14 March 12-18, 2020
Sermonette
Gratitude by Franklin Homme
Although God gives us everything, He doesn’t demand that we give everything away and live in poverty. We should remember to thank Him for everything we have. Saying thanks makes a lasting impact (Psalm 9:1-2). He supplies us with good things to enjoy and use, but expects, if we can, to help others with gratitude and to give to Him. Jesus was a given. (Psalm 9:1) We will never be able to express our gratitude
for all God’s wonderful deeds. In our prayer time we can thank Him. Jesus generously feeds the multitude, healing the sick, and offers truth to everyone who would listen (1Cor. 16:1-4). Most important He gave up His life on the cross to save all who would believe Him. In (Cor. 16:2) this scripture contains two guidelines that can help us become the generous people God wants us to be. Abounding in generosity looks different for each person. What’s important is that giving is voluntary (2 Cor. 8:8), modeled after Christ’s example (v.9) motivated by a desire to give (v. 10), and based on what one has (v.12). As we give our self fully to the Lord, generosity will overflow. As we read the scriptures, they teach that we don’t lose anything by being generous. God calls us to
give cheerfully, not grudgingly; bountifully, not sparingly, and voluntarily, not under compulsion (Cor.9:6-8). Being a generous person requires a heart that loves the Lord above all else, a will that is submitted to Him, and a mind that desires to obey His commands (Cor.9; 6-8). Generosity shows we’re following in Christ’s footsteps and demonstrating trust for Him in a very practical way. He alone is the one who provides us with the means to give. The practice of daily gratitude can’t ease the magnitude of pain we feel in persons of loss. But recognizing God’s goodness to us-in even the smallest of ways-can prepare us to kneel in worship before one all-powerful God in the darkest hours of our earthly lives. Watch how the practice of thankfulness changes your daily life. Today this is to pray the pastor and staff, provide for the ministry and maintenance of the churches, and help those financially in need. And we give because we love God and want to support the church. It is not happiness that makes us grateful. It’s gratefulness that makes us happy.
with COVID-19 in the coming days and weeks, it is important for residents to know the commonwealth is prepared and to be prepared themselves,” Dr. Levine said. “Right now, you have a higher chance of testing positive for COVID-19 if you have traveled to a country or state with known community outbreaks or have come in contact with someone who has the virus. We are working with the health care community across Pennsylvania to keep them informed, consult on patient testing and ensuring they have the resources they need to care for patients.” The Wolf Administration Pre-
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paredness Actions The World Health Organization first announced the coronavirus outbreak in late January and the Pennsylvania Department of Health has had its Emergency Operations Center set up since February 1. The center allows for a collaborative, concentrated state response, including: Activated the Department of Health’s Emergency Operations Center to allow for enhanced response coordination; Begun testing for COVID-19 at the state laboratory; Continued on page 16
Borough Council Continued from page 1
100 years old, according to Piescienski. Councilman Anthony Lopsonzski, Sr. addressed the issue of geese that will be more prevalent in the parks with the start of spring. He wanted to remind attendees and residents that it is illegal by ordinance to feed waterfowl, such as geese. Finally, Borough Manager LeRoy Brobst announced that the 4th Ward, along with the 2nd Ward, will vote in the Northampton Memorial Community Center this year.
Department Of Health Provides Update on COVID-19 submitted by NATE WARDLE
The Pennsylvania Department of Health this morning confirmed one additional presumptive positive case of COVID-19 – a resident from Montgomery County, bringing the statewide total to 12 presumptive positive cases. This resident is hospitalized. The department also announced that it will hold a daily press briefing at PEMA headquarters at 1310 Elmerton Ave. in Harrisburg every day at noon to announce the latest efforts and updates on the commonwealth’s response to COVID-19. “While we anticipate that there will be more Pennsylvanians
The Home News PHOTO OF THE MONTH The Home News will be featuring a Photo of the Month with a different theme each month! The Photo of the Month will be featured in the last issue of every month and on The Home News Facebook page. The person who submits the winning photo will also receive a prize each month.
If you’d like to submit a photo to be considered, please email AskUs@HomeNewsPA.com or mail to P.O. Box A, Walnutport, PA 18088. March’s theme will be Nifty Nazareth photos must be of/have been taken in Nazareth to be considered. Photos must be received by Monday, March 23 to be considered. Please include your contact information, a description of the photo and date taken with your submission.
