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

Daily Bible Reading: Psalm 72:1 – 73:28 (“Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart.”)

This Week’s Memory Verse: “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.”  1 Corinthians 15:20

Remember These In Prayer:

Edna Hayes underwent surgery on Friday at Franklin Woods Hospital to remove her gallbladder.  All went well according to her husband Dean, and she will likely remain hospitalized for a couple more days.  It is best that there be no visitors for now.

Teresa Haywood, mother of Tim Haywood, has been in ICU at Bristol Regional Medical Center.  We have had no update on her condition, but let’s continue offering prayers for this sister in Christ.

Skylar Strong, daughter of Judy Strong, is undergoing dialysis as preparations are made for a kidney transplant.  Pray for God’s blessings upon our young sister.

Jazmine Ryan will be in treatment for the next 3-5 months at a facility near Nashville with the hope of helping her through her recent emotional and mental struggles. Megan and Greg would appreciate our prayers during this time.

Lucy Hagerty received a good report earlier this week about her leg: It is finally free of infection.  She is now set for back surgery on Monday morning at Johnson City Medical Center.  She asks that we pray for God’s blessings on this procedure, that it will bring the relief she has needed for so long.

Houston Bacon, father of Jerry Bacon, came through his vascular surgery on his leg on Friday, and the results were good.  Blockages of 100% and 90% were cleared, and surgery on his other leg will be planned in about six weeks. 

Austa Granberry, twin sister of James Hunt, learned on Friday that the condition causing her abdominal pains is one that can be treated.  The family is thankful for this news.

Brooke Cannon, cousin of Rebekah Hunt, gave birth on Friday afternoon, and both mom and baby are doing great.  Rebekah sends thanks for the prayers that were offered.

The family of Don Hodge, husband of Judy Hodge, continues to mourn his passing earlier this week.  The family will receive friends tomorrow from 2:00 to 4:00 at Appalachian Funeral Home, Johnson City, and a funeral service will follow at 4:00.  You may view his obituary by clicking here.  Don was the brother-in-law of Karen Curtis and Kay Napier.

Tomorrow Is The Lord’s Day!  Take some time today to meditate on all Christ has done for you, and be ready to worship the Lord in spirit and truth.  Join us for Bible study at 9:15, and for worship at 10:15 and at 6:00.

Help Spread The Word: Central’s “Streams Of Sharing” (SOS) will take place next Saturday, May 4.  Will you help us tell others of the groceries, cleaning supplies, and personal hygiene items that will be distributed at this event?  Flyers will be available Sunday morning after worship.  See Brandi or Brandon Quesinberry near the front of the auditorium, and take several flyers to hand out.

Bring In The Juice: We still need more 64-ounce bottles of fruit juices to give out at SOS.  Bring these in tomorrow if possible, and let’s have everything waiting for our neighbors next Saturday.

A Giant Of A Man!  We reported yesterday that Tom Holland died on Thursday at the age of 87.  An excellent tribute to his life can be found at this link; we suggest you scroll down to the video showing him leading a song.  Brother Holland was one of the great influences in many lives (including mine), and we thank God for his work and his example.  More information about his Celebration of Life service on Sunday afternoon (which hopefully will be live streamed) can be found here, on the Facebook page of the Crieve Hall Church of Christ in Nashville.

Responding To Evil:  *  “To repay evils with kindness is the religion I was taught to practice, and this will forever be my rule.”  (John James Audobon)  *  “To the contrary, ‘if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”  (Romans 12:20,21)