8 • Piedmont Shopper© •JUNE 11th - 17th, 2015
Obituaries
“For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.” Romans 14:8 Betty J. Noell Betty J. Noell of Danville, passed away on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 after a long illness. She was married to Louis L. Noell Sr. who preceded her in death. In addition to her husband she was predeceased by a son, Louis L. Noell Jr. Mrs. Noell is survived by four children, four grandchildren, and seven greatgrandchildren. A graveside funeral service will be held on Monday, June 8, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. at Danville Memorial Gardens with Reverend Dr. Adam Woods officiating. Townes Funeral Home, 215 West Main Street, is serving the Noell family.
Victoria Smolenski Robert Victoria Smolenski Robert, age 89 died Thursday, June 4, 2015 at her residence. She was born May 5, 1926 in Dudley, MA; she was the daughter of the late Adolf Smolenski and Michalina Kwiatkowski Smolenski. She moved to Danville in l986 and was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Mrs. Robert is survived by two daughters; Ellen-Cade Sherry of Webster, MA and Julie Gambrell (Richard) of Danville, one son, Eric T. Robert (Kathy) of Sheffield, AL, one sister, Dolores Lyons of Oxford, MA, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents she was predeceased by her husband of 62 years, Gerard, and two sons, Alan P. Robert and Bruce J. Robert, four brothers, Joseph Smolenski, Henry Smolenski, Steven Smolenski, Edmond Smolenski and three sisters, Cecelia Millett, Lucille DuBois, and Bernice Christian. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church and burial will be in Highland Burial Park. Townes Funeral Home and Crematory, 215 West Main Street is serving the Robert family.
Samantha Rose Adkins Samantha
Rose
Adkins, infant, of 419 Moffett Street, Danville, Va. was carried by the angels from her residence into the gentle arms of her Savior on Saturday, May 30, 2015. She was born April 29, 2015 in Danville to Rebecca Hudson and Christopher W. Adkins. In addition to her parents, Samantha is survived by her sisters Alexia Nikole Adkins and Jacqueline Darnell Adkins; her uncles: Charles Hudson, Bill Rudy, Ryan Adkins, Michael Adkins, and Brad Maretich; her aunts: Michelle Maretich, Jessica Reavis, Tonya Adkins, and Jayne Rudy; her paternal grandparents, Dovie Marie Adkins and Spencer Keith Adkins and her maternal grandparents, Darcy Hudson and Ocie Hudson. A memorial service will be held 4:00 p.m. Sunday, June 7, 2015 at Norris Funeral Services, Mt. Hermon Chapel with Rev. Stephen White officiating. The family will receive friends at the residence. Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory, Mt.
Hermon Chapel, 3995 Franklin Tpke., Danville is serving the Adkins family. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral. com.
Joseph Wayne Critz Joseph Wayne Critz, 72, of Stella ,Va passed away on June 1, 2015 at Blue R i d g e Therapy Connection in Stuart,Va. He was born on February 28, 1943 to the late Randolph Critz and Elizabeth Jarrett Critz. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his grandparents; Charles and Lucy Jarrett; several nephews, Uncle and Aunts. He is survived by two brothers; Bill Critz and wife Linda of Spencer, Va, Dwight Leon Critz of Stella Va, one sister; Dora Brown and husband Fred of Ridgeway, Va. The funeral will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, June 4, 2015 at Norris Funeral Services Chapel in Stuart with Pastor Danny Gilley officiating. Burial will be at Patrick Memorial Gardens in Stuart, Va. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, from 10:00 to 11:00 at Norris Funeral Services. Norris Funeral Services in Stuart is serving the Critz Family. Online Condolences may be made at www.NorrisFuneral.com.
