Devotion: 1 Peter 2:19-25English Standard Version (ESV)
19 For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly. 20 For what credit is it if, when you sin and are beaten for it, you endure? But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God. 21 For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in his steps. 22 He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth. 23 When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. 24 He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed. 25 For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.
The point that Peter is making here is that the reason you suffer even for doing good is to point to Christ, and the reason God allows you to suffer because of your sin is to point to Christ. In other words, all suffering whether deserved or not, points you and others to Christ who suffered everything for you.
I can tell you from experience that this is completely true. Suffering for doing good has strengthened my faith and trust in Christ. And suffering for my sin has caused me to repent and turn from that sin to Christ. Both of these are good things that God produces in me. The saying from Scripture is true. God work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
You can deny Christ and wallow in your sins and self pity. You can also deny Christ on the other side and cry, wail, and moan against every injustice against you, because you don't deserve to suffer. Neither one of these will do you any good. The best thing you can do is rejoice in your suffering, because it produces perseverance, character, and hope which doesn't disappoint you. Besides all this, you know that your suffering here on earth is only temporary and cannot be compared to separation from God.
Rejoice today! Rejoice every day despite your circumstances, because God loves you, cares for you, and is working everything out for your good so that you can be with Him forever in paradise!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for allowing me to suffer temporarily here on earth so you can keep me from eternal suffering apart from you. Amen.
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CALENDAR:
Wed- Choir 7pm
Thurs- NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER BREAKFAST AND WORSHIP 6:30-7:30; Alzheimer's Support group 1pm
Sat- TAILGATE SALE 7am-1pm; Worship 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Worship 11am
______________________________________________________________________WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS WEEK:
Acolyte- 8:30- Dawn Sherman; 11- Lydia Miller
Ushers- Alan Hofeldt, Tim Linke, Rich Talbert, Don Turnure
Altar- Set up- Jodi Baldwin; Clean Up- Terry McKenzie
Elders- Sat- Dave Winter; 8:30- John Hachtel, 11- Jim Rahn
Greeters- 8:30- Dave and Linda Callies; 11- Mike and Naomi Johnson
Lay Readers- Sat- Marcia Sevier; 8:30- John Hachtel; 11- Jim Rahn
Organist- Rachel Fisher 8:30 and 11
Sat Pianist- Barb Dreyer
Projectionists: No projectionists this week
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ :
What does the word "Hallelujah" or "Alleluia" mean?
Praise the Lord
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TODAY'S QUIZ: How is Psalm 119 (the longest chapter in the Bible) ordered?
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NEWS!!!!
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER BREAKFAST AND WORSHIP IS THURSDAY, MAY 4!!
Breakfast- 6:30-7am (biscuits and gravy, sausage, and scrambled eggs)
Prayer service- 7am (Prayer, praise, and singing)
Please join us!!
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TAILGATE SALE AND FLEA MARKET THIS SATURDAY 7am-1pm!!!
Still plenty of spaces available and I am sure there will be plenty of deals to be had that day!!
Make plans to get out and get some deals and support your church at the same time!!
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LITTLE LAMBS ENROLLMENT FOR THE 2017-2018 SCHOOL YEAR IS OPEN!!!!
Student must be 3 for younger class or 4 for older class by August 1.
$45 nonrefundable registration fee required.
Registration packets can be picked up at Little Lambs during school hours and in the church office during non-school hours.
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OPERATION BACKPACK ITEMS COLLECTED FOR THE MONTH OF MAY IS CANNED FRUIT!!
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AGAPE DONATIONS ALWAYS ACCEPTED!!
Any nonperishable food items, diapers, toiletries, etc.!!
Perishable food items can be taken directly to Agape at 713 Powell St. in Warrenton. Call 456-4645 to find out when they're open or for more info.
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YOUR KROGER CARD CAN EARN MONEY FOR LITTLE LAMBS
Go to www.kroger.com/communityawards and register your card today!!
GENERAL PRAYER
For RANDY SWEET AND HIS FAMILY as they mourn the loss of his mother Rose, who passed from death to life.
For CAROL BRAZEE recovering from sinus surgery at home.
For KEN FOSTER recovering from back surgery at home.
For PAT KING, as she is recovering from knee replacement surgery at home.
For MARILYN FOSTER as she prepares for her retirement.
For PATTY SWEET'S MOTHER, Virginia, who is on hospice care and is nearing the end of her life.
For DANIELLE MEINE KRAMER, whose leukemia is back after a brief respite from it. She had it for several years while in high school. (She grew up riding Karin's school bus to school.)
For Mim Dunn's nephew DAVID HAHN who is dealing with severe throat cancer.
For LOIS BOEGER'S MOM, EVELYN TOEDEBUSCH, who has been on hospice care for the last few months and slows down a little more every day, but is doing well.
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