If you’re old enough to remember the good old days of Monday Night Football with Howard Cosell and “Dandy” Don Meredith, you may remember they didn’t always agree (which I believe added to the interest level of the game.)  On one particular Monday night, Howard was making excuses for the team that was getting thrashed by the Cowboys.  He keep saying things like if only their quarterback hadn’t been injured; if only that receiver hadn’t dropped the ball in the end zone; if only they could have gotten that first down, it would be a different ball game.

   Finally, Don Meredith had taken about all he could stand, and he turned to Howard and said, “If if’s and buts' was candy and nuts, we’d all have a Merry Christmas!”  His point was that we can always find an excuse for our failures and mistakes.  Real winners prevail in spite of the adversity.

   I run into a lot of people who have what I call “if only” syndrome.  If only I’d gone to a different school … if only I’d pursued a different career … if only I’d married someone else … then I’d be happy.  Then, I would be content.  Benjamin Franklin once pointed out that, “The U.S. Constitution doesn’t guarantee happiness, only the pursuit of it.  You have to catch up to it yourself.”  What would it take to make you happy this morning?  More money?  A bigger house?  A better boss?  A new motorcycle?  The answer is none of the above.  At best those things only bring temporary pleasure.  Happiness is an inside job.

   Notice the words of Jesus in the Beatitudes:   3Happy are those who know they are spiritually poor; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them! 4Happy are those who mourn; God will comfort them! 5Happy are those who are humble; they will receive what God has promised 6Happy are those whose greatest desire is to do what God requires; God will satisfy them fully 7 Happy are those who are merciful to others; God will be merciful to them! 8 Happy are the pure in heart; they will see God!
9 Happy are those who work for peace; God will call them his children! 10Happy are those who are persecuted because they do what God requires; the Kingdom of heaven belongs to them! 11Happy are you when people insult you and persecute you and tell all kinds of evil lies against you because you are my followers.12 Be happy and glad, for a great reward is kept for you in heaven. This is how the prophets who lived before you were persecuted. (Matthew 5: 3-12 Good News Translation)

   There is no mention of things or possessions in this list.  In fact, if you read the rest of this Sermon on the Mount it indicates that a lack of concern (not worrying) about such things as where we’re going to sleep, and what we’re going to wear, and what we are going to eat is essential to true happiness (Matthew 6: 25-34).  The secret is found in simply trusting our heavenly Father.

   Happiness and contentment comes from knowing that you are held in His loving arms.  So quit making excuses.  Quit complaining.  Thank God for His many blessings.  Remind yourself that God is still in charge and He knows what He is doing.  Hopefully, you can say with the hymn writer ..  Whatever my lot thou has taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.

   Have a great week!  And smile … it’s surprising how much better you’ll feel!

                                                                 Pastor Barry

   In his book “Holy Discontent”, Bill Hybels reminds us of a balding, mischievous cartoon character that many of us grew up with, known as Popeye, the Sailor Man.  Popeye had a gravely voice,  smoked a corncob pipe and had tattoos on his massive forearms.  Normally, Popeye was a laid-back, easy going sort of guy.  Most of the time he had a long fuse and he took a lot of frustrating failures and disappointments in stride.  However, the one thing that would cause him to spring into action was the threat of harm to his beloved girlfriend, Olive Oyl.  If Olive was in danger his pulse would race, his blood pressure would skyrocket and his anger would begin to boil.  He would take it as long as he could, but then he would reach the end of his rope and he’d utter those famous words. “That’s all I can stands, and I can’t stands no more!”  Not the best grammar, but the point was it was now time for action.  The sufficiently enraged Popeye would rip open a can of spinach and swallow the green lump in one giant gulp.  [I’ve always wondered if there was some conspiracy between spinach growers, vegetarians and parents to persuade kids to eat to this nasty stuff].

   Immediately, Popeye would be infused with remarkable power.  His forearms would quadruple in size and he would become an unstoppable force.  The opposition (usually Brutus) would be crushed and his precious Olive Oyl would be saved.  Then Popeye would sing himself off the screen: “I’m strong to the finich, ’cause I eats me spinach … I’m Popeye the Sailor Man!”   What a show!  I bet you’re singing the song even now.

