As I write these words, my heart is somewhat heavy, but at the same time rejoicing.  Early this morning (Tuesday), Melissa’s mother, Mary West, passed away.  On the one hand, our hearts are grieving.  We have a close, loving family, and she will be missed.  Please pray for my precious wife, Melissa, who has honored her mom in countless ways, and who loved her dearly.  Pray for Mary’s husband, Robert: Today is also their 58^th anniversary as husband and wife.  We are thankful for the godly example of marriage they gave us, in sickness and in health.  Finally, pray for our three children, Caleb, Courtney, and Cassidy, who have always been incredibly close to their “Granny.” 

At the same time as we grieve, we rejoice.  As most of you know, Mary’s health has been in decline since December.  She knew Christ and was prepared to be with him, which is “better by far” (Philippians 1:23).  We rejoice that her earthly suffering has ended, and that she is “at home with the Lord” (2 Cor. 5:8). 

Still, it is not easy.  Pray for us.     

It was a blessing to kick off our new Fall series this past Sunday.  I am super excited about it!  1 Timothy is a book I have never preached through, and it is so rich.  We are calling this series Fight the Good Fight.  This was Paul’s exhortation to Timothy, and to us.  We are fighting the pressure to conform to the sinful patterns of this world (Romans 12:2), our own sinful nature, the flesh (Romans 8:13), and the devil (1 Peter 5:8).  

We are called to “fight the good fight!”  1 Timothy teaches us how to do it with God’s strength, and how to be victorious.  May God bless us with his grace and power as we walk through this letter.  Let me encourage you to be reading it on your own. 

This week, meditate especially on 1 Timothy 1:5-11.  We’ll be looking at this text this Sunday.  The message will be called, “The Goal is Love.”  I’ll see you on Sunday.  We love you, FBC family. 

By His Grace, For His Glory, To The Nations, 

Dr. Thurman Hayes, Jr.