Rita's Gathering for is cancelled. gathering is Sept. 17th with dinner in the fellowship hall at 6.
Note: We will be receiving new members at the end of Sept. If you are interested see pastor Don or Sarah.
See Sarah update below
Good Morning Persevering, Hopeful, Servants of the Lord! Amen! Ponder and pronounce that over you and our Body. We are persevering because of our hope and out of gratitude we serve with love. Yes indeed! And we continue to grow in trust as we follow Jesus and His Way and build treasures in heaven as we serve. Someday our faith will become sight and we will step into the role God has for us in eternity. Prepare now and build that treasure for future use as you trust, obey and serve the least of these. Check out Our Daily Bread below that speaks into this. The Upper Room addresses the serving part, our highest calling. It's serving the least of these and watching how God is at work and joining Him in blessing others, especially those in great need. at the Bread Ministry we have that opportunity and when we serve with clothing or pantry items. God is using us to be a blessing to many and he is being glorified and some are being drawn to Him as He loves through us. PTL! Please keep praying into these opportunities and for God to lead us to other ways to serve and connect to the least of these and those He wants to love through us. And as we do, we continue to build that treasure in heaven and prepare for eternity as we grow towards our fuller, activated and gifted potential in Christ. Amen! God has great plans for you and for us His gathered and sent Good News Delivery Co. What's the good news for one of your hurting neighbors and how might God want to love them through you ? Do it!
during our Zoom huddle we discussed the Chosen episode where Jesus talked to little James about why He has chosen to not heal James. I love the teaching found in this episode. How often have you cried out "Why God?" Or wondered why He chose to heal one person but not one you love? I think we all have felt this way at least once. And we know and will encounter many that lost faith because they never moved past their grief and hurt or chose not to walk through the dark valley focused on our Good Shepherd. How do we answer their questions and help them to refocus on our God who knows and cares and responds according to His perfect plans and timing. How do we even accept His "No" or "Not yet" and continue to focus on Him in trust and worship. There's part of it...build and use those gratitude lists for the times you are unable to praise. Start there even if you have to force yourself. Refocus through praise. In the episode Jesus respond to James that He could heal him and he would have a great story. And He said many have that story. But Jesus said that the Father trusts James with this malady, just like Paul and his thorn. How many people can God trust to endure and persevere and still love and represent Him. Are you one? It is helpful to prepare and determine ahead of time that you will always try to keep your focus on, trust and worship God no matter what. We know that someday we will be healed and that day may not be far off for many of us. So persevere and worship, trust and obey . Another way to refocus to to serve others as best you can with what you've been given. God doesn't waste anything we have to endure and will use us to help others through those same valleys. Paul and James remind us to rejoice always and keep serving. I'm always amazed how gratitude and serving others changes my attitude. Try it next time or maybe this time. God is for you and with you and He is working all things together for good, trust Him. He trusts you! And worship as you walk with Him . I'm praying for you and for God to lead you to one this week to bless. I'd love to hear how He responds your trusting, obedient, persevering hearts! May He bring you His shalom and help . And may you chose Him in trust and . Amen!
ODB:
A Beautiful Ending
I saw the Holy City . . . coming down out of heaven from God. Revelation 21:2
On a warm evening, I met up with friends in a downtown area. We were excited to eat at a restaurant that offered live jazz music outside, but when we arrived, the patio was full. Disappointed, we left and had to walk several blocks to find another place to eat.
On earth, disappointments come in all sizes, both big and small. Beloved pets pass away. Careers fizzle. Health problems occur. We lose relationships with loved ones. In our setbacks, we have God’s comfort, but our life stories don’t always contain the blissful endings we long for. Believers in Jesus, however, have the hope of a joyful eternity.
The book of Revelation records God giving John a breathtaking vision. John saw “the Holy City, the new Jerusalem” (21:2). “Prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (v. 2), it radiated God’s glory. God would inhabit the place along with all His people. In His city there would be no crime, no darkness, and no fear (vv. 25-27). Light, peace, and goodwill would abound.
