We need cookies!!! Vacation Bible School 2012 is only a few weeks away and we need lots and lots of cookies. Our Children's Ministry team has checked the ingredients that would be safe for children with various food allergies, and they are asking that we bring Oreos, Golden Oreos, Nabisco Nilla Wafers, Keebler Fudge Strips, Keebler Deluxe Grahams, and Chips Ahoy. Please drop them off in the bins located throughout the church. The little cookie monsters want your cookies! Thank you!!

I am looking forward to a great weekend. There are several activities tomorrow for some of our graduating seniors, and then we are going to a Sunday School picnic for Joy's Sunday School class. Sunday we will have a time of celebrating with several families in our church that have been blessed with new babies in recent months. Our Preschool Ministry team, led by Phil Hoyt, goes to great efforts to make this a very special day. There is a special class for the parents, there is a meal for the extended families, and then there is a special afternoon worship service where we will have a time of dedication and commitment to the Lord. It is a very meaningful day.

I will be preaching this Sunday morning from the concluding words of 1 Corinthians 3 and the first few verse of the 4th chapter. In chapter 4, Paul will finish his thoughts about the divided church and Corinth. He basically says that if we put our focus where it should be to begin with (the Lord) and get our focus off the human element (himself, Apollos, Peter) then we won't have those divisions. Our allegiance is not to a person, our allegiance is to God. The 4th chapter will begin with a great word about God's call to us to be 'stewards' and 'managers.' Those are two great words. The bottom line is that, what God requires from us is that we be found faithful. Faithful! That's a great word. I hope you will be here Sunday as we study this passage.

Here is a word from the Word: (1 Corinthians 3:18 - 4:5)

"No one should deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks he is wise in this age, he must become foolish so that he can become wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, since it is written: He catches the wise in their craftiness - and again, The Lord knows the reasoning's of the wise, that they are futile. So no one should boast in men, for all things are yours: whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come-all are yours, and you belong to Christ, and Christ to God. A person should consider us in this way: as servants of Christ and managers of God's mysteries. In this regard, it is expected of managers that each one be found faithful. It is of little importance that I should be evaluated by you or by a human court. In fact, I don't even evaluate myself. For I am not conscious of anything against myself, but I am not justified by this. The One who evaluates me is the Lord. Therefore don't judge anything prematurely, before the Lord comes, who will both bring to light what is hidden in darkness and reveal the intentions of the hearts. And then praise will come to each one from God."

Have a great Friday and a super weekend! I hope to see you Sunday!

Bruce

This week is National Police Week. It is not a highly publicized event but it is a time to honor and recognize law enforcement personnel that have lost their lives in the line of duty. Being a police officer must be a very stressful job. You never know what the day will hold and what danger you might face. Take a moment and thank the Lord for those who protect us and who help us maintain order in our society. And, if you see a police officer today (hopefully not pulled over on the side of the road), tell them that you appreciate what they do!

We are whittling down the number of volunteers that we need for VBS. Mark and Phil have both said that the recruitment of volunteers has actually gone much better and been much easier this year than in previous years. We still have a few needs and we could still use your assistance. Can you help us? The eternity of a child may depend on your willingness to give a few hours during the week of VBS. Thank you!

Put on your calendar that we will have a church wide ice-cream fellowship Sunday, May 27th from 6:00 until 8:00 pm. The Family Ministry Center will be filled with the inflatable games for the kids. Now, I have been practicing up on my milkshake recipes every Wednesday night when I go down and volunteer in the Student Ministry café. I am going to gather some of the other pastors and we are going to open a milkshake production line that Sunday night. We will be offering free milkshake's for one and all so plan to be here and enjoy the fellowship, the ice cream, and the milk shakes!

Here is a word from the Word: (Micah 6:1-8)

"Now listen to what the Lord is saying: Rise, plead [your] case before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice. Listen to the Lord's lawsuit, you mountains and enduring foundations of the earth, because the Lord has a case against His people, and He will argue it against Israel. My people, what have I done to you, or how have I wearied you? Testify against Me! Indeed, I brought you up from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from that place of slavery. I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam ahead of you. My people, remember what Balak king of Moab proposed, what Balaam son of Beor answered him, and [what happened] from Acacia Grove to Gilgal, so that you may acknowledge the Lord's righteous acts. What should I bring before the Lord when I come to bow before God on high? Should I come before Him with burnt offerings, with year-old calves? Would the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousand streams of oil? Should I give my firstborn for my transgression, the child of my body for my own sin? He has told you men what is good and what it is the Lord requires of you: Only to act justly, to love faithfulness, and to walk humbly with your God."

Have a great Thursday!

