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

Daily Bible Reading: Haggai 1:1 – 2:23 (“Go up to the mountains and bring wood and build the temple, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified,” says the Lord.”)

This Week’s Memory Verse: “I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”  Genesis 12:3

Remember These In Prayer:

Dave Clark will meet with a specialist this Thursday in Knoxville after being diagnosed with bladder cancer last week.  Pray for God to bless our brother with a good outcome.

Robert Van de Vuurst, law partner of Steve Trent, underwent surgery on Thursday for a serious blood clot.  According to Carol, Robert is doing well and is now back home.

Jerry Mitchell is scheduled to undergo eye surgery on January 29.  He would appreciate prayers for all to go well.

Lee Davis will travel to Johns Hopkins Hospital for eye surgery on January 31.  It is a complicated procedure, so prayers are needed for all to go well.

Ray Markland was with us on Sunday morning, and reported doing well following his recent cataract surgery.

Paul Hamilton responded to the Lord’s invitation Sunday morning, confessing sin and asking for prayers for forgiveness and peace.  Keep our brother in your prayers, and encourage him in ways you are able.

Bill Lee is now Tennessee’s 50th governor, and in his inauguration on Friday he stressed the fact that he will rely on prayer.  He also has asked for prayers as he begins his work.  Let us do just that, and pray that his success will show that God  honors those who honor Him.

From The Elders: “With the beginning of a new year, a new budget is being prepared.  During 2018 the congregation met and even exceeded the average weekly offering goal.  For that we are very thankful, and the elders commend each one of you for your generous contributions during 2018.  Work opportunities for the church continue to increase and the elders have set a budget goal of $12,750 per week for 2019.  We encourage you to give generously this year.”

Former Members Visiting: It was wonderful to see former member Shirley Lyell with us in worship Sunday morning.  She was in town visiting with her daughter and son-in-law, Beth and Jim DeSilvey (who have been worshiping with us in recent weeks).  On Sunday evening it was great to see former members Keaira and Jacob Witten, along with their young sons Jesse and Boone.

Meals Needed: If you can help provide a meal for our 708 Ministries college group one Tuesday evening this semester, Tim Haywood would love to hear from you.  The schedule is being set up now, so call him at (423) 794-7434.

Headed To Africa:Chig Gunter will leave in a few days for a mission trip to Tanzania, Africa.  He will be accompanied by his son-in-law Chad Scott, and his two older grandsons.  They will be away for nearly two weeks.  Begin praying for their safety, health, and for the success of their mission.

Headed To Florida:Daniel Norris reported last night at worship that he will be headed to Florida later this week to get ready for Spring Training.  Daniel pitches for the Detroit Tigers, and is hoping for a strong comeback from last year’s injury and subsequent surgery.

Moral Courage:  *  “It is curious that physical courage should be so common in the world, and moral courage so rare.”  (Mark Twain)  *  “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”  (John 15:18,19)