Pastor's Blog

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 32:28-52 Luke 12:35-59 Psalm 78:56-64 Proverbs 12:24

Visited with Junior Bosarge’s mother yesterday morning.  She is making improvement but still has a long way to go to full recovery.

Could not find Russell Johnson in the hospital and Faron Steiner was not in her room so I do not have an update on them.

Miss Nell Mulkey is not doing well.  Her daughter, Sandra, was offered the opportunity to call in hospice but she has opted to let the personnel at the convalescent home continue to care for Miss Nell.

Everyone else that I visited at the convalescent home seemed to be doing well.  Miss Exie was asleep but I had a good visit with everyone else.  Miss Wittner was in an activity so I really cannot give you the “scoop” on all of the happenings at the home!

Dave sent me an iMessage saying that Becky was having a much better day yesterday.  He is in hopes they can attend the service tonight if Becky feels up to it.

Herbert Benefield is scheduled to have surgery this Friday, 4/10.

The number one question and/or statement that I have heard since this past Sunday has been, “pastor, we did not sing ‘our’ song this past Sunday!”  That remark/question has come from students, adults and older adults alike.  So, “At The Cross” will be on the list this Sunday, Lord willing.

Our prayer meeting attendance was way down last night as I suspected it would be due to Spring break.  However, two different things happened last night.  First, someone had called in advance to ask if I would pray with them during that time.  I did.  I am very open to that concept.  I will not do counseling during those two hours but will most gladly pray with anyone.   Second, the final couple last night came over and asked if they could pray for me?  Obviously, I said “yes” and that couple verbalized a prayer for me.  I was blessed.

Our TNBA attendance was down last night too.  Basically, Randall, Joey, Five, Phillip, Levi, et cetera have gotten tired of getting beat week in, week out so they do not come on a regular basis.  They do come to church though.

Regular schedule today/tonight.  My wife is out of town so the fare for the 7:30PM Bible study is subs.  What?  Do I look like Randall Broome?  This boy does not cook.  I thought about getting Courtney Cavin & Amy Reynolds to lead the meal but the menu would still be subs!

I pray that you will have a great Wednesday with Jesus.

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 31:1- 32:27 Luke 12:8-34 Psalm 78:32-55 Proverbs 12:21-23

Yesterday I was in the office from 8:15AM until almost 6:00PM so I did not make any hospital visits or go to the convalescent home.  Therefore, I do not have any updates today.  My plan is to make those visits today and either update later today or in tomorrow’s entry.

I can tell you that Liz Whalen’s Uncle Russell remains in the hospital as does Vera Bosarge’s sister, Juanita.  Also, Junior’s mother remains in the rehab wing of the hospital and Faron remains in a Mobile hospital.  Pray for these folks.

Pastor Jack Bailey is doing better.  Still has a ways to go but is better.

Our prayer meeting takes place tonight from 5:00 – 7:00PM in the auditorium.  As usual, folks are asked to enter/exit through the West side door only.  We have had three record setting weeks in a row.  Will tonight make four?  It could but Spring break will probably make it tough.  Then again, Spring break could be a plus.

Regular schedule tomorrow morning and evening.

Lisa, Dana & Gina are out of town so things are really quiet around here.  I am glad they are getting a break but I sure do miss them when they are gone.  Yes, Henni is here but she never talks anyway.

I watched all of the championship game last night with no emotion as I did not have a dog in that fight.  It would have been nice to see UW win but I was happy for Zach that his beloved Blue Devils won.  I lost zero sleep over the outcome and the same would have been true if UW would have won.

I pray that you will have a great Tuesday with Jesus.

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 29:1-30:20 Luke 11:37-12:7 Psalm 78:1-31 Proverbs 12:19-20

Tuesday, 4/7 – Deuteronomy 31:1- 32:27 Luke 12:8-34 Psalm 78:32-55 Proverbs 12:21-23

Wednesday, 4/8 – Deuteronomy 32:28-52 Luke 12:35-59 Psalm 78:56-64 Proverbs 12:24

Thursday, 4/9 – Deuteronomy 33:1-29 Luke 13:1-21 Psalm 78:65-72 Proverbs 12:25

Friday, 4/10 – Deuteronomy 34:1-Joshua 2:24 Luke 13:22-14:6 Psalm 79:1-13 Proverbs 12:26

Saturday, 4/11 – Joshua 3:1-4:24 Luke 14:7-35 Psalm 80:1-19 Proverbs 12:27-28

Sunday, 4/12 – Joshua 5:1-7:15 Luke 15:1-32 Psalm 81:1-16 Proverbs 13:1

Well, as you can imagine, we had a wonderful Easter weekend.  To God be the glory!  Our Sunday morning services were well attended with the middle service being our largest numerically.  We were thankful to have Linda Thomas join the Friendship family on statement during our first service.  She has been faithful to attend in recent months and we give God the glory for the increase.

One of the joys of Easter Sunday is for me to see folks from years gone by who come home that day.  Yesterday was no exception.  I will not call names because I would invariably leave someone out.  However, it is always a pleasure to see these folks.

