One of my favorite New Testament epistles is the challenging letter written by James, the Lord’s half brother. Perhaps the book can best be summed up with an invitation that is given in James 2:18-

But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.

Actions do speak louder than words. At DeSoto Hills, I want us to be a church of action, not just accolades. One area in particular that I want to be sure we don’t overlook is benevolence. We need to continue to take the opportunity to give a cup of cold water, and at times, some cold cash, in His name. As you know, these are some challenging economic times for everyone, but some seem to be more affected than others. We must be sensitive to the needs around us, both within and outside our own church family. There are some strangers that we are going to meet who need to know that someone cares. Not all the needs are genuine and we do try to weed those out, but there are times when we are probably taken. However, this must not stop us from trying to help. Remember, Jesus healed ten lepers and only one came back to thank Him. Beginning Wednesday night, August 6, we are going to start taking up a weekly offering specifically for helping those in need. So come prepared to give a little or a lot each Wednesday to help fund our benevolent ministry appropriately called Project J218 (James 2:18).
Thanks,

Bro. James

At the close of the service last Sunday evening, Bro. Brandon Ullrich resigned his staff position as Minister of Senior Adults and Outreach at DeSoto Hills.  Although we will miss him, we are excited about the circumstances of his departure.  He is leaving us to become the pastor of Southcrest Baptist Church in Southaven.  It is a decision he has been weighing for months now and is part of a heartfelt call.  In addition to his duties here, he has been supplying for them since May, so the resignation comes as no surprise to those of us who have been praying for wisdom in this matter.  Although Bro. Brandon offered to give us a two week notice, I know both he and Southcrest  are eager to move forward, so we are sending him off immediately with our blessings.  We are planning a reception for him this Sunday evening, July 27, after the service.  Come join us as we celebrate his time with us and anticipate what God is going to do with him in his new role as pastor.  For now, this will be a bi-vocational position, so pray for him as he continues to juggle his time at the church and hospital.  We love you, Bro. Brandon.  Remember you always have a family at DeSoto Hills.  
Bro. James

For those of us with a few years behind us, the following words were a staple in our “hymn diet”:

There shall be showers of blessings;
This is the promise of love;
There will be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Father above.
Showers of Blessing,
Showers of Blessings we need;
Mercy drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.

I thought about that hymn a few days ago as I stood on my screen porch watching, listening, and oh, yes, smelling the wonderful fragrance of RAIN. On that particular day, the blessing WAS the shower. All summer long I have been stretching out hoses, changing out sprinklers, and filling up water cans in an attempt to keep my little outdoor haven alive. It is, quite literally, a never-ending job. Then the rain came. Suddenly, what took me days to accomplish, the Lord took care of in only a few minutes. My yard went from dry to soaked, in the moment, in the twinkling of an eye. It was a simple, but profound reminder that for all our ingenuity and hard work, the created can never out-do the Creator. You just cannot beat the real thing. Perhaps there are areas of your life that are drought ridden. You have faithfully been trying to keep them watered, but you know so much more is needed. Most of us need a soaking that only the Lord can bring.

“Ask the Lord for rain…it is the Lord who makes the…clouds. He gives showers of rain to men…” Zechariah 10:1

Pleading for showers,

Bro. James