Bruce

Joy and I went to the Grand Ole Opry last night for a special recognition of Ricky Skaggs. Ricky celebrated 30 years as a member of the Opry. The entire evening was wonderful but at the end Ricky called out all of the evenings performers and asked the audience to join in singing the last song. Keith and Kristen Getty are modern day hymn writers (we sing many of their songs and you would recognize them) and they were the last performers of the evening. Ricky talked about how God had worked in his life in the last 30 years. He talked about how full he was of 'Ricky' when he became a member of the Opry in 1982. He shared with the audience how his desire now is to simply reflect Jesus Christ and to be full of Jesus, rather than full of Ricky. It turned into a worship experience right there in the Grand Ole Opry House. Here are the words to the song that the audience sang:

In Christ alone my hope is found,
He is my light, my strength, my song;
this Cornerstone, this solid Ground,
firm through the fiercest drought and storm.
What heights of love, what depths of peace,
when fears are stilled, when strivings cease!
My Comforter, my All in All,
here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! Who took on flesh
Fullness of God in helpless babe!
This gift of love and righteousness
Scorned by the ones he came to save:
Till on that cross as Jesus died,
The wrath of God was satisfied -
For every sin on Him was laid;
Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain:
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,
For I am His and He is mine -
Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,
This is the power of Christ in me;
From life's first cry to final breath.
Jesus commands my destiny.
No power of hell, no scheme of man,
Can ever pluck me from His hand;
Till He returns or calls me home,
Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

This evening we will gather all over the campus of FBCH for worship, inspiration, fellowship, preparation, and ministry. Come and be a part of what God is doing every Wednesday night at FBCH. The Pastor's Bible Study begins at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. We will be continuing in our study of Acts.

Here is a word from the Word: (Acts 24:22 - 25:12)

"Since Felix was accurately informed about the Way, he adjourned the hearing, saying, 'When Lysias the commander comes down, I will decide your case.' He ordered that the centurion keep Paul under guard, though he could have some freedom, and that he should not prevent any of his friends from serving him. After some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and listened to him on the subject of faith in Christ Jesus. Now as he spoke about righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became afraid and replied, 'Leave for now, but when I find time I'll call for you.' At the same time he was also hoping that money would be given to him by Paul. For this reason he sent for him quite often and conversed with him. After two years had passed, Felix received a successor, Porcius Festus, and because he wished to do a favor for the Jews, Felix left Paul in prison. Three days after Festus arrived in the province, he went up to Jerusalem from Caesarea. Then the chief priests and the leaders of the Jews presented their case against Paul to him; and they appealed, asking him to do them a favor against Paul, that he might summon him to Jerusalem. They were preparing an ambush along the road to kill him. However, Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea, and that he himself was about to go there shortly. 'Therefore,' he said, 'let the men of authority among you go down with me and accuse him, if there is any wrong in this man.' When he had spent not more than eight or 10 days among them, he went down to Caesarea. The next day, seated at the judge's bench, he commanded Paul to be brought in. When he arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him and brought many serious charges that they were not able to prove, while Paul made the defense that, 'Neither against the Jewish law, nor against the temple, nor against Caesar have I sinned at all.' Then Festus, wanting to do a favor for the Jews, replied to Paul, 'Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem, there to be tried before me on these charges?' But Paul said: 'I am standing at Caesar's tribunal, where I ought to be tried. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as even you can see very well. If then I am doing wrong, or have done anything deserving of death, I do not refuse to die, but if there is nothing to what these men accuse me of, no one can give me up to them. I appeal to Caesar!' After Festus conferred with his council, he replied, 'You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you will go!'"

Have a great Wednesday!

Bruce

Yesterday afternoon Joy and I drove to Chattanooga where I had a meeting with the Board of Trustees for the Tennessee Baptist Children's Home. I had never had the opportunity to visit this particular campus of our children's home ministry and I have enjoyed being here. The Board met last night and we are meeting this morning and then we will head back to Hendersonville. I appreciate Bryant Millsaps and the entire ministry team at the Tennessee Baptist Children's Home. If you would like to learn more about this ministry of the Tennessee Baptists, you can go to their website at www.tbch4kids.org.

Be sure to put on your calendar our annual Memorial Day Ice Cream Fellowship in the Family Ministry Center a week from Sunday. The gym will be filled with the inflatable games for the children and there will be lots of homemade (and store bought) ice cream in the Fellowship Hall A. If we really are intentional about building relationships with each other, we must find ways to spend time together and this is one of those opportunities. Mark it on your calendar for Sunday afternoon, May 27th! It will begin at 6:00 p.m.

There is a lot of excitement with the conclusion of the school year. Anxious boys and girls are ready for a break. Teachers and administrators are probably also ready for a little break. Remember, we have many opportunities of ministry for your children through the summer months. Vacation Bible School, Summer Day Camp, Children's camp, Music camp, Student Ministry camps for high school and middle school all provide opportunities of ministry and activities for your children/grandchildren. I am praying that we have one of our best summers ever here at First Baptist, Hendersonville!

