St. John's Lutheran ChurchWarrenton, MO

St. John's Group Email Wednesday, August 3, 2011

DEVOTION: And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other Name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12

The other day I read an interesting article written by Randy Alcorn.

He shared how, when coming back from the annual Christian book convention, he met an unidentified "high-impact evangelical author." During the course of their conversation that individual said to Mr. Alcorn, "We really have no way of knowing whether Muslims or Buddhists or Hindus will go to heaven when they die." By that remark the famous author was not referring to folks who used to be followers of those faiths. He was speaking about those who have never heard the Holy Spirit's summons to faith.

Next month there is going to be a Baloney Shop dealing with that issue, but for now let me say that those whose beliefs are in agreement with that author are growing.

The laws of political correctness which refuse to judge anybody of anything, the belief all faiths are basically the same, the feeling it doesn't matter what you believe as long as you are sincere -- have all been most successful as they sweep to the side any and all who have a serious Christian commitment to the truth.

So, can we know? Can we be sure who is going to heaven?

We can be sure if we believe the Bible is God's Word. (It is.) If God's Word is inspired and accurately describes His thoughts for humanity (it does) and if those pages contain the divine story of salvation, then we can know beyond any shadow of a doubt who is going to be saved and how that salvation is going to be given.

Are you unsure? Then take a look at what the book of Acts says about Jesus. First, it tells us salvation comes only through faith in Jesus. Then it tells us the Redeemer's Name is the only one that saves.

Of course, you have to believe the Bible is God's Word.

I do. So do you. And so does your pastor.

This takes me to the point: that there are churches out there that leave you unsure and doubtful. There are congregations that hear sermons elevating Jesus' humanity and minimizing His divinity.

Yours is probably not one of those churches. Over my almost ten years of wandering as The Lutheran Hour Speaker, I heard people say their pastor preached too long, or was boring, or used words too big, but I never heard anybody say their pastor doesn't believe -- or preach -- the Word of God.

This ought to make us feel good. I know the Lord appreciates it. He is always gladdened when His redeemed people remember the sacrifice Jesus made so we might be forgiven of our sins and brought into the family of faith.

So if you have a pastor who still preaches the Word like he believes it has the words of eternal life, then give thanks.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, how sad it is that many people don't know how to be saved and who is going to be doing the saving. Send Your Holy Spirit upon them so their eyes and hearts may be opened to the Bethlehem manger, Calvary's cross and Resurrection Sunday's empty tomb. May doubters and deniers eventually be brought to faith in Jesus, the only Savior who can save. In His Name. Amen.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CATECHISM: You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
Question: When are we permitted, and even required, to swear by God's name?
Answer: When an oath is necessary for the glory of God or the welfare of our neighbor. Examples include the following: testimony in court, oath of office, wedding vows.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: Who was Hilkiah?

He is first mentioned in 2 Kings 22. He was serving as the High Priest under King Josiah. Hilkiah's name meant "Jehovah is my spirit." He is forever known as the man in the Old Testament who gave people, God's Book! (2 Ki 22:10). At this time in history, the Book of God had vanished. People knew about its teachings but they had never seen it or read from it.

Thanks again to Doug Herzog

________________________________________________________________________________________________

TODAY'S QUIZ: How long was Josiah king?

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

CHURCH CALENDAR

Wed- Red Cross Shelter Workshop 6-9pm

Thurs- Jonesburg Nursing Home worship 10:30am; Red Cross Blood Drive 3-7pm; visitation for John Howard family at Stygar 5-8pm

Fri- Private funeral 10am

Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- Bible study 8am; worship 9am; Bible study 10:30
________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS:

VISITIATION AND FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR JOHN HOWARD

Public Visitation will be on Thursday from 5-8pm at Stygar funeral home on Mid Rivers in St Peter's. Private Funeral (family only) will be on Friday at 10am at St. John's.

Memorials may be made to St John's General Fund.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

WE NEED PROJECTOR HELP!!! Please sign up!!

