Saturday, July 28, 2012
Not too long ago, I was watching a documentary about wildlife, and it showed one of those “animal chases” where the hunted animal gets pinned down by the hunting animal. It was the conclusion of a tactic whereby the pack of hunters (lions in this case) started spooking portions of the herd to run different directions (I think they were water buffalos). In the beginning of the hunt, the big herd was winning soundly. The lions were afraid to be trampled over and bucked by the herd’s horns. For the water buffalos, as long as the herd stuck together there wasn’t cause for alarm. Eventually, however, some of the herd got spooked by the lions and ran a different direction from the safety of the herd. Thinned out, the pack of lions was able to single out their target, which they soon enjoyed for dinner.
You may be wondering why I have shared this story. Primarily, I wanted to underscore the importance of our church in your life and encourage you to be faithful to Him and to each other. We need each other! As per God’s promise, when a church stands unified, it cannot fall (Matthew 16:18). The lions in the world seek to draw out Christians from the church’s protection, and too often, Christians fall prey to their evil tactics. When a Christian gets separated from his church by sinning, skipping services, smearing his church’s testimony, etc., the lions easily win their next meal. There is an unmistakable safety that God provides by church membership and regular fellowship with church family. Remember, dear Christian, that the church is important–important enough that Christ loved it and gave Himself for it (Ephesians 5:25b)!
Maybe you’ve felt the attacks of Satan and the world this week. Perhaps you’ve felt all alone in your struggles–afraid–overwhelmed. Remember, your Lord knows your burdens today, and tomorrow you can fellowship with a church-house full of fellow strugglers on this path called life! As your pastor, I pray that you will continue to stand for Christ and with His church–your church! God provides this warning and promise in 1 Peter 5:8-9: “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.”
I’m praying for you and am looking forward to seeing you tomorrow!
Yours in Christ,
Pastor Dennis M. Schaffer
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Reminders:
Southland Christian Academy and the ODBC Child Development Center are enrolling children. If you are considering this as an option for your child, please contact them at 225-667-4679, extension 103 or 106, respectively.
Communion will be observed on Sunday evening, August 5.
Children’s Ministry Update: KMP3 program will be Sunday evening, August 19, at 6:00, and Awana will begin Wednesday, August 22, at 6:30 P.M.
Upcoming Sermons/Studies:
Sunday Morning (10:30)
Isaiah 53:4-6, “God Has Never Suffered”
Sunday Evening (6:00)
Family Fifth Service and Fellowship
Highlights of the service will include testimonies and special music. Following the service, we will go to the Denham Springs Backyard Burger. Attendees from our church will receive a free root beer float.
Wed. Bible Study & Prayer (7:00 PM)
“Code 10: Be Content”
