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

Daily Bible Reading: Genesis 27:1 – 28:22 (“And he dreamed, and behold, there was a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven.  And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it!”)

This Week’s Memory Verse: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”  Romans 12:21

Remember These In Prayer:

The family of Bobby Jenkins, father of Tim Jenkins, continues to mourn his unexpected passing on Sunday at his home in Buladean, North Carolina.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 this evening at the St. Paul Free Will Baptist Church in Bakersville, NC, and a funeral service will follow at 7:00.  You may view his obituary by clicking here.  Pray for God’s comfort to be upon Tim, Katie, and all of the family.

MeLissa Crockett is awaiting more tests as specialists seek to determine more exactly what caused her recent heart issues.  Ask the Lord to guide this process with His wisdom.

Joyce Hall is receiving antibiotics after being diagnosed with cellulitis in her leg.  There is some improvement, but her leg continues to be quite painful.

Matthew Barrette, son of Linda Barrette, has been in ICU in Carbondale, Illinois.  We don’t have an update on his condition.

Debbie Fields, a member of the Hemphill (KY) Church of Christ, is recovering from major abdominal surgery last week at Bristol Regional Medical Center.

Tim Yates, cousin of Rebekah Hunt, is doing “remarkably well” following his recent open heart surgery in Florida.  Rebekah reports that he is scheduled to be discharged to go home today.  She thanks all for the prayers offered for him.

Rebekah Hunt has been limited after injuring her knee a few days ago.  Scans have revealed nothing that needs intervention, but she has still had a hard time walking.

You’ve Responded (Again): Last night we sent out a call for a workable laptop for one of our members who desperately needs one.  Three of you responded, and we figure one of those options will work.  Still, if you have something you could donate or sell for a low price, let us know – just in case.

Thinking About Prison Work?  If you’d like to help with worship services or classes at the local state prisons, plan to come to a meeting on Tuesday, August 27.  Representatives from the Tennessee Department of Corrections will be on hand in our fellowship area to certify individuals (men or women) to work in the prisons, or at the Day Reporting Center in Boone’s Creek.  If you’d like to be certified, sign the list at the main Welcome Center.  A meal will be served at 5:30, and the session will get started at 6:30.  Questions?  See Marshall Danby or me.

Don Blackwell Preaches!  A little over three months ago we told you about Don Blackwell, a well-known preacher among churches of Christ, who sustained serious injuries in an ATV accident.  He severed his spinal cord, and was paralyzed from the waist down.  Two days ago Don spoke at “Polishing The Pulpit” to a standing-room-only crowd (a few thousand!) on “The Frailty Of Life”.  Click here to watch his message, and see the amazing power of God at work!

God’s Plan Of Salvation: Video can be a powerful means of teaching God’s truths.  In the video you’ll find at this site, Matthew Hale shows in less than seven minutes what the Bible teaches about how to be saved.  Matthew, a member of the Abingdon (VA) Church of Christ, frequently worships with Central as a friend and guest of Caitlin Crockett.  Check it out!

Self-Destructive:  *  “It is never wise to seek or wish for another’s misfortune.  If malice or envy were tangible and had a shape, it would be the shape of a boomerang.”  (Charley Reese)  *  “Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.”  (Psalm 37:8,9)