Welcome to Hilltop Chapel

 MATTHEW 10:29-31

 My kitchen window has an unobstructed view of the wooded hillside where there is an endless array of wildlife. It is in plain sight from the small kitchen table where my day begins with prayer and devotionals. It is great to see the various wildlife, but it is particularly entertaining to watch the tom turkeys doing their courting dance routine. Reminds me of some aspects of human courtship.

 However, the ones that bring me the most joy are the small sparrows. Right outside my window hanging from the eave is an empty bird feeder. Several years ago, I gave up putting seed into it because the bears also liked the seeds.

 Since then, each year the sparrows have used it for their nesting house. I get to watch the cycle from the meticulous building of the nest until the baby birds take their first flight. As I watch those birds,

 I am reminded of the references to the sparrows in our Bible. 

 Most especially Matthew 10:29-31 “Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? And one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs on your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.”

 So, because God sees and cares for each tiny sparrow that falls to the ground, we can only imagine the absolute magnitude of His love and care for us, His children who are made in his image. Father, we honor you and give you our praise for our eternal salvation; 

Bonnie Lamar Hilltop Chapel Deaconess 

 WRITTEN BY DECONESS DARLENE, Hilltop Chapel Church

 Several years ago, my son and I were having a humorous conversation. I said, “sometimes Doug and I are not on the page.” To which he added, “my wife and I aren’t even in the same book!”

 God blesses us with unique personalities and backgrounds. 

Now I rejoice because my son and his wife ARE in the same BOOK!! Pastor Rod gave them a Bible which contains both the English and Thai language. They now can read side by side. Being in the same book is joining together.

 Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron…one man sharpens the other. There is a mutual benefit of two blades rubbing together, making blades more efficient for their task.

 Hebrews 4:12 we are to sharpen one another in times of meeting, fellowship and other transactions. The BIBLE, the word of GOD holds formidable power that transforms us. It is a privilege to have it in our possession to come together and share it and our lives with others.

 May God richly bless you, Deaconess Darlene, Hilltop Chapel Church 

 WRITTEN BY DEACONESS DARLENE

 When I reflect on Jesus’s persecution and His carrying of the cross, I think how weary He must have been. As followers in Christ, we are instructed to follow the example that Jesus has set for us.

 Galatians 6:9 Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.

 Matthew 20:28 Just as the Son of man did not come to be served but to serve, to give His life as a ransom for many.

 I pray we will feel renewed and ready to serve him! So I will share this poem. Entitled “Do it anyway” Author: Unknown 

 People are often unreasonable, illogical and self centered; Forgive them anyway. If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives; Be kind anyway. What you spend years building; someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway. If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; be happy anyway. Give the world the best that you have and it may never be enough; give the world; give the world the best you have and it may never be enough; give the world the best you have and it may never be enough; give the world the best you’ve got anyway. You see in the final analysis it is between you and God; it was never between you and them anyway.

 May God always Bless you; Deaconess Darlene 

 I hope all of you are feeling well today. Good health is an important part of our lives. Somedays are difficult due to our health. 

Sitting in the Dr’s office the other day I reflected on all the time I spend in offices like this one. Waiting to see the Dr. to hear what he/she has to say about my latest health issues.

 As we age(and I’m going on 77) we find ourselves going to dr’s way to often. But to keep going in good health that is what it takes. How many of you today feel you are in reasonably good health? Most of us take pretty good care of ourselves, when we don’t feel well we go see the doctor and see what they can offer. We follow their advice in the hope that it will cure all that ails us. We ask ourselves will this prognosis make us feel better or not? What will be the eventual outcome. We all know how much happier we are when we feel good, the world seems somehow better .

 We spend a lot of our time taking care of our health and rightly so. But let’s flip the topic and talk about our spiritual health. Are we doing the things we should be doing to achieve eternal fellowship with God. In John 14;6 Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one goes to the father except through me, if you knew me you would also know my Father, also from this day forward you have known him and seen him”. What Jesus is saying here is that your salvation, your redemption, your eternal future in Heaven depends on your personal relationship with Him. “no one goes to the father except through me”. 

 We already talked about all the time we give to our personal health in this world, but what about the time we need to spend on our spiritual health in fellowship with Jesus? What about the time we need to spend in preparation for when Jesus comes again? This time He will come to judge us on what we have done in his name, saving those who have prepared themselves for his coming. Don’t let yourself be caught unprepared. No one knows when Jesus is coming, be prepared to receive him. And no one at the end of this life wants to appear before God and Jesus and hear the words, “turn away and be gone, I have never known you”. What we want to hear is “Well done oh good and faithful servant”. Dedicate sometime every day in fellowship with Jesus. Your life will become more fruitful and meaningful. Don’t wait, don’t hesitate, your salvation is at hand, open your dialogue with Jesus today, He’s waiting for you, right now! 

 May God Bless You always and keep you safe from all harm,,,,,   

 WRITTEN BY DECONESS BONNIE, HILLTOP CHAPEL CHURCH

 So many times, when I am listening to music outlets a particular and especially uplifting song that really speaks to my heart begins to play. Or maybe it was a sermon that made me ask myself, how in the world did that minister know what’s going on in my life at this very moment.

 Just a coincidence?

 I don’t think so!

 Our God is omniscient (all knowing) and omnipresent (present everywhere). God knows our very thoughts; past, present and future. So, of course he knows everything we are experiencing, whether it be physical pain, deep sorrows, financial woes or any number of life situations.

Way back in 1955, Mosie Lister wrote a fitting and uplifting song titled, "He (Jesus) Knows Just What I Need".

 Chorus words: “MY JESUS KNOWS JUST WHAT I NEED. OH, YES, HE KNOWS JUST WHAT I NEED HE SATISFIES AND EVERY NEED SUPPLIES. YES, HE KNOWS JUST WHAT I NEED”. 

 So take comfort and rest assured knowing that no matter your situation, Jesus knows your every need and will always be there with you to see you through whatever comes your way in life.

 In prayerful love and support, 

Deaconess Bonnie Hilltop Chapel Church 

 WRITTEN BY DEACON RICK, HILLTOP CHAPEL CHURCH

 After reading the news today I asked myself is the world we live in really in such bad shape. Or is it just the journalists that make it seem so, misery sells better than joy! There are numerous conflicts throughout the world that we can follow, armed conflicts everywhere we look. The Arms industry is doing very well in this atmosphere; sales are way up there and climbing even higher. Threats of nuclear annihilation threaten us daily. People everywhere have different reasons for these disagreements that blow up into armed conflicts. Whether it be because of ethical reasons, religious reasons, boundary disputes, famine or several other reasons, let us also throw in there politics, people today are ready, willing, and able to take up arms against one another: greed, power, dominance over others, all these play a major role in the big picture of the world we live in. And it’s always been that way throughout time, when will the cycle stop, when will we wake up to the fact that it does not have to be this way.

 There is an alternative. And I’m sure you all knew that I was heading there!

 

Psalm 23:6, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”, Amen 

For those of us who believe in the living God this world is not our final home. We have eternity in fellowship with God in Heaven to look forward to. When the daily news is too much and gets you down, turn to the Lord, your God and feel the peace, calm and quiet that is there. Open your heart and receive Him into your lives, not just for a little while but forever. 

 It’s amazing how that can change your whole attitude towards this world. We all need to feel his Grace and Love around us, always.

 “MY HOME IS IN HEAVEN; I’M JUST TRAVELING THROUGH THIS WORLD” BILLY GRAHAM

 Remember to keep the Lord, Your God always within your reach, God Bless You All 

Deacon Rick McComb, Hilltop Chapel Church