David Keith Akers David
Keith
Akers, 58, of 601 Bridge St, Danville, Va. passed away on Monday, June 1, 2015, at Danville Regional Medical Center. He was born on June 18, 1956, to Leona Akers Reece, and the late Sanford Akers. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Cox Akers of the residence. David worked for thirty years at Dan River Mills before leaving to work for Comcast. He retired early due to health issues. David enjoyed walking along the River Walk, music and playing guitar and singing. He was a kind gentle man of Christian Faith and a generous heart. He will be greatly missed. In addition to his wife and mother, David is survived by two sons, Brandon Akers and Joshua Akers; two stepdaughters Jessica Gourley and Kristin Harris. He is also survived by two brothers, Stephen Z. Akers and Bobby L. Akers, four granddaughters, one grandson on the way, and one greatgrandson. In addition to his father, Mr. Akers was also predeceased by his step-father, Claude “Hooty” Reece. A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Friday, June 5, 2015 at Schoolfield Cemetery with Elder Danny Parker officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to David Keith Akers Memorial Fund c/o Norris Funeral Services, Mt. Hermon Chapel. Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory, Mt. Hermon Chapel, 3995 Franklin Tpke., Danville is serving the Akers family. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral. com.
Oakes Memorials & Signs
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Annie Sue Hawks Annie Sue Hawks, 102, of Stuart, Va. died on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at Blue R i d g e Therapy Connection in Stuart, Va. She was born on May 26, 1913 to the late Allie Clark and Bud Clark. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by husband, Victor Hawks; five brothers, Clarence Clark, Dallas Clark, Joseph Clark, Marion Clark , George Clark and one sister; Mae Martin. She was a loving wife ,mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She served as a volunteer at Blue Ridge Nursing Center and was a member of Concord United Methodist Church. Surviving are one daughter; Phyllis Holt and husband Leon of Stuart, Va, three sons; Warren Hawks and wife Jeannie , William Hawks and wife Linda both of Stuart, Harold Hawks of Laurel Fork, Va, three sisters; Dorothy (Dot) Mills of Spencer, Va, Della Hawks and Martha Hutchens both of Stuart, Va.; eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and three greatgreat-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. The funeral will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday June 4, 2015 at Norris Funeral Services Chapel In Stuart with Pastor Mark Clayton and Pastor Steve Hayes officiating. Burial will be in Patrick Memorial Gardens in Stuart. The family will receive friends two hours prior to the service, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. at Norris Funeral Services. Memorials may be made to Concord United Methodist Church C/O Karen Coleman 1481 Concord Church Rd. Stuart, Va 24171 Norris Funeral Services is serving the Hawks family. Online condolences may be made at wwwnorrisFuneral. com.
Ruth Shough Martin Ruth Shough Martin, 95, of Patrick Springs, Va died on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at Pioneer C o m munity Hospital in Stuart, Va. She was born on March 14, 1920 in Patrick County to the late Bessie Harris Shough and Charlie Watson Shough. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Fletcher Lee Martin. She was a Charter Member of Patrick Springs Pentecostal Holiness Church and worked as a housewife for many years. Surviving are three daughters; Margie Brown and husband Steve of Germanton, NC, Gloria Biggs and
husband Charles of Patrick Springs, Va, Callie Ruth Martin and husband Mike Adkins of Martinsville, Va, three sons; Ledford Martin, Larry Martin and wife Teresa, Gary Martin and wife Connie all of Patrick Springs, Va and one brother; Jessie Shough of Ridgeway, Va, eight grandchildren, two step grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and three step great-grandchildren. The funeral will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday June 5, 2015 at Patrick Springs Pentecostal Holiness Church in Patrick Springs with Dr. Marion Poythress, Reverened Jack Foley and Reverened James Shough officiating. Burial will in Providence United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Thursday June 4, 2015 from 6:00 tp 8:00 p.m. at Patrick Springs Pentecostal Holiness Church. Memorials may be made to Patrick Springs Pentecostal Holiness Church 260 Spring Road, Patrick Springs, Va 24133 Norris Funeral Services in Stuart is serving the martin family. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisFuneral.com.