Projector Schedule August-November

August

6- mckenzie

13-

14- McDowell

20-

21- Panhorst

27-

28-

September

3- mckenzie

4- Panhorst

10-

11-

17-

18-

24-

25- mckenzie

October

1- mckenzie

2- Panhorst

15-

16-

22- mckenzie

23-

29- mckenzie

30-

November

5- mckenzie

12-

13-

19-

20-

23- (Thanksgiving Eve) mckenzie

24- (Thanksgiving Day)

26-

27-

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

UPDATE ON GOLF OUTING

Coming to the home stretch, I show 32 golfers who have signed up to play, and another 12 "players to be named later" - in other words, a team member or family group indicated they will bring enough other players to round out their team of 4 - but I don't have names or confirmation yet. Only 19 players have sent in their entry fee.

I have contacted most of those groups and asked for confirmation and names by next Monday August 8 so I can start to see where there are team "holes" to pair-up individuals and to finalize things with the golf course. If you know anyone who said they will play or bring others but has not signed them up, please have them e-mail me as soon as possible.

We also have 20 Hole Sponsors paid and I have passed the order to John Meier of SignDesigns to make up the signs. If any more Hole Sponsors come in this week (some others were invited but never responded or paid) I can't promise they'll get done in time, so probably best not to push any more at this point.

So, to summarize, 32 players (19 paid) with 12 more "probable" but I need names! 20 hole sponsors paid and sign order is at the printer.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

HELP NEEDED WITH THE BLOOD DRIVE

Denise Schlesselman needs people to call prospective and past blood donors who are on a call list to ask them to make appointments for the blood drive next week. You won't be makng the appointments, but only asking them to call to make appointments and letting them know about it. It only takes a few minutes. If you can do it email Denise at bookanddoglover@yahoo.com.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH NEWS AND NOTES

We had a meeting Sunday night and talked about the purpose of the group which is to

1. Make disciples of all nations.

2. Proclaim the forgiveness of sins.

3. be Christ's ambassadors.

4. always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you about the hope that you have.

We will be gathering together on a monthly basis on the last Sunday of the month (Just the kids), to gather around God's Word and to do these four things in various ways through service, fellowship, and fun.

We also talked about possible servant events for next summer. Possibilities include an Indian Reservation up north to do VBS, Lutherhaven Camp in Idaho, Poland, and a few others. No decision has been made.

The one request from Mrs. Mauch and me is just to be regular in your participation! Go to Sunday school as often as you can. Participate in group activities. Be there for our monthly gatherings.

A more specific letter will be mailed out to all high school kids and parents shortly.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

It's Time to start thinking about our MEN'S RETREAT!!

The ninth annual T-3 Men's Retreat is set for Friday-Sunday, September 23-25, 2011. This promises to be another great experience for the men of St John's and other Lutheran congregations in the St. Charles area. In fact, men from all over the metro area have joined this special time in the past. Men 18 years of age or older are eligible and they need not be Lutheran to attend. The retreat will be held at Mark Twain State Park at the Si Coburn Group Camp. This is a beautiful setting for a weekend of adventure and growth. The theme of this year's retreat is "Respectable Sins" and the study times during the retreat will be spent exploring the areas of our lives where we have come to accept less than God might want from us.

The retreat will feature great food and a lot of activities A scramble golf tournament, fishing tournament, trap and skeet shooting competition, and euchre tournament all take place on Saturday morning. If none of these interest you, you may choose to spend time reading, hiking , biking, site seeing, or napping. Prizes are awarded to tournament winners at dinner on Saturday evening. Campfires on Friday and Saturday nights provide the opportunity to get to know others better under the stars. Music is a big part of the camp experience and you will enjoy hearing and singing familiar songs with the 100+ men who typically attend. The culminating worship service on Sunday morning is a special time of praising God for all His gifts to us and a great way to prepare us to return to our homes and lives.

The cost of the retreat is only $42 and this includes meals and a commemorative tee-shirt. Attendees have the option of staying in group cabins or tent camping on the grounds at no additional charge. You can even arrange to stay in a local motel near the camp at reduced rates if you like.

A brochure with all information and a registration form will be available soon in the narthex. You can also register online at www.t3mensretreat.org using PayPal. It is really easy and you can see pictures of the camp and facilities there, too.

