Little Pictures

God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. 2 Corinthians 9:8

An old widow was living in poverty and want. A young man, hearing she was in need, went to visit her to see if he could be of any help. The old lady complained bitterly of her condition and remarked that her son in Australia was doing very well. Her friend inquired, “Doesn’t he do anything to help you?” She replied, “No, nothing. He writes to me regularly once a month but he sends me only some little pictures with his letters.” The young man asked to see the pictures she had received. To his surprise, he found each of them to be twenty-pound notes. The poor old lady did not realize the value of this foreign currency, but had imagined them to be mere pretty pictures.

She had lived in poverty and want, whereas she could have had all the bodily comforts she desired and needed so much. We smile at the foolishness of the old woman, but how many of us are like her, living as though we were paupers instead of sons and daughters of the King?

- David Jeremiah. (2002). Sanctuary (59).

Happy Birthday Jennifer

Today is my wife's birthday!!! That's right. It's all about her today. It's not the weather she prefers but we will make it meaningful. Happy Birthday My Sweet!!!

Grace So Amazing!!

I am currently reading a book by Charles R. Swindoll entitled “The Owner’s Manual for Christians: The Essential Guide for a God- Honoring Life. In the first chapter, he talks a great deal about grace. He says “If there is any singular truth that distinguishes Christianity from all other religions, all other systems of belief, it is grace. Furthermore, he considers grace to be the bedrock truth upon which all of Christian belief and practice stand.

In an effort to illustrate his point, he borrows a practical thought from the late Donald Grey Barnhouse’s book “Let Me Illustrate.” It is a story featuring Sir Edward C. Burne-Jones. It says:

“Sir Edward C. Burne-Jones, the prominent nineteenth century English artist, went to tea at the home of his daughter. As a special treat his young granddaughter was allowed to come to the table; she misbehaved, and her mother made her stand in the corner with her face to the wall. Sir Edward, a well-trained grandfather, did not interfere with his grandchild’s training, but the next morning he arrived at his daughter’s home with paints and palette. He went to the wall where the little girl had been forced to stand, and there he painted pictures – a kitten chasing its tail, lambs in a field, goldfish swimming. He decorated the walls on both sides of that corner with paintings for his granddaughter’s delight. If she had to stand in the corner again, at least she would have something to look at."

And so it is with our Lord. With debt of sin paid by Christ on our behalf, we will never suffer punishment. When we do things we should not, He may administer discipline, sometimes quite severely, but He never turns His back.... He doesn't send His child to hell! Neither do we fall from grace and get slammed behind the iron bars of the law. pp. 6

Thank God for His grace so amazing. I cannot count the numerous times God came to my rescue. Because He stooped down to save a wretch like me, I owe Him my life. It’s the very least I can do after all He’s done and continues to do.

GSJ Milestone

For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. 1 Timothy 3:13 (KJV)

Greetings my fellow bloggers and followers!! It is with great joy that I share with you a recent milestone in the life of GSJ.

Last Sunday, after a day filled with preaching, praise and receiving three great young men into our congregation, we were blessed to lay hands on seven new deacons. It has been my joy to train these men in matters pertaining to the call, character and conduct of biblical deacons for the past year.

Please pray that these men along with our current deacons will serve both Pastor and people with great diligence, steadfast determination, and unwavering humility. Courtesy of Bro. Armstrong, we share these photos with you. Talk to you soon!!

l to r. Deacons Zimmerman, Barker, Smalls, Buchanon, Chism, Green and Johnson. The picture below feature their wives.