Where There Is No Vision, The People Perish

We are so grateful for our song leader, Brother Randy Richardson, and his sweet wife, Jeanie. You can always enter the church doors knowing Brother Randy will be up front, ready to lead us in songs of worship. We feel we need to let him know that we appreciate his faithfulness.

I forgot to tell you last week that Brother Jon and Sister Sandra were back after his illness. Praise be to God they are able to be up and about God’s business.

There were two precious ladies who celebrated birthdays today. Our Sisters Jody Cartwright and Dorothy Cost were blessed with another year. We thank God for them and pray blessings upon their lives.

We were blessed in song by Brother Daniel Cartwright who sang “Jesus, Hold My Hand,” Sister Geneva Testerman who sang “Please Search The Book Again,” and Brothers Tommy Abercrombie and Bob Cartwright who sang “I’m Building A Bridge.” Such a wonderful way to set the mood for another message from the Word of God.

Pastor began his sermon by telling how a mother cradles the new born baby and imagines what that child will become. This is what we mean by “vision.” The mother must look for the place in life that will allow this child to live well. Without this vision, the mother could not bear to look into the world and all the evil and give her child to an unsure walk.

If we have hope in this life only, we would be so very miserable. Our vision is set on heavenly things and a world where there will be no pain nor sorrow and all will be joy forever more. Is this the vision that you hold in your heart? Proverbs 22:6 is a precious promise given to his parents who serve Him. It says that if we bring up our children in the way they should go, when they are old they will not depart from the true way of life. In chapter 3 and verse 5 of the same book, we find the words so often spoken: “Trust in the Lord.” Verse 6 speaks of acknowledging the Lord and He will direct your path. Again Proverbs 4:24 reminds us that we are to keep our eyes on the path of righteousness and never waver. Keep that vision.

We have so many things to look forward to, just like 1 Corinthians 2:12. We are told of the spirit that we have received that will show us the things of our Father. In Paul’s writings, he tells us that he fought a good fight and kept the faith; he looked to his vision and he finished the race. That should be our desire, and, with the help of our Lord Jesus Christ who is always with us, we too can finish the race and obtain our reward.

There are so many good things found in Paul’s words, we should purpose in our heart to take time to read every word that he left for us. We are too busy — that’s what Satan tells us. No, we are to take time while there is still an opportunity to call upon the name of the Lord.

As in the song that Sister Geneva sang, “I thought my name was written in the Book of Life.” Our name must be there before we can enter in and hear those wonderful words, “Come to me and I will give you rest.” The choice is yours. Only you can reach that vision that you are reaching for. No one else can do it for you.

If you do not have a home church, we would love for you to visit and give us a chance to help you be a part of the family of God. The Cove has been having some great Bible studies starting at 6:30 on Wednesday nights. Come worship with us.