This is the year for you to go to the T-3 (trap-tackle-tees) Retreat. Sign up, meet new friends, bring old friends, and join in the fun of growing your faith. For more information, contact Don Hugo at Zion –636 441-7425 ext 246 or home 636 441-9954.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

PRAYERS: (If I have missed anyone please let me know.)
For MOLLY HENDERSHOT who is back at home, but will have to make a lot of trips to the hospital for infusions for the next few weeks.

For the HOWARD FAMILY at the death of their 15 month old son John.

For MICHELLE WOOLF as she is doing much better and won't have to have radiation treatment (at least for the time being).

For PEGGY GILKEY who is having knee replacement surgery on the 18th

For JONAS BORCHERT, grandson of Don Nolte, who is doing a lot better.

For EVELYN SHERMAN at Cedar Crest Rehab and Nursing in Washington for rehab on her hip.

For LIL WINTER'S GRANDDAUGHTER AND UNBORN GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER as they are experiencing trouble during pregnancy and as the baby will probably be born two months early.

For LIL WINTER who is struggling to regain strength in her knee.

For RUTH CANTRELL who is at home and STILL recovering very slowly.

OUR CHURCH as we continue the CARE PROCESS.

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "St. John's Lutheran Church, Warrenton, MO" group.

To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
mailto:stjohnswarrenton+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com

St. John's Group Email St.Johns Golf Update

Dear Friends,

Coming to the home stretch, I show 32 golfers who have signed up to play, and another 12 "players to be named later" - in other words, a team member or family group indicated they will bring enough other players to round out their team of 4 - but I don't have names or confirmation yet. Only 19 players have sent in their entry fee.

I have contacted most of those groups and asked for confirmation and names by next Monday August 8 so I can start to see where there are team "holes" to pair-up individuals and to finalize things with the golf course. If you know anyone who said they will play or bring others but has not signed them up, please have them e-mail me as soon as possible.

We also have 20 Hole Sponsors paid and I have passed the order to John Meier of SignDesigns to make up the signs. If any more Hole Sponsors come in this week (some others were invited but never responded or paid) I can't promise they'll get done in time, so probably best not to push any more at this point.

So, to summarize, 32 players (19 paid) with 12 more "probable" but I need names! 20 hole sponsors paid and sign order is at the printer.

Thanks for all your assistance.
>
> Alan
>

St. John's Group Email Update on Projector schedule as of 5:30 Tuesday, August 2

Thanks Terry for signing up.

The Panhorsts will do Sunday, Aug 21, Sept 4, and Oct 2. Keep the sign ups coming!!!

Hey folks,

Believe it or not, it's that time again. Time to make a new projector schedule.

Please sign up on the calendar below and then print it off and put it somewhere so you remember the dates.

Here's the schedule!

Projector Schedule August-November

August

6- mckenzie

7-

13-

14- McDowell

20-

21- Panhorst

27-

28-

September

3- mckenzie

4- Panhorst

10-

11-

17-

18-

24-

25- mckenzie

October

1- mckenzie

2- Panhorst

8-

9-

15-

16-

22- mckenzie

23-

29- mckenzie

30-

November

5- mckenzie

6-

12-

13-

19-

20-

23- (Thanksgiving Eve) mckenzie

24- (Thanksgiving Day)

26-

27-

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "St. John's Lutheran Church, Warrenton, MO" group.

To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
mailto:stjohnswarrenton+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "St. John's Lutheran Church, Warrenton, MO" group.

To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
mailto:stjohnswarrenton+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com

St. John's Group Email visitation and funeral arrangements for John Howell

Public Visitation will be on Thursday from 5-8pm at Stygar funeral home on Mid Rivers in St Peter's.

Private Funeral (family only) will be on Friday at 10am at St. John's.

Memorials may be made to St John's General Fund.

Peace on your evening.

Pastor

St. John's Group Email Tuesday, August 2, 2011

DEVOTION: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and, His Word is not in us. 1 John 1:8-10

"Liquid bread."