On the night I met my friends for dinner, we ended up walking back past the first restaurant. White lights lit the sidewalk, and we stopped to listen to the music as we ate ice cream. I savored the moment, but we know that no earthly joy can compare with the ultimate ending believers will enjoy forever.
By Jennifer Benson Schuldt
REFLECT & PRAY
What are you most looking forward to in the next life? How does the promise of a joyful future encourage you?
Dear God, please help me see my pain in light of eternity, knowing You have a better future prepared for me.
SCRIPTURE INSIGHT
God gave the apostle John a glimpse of “what must soon take place” (Revelation 1:1) when Jesus returns to rule the world as king and usher in eternity (vv. 1-3). Satan and the unbelieving, sinful world will be judged and punished for their evil and wickedness (chs. 4-20). John saw “a new heaven and a new earth” (21:1). Eight hundred years earlier, Isaiah had prophesied that God would create “new heavens and a new earth” (Isaiah 65:17; see 66:22). Scholars say both Isaiah and John are describing heaven or “paradise” (Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 12:4; Revelation 2:7), “God’s dwelling place” where God will live with His people forever (Revelation 21:3). Jesus affectionately called heaven “my Father’s house” (John 14:2). “Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life” (Revelation 21:27) will be allowed to experience the fullness of joy in God’s home.
K.T. Sim
UR: Highest Calling
The King will reply, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” - Matthew 25:40 (NIV)
Tucked away on a peaceful street, our church stands far from the places where the rich and powerful dwell. But we have a wonderful opportunity being close to those who suffer most — people without houses, with addictions, in prison, grieving. Every day, we encounter these children of God who are often overlooked. When we serve them, we serve Christ himself.
The noise of daily life can lead us to focus only on our own needs and comfort. But Jesus urges us to look beyond ourselves and our worries. He invites us to see where people most need hope and healing. He is waiting for us there — in the widow’s tears, in the father’s trembling hands, in the child’s hungry cry. Serving the poor and wounded is our highest calling as Christians; it is how we express Christ’s love.
Our church may not impress the world with our money or status. But we can offer something priceless: God’s presence through our simple acts of service. As we feed the hungry and visit the lonely, we shine Christ’s light. The world may not see it, but loving those whom Jesus named “the least of these” is the core of our calling.
's Prayer
Loving God, open our eyes to see you in the faces of those who are forgotten and hurting. Lead us each day to live out Christ’s love through simple acts of compassion. Amen.
Sarah update:
Hi warriors....
Hey.....so what are you thankful for? When was the last time that you told God what you were thankful for?
I heard a preacher share this in a sermon of his, and it got me thinking......he said, " What would it be like if you
woke up in the morning and the thing or things you have left are what you thanked God for ?"
I think so often we get busy and focused on a whole bunch of stuff in our lives, that we forget to pause for a second
right when something happens and say, "Hey Thanks Lord, for answering that prayer" or "thanks God for helping me
find my keys" or "Lord, thank you for (so and so) for sending me an encouraging text, or helping me carry the groceries
in" There is so much to be thankful for that God meets our needs and supplies in time.....let's make a more conscience
effort in saying THANK YOU!!!
God has been answering prayers, hearing our prayers and He is on the move!
Couple of folks that are in need our prayers:
Millidine Waterman is having knee pain. Her doctor appointment isn't for a couple of weeks. Please pray that there is a cancellation
that she is able to get in and see the Doc sooner. Also keep her in your prayers - praying for perseverance and safety when walking.
Caleb got his staples our on . Prayers for complete healing
Brian - Debbie S brother in law had his surgery . The Surgeon feels all went well. He will have a long period of healing.....please pray that he
heals well and no infection.
Continue to prayer for our students and teachers. Praying that God will lead them to friends that know Jesus and can encourage one another.
Continue to prayer for one another. We are starting to head into the cold and flu season. Prayers for good health throughout the season.
Prayers for some of our church family members facing Doctor, dentist, surgeries, cancer treatments, in the near future.
Just a reminder - Rita's ice gathering scheduled for , has been cancelled.
Praying you all have a great, thankful rest of your week!
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