Bennie Wesley Sigmon Bennie Wesley Sigmon, age 48 of 2081 Rocklawn Place, Danville passed a w a y T h u r s day, June 4, 2015 at Danville Regional M e d i cal Center, Danville. He was born March 29, 1967 in Danville to the late Marvin Sigmon and Betty Mimms Sigmon of Danville. Bennie was married to Kelly Giles Sigmon for twenty years who survives of the residence. Mr. Sigmon owned and operated Southern Virginia Mechanical. He was a member of the SOVA Riders club. Bennie loved woodworking, Jet skiing and helping others (he never said no to anyone). In addition to his wife and mother he is survived by; two daughters, Lindsey Nicole Sigmon and Emily Elizabeth Sigmon both of the residence; two sisters Carol Milam of Danville and Lisa Jones and husband Keith of Dry Fork, VA and a brother, Buddy Sigmon and wife Lynn of Danville. The family will receive friends 1:00 p.m. till 2:30 p.m., Sunday, June 7, 2015 at Norris Funeral Services, Inc., West End Chapel, 511 Church Ave., Danville, VA 24541 and other times at the home of Larry & LaRue Giles, 206 Major Court, Danville, VA 24540 and his mother’s home (Betty Sigmon) 191 Rocklawn Ave., Danville, VA 24540. Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m., Sunday, June 7, 2015 at Norris Funeral Services, Inc., West End Chapel with the Rev. Brian Edwards and Rev. Tommy Walton officiating. Interment will follow at Danville Memorial Gardens, Danville, VA. Memorial donations may be
made to SOVA Riders Club or the charity of your choice. Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory, West End Chapel, 511 Church Ave. Danville is serving the Sigmon family. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.
Robert “Bobby” Douglas Haley “Bobby” Douglas Haley, Sr., age 68 of 601 Bridge St., Danville passed away Saturday, June 6, 2015 at his residence. He was born October 20, 1946 in Danville to the late Robert S. Douglas and the late Lena Moxley Haley. Robert attended New Life Chapel in Eden, NC. Mr. Haley owned and operated Haley’s Finishing Touch for twelve years prior to his retirement. He also was employed with Lawrence and Nester for about fifteen years. Mr. Haley proudly served his country as a member of the US Army during the Vietnam era. Mr. Haley is survived by two daughters Denise Jenkins Reamey and husband Kevin and Teresa Haley Jenkins all of Axton, VA: a son Robert Douglas Haley, Jr. and wife Sheila of Eden, NC: two sisters, Margaret Moore and Gail Wilson both of Axton, VA: six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents he is also predeceased by a grandson, Jean-Claude Bridges. The family will receive friends 1:00 p.m. till 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at Norris Funeral Services, Inc., 511 Church Ave., Danville, VA 24541 and other times at the son’s home 178 Circle Loop, Eden, NC 27228. A memorial service will be held 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 9, 2015 at Norris Funeral Services, Inc., West End Chapel with the Rev. Gary Grubbs officiating. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to New Life Chapel, 432 Bridge St., Eden, NC 27288 Norris Funeral Services, Inc. and Crematory, West End Chapel, 511 Church Ave. Danville is serving the Haley family. Online condolences may be made at www.norrisfuneral.com.
Snow Creek area. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date. Memorials may be made to Stone Memorial Christian Church, 3030 Virginia Avenue, Collinsville, VA 24078. Norris Funeral Services Inc. and Crematory Martinsville, VA., is serving the Barbour family. Online condolences may be made at www.NorrisFuneral.com.
Robert
Shirley Meeks Barbour Shirley Meeks Barbour, 75, passed away at her home, Saturday, June 6, 2015. She was born, December 8, 1939 in Franklin County, VA to the late Myrtle Matherly Meeks and Homer Meeks. She is predeceased by two sisters, Irene Delancy and Julie Katherine Meeks; five brothers, Aaron Meeks, Billy Meeks, Roy L. Meeks, Homer Thurman Meeks and J. D. Meeks. Mrs. Barbour was a member of Stone Memorial Christian Church for forty years. Shirley is survived by her husband of 57 years, Julian William Barbour; her daughter, Linda Barbour Goad and her husband, Garry and one grandson, Julian Goad, all of Martinsville, VA; two sisters, Goldie Cooper of Bassett, VA and Cordie Marion Oliver, of
Carroll Winford Elliott Carroll Winford Elliott, 73, of 325 Turpin Street, D a n ville, VA died on M o n d a y , June 1, 2015 in the Hospice of Rockingham County after being in declining health for the past eighteen months. Carroll was born in Danville, VA on June 28, 1941 a son of the late Luther Herman Elliott and Belva Wells Elliott. He was a graduate of the former Whitmell Farm Life High School and he graduated from Broadcasting School in Atlanta, GA. Carroll, known as (Don Carroll) on the radio, worked in Broadcasting his entire life having worked in radio with stations WDVA, WAKG Bluegrass Hall of Fame on Saturday nights and he last worked in radio in Roxboro, NC. He also worked with Danville Cable Vision in sales. On July 7, 1979 he married Linda King Elliott who survives of the residence. Carroll is also survived by three daughters Scottie Elliott Dillard of Dry Fork, VA, Stephanie Heather Matherly & husband Scott of Chatham, VA, Sara Ann Goins of Durham, NC and one son Curtis R. Goins of Blacksburg, VA, one brother in law Pete Maurakis of Chatham, VA, Five Grandchildren Kevin Dillard, Angela Dillard, Michael Matherly, Matthew Matherly and Grayson Matherly. He was predeceased by one sister Phyllis E. Maurakis. A Memorial Service will be conducted on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. from the Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel by the Reverend Shannon Joseph. The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the chapel prior to the service and at other times they will be at the residence, 325 Turpin Street, Danville, VA 24541. Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel is respectfully serving the Elliott family.
