A Little Now, The Rest Later

"And now, do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you." (Gen 45:5 NIV)

As believers, we don't often see the fullness and significance of God's plan until we look back after time. It has been said, "hind sight is 20/20," and such seems to be true when reflecting upon the ebbs and flows of life.

Joseph had been sold into slavery as a result of his brother's rage and jealousy. But he harbored no bitterness. Instead, he saw God's providential hand in all that had happened to him. He would not have been transported to Egypt where he became a house manager, then thrown into jail where he met the king's servant who would later introduce him to Pharaoh, become Pharaoh's Chief of Staff, and subsequently in power to help his starving people had all that happened not happened. God's hand was clearly involved at every step of Joseph's life.

God has a plan to prosper all God's people (cf Jer 29:11). In the same way, God has a plan for you and me. We may not see it right now because God is not finished yet. But just as surely as we are able to see the past more clearly today, we will come to more fully see and understand today's events in the future.

Lord, thank you for being a God we can trust. A God that cares enough to lead us even when feel we are alone. We do not see the fullness of Your good, perfect and pleasing plan but we well know You hold that plan and will remain faithful to see it to completion. We will understand some day -- and for now, that's enough. Amen.

Ministry Needs

Camden Youth "Hangout" Ministry Needs Bit More Cash! The Lighthouse, is a new place in Camden where youth can go to "hangout" instead of getting into trouble. The ministry began as a vision of several local Baptists who realized Camden youth have virtually no where to go on weekends. The result, they have transformed a former fitness center into a get-away that is something to be seen. Located on Battleship Road, The Lighthouse will open for business this Friday, January 29, at 7:00 pm. You can support this worthwhile ministry effort with a cash contribution to pay for necessary insurance. Premiums are expected to run from $800 to $1,400. Contributions should be mailed to the Lakeview Baptist Church, 1520 Mill Street, Camden, SC 29020. Please be sure to label your contribution "Lighthouse Ministry."

Loving Touch Ministry Needs Bodies! "Loving Touch" is a crisis pregnancy ministry which offers counseling and support for teen youths. If you or someone you know would be interested in volunteering to help, please contact Terri Self or Ann Myers at 432-7000, or drop by their office on 1009-B Fairlawn Drive, Camden.

Colombian Relief Effort -- No doubt you have heard about the terrific suffering being endured by God's people in Columbia, South America. The recent earthquake there has left over 800 dead by official reports and more are expected. Worse still, the area is now enduring torrential rains that have impeded rescue efforts and worsened already tragic living conditions. These people need help! Pastor Williams will soon report on Southern Baptists disaster relief efforts and will be outlining ways you can help over the next week. If you want to help in the meantime, contributions to the SBC General Disaster Fund may be made at any Southern Baptist Church. Information is also available on-line from the SBC's International Missions Board.

Together We Pray

For a 7 year old girl with Leukemia. The cancer has cost her an eye and she remains in critical condition in a Columbia hospital.

For a business man who recently underwent valve replacement surgery. He has been moved from ICU and is now resting comfortably.

For a lady who received a negative test result this week and continues to lose weight. Her condition, following a prolonged illness, continues to deteriorate.

For the flood victims of Honduras and the earthquake survivors of Columbia. Please also pray for those missionaries, pastors, ministers, and relief workers serving in these areas.

In thanksgiving for the recovery of a mother who is back on her feet, and getting out of the house, following a long illness.

In thanksgiving for 32 year old missionary who is reporting good news following cancer in both lungs.

Bible Readings

Fri Jan 29: Ex 12.31 - 15.27; Psm 15

Reflect: Ex 15.2

Sat Jan 30: Ex 16.1 - 19.26; Psm 16

Reflect: Ex 19.5

Sun Jan 31: Mat 20.1 - 21.22; Prov 6.1-11

Reflect: Mat 20.22

Mon Feb 1: Mat 21.23 - 22.46; Prov 6.12-19

Reflect: Mat 22.36-39

Tue Feb 2: Mat 21.23 - 22.46; Prov 6.12-19

Reflect: Mat 23.5

Wed Feb 3: Mat 23.1 - 24.2; Prov 6.20-35

Reflect: Mat 24.6-7

Thu Feb 4: Mat 24.3 - 24.51; Prov 7.1-23

Reflect: Mat 25.1-13

Fri Feb 5: Mat 25.1 - 25.46; Prov 7.24 - 8.11

Reflect: Mat 26.47-56

Computer Corner

Hey, there's plenty of trash on the Internet but that's not all that is out there. There is also plenty of good stuff too! The problem is finding it.

In an effort to help you discover some of the better online sites that will benefit you and your family, this corner will be devoted to highlighting one or more web addresses in each issue. One of these is published by The American Family Association, publishers of the informative and highly popular Journal.

Each month, AFA Journal reports the good and bad on television. And we need not tell you, there is just as much junk on television as there is on the Internet -- maybe more!

If you would like to the FREE AFA Journal delivered to your home, contact them at 601-840-6464. You can also reach them at http://www.afa.net. In addition, AFA features a handsome web page at http://www.afo.net that truly protect your family from the smut of the Internet. Their blocking filters are on their computers so they can't be bypassed. The company also offers Internet services for $23.95 a month.

The information you find on AFA Net is well worth your visiting the site. It's one of the good things on the Internet.

What Did You Think?

Well, what did you think of Journey Through the Bible, my new online ministry newsletter? It is my sincere hope and prayer that people will draw ever closer to Jesus Christ by the information found using this format. Some of you getting this live at far too great a distance for me to help you enjoy the full and meaningful life which Jesus offers. I hope the devotions, the news, and especially the Bible Readings will help you discover for yourself how rewarding the Christian life can be.

Please drop me an e-mail letter at ccwms@rocsoft.net and let me know what you think. I will not mail you this again unless I hear from you! It is not my intention to force anything on you. So if you want to get future copies, let me know right away.