   Hybels goes on to ask the question, what is the one thing that you “can’t stands no more”?  For Moses it was the fact that his people were in bondage and were being mistreated.  For Nehemiah it was the fact that the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and God’s people were in defenseless.  For Martin Luther it was the corruption of the church and the selling of indulgences that caused him to nail his “95 Theses” to the door of Wittenburg Castle.  For William Wilberforce, it was the cruelty of slave trade.  For Martin Luther King, it was the cause of racism in the 50’s and 60’s.

   What is the passion that fuels our ministry efforts?  Is there something that serves as a catalyst?  Is there a “Holy Discontent” that motivates you to get up off the couch and do something? 

   As part of our fall series of messages on “Living a Life That Matters” we have been talking about finding our niche, our place of ministry.  One step in that process is uncovering our passion.  The thing that really motivates us. [If you came on Sunday evening we are working through some exercises that will help you discover your particular passion/heart for ministry].  I encourage you to think about your inner motivation.  What is it that you can’t stand?  What is the one thing that grabs your heart and won’t let go?  Is it hungry children? Abused women?  The homeless?  People enslaved to drugs or alcohol?  Those dying with cancer?  Is it a cause like caring for the unborn, or racism, or social justice?  Is your passion reaching the lost or missions?  I would encourage you to stir that passion, fuel that discontent and find a way to get involved.  When you do, you will begin to realize this is why you’re here.  This is why you were created.  This is what you were meant to do.  I’m praying that God will help you discover your passion for ministry.

Have a great week!

Pastor Barry

   On the old “Happy Days” television show, Richie Cunningham was “grounded for life” by his Father, Howard, for some foolish and costly misbehavior.  As they talked about it, Howard asked his son, “Ritchie, did you know that there is a lesson in all this for you?”  Richie’s response was priceless:  “I figured anything with this much pain had to have a lesson in it somewhere!”    It’s kinda like my Mom’s philosophy on medicine.  I don’t know how many times I was told as a child, “unless it tastes bad it’s not doing you any good.”  That thought was so ingrained in my thinking, I’m actually suspicious of medicine even today that actually tastes good.  Or were you ever told when they put the mercurochrome on a cut: “This is going to sting a little, but that’s how you know it’s working.”  Pain seems to be a very effective teacher.  Perhaps you’ve heard the little poem by Robert Browning Hamilton:

I walked a mile with Pleasure;

She chatted all the way;

But left me none the wiser

For all she had to say.

I walked a mile with Sorrow,

And ne’er a word said she;

But, oh! The things I learned from her,

When sorrow walked with me.

   In one of the most practical books of the Bible, the Apostle James writes these words from (James 1: 2-4) 2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.   The point is simple, God allows trials for a reason.  We shouldn’t waste them.  God can use our pain, our sorrow to make us stronger and more like Him.  It may not be fun, but it is essential for the development of our character and fruits of the Spirit like patience, gentleness and self-control.

   I don’t know what kind of trials you’re going through this morning, but I do know this:  God is in control.  And as Richie Cunningham says, “there’s got to be a lesson in this somewhere.”  In the meantime, rest assured that you’re not suffering alone.  God has promised, “Never will I leave you: never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) whatever the test you’re going through, God wants you to pass.  He’s given you the resources and the strength to keep going.  You may not be able to see it now, but God has your best interests at heart.  Just keep trusting!

Have a great week.

Pastor Barry

   A few years ago there was a true story about a man in New York City who was kidnapped.  His kidnappers called his wife and asked for $100,000 ransom.  She talked them down to $30,000.

   The story had a happy ending:  the man returned home unharmed, the money was recovered, and the kidnappers were caught and sent to jail.  But, don’t you wonder what happened when the man got home and found out his wife got him back for a discount?  Can you imagine what the negotiations must have been like:  “A $100,000 for that old guy?  You must be crazy.  Just look at him!  You want a $100,000 for that!  You’ve got to be kidding.  Give me a break.  $30,000 is my final offer.”

   Now you have to admire the wife’s savvy negotiating skills.  Her bluff paid off, but I keep putting myself in the husband’s place.  I’d like to think that if I were in a similar situation, there would be people who would spare no expense to get me back.  They wouldn't haggle over the price.  They wouldn’t have to think about it.  They would do whatever it took.  The point is there are times when it is OK to be extravagant.