Evelyn Wallace Scarce Oakes Evelyn
Wallace Scarce Oakes, 81, of 2700 Whitmell School Rd, Dry Fork, VA, died on Monday, June 1, 2015 at Danville Regional Medical Center after being in declining health for several weeks. Mrs. Oakes was born on July 24, 1933 in Dry Fork, VA, daughter of the late George Lee Wallace and the late Virginia Yates Wallace. She lived all of her life in the Dry Fork area where she was a bus driver for 28 years. She was a member of Whitmell Christian Church and a member of the Ladies Axillary. Mrs. Oakes was first mar-
ried to the late O. W. Scarce and then on October 25, 1997 she married Andrew L. “Jack” Oakes who preceded her in death. Survivors include three children, Mark and Michelle Scarce of Dry Fork, VA, Elizabeth and Danny Wimmer of Martinsville, VA and Steffen Scarce of Dry Fork, VA; two brothers, Dennis Wayne Wallace and Kenny Ray Wallace both of Dry Fork, VA; two sisters, Mildred Emerson of Dry Fork, VA and Betty Marshall of Roanoke, VA; and six grandchildren, Seth, Emily, Elivia (Dallas), Rebecca, Noah, and Kaylee. In addition to her first and second husbands she was predeceased by two sisters, Margaret Pruitt and Virginia Jones; and two brothers, Ruben Wallace and George D. Wallace. Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday June 4, 2015 at 11:00 AM, at Whitmell Christian Church with the Pastor Tim Oakes officiating. Interment will follow the service in the Scarce Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel and at other times will be at the residence of her son, Mr. Steffen Scarce at 975 West Sunrise Dr, Dry Fork, VA 24549. The family suggest memorial donations be made to Whitmell Christian Church at 2628 Whitmell School, Rd, Dry Fork, VA 24549. Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel is respectfully serving the Oakes family.
Rev. Barry Lemont Hairston Rev. Barry Lemont Hairston, 65, of 230 Cline St., Danville, VA, died, Sunday, May 31, 2015 at Duke University Hospital, Durham, NC. Born September 22, 1949 in Danville, VA, he was the son of John Robert Hairston and the late Shirley Young Hairston. He was married to Phyllis Coles Hairston, who survives. In addition to his wife of the residence and his father of Danville, VA, survivors include two daughters, Treva Hairston of Greensboro, NC and Tanya Taylor of Washington, DC; one son, Phillip Hairston of Danville, VA; one sister, Gabriella Horgrove of NJ; four brothers, Gene Hairston, Keith A. Hairston, Timothy Hairston and Jeremy Hairston, all of Danville, VA and a host of other relatives and friends. The family will receive friends at the residence. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 1 PM from Loyal Baptist Church with Rev. Demetrius Crews officiating. Interment will follow Floral Hills Memory Gardens. Fisher and Watkins Funeral Home is assisting the Hairston family.
