BROWN LIKE COFFEE

Brown Like Coffee is authored under the pseudonym, "The List Guy."  The title really has little relationship with the content except that the major sections are marked by certain coffee names such as Cup of Joe, Expresso, Mocha, and Cappucino.  The sub-title prepares you better for the content and purpose of this volume: "For students who think outside the box." 

The List Guy has some great chapters for students who really want to avoid the trends of college students who fail to find who God really wants them to be.  Here are some sample thought provoking chapter titles: Three Lame Reasons to Go to College,  Six Reasons I Am a Follower of Jesus, Seven Questions to Rock Your World, Three Professors from Hell, Six Steps to Dynamic Dating, and Five Students Who Are Changing the World.

One of the most significant chapters for me was Three Stories of Faith and Courage as The List Guy gives an account of young people who saw the obstacles, experienced the fear, and made tough decisions despite the opportunity to avoid hard times. 

I highly recommend this volume to high school seniors, college students, youth ministers (and pastors), faculty, and parents of college-age students. It would also make a nice gift for graduating high school seniors.

I wish I had the book 46 years ago when I started college.

 

PRAY --VOTE -- PRAY

Tuesday, November 2, is the date of the general election, and we all need to cast our ballots.  I am not promoting any candidate or political party through this blog, but I am promoting the need for citizens to express their right and privilege of voting.  The correct chronology appears to me to be: pray, vote, pray.

Pray: pray concerning the election and who God would have you cast your ballot.  It really doesn't matter who the polls say will win or who others encourage you to vote for.  Take your lead from above.

Vote: go to your voting precinct and exercise your duty as a citizen.

Pray: pray for those who are elected.

"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior." 1 Timothy 2:1-3

Christians are citizens of earth and citizens of heaven and have responsibilities toward both. "Give unto Caesar what is Caesar's.  Give unto God what belongs to God."  A prayerful vote and a prayerful follow-up to an election is an exceptional way of giving to both Caesar and God.

ANNUAL MEETING OF WHITE RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION

The 168th Annual Meeting of White River Baptist Association will take place on October 18, 2010 at New Hope Baptist Church located 5 miles south of Yellville on Highway 14 South.  The first session will begin at 4:00 PM, and will include a report from the Family Ministry Team and will conclude with the Doctrinal Sermon by Bro. Jimmy Dale Huskey, Pastor of Bruno Baptist Church.  The first session will be followed by a meal for the messengers from the churches.

Emil Turner

The second session of the Annual Meeting will begin at 6:30 PM and will include reports by the Administrative, Church Development, and Missions Ministry Teams.  The session will conclude with the Annual Message delivered by Dr. Emil Turner, Executive Director of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention.  Bro. Gene Carson, Moderator for WRBA and Pastor of Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church, will preside over the Annual Meeting.

Each church affiliated with White River Baptist Association elects a certain number of messengers that is determined by total membership from the previous year's report.  Contact Barbara Carson or Maurice Hitt at 870-453-2575 to determine the maximum number your church can send, though unlimited guests from the churches are welcome.