   There is a story in the gospels (Matthew 26: 6-13) where we see that kind of extravagant giving.  Jesus is at the house of Simon the Pharisee having dinner.  A woman of the street (a prostitute) comes in and bathes Jesus feet with her tears and dries them with her hair.  Then, in an act of extravagant love, she breaks the alabaster jar of perfume she carries around her neck and pours out the entire contents on Jesus.  It is perhaps the most expensive, valuable thing she possesses.  Yet, she gives it all in an act of unselfish affection.

    I was reminded this weekend of the unselfish, extravagant sacrifice of our career missionaries.  People like Drs. Dan and Joan Jones, our missionary speakers, are doing amazing work at an incredible personal cost.  And yet, like most missionaries I know, they don’t think they are doing anything special.  They are just obeying the Lord that they love.

   The thought that I can’t seem to escape is this one:  How much am I willing to give to see the kingdom advanced?  Not just my money, but my time and energy as well.  Am I trying to negotiate a better deal with the Lord, or am I willing to give extravagantly and obey with unrestrained abandon?  I believe God is calling us as a church to new levels of sacrifice and service.  Let’s decide in advance to be obedient to His call.

Have a great week!

Pastor Barry

P.S.  Our faith Promise total so far is just over $20,000.

P.S.S. Don’t forget our Dinner & Movie Fellowship this coming Saturday night.  Dinner is at 6:00 PM and we’ll be showing the movie (The Blind  Side for adults and Marmaduke for kids) at 7:00 PM.  Please call the church office (885-1804) or e-mail (parkwayinfo@comcast.net) to let us know you are coming.  Don’t miss the fun!

                  In book six of the Chronicles of Narnia, entitled “The Silver Chair,” a somewhat haughty and spoiled girl named Jill Pole ends up in Narnia. She grows thirsty, but she is afraid to approach the nearby stream because Aslan, the huge golden lion (who represents Christ) is sitting beside the stream. Jill is faced with a dilemma. She’s terribly thirsty, but she’s even more frightened of the lion. In a conversation with Aslan she expresses her fear.

“I dare not come and drink” said Jill.

“Then you will die of thirst,” said the Lion.

“Oh dear!” said Jill coming another step nearer.  

“I suppose I must go and look for another stream then.”

“There is no other stream,” said the Lion.

The story reminds me of an incident that  takes place in the gospels. Jesus has just delivered a difficult message to the crowds about eating his flesh and drinking  his blood. In John 6:66 it says that  “From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.” Jesus then asked his twelve disciples “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Simon Peter answered him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.”  Peter and the disciples realized “There is no other stream.” There is no other alternative. There is no plan B. There in no such thing as partially following Christ or being a disciple when it is convenient. We either find our joy, our life in Him or we go thirsty. Either we trust Him totally, completely or we don’t. There is no middle ground. And yet many of us, like Jill, keep looking for another stream. We’re afraid to risk it. Trusting God with all our life seems scary. Leaping into the stream without a life jacket seems dangerous. We keep thinking maybe I can slip in, grab a bucket of water, and flee back to the safety of the woods. Maybe if I just keep working harder, or do a few more good deeds or try to do better I won't feel so guilty. Perhaps if my new job works out and I can get my bills under control, I’ll feel more secure.

The said truth is none of those “other streams,” none of those alternatives ever works. There is no other stream. One of my favorite old hymns is Elisha Huffman’s “Down at the Cross.” I especially like the last verse:

Come to the fountain so rich and sweet

Cast thy poor soul at the Savior’s feet;

Plunge in today and be made complete;

Gory to His name

What are you waiting on? You’re not going to find the answer anywhere else. Don’t keep on being thirsty. Take a leap of faith and trust in Christ. He will not fail you. Have a great week.

Pastor Barry

P.S.– Don’t forget the Mission Conference this weekend. Picnic with our missionaries Saturday evening at 5:00 P.M and at 10:45 and Sunday A.M.