Mary Ann Sutzer Mary Ann Sutzer, 73, of 108 W h i t e Street, Danville, VA died Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at the Danville Regional Medical Center. Born May 8, 1942 in Pittsylvania County, VA, she was the daughter of Claude Pritchett and the late Mary Elliott Pritchett. She was married to the late Bobby Sutzer. She was the last of her generation. Survivors include three sons, Duncan Sutzer and Trent Sutzer, both of Danville, VA and Brian Sutzer
Piedmont Shopper© JUNE 11th - 17th, 2015 • 9
of Martinsville, VA; and a host of other relatives and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by four sisters, Maxine Hereford, Doris McIntyre, Frances Hereford, Bessie Moore; four brothers, Claude Pritchett, Selvin Pritchett and Dick Pritchett. Family will receive friends at the residence of her son, Trent Sutzer, 124 Sherwood Drive, Danville, VA. Funeral services will be conducted Monday, June 8, 2015 at 1:00 PM from Cornerstone Church with Pastor Dorothy Glass officiating. Interment will follow in Highland Burial Park. Fisher and Watkins Funeral Home is assisting the Sutzer family.
Rev. Jack Melvin Robertson, Sr. The Rev. Jack Melvin Robertson Sr., age 78, of 227 Withers Rd., Danville, VA, died on Monday, June 01, 2015 at Roman Eagle Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. He was born on June 28, 1936, in Danville, VA, to the late Oliver Melvin Robertson and Myrtle Wood Robertson. The Rev. Robertson had been the pastor of The Church of God of Prophecy since it was built. He was also associated with the Swicegood-Barker Funeral Services as a part-time employee for 15 years. He is survived by his son, Jack Melvin Robertson Jr. of Danville; grandchildren: Bryan Oliver Robertson and wife Desiree, Jack Melvin “Thumper” Robertson III, and Tiffany Dawn Martel all of Danville; five greatgrandchildren; former wife, Lenora Robertson; one step-great-grandson; two caregivers: Janice Lumpkin and Tina Campbell; and step-brother, Bobby Lane Kendrick of Danville. In addition to his parents, the Rev. Robertson was predeceased by his sister, Judy Kincaid and brother, Allen Robertson. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 04, 2015 at The Church of God of Prophecy with Rev. Albert Moser, Rev. James Graham, and State Overseer Jerry Schall officiating. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 03, 2015 from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. at The Church of God of Prophecy, 406 Seminole Dr., Danville, VA 24540. Interment will follow in Danville Memorial Gardens. Swicegood Funeral Service is respectfully serving the Robertson family. Please sign the guestbook at www.swicegood-barker. com, www.facebook.com/ swicegoodbarker.
Julia D. Jones Julia D. Jones, age 82, of 2526 N. Main St., Danville, VA, went home to be with her Lord and Savior and daddy on Monday, June 01, 2015 at Danville Regional Medical Center. She was born on July 08, 1932, in Watauga Co., NC, to the late Mahlon Robert Dickens and Minnie Coleman Russ. Mrs. Jones worked at Sales Knitting Co. and Healthtex before her retirement, and she was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. She lived most of her life in Danville. Mrs. Jones was a loving mother and will be greatly missed. Mother, we will see you soon from your children. She is survived by her
daughters: Virda Mitchell and Cynthia Jones both of Danville, Wanda C. Jones of Lynchburg, VA, and Donna Amos and husband Myron of Pelham, NC; sons: Michael Jones and wife Karri of Alberta, VA and Wayne D. Jones and wife Dawn of Reidsville, NC; thirteen grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Jones was predeceased by her husband, William Parrish Jones. A celebration of life will be conducted on Saturday, June 06, 2015 from 12 noon until 2:00 p.m. at Swicegood Funeral. At other times, the family will be at the home of Donna Amos, 1163 Poole Rd., Pelham, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the charity of your choice. Swicegood Funeral Service is respectfully serving the Jones family. Please sign the guestbook at www.swicegood-barker. com, www.facebook.com/ swicegoodbarker.
Lucy “Sister” Walton Dickerson Lucy “Sister” Walton Dickerson, age 87, died on Thursday, June 04, 2015 at Roman Eagle Rehabilitation and Health Care Center. She was born on June 16, 1927, in Pittsylvania County, VA, to the late Robert Walton and Annie Walton. Mrs. Dickerson was a homemaker and was of the Baptist faith. She was a special caregiver, a giving, and loving person who loved her simple life. She was a good Christian woman. She is survived by “special daughters”, Jackie Walton Shelton and Willie Walton; several special nieces and nephews; two grandchildren; and three greatgrandchildren. In addition to her parents Mrs. Dickerson was predeceased by her husband, Larry “Eston” Dickerson; sister, Nellie W. Jones; and brothers: Ned Walton, Jack Walton, Charlie “Biggon” Walton, Smith Walton, Gid Walton, and Claude Walton. Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, June 07, 2015 at Swicegood Funeral Home with Rev. Daryl Joyce officiating. Visitation will be held from 1:30 until 2:30 p.m. Sunday, June 07, 2015 at Swicegood Funeral Home. At other times, the family will be at the home of Willie Walton, 717 Hickory Forest Rd., Danville, VA. Interment will follow in the Walton-Scearce Family Cemetery. Swicegood Funeral Service is respectfully serving the Dickerson family. Please sign the guestbook at www.swicegood-barker. com, www.facebook.com/ swicegoodbarker.
