GIMME A J-E-S-U-S! Our seven year old granddaughter, Kari, made her profession of faith last month. Not only did she take Jesus into her heart, she also asked the Pastor if she could be baptized. Needless to say, this is a wonderful milestone in the life of a youngster as well as the whole family. It’s time to shout it from the hilltops and to let our excitement out as we share the joy. Some of you may remember the Sunday a few years ago when our Grandson was baptized. I had the pleasure of leading a cheer right from the podium that day. “Gimme a J, Gimme an E, Gimme an S, Gimme a U, Gimme another S. What’s that spell? JESUS !!!! At the time, some thought it was inappropriate to be doing football cheers in the Church sanctuary, (especially one led by a Senior Citizen) so I looked to see what the Bible says about it. Here’s some of what I found: (paraphrased) “Shout joyfully to the Lord….Serve the Lord with Gladness”-Psalm 100: 1&2. “I heard a loud voice from heaven like the sound of thunder…..thousands singing a new song like harpists playing harps”-Rev. 14: 2&3. “I will give thanks to thee O Lord….and I will shout praises to your name”- 2nd Sam. 22:50. “Joshua said to the people, Shout.! So they shouted with a great shout”(and God’s people prevailed over Jerico)- Josh. 6:20. “My mouth speaks boldly against my enemies, because I rejoice in your salvation”-1st Sam. 2:2. I could go on and on, but you get the point. As Christians, we should be shouting loud and long when we have a victory over Satan. Please share the joy with P.D., Ada Mae, Bev and me as we rejoice in seeing such a precious granddaughter grow in the Lord. Grandpa Dick
To: Bakersfield Californian Opinion Section for Special September 11/02 issue. Fax 395-7380---This article appeared in the October, 2001 issue of the Columbus Street Baptist Church monthly newsletter, and was written by one of the Church Deacons, Richard Laughman. It has been condensed to fit your requirements, and should be appropriate for your special September 11th section. "Tragedy Brings Family Close" I was in my car making the two and a half hour drive to see my mother on September 11, 2001. I listened in disbelief as the events in New York unfolded through my car radio. When I arrived at her apartment in Upland, California, I found her riveted to her TV. As we watched the destruction of this terrible terrorist act, she asked me, "Why would God let this happen." I thought about god's unconditional love for his people, and about the thousands of innocent people under those buildings. We talked about my sister's two kids that live in New York (We later found out they were safe) and the rest of Mom's family. I don't know why God would allow this to happen, but Mom and I talked about how fortunate we are to have God watching over us, and that all of our people were safe. The newscasters reported New Yorkers were doing uncharacteristic unselfish acts of kindness. God was already at work in the healing process. As each of us looks ahead, I hope you decide to spread more love in your daily walk, and to help pull the load and not just ride. And in the process, if your Mom is still living, call her and tell her you love her. Grandpa Dick
Absence makes the Heart Grow Fonder! Grandma Bev and I have been away on vacation and it is wonderful to be home. What is it about the Columbus Street Baptist Church that makes it so good to come home to? I think it is the great spirit of friendliness and fellowship that permeates throughout our congregation. Being away gives one time for reflection. Here are a few thoughts to consider. 1.God, Family and Church are what really matter in life. Being away diminishes the value of Things. 2.Grandchildren grow up too fast. From babies to teenagers to adults in the twinkling of an eye. Make yourself available for them while they still want your time. 3.Good health is important. Keep yourself as fit as you can. (More easily said than done.) 4.Brain cells need exercise too. Read your Bible, do word puzzles, and think about complex issues, so your gray matter stays healthy. 5.God’s creations are beautiful beyond imagination. Oceans, billowing clouds, flowers, and sunsets abound. Take time to smell the flowers and watch the sunset. God’s miracles are around us every day. Enjoy! Now, top all that off with Deacon ordination of your two sons-in-law, and you really have something. See you Sunday, Grandpa Dick
GOD IS WORKING! There are pools, sort of like hot springs, near a gate leading into Jerusalem where all kinds of sick people gather. The scriptures record that from time to time an Angel of the Lord comes down and stirs the water, at which time the sick people scramble toward the water, because the first one in is made well. Jesus talked to a man 38 years ill and unable to go into the waters because of his condition. Jesus said, " Gather up your pad and walk", which the man did and was immediately healed and went about praising God. The problem was the timing, this being done on the Sabbath. The Jews began to find fault with Jesus because he "worked" on the Sabbath. Jesus responded to the Jews, "my Father is working until now, and I myself am working."Signed-John (John 5:1-17 paraphrased) Indeed, God is still at work around us. I see it everywhere. Look around, see where God is working and jump on board. Remember, "faith without works, is useless." (James 2:20) Jesus expects us to work for him, and its not too late. Although Moses was 120 years old when he died, "His vigor for God continued to the end", (Deut. 34:7) As we enter the Christmas season, Bev and I want to wish you all a Joyous Holiday. And as you go about this busy time, remember to keep Christ in Christmas. Grandpa Dick
