What Do I Do Now?

The question we are all asking is, “What do I do now?” As the coronavirus is losing its grip on our lives, we want to know what we can or should do. The virus is still very dangerous. But, with many getting vaccinated, people are getting out and about more.

When asked, what are you going to do now, the answer seems to fall into these responses: yes, no, maybe so, positively I don’t know.

Please let me be very clear. I believe every individual has a right to do what they believe is best for them. And no one should be judged by their decision. Can I get an Amen?

I am sure of this. God loves His children. He is a Shepherd God that leads His sheep. In Luke 15, we have a picture of what God is like.

First, God is like a shepherd who has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. What does He do? He leaves the 99 and goes out into the country to find the one lost sheep. He doesn’t return until he finds it.
Secondly, God is like a woman who has ten silver coins and loses one. What does she do? She turns the house upside down and doesn’t stop looking until she finds it.

Last of all, Luke tells us that there was a father who had two sons. One of his sons left home and went out into the world and broke his dad’s heart. The young man, after coming to his sense, decided to go back home. How did his Father receive him? With open arms! He never stopped loving his son.

And God will never stop loving us. Does He know we had a tough year? Sure He does. Remember when God told Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt? He wasn’t doing cartwheels about this assignment because he didn’t think he had what it took to accomplish it. That’s when God told him, “I will certainly be with you.” (Exodus 3:12)

We all need that reminder when we are facing difficult days. Was Moses filled with doubt and fear? I think so. Has there been times this past year that we too found ourselves afraid and anxious? Sure we have.
So, what are going to do now? I’m glad you asked. “But seek first his kingdom, and his righteousness, and see how God will meet your every need,” (Matthew 6:33, emphasis mine).

To Live is Christ,
Bro. Danny

The Parable of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector

Supplies

  • Yellow Cardstock
  • White Cardstock
  • Brown Construction Paper
  • Pen/Marker/Crayon/Pencil

Instructions

  • Cut a large circle out of the white cardstock and a smaller circle out of the brown construction paper
  • Cut nine petals out of the yellow cardstock
  • Glue the petals on the back of the brown circle, as shown, and then glue that onto the white circle
  • Write: “I’m thankful for…” in the middle of the brown circle
  • On each petal, write something you are thankful for

Happy Anniversary

Let me start by saying “Happy Anniversary.” You might be asking, “Preacher, what are you writing about?” I’m referring to the one-year anniversary of Covid 19.

Some of us remember where we were when we first heard about the seriousness of the virus. I do. I was driving home from church, listening to my radio. The Oklahoma City Thunder basketball team was scheduled to play the Utah Jazz that night. The game was cancelled, and the fans were sent home.
From that night on until now, life began to change as we know it. The year 20202 was most definitely a difficult year. Someone has rightly said, “Most people create their own crisis. But the Covid 19 was forced upon us.”

The good news is that we are seeing signs of things getting better. We most definitely are moving in the right direction. I’m not saying the storm is over, but I’m saying I do see the clouds breaking up, and I do see a glimmer of sunlight. Praise God!

As for Southmoore, our attendance is going up, week to week. We hade 92 in worship last Sunday. God’s people not only are attending services, but they continue to support the church through their tithes and offerings. Your giving truly is a testimony of your love for the Lord and this church. Southmoore is the best! I’m humbled to be your Pastor.

Please continue to pray for me and my battle with bladder cancer. I completed my 6 treatments a couple of weeks ago and will be having a scope to see if there are any signs of cancer cells or new tumors on March 24th. I believe I am cancer free! I’ll keep you posted.

As far as the water damage in the church, the carpet in the sanctuary will be replaced. It does appear that the tile in the foyer and in the hallways will be replaced also. That has not been confirmed, but we should know in a few weeks. The best news is that we are blessed that the damage is not any worse than what it was, PTL.

The signs of spring are all around us. We can already see the transformation. What about you? Would you be open for God to give you a new beginning? If not – why not?

To Live is Christ,
Bro. Danny

Jesus Teaches About Forgiveness

Supplies

  • Cardstock
  • Googly Eye
  • Cupcake Papers
  • Scissors
  • Glue
  • Marker

Instructions

  • Using a marker, draw lines on the tail and fin as shown.
  • Glue the head and the tail to the back of the pleated cardstock
  • Glue the cupcake papers to one side of each pleat on the fish’s body
  • Glue the fin to the opposite side of the first pleat
  • Attach the eye and glue the coin (circle) so it is half out of the fish’s mouth

Jesus and the Temple Tax

Last Week’s Craft

Supplies


  • White, Brown, Yellow, Orange, Green and Blue Cardstock
  • Glue and Scissors

Instructions


  • Glue mountain onto blue cardstock
  • Glue the flat cardstock to create the clouds, snow capped mountain, and flowers.
  • Glue the partially folded cardstock on top of these elements to create a 3D effect.

Jesus is Seen with Elijah and Moses

Supplies

  • White, Brown, Yellow, Orange, Green and Blue Cardstock
  • Glue and Scissors

Instructions

  • Glue mountain onto blue cardstock
  • Glue the flat cardstock to create the clouds, snow capped mountain, and flowers.
  • Glue the partially folded cardstock on top of these elements to create a 3D effect.

Dear Southmoore Family and Friends,

I’m sure you have heard or said yourself, “If it’s not one thing, it’s another.”

Once again, we have been facing more challenges. We wonder, will it ever end: freezing temperatures, record snow fall, power outages, empty shelves at the grocery store, frozen water pipes. I could go on and on.

I am sad to have to write to let you know that we will not have church this Sunday, February 21, 2021. Allow me to explain why. Last Wednesday afternoon, a fire sprinkler went off next to the main entrance to the church. Immediately, the fire department was notified and came to the church. John Conaway was also notified and came. Only one sprinkler head went off, but in a matter of minutes, 1000’s of gallons of water ran into the foyer, sanctuary, offices, classrooms, and East Wing.

A small army came and began cleaning things up. They did an amazing job. It is not known at this time the amount of damage. It does appear it is only minimum. Of course, we will know more in the next few days.

My daughter-in-law, Lori, was able to contact a friend of the family who is in the restoration business. He was able to come out Wednesday night to begin the clean-up. Commercial fans and de-humidifiers are now in the sanctuary and fans in the classrooms.

So, as you can see, another challenge, another opportunity.

I was hoping we could have church this Sunday, but that is not possible. We will have services online, so you won’t have to miss my Sunday sermon. I hope you will be able to join us.

I will keep you posted on the clean-up progress. Thank you for your continual prayers. Your love for the Lord and Southmoore is amazing. Please pass this message onto others who do not keep up with us on their computers and phones.

Habakkuk tells us that even if “the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” (Habakkuk 3:17-18)
 
To Live is Christ,
Bro. Danny