Dr. Bo Wagner is pastor of the Cornerstone Baptist Church of Mooresboro, NC, and the author of several books. His books are available at www.wordofhismouth.com Email comments to: 2knowhim@cbc-web.org
“Observing the Spirit of the Law” This was clearly not an act of willful disobedience. As such, it was a side-splitting moment of hilarity, not a cause for punishment, and the very wise mother handled it as such. I was preaching to a great group of young people, and afterward, we stayed around for a fellowship such as can only be found in good ‘ol church circles: barbeque chicken, homemade nanner (banana, for the grammatically rigid) pudding, biscuits, and, to top it off, a beautifully decorated cake. The cake itself was huge, enough to feed five times as many people as were in attendance. Everyone had already come around for a piece or two, and folks were just sitting around talking, enjoying sweet fellowship. We were seated about five feet from the cake. A little fellow, cute as a button, made his way to the cake, and the closer he got, the bigger his eyes got. Trembling with excitement, he reached out and stuck his finger in the cake, and then put his frosting-covered finger in his mouth. His mother immediately said, “No! Don’t put your finger in that cake!” Which is why, I suppose, the next “slow motion, this cannot be happening” moment occurred. The lad leaned over, and lovingly licked a huge swatch of
frosting off of the cake and up into his mouth. It has been a very, very, very long time since I have laughed that hard. Once again, it was abundantly evident that the child was not trying to disobey. He simply heard what he was not allowed to do, and wisely (to him) accomplished the exact same thing another way. If I was an employer when this child reaches adulthood, I would hire him in a minute; he will very likely be the kind of employee that, rather than making excuses, always finds a way to get things done. But I could not help but reflect on a valuable spiritual lesson derived from that cake licking incident. Unlike that innocent child, adults often willingly obey only the very letter of the law of God, not realizing that violating the spirit of it is just as egregious as any violation of the actual details.
Romans 6:17 says, “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you.” There are most certainly a great number of
“thou shalt” and “thou shalt not” commands given in Scripture. All should be obeyed. But the Bible is not simply a rigid list of behavioral expectations; it is also a framework in which heart obedience should grow and flourish. It is one thing to not commit adultery; quite another for a husband to love his own wife so fiercely that adultery is never even considered. It is one thing to obey the Great Commission and tell people of their need of salvation; quite another to love sinners so deeply that they cannot possibly deny that our evangelistic efforts toward them are motivated by genuine compassion. It is one thing to observe the commands to dress modestly; quite another to accompany that with a meek and quite spirit rather than an attitude of righteous superiority. It is one thing to observe the commands to be faithful to the house of God, quite another to spend the week ahead of Sunday praying and sometimes fasting in order to come in spiritually full and ready to give out rather than empty and having to be filled.
1. Is the book of Philemon in the Old or New Testament or neither? 2. In Matthew 8, what prophet’s words did Jesus claim to be fulfilling as He was healing people? Iddo, Esaias, Gad, Medad 3. Who wrote, “Neither shall any priest drink wine, when they enter into the inner court”? Ezekiel, Isaiah, Daniel, Hosea 4. In addition to fire, what did God rain down upon Sodom and Gomorrah? Hail, Lightning, Brimstone, Mud 5. Whose grave was marked by a pillar erected by her husband, Jacob? Abigail, Lillith, Puah, Rachel 6. From Judges 16, who slept through a haircut? Manoah, Samson, Adam, Uriah Answers 1) New; 2) Esaias; 3) Ezekiel; 4) Brimstone; 5) Rachel; 6) Samson Comments? More Trivia? Visit www.TriviaGuy.com
“Come unto me, all [ye] that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28