First Baptist Church of Midway

It's so easy to get discouraged when those around us, who have no affection for Christ, seem blessed more than us. Since we love Jesus, shouldn't we get the promotion? Shouldn't we get the raise?

The Bible says that we should not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Most of us do not have a godly perspective on the meaning of "proper time". We assume that because of our suffering or labor we deserve a blessing now. Many times we think that we have paid our dues so now it's time for God to pony-up the blessings now. Our thinking is that now is the proper time for me to be blessed. This attitude betrays a heart that wants God to build our kingdom. Shouldn't our desire be to build His?

We must ask God to transform our thinking. That new job God blessed her with was given to her to further God's plan. Perhaps that promotion he got was part of God's purpose to reveal Himself to an unbeliever. As a Christ-follower we know that our life belongs to God. It is intended for God's glory and His purposes. We know that our treasure and reward come later. Right? Cultivating this attitude is tough when we see the wicked prosper. But really when you think about it, the only true difference between you and an unbeliever is Jesus. Why do we need fringe benefits when we have the King of kings and Lord of lords?

Next time, when we see an unbeliever blessed with a promotion or raise, thank God for His common grace that allows all of us to breathe. Express to Him that if He never gives you another thing for the rest of your life, He's given you enough by sending Jesus into your life.

"May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world."

Ladies' Small Group - The ladies meet on Sunday Nights at 6 PM and are going through the book Made To Crave by Lisa TerKeurst. If you have any questions please contact Stephanie Robinson at (724) 678-9520. The ladies will be taking Father's Day off, but will resume on June 24.

Men's Small Group - The men will be meeting on Friday Nights at 7 PM and are going through the book The Resolution for Men by Stephen Kendrick. If you have any questions please contact Pastor Robinson at (724) 255-1695. The men will be taking this Friday off, but we will resume on June 22nd at Buck & Lynn Harringtons.

June 24 - We will be observing the Lord's Supper and taking up the Deacon's Fund Offering following the AM Worship Service.

July 1 - Carry-In Dinner following the AM Worship Service.

July 8-12 - Vacation Bible School for 4 year olds through those going into 6th grade. Begins at 6:30 and will end at 8:30. Questions? Call Stephanie.

We have been approached by an individual who wants to help our church to be proactive in being prepared for the future. Recently there was a chance to purchase the house behind the church, but we were not in any position to purchase it. They have since taken it off the market, but will most likely be putting it back on the market in a year or so. This anonymous person has offered to match up to $5000 each month (from May through December) that would be given to the parsonage fund over and above your regular offerings. This is a great opportunity to get prepared to purchase some needed property for parking since our church is landlocked. Please consider donating some money towards this fund so we can be better prepared for this possible opportunity. Last month we raised $5,090! Praise the Lord!!