TIME OF SERVICES Sunday: Bible Classes 10:00 A.M. Worship Service 11:00 A.M. Worship Service 6:00 P.M. Wednesday: Bible Classes 7:00 P.M. Preacher & Editor Dick Blackford Office (870) 933-9134 Home (870) 919-2266 Elders Kemuel Camp (870) 930-6970 Scott Stubblefield (870) 934-8874 Deacons Phillip Cassidy (870) 623-2588 Jeff Ladyman (479) 236-5365 Steve Lands (870) 974-1976 Travis Moody (870) 650-1649 Website: stoneridgechurchofchrist.com Email: stoneridgechurchofchrist@gmail.com Address: 514 Airport Rd, Jonesboro AR, 72405 Find us on: Facebook and YouTube THE BIBLE AND THE BIBLE ONLY, MAKES CHRISTIANS AND CHRISTIANS ONLY. THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IS COMPOSED OF CHRISTIANS WHO HAVE NOT JOINED A DENOMINATION.

Vol. 14, No.19	January 2, 2022

When Everything Goes Wrong!

DISHEARTENED JACOB at the end of his rope! After hearing disturbing news from his sons who had just returned from Egypt, he said in complete frustration, “Everything is against me!” (Gen 42:36 NIV).

So many things seemed like they were working against him. Joseph had been taken from him. Famine was plaguing the land of Canaan. Simeone was being held as a hostage in Egypt. Now the most current problem, Benjamin, the youngest son, was being demanded as a requirement to secure his brother’s release. This was almost too much for his aging Jacob to bear. He was overwhelmed by these circumstances and felt that everything had turned against him. In reality though, God was working His Divine Plan!

When things finally began to settle for Jacob it became clearer that these painful events were actually intended for the ultimate good. They led to his sons being reunited, “dead Joseph” was actually a ruler in Egypt, and they all moved to Egypt where the Lord made Jacob’s offspring into a great nation. Even though Jacob had affirmed that “everything was against him,” from God’s perspective everything was going for him!

I hope this helps us to see the limited perspective we have on matters. We must trust in God’s will and His ability to know what is best for us. If we are living as we ought, have confidence in God and His plan!

When everything seems to be going wrong, rely on the truth that “all things work together for good to those who love the Lord” (Rom 8:28). Then, instead

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of throwing our hands in the air in disbelief, we will be able to say confidently, “God is working in my best interest!” ++

My Redeemer

The Lord is my redeemer,

He found me in my need,

No kindred, no provider,

No hope of being freed.

Though I was tired and empty,

A stranger far from home,

He filled my life with plenty,

And took me as His own.

The Lord is my redeemer,

His providence is clear.

His kindness fills my hunger;

His shelter calms my fear.

But why should He esteem me

And take me for His line?

Yet He yearns to redeem me,

And hastens to be mine.

The Lord is my redeemer,

And to His love I cling,

Protected by His power

And nestled by His wing.

Where He goes, there I settle,

My home, here or abroad.

His kin will be my people,

And He will be my God. -Stephen Rouse

News/Notes/Quotes

THE SICK Joyce Riley has been having a number of health challenges but our latest information is that she is back in St. Bernard Hospita. Continue to pray for her… Madonna Vines continues to recuperate at home from heart procedures… Herb Starr also continues wrestle with health issues. We are thankful that he has been able to attend worship recently… The editor had back surgery on December 21 and cannot ride in a car until after January 11. He is also to only sit in a straight chair for 30 minutes at a time, but… There are still a few hurdles to go…Donald Crisler continues his treatment for cancer… .Remember our shutins: Gail Brooks and Rita Kieffer are both at St. Bernard Village…Shirley Coots at Lawrence County Nursing Home (hospice car)…Charles Bradsher at St. Elizabeth Place… Beverly Allen confined at home.

RESTORED. On Wednesday night Eli Campbell asked for the prayers of the congregation in dealing with some bad choices he made. We serve a loving God who has forgiven and we need to do our part in supporting him.

IDENTIFIED & DIRECTORY INFO. We are glad to welcome new members and here is some updated information: The Hagars recently obeyed the gospel and have the same address: 704 South Bay Dr (P.O. Box 61), Bay AR 72411.

Justin: hagerfore88@gmail.com; phone: 870-897-1998, Birthday: 11/26

Jessica: jessicahager@yahoo.com; phone: 870-897-5495, Birthday: 11/3

Emmy: Birthday: 5/8

Lynissa Davis, 1465 CR 762, Brookland AR 72417; phone: 870-253-2481; lynissa.davis@homeinstead.com; Birthday: 10/24

Madison Suell: Birthday – 1/7

You may often be sorry for having said a harsh word. But can you ever remember a time when you regretted having said a kind word?