I have to say a special “thank you” to the choir members who sang in all three services, to Jeanette and Tena for doing extra duty on the instruments, to Randall, Rita & Lynda for bringing the message in song in all three services and to Bro. Jerry, Bro. Kerry and Bro. Chris for being involved in all three of the services.  As a matter of fact, I have given Bro. Jerry, Bro. Kerry & Bro. Chris today off because of the extra these past couple of days.

No major changes in anyone’s situation for whom we have been praying.  Brenda Timberlake told me yesterday that her sister, Lisa, has been real sick following her latest round of chemo.  Ditto for Becky Sellers.  Pray for these ladies.

I did learn yesterday that Faron Steiner has been moved from Birmingham to a Mobile hospital.  That is a step in the right direction and will allow the family to visit her much more easily.

God sent us a wonderful rain during the night.  My garden said “thank you” even though I have been watering it.  Nothing like a good rain for the plants.

I do not bet.  Never have and never will.  Why?  UK vs UW would be exhibit #1!  I could not believe that the Wildcats got beat as I was convinced they could only be beaten by their second team.  I feel bad for the number one UK fan I know, Mark Timberlake.  It looks as though the number one Duke fan I know, Zach Huhn, will be celebrating later tonight.  Time will tell.

I pray that you will have a great Monday with Jesus.

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 28:1-68 Luke 11:14-36 Psalm 77:1-20 Proverbs 12:18

Jesus is alive!  Hallelujah!  It is 3:00AM as I write this entry and I am literally listening to the birds singing as we have our windows up. It is as if those birds know that today is a very special day.  All creation cries out that Jesus is alive!

We have three services this morning – 7:30, 9:00 & 10:30AM.  (No bus service, no Sunday School and no evening activities)  Join me in praying for many folks to join us in these services and for the Spirit of God to manifest Himself among us this morning.

I want to say “thank you” to each person who helped in any way with the classes/services yesterday morning.  The weather was not in our favor but God knows.

Also want to say “thank you” to Bro. Kerry and the choir for leading us in worship last night.  He is risen!

Anna Carol sent me a text yesterday saying that Junior’s mother has been moved to another floor in the hospital for rehab.  She is better but still has a ways to go.

Becky Sellers is still experiencing sickness.  Pray that today will be a better day for her.  Pray big!

Pastor Johnny Howard spent three days in the hospital this past week due to problems with his heart.  He basically told the doctor that he was going home yesterday because he had to preach on Easter Sunday.  He will see the doctor again on Tuesday!  Pray for him!  While you are at it pray for his daughter, Karla, who is on my bad side as she did not let me know her dad was in the hospital!

Pastor Jack Bailey will not be physically able to preach today.  I know that is a major disappointment.  Pray for his back!

I hope to be joined by many members of the Friendship family and others this morning in our services.  Let’s celebrate!

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 26:1-27:26 Luke 10:38-11:13 Psalm 76:1-12 Proverbs 12:15-17

Heard from Dave yesterday saying that Becky was having a better day.  Not as sick as the day before.  Pray big for Becky to overcome this sickness related to the chemo treatment.

Heard from Courtney Hubbard about her latest visit to M.D. Anderson.  A tumor has been causing pain in her T10.  The tumor will be eradicated using radiation and the body will then heal itself.

Liz Whalen sent me a message last night saying her Uncle, Russell Johnson, has been admitted to the hospital.  Low blood count and cannot keep food down.  Possible surgery in the coming days.

Daniela Pedraza has been told that they do not know the type of tumor they removed from her jaw a few weeks ago.  Are now telling her it could be over a month before letting her know.  Talk about working on one’s mind.

As far as I know, Junior Bosarge’s mother remains hospitalized.  I will find out today.

Big day today for the Friendship family.  Classes for those from preschool up to the fifth grade beginning at 9:15AM.  Preschool church and children’s church at 10:15AM.  Egg hunt at 11:00AM.  Buses will run their regular routes.

The adult choir will present their Easter musical tonight beginning at 6:00PM.  Members of the Friendship family are encouraged to attend this service as it is in effect our Sunday evening service.

Big day tomorrow as we gather to celebrate the Resurrection with services at 7:30, 9:00, & 10:30AM.  (No bus service, no Sunday School and no evening activities)  Pray!  Participate!  Bring others with you!

I spent from 7:30AM until 4:30PM yesterday working in the garden and mowing.  Soy helped with the mowing which was a huge plus.  Still have more to do today in the garden and the yard but yesterday helped a bunch!

Folks, as a general rule I do not recommend restaurants.  However, I am making an exception.  Lisa and I needed to be in Orange Beach last night.  We ate at Diamond Jim’s Mrs. Donna’s steak house on Canal Road.  We have eaten there several times over the past year or so.  Without a doubt, the best steak I have ever eaten anywhere and that includes Ruth Chris.  My brother, Eddie, recommended the place to me and he was right on this one.  Very casual i.e. flip flops and shorts atmosphere but a great steak!  Dave Sellers and Joey Guidry will join me in making this recommendation!  May I recommend Hope’s Cheese Cake on the Gulf Shores end of Canal Road for dessert?  Wow!

I pray that you will have a great Saturday with Jesus.

