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Page 2B, The Lee County Ledger, Thursday, January 1, 2004 Choosing the Right Place to Start By Ashley Randall Ashley@LeesburgUMC.com Since I began using the computer to keep up with my appointments, one of the things I miss at this time of year is the thrill of filling in a new calendar. There have been moments when I have thought about pitching my PDA, so I could once again experience the simple satisfaction of writing out my plans and projects in the blocks that represent the days, weeks, and months of the year ahead. This is the time of year when it seems especially appropriate to reflect on what we will do with the precious resource that is represented so compellingly By Frank Taylor Happy New Year! Another year has passed. We should reflect back over the events of the passing year and ask ourselves what have we done significant for the cause of Christ. Or has the past year been a series of lemons for you. What do you do when you are con fronted with a lemon in life’s difficulties? “Well, you make lemonade.” You say! “Lemonade!” “How do I make lemonade with those difficulties of the past year?” The Apostle Paul analyzes and defines for us the nature of our struggles in Ephesians 6. This is a crucial point for us to under stand. The Apostle Paul tells us that the struggles we face varies in intensity from one day to the next. We must learn to stand, he says, “when the day of evil comes.” This implies that not all days are evil. Some days will be worse than others. There are seasons in our lives when pressures are more intense, and problems, trials, and tempta tions seem to gang up on us by the few pages of a mostly blank book. As you spend time thinking about the year to come, let me encourage you—before you fill in too many of the days that lie ahead—to take some of that time to consider five questions. At the close of his book, The Purpose Driven Life, Rick War ren commends these as “life’s five greatest questions.” They are worth considering anytime, all at once. These are what we recognize as evil days. The beloved Apostle tells us that our conflict is not against flesh and blood but spiri tual. That is, spiritual warfare is not about the struggle of man against man. It is not a political struggle, a social struggle, an economic struggle, or even a religious-theo logical-doctrinal struggle. It is not a struggle between human beings. It is a struggle within human beings. Let me ask you a question: “What is the one thing that gives you the most difficulty in life?” For most of us, the answer to that question, in one form or another, comes down to one thing: People. You may struggle intensely with a family member, your spouse or child or parent. Or you may have personality conflicts and struggles in your office, or in your church, or in your neighborhood. In the political realm, the Republicans are always vexed by stratagems of the Democrats, and the tactics of the Republicans always but particularly at the beginning of a new year as you consider making commitments, resolu tions, and plans for all your activities. Let me suggest that you set aside some time to write down your answers to these important questions. What will be the center of my life? A lot of people talk about being a well-rounded individu al, but they make the mistake of thinking that means developing a lot of unrelated interests. A perfect circle is defined by all the points on the circumference being the same distance from the center. When you don’t have anything at the center of your life, that’s chaos. Many of the things people choose to make irritates the Democrats — and both parties are annoyed with the Libertarians, Reform Party, Greens, and Independents! And let us not forget the Internal Revenue Service. Certainly if there is one group of people who know how to make our lives miserable, it is those “public servants” down at the IRS! But the Apostle Paul says that our struggle is not against flesh and blood. Our true battle is not against our political opponents or the IRS or family or co-workers or neighbors or any other human agency. The battle is not against