COMMENTS FROM THE COMMITTEE The Voice of God

Transcription

1 AT WHITE OAK GROVE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH Cory A. Graves, Pastor 2600 Assembly Road April 2012 COMMENTS FROM THE COMMITTEE The Voice of God Your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way, walk in it, whenever you turn to the right hand or whenever you turn to the left. (Isaiah30:21 NKJV) How do you know what God wants you to do? How can you go about making decisions that honor the Lord? Though it would be nice for God to call with specific instructions for the next step you should take, He offers a combination of divine guidance instead. He promises to guide you, and to speak to your heart and your mind. How do you go about seeking His guidance in your life? Start with the Scriptures. The Bible offers teaching, instruction, stories, and wisdom. Reading Scripture feeds your spirit and helps you make choices based on your allegiance to God s values and your relationship with Him. Spend some time studying and reading God s Word. Meditate on the Psalms. Though what you read may not apply directly to your situation, hiding His Word in your heart through study and memorization will attune you to the wisdom of God. But general guidelines still won t tell you whether to go to your state university instead of an out-of-town college, whether to marry this man now or wait, whether to leave your old job and go to work at the corporation down the street. Ask the Spirit to guide you. God whispers to your heart, if you will take the time to be still and listen. Set aside quiet times for prayer. Ask specifically for clear direction. Then do what seems to be the natural next step, trusting that the Spirit will show you one step at a time. Circumstances offer another key to understanding what God would have you to do. List the pros and cons of a situation to give you a better perspective on what decision you should make. During times of stress and uncertainty, gathering with God s people is important. It is easy to get off track when you separate yourself from the body of Christ. Your church can be a wonderful resource as you seek God s guidance in your life. Many people can help you discern God s will, from someone in a prayer group or Sunday-school class to your pastor in a counseling session. No matter how many ways you seek God s guidance, in the end it comes down to making a decision, trusting that His voice will speak to your heart. Listen to God s Word, the wisdom of friends, your own analysis, and your heart. Then step out on faith that the voice of God is whispering in your ear, This is the way, walk in it. I Will Seek God s wisdom on a daily basis. Trust that I will be guided because it is God s pleasure to lead me in His ways. Let go of my agendas and allow God to surprise me. Be attentive to God s leading through circumstances and the counsel of others. Be willing to wait until I feel ready to decide instead of allowing myself to be pressured into hasty decisions. Be open to new ideas and new ways of doing things. Step out in faith, knowing God will direct me one step at a time. TEN THINGS GOD WON T ASK ON THAT DAY 1. God won t ask what kind of car you drove. He ll ask how many people you drove who didn t have transportation. 2. God won t ask the square footage of your house. He ll ask how many people you welcomed into your home. 3. God won t ask about the clothes you had in your closet. He ll ask how many you helped to clothe. 4. God won t ask what your highest salary was. He ll ask if you compromised your character to obtain it. 5. God won t ask what your job title was. He ll ask if you performed your job to the best of your ability. 6. God won t ask how many friends you had. He ll ask how many people to whom you were a friend. 7. God won t ask in what neighborhood you lived. He ll ask how you treated your neighbors. 8. God won t ask about the color of your skin. He ll ask about the content of your character. Continued on back page

