Daily Focus, January 31, 2019

“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.”  James 4:8

Daily Bible Reading: Malachi 3:1 – 4:6 (“For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”)

This Week’s Memory Verse:If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.”  John 7:17

Remember These In Prayer:

Lee Davis is scheduled to undergo eye surgery today at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore.  He and Carla have asked for our prayers that all will go well.

Tom Ellis is having difficulty with his breathing as a result of his heart functioning at a lower level.  New medication has been started.  Jacquelyn asks that we pray for God’s help for him to do better.

Judy Jones is recovering from an eye procedure on Tuesday.  She will soon go through tests to evaluate her heart, with more tests later on her kidneys.  She would appreciate prayers.

Pauline McKinney, sister of Faye Bailey, will soon begin a program of chemotherapy and surgery, after breast cancer was recently discovered.  Faye reports that she and Alvin will go with her to Charlotte, NC next week to begin the process.  She asks that we remember Pauline in our prayers.

Madge Street, mother of Debbie Pugh, is recovering from surgery on Tuesday for a fractured hip.  We have not received an update on how she is doing.

Chig Gunter will be leaving next Wednesday with his son-in-law and two grandsons for a few days of mission work in Tanzania, Africa.  They will be away for nearly two weeks.  Ask the Lord to bless them during this time.

Keep In Touch with those of our family who are not able to be out as much as they once were.  Louise Welch, for example, would welcome visits, according to Marshall Danby (but please call first).  Cards would also be welcome; her address is 2016 Sherwood Drive, Apt. 120, Johnson City, TN, 37601.  Her phone number also has changed: 423-434-0920.  There are many others among our family whom you could cheer.

Still Looking For Volunteers: There is a sign-up sheet at the main Welcome Center for those who will provide meals for the 708 Ministries College Group on Tuesday evenings.  Many opportunities this semester still remain.  If you’d like to help out, either sign the list or call Tim Haywood at 423-794-7434.

Listening In: Former Central member Ken Moffett wrote yesterday to say he has been making use of our audio live streaming service: “Just thought I’d take a minute to let you know how much I have enjoyed listening to the streamed worship from Central the last couple of weeks.  I have been at home with shingles (starting to feel a little better each day) and found it to be quite uplifting.”  Ken and Judy now live in Knoxville, and are members of the Laurel Church of Christ.

More Valuable Than A College Degree?  *  “A thorough knowledge of the Bible is worth more than a college education.”  (President Theodore Roosevelt)  How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to your word. With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments! I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes!”  (Psalm 119:9-12)