Know the Path

I went hiking with the youth this week, let’s just say it was an experience. I knew where I wanted to go, but could not remember the name of the turnoff to get there. So, I asked a friend who grew up in the area. He knew where it was, but didn’t pay attention to signs, he just drove. You can do that if the area has become a part of you. Still, we found Elk Mountain (after a stop at the visitor’s center for directions), and hiked up the trail with no problem. However, coming down we somehow got off the path and ended up making our own, with the help of the local wildlife who had blazed some of the trail for us. Of course, this trail wasn’t nearly as people friendly.

I wonder how much we are like this spiritually? Satan, does his best to make us follow a trail, that looks just enough like God’s, to the point where we look up and find ourselves completely lost. We often make Satan’s job much too easy by spending our time on selfish desires, or confidence in our own power. How did it happen? We failed to spend enough time walking side by side with God.

Our problem hiking was not a trail that we could not follow. Our problem was that we did not know the trail well enough to follow it without error. God wants us to know His ways so well, we have no problem recognizing His track. Of course, this kind of relationship takes us spending so much time with God that we automatically follow Him. He desires us to walk side by side Him as we would a friend. We need His ways to become part of us.

Cry out for insight and understanding. Search for them as you would for lost money or hidden treasure. Then you will understand what it means to fear the LORD, and you will gain knowledge of God. For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him (Proverbs 2:3-8).

Wade McKnight, Southern Oaks Church of Christ, Chickasha, OK

News & Notes

PRACTICAL MINISTRIES CLASS:  Next Sunday morning, April 4th, during the Bible class hour, the “Practical Ministries” class will begin in the Fireside Room off the new fellowship hall at 9:00 AM. This is open to any of the Grandview men and is part of the continuing preaching class series.

ADULT BIBLE CLASS:  We are beginning a study of the book of Romans. Everyone is encouraged to read the second chapter of Romans. The homework for this week, in preparation for discussion next week is “By looking at nature one can conclude that God is all-powerful. But can one conclude from looking at nature that He is an all-loving God of righteousness and justice?”

SHORES:  Today we will be having services again at The Shores in Pleasant Hill at 2:00 PM. We appreciate those who come to help sing and give encouragement to the speaker.

PLEASE SEND A CARD:  Bob Housby has been teaching a person whose Mother died 3/24.  If Grandview members would send her a card, we are praying that the compassion shown her will melt her heart towards the Lord’s will for her life.  Her information:  Kim Tate, 2540 E 22nd Rt, Marseilles, IL 61341

Bible Reading if FUNdamental (BRIF):  We are keeping track of Bible chapters read by Grandview embers each week.  Here  are the results so far:

Jan 9   538
Jan 23  693.5
Feb 7   658
Feb 21  529
Mar 7   490
Mar 20  493
Jan 16    732
Jan 30    537.5
Feb 14    562
Feb 28    638
Mar 14    433

Prayer Requests

Gwen Duckstein’s aunt Jan Nikkel has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Please pray for wisdom for the family as they decide how to proceed in the future.

A friend of Jason Housby, Deb Bergsma, her grandmother Joan has cancer.

A friend of Phyllis Mort, Jane Ellis, has been diagnosed with cancer.

Michael Watson’s brother, Adam, has Mononucleosis.

The Mort family requests prayers on behalf of Jenna.

Mitzi Wood’s son Blake, is 14 years old and has been diagnosed with cancer.

Jared Van Egdom’s father, found out during surgery on Wednesday that the tumor is malignant. The surgeons were able to remove some of it, but not all. They had to remove one kidney as well. The extent of the growth of the tumor is great so they closed him up and are hoping that after chemotherapy treatments they will be able to go back in and remove the rest of the tumor.

Paul Powers continues to make great improvements. It is very likely that he  will be able to return to Alabama later in the week. The family is working with the social worker to get AngelFlight to cover the transportation needs.

Glen Stevens has an appointment to have an echocardiogram later in May.

Diane George’s former mother-in-law, Jessie George, passed away this past week.  Please pray for her family.

Carol Crocker, Dora Bailey’s mother, is seeing improvement from the physical therapy she is receiving for her bulging disk.

Andrew Graves (Harriett’s grandson) is requesting prayers for himself and his 10-month-old daughter Kayleigha Graves. She’s been diagnosed with severe Acid Reflux, anemia and weight loss.

Jake Ferrell’s mom, Vicki Bennett, is still in Lutheran hospital, and she is doing better.

Lyndsay Gordon asks you to pray for her high school friend, Katie Ford, who had a stroke. She is only 31 years old.

Looking for a job: Tom Collier, Meredith South,  David and Frank Colton, Deborah Wallis,  Robert Housby, Arlene Ogle.

Shane Siegle’s sister, Cherrie Hubbard’s cancer has spread to her bones.

Please pray for Deb Kuper and the children as well as Chad.

Pray for our nation and all it’s  challenges.

Expectant mothers: Dawn White, Dora Bailey, Anne Ogle, Melissa Ludwig, Danielle Duquette

Marnie Walker and the girls in Des Moines with the house for sale while Philip is in Alabama.

Missions:  Mike & Diane Richardson; Bob &  Marla Housby

Calendar of Events

Apr 11 – Mazak Retirement Party after  evening worship
Apr 23-25 – Grandview Lectureship
May 1 – Hickman Ladies Day
May 21-23 – Davis City ‘Creation’ Seminar