Devotion and News: Thursday, January 15, 2015

 ST. JOHN'S MISSION STATEMENT
As the body of Christ, we strive to make disciples of all, focusing on the next generation, through growing...
UP in God's Word and Sacrament
OUT into the community by caring for physical and spiritual need
TOGETHER in fellowship to build lasting relationships in Christ
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Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries By Pastor Ken Klaus, Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour   Use these devotions in your newsletter and bulletin!  Used by permission; all rights reserved by the Int'l LLL (LHM).    "Smart Devils"   January 15, 2015 The demons also came out of many, crying, "You are the Son of God!" But He rebuked them and would not allow them to speak, because they knew that He was the Christ. Luke 4:41   It has always amazed me that the forces of darkness often understand the purpose and mission of the Lord better than do Christians. As evidence, I present the passage above, which shows the exorcised demons identifying Jesus and His work. But that passage is hardly unique. After Jesus' crucifixion the high priests went to Pilate and asked for a guard to be placed upon the Savior's grave. Why? Because they knew Jesus had said, "After three days I will rise" (see Matthew 27:63). Those high priests remembered Jesus' words and made their request when the disciples were still in hiding, and the women were still gathering spices to anoint Jesus' dead body. It's not entirely different today. This past December 13th, Pastor Nayak and 14 members of his Baptist congregation had their vehicle surrounded by some 30 Hindus in India. The Hindus smashed the windows of the vehicle and yanked the Christians into the street where they beat them with sticks and clubs. Indeed, the believers were beaten so badly they ended up being hospitalized. And if you're wondering what Christians might be doing which could provoke such violence, I can tell you: Pastor Nayak and his congregation were singing Christmas carols. Yes, that's right, they were caroling, and the Hindus said those carols were the kind of thing that might convert someone to Christianity. Maybe you are like me and have never thought hymn singing could touch the soul of a lost person. If so, I think we may well have been wrong. Consider the impact of the words from this Christmas hymn: "Once He came in blessing, all our ills redressing; Came in likeness lowly, Son of God most holy; Bore the cross to save us, hope and freedom gave us. Still He comes within us; still His voice would win us From the sins that hurt us; would to Truth convert us From our foolish errors, ere He comes in terrors." Those words, which speak of the forgiveness and salvation that Jesus came to win, are profound, even eternity-changing, to someone who has lived his entire life in darkness. So, learning from the hatred of those Hindus, let me say I'm going to make a witness with my hymns by singing them just a little more boldly and with a lot more feeling. Won't you join me in doing so this Sunday? THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, may I never undervalue the precious salvation Jesus has won for me. Further, may my thankful witness reflect the joy You have given. In Jesus' Name. Amen. In Christ I remain His servant and yours, Pastor Ken Klaus Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour® Lutheran Hour Ministries   Print this devotion Subscribe to this podcast! Through the Bible in a Year Today Read: Job 17-19; Matthew 10:21-42 The Lutheran Hour Sign up for LHM news Pastor Klaus bio Change my email address

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YESTERDAY"S QUIZ ANSWER:       What did Jacob do with God the night before he finally met Esau?  He wrestled with him all night till God put his hip out of his socket to make him surrender.

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TODAY'S QUIZ:  Who was Dinah?

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CALENDAR: 
Thurs- Karate 5:30pm-7:30pm; Praise Band practice 6pm

Fri- Pastor gone at workshop all day
Sat- Worship 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Worship 11; Elder's meeting noon
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WORSHIP WORKERS: 
Acolyte- 8:30- Patrick Schaumberg, 11- John Pezold
Ushers- Allan Dreyer, Lou Feldkamp, Kent Jacobsmeyer, Paul Klover
Altar- Set up- Marilyn Foster and Sue Ruhl; Clean Up- Sandy Robine
Communion Assistants- Sat- Randy Fischer; 8:30- John Hachtel; 11- Dave Winter
Greeters- 8:30- Dave and Linda Callies  11- Joan Sexton
Lay readers- Sat- Kathy Fischer; 8:30- Jacob Nagel; 11- Sandy Robine
Sat Pianist- Kathy Barrow
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NEWS: 
FOOD, FAITH, AND FAMILY NIGHTS BEGIN MONDAY, JANUARY 19 AT 6PM!!
 
