“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” -James 4:14

Several years ago a university student asked Billy Graham, “What has been the biggest surprise in his life?” Immediately he answered, “the briefness of life.” Almost before we know it, the years have passed and life is almost over. We do not often stop and think about life moving fast. We always assume and make plans to do things one after the other. We are busy, our calendars are full. We may not say it but live life like we are going to live forever. James challenges us with the above scripture. What have we done that will leave a legacy for Christ. A few days ago I dropped off Nic and Hannah at the airport. They were on their way to Florida for camp. Five hours later I received a call from Hannah. She said, “Daddy I miss you.” This is what went through my mind when she is at home. I tease her all the time but somewhere during those times she learned daddy loves her and when she doesn’t see me–she misses me. The thought was profound to me. With a little fun daily interaction there was an impression made that I loved her and cared for her. I carry that thought with me. Maybe my brief life will make a difference to someone. Yes life is short–but before us is eternity. What am I contributing to the love and life Jesus Christ gave me? Let us not live as if life will continue forever. It will not. Live instead with eternity in view. James 4:17, “If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” The Bible says that when we know what to do and not do it, it is sin. When we know that we need to share our faith and not tell others about Jesus we could fall into sin. (continues on page 9) YOUR LEGACY…GOD’S GLORY JULY 2019 BAPTIES NEWSLETTER FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF MURPHYSBORO 401 NORTH FIFTEENTH STREET MURPHYSBORO, ILLINOIS 62966 WWW.FBCMURPHY.ORG SHAKER SAMUEL, PASTOR KAY REIMAN, EDITOR CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED FBC Kids Monday Fun Day 5 years old – 5th grade 12 – 4:00 pm Monday July 8, 15, & 22 (continues from Pastor on page 1) This is where our influence comes in, because we are influencing people around us knowingly or unknowingly, why not use it for God’s glory. God is constantly asking who is going to tell them, Isaiah 6:8 reads, “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!” Isaiah stepped up. Are we willing? Psalm 126:6, “Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them.” will return with joy. C.S. Lewis pointed out “Joy is serious business in heaven!” Jesus said (luke 15:7) there is joy in heaven over every sinner who comes to repentance. God goes out of his way to find the most unlikely candidates to accomplish HIS devine purposes. There were several Bible characters who gave excuses. Think of Moses, who when called by God to speak for Him, he said “I can’t, I have a speech impediment.” (Exodus 4:10). Jeremiah felt he was too young (Jeremiah 1:6). Think also of those that God used who had challenges and failures in life. Noah got drunk, Abraham was old, Jacob was a liar, and David has an affair. Peter denied Christ, the disciples fell asleep while praying and Lazarus was dead. (This was taken from the book Tell Someone by Greg Laurie.) What is your excuse? You could say I’m not qualified, I’m not gifted or talented, or I do not know enough scripture. Guess what, those are the people God is looking for because when something amazing happens through you God gets the glory as He should. The Bible says it is in our weakness God is glorified. Remember we are “blessed to be a blessing.” Hannah calls me every night to tell me she misses me and loves me. Her earthly daddy is overjoyed. Now image how God would feel. Have a blessed summer. Don’t get sun burned…don’t forget the sun tan lotion. God Bless, Pastor Shaker