GOOD NEWS YOU CAN USE...

Reverend William B. Armstrong, aka "W.B.," is a native of Culleoka, Tennessee. In July of 2021, he celebrated 61 years of marriage to Estella Armstrong, and through this union, four children were born, Deborah, William, Derrick, and Theresha.

He acknowledged his call into the ministry in 1975. After that, he received his license and ordination to preach the gospel to the world.

In 1978, he earned a degree in Theological Studies at Emmanuel Bible College. The following year (1979) was elected and installed to the position of Pastor at Saint Matthew Missionary Baptist Church, holding fast to the belief that one must live the proclaimed Word of the Gospel.

Pastor Armstrong served as the West Nashville District Association's Moderator for two terms and the Ushers Board instructor for the State of Tennessee Conference. He is presently a member of the Ministers Conference Association and serves as an instructor as directed.

Under Pastor Armstrong's leadership, many accomplishments, including a new sanctuary and renovation of the old structure, have been completed.

In God's favor, he continues to shepherd the flock, in these unprecedented times, that those who are lost might find their way.

Mishael Armstrong is a native of Nashville, Tennessee, and is the second born of triplet boys to Derrick and Melissa Armstrong. He is a 2019 graduate of Republic High School, a well-known Charter school, and attended Volunteer State Community College.

At two years old, Mishael's parents discovered his interest in painting and drawing and encouraged him to pursue his passion. In middle school, he entered an art contest and won first place, granting him the opportunity to create and design a t-shirt logo for J CREW Outlet.

As a young adult, his passion for the arts continued to grow, primarily in December 2020. In August of 2021, he became the Sole Proprietor of @MishsArt, where he has several Instagram followers. He has satisfied many customers since he started personalizing creative arts.

In addition, Mishael serves as the musician and director of the Young Disciples choir at his local church, Saint Matthew Missionary Baptist Church.

Displayed below are a few of his artworks. You can visit @MISHSART on Instagram to see more artwork displays and schedule a consultation or contact mishaelarmstrong070@gmail.com for additional information.

HOW DO I KNOW GOD IS REAL

Q: Why did you get baptized?

Merci: I got baptized because I felt there was nothing to be afraid of, and I wasn't going to drown.

Q: How is God real in your life?

Merci: He is real to me because there's literally a whole Bible in front of my face, and he's in my soul and spirit.

Q: What would you tell others about Jesus?

Merci: Jesus died on the cross for us, and back then, people weren't even guilty about killing Him. What a shame. If you don't know Jesus, get a Bible and look Him up.

Q: Why do you love Jesus?

Merci: I love Jesus because he loves me more than I will ever love anyone, including Him. I don't have that much love in my whole body.

Q: What else do you want to know about Jesus?

Merci: I would ask Jesus how did he take all of the pain and frustration when people made fun of him on the cross? I would ask him that because if I felt pain and frustration, I would like advice on how to handle it and how to restrain myself.

Q: What is the best part of being a Christian?

Merci: I have a God that listens to me and knows what is best for me, even if that is to say no, like my parents.

by Davina Dean

HOW DID I END UP HERE?

Have you ever asked yourself, "How did I end up here?"

This question can apply to career choices, romantic relationships, and other situations in our lives. However, I asked this question concerning my relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

When I first became a follower of Jesus, I wanted to be the best Christian. I was committed to everything Jesus said; I asked questions, read, studied, got involved in Church, and told people about Jesus. Now, I am asking myself, "How did I end up here?"

On the outside, I don't look too much different. However, on the inside, I feel that God is far away. This is not the first time I've felt this way; I suppose that others have, are, or will feel this way too.

I remember listening to Dr. Charles Stanley a while back, and he had a message about the dangers of drifting spiritually, and that is the Word that describes how I feel.

So, how do I get back to my first love, Jesus, when I have drifted so far? Also, why did I drift off in the first place?

This is my journey to answer these questions. I will begin with the Word "drift." To drift is to be carried away by something.

As I reflect, I have been slowly carried away by everyday things like my job, kids, chronic pain/illness issues, even simple things like television, radio, or reading. Where it was first God, now it is everything else.

Hebrew 2:1 states, "We must pay the most careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away."

For me, what sticks out is the part about "careful attention." It is easy to get distracted, especially today. A little at a time, I started to drift.

Figuratively, I see myself out at sea, looking back at the shore, thinking, "How did I get here?"

Now that I know the reason, I need to get back.

The good news is that it is not complicated. God is not far at all. He has never left me. He created us to be in fellowship with Him and with one another. He is just waiting on me to put my focus back on Him.

Proverbs 4: 20 says, "My son, pay attention to what I say; turn your ear to my words. Do not let them out of your sight; keep them within your heart."

I think that's the starting place: God's Word, not my own. When you drift, there's no purpose or plan; you're just floating away. Sometimes you don't even realize how far you've gone until it is too late and danger comes.

Psalms 119:11 states, "I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."

It's easy to drift when I am not hearing His Words but everyone else's. I don't want to drift so far that I sin. I don't want to not be close to the Lord.

Psalms 119:105 states, "Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path."

When I study God's Word, I understand who He is, who I am, and my purpose. I remember that He is trustworthy and my feelings, while important, can change based on situations.

So, I will draw near to God, treasure my relationship with Jesus and the time I spend in His Word, and remember that I am so blessed that even when I drifted, God loves me enough to remind me, through His Spirit, that He is with me.

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by Minister Theresha Armstrong

A NEW BEGINNING

"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness." (Lamentations 3:22-23)

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Every morning we are graced to open our eyes provides hope in knowing that we still have a purpose in this life. It might be the minor things such as relaying a kind word, illuminating a vibrant smile, or patting one on the back, encouraging them to keep the faith.

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As God's loyalties are steadfast to us, we must be faithful to each other. If we declare Christ as Lord, it is our responsibility to be a light that shines in this dark world to provide hope for those who can't see their way.

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Every day is a new beginning to make it count, to stand in the assurance of the mercies of God. If His faithfulness covers us daily, we ought to take a walk-in commitment to show Him we are grateful and willing to be used.

by Unknown Author

Everything I need to know about life I learned from Noah's Ark...

1. Don't miss the boat

2. Remember that we are all in the same boat

3. Plan ahead. It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark

4. Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big

5. Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done

6. Build your future on high ground

7. For safety's sake, travel in pairs

8. Speed isn't always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs

9. When you're stressed, float a while

10. Remember the Ark was built by amateurs, the Titanic by professionals

11. No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting!!!

A – Admit you are a Sinner

Romans 3:10, As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Romans 3:23, For everyone, has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.

B – Believe Jesus is Lord

Romans 10:9:10, If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.

C – Call upon His Name

Romans 14:11, For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

Romans 10:13, For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

February 1st - 28th ~ Senior members will share personal historical events each Sunday.

HONORING PASTOR AND FIRST LADY ARMSTRONG

February 13th ~ Pastoral Annual Pew Rally at 10:00 a.m.

March 5th ~ Pastor's Annual Banquet at 3:00 p.m.

March 13th ~ Pastor's Tribute at 10:00 a.m.

March 20th ~ Pastor's 43rd Appreciation Day at 10:00 a.m.

Email: stmattrealdealta@gmail.com
Website: www.stmatthewrealdeal.org
Location: 2412 Osage Street, Nashville, TN, USA
Phone: (615) 329-0173
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stmatthewmbrealdeal