Jesus, the Good Shepherd

MESSAGE. “I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. John 10:14, 15

“Jesus says, “I know my sheep.” … We are known by God before we receive Him. “I know my sheep.” How do souls become Christ’s sheep? By choosing to receive Him. But Christ had first chosen them. He knew every one who would respond to His drawing, and He knew every one who would be inclined to receive Him but who, through popular opposing influences, would turn from Him, John says to all, “Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Those who heard the voice and did behold Jesus as the Lamb of God believed in Him and became His property from their own choice. But … their choosing of Christ was in response to His drawing. The love of Jesus was expressed to us before we loved Him….” (E. White, TMK, 52)

MINISTRY. 

Prison Ministry. Steve Bremner has shared with me the following testimony about the power of God’s love: “Bill came into the classroom yelling and cursing. He talked back to the guards and slammed the door shut. This was the first time I really was concerned for my safety. I started the DVD “All about Jesus” Bible Seminar by Lee Vendon and prayed.

When the video was over, another inmate said, “I am 40 years old. Why did no one ever tell me I could have a personal relationship with Jesus?” He started asking questions, and to my amazement, Bill would answer. “Weren’t you listening to the video? Jesus wants to have a relationship with us. It’s all about knowing Jesus. Our attitudes and behavior changes by knowing Him.” Right before my eyes, I could see God working in these men’s lives. God is awesome.”

We had the honor and privilege to provide dinner from Olive Garden to the Tri-Community Volunteer Fire Department. They were all smiles and very grateful to our church, and we told them how much they are appreciated for all that they do.

After a brief discussion, one of the firefighters mentioned that last year they were dispatched 2,500 times and 1,500 so far this year. Please keep these brave volunteers and their families in your prayers. Thank you, the Bremner family, for delivering the dinner to the fire fighters!

The Cereal Barrel is running low. Your help is needed and greatly appreciated. There are many families in our own community in Ooltewah who cannot afford a wholesome breakfast for their family. By bringing a cereal box to church and placing it into the Cereal Box you become the hands of Jesus in feeding the hungry.

Last Sunday morning over 50 men from our church came together to eat, to pray and to learn. Here is a detailed report from Edymar:

“I first want to thank all the guys who showed up early to help prepare the food. We had a lot of new faces and as usual, we had a great time cutting up while we cooked. Let me tell you, the food was amazing! In addition to what we prepared, the widows donated food from their meeting. Thank you, Lupina! There was nothing left.

God knew we were going to need the extra food, we had over 50 hungry men of all ages show up to hear Mike Harrell’s testimony and what a testimony it was (See attached photos). The talk was titled, Jar of Clay. While I sat and listened, one verse that kept running through my mind was, Philippians 4:13. “I can all this through him who give me strength” (NIV). What God has done and is doing through Mike left me choked up. His story is one of faith, valor and persistence. His humble heart is clearly filled with God and the fruits that he is producing is clear evidence of the relationship he has with Jesus.Men, the relationship Mike has with God, does not happen by accident and you can have it too. I encourage you to carve out time in your busy day and walk with our Lord, Friend and Father. He wants nothing more from you than your time and attention. I can guarantee that if you truly seek and trust in Him, He will change your life and use you in ways you never thought possible. I am not the same man I use to be and its all because of Him. I assure you, He will be true to His promises.

It was such a blessing to share Sunday morning with you all and I am grateful to have each one of you in my life. Stay tuned, there are serval service projects in the pipeline, blue print for men is having their annual men’s retreat (see below) and the “Blessing” Father son retreat is just around the corner (Oct 26-28). Mark your calendars!”

Corn Roast Fun Day was absolutely wonderful. Young and not so young all came together to enjoy delicious roasted corn, tons of desserts, other goodies. The water slide was the drawing magnet for the kids. Indoor and outdoor games kept everyone busy. Thank you, Avril Williams and your creative and hard working social committee team, for planning and organizing this Fun Day for our church. You are simply awesome! (I feel bad that I do not have any photos of the individuals who made all this possible 😦 … )

This Sabbath morning we are welcoming two new families into the fellowship of our church. They are:

Sherry and Richard Gerber

Mary Ann Tuazon and Leopoldo Vela

PRAYERS. A good report and photo came from Marichu McCutcheon. The family is very thankful for your support and your prayers. Brent is out of the hospital. His recovery is going well.

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Sondra Chilson is asking for prayers for her granddaughter Heather (she starts radiation treatment next week).

Darlene Turner (health concerns).

Psalm 23:1-4,6
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me … Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (NIV)