2 SENIOR SPOTLIGHT Deaconess Carrie Cobb Carrie Cobb was born in Charleston, South Carolina. She has 4 daughters and 8 grandchildren. She worked at West Lawrence Care Center for 26 years. She joined the Merrick Park Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Curtis George Worton. She worked on the Deaconess Board, Pastor s Aid Ministry, and Lydia Ladies. She went on the Women s Retreat and was a member of the International Association of Free Women in Christ. Deaconess Cobb moved from New York in 2002 to Greensboro, North Carolina and joined White Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church under the spiritual leadership of Pastor Cory A. Graves in March Deaconess Carrie Cobb is a dedicated Deaconess and member of the Missionary Ministry. She says, I go to the nursing home monthly to visit the sick and I am in the Women s Ministry. I love working for the Lord. He gives me strength each and every day. He gives me joy. Proverbs 3:6 says In all thy ways acknowledge him and he shall direct they path. YOUTH ACHIEVEMENTS Quincy Aniyikaiye, son of Barbara Aniyikaiye, made the A/B Honor Roll for the third quarter at Northeast High School. Keep up the good work! Love Mom & Dad Amari Martin, son of Alton and Beverly Young, made the A/B Honor Roll at Southeast High School, where he is a senior. Malika Moore, daughter of Meredeth Summers, made the A/B Honor Roll at Triad Math and Science Academy, where she is in the 7 th grade. Nakisha Moore, daughter of Meredeth Summers, made the A/B Honor Roll at Graham High School, where she is a graduating senior. Nakisha has been accepted to attend UNCG in the fall. Jeremy Simpson, son of Theodore and Gail Ayers- Simpson, made the A/B Honor Roll at Brooks Global Magnet School. Joshua Simpson, son of Theodore and Gail Ayers- Simpson, made the A Honor Roll at Dudley High School Academy. Joshua Simpson has also been selected to go to Belize with the 2012 Dustin s GreenHouse Globetrotter Program, an interactive and outside of the classroom learning environment that focuses on self-actualization and global exploration. The program includes a 6-8 month in-country curriculum, as well as a 2-3 week international trip that combines physical adventure with cultural enrichment and philanthropic service. About the experience, Joshua says, You can do anything you want if you set your mind to do it. Anything is possible. Knowledge and Wisdom There is a difference between knowledge and wisdom. Jeffrey and Renee Lewis were awarded Foster Parents of the Year for 2012 by the North Carolina Foster and Adoptive Parents Association. Congratulations! Knowledge is - knowing that a tomato is a fruit, not a vegetable. Wisdom is - knowing not to include it in a fruit salad.

3 ANNOUNCEMENTS Mother s Day April 1-30, 2012 Honor your mother on Mother s Day. See anyone on the Missionary Ministry April 1-30 to have your loved one added to the Mother s Day Patron List Only $1 per name. Mother s Day Gift Sets Mother s Day gift sets by Avon are now available! Please see Sis. Marcy Jarvis to place your orders. All proceeds will benefit the Building Fund. Services Reminder May 6, 2012 There will be 3 Sunday services on May 6 th, all held at the Assembly Road location. The services will begin at 8:00 a.m., 9:30 a.m., and 11:00 a.m. WOG Men s Basketball Game May 12, 2012 The Men s Ministry would enjoy your support and cheers at their basketball game on Saturday, May 12 th at 6:00 p.m. The event will be at McIver Education Center, 1401 Summit Avenue, Greensboro. May Fellowship for Women of Virtue May 19, 2012 Save the Date!! Saturday May 19 th at 10:00 a.m., will be the next fellowship event for Women of Virtue. Along with a very interesting topic, there will be a Special Surprise Gift for the woman who invites the most friends to the fellowship. You must be present to win! Joyfest at Carowinds May 26, 2012 Tickets are on sale now! Artists include Mary Mary, Marvin Sapp, and Fred Hammond. Tickets are $45, which includes transportation, a park ticket, the concert, and lunch. Please see Sis. Tonya Handford or Bro. Jonathan Stowe for tickets or further information. Flapjack s at Applebee s June 30, 2012 FIYYA (Favored & Inspired Youth & Young Adults) is now selling tickets for the Flapjack s at Applebee s Fundraiser (Battleground location). Tickets are $7 each. The event is June 30 th from 8-10 a.m. Please see any FIYYA Youth Leader for tickers. Charleston Trip July 20-21, 2012 The Women s Ministry is planning a shopping and sightseeing trip to Charleston, SC, July For more information, see Deaconess Alice Foust, Sandra Johnson, or Sandra Cann to reserve your spot. Men are welcome also. Reserve your spot today! Mime Anyone interested in mime, please Bro. Ty Mathis at dtmathis24@gmail.com for more information. The first rehearsal will be on Friday, May 4 th at 6 pm. General WOG Information Pledges are still being accepted for our building fund. Your support in making a pledge is greatly appreciated. From The Capital Campaign Committee: Remember that in addition to giving a little more than your normal tithes and offerings, there are additional ways you can contribute to our building fund. Please visit our fundraising website at For more information or to get assistance in signing up, contact Brother David or bigtiz1906@aol.com. Wednesday Noon-Day Bible Study 12:00 1:00 p.m. Please contact Sharon Yancey at to schedule meetings and counseling sessions with Pastor Graves. Days available are: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. White Oak Grove s new mailing address is P.O. Box 1078, Greensboro, NC Our new address is wog2600@whiteoakgrove.net. Check out White Oak Grove s new website: All student achievements can be ed to Gail Garland at Egarland02@cs.com for publication in the monthly newsletter. NOT GLITTER BUT GOLD YOUNG WOMEN S CONFERENCE P2i Ministries invites you to its 2012 Young Women s Conference. The event will be held on Saturday, May 5 th at 10:30 a.m.at the Assembly Road location. The conference will help young women between the ages of realize who they are in Christ Valuable, Pure, Royalty, Built to Stand under pressure, heat and against the tricks the enemy designs for them. The conference is FREE. See Sis. Suvondra Montgomery to register. **We need information on all graduates for next month s newsletter no later than Sunday, May 13 th.**

