How do you conduct yourself when bad things happen? As long as things are going well, most of us conduct ourselves in a manner that would probably be considered Christian-like. But more is required of us. Philippians 1:27 tells us, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” Did you catch that? Whatever happens.

BALLS AND STRIKES. The Lord Jesus was no doubt the most gracious man to ever walk this earth. Matthew said of Jesus, "A bruised reed He will not break" (12:20; a Messianic prophecy from Isaiah 42:3). The Apostle Paul spoke of "the meekness and gentleness of Christ" (2 Cor. 10:1). Jesus Himself stated, "I am gentle and lowly in heart" (Matt. 11:29). Though He created the universe, yet, in His humanity, He was meek and humble toward the humanity whom He came to serve. Despite that inner character, Jesus still "spoke truth to power." In other words, He spoke the truth to those in power, i.e. the proud, hypocritical spiritual leaders in Israel. And Jesus always called balls and strikes. Interestingly, even the best baseball umpires make bad calls about 14% of the time. And their bad calls tend to especially benefit high profile pitchers and hitters. However, the Lord Jesus never skewed the strike zone and never made a wrong call. After healing a demon-possessed man who was both blind and mute, the Pharisees said of Jesus, "This fellow does not cast out demons except by Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons" (Matt. 12:24). Jesus responded, "Brood of vipers! How can you, being evil, speak good things? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things" (Matt. 12:34-35). Umpire Jesus called, "STRIKE!" They couldn't deny Jesus' power to heal because the man could now see and talk. Yet they still linked Jesus to Satan. Why? Because their hearts were evil. They claimed to serve God, but they themselves were actually the ones who were blind and serving Satan. We need to ask, "How's MY heart? Am I blind, also? Am I actually serving Satan?" Our Umpire will speak the truth. But do we have ears to hear? Will we humbly act on the truth He speaks and bow our knee to Him, if that's our need?

Services were held on Sunday, May 2, at the Woodston United Methodist Church with Pastor Michelle Byerly officiating. Joan Balderston played “Ivory Palaces” for the Special. The Scripture was Acts 8:26-40 and the title of her Message was “Building the Church: What is to Prevent Me?” Communion was served. The Closing Hymn was “The Church’s One Foundation.”

Yes, folks, we are not just news, we are entertainment! And last week’s issue of the Sentinel proved just that. While the front page picture’s caption was non-existent, at least three other photos in the paper were identified incorrectly.

It is a well-known fact that our country is divided today. With that statement, most people would agree that we are indeed divided politically, but would they think that we are also divided in our Christian faith? We would all like to think that we can agree on most things when it comes to our faith, but there are several issues today that have challenged our unity. One of those is sexuality.

The March meeting of the Star 4-H Club was called to order on March 14, 2021, at 7:30 p.m., by president Ryan Mongeau, via Zoom. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Hudson Kriley and Jonathan Graham led the 4-H Pledge. Roll call was, “What are your Spring Break plans?” It was answered by 15 members and one leader. Brin gave the Treasurer’s Report and Garrison gave the Reporter’s Report. Council Report was given by Andy. He let us know that County Club Days entries are due March 15. Flip grid instructions were in the last newsletter. We will begin face-to-face meetings again in April. All face-to-face activities need to fill out a request form. Anyone interested in 4-H Camp needs to get signed up ASAP. There is a new dog show book. There is going to be a community garden with John Griebel. In Committee Reports, the Livestock Committee reported that Round Robin will stay the same as last year. There was no Old Business. There was no New Business. There are no bills to be paid. The next meeting will be April 11th, at 7:30, at Harding Hall. Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.—Reporter, Garrison Mongeau

KEEPING THE MAIN THING, THE MAIN THING. When the Apostle Paul wrote his first letter to the believers in Corinth, he said, "And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified" (1 Cor. 2:1-2). Paul was an educated man. He quoted at least three pagan philosophers in his writings. Paul could have stood "toe to toe" with these philosophers and philosophized about life. Paul could have drawn spiritual truth from the weather, or nature, or many other things. He came to Corinth from Athens where he had spoken of God in general terms and even quoted Aratus, a Greek poet. Though Paul also talked to the Athenians of Jesus' resurrection, it appears the cross was not his main focus. I surmise, then, that on his way to the pagan city of Corinth, where he stayed 18 months, that the Holy Spirit convinced Paul of his need to "hit the nail on the head." His main focus needed to be proclaiming "Jesus Christ and Him crucified" even though the crucifixion was "to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness" (1 Cor. 1:23). The one truth down through history that has moved the hearts of sinners and brought nations to repentance is the simplicity of the Gospel's Good News that Jesus took God's wrath toward sinners upon Himself. It was Isaac Watts who, in 1707, wrote the amazing hymn, 'When I Survey The Wondrous Cross.' Apparently, Charles Wesley appreciated the depth of truth in this hymn and stated that he would gladly give up all of his hymns to have written this one. The last verse says, "Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all." All the wisdom of the world can never save a soul and transform a life. Only grasping the love of Christ crucified can do that!

(The following article is taken from the Rooks County Health Center’s February 2rd3 regular meeting minutes.) President Jeff Van Dyke called the meeting to order at 6:10 p.m. The other board member present was Charles Allphin.

The menus for the week beginning Monday, April 26th, are as follows: Monday—Ham and potato casserole, peas and carrots, bread, hot cinnamon pears. Tuesday—White chicken chili, pea salad, crackers, ambrosia salad. Wednesday—Oven-baked chicken, coleslaw, mixed fruit, bread, pudding. Thursday—Hamburger patty with lettuce, onion and tomato, three-bean salad, bun, pineapple. Friday—Pasta salad with ham, mandarin oranges, crackers, brownie.

Week of May 3 Breakfast Monday—Donuts, fruit, juice, milk. Tuesday—Ceral bar, fruit, juice, milk.