That's the name my grandmother called beer. Although she never drank the stuff, she knew that bread and beer have the same basic list of ingredients.

Liquid bread. As of last month, nobody in Russia is going to ever again confuse beer and bread. That's because Russia has finally ruled that beer is an alcoholic drink and not food.

Before the law was signed into being by President Dmitry Medvedev, beer was considered food and could be sold at any time by anybody to anyone.

Which is why it was a common sight to see people drinking beer as they went to work. It is also one of the reasons why alcoholism in Russia is out of control. According to the World Health Organization, beer consumption is double the established critical level.

In Russia alcohol had gone from use to abuse.

Alcoholism is Russia's sin, but it wasn't my grandmother's. Indeed, nobody could accuse my old "Grammie" of being a drunk. Her thimble-full of wine on Thanksgiving precluded that charge. But she -- wonderful woman that she was -- like me, like you, like all of humanity, had her share of sins.

There are a number of reasons why we are all such accomplished sinners. One of those reasons is the fact we were sinners before we were born; another is the world and Satan have had considerable time in developing a temptation which is special for you.

You may not be inclined toward drunkenness, but that doesn't let you off the hook. Paul's litany of things that are unacceptable to the practicing Christian is a long one. (See Galatians 5.) Look carefully and I'll bet you will find something in that list which comes close to tripping your trigger.

This is why all of us need to fall on the grace of God and pray, "Lord, be merciful to me a sinner." Forgive my sin -- my personal, private, unique sin. Forgive me and make me into the servant You want me to be.

And of course, we should know that because of Jesus' blood shed on the cross, because Jesus has already paid our ransom we are forgiven and saved from all our sins, even those which are uniquely ours.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, it's pretty easy for me to point to the flaws, failings and sinful propensities of others. Help me recognize where I have fallen short of what You wish -- and repent of it. May I, a forgiven and changed individual, rise up forgiven, ready to amend my life and proclaim the Savior. In His Name. Amen.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CATECHISM: You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
Question: What is swearing by God's name?
Answer: Swearing by God's name is taking an oath in which we call on God to witness the truth of what we say or promise and to punish us if we lie or break our promise.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: Where is Shiloh? At one time Shiloh was a city in the Ephraim hill country and the religious capital of Israel. Thanks to Doug Herzog
________________________________________________________________________________________________

TODAY'S QUIZ: Who was Hilkiah?

________________________________________________________________________________________________

CHURCH CALENDAR

Tues- Quilters 9-2; Bible study 11:30-12:15

Wed- Red Cross Shelter Workshop 6-9pm

Thurs- Jonesburg Nursing Home worship 10:30am; Red Cross Blood Drive 3-7pm

Fri- nothing

Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- Bible study 8am; worship 9am; Bible study 10:30
________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS:

WE NEED PROJECTOR HELP!!! Please sign up!!

Projector Schedule August-November

August

13-

14- McDowell

20-

21- Panhorst

27-

28-

September

4- Panhorst

10-

11-

17-

18-

24-

25-

October

2- Panhorst

15-

16-

22-

23-

29-

30-

November

12-

13-

19-

20-

23- (Thanksgiving Eve)

24- (Thanksgiving Day)

26-

27-

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

UPDATE ON GOLF OUTING

We have 20 committed, still 3 "feelers" out, and money received from 17. I'm thrilled at the response! So far there are 37 golfers who have said they will come. I have about 8-9 other "maybe's", but please continue to mention it to your golfing friends and neighbors.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

HELP NEEDED WITH THE BLOOD DRIVE

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH NEWS AND NOTES

We had a meeting last night and talked about the purpose of the group which is to

1. Make disciples of all nations.

2. Proclaim the forgiveness of sins.

3. be Christ's ambassadors.

4. always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you about the hope that you have.

The one request from Mrs. Mauch and me is just to be regular in your participation! Go to Sunday school as often as you can. Participate in group activities. Be there for our monthly gatherings.

A more specific letter will be mailed out to all high school kids and parents shortly.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

It's Time to start thinking about our MEN'S RETREAT!!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

PRAYERS: (If I have missed anyone please let me know.)
For the HOWARD FAMILY at the death of their one year old son John.

