Good Morning! Big storms last night, but a beautiful morning this morning.  Ken and I got 5 miles in and it was almost chilly.  (maybe only the first 400 meters) The Big Labor Day Weekend is upon us.  I am pumped to watch the Tigers play tomorrow, hope I am as excited by tomorrow evening.  KC got a win last night, first of the year.  Salem is on the road tonight, Houston.  Go Tigers!    Enjoy the blessings, may God be with us all.

“And you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve him with single mind and willing heart; for the Lord searches every mind, and understands every plan and thought.  If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will abandon you forever.’” 1 Chronicles 28:9

I love this verse.  I especially love the part that says if we seek God, God will be found by us.  That is powerful!  How many times have we asked where God is?  The answer should be to ask if they have sought God.  Seeking God is key.  God isn’t hiding, we are not looking.  We have not because we ask not.  We find not because we seek not.  If you haven’t seen God in awhile, maybe you should go looking.   Just a thought for today.

Yesterday’s question:  Which Old Testament book says that a meal of vegetables eaten in harmony is better than a meal of fattened calf eaten in strife?  Proverbs  Peter Walter is our winner today!

Today’s question: According to law what kind of animal fat could be used for household purposes but not for eating?

To respond to this question, go to this entry on our website (do by clicking on its title), then post  your answer using the “Leave a reply” form at the bottom of the page.  First to get it right gets the credit! Check us out online at www.salemmoumc.com .  Also catch up on missed daily messages.  (IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS PLEASE EMAIL   COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MESSAGE BOX ON THE HOME PAGE,

If there are folks that you think would like to receive this have them email me.  If you want off the list simply drop me a note.

Have a great day!

In Christ,

Doug

Good Morning! Can you believe it rained all day yesterday and they are talking more rain today?  I even saw the prediction for 40 degree weather next week.  Wow!  Are you ready for so football?  Mizzou, what will you have in store?  Time will tell.     Enjoy the blessings, may God be with us all.

“Now set your mind and heart to seek the Lord your God.  Go and build the sanctuary of the Lord God so that the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the holy vessels of God may be brought into a house built for the name of the Lord.” 1 Chronicles 22:19

Now set your mind and heart to seek the Lord your God.  What wonderful instruction.  A great way to start the day.  We talk about prayer time, time with God to start the day.  This is why.  It is to allow us time to focus, to set your mind and heart to seek God.  When we get a positive direction established for the day everything else should fall inot place.   Just a thought for today.

Yesterday’s question: What parable of Jesus mentions killing a fatted calf for a celebration? The prodigal son   Barb Davis is our winner today!

Today’s question: Which Old Testament book says that a meal of vegetables eaten in harmony is better than a meal of fattened calf eaten in strife?

To respond to this question, go to this entry on our website (do by clicking on its title), then post  your answer using the “Leave a reply” form at the bottom of the page.  First to get it right gets the credit! Check us out online at www.salemmoumc.com .  Also catch up on missed daily messages.  (IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS PLEASE EMAIL   COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MESSAGE BOX ON THE HOME PAGE,

If there are folks that you think would like to receive this have them email me.  If you want off the list simply drop me a note.

Have a great day!

In Christ,

Doug

Good Morning! Welcome to September!  It tops humid today, it is raining.  Skipped the run, too much electronic stuff I don’t want to get wet.  We are busy getting things together for the weekend.  I must say Beth Watson, with her trusty sidekick Cindy Maledy did an awesome job on the Labor Day Presentation, I think you will be pleased.  Bells kick off tonight, if you ever thought about ringing tonight is your chance.   Enjoy the blessings, may God be with us all.

“See, a son shall be born to you; he shall be a man of peace.  I will give him peace from all his enemies on every side; for his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel in his days.’” 1 Chronicles 22:9

David was told by God that David would not build God’s house, but David was given a promise.  God would bring David a son, the son would lead the nation and there would be peace.  It would be a different time than David had experienced.  God gives David’s son and name and we know the rest of the story.  There are times that God has different plans, but they are always awesome.  Do we trust God enough to wait and follow?  Just a thought for today.

Yesterday’s question: What pagan king is the first fat man mentioned in the Bible?  Eglon  Virginia West is our winner today!

Today’s question: What parable of Jesus mentions killing a fatted calf for a celebration?

To respond to this question, go to this entry on our website (do by clicking on its title), then post  your answer using the “Leave a reply” form at the bottom of the page.  First to get it right gets the credit! Check us out online at www.salemmoumc.com .  Also catch up on missed daily messages.  (IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS PLEASE EMAIL   COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MESSAGE BOX ON THE HOME PAGE,

If there are folks that you think would like to receive this have them email me.  If you want off the list simply drop me a note.

Have a great day!

