DEVOTION: Romans 8:28-39English Standard Version (ESV)
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good,[a] for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
God's Everlasting Love
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be[b] against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.[c] 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,
"For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I know of no other section of Scripture that is quoted to help people who are struggling than these verses. I'm sure a lot of you have a piece of wall art, a plaque, at t-shirt, or a picture that has at least one quote from these verses. There are tons of wonderful and helpful words of encouragement in these verses. I've probably used it more than any other section when it comes to encouraging people who are struggling with any number of issues.
You should memorize this whole section of Scripture so that when you are feeling down, when you are discouraged by the way things are goin in your life or in the world, or when you just need to be reminded of God's power, might, and love you can easily call these verses to mind.
He is on our side! He is FOR US! Nothing can separate us from His love! He is going to work everything out for our good! He is the one who is judge, jury, executioner, lawyer, and advocate and he is FOR US!
Take these words to heart today! Live in them! Keep them as your motto, your battle cry, and your constant reminders!
Prayer: Lord, thank you for being on my side, being FOR ME, and for working it all out. Amen.
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CALENDAR:
Wed- Worship at Oak Pointe at 9am (an hour earlier than usual)
Thurs- Karate 6:15-7:45; Choir 7pm
Fri- Assemble Newsletter 9am
Sat- NO Worship!! Worship will be one service at 10am on Sunday this week!
Sun- Sunday school 9; Worship 10; Potluck and Festivities 11
________________________________________________________________WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS WEEK:
Acolyte- Nova Luebke
Ushers- Brent Davis, George Hoelscher, Gary Hoelscher, Ben Hoelscher
Altar- Set up- Cheri Hofeldt; Clean Up- Lynn Russell and Elaine Schauer
Elders- Al Benton
Greeters- Rob and Julie Schaumberg
Lay Reader- Steve McDowell
Organist- Rachel Fisher
Projectionist: Erv Yoder
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YESTERDAY'S QUIZ :
Besides being a city in Tennessee where else is Memphis located?
Ancient Egyptian city on the west bank of the Nile, near the pyramids and sphinx, and 10 miles south of Cairo. Memphis is mentioned in Isaiah 19:13, Jeremiah 2:16, and Ezekiel 30:13.
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TODAY'S QUIZ: What is the longest book of the Bible in terms of number of words?
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NEWS!!!!
OUR FIRST FIFTH SUNDAY CELEBRATION DAY IS THIS SUNDAY, JULY 30!
Sunday school and Bible Class 9am
Worship 10am
Festivities, Activities, and Potluck 11am-1pm
All are asked to bring either a side dish or salad to share for the potluck.
Be ready to meet some new brothers and sisters in Christ!!
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ALEC AND RACHEL FISHER'S LAST SUNDAY WITH US WILL BE THIS SUNDAY, JULY 30!!
Alec Fisher (the guy who preached while I was on vacation) has received a call to be a pastor in Maryland, therefore Rachel Fisher's (our organist) last Sunday to play organ and violin for us will be July 30. We would like to thank them both for their service to St. John's these past two years with cards and gifts on that day. Please consider bringing a gift to the 5th Sunday celebration on Sunday, July 30 at 11am to show them your appreciation! They, along with their beautiful children, will both be greatly missed.
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TRAVELING FELLOWSHIP GROUP TRIP COMING UP!!! GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
The next trip will be to Westport Playhouse on Sunday, Sept 17 for "Church Basement Ladies" a comedy take off on the Lutheran ladies in the kitchen. Men would enjoy also. We would leave at 12:30 p.m. from church and return apx 6:45 p.m. Getting tickets at 1/2 price each ticket $25 plus bus cost & dinner. They are holding 47 tickets for me this week. Call MARILYN FOSTER AT 636-359-0535 or email her at mkfoster@centurytel.net to reserve your tickets!
ANNUAL RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE AT ST. JOHN'S COMING UP THURSDAY, AUGUST 3!!!
Volunteers are needed to set up and take down before and after and during the drive to sign people in when they come. Call Terry at 456-2888 to sign up! You can make an appointment to donate at redcross.org. Walk ins are always welcome too.
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OPERATION BACKPACK ITEMS COLLECTED FOR THE MONTH OF JULY IS INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED SNACKS AND PACKETS OF OATMEAL !
GENERAL PRAYERS:
For GEORGE HOELSCHER as he found out that he has lymphoma yesterday. He will begin intensive therapy soon.
For LOIS FRICK as she has been moved to St. Joseph Hospital in Lake St. Louis for rehab.
For LIL WINTER as she undergoes tests today to find out why she has a liver infection.
For CAL TAMELER as he awaits much needed surgery on his legs. Surgery is scheduled for August 8.
For THE JACOBSMEYER FAMILY as they mourn the loss of Kent's grandmother.
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PRAYERS FOR OUR MILITARY PERSONNEL:
For SAM HARGROVE deployed in Amman, Jordan and DAN DREYER deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan, that the Lord would keep them safe from harm during their service and bring them home safely.
For DAVID TATE stationed in Japan, COLTON FIGURA stationed in California, and ALEX WALTERS, stationed in Tennessee. That God would bless their service to our country and keep them safe as they all await possible deployment.
For CALEB FIGURA AND VINCE MASTERS who are both serving our country in the National Guard and take time out of their lives, jobs, and families to go on duty several times a year.
