Have you ever been forced to rediscover yourself - who you really are? Maybe it was a circumstance in life that left you with nothing to hide behind. Perhaps a hurt, tragedy, or illness came upon you like a bolt of lightning. You were faced with the real you and there were no masks, no pretense to cover your flaws. This is when you saw yourself as God sees you. You realized that you had nothing to offer the sovereign Lord and Creator of the universe. You could only offer yourself as you were and you had to plead for mercy. Yet, when you were at your lowest, God lifted you up. When you realized your spiritual nakedness, you saw how much you needed to be clothed with God's glory and mercy in Christ Jesus. (Gal. 3:26-29) This goes to the very core of what Jesus was teaching when he gave the "Beatitutudes" in the Sermon on the Mount. He was really emphasizing our spiritual poverty. And with that awareness of our own sinfulness, we should be led to godly sorrow and repentance for our sins. (See Matthew 5:3-10; also 2 Cor. 7:8-10)

Now having realized all that, aren't you thankful that you have a God who loved when you were unworthy of being loved? (Romans 5:6-11) He still loves you, not because of what you do or accomplish, but because of who He is and Whose you are. (1 John 4:9-10) He has chosen you to tell others that He can love them like He has loved you. (1Peter 2:9) Praise God - you are loved. (1 John 3:1) He holds you in His arms. He gives meaning to life. He gives you a sense of belonging. Now you live your life in gratitude for what God has done for you through Jesus. May we always be a people who live our lives in appreciation of God's redeeming love. May we always realize that we are beggars before God who have found the Bread of Life and we are trying to help other beggars to find the spiritual bread that will bring eternal life to their souls. And may we always make those necessary sacrifices so that others can find security, peace, joy and salvation in the Bread of Life. Friends, I want to tell you just how much me and my family have come to love the church here at Central. I'm so grateful that we are "co-workers" together with Christ in this community.

robprater@sbcglobal.net

Monroe was the father of Jim Pettyjohn. Monroe was a pillar for the Lord's church here in Shawnee for many years. He served as an elder at the East Main and Northridge congregations and he was a faithful member here at Central during the last few years of his life. He also preached the gospel at several congregations in the surrounding communities. His influence and impact for Christ in the church and in his family will not soon be forgotten.

Adam Beard came forward Sunday morning desiring to re-devote his life to God and his fellow brothers and sisters. He requested prayers to be the Christian man and spiritual leader that he needs to be. (We appreciate Adam and all our young people for all they do in trying to be a better Christian.)