Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church
April 16, 2009
Pastor Barksdale Online
"Greeting One Another In The Love Of Christ"
In This Issue
Weekly Message
News Update
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FWMBC Members and Friends,  
Last week we were excited that one of our readers was looking forward to her daughter participating in a stem cell research study.  Unfortunately she was not chosen as we had hoped.  Here is her response:  Sherisha was so hurt-I told her it is okay to cry-"weeping may endure for a night-joy comes in the morning.  God is so awesome! I was looking for a book to read and deicided to read the Bible during our wait to see the doctors.  The Spirit of the Lord placed on my heart to read passages of the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ from each gospel.  Amazingly I was ready for the unwelcome news that man presented us during this visit.  Sherisha wept momentarily, then softly, she stated, "Mother, I am going to do what I need to do to get healthy and trust God for my healing."  I smiled with tears of joy in my eyes; held her tightly in my arms, replying, "Amen, hallelujah!"     
 
My heart goes out to Sherisha and her family.  I asked if I could share this because I was so impressed with the attitude of faith that this mother and daughter are demonstrating.  I know that God is not through with Sherisha yet.  She will be blessed!
Pastor Barksdale
 
pastor 
  
Weekly Message 

 
  DON'T BE SURPRISED AT PAINFUL TRIALS!
 
"Dear Friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you.  But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed." (1 Peter 4:12, 13)
 
          Many of you have been experiencing difficult situations in your lives.  Perhaps someone very close to you has died.  Maybe you have been diagnosed with a particular medical problem that causes pain and worry.
For some of you, your trial is financial in nature.  Or you have gone through a separation from a special person and you are heartbroken.  Whatever it might be, realize that there is hope for tomorrow.
          Most of you are aware that Gladys, my wonderful wife of almost 35 years, sustained a ruptured brain aneurysm 11� years ago which left her severely disabled.  However, Gladys is one of the most positive persons that I know.  Although she would rather her circumstances be different, she meets each challenge with courage and determination.  I have learned from her positive attitude.
          In the passage above Peter knows that believers will encounter hardships.  In fact he does not want them to be surprised when those hardships come.  Often times we ask the question, "why is this happening to me?"  Peter seems to be saying, why not you?  In other words, why do you find it so strange?  But Peter also says, that believers should rejoice in the midst of the fiery trials that we are experiencing.  How do you handle painful situations in your life?  Here are a few suggestions: 
 
First of all, don't be surprised when trouble comes.  That is not to say that you should sit around expecting something bad to happen.  On the contrary you should always be optimistic.  But when difficulty comes, realize that it is a part of life. 
 
Secondly, realize that the attitude you have toward the problem is important.  All of us have pity parties every now and then.  However, if you make the effort to have an attitude of gratitude, and rejoice when painful experiences happen, you will be able to handle whatever your trial is much better. 
 
Finally, trust God.  His glory will be revealed in your experience.  And always remember,  He "will" bring you through.  Hallelujah!
 

 

News Update: 
Dear FWMBC Members: Please remember to go to our church website to select a time to take your Directory pictures.  Just go to www.fwmbc.org and click on the "picture sign-up" link.  The preferred times are going fast. It is important that we have your participation as we continue to live out and record the history of our church.  Also tell others who may not receive the online newsletter. A "sign-up" list will also be at the church Sunday for those of you who prefer to sign up that way.  Thanks and God bless.