The "Living" Bible

There are different versions of this story going around and have been for years...it is a very true message taught through its telling. Judith shared this with me a couple of years ago and I thought I should share it with you...

His name is Bill. He has wild hair, wears a T-shirt with holes in it, jeans, and no shoes. This was literally his wardrobe for his entire four years of college. He is brilliant. Kind of profound and very, very bright. He became a Christian while attending college.

Across the street from the campus is a well-dressed, very conservative church. They want to develop a ministry to the students but are not sure how to go about it. One day Bill decides to go there. He walks in with no shoes, jeans, his T-shirt, and wild hair. The service has already started and so Bill starts down the aisle looking for a seat. The church is completely packed and he can't find a seat. By now, people are really looking a bit uncomfortable, but no one says anything.

Bill gets closer and closer and closer to the pulpit, and when he realizes there are no seats, he just squats down right on the carpet. By now the people are really uptight, and the tension in the air is thick. About this time, the minister realizes that from way at the back of the church, a deacon is slowly making his way toward Bill. Now the deacon is in his eighties, has silver-gray hair, and a three-piece suit. A godly man, very elegant, very dignified, very courtly. He walks with a cane and, as he starts walking toward this boy, everyone is saying to themselves that you can't blame him for what he's going to do. How can you expect a man of his age and of his background to understand some college kid on the floor? It takes a long time for the man to reach the boy. The church is utterly silent except for the clicking of the man's cane. All eyes are focused on him. You can't even hear anyone breathing. The minister can't even preach the sermon until the deacon does what he has to do. And now they see this elderly man drop his cane on the floor. With great difficulty, he lowers himself and sits down next to Bill and worships with him so he won't be alone.

Everyone chokes up with emotion. When the minister gains control, he says, "What I'm about to preach, you will never remember. What you have just seen, you will never forget."

Be careful how you live. You may be the only Bible some people will ever read.

God bless and have a great week.

"He must increase, but I must decrease."

We had a great morning at the LEB with over 55 in attendance despite several being away traveling. Dan and Mildred are on an anniversary trip to see their children in Georgia and others were missed as well, but we pressed on with a lesson centered around John 3:30 and John the Baptist's simple declaration "He must increase, but I must decrease."

Jesus must increase in our thoughts, our prayers, our worship and in our daily lives. We are excited about letting Jesus increase in every way at Lebanon and we hope if you are joining us online for the first time, you will sometime join us in person.

Continue to pray for Eugene Thomason who faces more tests on Monday, Hunter Winstead, Mason Bennett, and others we remember from time to time at Lebanon.

See you soon...!

Eugene Thomason update

Gretta Hughes and I went and visited with Eugene Thomason for just a moment today (Thursday) at Volunteer Hospital in Martin.
He has been moved to a regular room (53) and is some improved over recent days. His staples from surgery have been removed, but a tube has been reinserted through his nose for drainage.
Eugene is very weak, but in good spirits and when I mentioned visiting him again on Sunday, he whispered that he hoped to be at home with his dogs by then.
Truly, a long hospital is a strain on the patient as well as the family. Remember Eugene, Sherry, and their family in prayer as you go before the Father today.

Hunter Winstead update (3)

(From Tina Davis)

Hunter is doing much better today. He is able to sit up and talk (limited) to doctors. One procedure that was scheduled to take one hour took three and Hunter expressed dissatisfaction with this fact verbally to his doctor. Doctors from St. Jude have visited Hunter and are assessing his case and will make a determination within the next few days about how to proceed.

Please continue to pray.

Thanks again...and more...

Thanks for all your care and concern the past few weeks as I have been having a challenge with the extra workload of summer and my health. Your cards, comments, and concerned questions at services mean so much. I think I have turned a corner and am looking forward to brighter days ahead.

