By Pastor C. Michael Haas Jr. Fame Church of God What a beautiful week it’s been. The weather has been relatively nice, and, as always, God has been good. Everyone on the prayer list seems to be doing much better! Thank you for praying and lifting up those in need. My wife and our wonderful choir director, Ms. Avent, were able to spend a little time on the phone together early in the week. Ms. Avent enjoys gardening and so does my wife, Amanda. I especially like eating homegrown vegetables. Amanda thoroughly enjoyed their conversation. Ms. Avent is an inspiration. We didn’t get to plant a garden this year, but sure sounds like Ms. Avent has hers coming along quite well. We have four grandchildren and gardening the past few years has given us the opportunity to teach them how to grow their own food. They seem to love it. When our grandchildren grew their first large watermelon, they were very proud to see their hard work pay off. I’d like to take a moment to thank all of our local leaders and church pastors for all they are doing to care for the people in their local communities and churches during these unprecedented times. We pray for you. Leaders, our community thanks you. Pastors, I know your congregation thanks you. Be encouraged as you all do what it takes to protect those in your area. It was good to have everyone in service this week, also those who were listening in by radio. We pray you all found blessing through the worship service and message from the word of God. Our sermon this week came from the book of Ezekiel chapters 1,2 3 and 33. We learned from the prophet Ezekiel, whom called to be a watchman for the people of God, that a watchman has an important position and call to fulfill. To be a watchman means you protect, secure, watch over and warn. It’s somewhat like being a security guard. God is calling us to be watchmen over our families, friends, children, grandchildren, communities, neighborhoods and churches. The duty of a watchman, particularly in the word of God, was to warn the people of coming threats by sounding a trumpet. Church, God is calling us as watchmen to sound an alarm and signal people to open their eyes to see threats and dangers. Spiritually speaking, these dangers are very real. You may not always see them, but they exist. The enemy’s attacks and threats are real, and as watchmen we can warn and help protect those around us. Church, we must strengthen our soul, mind and body to reflect the glory of God. We must be prepared for the battle. We must watch out for our brothers and sisters. We must be prepared at all times to share, to love, to nurture, to guide, to sound the alarm in order to protect all who will hear. Like Ezekiel, we all need encouragement. God encouraged Ezekiel many times and gave him the strength to be the watchmen and to prophesy the judgment that was to come. If we do not turn from our sin, then we too will face the wrath of God, but all those who repent and turn from their wicked ways, God will forgive, renew and deliver them. Jesus is coming soon. Must be ready to meet the Bridegroom. He has a place prepared for us, a mansion in the sky, and then we will truly be at home. We must not be found sleeping or slumbering, but working, watching and waiting for the return of our Lord. Let us lift up the name of Jesus, honor and glorify him in all we do as we go about our week. Many blessings to you all. I pray you have a great week in Jesus’ name. God bless, Pastor Michael Haas