The year was 1986 — it was a Tuesday.  Outside in Pennsylvania, it was a crisp, late January day.  The sky was clear and blue.  I was working in the call center of Day-Timer’s Inc.  Our department took care of taking phone orders.  I was working there as a temporary employee.  I was part of an odd shift that started at 10:30am. That was so we could cover the calls coming in from the west coast.  Just an hour after I started, I heard these words come over the wall from the cubicle next to me: “The Challenger just blew up.”  We were stunned.  I remember getting home that evening and watching the news footage as it was played over and over again.  The images are hard to forget.  For my generation it was the first time we asked ourselves “Do you remember where you were when…?” 

Ten years ago, it was another Tuesday — another clear, blue sky.  This time it was in September.  Again the day was cool and crisp, but not unseasonable for the first part of September in Upstate New York.  I can recount the details like it was yesterday.  The Sunday following was suppose to be a big Sunday.  I was working on a salvation message for a denominational-wide day of evangelism in our churches.  Being that I was bi-vocational at the time, I was scheduled to go to work at Radio Shack at noon—that would give me time to work on my sermon before I went to work.  I was in my office, typing away, when Pam came over to tell me that a plane had crashed into one of the World Trade Center towers.  “How odd,” I thought.  It was a clear, blue sky with not a cloud in sight.  Thinking little of it, I went back to my typing.  Fifteen minutes later, Pam came back an told me a second plane had hit the other tower.  This peaked my interest.  Something was wrong—planes don’t crash into skyscrapers on beautiful, cloudless days.  I joined her in our living room and watched the rest of the morning unfold—it was so surreal—almost as if I was dreaming in the middle of the day.  Over and over we watched the images played out in front of us.  As the morning wore on, we became aware that we as a country had experienced something significant.  For a second time, my generation can answer the question “Do you remember where you were when…?” 

In forced communion, we imagined the terror of those within the heart of the nightmare—within the heart of darkness—the confusion—the uncertainty—the choice—fall or burn. (How bad was it in those upper stories of the WTC that jumping 1000 feet to your death seemed like a better option?)  For some—for most, perhaps—the choice is made for them.

When the Challenger fell, we reached out to our loved ones.  As the events unfolded ten years ago, we grabbed our children to hug them.  We sought to make sense of the insanity.  We searched for some sliver of good from the ruin and wreckage before us.

Mark Wilson, pastor of Hayward Wesleyan Church, FLAME professor and a good friend of mine posted this Sunday from Psalm 91: 1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty. 2 This I declare about the Lord: He alone is my refuge, my place of safety; he is my God, and I trust him.

There are times when we just can’t make sense of it all.  We try and we try.  Sometimes our inclination is to blame God, but it is in those times—those trying times—that we need to make that 911 call to God—to find rest in the shadow of His wings—that He is our refuge—that He is our place of safety—that we can trust in Him, because He is God.

Have a great week,

Pastor Dale

        

   My good friend Roger is a hospital Chaplain in Hattiesburg, MS.  [Yes, he sees Brett Favre occasionally but as a die-hard Cowboys fan, keeps a respectful distance].  He recently shared with me the story of two  neighbors, Janice and Rita who stocked their shelves and prepared for the onslaught of Hurricane Katrina in August 2005.  Shortly after Katrina struck around 6:10 PM on August 28th, Janice and Rita realized they were in trouble.  Water began coming under their front door and quickly rose to about 6 feet high.  Janice and Rita climbed up on the mantle over their fireplace.  As the water continued to rise they climbed the bookshelves beside the fireplace and hung on.  Finally, sometime after midnight Janice said she just couldn’t hold on any more.  Rita pleaded with her to keep trying, “just a little longer” she encouraged.  “Help will surely come.”  But Janice let go and succumbed to the muddy water and drowned.  Rita held on as the floodwaters exceeded 8 feet.  She had to punch a hole in the ceiling and stuck her head up into the rafters to get air.  Eventually after 36 hours she was rescued. 

   My friend Roger saw Rita sitting in the waiting room of his hospital recently.  He asked her why she was there and she told him, that Janice’s granddaughter was having a baby.  It would have been her first great-grandchild.  Rita lamented to the Chaplain, “If she had only held on.  I tried everything to save her, but I couldn’t.”