people, but against unseen spiri tual powers. In fact, the entire human race is under a vicious assault by certain principali ties and powers, world rulers of darkness, wicked spirits in high places. “That is your problem,” Paul says in Ephesians 6. “That is the nature of the enemy we face—powerful invisible rul ers of darkness, highly placed agents of spiritual wickedness!” And it is not just Christians who are opposed by these forces. Every man, woman and child everywhere is a target of the enemy. The devil has each one of us in his crosshairs. The principalities and powers, and the world rulers of this present the center of their lives, just can’t hold it all together. Your decision to let God be the center of your life is crucial to experi encing the blessings of life. What will be the character of my life? People do notice the things you do, the words you say, and the places you go. You may be able to fool them for a little while, but eventually the true quality of your character will become evident. Will you practice the discipline to allow God room to shape your charac ter so the fruit of the Spirit can begin to mature in your life? What will be the contribution of my life? Most people start the new year hoping they will have a few more dollars in their darkness oppose the whole race. That is Paul’s explanation of the struggle of life. Yet even though the devil has declared war on the entire hu man race, it is only Christians who are capable of believing and perceiving the true nature of this conflict. The world does not understand spiritual truth, so it either distorts the true nature of our battle to the point of ridiculousness or it rejects spiritual reality as a “myth,” intellectually unacceptable and inadmissible to any intelligent mind. Occultism and supersti tion have distorted the great rev elation of spiritual warfare—the dark powers, rulers, authorities, and spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms—and have re duced them to a ridiculous pan theon of comic-book goblins, witches, spooks, and ghouls. Now that we know that the lemons of life are the cause of the forces of evil and the powers of darkness, how do we make lemonade from these lemons? We learn from Ephesians 6 to fight the good fight, to stand fast in the faith, to be strong in the Lord in the midst of the battle, we must align ourselves with the forces of God, the forces of good, in the midst of this dark and evil world. bank account at the end of the year than they do as it begins. Unfortunately, a big bank balance does not guarantee per sonal fulfillment. Giving your life by serving others is the path to lasting significance. What will be the communi cation of my life? What is the message the people around you hear day after day? There are some folks who are always complaining about something. I’ve been tempted to ask more than one person why they didn’t go ahead and put themselves out of their misery. God sent his Son into the world with Good News. Jesus gave his followers the mission of spreading that news to all people. How will you share the message with the people in your life? What will be the community of my life? God does not want (NAPSI)-Americans are roll ing up their sleeves. In the first phase of the Save A Life Tour, the American Red Cross proud ly announced that the country rallied together to secure more than 3 million blood donations during the largest blood donor initiative in Red Cross history. For six months, more than 300 communities nationwide participated in the Save A Life Tour to help raise awareness and educate the public about the need for a safe and available blood supply. But this is only the beginning. “Now, more than ever, people understand the importance of donating blood. We com mend the American public for supporting this vital initiative by helping build and maintain an adequate supply of blood for our nation,” said Marsha J. Evans, President and CEO of the Red Cross. “We hope that Americans will continue to give the life-saving gift of blood us to be alone. He created us for one another to help each other become all God wants us to be. Are the people you choose to