DEVOTION: "So Abram went, as the Lord had told him..." The Story pg. 13 Genesis 12:4
It is only a half of a sentence, but how much do you think this half sentence changed Abram's life? Here he was enjoying his golden years. He had all that he wanted, flocks, herds, a beautiful wife, and stability. One thing he didn't have was a child, but he and Sarai had given up on that long ago.
Then God comes to him and tells him to go, because He was going to make him into a great nation and bless him. Abram went from complete stability and a comfortable life to living in tents as a nomad simply because God told you to.
Are you comfortable right now? Does everything seem to be going smoothly? Do you feel like everything is in its right place and your ready to just coast through life? Watch out, because God may just be ready to turn your life upside down.
It's interesting that when God calls people he never calls them to anything easy. He called Abram to go to a foreign land that he didn't know. He called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Israel. He called David to be a king of Israel. He called Saul, who would become Paul, from his life of leadership and importance to a life of missionary service and hard work.
God's will for you is not that you be comfortable. It never has been and it probably never will be. God has called you to go and make disciples. He has called you to forgive sins. He has called you to love everyone despite their various sins against you. He calls you to make a difference in this world as he works in your life.
What, specifically, is God calling you to do? Is he calling you to forgive that person that ha caused you bitterness, anger, and pain. Is he calling you to get more involved in the mission of the church by attending worship more often, by going to Sunday school and Bible class, or by becoming more involved in the work of the church?
Whatever he is calling you to, don't fight it, don't disregard it, and don't ignore it. Live in it! Relish it! Do it. Even though it may be very hard you won't be disappointed. Just the opposite. You will be amazed at what God can do through you.
Let us pray: Lord God, what are you calling me to do? Show me so that I can get started! Amen.
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: Is the Tower of Babel before or after the flood? after
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TODAY'S QUIZ: In what chapter and verse of Genesis are Abram and Sarai's names changed to Abraham and Sarah?
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CALENDAR:
Mon- Whispering Pines worship 10am; Confirmation 5pm
Tues- Quilters 9-2; The Story Study 11:30-12:15; Trustees 7pm
Wed- Ladies Aid noon; Choir 7pm; FEB NEWSLETTER DEADLINE
Fri- Jr Hi and High school lock in 7pm-7am
Sat- The Story Study 4pm; worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30 and 11; Sunday school 9:45; Elders meeting noon
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WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS COMING WEEKEND
Acolytes- 8:30- Grace Hargrove; 11- Alaina Heitgerd
Altar guild- Set up Marilyn Foster and Sue Ruhl; Clean up- Terry McKenzie
Greeters- 8:30- Dianne Feldkamp; 11- Charlie and Lynn Figura
Elders- Sat- Don Turnure; 8:30- Randy Sweet; 11- Charlie Figura
Lay Readers- Sat- Marcia Sevier; Sun- Lynn Figura
Sat. Pianist- Tim Sherman
Ushers- Alan Hoeldt, Tim Linke, Rich Talbert, Don Turnure
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NEWS:
LIFE WEEKEND IS THIS WEEKEND!!
We are going to take a short break from The Story to celebrate life. For 44 years now on the third weekend of January (around the anniversary of Roe vs. Wade). We celebrate the life that God has given us which begins at conception. God formed us in our mother's wombs and we have no right to ever take that life away. For the moment of conception to our last breath God is the one in control of our lives. This weekend we are going to celebrate God's gift of life to us!! Please join us in celebrating life!!
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JR AND SR HI LOCK IN THIS FRIDAY NIGHT 7am-7pm.
All kids in 7-12 grade are invited to attend and bring friends!! We are going to have a lot of fun!! Let pastor know that you are coming!!
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HELP FOR PARENTS TO GUIDE THEIR CHILDREN THROUGH THE STORY
A big part of The Story experience is that the whole family grows together in it as each person in the family reads it, you will all literally be on the same page. yet, it may be hard to get discussion going or to help you get started together. Are you looking for a way to connect with your kids as they and you read The Story together? There's help!
If you click the link below you will find parent pages for all age groups that you can use to connect with your kids at least once a week. Whenever your "together" time is, make it productive. It is a .pdf file of parent pages that goes from lesson one all the way through 31. Check it out and tell me what you think. I think they are excellent!!
https://assets1.mytrainsite.com/501196/the_story_parentpages_weeks1_31.pdf?r=1438
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NEW BIBLE STUDY DAY AND TIME ADDED TO THE SCHEDULE
In order to give everyone a chance to participate fully in The Story we have added a Saturday afternoon Bible study at 4pm. This is especially good for those who normally attend worship on Saturday evening, but is for EVERYONE who wants to attend!!
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ANY INTEREST IN STARTING A SMALL GROUP TO STUDY THE STORY?????
If anyone is interested in starting a small group Bible Study, please call, text, or email me. I am ALWAYS OPEN FOR NEW IDEAS!!
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ELDER'S MEETING THIS SUNDAY AT NOON!!
Please be there so we can start the new year off on the right foot!
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PRAYER REQUESTS: (If you have a prayer request please reply to this email or call me at 636-359-1061)
MARY AUBUCHON who is hospitalized with pneumonia but is getting better.
DONNA HEITGERD recovering from a broken hip at St Joe's Hospital St. Charles Rehab.
WILMA WEIGLE as she continues to recover from pneumonia and other complications due to brain surgery.
PAMELA, a friend of Kathy Fischer, who is suffering with a different types of cancer and is recovering from surgery.
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