Daily Focus, May 25, 2020

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

Daily Bible Reading: 1 Kings 21:1 – 22:53 (“Have you seen how Ahab has humbled himself before me? Because he has humbled himself before me, I will not bring the disaster in his days; but in his son’s days I will bring the disaster upon his house.”)

This Week’s Memory Verse:So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the traditions that you were taught by us, either by our spoken word or by our letter.”  2 Thessalonians 2:15

Scroll down this page for a list of prayer requests.

Virtual Assemblies Continue: Yesterday we again observed “quarantined worship” as we practice caution in what seems to be a waning of COVID-19 cases in our region.  For Sunday morning worship we saw 121 connected via YouTube, 40 connected through Facebook Live, and 20 through our audio live stream.  (These numbers don’t reflect those who watched the recorded services later.)  We are aiming toward June 7 for our first Sunday to open the doors of our building.  This week you’ll hear more about measures that have been taken to keep everyone as safe as possible.  Thank you for your patience and your prayers.

Your Input Needed:  To help us prepare for reopening our building to worship, we want to hear your input.  If you’ve not yet taken the brief survey, please do so by clicking here.  Tuesday will be the last day this survey remains open.

Today Let Us Pause to remember those brave men and women who gave their lives as they protected our American freedom.  Memorial Day is a monument, and we should take time to consider the sacrifices of many.  We thank God for America, and we also thank all who have served our country.  Reflect on these blessings as you watch this beautiful one-minute video; click here.  Take time also to say a prayer for our nation.

World Bible School “Reboot”: World Bible School is an effort among churches of Christ to teach the gospel to millions of people throughout the world.  In the video at this link you’ll learn about a major redesign of their website and the way you can interact with students thousands of miles away.  Why don’t you consider becoming a Study Helper with WBS and help bring someone to Christ?  Get in touch with me if you’d like more information.

Remember These In Prayer:

Karen Stevens is beginning her third week on a hormone-blocking pill as a measure to attack the cancer in her body.  She recently obtained a measure of relief from severe pain she had been experiencing.  Keep Karen in your prayers.

Georgie Roten is recovering from cataract surgery last week on her one good eye.  There is some pressure in that eye, and her vision is not yet where she wants it to be.  She will return to be evaluated on Friday.

Will Terry, 8-year-old son of former Central member Adam Terry and his wife Catherine, remains in PICU at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital.  He continues to make slow progress, and on Saturday was able to have the ventilator removed.  He will be further weaned from medicines as doctors determine he is ready.  The family  asks that we continue praying for him.

Don Russell, brother of Charlie Russell, was taken to the ER Friday morning with kidney failure.  He has been diagnosed as having toxic encephalopathy.  Charlie asks that we pray for his doctors to be able to do what is best for him, and to give peace and comfort to him and his wife Anita.  They live in Roseburg, Oregon.

Paula and Joe Tackett are both hospitalized and are struggling due to the COVID-19 virus.  They are members of the Highland View Church of Christ in Oak Ridge.

Murphy Elliott, wife of Steven Elliott, was recently diagnosed with cervical cancer.  Steven is a grandson of Sandy and Charles Elliott, and they have asked for our prayers for God’s wisdom to guide all that will be done for her.

What You Hate:  *  “What do you despise?  By this are you truly known.”  (Frank Herbert)  *  “I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.  I hate the work of those who fall away; it shall not cling to me. A perverse heart shall be far from me; I will know nothing of evil.”  (Psalm 101:3,4)