4 ELECTION INFORMATION - Practiced in the Superior Court of NC for over 14 years. - 9 years as an Assistant Public Defender in Superior Court - 5 years in private practice handling Civil and Criminal cases in Superior Court - Past member Board of Directors of the NC Legal Assistance Program - Member of White Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church in Northeast Greensboro - Active member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. - Youth Sports Coach in the Northeast region for the past 4 years If you want a Judge committed to equal justice for all, VOTE CRUMP for Superior Court Judge PAID FOR BY THE CRUMP FOR SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE COMMITTEE KNOW WHAT YOU ARE VOTING FOR OR AGAINST There has been some confusion about the Amendment that will be on the May 8 th 2012 ballot. Same-sex marriage is already illegal in the state of North Carolina. The proposed measure, however, would add the ban to the state constitution. The Amendment would define marriage in the state constitution as between one man and one woman, and would ban any other type of "domestic legal union" such as civil unions and domestic partnerships. Genesis 2:22-24 Then the LORD God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man. The man said, "This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called 'woman, ' for she was taken out of man." For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh. LET ME BE GRATEFUL FOR... Even though I clutch my blanket and growl when the alarm rings, thank you, Lord, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible, thank you, Lord, that I can see. Many are blind. Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising, thank you, Lord, that I have the strength to rise. There are many who are bedridden. Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when socks are lost, toast is burned, tempers are short and my children are so loud, thank you, Lord, for my family. There are many who are lonely. Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in magazines and the menu is at times unbalanced, thank you, Lord, for the food we have. There are many who are hungry. Even though the routine of my job often is monotonous, than you, Lord, for the opportunity to work. There are many who have no job. Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest, thank you, Lord, for life!

