, choir, and congregation of First Corinthian Baptist Church of Frankfort. Everyone is invited. Dinner will be served. The host pastor is Alfonso Kenney.



Crossroads Fellowship

Crossroads Fellowship Church has a new location. Services are now conducted at 295 Prince Royal Drive in Berea. Worship services are every Sunday at 10:45 a.m. Pastor Jonas Hill, along with his wife and five daughters have accepted the call to minister to the community and are very excited about what God plans to do through Crossroads Church. Call Pastor Hill at 979-7575 or 358-0025.



Sunday School Convention

The Tates Creek Predestinarian Baptist Sunday School Convention will be June 26-28 at the Pleasant Green Predestinarian Baptist Church in Waco. There will be workshops, gospel preaching and singing during this three-day affair. Elder John Settles is the host pastor and convention vice president deacon Paul McPherson is president.



Special note

To all churches and civic organizations: To place your church or civic activity in this column, please send all information at least one week in advance via the U.S. Postal Service. The new address is: Church & Community Focus, 246 Sunset Ave., Richmond, KY 40475. E-mailed announcements should be sent to: communityfocusnp@gmail.com and all e-mailed announcements must be received by 6 p.m. on the Tuesday of the week you wish your announcement to appear in the newspaper.



Until next week

May the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus stay fresh in your minds until we meet again.