In Christ,

Doug

A while back, we were asked to help out with the Fall Book Fair at the Upper Elementary School.  Well, folks, you pulled together and God has blessed your efforts!  Mrs. Ball at the Library there called to let us know that our church was so generous last fall that they don’t need money for the Fall Book Fair!   How awesome is that?!

Don’t get too comfortable – there’s still a great need in our community.  The Spring Book Fair and January school supply drive is coming fast and your support will be needed.   Thanks again to all who contributed to this outreach.   God is GREAT!

Good Morning! It is humid again, my run was a struggle.  I will be running in Memphis again this year and I have to pick up the pace for training.  Labor Day weekend is coming.  The slide show should be wonderful with all the pictures of years gone by.  Keep Grace Pyatt in your prayers, she is not doing well at all.  She was taken to the hospital yesterday and things don’t look good.  Enjoy the blessings, may God be with us all.

“Then he called for his son Solomon and charged him to build a house for the  Lord, the God of Israel.’” 1 Chronicles 22:6

David has wanted to build a house for the Lord, but the Lord said no.  David, although a man after God’s heart was not God’s choice.  David’s history precluded him in the eyes of the Lord, but the Lord did make provision.  God told David that David’s son would build the house and the time has come.  David is calling Solomon to the task.  A great house is about to be built.  Do we really listen to the Lord or do we do what we want for the Lord?  Just a thought for today.

Yesterday’s question: What Old Testament book forbids the eating of fat?  Leviticus  Virginia West is our winner today!

Today’s question: What pagan king is the first fat man mentioned in the Bible?

To respond to this question, go to this entry on our website (do by clicking on its title), then post  your answer using the “Leave a reply” form at the bottom of the page.  First to get it right gets the credit! Check us out online at www.salemmoumc.com .  Also catch up on missed daily messages.  (IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS PLEASE EMAIL   COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MESSAGE BOX ON THE HOME PAGE,

If there are folks that you think would like to receive this have them email me.  If you want off the list simply drop me a note.

Have a great day!

In Christ,

Doug

Good Morning! It is humid this morning.  A good run, but the humidity really raises the difficulty bar.  We paid our final respects to Bob Maledy yesterday, thanks to all who helped make it a special day.  This weekend is Labor Day, a great presentation is in store thanks to Dixie Norfleet’s idea and the work of Beth Watson and Cindy Maledy.  Hope you enjoy!  Looks like rain today, we could use it. Enjoy the blessings may God be with and us all.

“Then the Lord commanded the angel, and he put his sword back into its sheath.’” 1 Chronicles 21:27

I would encourage you to take a minute and read the verses proceeding today’s verse.  David has done what God had commanded him not to do and God is incensed.  A price must be paid and David is given choices.  The choice results in lives lost and devastation to Israel.  David cries out to God to not take out the punishment on the people, but to take it from David for he was the one that sinned.  That is a leader, a person who stands up for justice, stands up and takes responsibility, and ultimately seeks God.  I hope we may all follow David’s example.  Just a thought for today.

Yesterday’s question: The first mention of fat in the Bible is connected with a murder victim. Who was he?  Able  Barb Davis is our winner today!

Today’s question: What Old Testament book forbids the eating of fat?

To respond to this question, go to this entry on our website (do by clicking on its title), then post  your answer using the “Leave a reply” form at the bottom of the page.  First to get it right gets the credit! Check us out online at www.salemmoumc.com .  Also catch up on missed daily messages.  (IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS PLEASE EMAIL   COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MESSAGE BOX ON THE HOME PAGE,

If there are folks that you think would like to receive this have them email me.  If you want off the list simply drop me a note.

Have a great day!

In Christ,

Doug

Good Morning! I had a great run with Ken McGrail this morning.  This cooler weather really makes a run a great way to start the day.  I am sure you read about Bob Maledy’s service Sunday, please keep the family in your prayers.  I talked with Pete yesterday, he was on the beach in Florida, poor boy.  Support your Salem Tigers tonight as they open the season at home.  Parade this afternoon to start the festivities.   May God be with and bless us all.

“David said to God, ‘I have sinned greatly in that I have done this thing.  But now, I pray you, take away the guilt of your servant.’” 1 Chronicles 21:8

David is an inspiration.  We hear great things about David.  David is a man after God’s own heart.  God loves David, works wonders through him, yet David is simply human.  David screws up and the beauty of it is how David confesses and seeks God.  David doesn’t hide or try to cover his sin, he simply confesses to God and seek God’s grace.  What a great lesson.  Do we confess or do we try to justify ourselves before God?     Just a thought for today.

Yesterday’s question: At what advanced age was Abraham circumcised?  99  Barb Davis is our winner today!

Today’s question: The first mention of fat in the Bible is connected with a murder victim. Who was he?

