From My Heart

     There is a tremendous verse in Psalm 48:12-13, which says, “Walk about Zion, and go round about her; tell the towers thereof.  Mark ye well her bulwarks, consider her palaces, that ye may tell it to the generation following.”  There are several nuggets in this statement by David.
     Let’s begin with the word, “Zion.”  The ridge where the Temple was built and the area all around it, called the Temple Mount, was referred to as Mount Zion.  The name Zion was an affectionate label the Jews attached to that particular part of Jerusalem, where the heart of their faith stood - the Temple.  The Scriptures infer also that Heaven, where Almighty God resides, is called Mount Zion. (Psalm 48:1-2).
     The best way to consider the concept of Zion is to think of a college football team.  Let’s take the University of Maryland.  Their nickname is the “Terrapins.”  Just like every other university in America, these colleges all use their teams “nickname” to build team spirit and team loyalty.  The University of Maryland, on game day, will place signs around the stadium, “This is Terrapin country.”  Other signs will say, “Fear the turtle.”
     In these two verses (12-13), David is calling Jerusalem by her nickname, and he is asking the people to remember what they had at that moment.  He wanted them to know that the prosperity, the peace, and the happiness they were enjoying will not last.  He says they should consider the way they have it, and remember it because it was not going to last.
     It is the nature of all things that they eventually change.  And sadly, this is something affecting our country and is also affecting our churches. Everything changes!  Think of the hundreds, multiplied hundreds, of our church family who are in Heaven today.  That is a change!  The point is, things change over time!
     I wonder if things will ever get back to where we were before all of this started?  Will our nation ever calm down and allow our people to not have to live in fear?  To be honest, I am not sure anything will ever be what it once was!  The principle David expressed here, proved itself accurate when the Babylonians came and destroyed their beloved Mt. Zion!  And Jerusalem was, indeed, never the same!
     We certainly need to realize what we have, and appreciate it.  For sure, things will continue to change.  Have a great day!
     
     Pastor Norris

     



Announcements

SYMPATHY:  to Don and Robin Frazier at the passing of her mom, Thelma Wagner Huth on Friday, July 31, in Atlanta, Georgia.  No arrangements at this time.

THANK YOU:  Joyce Smith and family would like to thank everyone for their prayers on behalf of Doug McFarland.  A memorial service was held for him on Saturday, August 1 in Westminster.

SPIRITUAL BLESSINGS:  Tyler Neal went forward on Sunday, August 2, desiring to follow the Lord in Baptism.

COD/CCS OFFICES:  The church offices are temporarily open only on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.  The school offices are open as normal Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.



Wednesday Prayer Bulletin

August 5, 2020


HOSPITALIZED

Tim Mauler - Ocean City, MD

Spencer Reed - Atlanta, GA

Mark Switzer - South Carolina


RECOVERING

Tom Armfield

George Butler

Dick Larrick 

David Stepp

James Williams, Sr.

Marcella Zauche


PASTOR OF THE WEEK

Pastor Jim Shihady

Bethel Baptist Church

434 Wilson Park Dr.

W. Carrollton, Ohio 45449


COD PASTOR OF THE WEEK

Dr. Rick Holbrook, Pastoral Care/Reformers



COD STAFF OF THE WEEK

Kevin Hoffman, Maintenance Supervisor


CCS STAFF OF THE WEEK

Linda Bednarski, Elementary Spanish


MISSIONARY OF THE WEEK

Rob Smith, Church Planter in Nova Scotia, Canada

Pray for: - souls to be saved.

          - the need for a baptistry for the church.

          - the Smith family to receive their permanent residency for Canada.


SHUT-IN OF THE WEEK

Virginia Knudtson, 1811 Albert Rill Road,  Hampstead, MD 21074


SERVICE PERSON OF THE WEEK

SPC Ryan Whalen, Afghanistan


BUS WORKER OF THE WEEK

Craig Lippy, Driver, Westminster 1


SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS OF THE WEEK

Mr. and Mrs. James Brooks, Fifth Grade





Super Sixties Latest Newsletter

Click the picture to be taken to a list of Super Sixties Newsletters for this year

View details »

What If?

If you died today, are you sure you'd go to Heaven?

View details »

Watch Online

If you are concerned about coming into church at this time you can still participate in the services together online.

View details »