For PEGGY GILKEY who is having knee replacement surgery on the 18th

For JONAS BORCHERT, grandson of Don Nolte, who has had to go back to the hospital because of a fever an infection.

For MOLLY HENDERSHOT who is doing much better, and will most likely be going to rehab sometime this week.

For EVELYN SHERMAN at Cedar Crest Rehab and Nursing in Washington for rehab on her hip.

For MICHELLE WOOLF as she is still recovering after surgery to remove her thyroid and will have to undergo radiation treatment in the near future.

For LIL WINTER'S GRANDDAUGHTER AND UNBORN GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER as they are experiencing trouble during pregnancy and as the baby will probably be born two months early.

For LIL WINTER who is struggling to regain strength in her knee.

For RUTH CANTRELL who is at home and STILL recovering very slowly.

OUR CHURCH as we continue the CARE PROCESS.

St. John's Group Email prayer request

Please pray for the John and Shawna Howard and the whole Howard family as they lost their 1 year old son Johnny due to drowning today. The Howards joined our church last year and Johnny was baptized at St. John's last year as well.

Peace be with you all

St. John's Group Email Update on Projector schedule Aug-Nov Please sign up

The Panhorsts will do Sunday, Aug 21, Sept 4, and Oct 2. Keep the sign ups coming!!!

Hey folks,

Believe it or not, it's that time again. Time to make a new projector schedule.

Please sign up on the calendar below and then print it off and put it somewhere so you remember the dates.

Here's the schedule!

Projector Schedule August-November

August

6-

7-

13-

14- McDowell

20-

21- Panhorst

27-

28-

September

3-

4- Panhorst

10-

11-

17-

18-

24-

25-

October

1-

2- Panhorst

8-

9-

15-

16-

22-

23-

29-

30-

November

5-

6-

12-

13-

19-

20-

23- (Thanksgiving Eve)

24- (Thanksgiving Day)

26-

27-

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "St. John's Lutheran Church, Warrenton, MO" group.

To unsubscribe from this group, send email to
mailto:stjohnswarrenton+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com

St. John's Group Email Projector schedule Aug-Nov Please sign up

Hey folks,

Believe it or not, it's that time again. Time to make a new projector schedule.

Please sign up on the calendar below and then print it off and put it somewhere so you remember the dates.

Here's the schedule!

Projector Schedule August-November

August

13-

14- McDowell

20-

21-

27-

28-

September

10-

11-

17-

18-

24-

25-

October

15-

16-

22-

23-

29-

30-

November

12-

13-

19-

20-

23- (Thanksgiving Eve)

24- (Thanksgiving Day)

26-

27-

St. John's Group Email Monday, August 1, 2011

DEVOTION:

No evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. For He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Psalm 91:10-11

There is a Scotch prayer that reads, "From ghoulies and ghosties and long-leggedy beasties and things that go bump in the night, Good Lord, deliver us!"

It is a good, albeit incomplete, prayer. You will notice it does not mention sports utility vehicles.

The prayer would indeed include such an addition if Richard Clemons of Cockrell Hill, Texas, has his way. You see, last week a stolen SUV, piloted by a 14-year-old thief, crashed through the brick wall of Clemons' apartment and ended up in his bedroom. Clemons should have been a goner.

He wasn't. Why? Clemons' nephew was visiting from Mississippi, and the youngster had fallen asleep in the living room recliner. Rather than have the boy wake up alone in a strange location, Clemons decided to sleep on the floor next to the chair.

As Clemons said, "That's what saved my life."

Which is where I have to beg to differ with him. Clemons' life was spared because God's was watching over and preserving him.

It's true. The same Lord who sent His Son to seek and save the lost, who gave His Only-Begotten as a sacrifice for sinful humanity, was keeping an eye on Clemons.

Just like He keeps an eye on you.

Think about it. How many of you have had an SUV crash into your home? Is that because everyone who lives near you is an excellent driver who would never drink and get behind the wheel? Are there no 14-year-old car thieves near you? The fact you have not experienced an SUV joining you in your bed is due to God's protection.

