And your answer is?

How many game shows have you watched over the years? You've probably heard the host ask the contestants for answers in numerous ways. Most of the time the contestant answers -verbally and on a few shows, like Jeopardy, the final answer is written down. This morning let me ask you a simple question - how do you answer others (and I'm not talking about words but attitude)?

In Proverbs 15, which is one of my favorite chapters in Proverbs, Solomon begins with a statement that would from time to time, serve us all well and keep us out of making a mistake. He says, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. The tongue of the wise makes knowledge acceptable, but the mouth of fools spouts folly."

I've been tempted many times to jump into a conversation or to answer someone in a defensive, "I know better than you" type of manner. The times that I've done that, it always ends up creating more problems and affords less solutions. Today let me challenge you to memorize Proverbs 15:1, the first sentence that I quoted, and put it into your heart so the next time you give an answer it will be one that brings calm and the ability of others and yourself to find solutions.

I'd like to mention that the forecast for Sunday is 50% chance of snow. Remember that if we get under three inches we will have church. If we get over three inches we will still broadcast our morning service as I will be recording the message on Saturday for everyone to see on Sunday at 10:55 a.m. It's times like this that I am so very grateful that we have the tools to use Facebook Live and we also have the avenue to give online.

If you missed Sunday night's business meeting, you missed a blessing. We voted in nine new deacons, voted in new leadership for our committees and teams, and we adopted the 2019 budget. One of the highlights was when Ed Peterson showed the slide that we have baptized more people this year than we have in any year since 2014. As part of those numbers, we also saw where we baptized more students and adults than in many past years. Thank the Lord for His blessing on our church with 84 new members and 54 baptisms. Give Him praise.

Stay strong in Him,

Pastor Carl