GOOD NEWS YOU CAN USE...

A Literary Arts Ministry Newsletter - Issue 12

A Time of Given Rest

It's a new day and horizon; the birds are chirping. It's time to start the day. The routine schedules, the work assignments, the household chores, meal preparations, pulling down the bed, and the cycle continues from the next day.

We are often so engaged in day-to-day tasks that we don't make time for rest. A time that is God-given. Examine yourself: how frequently do you take time out of your busy schedule to meditate for 30 to 45 minutes in the day?

God created the heavens and earth in six days, but on the seventh day, He rested. God demonstrated what a necessity is for man. The seventh day of rest was called the Sabbath—a holy day dedicated to the Lord. The Israelites were required to observe the Sabbath, even during the busy season of plowing and harvesting, to emulate God in the creation to commemorate their covenant with God. The exact requirement applies to us today.

Matthew 12:8 declares Jesus as "Lord of the Sabbath" and affirms that the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath (Mark 2:27). This implies this is a day intended as a day of rest, worship, and spiritual refreshment. And because we are required daily to walk in holiness unto the Lord (Leviticus 20:7, 1 Peter 1:16), we as Believers should be purposeful in setting out time for spiritual, mental, and physical restoration each day.

For Christians, the Sabbath is observed on Sunday to remember Jesus Christ's resurrection. Hebrews 4:9 states, "So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God." Christians who keep the Sabbath weekly are reminded of the hope of being in God's Kingdom.

Commit yourself daily to the requirement of rest; a time of rest is soothing for the soul.

SPOTLIGHT!!!

SHARE YOUR GIFTS & TALENTS... (James 1:17)

Terry Patterson was born and raised in Pulaski, TN, Giles County, and attended East High School. He is the Father of one daughter, Nora Harris, and is deeply loved by family and friends.

Terry's career at Genesco Shoe Company was marked by dedication and a pioneering spirit. He spent fifteen years as a shipping and receiving specialist, becoming the first African American to work in the department. After his tenure at Genesco, he owned a cleaning business. During the holidays, he volunteers with the Salvation Army as a Top Bell Ringer, a role he has served in for 10 years.

Terry's love for God is central to his life, bringing him comfort and joy. He expresses this love through music, finding comfort in the Psalm of David, "The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want," Psalms 23:1. His greatest desire is to live by the Will of God, walking in fellowship with the Father, and to be with Jesus now and forevermore.

Terry enjoys volunteering during the holiday season, making children's wishes come true through gift-giving, and donating non-perishable items to Food pantries.

Terry's adventurous spirit is evident in his desire to visit and explore different cities and travel the world. His hobbies include singing, photography, and exploring old cars; these reflect his diverse interests and love for life, intriguing those around him.

Terry's life is a living testament to his unwavering commitment to God. He strives to live a life in obedience to God's will and takes pleasure in encouraging the homeless, reminding them of God's love despite their circumstances. His faith is truly inspiring.

Terry is a faithful member of Saint Matthew Missionary Baptist Church. He is a devoted Sunday School Department student and ordained deacon. He serves as a member of the Brotherhood Choir and Adult Choir, in which, in years past, he held the office of Vice-President. Terry is a great inspiration to our church family and often shares testimonials weekly about his encounters with God. We are blessed to have such a humble servant to call our brother in Christ and serve in our ministry.

Displayed below are some highlights of our spotlight champion.

INSPIRATIONS FOR THE SOUL

By Davina Dean

HARVEST TIME

It’s the fall season. The weather is cooler, and the days are shorter. I see all the fall and harvest decorations, and it reminded me of the times that I heard, “You will reap a harvest.” I wanted to see what the Bible says about it and how much “the harvest” applies to our Christian life.

Most of the time, when I hear this saying, I guess it refers to the concept of you get back what you put in or reap what you sow. In other words, if you do good, then God will bless you. This is not false. Galatians 6:7-10 teaches us this principle. This is a benefit of following the Lord. However, the Bible has more to teach us about “the harvest,” and it is much more than just your or my blessings.

The book of Matthew teaches us the harvest is plenty, but the laborers are few (Matthew 9:37-38). It also teaches that seed that fell on good soil represent those that hear, understand God’s Word, and produce a harvest greater than what was planted (Matthew 13:23).

John 4:35-38 breaks it down even further, saying, “You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest. The harvesters are paid good wages, and the fruit they harvest is people brought to eternal life. What joy awaits both the planter and the harvester alike! You know the saying, ‘One plants and another harvests.’ And it’s true. I sent you to harvest where you didn’t plant; others had already done the work, and now you will get to gather the harvest.”

We are sent to spread the Good News of Jesus and to make disciples. Jesus plants the seed in people's hearts when we are obedient to sharing His gospel and letting the Holy Spirit guide us to be Christ-like examples to the world.

The harvest is all those that have accepted Jesus, and all who will accept Him in the future. I guess it is always “harvest time” until the Lord returns. As Christians, we are to continue to gather the harvest for the Lord.

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By Deborah Armstrong

GOD'S FAITHFULNESS

As a child, I often cried due to the burden of wearing glasses, a perceived flaw that made me an easy target for ridicule from my peers. My father, sensing my distress, sat me down and shared a story of divine intervention. He recounted how, as an infant, I had developed a severe eye condition, with scales and pus forming around both eyelids shortly after birth.

Without hesitation, my parents rushed me back to the hospital, where the doctor prescribed medication for my eyes. However, instead of improving, the condition worsened to the point of sealing my eyes shut. It was at this critical moment that my father made a bold decision.

Yielding to the source of healing, my father laid his hands on my eyes and began praying to God, asking Him to heal his baby's eyes that she might see. The scales fell off, and the pus dried up; God answered his prayer. James 5:16 states, "…The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." I am so grateful for the faithfulness of God to those who believe in the name of Jesus. Lamentations 3:22-23 reminds us that "it is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."

Today, at 62, I am a living testament to the unwavering power of God in my life. He has preserved my sight, and I am grateful every time I see my reflection and my beautiful brown eyes. His faithfulness to me is a constant reminder that if you trust in Him, He will reveal His faithfulness to you.