Learned last night that a neighbor had passed away. There's so much sadness and seemingly the Christmas season intensifies it. What can we do? Where do we turn? A song that our daughter sung for us recently tells us: “He’s God on the mountain, and He’s God in the valley”! David had it right. When we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, He is with us. Father, we ask for Your presence, Your comfort, for all those who are in sorrow, in the valley, that they would be keenly aware of Your love and presence, in Jesus' name, amen.

God is in control! The lady, from church who was airlifted to Macon, came home last night! One of our deacons - facing kidney surgery because of kidney stones - has passed it! I’m quoting my son again, "dad, prayer works!” Don’t be afraid to ask the Father for healing, for deliverance, for help. He’s omnipotent! Father, we bow humbly before You, thank You, thank You, in Jesus' name, amen.

Double whammy yesterday with a precious member of our church family injured in an auto accident. She was airlifted to Macon, and I got to pray with her briefly as they loaded her on the copter. On the way home, I got an awesome report that a family that had been struggling was healed. I quote my son who said, "dad, prayer works”! Father, this morning we have three in our church family facing medical procedures; we ask in Jesus' name for healing, and not a selfish prayer we lift all those who need You this day, amen.

More on the virus-our daughter and son-in-law live at Rome, Ga. They've passed an ordinance that you must wear a face mask, or you will be fined! Let’s do unto others as we would have them do unto us. Let’s protect them, even if it costs us. It cost Jesus His life to provide forgiveness for us. Father, we trust You with our today and all of our tomorrows, amen.

The virus is real; it’s scary; it’s dangerous! We lost two family members to it recently. Two dear friends are battling it. In the past 24 hours I have had two requests to pray for someone who has it. Oh, let’s be careful to follow the guidelines and pray as the little girl in our church does, "Lord, please take away this old germ." God wastes nothing in His economy; He uses it all. He has certainly captured my attention. I'm realizing afresh and anew that we are totally dependent on Him, amen?

Lord, thank You for another Monday and another day of physical life. Help us use it wisely for You🙏. I’m always asking You for things, good things, for healings, for directions, comfort, but right now Father, in my limited capacity I just praise You and thank You for Your goodness, Your mercy and Your grace. We cannot make it without You. Let all of the church say, amen.

Several members of our church are in Kentucky at “The Ark”. Oh I wish I could make that trip. Noah’s ark was a real physical boat; it was also supernatural with room for all who wanted to get on board. After 120 years of preaching, only Noah and his family were aboard. Heaven has physical dimensions, but it is also supernatural with room for all who choose to go. Have you made reservations yet? You can today. Amen to that?

Message tomorrow “Where’s the Joy?” Joy and happiness are not the same. Happiness is dependent on circumstances, but joy (that the shepherds experienced) comes from finding the Lord Jesus, worshiping Him and telling others of Him. The shepherds' circumstances didn’t change, but their lives did. They found real joy! Father, today help all to find real joy in You, amen.

Christmas is a time of joy, but it can be a time of tension. The mother, father and their daughter had allowed the “grinches” to get to them. They were snapping at each other. That night the daughter prayed, "Lord, forgive us our Christmases and those who Christmas against us." Father, help us celebrate “the good news, of great joy” that our Saviour has come, amen.

The sign urges us to “shop local”, and I agree. For me shopping was a social occasion to meet and interact with workers in the stores (we knew them) and with friends. We’re a small town. We know one another. Oh how I miss that. This morning I pray with Mattie, five year old in our church. Each night she prays, "Lord, take away this old germ! So we can go back and see everyone!” Amen Mattie, I’m with you🙏🙏!

Two more friends have the COVID - oh my. Another long-time friend has passed away. This is a scary time. Oh Father, what are we to do? Without You - we are hopeless, hapless, helpless. We confess our sins before You; we plead the only thing we have - the precious blood of Jesus. Please heal us, deliver us, we ask in Jesus' name, amen.

Brrrrrr - cold😇! It's Christmas for me till Jan. 1. I love the carols. My favorite carol is “Mary did you know”. I listened to my message on that on our website and heard our son sing it. The tree is up; no presents yet, but our kitty loves to lie under it😇. Of course, the most important thing is that first Christmas when God sent His Son into our world and most importantly into our lives. Everything is not perfect, but I know Jesus, and He knows me! Would you say amen to that? Lakeblackshearbaptistchurch.com

Christmas is supposed to be a time of great joy, but for many the memories, sadness, the stress causes it to be otherwise. My message this Sunday is “Where’s the joy”. Tune in on our web site or face book. God may have a word of help to find the “good news, of great joy”. Father, today we lift up those are hurting, physically, emotionally and spiritually, that they would be keenly aware of Your love and Presence in their lives, in Jesus' name, amen.

Last of the children packing up to go - they came in a hurry, and they left in a hurry. Praying they will be safe in their journey🙏. The message today is “Mary, did you know”. Tune in on our web page or Facebook. Father, we know so much that You have revealed to us. I ask today that those who know, will come to You, in Jesus' name, amen. Do you know Mary’s baby boy as your Savior?🙏

Thanksgiving is over. Our family is leaving all too soon; they asked “what do you want for Christmas". I want nothing except to see them. The family, before the tabernacle, the temple, and even the church, God created the family. Father, thank You for the family. We pray for those who are struggling to stay together; please heal them and bind them together in Your love, in Jesus' name, amen.