spend time with helping you grow? Are you helping them realize their potential? It is only when you make an enduring commitment to a particular group of people that they can really begin to transform your life. The year ahead holds great promise, potential, and possibil ity. God knows the plans he has for you. He has designed you for his purposes. Make the most of this year by making a good start. Ashley Randall is the Pastor of the Leesburg United Method ist Church. He would like to wish every one a Happy New Year filled with God’s blessing and the richness of God’s grace. with their family, friends and neighbors.” A recent survey conducted on behalf of the Red Cross Save A Life Tour revealed that nearly 18 million Americans adults do not feel their blood dona tion would make a difference and another 13 million say they would donate, but they don’t understand the blood donation process. How To Donate Blood Giving blood is a simple-but not small-thing to do. Anyone who is at least 17 years old, in good health and weighs at least 110 pounds may be eligible to donate blood. The whole process takes about an hour. It starts with registration, a health history and a mini-physical. Then comes the actual dona tion, which usually takes less than 10 to 12 minutes. People who are deemed eligible may donate blood every 56 days. see Red Cross, page 3B What the Bible Teaches Taylor Randall Americans Answer The Call For Blood Donors But More Donations Are Still Needed Attend The House of Worship of Your Choice This Sunday Lee County Church Of Christ Eddie Garcia, Minister Bible Study 9:30 AM Worship 10:30 AM Evening Worship 6:00 PM Mid-Week Bible Study 7: 30 PM Smithville Baptist Lance Fendley, Pastor Sunday School 10:00 AM Morning Worship 11:00 AM Evening Worship 7:00 PM Wed. Prayer Service. 7:00 PM Leesburg Presbyterian Dr. James H. Huffaker Rev. “Buck” Thomson Morning Worship 9:00 AM Philema Road Baptist Dan Harris, Pastor Sunday School 9:45 AM Morning Worship 11:00 AM Evening Worship 6:00 PM Wed Bible Study 7:00 AM Alpha Baptist Rev. Joe Jenkins Sunday School 10:00 AM Morning Worship 11:00 AM Discipleship Training 6:00 PM Evening Worship 7:00 PM Wed. Prayer Service 7:30 PM Antioch Baptist Church Rev. Lem Wright 1st and 3rd Sunday Sunday School 9:00 AM 4th Sunday Worship Service 10:00 AM Zion Hope Baptist Rev. H. L. Holsey Sunday School 10:30 AM Sunday Worship 11:30 AM Phillip Grove Baptist Rev. A.L. Johnson Highway 195 Leesburg Sunday School 10:00 AM 1 st & 3rd Sunday 11:00 AM Wed. Bible Study 7:00 PM Mt. Pleasant Baptist Pastor Steven Tuck Sunday School 10:00 AM Worship Service 11:15AM Tuesday Tutorial Service.,.5:30-7:00pm Prayer and Bible Study. 7-8 pm Albany Bible Church Pete Daughtry, Pastor- Teacher Sun. Bible Class.. 9:30 & 11:00 Bible Class Monday/Wednesday 7:30 Kinchafoonee Baptist Rev. Charles (Chuck) Smith Sunday School 9:45 AM Morning Worship 11:00 AM Training Union 6:00 PM Evening Worship 7:00 PM Wed. Services 7:30 PM Smithville United Methodist Pastor - Randy Carnley Worship 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Palmyra Baptist J. D. Bolden Sunday School 10:00 AM Morning Worship.... 12:00 PM Bible Study (1st Sun) 5:00 PM Eve. Wor. (1st Sun).. 7:00 PM McAfee Grove Missionary Baptist Minister Robert Lewis Morgan First & Third Sundays Sunday School 10:30 AM Morning worship 11:30 AM Second & Fourth Sundays Sunday School 10:00 AM Macadonia Baptist Church Sunday School 10:30 AM Wed. Bible Study 7:00 PM First Sunday Morning Worship 11:45 AM Third Sunday Evening Worship 6:00 PM CrossPoint Baptist Church Dr. Darwin Bullock, Pastor Sunday Worship 10:30 AM Family Life Groups..Sun. 6:00 PM www.crosspointbaptist.org New Piney Grove Baptist Pastor Henry L. Holsey Third Sunday Services Sunday School 11:30 AM Worship 12:30 PM First Sunday Services Sunday School 11:00 AM Jordan Grove Baptist Rev. R. O. Calhoun Sunday School 9:45 AM Worship Service 11:00 AM Leesburg Church Of Christ Bro. Howard Bouldin Sunday School 10:00 AM Morning Worship ....11:00 PM Evening Worship 6:00 PM Wednesday Evening. 