Monday, Sept. 17, 2012

DEVOTION:
And the Lord said to me, "Go again, love a woman who i sloed by another man and is an adulteress, even as the Lord loves the children of Israel, though they turn to other gods and love cakes of raisins.  Hosea 3:1 
 
Today I am doing a Bible study on KFUO AM 850 kfuoam.org) at 10am on Hosea 3-4.  Hosea is quite a different book.  Hosea is commanded by God to go and take a wife that is a prostitute so that God can show how He loves His people even though they prostitute themselves to other Gods.  He is to take her back over an over again even though she contiinues ot sin in such a vile and disgusting way. 

The key is to apply it to our own lives.  How do we "prostitute" ourselves to other gods such as money, TV, work, the internet, etc?  How do we give ourselves to someone or something other than the one who redeemed us from the slavery of sin? 
 
Think about that in your own life today.  What takes precedence over God?  Do your kids Sunday sports do that?  Does your job take precedence?  How about your money?  If God asked you to give one of these things up for him would you be willing to do it? 
 
Yet, evne though we continue to "prostitute" ourselves to other things besides God, he still loves, us, he still redeems us, he still saves us.  Let us therefore turn from those things that are keeping us from God so that we might know His presence and His love more fully every day!
 
Prayer:  Lord God I have sinned agains tYou in many ways.  I have put other things like money, power, vanity, and much more in front of honoring and praising you.  Please forgive me and give me your peace that I may know the consolation of your love.  Giv eme a hear tthat is fully devoted to doing your will in all things.  Amen.
 
CHECK OUT THE BIBEL STUDY AT 10am TODAY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOSEA!!!
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THURSDAY'S QUIZ: What words in Job 19 are often used in funerals and are the title of a famous hymn that we sing at Easter?  "I know that my redeemer lives."  (Thanks Dianne!)
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MONDAY'S QUIZ: Name a constellation mentioned in the book of Job.
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CATECHISM:
Question: What comfort do we get from Christ's ascension to the right hand of God?
Answer: We know that the exalted God-man, Christ
a. as our prophet sends people to proclaim the saving Gospel by the power of the Holy Spirit;
b. as our priest pleads and prays for us before the Father;
c. as our king rules and protects His church and governs over all the world especially for the benefit of His church.   
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CALENDAR: 
Mon- Pastor on KFUO 10am; Confirmation 5-6:15pm; 8-12 grade meeting for the National Youth Gathering 6pm
Tues- quilters 9-2; Bible study 11:30-12:15; CHOIR MEETING 6pm; Church Council 7pm
Wed- Ladies Aid 1pm; newsletter deadline
Fri- Jr Hi lock in 7pm
Sat- Jr Hi lock in ends 8am; worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; worship 11am
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NEWS:
LAST DAY TO REGISTER FOR $45 FOR THE MEN'S RETREAT COMING UP SEPTEMBER 28-30!!!!   The 10th annual T-3 (trap, tackle, and tees) retreat is coming up September 28-30!!  The cost is $45 for lodging and meals.  (You can get a hotel room or bring your own camper or tent if you wish to have your own lodging.) $35 for our 2 person scramble golf tourney.  There is also a fishing tournament, skeet shooting, a guided tour of Mark Twain Lake and forest, hiking, biking, and much, much more.  All that plus some of the best food you can eat and the best Bible studies and worship times you can have at a camp!  It is a time that you will never forget!  I will give the first one besides me to sign up my special (pastor) room that I get every year. 
 
 I (pastor) am going!  I wouldn't miss it for the world.  Let me know if you want to go. 
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8-12 GRADE MEETING TONIGHT AT 6PM!!!
If you are planning on going to the National Youth Gathering on JULY 1-5, You need to be here for this meeting to learn about how it is going to happen and what you need to do.  It is very important that you make every effort to be there! 
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CHOIR MEETING TUESDAY NIGHT AT 6PM
Several people have discussed a desire to begin a new choir at St. John's.  All those who are interested in being a part of this choir should come to the informational and discussional meeting Tuesday night at 6pm!  The choir as a group will decide how to proceed. 
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PARENTING CLASS EVERY SUNDAY AT 9:45
Could you use some help in learning how to deal with your children?  Want to have fun, laugh, and get some encouragement at the same time?  Come to the "From Me to We" class in the Sunday school room closest to the closet this Sunday and grow!
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STEWARDSHIP SPOLIGHT FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER IS LCMS Global Missions
Go to LCMS.org to learn more about what our Synod is doing in the way of spreading the Gospel globally!!

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PRAYERS: 

For JOYCE SCHIEN as she has been moved to Delmar Gardens in Ofallon!  A good thing!
 
For PAUL BRENDEL, Barb Dreyer's dad) as he adjusts to life in the nursing home (Laclede Groves).

 
For DOLORES DEBLAZE as she is has been put on hospice care. 
 
For KEN WAGNER as he continues to recover from a broken hip (his neck is still broken too and he will be in a collar the rest of his life). 
 
For BOB LAMPEN, Karin Klaustermeier's dad, as he is doing quite poorly with his cancer.    
 
For DON TURNURE who is going to have to have his hip replaced on October 22.
   
For CLYDE SPRICK, grandfather of Shawn and Sierra Jaeger, who is dealing with severe cancer complications.  
For ERNA VANHORN who is recovering well from surgery at Delmar Garden.