Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2012

DEVOTION:  Psalm 102:4-5  My heart is blighted out and withered like grass; I forget to eat my food.  Because of my loud groaning, I am reduced to skin and bones. 
 
 I really like food.  Even now as I just mention it, my mouth is beginning to water a little bit.  You should see me when I have the food network on T.V.  But have you ever been in so much pain or so sad that you couldn't eat?  Even I, who loves food more than most, have had those times when I was so sck, so upset, or so in pain that I couldn't even eat. 
 
David, who wrote this Psalm had many of those times, because he was being chased byKing Saul, that he and his army might kill.  The whole time though, it was God who was keeping him safe.  He finally realizes it a few verses later when he says, "But you, O Lord, sit enthroned forever; your renown endures through all generations.  You will arise and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show favor to her; the appointed time has come." 
 
Sometimes our fear or our pain consumes us so much that we forget even the simplest things like sustaining food.  We forget to eat.  If we have ever experienced the sudden death of a loved one you know how it feels.  Your whole body goes numb, your brain has a hard time processing the information to the point that you may even begin to deny that it actually happened, or that someone is playing a very cruel joke on you. 
 
It is at these times that the Lord God snaps us back to reality.  he reminds us that he is God and His will is done.  he reminds us that He has had us in His arms the whole time.  He reminds us that everything is going to be alright with Him.  Even if it isn't always alright on earth, it will be alright in paradise forever!  Forever compared to a few days or months of suffering on earth.....  THERE IS NO COMPARISON!  Forever wins out every time. 
 
SO if you are going through something very painful right now, so much so that you have forgotten to eat, just remember that this too shall pass! There is an end to your suffering and the end is JESUS! 
 
Prayer:  Lord God help me to always remember that all things end in You!  You are the Alpha and the Omega, the begining and the end!  Giv eme grace to accept my afflictions, and strength to deal with them in a way that is pleasing to You.  Amen.
 
 
 
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TUESDAY'S QUIZ: What is a maskil?  A maskil is a musical or literary term (loosely translated it means "set to a certain type of music"  (A t the same time, no one really knows for sure.)
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CATECHISM:
Question: In conclusion then, why has Christ redeemed you?
Answer: The Scriptures teach that Christ's purpose was
a. "that I may be His own"; that is, I am now righteous and blameless in the sight of God;
b. that I may "live under him in His kingdom"; that is, that I am now freed from slavery of sin and thus freed to serve GOd;
c. that I may serve Him in everlasting righteousness, innocence, and blessedness"; that is, that I honor God with my whole life and rejoice in Him now on earth and forever in heaven.
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CALENDAR: 
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:
THERE IS STILL TIME TO REGISTER FOR THE MEN'S RETREAT COMING UP SEPTEMBER 28-30.  THE COST IS NOW $50 FOR THE RETREAT AND ANOTHER $35 FOR GOLF IF YOU ARE GOING TO PLAY!!!!  
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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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 CAL TAMELER as he is having serious eye surgery next week.
 
For STEVE MCDOWELL as he had eye surgery yesterday to repair a detached retina.
 
For DOLORES DEBLAZE as she is still dealing with pain and pain medications. 
 
For KEN WAGNER as he went home Tuesday!!!   
 
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 ERNA VANHORN who is recovering well from surgery at Delmar Garden.