Do you like good, home cooked food?
 
Do you like to spend time with your church family?
 
Do you like to get into God's Word with your family?
 
Do you  find the time constraints of work, school, and other obligations squeezing out that God time?
 
We have the perfect thing for you!  We are starting family nights next Monday, January 19 at 6pm!
 
We will begin with a carry in/potluck supper from 6-6:30 and end with a devotion/Bible study time from 6:30-7.  The Bible study will be for all ages and all knowledge levels. 
 
Please bring a dish to share with the rest of the group.  Anything is welcome, salad, side dish, pasta dish, meat, dessert.... anything you think would be good for this kind of group.  There will be no main dish (meat)provided.
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STEAK DINNER/AUCTION TICKETS ON SALE!!
Tickets are $25 a piece!!

Raffle Tickets for the $500 drawing are also available.  1 ticket for $10 or 11 tickets for $20. 
 
It is always a BLAST!!!  Get your tickets this weekend before or after one of our worship services or contact your favorite youth to buy them from one of them. 
 
For years this event has become known as a great place to get good deals on things and help out our youth program at the same time!! 

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PROJECTIONIST SCHEDULE:  Thanks to the many who signed up.  There are just a few left!  Let's get some new folks who want a way to help to participate in this!!  Here are the dates and times that are left.

Feb 1- 8:30-                            

 

Feb 15- 11am-

 

Feb 22- 8:30-                           11

 

Mar 29- 11am-

 

Apr 5- (Easter) 10-

 

Apr 12- 11am-

 

Apr. 26- 8:30-                         11-

 

May 3- 8:30-                           11-

 

May 10- 11am-

 

May 17- 11am-

 

June 21- 8:30-                        

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YOUTH SNOW TUBING OUTING SATURDAY, JANUARY 24 AT HIDDEN VALLEY IN EUREKA

All kids in grades 1-12 are welcome to come along with their parents!!  Cost is $11 for members of St. John's and $22 for friends and other nonmembers. 

 

They will leave at 11:30 from church!  Depending on the number of people going there will be a big need for drivers. 

 

Deadline to register is Tuesday January 20!! 
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PRAYER REQUESTS:

For JASON CLUVER as he undergoes a heart catheterization to check for blockage today. 

 

For the family of WLLIAM FISCHER, Randy Sr. Fischer's dad, who went to be with Jesus yesterday. 

 

For DANIELLE MEINE, a senior at WHS, a friend to many kids at St. john's, and a rider on Karin's bus since kindergarten, who has a very serious form of cancer.

 

For ELTON TEMME, Harold Temme and Lois Frick's brother, who has had many seizures and is dealing with many other health problems.

 

For BEN HOELSCHER, who has been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and has begun treatment for it.

 

For the CALLIES Family at the loss of Dave's stepmom.

 

For the STEVENS and CALLIES FAMILIES as Sarah lost her unborn baby last Thursday.

 

For THE PEZOLD FAMILY as Lisa's dad passed away last week.

 

For CLAIRE JOHNSON who is recovering from a bad car accident at SSM Rehab/Nursing home in Wentzville. 
 
For TODD PONDER, former band teacher/director and friend to many at St. John's, who suffered a massive stroke and can't do anything but move his eyes.  He is unable to breathe on his own. Here is a link to a fund that was started to help the family as they will have astronomical hospital and rehab bills for a long time to come.   At the bottom of the page it also has updates as to his progress.  http://www.gofundme.com/hp1ed8?pc=mb_em

 

For OUR CONTINUED FREEDOM OF RELIGION AND SPEECH in the United States, that we would continue to be able to freely speak the truth even in the face of opposition.

For our NATION'S MILITARY LEADERS AND SOLDIERS as they figure out what to do about the imminent threats from ISIS.

 

For MILLIONS OF CHRISTIANS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, who are being persecuted to the point of death for their faith.

 

 

 

 

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