5 COMPUTER REPAIR HAIR STYLIST BUSINESS ADS JAMES BELTON DOROTHY SANDS INSURANCE SPECIALIST RENEE LEWIS (AUTO & MEDICAL) TOWING AND TRANSPORTING MARY KAY CONSULTANT A&S VENDING MINISTRY REMAX OF GREENSBORO GLOZ HEAVENLY SCENT BILL BLACK CHEVROLET & CADILLAC LAWN SERVICE ONE STOP HOME DESIGN DORIE & SCOTT LANG LINDA WADDELL SANDRA LITTLE LAURA A. EMERSON (C) GLORIA MCNEILL / EDDIE SIMPSON / CLARENCE MOREHEAD RANDY MORRISON FLOW HONDA JACK LONG Winston Salem, NC NOTARY VENUS MOON HAIR STUDIO CRE8TIVE CAKES JAMIE THORTON VENUS MOON MEREDITH SUMMERS STANDING IN TH GAP DESIGN DEBORAH C. PHILLIPS SERVICES HAIR STYLIST Sports Clips 1608 Highwoods Blvd TONI JAMES TICKLED PINK PETS MOBILE SALON JANDA FULLER *10% of proceeds will be donated to the WOG Building Fund MAXWELL HAT COMPANY TRAVIS LINDSEY 834-W Lee Street CUTE STORIES A Baptist preacher went to see a member of the community and invited him to come to Church on Sunday morning. The man was a producer of fine peach brandy and told the preacher he would love to attend his Church IF the Pastor would drink some of his brandy and admit doing so in front of the congregation. The preacher agreed and drank up. Sunday morning came and the man came to Church. The preacher recognized him from the pulpit and said: "I see Mr. Johnson is here with us this morning. I want to thank him publicly for his hospitality this week and especially for the peaches he gave me and the spirit in which they were given." The minister was preoccupied with thoughts of how he was going to, at the end of the worship service, ask the congregation to come up with more money than they were expecting for repairs to the church building. Therefore, he was annoyed to find that the regular organist was out and a substitute had been brought in at the last minute. The substitute wanted to know what to play. "Here's a copy of the service," he said impatiently. "But you'll have to think of something to play after I make the announcement about the finances." During the service, the minister paused and said, "Brothers and sisters, we are in great difficulty. The roof repairs cost twice as much as we expected, and we need $4,000 more. Any of you who can pledge $100 or more, please stand up." At that moment, the substitute organist played "The Star-Spangled Banner." And that is how the substitute became the regular. One afternoon a man came home from work to find total mayhem in his house. His three children were outside, still in their pajamas, playing in the mud, with empty food boxes and wrappers strewn all around the front yard. The door of his wife's car was open, as was the front door to the house. Proceeding to the entry, he found an even bigger mess. A lamp had been knocked over, and the throw rug was wadded against one wall. In the front room, the TV was loudly blaring a cartoon channel, and the family room was strewn with toys and various items of clothing. In the kitchen, dishes filled the sink, breakfast food was spilled on the counter, dog food was spilled on the floor, a broken glass lay under the table, and a small pile of sand was spread by the back door. He quickly headed up the stairs, stepping over the toys and more piles of clothes, looking for his wife. He was worried she may be ill, or that something serious had happened. He found her lounging in the bedroom, still curled in the bed in her pajamas, reading a novel. She looked up at him, smiled, and asked how his day went. He looked at her bewildered and asked, "What happened here today?" She again smiled and answered, "You know every day when you come home from work and ask me what in the world did I do today?" "Yes," was his incredulous reply? She answered, "Well, today I didn't do it." George W. Bush, in an airport lobby, noticed a man in a long flowing white robe with a long white beard and flowing white hair. The man had a staff in one hand and some stone tablets under the other arm. George W. approached the man and inquired, "Aren't you Moses?" The man ignored George W. and stared at the ceiling. George W. positioned himself more directly in the man's view and asked again, "Aren't you Moses?" The man continued to peruse the ceiling. George W. tugged at the man's sleeve and asked once again, "Aren't you Moses?" The man finally responded in an irritated voice, "Yes I am." George W. asked him why he was so uppity, and the man replied, "The last time I spoke to a Bush I had to spend forty years in the desert."

6 PICTURES FROM THE 2012 EASTER EGG HUNT

7 Continued from the front page.ten Things 9. God won t ask why it took you so long to seek Salvation. He ll lovingly take you to your mansion in Heaven, if you ve asked Him into your heart, and not to the gates of Hell. 10. God won t have to ask how many people you will tell this to. He already knows your decision. PICTURES FROM 2012 YOUTH EXPLOSION GUESS WHO? Health Tips Health Benefits of Sesame Seeds Sesame seeds help in digestion, stimulates blood circulation and benefits the nervous system. Sesame seeds are a best source of iron and zinc. Including sesame seeds in your diet would be an ideal choice for vegans as it is often reported that they don t get sufficient amounts of iron and zinc in their diet. Sesame seeds protect our body from free radicals. Phytic acid present in these seeds inhibits colon cancer. These seeds contain sesamolin and sesamin, components that may help lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health. These components are also a good source of omega-6, vitamin E and monounsaturated fats that prevent furring of arteries and skin elasticity. The compound sesamin protects your liver from oxidative damage. Sesame seeds are the best source of calcium that contains far more calcium than dairy. A ½ cup of sesame seeds contains 3 times more calcium than a ½ cup of whole milk. Sesame seeds help relieve constipation. Just eat some seeds if you have constipation to relieve it. Eat some sesame seeds to remove worms from your intestinal tract. Sesame oil effectively treats cracked heels. Apply the oil on your heels after cleaning thoroughly before sleep in the night. Do you feel secure? I ve got my eye on you The White Oak Grove Family Welcomes New Members LaQuanda Clark Dionte Bishop Antwoine Calloway Laguane Davidson Donvonte McPhail Antoine Nelson Anita Smith Christopher Tann Lakesha Tann Information for the monthly newsletter is due by the 2 nd Sunday of each month and should be submitted to one of the following: Sis. Gail Garland Egarland02@cs.com Sis. Tina Williams ttnbwilliams@aol.com Sis. Yolanda Williams ywilliams@triad.rr.com