The Voice Of The Shepherd

Transcription

1 The Voice Of The Shepherd The Good Shepherd Baptist Church Newsletter 'Getting The Word of God to The People' "My sheep hear my voice and I know them, and they follow me" John 10:27 Pastor's Message Good Shepherd Baptist Church s Pictorial Year in Review Trusting In God's Plan In Jeremiah 29:11 God says this to Israel, For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. As I reflected on this passage, it became abundantly clear that God has always had a plan for His people. This is a scripture that brings me comfort. No matter the circumstance, God has a plan. He told His people His plan included to prosper them and not harm them. When we think about that, then whatever we re going through does not have to intimidate us or frighten us because ultimately His plan is going to override our situation. Because His plan is to prosper us and not harm us, then in the end, we can take comfort in knowing that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28). According to Jeremiah 29:11, His plan also includes a hope and a future. We don t have to be discouraged because God gives us hope. Discouragement only appears where there is no hope, but we have a hope in God. Finally, we can take comfort in knowing that God has promised us a future. We have a future in this earthly life and because of Christ, we have a future beyond this physical life. So, when you find yourself encountering trials, troubles, and tribulation, remember that God has a plan for you, to prosper you and not harm you plans to give you a hope and a future. 1

2 Editorial Commentary Let s welcome 2016 with a Renewed Prayer Life! And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day. And when he saw that he prevailed not against him, he touched the hollow of his thigh; and the hollow of Jacob's thigh was out of joint, as he wrestled with him. And he said, Let me go, for the day breaketh. And he said, I will not let thee go, except thou bless me. Genesis 32 : How persistent is your prayer life? There are times when we just have to stay focused on the end result and not get distracted by the many detours that seem to block us at every turn. Don't give up! It kind of makes me think about a puppy with one of those chew toys that they have a grip on. You can try to take it away, but all the puppy does is shake his head from side to side, determined not to give up his grip. We have to be the same way. Keep your bible in front of you and go in search of verses to maintain a strong grip on what you are praying for. You must have the same dogged determination to hold on as that little puppy. Pray without ceasing...continuing constant in prayer...the prayers of the righteous availeth much. Now is not the time to be lukewarm about our prayer life or our walk with the Lord. This is a new year let's fire ourselves up! Let Jacob's declaration be our new battle cry..."i will not let thee go, except thou bless me!" 2

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38 Contact Information SERVICE HOURS Sunday Services: 8:00 AM and 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:30 AM 10:30 AM Wednesdays: 12:00 Noon 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM 9:00 PM CONTACT INFORMATION Good Shepherd Baptist Church Euclid Avenue Cleveland, Ohio Walter L. Ratcliffe, Sr. Pastor Telephone: (216) Website: 38

39 The ABCs of Salvation To know God and be ready for heaven, follow these steps: A. Admit you are a sinner. "There is no one righteous, not even one... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Romans 3:10,23. (See Romans 5:8; 6:23.) Ask God's forgiveness. "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." Romans 10:13 B. Believe in Jesus (put your trust in Him) as your only hope of salvation. "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 (See John 14:6.) Become a child of God by receiving Christ. "To all who receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." John 1:12 (See Revelation 3:20.) C. Confess that Jesus is your Lord. "If you confess with your mouth, 'Jesus is Lord,' and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9 (See verse 10) 39