Here is a word from the Word: (Ecclesiastes 3:1-15)

"There is an occasion for everything, and a time for every activity under heaven: a time to give birth and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to uproot; a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to tear down and a time to build; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; a time to throw stones and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace and a time to avoid embracing; a time to search and a time to count as lost; a time to keep and a time to throw away; a time to tear and a time to sew; a time to be silent and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate; a time for war and a time for peace. What does the worker gain from his struggles? I have seen the task that God has given people to keep them occupied. He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, but man cannot discover the work God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for them than to rejoice and enjoy the good life. It is also the gift of God whenever anyone eats, drinks, and enjoys all his efforts. I know that all God does will last forever; there is no adding to it or taking from it. God works so that people will be in awe of Him. Whatever is, has already been, and whatever will be, already is. God repeats what has passed."

Have a great Tuesday!

Bruce

I mentioned yesterday that there are telephone numbers where you can call Washington and express your opinion about President Obama's recent statement that marriage is not limited to a man and a woman. I know that statements are made for political purposes and this has had a huge response in Hollywood with an immediate $15 million fundraiser by some of Hollywood's elite. If you agree with Hollywood (and the President) you don't need to do anything. That is the way the world is heading. But if you share my understanding of a Biblical world view that marriage is between a man and a woman I invite you to call and let you voice be heard in the U.S. Capitol and the White House. The number of the U.S. Capitol is 202-224-3121. The White House Comment Line is 202-456-1111 and the White House Switchboard is 202-456-1414.

I heard a comment over the weekend that a U.S. Senator said that it must not be that big of a deal because there has not been much response. Well, there may not be much response from other places but I would like for thousands of people from area code 615 in Middle Tennessee to call the Capitol and the White House and simply say "I disagree. I believe that marriage is between a man and a woman" and it is a big deal. Be kind. Be Christ-like. Be loving. But, be clear.

The choir gave us all a smile with their rendition of "Mom-isms" set to the William Tell Overture. You might have also heard this sung as "the Mom Song." Several of you said you had a hard time keeping up with the lyrics and asked if I could get them for you. So, here they are! Enjoy.

Get up now, get up now, get up out of bed.
Wash your face, brush your teeth, comb your sleepy head.
Here's your clothes, and you shoes, hear the words I said?
Get up now, get up out of bed.

Do what she said!

Are you hot? Are you cold? Are you wearing that?
Where's your books, your lunch, and your homework at?
Grab a coat and your gloves, grab your scarf and hat.
Don't forget you gotta feed the cat.

You better do what Mama said right now!

Eat your breakfast experts tell us it's the most important meal of all.
Take your vitamin so you will grow up some day to be big and tall.
Please remember your orthodontist will be seeing you at three today.
Don't forget your piano lesson is this afternoon so you must play.

Don't shovel, chew slowly, but hurry, the bus is here.
Be careful, come back here. Did you wash behind your ears?

Play outside, don't play rough, will you just play fair?
Be polite, make a friend, don't forget to share.
Get along, wait your turn, never take a dare.
Work it out; - don't make me come down there.

Clean your room, hang your clothes, put your stuff away.
Make your bed, do it now, we don't have all day.
Were you born in a barn? Would you like some hay?
Can you hear; - even a word I say?

Answer the phone, get off the phone.
Don't sit so close, turn it down, no testing at the table.
No more computer tonight.
Your iPod's my iPod if you don't listen up.

Where ya going and with whom and what time do you think your coming home?
Saying "thank you, please, excuse me," makes you welcome anywhere you roam.
You'll appreciate my wisdom when you're older, someday when your grown.
Can't wait till you have a couple little children of your own!

You'll thank me for counsel I gave you so willingly.
But right now I'd thank you not to roll your eyes at me.

Close your mouth when you chew we'd appreciate. Try a bite, maybe two of the stuff you hate.
Use your fork, do not burp or I'll set you straight. Eat the food - I put on your plate.
Get an A, get the door, don't get smart with me.
Get a grip, get in here, or I'll count to three.
Get a job, get a life, get a PHD.
Get a dose of reality.

I don't care who started it. You're grounded until your thirty-six.
Get your story straight and tell the truth for once for heaven's sake.
And if all your friends jumped off a cliff, would you jump too?
If I've said it once I've said at least a thousand times before that
You're too old to act this way, it must be your father's DNA.

Look at me when I'm talking, stand up straighter when you walk.
A place for everything and everything must be in place.
Stop crying or I'll give you something real to cry about.

Brush your teeth, wash your face, get your PJ's on.
Get in bed, get a hug, say a prayer with Mom.
Don't forget I love you.
And, tomorrow we will do this all again because a Mom's work never ends.

You don't need a reason why.
Because, because, because, because
I said so, I said so, I said so, I said so.
I'm the Mom, the Mom, the Mom, the Mom. The Mom! Ta da!

Here is a word from the Word: (Ephesians 6:1-4)

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord, because this is right. Honor your father and mother - which is the first commandment with a promise - that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life in the land. And fathers, don't stir up anger in your children, but bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."

Have a great Monday!

Bruce