   As I think about that story I wonder if Janice ran out of strength or if she ran out of hope.  Perhaps it was because she ran out of hope that she ran out of strength.  Hope is a powerful motivator.

   But an even more important question, is where do we find our hope.  Is it based on our circumstances?   Does it depend on our strength?  Our human wisdom?  I like this definition I read recently:  “Hope is the result of faith based on the character and nature of God.”  That’s exactly what we see in David as he writes Psalm 31 (I’d encourage you to read that if you need a hope transplant).  Notice the foundation of David’s hope.

 - “In you, O Lord, I have taken refuge .. (vs.1)

 - “Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me..(vs. 2)

 - “I trust in You, O Lord;  I say, “You are my God.” My times are in your hands; (vss. 14-15)

   I like David’s parting words of advice for those who are barely hanging on—”Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.”  As David focused his attention on God he found the hope to continue.  The same technique will work for us this morning.  Focus on God and His power, not on your problems, and you will find the hope and the strength you need to be victorious.

Have a great week!

Pastor Barry

 As most of you know by now, I’ve recently past one of those significant birthday milestones.  (Thanks to all of you who had a part in my surprise party.)  I have been inundated with all kinds of useful advice on getting old.  Things like, “Don’t worry if you can’t blow out all the candles on your cake, just beat them out with your cane.”  or this one, “Don’t worry about eating healthy, at your age you need all the preservatives, you can get.”   Someone sent me a list of 108 stores and restaurants that offer “senior discounts.”  I really appreciate the ROGAINE, although I think the pony tail with the glue sticks I received might be the better option.

  Birthdays have a way of  making us stop and think.  It’s a good time to take stock of where we’ve been, what we’ve accomplished, and perhaps most important, what we’ve got left to do.  If we’re still here, it must mean that God still has something for us to accomplish.

   The Psalmist gives us a perfect prayer to pray every year when our birthday rolls around. Teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain a heart of wisdom. (Psalm 90:12)  Hopefully, I’m not just getting older, but wiser.  I would like to think that I’m maturing in character and righteousness.  

Here are a couple of things that I am praying for:

(1) “Lord, help me not become an old grouch.”  Instead of constantly complaining and grumbling about all my problems, let me the thankful for the daily blessings you give me.  Let me be a joyful person.

(2)   “Lord keep me flexible.”  I’ve been trying some new yoga stretches I read about in “Runner’s World” magazine for my tight hamstrings and hip flexors that seem to be working.  Staying flexible spiritually may not always be so easy.  I’m trying to remember that God’s message never changes, but His methods do.  What worked 30 years ago may not be effective today.  And though it is a struggle, I am doing my best to embrace technology.

(3) “Lord, give me a passion for ministry.”  One of the good things about getting older is that priorities become a little clearer.  You  begin to realize the importance of making every minute count.  As energy levels decrease, may my passion for reaching the lost and making disciple’s never diminish.

(4) “Lord, enlarge my heart.” I already know I’m becoming a softy in my old age. [I cry when I watch sappy movies or read Max Lucado books]  But that’s OK.  I want my heart to be more in tune with the Lord’s.  I want it to break for the hurting, the poor, the needy in our midst.

   I told Rosemary recently that I was thinking about re-inventing myself.  My plan was to shave my head, (the theory is with no white hair showing, no one would know how old I am), get some trendy new glasses and start wearing jeans and a T-shirt to preach in.  But then I thought, Naw!  Embrace your age!  Own the wrinkles!  You’ve earned them! And besides I got coffee for 50 cents at McDonald’s the other day.  Way cool!

Have a great week,

Pastor Barry

   GROUP Magazine recently asked the question, Are You As  Friendly As You Think You Are?  Most people think they are friendly, even if they really aren’t.  Even if you ask someone who is a constant grouch and the classic curmudgeon to rank how friendly they are on a scale of one to ten, they would probably give themselves a five or better.  But what does it really take to be a BFF (that’s text lingo for Best Friends Forever).  How do we become more friendly?  As a church how do we make sure people really feel welcome when they enter our doors.

   GROUP Magazine went to 750 churches and asked 1,000’s of unchurched people this question:  What makes a church friendly?  Here are their top 5 characteristics of a friendly church.

