Bethany Baptist Church

Service opened with the hymn “Sweet Hour of Prayer” followed by a devotion titled “Our Best—God’s Glory” from 1 Corinthians 10:31, which states “Whether therefore ye eat or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”

This verse tells us that regardless of what we do, everything we do should be for the glory of God, not for our own glory. We should direct our praise to God, not do things to receive praise for ourselves.

We dismissed with a prayer to the Sunday School classes, and afterwards we sang the hymn “It Is Well With My Soul.”

In the absence of our pastor Bro. Aubry, Bro. Larry Miller made the announcements. He then brought a little message which has a big impact on our lives. He read and commented on an article that he found some time ago titled “Up to Something Good.”

Each morning we have a choice to make: to jump out of bed to face the day or stay in bed and pull the covers up over our heads. Regardless of how we feel, the only reason we are able to get out of bed is because when we went to sleep, we gave up all control over our lives. God cared for us during the night, causing us to breathe and be alive to wake each morning. Thank God for each day in which we are able to awaken. We need to thank him at the break of day when we open our eyes.

Lamentations 3:22-23 shows us that it is because of the Lord’s mercy we are not consumed or dead. The Lord is faithful each and every day. His faithfulness is great. Most of us have no problem remembering God when things are good, but what about when we walk through deep dark valleys or feel God doesn’t answer prayer? Maybe our prayers are not answered because of sin in our lives, or because we are not consistent and faithful in prayer. 2 Timothy 2:13 tells us that God doesn’t change, even though we may not believe. We may feel that he doesn’t love us when we are going through times of trials and suffering, but he is always there with us.

We define faithfulness differently. We want God to do things for us on our own time. He will take care of us, even when we fail him. Hebrews 12:6-7 tells us that even in chastisement, God is taking care of us. Parents must teach their children to love the Lord by loving them and disciplining them when necessary. Through chastening, we learn not to do things which go against the Bible, God’s Word.

God will use our trials to strengthen us. In 2 Thessalonians, we see that regardless of the situation in our lives, God will work in us if we allow it. God’s faithfulness is constant because he never changes. Our lives change daily, and we must adjust accordingly. Even as the season’s change, so do our lives.

When a person is saved, trouble begins because Satan will try to mess up one’s service to the Lord. Job was tried by Satan, and although God allowed Satan to do everything to Job except take his life, he never quit serving God.

Our problems in life come not because of the Lord, but because of our choices in life—or maybe it’s simply because of the sin of Adam in the Garden of Eden. If we love Jesus and we are saved, everything will work out for our best. God is fair (Romans 8:28).

We receive nothing as far as chastisement that we do not deserve. God is adequate to meet every need, regardless of the season in our life. Trust Jesus, and he will care for your every need. The Lord is all-knowing, everywhere and all-powerful.

Do not put off salvation until you think we are ready. Take the opportunity to accept the Lord’s grace and mercy while the Holy Spirit is dealing with you. God is always up to something good. He is not the author and finisher of evil, but of good. Be thankful for each and every day of your life. We were dismissed with a prayer until VBS on Wednesday morning.

Submitted by Jane Vines

Calvary Independent Baptist Church

We want to say a special thanks to those who attended services this past Sunday.

We enjoyed the singing talent of Buddy Liles in the 10 a.m. service, followed by a short message titled “God Still Cares” from Romans 8:38-39 and Jeremiah 2:1-13.

Sunday night’s service included a continuation of our study through the book of Acts with a focus on Chapter 24. We looked at how religion has a problem with worship, a problem with relationships, and a problem with timing when it comes to serving our great God and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.

We want to remind everyone that VBS at Calvary Independent Baptist Church will be held July 20-24 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. each night and Saturday from 4-6 p.m. You can pre-register online at our website, which is listed below. We will have something for children and adults each night. If you have some time on your hands and would like to attend the adult’s class, we would love to have you.

For services and events, check us out on Facebook, Twitter or visit our website at www.cibc-clanton.com.

Submitted by Oscar Mims