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

Daily Bible Reading: John 6:1-71 (“Jesus said to them, ‘I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.‘“)

This Week’s Memory Verse: “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33

Remember These In Prayer:

Lee Davis remains at Johnson City Medical Center, and has now been placed under hospice care.  He will be moved to a skilled nursing center in the next couple of days.  For now it would be best that there be no visitors, but both Carla and Lee send their thanks for your prayers.

Charles Elliott was discharged from Johnson City Medical Center on Tuesday afternoon, and is now back home.  Tests did not reveal any significant blockages or heart problems after he was admitted for chest pains.  He will follow up with a cardiologist, and will be treated with medications.  Charles and Sandy thank all who offered prayers.

Mark Stayer came through his cataract surgery on Tuesday “with flying colors”, according to a report from Kathy.  He is resting at home, she says, and they thank everyone for their prayers.

Charlotte Barefield was discharged on Tuesday from Franklin Woods Hospital and is now resting at home.  She is recovering from pneumonia and severe anemia.

Jordan Simerly is continuing to undergo evaluations as his oncologist works to better understand the lymphoma he has.  Nothing has yet been said about a program of treatment.  Keep our brother in your prayers.

Juanita Mathes is at Quillen Rehab Hospital as she recovers from a fall at her home a few days ago.

Doug, a cousin of Laurie Norton who lives in Canada, has just learned he has a rare form of cancer.  He and his family are waiting to see what can be done.

The family of David Forinash, father of Geri Mahaley, is continuing to mourn his unexpected passing on Sunday evening.  The family will receive friends on Saturday from 1:00 until 2:45 at First United Methodist Church in Elizabethton, with a funeral service following at 3:00.  You may view his obituary by clicking here.

The family of Brenda Piro, sister of Judy Von Dollen, is mourning her passing on Sunday in Joliet, Illinois.  Prayers have been requested for Judy and her family.

Devotional This Evening: Instead of Bible classes, we will engage in a devotional this evening at 7:00.  We hope you’ll join us.  We also need a few men to volunteer to lead some hymns.  If you can help with this, come a little early and speak with David Crockett or get in touch with him earlier today.

Refreshing!!  Normally we groan when a TV commercial comes on.  The one you’ll see at this link is quite a change from the norm.  Perhaps we should find a way to let the sponsor know what we think about this commercial.  Wouldn’t it be nice to see more like this?

The Top 19:  World Video Bible School has been producing high quality, true-to-God’s-word videos in recent years.  At this site you’ll find a list of their top 19 most-watched videos in 2019, and links which allow you to watch them.  What better way to start the New Year than by watching something good for our souls?

Happy New Year!  Some of us are shaking our heads as we realize 2020 has arrived.  We don’t know how many more calendars we’ll hang on our walls, but by God’s grace we’ve been given today.  Let’s use our time wisely.

More Than Just A New Year:  ” And He who was seated on the throne said, ‘Behold, I am making all things new.’ Also He said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment.”  (Revelation 21:5,6)