To respond to this question, go to this entry on our website (do by clicking on its title), then post  your answer using the “Leave a reply” form at the bottom of the page.  First to get it right gets the credit! Check us out online at www.salemmoumc.com .  Also catch up on missed daily messages.  (IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS PLEASE EMAIL   COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MESSAGE BOX ON THE HOME PAGE,

If there are folks that you think would like to receive this have them email me.  If you want off the list simply drop me a note.

Have a great day!

In Christ,

Doug

Good Morning! Cool this morning, however this is to pass and heat will return.  Last night our Lord called Bob Maledy home.  Bob was at home surrounded by his family and went peacefully.  Please keep the family in your prayers.  Details are pending, but it appears Sunday afternoon at church is the probable time for the service.  I will email and send phone tree when details are complete.  Pete is off to Florida today, a few days with friends.  May God be with and bless us all.

“In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle, Joab led out the army, ravaged the country of the Ammonites, and come and besieged Rabbah.” 1 Chronicles 20:1

April showers bring May flowers sounds better to me than in the spring of the year when kings go out to battle.  There is much disruption and we are seeing the story come to a new crowning point.  The Philistines have been a constant problem, but the kingdom of David is about to take a new turn.  The key in the story is where is King David this spring. Hmm.  The story continues tomorrow.  How do we handle conflict? Battles and wars, does anyone win?     Just a thought for today.

Yesterday’s question: At what age were Hebrew boys to be circumcised?  8 days  Barb Davis Barb Davis is our winner today!

Today’s question: At what advanced age was Abraham circumcised?

To respond to this question, go to this entry on our website (do by clicking on its title), then post  your answer using the “Leave a reply” form at the bottom of the page.  First to get it right gets the credit! Check us out online at www.salemmoumc.com .  Also catch up on missed daily messages.  (IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS PLEASE EMAIL   COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MESSAGE BOX ON THE HOME PAGE,

If there are folks that you think would like to receive this have them email me.  If you want off the list simply drop me a note.

Have a great day!

In Christ,

Doug

Your Salem UMC Trustees have been busy and wanted you to know what all the work’s been about, so…

• New windows installed. Don’t you think it gives the church a much more modern look?
• New insulated dropped ceilings have been installed in four rooms of the education wing.  This will help how much the A/C runs – more comfy!

In the works:

• We’re going to put a new ceiling in the UMW room and the two bathrooms that are next to the U.M.W. rooms and the Fellowship Hall.
• We’re going to fix is the slow hot water in all four restrooms in the original building – the two by the Sanctuary and the two by the UMW room & Fellowship hall.  It’s a long way from the water heater, so we’ve purchased mini- heaters to be installed under the sink. This will make the hot water at the sink in about three seconds rather than three minutes as it does now. (Cool.. uh Hot!)

Lobby coffee tables: Thanks to all that provided input – both positive and concerns. We can make a much better plan if we hear about the issues you’ve seen at other churches. Always better to learn from others’ mistakes!  So, after much consideration, we are going forward with the refreshment/welcome area. One of the compelling reasons is because the present refreshment/ welcome area is nowhere close to either worship area. A newcomer is unlikely to search for where it is at present.  If  our mission is to reach the un-churched, we must be open to their needs. We hope this will be a step in the right direction. It will be all of our job to help the new comers to use the new refreshment/ welcome area. I know we will do well at that.

Thank You,   John M. (trustees@salemmoumc.com)

Good Morning!  It feels like fall this morning.  I am looking out my window and it is beautiful.  John mowed last night and the sprinklers ran early today leaving the grass a wonderful shade of green.  We finished picture retakes last night, maybe we will have a new directory before late fall.  Thank you Debbie Howard for all your hard work.  Come share a meal tonight, I smell something good cooking.  May God be with and bless us all.

“So David reigned over all Israel; and he administered justice and equity to all his people.” 1 Chronicles 18:14

The prayer team gathered last night to seek God’s heart.  We of course prayed for those that are ill and experiencing difficult circumstances.  We rejoiced for the blessing around us and we prayed for our country.  We may not have expressed it this way, but certainly the desire could be heard for leadership that reflects that of David.  Leadership that seeks God, leadership that administers justice and equity to all our people.  Prayer is powerful, would you take a minute today to seek God’s heart for country and for the world.    Just a thought for today.

Yesterday’s question: What New Testament author uses the symbol of a ship’s rudder to describe the power of the human tongue? James Barb Davis is our winner today!

Today’s question: At what age were Hebrew boys to be circumcised?

To respond to this question, go to this entry on our website (do by clicking on its title), then post  your answer using the “Leave a reply” form at the bottom of the page.  First to get it right gets the credit! Check us out online at www.salemmoumc.com .  Also catch up on missed daily messages.  (IF YOU HAVE PROBLEMS PLEASE EMAIL   COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MESSAGE BOX ON THE HOME PAGE,

If there are folks that you think would like to receive this have them email me.  If you want off the list simply drop me a note.

Have a great day!

In Christ,

Doug