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

Daily Bible Reading: Proverbs 21:1-31 (“Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.”)

This Week’s Memory Verse: “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”  Romans 15:2

Remember These In Prayer:

Suzanne Gunter continues at Franklin Woods Hospital where she is recovering from surgery on Sunday.  She is not recovering as fast as had been hoped, and it may be early next week before she is discharged.

Angie Smith, daughter of Bandy and Ron Tester, has asked for prayers as cancer has been detected in a mass on her arm.  Surgery will be done soon to remove the lump, and only then will they know the true nature of this cancer.  She also asks that no one speak to her two children about this, as they will not be told unless it is absolutely necessary.

Tristan Ball, young son of Misty and Tim Ball and grandson of Bandy and Ron Tester, was discharged from Niswonger Children’s Hospital on Thursday, following surgery on Wednesday.  Bandy reported that he was doing better.

Ron Tester will begin radiation therapy in the next 2-3 weeks.  Let’s be praying for our brother.

Louise Evans, a resident of Watauga Square Apartments who was baptized at Central 2-3 years ago, will consult with an orthopedic surgeon today regarding the arm she broke recently in a fall.  There may be a need to insert a pin in the bone to promote healing.  She sends her thanks to those who have sent her cards as she remains in Agape Rehab Therapy in Johnson City.

Greta Copas, mother of Ginger Whitson, has been hospitalized at Johnson City Medical Center with congestive heart failure, and is not doing well.  Prayers have been requested.

Lynette Burdette, mother of Jerry Bacon’s sister-in-law Kim, is declining, and the family has been called in.  Charla asks that we pray for her and the family.

The family of Johnny Cardin, cousin of Patti Fatherree, is mourning his passing Thursday morning following open heart surgery on Wednesday.  Patti was close to Johnny, having grown up with him.  She asks that we pray for God’s comfort to be upon the family.

Many Christian teens from around our area will be at High Rock Bible Camp this weekend for the annual Spring Retreat.  Ask the Lord to keep everyone safe and healthy and that God’s word may be planted in receptive hearts.

Sydney Davis and Matt Fleenor will be joined in marriage Saturday afternoon in a private ceremony.  Say a prayer for the Lord to bless their life together with His best gifts.  Sydney is the daughter of Beth and John Davis, and the granddaughter of Charlotte Barefield.

Sunday’s Bulletin can be viewed by clicking here.  Take time to learn all the latest news and service opportunities from among your Central family.

“Honor Flight” Takes Off Again!  This morning another bus load of veterans will depart for Washington, D.C. as Honor Flight of Northeast Tennessee takes them to view our nation’s war memorials.  Our own Edie Lowry heads up the local chapter, and Honor Flight has paid tribute to many of our area’s veterans in the past few years.  Say a prayer that all will be safe and healthy while on this trip.

Covered Dish Fellowship On Sunday: Remember to join your Central family Sunday after morning worship for a covered dish fellowship meal.  Bring enough food for your family and a few others, and get to know others of your sisters and brothers.

Daily Focus On Pause: After tomorrow there will be no Daily Focus for the next few days as I will be in Pikeville, Kentucky next week in a gospel meeting with the Main Street Church of Christ.  Look for DF to return on either Thursday or Friday.  Prayer requests will be sent out as needed.

Triumph?  *  “The difference between try and triumph is a little umph.”  (Author unknown to us)  *  “Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.”  (Philippians 3:13-15)