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

Daily Bible Reading: Numbers 26:1-65 (“This was the list of the people of Israel, 601,730.”)

This Week’s Memory Verse: “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.”  Romans 12:10

Remember These In Prayer:

Becky Blacklidge was checked again on Wednesday afternoon after being told earlier in the day that she was in AFib.  Her doctor decided not to admit her to the hospital, but to place her on medications she can take at home.  Keep her in your prayers that she will do well.

Brenda McKinnis will undergo a biopsy today after a suspicious area was found last week in an MRI.  We wrongly reported yesterday that she would have an MRI today.  She may not know the results of this biopsy until early next week.  She has asked for our prayers that the findings will be good.

Leslie Ellis continues to recover at home following arm surgery last Thursday to repair her ulnar nerve.  She reported Wednesday night doing some better, but things are still very painful.  Keith counted 19 staples in her arm from the surgery.

Lucy Hagerty is to meet with her orthopedic surgeon today to discuss options, including possibly another surgery.  Pray for wisdom to guide both the surgeon and Lucy in making the right decisions.

One among us is undergoing scans and tests, as doctors search for ways to address their health issues.  They don’t wish to be identified, but they would appreciate our prayers on their behalf to the One who knows all things. 

Shatoya Bagley will meet with her physician this Friday, as well as with a cardiologist, after being hospitalized last week for low phosphorus levels.

Kay Napier will undergo outpatient cataract surgery next Tuesday.  She would appreciate our prayers for all to go well.

Lee Davis remains in Nashville after completing the first round of chemotherapy on Sunday.  He and Carla are staying with their daughter Ginger, and plan to come home this weekend.

Lynda Gray was with us in Bible study Wednesday night.  Her doctor told her that she is about 6 weeks ahead of schedule in her recovery from total knee replacement surgery.

Wendy Clark, sister-in-law to Gay Clark, has been moved to the rehab section of the hospital she has been in in Texas for the past several days.  She has finished the 30th and last radiation treatment for the brain tumor, and her kidneys have healed and her body is overcoming the sepsis.  Let us be sure to thank the Lord for hearing our prayers for her.

Jay, a man who has participated in classes, worship, and seminars that we offer at the Mountain City Prison, is to be sent to Nashville for further studies and likely surgery after additional spots were found in recent scans.  Ask the Lord to bless him with good counsel and care.

Stopping By To Say Hello: On Wednesday Claude and Cindy Terry stopped by the offices to say Hi.  They are in town to get ready for an estate sale of Cindy’s late mother’s property.  They keep up with Central through Daily Focus, and send their love and greetings to all.  They are doing well in the Atlanta area.

A Wedding Shower will be held Saturday from 2:00 to 4:00 in our downstairs fellowship area for Hannah Irick and Cody Moore.  Hannah and Cody have worshiped with us for the last several months; Cody is the grandson of Linda and Jim Bob Moore, and Hannah is the niece of local preacher David Irick.  All are welcome to come wish them the best.

The Power Of Forgiveness: Many of us have watched some of the coverage of the trial of Amber Guyger, the police officer convicted of murder after shooting a man she thought was burglarizing her apartment – after she entered the wrong apartment.  In this video clip you’ll see the response of victim Botham Jean’s brother after Amber was sentenced.  We suspect this man’s words and actions will cause many to search deeply into their own souls.  (Thanks to Greg Ryan for sharing this link.)

Dwelling In Us:  *  “Do everything as if He were dwelling in us.  Thus we shall be His temples and He will be within us as our God – as He actually is.”  (Ignatius of Antioch)  *  “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”  (Galatians 2:20)