7:30 PM St. Stephen’s Episcopal The Rev. Tom Arledge Sunday School 10:00 AM Morning Worship 11:00 AM Wednesday 6:00 PM Living Hope Fellowship A Four Square Church Rev. Jeff Fowler Sunday School 9:30 AM Worship Service 10:30 AM Evening Service 6:00 PM Wednesday Evening. 7:00 PM Children’s Church during both Sunday Sen/ices Unity Church of Christianity Rev. Joanna Gabriel Dial-A-Prayer 435-7077 Morning Worship ...,11:00 AM New Hope AME Rev. Alfreda Williams every 1st and third Sunday Sunday School 10:00 AM Sunday Worship 11:00 AM House Of God Saints In Christ Elder A.F. Caldwell, Pastor Sunday School 10:30 AM 1st, 2nd, & 4th Sundays Morning Worship ...,11:45 AM 2nd & 4th Sunday Evening Service 6:30 PM Wed. Bible Study 7:30 PM Fri. Sharing Ser 7:30 PM Leesburg Church of God Rev. Sean Faircloth Sunday School 10:00 AM Morning Worship 10:40 AM Evening Worship 6:00 PM Wed. Fam. Training 7:00 PM Wooden Grove Baptist 1st & 3rd Sunday Services Worship 11:00 AM Weekly Sunday School 10:00 AM Tuesday Night Bible Study 7:00 PM Thundering Springs Baptist Church Calvin King - Pastor Sunday School 9.45 AM Morning Worship 11:00 AM Church Training 5:00 PM Evening Worship 6:00 PM Wed. Prayer Services7:00 PM Leesburg United Methodist Church Pastor Ashley Randall Worship .... 8:45 and 11:00 AM Sunday School 10:00 AM Adult Choir 5:30 PM Youth Fellowship 5:45 PM Evening Worship 7:00 PM Wed. Supper/Bible Study 6:00 Green Grove Baptist Smithville, GA Rev. H. Waters Sunday School 11:00 AM Every First Sunday Morning Worship 11:45 AM Kingdom Vision Christian Center Rev. Earl S. Harrison, Pastor 1027 N. Philema Road N. Sunday School 10:00 AM Sunday Worship 11:15AM Wed. Bible Study 7:00 PM Lutherian Church of Our Savior Rev. Bill Behrend 101 Hickory Grove Road Sunday School 9:30 AM Worship 11:00 AM For any corrections or additions to the Church Page, Contact The Lee County Ledger at 759-2413 Merrtber FDIC located on Robert B. Lee Drive in Leesburg - 759-2800 and 2609 Ledo Rd 430-8080 Member FDIC The Future of Banking is Here. Clyde’s Auto Parts Turner Field Industrial Park 1507 Rodgers Street Albany, Georgia 31705 Clyde Massey (229) 436-1502 We Buy Wrecked Cars BI-COUNTY Your headquarters for PROPANE GAS GRILLS FISH COOKERS HEATERS 818 Hwy. 19 S Leesburg 759-6347 ffllatfjetosi Funeral Home Crematory/Memorials Mike Mathews - Gary Mathews 3206 Gillionville Rd. Albany, GA 31707 435-5657 Leesburg Cemetery Leesburg First Baptist Rev. Bobby Harrell Worship I 8:30 AM Sunday School 9:45 AM Worship II 11:00 AM Evening Worship 7:00 PM Wednesday Church Supper 5:30 PM AWANA 6:20 PM Prayer Meeting 6:30 PM Youth Meeting 7:00 PM Sovereign Grace Baptist Church Steven Youngblood, Pastor Morning Worship ...,10:30 AM Evening Worship 6:00 PM Wednesday Awana .. 6:30 PM Amazing Grace Baptist Church Pastor, Dr. Ron Baxley Morning Worship & Sunday School ...,10:45 AM Evening Worship & Youth Choir 6:00 PM Wednesday 6:30 to (Youth only) 8:00 PM Mt. Hope Baptist Church Pastor: Rev. M. W. Willis Services 1st Sunday Sunday School 5:00 PM Church 6:00 PM Services 4th Sunday Sunday School 10:00 AM Church 11:00 AM Piney Grove #3 Pastor W. G. Groover Every Sunday Sunday School 10:00 AM 2nd and 4th Sunday Worship 11:00 Noon Emmanuel Community Baptist Church Al Bryant, Pastor Sunday School 10:00 AM Morning Worship ...,11:00 AM Every Wednesday Bible Study 6:30 PM Shady Grove Baptist Church Rev. Marcus Glass, Pastor 1st and 2nd Sunday Worship Service 11:00 AM Every Sunday Sunday School 9:50 AM Wed. Bible Study 7:00 PM Fourth Sunday Evening Service 6:00 PM Liberty Primitive Baptist Morning Worship ...,10:30 AM 2nd and 4th Sunday Evening Worship 6:00 PM EIDSON & MATHIS, LLC TRIAL LAWYERS 227 Walnut St. Suite B Leesburg 759-2243 Hughes LeeVista ACE Hardware Store Hours Monday - Friday 8-6 Saturday 8-4 Sunday 12-3 436-8998 432-0037 To Subscribe to the Ledger, Call 759-2413. Your hometown source of local news. Jack Fore BUMPER BUMPER 759-6561 759-6482 Walnut St., Leesburg TUm^ieUrStem FUNERAL DIRECTORS Crematory and Memorials Crown Hill Cemetery 1503 Dawson Road • P.O. Box 92 Albany, Georgia 31702-0092 Phone: (229) 883-4152 “Sevice Since 1880” A provider of Synovm Financial Services Member FDIC 430-5383 1531 U.S. 19 South Leesburg And Inside the Lee County Wal-Mart