Daily Focus, May 23, 2019

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

Daily Bible Reading: Acts 24:1 – 25:27 (“And as he reasoned about righteousness and self-control and the coming judgment, Felix was alarmed and said, ‘Go away for the present. When I get an opportunity I will summon you.’”)

This Week’s Memory Verse:Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”  (John 17:17)

Remember These In Prayer:

The family of Teresa Haywood is mourning her passing on Wednesday morning at her home.  She was a strong and faithful companion to her husband, Bill, preacher for the Abingdon (VA) Church of Christ.  She was the mother of Tim Haywood and former Central member Steve Haywood.  Funeral arrangements can be found in Tim’s note below.  Keep this good family in your prayers.

Sherry Carden has continued to have episodes of tightness in her chest and elevated pulse rates since being discharged from the hospital on Sunday evening.  As of Wednesday morning she was waiting for an appointment with her doctor.  Say a prayer that this issue can soon be easily resolved.

James Chisam, young son of Jennifer and Scott Chisam, will have his feeding tube removed on Friday.  Say a prayer that all will go well, and that James will continue to thrive and do well.

Carl Walker, neighbor and good friend of Central, remains hospitalized at Johnson City Medical Center as he recovers from a severe case of pneumonia.  He is making slow progress, but his doctor is not yet ready for him to be discharged to a rehab facility.  Sheila, his wife, greatly appreciates the prayers that have been offered for them.

James Keller, grandson of a dear friend of Kathy Torgerson, has suddenly  developed drastic symptoms (including loss of vision).  Doctors are having difficulty diagnosing his problem.  Our prayers for God’s help have been requested.

Jim Maupin, husband of Rebekah Hunt’s aunt Betty, has been at Sycamore Shoals Hospital in Elizabethton for quite some time.  His health now seems to be failing fast.  Rebekah asks for our prayers for Jim and for Betty, too.

Barbara Millsaps, aunt of Rebekah Hunt and a member of the Elizabethton Church of Christ, recently had a biopsy taken and is now awaiting results.  Our prayers for good findings have been requested.

Andrew Trent, son of Carol and Steve Trent, is nearing the end of a month-long trip in Germany.  Say a prayer that he will be safe and healthy throughout his time away.

From Teresa Haywood’s Family: (Tim Haywood posted this on Facebook yesterday.)  “Mom passed away this morning after struggling with several health problems for many years.  We really appreciate all the prayers, calls, and texts we’ve received today.  She is loved by so many and is already very much missed.  We don’t know what we’d do without God’s family.  The family will receive friends Monday the 27th from 5:00-7:00 at Farris Funeral Home in Abingdon, Virginia, with a memorial service following at 7:00 p.m.  In lieu of flowers we know mom would really want you to put aside some quality time to make memories with your family.”

Is My Faith Steady?  That question will be answered in our 2019 Vacation Bible School as we consider the theme, “Marooned: Steady Faith In Shifting Sands”.  Scheduled for Sunday through Wednesday, June 2-5, this effort will be an exciting way for your children to learn important Bible truths.  A class will be held for adults, too.  Go to this site to register your child.  If you’ve not yet spoken with Greg Ryan about how you can help, please do that right away.

Camp Scholarships Needed: There are children in our area (and in our congregation) whose ability to attend High Rock Bible Camp’s summer sessions depends on generous gifts.  If you would like to cover all or part of a child’s camp fee of $125, see Brandon Quesinberry, Tim Haywood, or me.

What Matters:  *  “It’s easy to make a buck.  It’s a lot tougher to make a difference.”  (Tom Brokaw)  *  “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”  (Galatians 6:9,10)