News of Folk by Sylvia

I start with congratulations to Alma & Tony Osborne who celebrate their Golden Wedding on 19th March. We hope they have a wonderful day. Both of them haven't been too good lately so we also wish them good health.
It is also good to see Margaret & Ernest and Dorcas back with us after their illnesses, we have missed them.

Unfortunately Bob fell & broke his hip, which meant an operation, which didn't help his other illness at all. However we do seem to be making some progress. With the help of the family we are coping. Like all of us we could do with some warmer weather to get out for small walks.
Next in the family was Oliver, who has broken his wrist. He's a little aggrieved as it was his left wrist, not the right, which might have given him time off school !!

Whilst Bob was in Exeter hospital having a new hip, I travelled on the bus with Janet Owen as Ken was in Exeter also. He came home the same day as Bob, but it was good for those two days. Janet & I were able to keep each other company.
John Taylor, the elderly gentleman who Frank fetched to church from Swallowcliff, was in the next bed to Bob in Seaton hospital. It was very hard to communicate with him as he is very deaf, but I think we managed to pass on our love.

I have also heard from Tara Jayne that Gwen Hayles has been in hospital. Tara is doing some care for Gwen so we shall be able to keep in touch.
Jean Kirkwood is also able to worship with us again. It is good to see her.
Abbi Gribble had a nasty fall and has been quite poorly but is now on the mend.
Les Andrews has gone into Exeter for an operation. We just pray all goes well for him, Les helped us quite a bit when we were decorating The Manse.

Finally, we are putting a list of services in the Notice Board, so you can see who is preaching. Do let us know if you want a lift, either phone Sybil on 23507 or Eileen on 21496.

How wonderful to know that He,
Who watches from above,
Will always keep us sheltered in
His ever present love.

Seeing Through Hypocrisy

But Jesus knew that these men were really trying to trick him. Jesus said, "Why are you trying to catch me saying something wrong? Bring me a silver coin. Let me see it." They gave Jesus a coin and Jesus asked, "Whose picture is on the coin? And whose name is written on it?" They answered, "It is Caesar's picture and Caesar's name."

-- Mark 12:15-16 (ERV)

KEY THOUGHT:
Jesus' opponents could not play games or trick him. He knew their
hearts. He knew what was inside people. He still does! Rather than
trying to play games with Jesus or pretend we are something we are not,
why not be honest. He came so we could be honest with him and with God.
When we are weak, let's be honest about our weakness and vulnerability.
When we are weary, let's go to him for rest. When we are grief-stricken
and sad, let's go to him for comfort. When we are confused, let's be
honest about our confusion and ask for his wisdom and discernment. When
we are angry, let's confess our anger and its source to him. Jesus
knows us. Let's be honest and come to him for grace and not try to
pretend we are something we are not. Our games may not be based upon
the same kind of deceit that his opponents used to try to trick him,
but deceit, dishonesty, and pretension are still tools Satan uses to
keep our hearts away from the Saviour.


TODAY'S PRAYER:
O LORD God, please forgive me. I confess to you that I have sometimes
tried to be something in your presence that I am not. Even though I
believe you know me through and through, I still sometimes fear
bringing you the darker sides of my personality and the most deeply
wounded parts of my heart. Please cure me of my pretension and deliver
me from deception. I want to be honest as well as reverent in your
presence, dear God, my Abba Father. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.