From Gary... The Reason

The Reason

Isaiah Chapter 40:28-31

I am young, a mere 10 years

but in my life are many tears

a parent died and I hurt sore

why should I live anymore?

In my teens and growing strong

but life is hard and I'm forlorn

for my young love has died today

so, why should I live- even one more day?

Married now, so happy we

but life has become a tragedy

Our firstborn child lay still and cold

so what's the point of growing old?

My loved one of so many years

with whom I lived through all life's tears

has died today and I'm alone,

I can't see why I should live alone?

Chorus

Come near my child and listen to me

for I am there in adversity

you are not alone and I do care

for in your hardship I am there.

Be faithful unto death and see

how beautiful heaven will be!!

From Gary... more than just a song on a wall

This song hangs on my study wall.  It is a reminder of the birth of my first granddaughter- Amanda.  At that time, she only had her mom and Linda and myself.  Right from the beginning, I wanted her to know that she was loved, so I put some of my own words to "Jesus, loves you".  It was, and has been for 23 years now, a very special thing between us.  I read (or sing) it occasionally  to remind myself to care for others- and I think of her.  I am reminded of these verses from the Bible...

Matthew, Chapter 19

  13  Then little children were brought to him, that he should lay his hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, “Allow the little children, and don’t forbid thm to come to me; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to ones like these.”

God cares for those who can not care for themselves. My daughter made the correct choice and had her baby and to this day I believe God influenced her heart for life and NOT ABORTION.   And the blessing continues...

PS.  Many thanks to brother Alan Mullens for putting the song into a musical notation format.  Something I never learned to do...

From Gary... THE NIGHT OF THE IMPOSSIBLE

THE NIGHT OF THE IMPOSSIBLE

BIBLE READING:  JUDGES 7:19-25

INTRODUCTION

A. GUESSING GAME LAST WEDNESDAY:THE BANNANA SPLIT'S 
   SONG

B. GOOD GRIEF"COMMANDER McBRAG RELATES CUSTER'S  
   LAST STAND"

C. GIDEON'S GREAT VICTORY OVER THE MIDIANITES--
   -IMPOSSIBLE!!! (RETELL THE STORY)


BODY



A. VICTORY THROUGH GIDEON CHAPTER 6-7

   1. A MAN WITH DOUBTS AND FEARS

      a. DOUBIOUS SITUATION OF ISRAEL'S 6:13

      b. DOUBTED HIMSELF 6:15;7:9-11

      c. DEMANDED A SIGN 17-21...36-40

      d. DOUBTED GOD 13,15

   2. A MAN WHO RESPONDED TO GOD      
      a. RECOGNIZED GOD 6:22

      b. RESPONDED WITH WORSHIP 6:24;7:15      
      c. REACTED TO GOD 6:25-27

      d. REFUSED KINGSHIP LATER ON!! THIS IS 
         HUMILITY..US??


B. VICTORY THROUGH COURAGE JUDGES 7

   1. DELIVERED ISRAEL IN SPITE OF ALL ODDS 7:12

   2. DIRECTED CONFIDENCE (COURAGE) LED TO PLANNING

      a. DIVISION OF COMPANIES

      b. DIRECTED A NIGHT ATTACK

      c. DUMBFOUNDED THE ENEMIES WITH TRICKS

   3. DIRECTED BY GOD

C. VICTORY THROUGH GOD

   1. GOD SOUGHT OUT GIDEON TO USE HIM...IS GOD   
      SEEKING US???

   2. GOD ENCOURAGED AND DIRECTED GIDEON!!! US!!!

   3. GOD SHOWED HIS POWER 6:21-40;7:13-14

   4. GOD'S ASSURANCE "IMMANUEL"= CONFIDENCE



CONCLUSION

A. GIDEON PROVES GOD, NOT NUMBERS OR HUMAN POWER 
   YIELDS VICTORY

B. GOD MAKES THE IMPOSSIBLE ..........POSSIBLE

From Gary V. Womack...Casting All Your Cares on Him

Casting All Your Cares on Him

A sermon on "worry"

Lk. 10:38-ff Martha worried about serving her guest (without Mary's help) Sometimes we fail to weigh what is truly important in our lives.

Lk. 12:13-15 Someone worried about getting their share of an inheritance

Think how many families have suffered ill feelings over such as this.

Lk. 12:16-21 Parable of the rich fool. He worried about hisabundance

Misplaced values can cause worry and loss of focus on the important.

Lk. 12:22-31 No need for worry about necessities. God takes care of us.

Take the time to look at the birds & remember God's promise.

Worry reflects a lack of trust, which indicates a lack of faith

Ex. 16:1-3 Israel began to murmur. They were worried about food.

Worry leads to unthankfulness, which leads to complaining.

Ex. 16:13-31 God gave them manna according to their need.

A lesson on trust.

Heb. 13:5-6 Learn to be content by knowing that God will not forsake you.

God never abandons His children like some human fathers do.

Phil. 4:6-9 Don't worry about anything, but PRAY

Instead of worrying, meditate on the good and do His will.

1 Pet. 5:6-7 "Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, (7) casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.

Jn. 11:1-7, 17-27

Look beyond the troubles of the day - to relief from all that causes tears.

Rev. 21:4 "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

INVITATION

God has invited us to be with Him in heaven later, by following Him now.

Mt. 11:28-ff "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (29) Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. (30) For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."