Kristan and I are excited about enjoying the rest of summer with a trip to see her family over the 4th of July weekend (Dan Bennett will be preaching both services on July 6th) and then lots of wedding preparations between now and October. It seems like only yesterday I arrived at Lebanon and almost 4 1/2 years have passed. I look forward to serving you better and longer as a married man than I have as a single one!

Remember to wish Dan and Mildred Crofford a Happy Anniversary as they reach a GOLDEN milestone this week of 50 years of marriage. Truly, such is rare in our world today and is to be commended. Also, Deloris and Ricky are to have 40 years in marriage coming up which is a milestone to be acknowledged as well. Combined we have between them almost a century of marriage in two couples...truly a blessing and a great example for young couples just starting out on the adventure that is married life.

have a great week and see you Sunday!

Hunter Winstead update (2)

Hunter Winstead is improving slowly today after the long surgery on Tuesday. According to the family, he is responding to touch and to the sound of his name. After some more improvement milestones have been reached, he will be transferred from Lebonhaer to St. Jude to undergo treatment for his cancer.

Please continue to pray for this family.

Update from the Bennetts

Mr. Dan Bennett gave me a call this afternoon to alert me to two points of news to share with you:

He stepped off in a hole while cleaning gutters at his job Monday and broke his foot and will be wearing a walking boot for several weeks to allow the two fractures to heal. He is still looking forward to preaching July 6...walking boot and all!

His second bit of news is what really caused him great joy. Mason, he and Joyce's grandson from Ohio, who has been battling cancer recently received a report that the tumor on his brain stem is shrinking faster than expected. Mason resumed chemo treatments today and there is a outside chance that if his blood count is high enough, he may even be able to attend summer camp.

Continue to pray for the Bennetts' and their health challenges.

Hunter Winstead update

Hunter's surgery today (Tuesday) unfortunately revealed that the tumor is cancerous and has spread from the brain stem to the spinal cord and surrounding tissues. Doctors will be telling the family more tomorrow (Wednesday) as far as treatment options and what course treatment should take.

Please remember the Winstead family in prayer as they face this major challenge in Hunter's young life.

Hunter Wayne Winstead surgery

Tina Davis passed this on to me and I thought I would share it with all of you...

I would like to ask for a special prayer request for Hunter Wayne Winstead age 10 of Memphis. Hunter is the son of Kerry and Martha Winstead-grandson of Kenneth and Marie Winstead of Dresden and Ray and Pat Capps of Martin. He is the great grandson of Captola Winstead of Dresden.

Lebonheur discovered that Hunter has a tumor at the base of the brain stem on Friday. The tumor is so large that it must be removed. They will do the surgery Tuesday morning at Lebonheur. They will not know whether it is benign or malignant until they test it after the surgery. The surgery is a very, very complicated procedure-near optical nerves, ect...

Please say a special prayer for this young boy and his family.

Eugene Thomason update

Eugene Thomason, who has been on our prayer list recently, is undergoing a health challenge related to scar tissue from his previous battle with colon cancer. He is improving slowly and is in Volunteer Hospital at Martin. Please pray for he and Sherry at this time.

Their address is: Eugene and Sherry Thomason, 209 Thomason Rd. Dresden, TN 38225. Cards would be most appreciated.

Things to think about...

As we go through life today think about these facts that help put things in perspective...

If your family owns just one Bible, you are abundantly blessed. One third of all the world does not have access to even one.

If you woke up this morning with more health than illness, you are more blessed than the one million people who will not survive this week.

If you have never experienced the danger of battle, the lonliness of imprisonment, the agony of torture, or the pags of starvation, you are ahead of 500 million people in the world.

If you can attend a church meeting without feaer of harassment, arrest, torture, or death, you are more blessed than three billion people in the world who live in the 91 countries where it is either illegal to be a Christian or the government supports people who persecute Christians.

If you have food in the refrigerator, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep, you are richer than 75% of this world.

If you have money in the bank, in your wallet, and spare change in a dish someplace, you are among the top 8% of the worlds wealthy.

