A LITTLE CHILD SHALL LEAD THEM

Earlier this year our daughter, Amanda Fisher, told me that she and Brandon were going to start giving Colson, age 8, a consistent allowance. He had to accomplish some chores to receive the five dollars. The parents told Colson that one dollar would go in the tithe envelope for God, two he could spend, and two he would put in savings. Amanda said she figured he would be disappointed that only two dollars were allowed for spending money. Instead, he said, "I would rather put two in the tithe and three in the savings." Amanda teased, "Where did he get his big heart? Certainly it can't be from Brandon!?" Of course the point is that we all inherit some selfish genes. A big heart comes from God. No wonder Jesus said that a little child shall lead them. Giving is seldom a pocket book matter. It is more often a heart matter.

Pastor Cox

Faith, Hope, and Love

Since we started the 40 DAYS OF LOVE last Sunday I spoke on "What Matters Most." Speaking of Paul's three verities, I mentioned faith and hope but the greatest is love and it reverberates forever. On the way out of worship, Dick Hacker asked, "But can you have love without faith and hope?" I love it when people ask questions like that. It is hard to answer while greeting a line of people but it got me to thinking. In our life on Planet Earth, I think the three definitely are intertwined. So, I think Dick is right. Without faith (trust) in others it would be hard to love. And without some anticipation or vision it would be hard to love. I suspect what the Apostle means is that beyond our life time, hope and faith will no longer be necessary. As our lives are swallowed up into eternity, there will be no longer any need for faith or hope. But since God IS love, love is forever and ever.

Pastor Cox

DO I NEED TO BE MORE LOVING?

On the way to Rotary at noon, I thought of a conversation I had with someone. Since we are entering 40 DAYS OF LOVE, I mentioned that I want to become a more loving person. This person laughed, "You? You can't be more loving!" If I think of myself as a loving person, does that mean all the bases are covered? If others perceive me as a totally loving person, do I not know areas of my life better than they do? If I should think as a pastor that I don't need to grow in love, then that's probably all the more indication that I need 40 DAYS OF LOVE! I am a part of the rank and file of humanity that needs to be more loving. That's surely what life is all about-- to continue to grow in love. I think if any persons, including myself engage in 40 DAYS, they will becoming more loving

Pastor Cox

A safe place to rest

In my quiet time this morning I read Psalm 46. I love the description of how God is our refuge and our strength!

One of my favorite verses comes from this Psalm in verse 10, "Be still, and know that I am God."

Many times I get so busy and things become hectic and I wonder why I feel 'off'. For me it is because I am trying to do too much, to fit too much into one day. God did not design us to go all of the time, but to take periods of rest in Him.

Take a break today and be still and connect with God. It will do wonders for you!

Blessings,
Steve

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

FBC was very kind to provide a weekend get away for Marie and I to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, to see the Cards play the Pirates at PNC Stadium. I always thought of Pittsburg as an industrial city with steel factories. I was wrong. The city is nestled in a river valley in which the Alegheny River and the Monga something, something river converge to form the Ohio River. The former baseball park was called "Three River Stadium." We took the tram up to the top of Mount Washington and could view the entire city. It was beautiful. The home of the last Super Bowl Champs, the Pittsburg Steelers, is on the river. Also PNC Park is on the river. Both games were good. Cards lost one and won one. PNC is a beautiful ball park. In Pittsburg one of the local treats is a Pittbuger. It is so large you can't get your mouth around it. In between two buns are the meat, cheese, onions, tomatoes, slaw, and french fries. Huge sandwich. I was so wrong about Pittsburg. First impressions about people, places, and events are often wrong.

Pastor Cox