Oh, my aching back!  I am sick of shoveling snow!  And I am really tired of missing church!  Over the weekend I was seriously thinking about scheduling a Tuesday Worship Service, but then I heard we are expecting another 3-8 inches of snow.  

             This morning I complained to the Lord a little in my devotion time and He reminded me of (I Thessalonians 5: 16-18) “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.”  Then He asked me for a report on how I’d utilized my two days of forced solitude?  Did I read my Bible more, spend some extra time in prayer, or read a Christian book?  I argued that I was too busy shoveling out my driveway, but I don’t think the Lord bought it.  Next the Lord asked me if I looked for any opportunities to love my neighbors by helping them shovel.  Again, I complained my back was already hurting and it was so cold outside.  The Lord went on to remind me my phone line and internet still worked and I could have used those tools for ministry.  And I won’t even tell you what He said about the fact that I have a nice warm house, plenty to eat and that my power never went out.  I should know better than to complain.  We are sooo blessed! 

             So my message to you this morning is simply this. “This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it” (Psalm 118:24).  So be glad, even for the snow.  It is quite beautiful when you stop shoveling long enough to notice.

             Rosemary and I would also like to express our thanks for the flowers, cards and expressions of sympathy in the loss of Rosemary’s sister, Valerie.  We are grateful for God’s mercy in not allowing her to suffer any longer.  We had two great services of celebration last Monday and Tuesday  (one in Greensboro and one in Roanoke).  Valerie was a radiant believer with a servant’s heart.  We are confident she is wearing her “crown of righteousness” and she is seeing her Savior face to face.  We miss her, but we know this is just a temporary parting.  Someday soon we will see her again.

             Have a great week.  We look forward to seeing you (Lord willing) on Wednesday night!

                                                                 With love,


                                                                 Pastor Barry


 


 


P.S.   We are rescheduling the Chili cook-off for Sunday night, February 28th.