Understand, God's umbrella of defense is good not just against SUVs. It works on hijacked jets, lions escaped from the circus, runaway trains, and trucks transporting dangerous chemicals.

Now if you think my point is a silly one, please know it's not meant to be. God loves you and He loves you dearly. He sees the multitude -- the myriad of tragedies and difficulties that could come your way, which the forces of evil would love to send your way.

But God doesn't let those things get near your door and, according to the Psalmist, He keeps plagues away from your tents.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, for the sacrificing Savior, we most certainly give thanks. But we also wish to express our belated gratitude for the many long-leggedy beasties which never touch or hurt us. For all You have ever done, our gratitude. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CATECHISM: You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
Question: What is cursing by God's name?
Answer: Cursing by God's name is
a. blaspheming God by speaking evil of Him or mocking him;
b. calling down th anger of and punishment of God upon oneself or any ther person or thing.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
TODAY'S QUIZ: Where is Shiloh?

________________________________________________________________________________________________

CHURCH CALENDAR

Mon- nothing

Tues- Quilters 9-2; Bible study 11:30-12:15

Wed- Red Cross Shelter Workshop 6-9pm

Thurs- Jonesburg Nursing Home worship 10:30am; Red Cross Blood Drive 3-7pm

Fri- nothing

Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- Bible study 8am; worship 9am; Bible study 10:30
________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS:

UPDATE ON GOLF OUTING

HELP NEEDED WITH THE BLOOD DRIVE

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH NEWS AND NOTES

We had a meeting last night and talked about the purpose of the group which is to

1. Make disciples of all nations.

2. Proclaim the forgiveness of sins.

3. be Christ's ambassadors.

4. always be ready to give an answer to everyone who asks you about the hope that you have.

The one request from Mrs. Mauch and me is just to be regular in your participation! Go to Sunday school as often as you can. Participate in group activities. Be there for our monthly gatherings.

A more specific letter will be mailed out to all high school kids and parents shortly.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

It's Time to start thinking about our MEN'S RETREAT!!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

PRAYERS: (If I have missed anyone please let me know.)
For PEGGY GILKEY who is having knee replacement surgery on the 18th

For JONAS BORCHERT, grandson of Don Nolte, who has had to go back to the hospital because of a fever an infection.

For MOLLY HENDERSHOT who is doing much better, and will most likely be going to rehab sometime this week.

For EVELYN SHERMAN at Cedar Crest Rehab and Nursing in Washington for rehab on her hip.

For MICHELLE WOOLF as she is still recovering after surgery to remove her thyroid and will have to undergo radiation treatment in the near future.

For LIL WINTER'S GRANDDAUGHTER AND UNBORN GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER as they are experiencing trouble during pregnancy and as the baby will probably be born two months early.

For LIL WINTER who is struggling to regain strength in her knee.

For RUTH CANTRELL who is at home and STILL recovering very slowly.

OUR CHURCH as we continue the CARE PROCESS.

St. John's Group Email Friday, July 29, 2011

DEVOTION:
The LORD said) "... I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. To whom will you compare Me or count Me equal? ..." Isaiah 46:4b-5a

Just last month I took a minor risk and set up a small business.

Unlike any other thing I have ever attempted, I was confident I could make this work. I knew it because my product was in an area I knew and understood. Even more, when I started, I was fully confident I had the right number of clientele to make this endeavor successful. I had the necessary contacts and I was guaranteed success in this just because I was the one doing it!

Have you noticed the frequency of "I" in all that? I certainly didn't.

At least not until the very first week of work when things I was depending on failed to pan out and people I was counting on disappointed me.

To say I was anxious is to put it mildly. I was on the verge of depression. I had been so sure of immediate success that I felt like God had failed me. The prayer I addressed to Him was not a pleasant one. That's when I realized: not once in my frantic rush to get going had I considered bringing the matter before God. I hadn't paused to reflect in prayer. Indeed, I barely had time for my regular times with God.

Once I realized I had only come to God to accuse and to complain, I had to sit down and re-evaluate my approach to life's challenges.