And we complain about high gas prices and when our food is cold at McDonald's? Remember to whom much has been given much is required.

God bless,

-Will

On Father's Day...

I ran across a little story which has been told many times by dinner speakers and preachers about fatherhood and the busy lives we lead, but I wanted to share it as my thought this week about Father's Day. My dad, like many, worked long hard hours to help our family have the physical things we needed (and wanted) growing up, but I always felt that when I really needed him, he would listen. I know, as do you, that we have another Father who ALWAYS has time for us. Here is the story.

A young man was to be sentenced to the penitentiary. The judge had known him from childhood, for he was well acquainted with his father--a famous legal scholar and the author of an exhaustive study entitled, "The Law of Trusts." "Do you remember your father?" asked the magistrate. "I remember him well, your honor," came the reply. Then trying to probe the offender's conscience, the judge said, "As you are about to be sentenced and as you think of your wonderful dad, what do you remember most clearly about him?" There was a pause. Then the judge received an answer he had not expected. "I remember when I went to him for advice. He looked up at me from the book he was writing and said, 'Run along, boy; I'm busy!' When I went to him for companionship, he turned me away, saying "Run along, son; this book must be finished!' Your honor, you remember him as a great lawyer. I remember him as a lost friend."

The magistrate muttered to himself, "Alas! Finished the book, but lost the boy!"

All is well

Wow! What an amazing weekend! We were so fortunate and blessed to have such a large response to our Gospel meeting this weekend. In addition to great numbers, we had a great spiritual atmosphere with Jeremiah providing great, uplifting messages from God's word and great participation on each person's part in our worship. God be praised!

I was disappointed I (Will) wasn't able to join you for the fellowship meal yesterday and the evening service last night. I am sorting out a small medication change, and have had some welling and upset stomach problems associated with those changes. Rest assured I was with you in spirit and look forward to being back with you 100% next week.

I was so glad to see such good participation and attendance at every service. You all made an effort not only to show up, but to show up with the right frame of mind and, for that, I am gratefully.

God bless you this week to take what we learned about the advantages of being a Christian, building God's house, doing God's will, and so forth into the week ahead to win souls and hearts and minds for Christ and make every day and day when the Gospel meets people where they are and takes people to where God wants them to be.

Blessings in love,

-Will

Take note this weekend...

Just wanted to remind you that the meeting starts in just a few hours and you will be arriving at the building to hear the Word of God preached in simplicity and power. Don't forget to notice the "little" things that make a successful congregation work toward perfection in Christ.

Did you ever wonder how those beautiful flowers were placed on the tables each week before services? Ever wonder why the lobby and lawn were so well kept and never lacked a tender touch? Ever thought of the family that serve patiently by waiting while the "ministers" perform their duties at the church and in the community.?

Remember we are all in this thing called LIFE, together. Let's give a hand up to the fallen and a healing hand to the hurting,

Blessed by He who blesses all,
-Will

Meeting starts in less than 24 hours!!!

Don't forget our meeting starts Friday night with Jeremiah Tatum of the Pulaski Street congregation in Lawrenceburg, TN. Jeremiah has battled a great health obstacle to be with us and to bring his lovely wife, Amber, and three children to join us.

Services will be at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights to allow those who work late hours or who are traveling a great distance to be with us to attend. Sunday morning services will be at 10:00 a.m and 11:00 a.m. as usual with a large time of food and fellowship to follow at Mike and Norma's home.





Join us and invite a friend or family member to here the Gospel in its peace and power from God's word.

• Topics to be presented:
  Friday PM - The Advantages of Being a Christian (Eph. 2:1-10)
  Saturday PM - Build My House (Hag. 1:2-15)
• Sunday AM class - Commit Your Way to the Lord (Psalm 37:5)
• Sunday AM Worship - Heart and Soul (Acts 4:32)
• Sunday PM - Evangelism, God's Way (Mk. 16:15-16)