DEVOTION: Psalm 119:57-64
Heth
57 The Lord is my portion;
I promise to keep your words.
58 I entreat your favor with all my heart;
be gracious to me according to your promise.
59 When I think on my ways,
I turn my feet to your testimonies;
60 I hasten and do not delay
to keep your commandments.
61 Though the cords of the wicked ensnare me,
I do not forget your law.
62 At midnight I rise to praise you,
because of your righteous rules.
63 I am a companion of all who fear you,
of those who keep your precepts.
64 The earth, O Lord, is full of your steadfast love;
teach me your statutes!
First, let me explain what that first word "Heth" is. Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible. It is made up of sections, the first word in each section starts with a different letter of the Hebrew alphabet. "Heth" is a letter in that alphabet….. So now you know.
Now on to the devotion. In this section the writer repeats several times in different ways that he loves God's law. He calls them by different names; rules, precepts, statutes, testimonies, law, commandments, word. All of these refer to God's will for us.
As the sinful human beings that we are, our every inclination is to disobey, rebel, and fight against the rules. We don't like to be told what to do. Yet, David here says that he wants them and lives by them. What's the difference with David? How did he get to the point that he can say that he loves God's rules?
The difference is in how God, the Holy Spirit, transformed his life. God used the circumstances in his life, and even more His life changing, transforming, and perfect Word to turn David's heart around. And it wasn't a one time, forever thing. It was a continuous thing, because David continued to be a human being, a sinner.
He does the same for you. He entered your heart when you first heard the Word and believed it, and on the day you were baptized. From that moment on, he has been changing your heart to receive His Word, both the his will in the law and his good news in the Gospel, so that your heart can receive it with thankfulness and praise. Now you can love His law, because you know that He is giving it to you out of His love and faithfulness toward you.
Let us pray: Lord, thank you for your law. Guide me, by the power of your Holy Spirit, to live by it and in it so that I may praise and honor you with my life. Amen.
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CALENDAR:
Mon- Child Evangelism Fellowship 5 Day Good News Club Day 1 5-6:30
Tues- Little Lamb's Summer Camp 8:30-11:30; Child Evangelism Fellowship 5 Day Good News Club Day 2 5-6:30; Council meeting 7pm
Wed- Little Lamb's Summer Camp 8:30-11:30; Pillowcase Dress Sewing 9:30- Noon; Ladies Aid Luncheon at Denny's 12pm; (No Youth night—moved to Saturday morning painting at Turning Point); Child Evangelism Fellowship 5 Day Good News Club Day 3 5-6:30
Thurs- Little Lamb's Summer Camp 8:30-11:30; Child Evangelism Fellowship 5 Day Good News Club Day 4 5-6:30; Karate 6:15-7:45; Grief Support Group 7pm
Fri- Little Lamb's Summer Camp 8:30-11:30; Child Evangelism Fellowship 5 Day Good News Club Day 5 5-6:30
Sat- Men's Breakfast 8am; Fence Painting at Turning Point 9am; Worship 5pm
Sun- Worship 8:30; Sunday school 9:45; Worship 11am
________________________________________________________________WORSHIP WORKERS FOR THIS WEEK:
Acolyte- 8:30- Loren Howard; 11- Gus Klaustermeier
Ushers- Allan Dreyer, Lew Feldkamp, Kent Jacobsmeyer, Paul Klover
Altar- Set up- Ruth Walters; Clean Up- Cheryl Bettlach
Elders- Sat- Randy Fischer; 8:30- Don Turnure 11- Dave Winter
Greeters- 8:30- Don and Donna Sherman; 11- Charlie and Lynn Figura
Lay Readers- Sat- Steve Robine??; 8:30- Jacob Nagel; 11- ????
Organist- Rachel Fisher
Sat Pianist- Molly Hendershot
Projectionists: Sat- Toni Mauch, 8:30- Terry McKenzie 11- Dawn Sherman
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TODAY'S QUIZ : In Isaiah 51:7 it says, "Hear me, you know what is right; you people who have my law in your hearts."
What does God, speaking through Isaiah, mean when he says this?
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NEWS!!!!
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP THURSDAY AT 7PM!
This group is for anyone and everyone experiencing grief, whether it be a new grief or one that has been lingering for weeks, month, or years. We'd love for you to come and share and find peace in the mutual consolation and prayer of fellow grievers.
We'll meet in the overflow.
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LADIES AID LUNCHEON THIS WEDNESDAY AT DENNY'S AT NOON!
Come and join them ladies!!
PILLOW CASE DRESS SEWING FOR AFRICA THIS WEDNESDAY 9:30-NOON!
Come and help even if you don't know how to sew!! It's a very fun time!!
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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.
LITTLE LAMS ENROLLMENTS HAS FILLED UP!
Parents can still call and get their child's name on a waiting list if they wish, and each child will be taken on a first come first serve basis at the teacher's discretion.
CHILD EVANGELISM FELLOWSHIP IS HOSTING A FIVE DAY GOOD NEWS CLUB AT CHURCH THIS WEEK FOR 5-12 YEAR OLDS!! Below are the details:
Cost- Free
Time- 5-6:30 Monday-Friday
Place- St. John's basement
No food provided.
Go to www.5dayclub.com for more details.
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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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THE PREGNANCY OPTIONS CENTER OF WARREN COUNTY IS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATION FOR THE FULL/PART TIME EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR!!
Go to www.pocofwarrenco.org to learn more!
The Pregnancy Options Center of Warren County is seeking a part-time professional to serve as its Executive Director, providing leadership and overall management of this new nonprofit organization. As an ambassador of Christ, the Executive Director is responsible for ensuring the effective operation of the pregnancy center, including overseeing administration, staffing, programming, services, fundraising, marketing, media relations and community outreach. It will expand into a full-time exempt position as the center is established and grows over time. Qualified candidates may request a detailed job description and/or send a cover letter/resume to pocofwarrencounty@gmail.com. Application Deadline: 7/21/2017
OPERATION BACKPACK ITEMS COLLECTED FOR THE MONTH OF JULY IS INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED SNACKS AND PACKETS OF OATMEAL !!
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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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PRAYERS:
For FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF BILL SHOEMAKE, brother of Chrissy Groeber, who passed away last night. Visitation and funeral arrangements are pending.
For CAL TAMELER as he awaits much needed surgery on his legs. Surgery is scheduled for August 8.
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.
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