“At the cross my debt was paid, all my sins were washed away, just for me, amazing grace, at the cross!  

At the cross my Savior died, shed his blood was crucified, just for me, He gave His life, at the cross!”  

“But may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ,” (Galatians 6:14 NASB)

It is almost 11:00PM as I type this entry.  I am prone to not write an entry on Good Friday.  Prayer requests are important but the other stuff I write not so much.  So, I am writing this to simply share Friday’s Bible reading and to give a couple of updates.

Friday’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 23:1- 25:19 Luke 10:13-37 Psalm 75:1-10 Proverbs 12:12-14

Darrell McMann came home from the hospital on Thursday afternoon.

Saw Morris at the ballpark last night and asked about his mom.  He told me she was adjusting to the convalescent home.  A few minutes later he sent me an e-mail saying that, after some tests today, the heart doctor is going to call in hospice to help Miss Bryant.  Does not want to admit her to the hospital again.  Just pray.  Miss Bryant is a fighter but her body is seemingly getting tired.

Special classes and services on Saturday for our children up to the fifth grade.  Begins at 9:15AM.  After class and service there will be an egg hunt.  Choir musical on Saturday night beginning at 6:00PM.

Three services on Easter Sunday – 7:30, 9:00, & 10:30AM.  (No Sunday School and no evening service)

Thursday was a good day for me.  I was able to pray, read, study, watch some videos and pray some more.  I thought Titus had a game at 6:00PM but found out at 5:30PM the game was not until 7:15PM.  That allowed me to set up the garden watering system and begin working to make it a Santa Claus garden!  I am blessed at how the Lord has given me a good stand of everything.  I do enjoy playing in the dirt!

Lisa went to the Bryant Center and bought a few cucumber and zucchini squash plants for me to plant.  She only bought seventy two plants (thirty six of each).  Are you serious!  She said it was a good deal and she hated to pass it up!  Wow!

Lord willing, I will spend tomorrow outside from sun up to sun down.  My thought process will be on the sacrifice Jesus made for me.  I will be singing “At The Cross” over and over.  Remember Jesus this Good Friday.

I hope you have a great Friday with Jesus.

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 21:1-22:30 Luke 9:51-10:12 Psalm 74:1-23 Proverbs 12:11

Darrell McMann will be discharged from the hospital today if everything goes as planned.  (Granddaughter Elizabeth “chewed” me out last night as I have been misspelling his first name.  My apologies.)  Darrell is doing well.

Becky Sellers had a tough day yesterday as the chemo hit her body hard.  I ask you to join me in praying “big” for Becky & Dave.  I am praying that his violent reaction by her body means the chemo is hitting the cancer really hard and will destroy it.

Junior Bosarge’s mother remains in the hospital and will eventually be moved to a rehab facility.

Charles Grant’s heart cath revealed no problems with his heart which is great.  They will now look at other areas to determine the cause of the problems he has lately.

Keep praying for Pastor Jack Bailey.

Focus!  We must not lose focus this week as we prepare to celebrate the glorious resurrection of Jesus.  Hell would love to divert our attention to things that really do not matter.  The demons literally hate Jesus and anyone who desires to focus on Him.  I have asked God to help me not to cause anyone to lose focus this week.  It needs to be true each week but especially this week.

Pray for the ministry opportunities set for this Saturday morning, Saturday evening and Sunday morning.  Souls could hang in the balance.  Pray without ceasing.

I am going into isolation for the biggest part of today in order to pray, study and pray for Sunday.  Hell has hit me pretty hard this week and I know it is because of the Tuesday night prayer meetings and this Sunday’s services.  I need to get into a bunker and get alone with God.  I may even go away in order to focus.  My wife will be able to locate me in case of an emergency but otherwise I will not be available today during office hours.  I plan to attend Titus’ game tonight.  If you think about it and have a moment, would you say a prayer for me today?  I appreciate it.

I pray that you will have a great Thursday with Jesus.

Today’s Bible reading – Deuteronomy 18:1- 20:20 Luke 9:28-50 Psalm 73:1-28 Proverbs 12:10

Charles Grant has to be at the hospital early this morning for his heart cath.  Hopefully, he will be the first one so his wait time will be short.  Pray that all goes well.

Billy Teasley was discharged from the hospital yesterday.  He was ready to go home.

Becky Sellers went to the doctor to get a shot yesterday.  She continues to do well.

Will visit Darryl McMann this morning.  He will be in hopes of going home today but it will most likely be tomorrow.

Praise the Lord!  We had another “highest attendance” ever in our prayer meeting last night.  That is three consecutive weeks with our “highest attendance” ever and we have now over tripled our initial attendance.  We were blessed with a good number of first timers for which I am thankful.  Of course, I am thankful for those who have become our “regulars” too.  Our 5:00 – 6:00PM hour was the best attended hour last night.  Prayer changes things!

Regular schedule this morning and tonight.  Pizza Hut pizza for the 7:30PM Bible study.

The first quarter of 2015 is now history – wow!  I may do some Christmas shopping today as Christmas will be here tomorrow!  The older I get. . . . .

I pray that you will have a great Wednesday with Jesus.