(1) BELONGING—The number one quality of a friendly place is that is “makes me feel like I belong”.  As the theme song from the old TV show “Cheers” told us “Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, and they’re always glad you came”.  We need to work at getting to know people and make them feel included.  Maybe we need a “fun committee” who will plan activities to bring us together.

(2) COMFORT—People are looking for a warm and inviting environment.  We want to help people feel comfortable and relaxed.  If they are afraid of being embarrassed, not knowing what to do or being placed in a socially awkward situation they will never relax and feel at home.  We need to work at disarming their fears and breaking down barriers.

(3) RELAXED FIT—Do I feel like I fit in with this group of people?  Do they dress like me and talk like me?  Do we have anything in common?  If we feel totally out of place we will not be too eager to return.  We need to work at finding common ground.  We should never give the impression we are so perfect and so holy that we’re a step above anyone else.

(4) TALK TO ME—The fourth characteristic of a friendly ministry is that people actually talked.  It was more than just “Hello, glad to have you with us”.  People were impressed when someone took the time to engage in meaningful conversation.

(5) SMILES—People are impressed with a place where everyone seems happy.  Not just greeters, but the pastors, the praise team, members, the S. S. teachers and the people in the pews.  Smiles are contagious.  We need to look like we’re having fun. [I’ve been thinking of installing a mirror at the side entrance.  It will serve two purposes.  First, I can fix my hair when the wind messes it up.  Secondly, we can all practice our smile as we enter the building!]  See! You’re smiling just thinking about it!

   Next time you come to church here is your assignment.  Go out of your way to be friendly.  Come in smiling.  Spot someone you don’t know that well and go over and greet them.  Engage them in conversation.  Maybe even invite them to lunch.  Who knows?  They may turn out to be your newest B.F.F.

                                                                 Have a great week!

                                                                 Pastor Barry

Several weeks ago our family made the trip over to Culloden, WV for the Shenandoah District Family Camp.  It was a wonderful week filled with great worship, great teaching and preaching, and great fellowship.  Sure, it was a hazy, hot, and humid week, but God’s presence could be felt all over the camp. 

One of the highlights of camp was our missionary speakers, Rev. Chris and Lisa Shinn.  Chris pastors Faith Community Church in Charleston, WV.  He and his family minister on the west side of Charleston.  The west side is an interesting place.  We (Pam, I and the teens from family camp) had a chance to do a service project with Pastor Chris.  This coming Saturday, Clearview Wesleyan (Martinsville, VA) will be taking a crew over to Faith Community to do a Vacation Bible School.  As part of that Faith Community is having a back-to-school bash to minister to the children on the west side of Charleston.  Our job that day was to hand out flyers in the community.  Most people who attend Faith Community walk to church.  Their goal is to reach the several blocks in each direction from the church with the love of Jesus.  The best way to get the word out in that community is by word of mouth or flyers, so that is what we did.

Pastor Chris gave us some ground rules for handing out the flyers and then we were on our way.  The students who were with us had some concerns and Pastor Chris reassured them that what they were doing was perfectly safe.  Three hours later, we had handed out over 450 flyers to the community on the west side of Charleston and headed back to camp.

Why do I tell this story?  Since District Conference, God has been speaking to me about ministering to our community.  There are many in our community who do not know Jesus.  There are also many in our community who Jesus called “the least of these.”  These are those whom God has been speaking to me about.  Sunday I shared that we, as a church, may have an opportunity to do this.  There are other things that God has been speaking to me as well. 

While we were at Family Camp, Pastor Chris shared that many hold him and Lisa up as someone special.  I wouldn’t disagree with that.  Chris and Lisa and their two children are wonderful people.  But what they are doing, is what God has called each one of us to do.  It’s what He has called the church to do. 

Let me close with this scripture from Acts 2:42-47.  It’s a great picture of the New Testament church:

 42 All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer.

 43 A deep sense of awe came over them all, and the apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders. 44 And all the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had. 45 They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need. 46 They worshiped together at the Temple each day, met in homes for the Lord’s Supper, and shared their meals with great joy and generosity--47 all the while praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all the people. And each day the Lord added to their fellowship those who were being saved.

I pray you have a wonderful week.  Blessings….Pastor Dale