Is God only the God of my troubles? Can He not also take credit for my successes and play a role in my plans and ambitions?

Can I not trust God to make things right even before they go wrong? Indeed, do I do us both a disservice by depending on me when the Triune God desires to be my rock and my shelter, the provider of all my needs? After all, we only need to look at His Son in Bethlehem's manger, on Calvary's cross and at the empty tomb to see His willingness to do what is necessary for us.

By His grace, my elementary business endeavor has been a time of insight and spiritual development much beyond anything I could have hoped to gain from this experience.

God does not only rescue me in times of trouble, but He also sustains every day. He is willing to carry me, with all my burdens, trials, tribulation, joys and successes. To whom, then, can I compare Him?

He will carry you as well.

THE PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, please help us to know You are able to carry us with all our burdens, trials, tribulations, joys and successes. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Biography of Author: This Daily Devotion comes to us from the Lutheran Hour Ministries office in Ethiopia. In this East African country of 85 million, LHM-Ethiopia operates as Berhan Media Ministry from its office in Addis Ababa, the capital. The Gospel is shared through evangelism rallies using Christian films, music and drama. Bible Correspondence Courses (BCC) and the Equipping the Saints (ETS) program working in partnership with church congregations help support local believers in their Christian life, as well.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
CATECHISM: You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God.
Question: How is God's name misused?
Answer: God's name is misused when
a. speak God's name uselessly or carelessly
b. curse, swear, use satanic arts, lie, or deceive by His name.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
YESTERDAY'S QUIZ: To whom did Jeremiah mainly prophecy? Jeremiah was mainly a prophet to Judah who at the time he began as a prophet, was being ruled by Josiah. Josiah was a good king yet Jeremiah proclaimed mostly bad things in the future for Judah because of sins of the past. (Thank you Denise)

___________________________________________________________________________________

TODAY'S QUIZ: Where is Shiloh?

________________________________________________________________________________________________

CHURCH CALENDAR

Fri- assemble newsletter 9am

Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- Bible study 8am; worship 9am; Bible study 10:30
________________________________________________________________________________________________
NEWS:

UPDATE ON GOLF OUTING

HELP NEEDED WITH THE BLOOD DRIVE

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH GROUP MEETING THIS SUNDAY at 6pm!!!!

It is time to get rolling on some plans for the upcoming school year and to welcome the new kids! Come and see what's going on!!

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

It's Time to start thinking about our MEN'S RETREAT!!

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

PRAYERS: (If I have missed anyone please let me know.)
For JONAS BORCHERT, grandson of Don Nolte, who has had to go back to the hospital because of a fever an infection.

For MOLLY HENDERSHOT who will have to be in the hospital a few more days to get rid of the infection.

For EVELYN SHERMAN at Cedar Crest Rehab and Nursing in Washington for rehab on her hip.

For LISA PEZOLD who is recovering from surgery.

For MICHELLE WOOLF as she is still recovering after surgery to remove her thyroid and will have to undergo radiation treatment in the near future.

For RYAN WOOLF who is graduating from basic training this weekend.

For LIL WINTER'S GRANDDAUGHTER AND UNBORN GREAT GRANDDAUGHTER as they are experiencing trouble during pregnancy and as the baby will probably be born two months early.

For LIL WINTER who is struggling to regain strength in her knee.

For RUTH CANTRELL who is at home and STILL recovering very slowly.

OUR CHURCH as we continue the CARE PROCESS.

St. John's Lutheran Church
Warrenton, MO

St. John's Group Email Wednesday, August 3, 2011

St. John's Group Email St.Johns Golf Update

St. John's Group Email Update on Projector schedule as of 5:30 Tuesday, August 2

St. John's Group Email visitation and funeral arrangements for John Howell

St. John's Group Email Tuesday, August 2, 2011

St. John's Group Email prayer request

St. John's Group Email Update on Projector schedule Aug-Nov Please sign up

St. John's Group Email Projector schedule Aug-Nov Please sign up

St. John's Group Email Monday, August 1, 2011

St. John's Group Email Friday, July 29, 2011

My Blog List

Subscribe

Mission Statement

What We Believe

Blog Archive