DEVOTION FROM LUTHERAN HOUR MINISTRIES:
On that day, when evening had come, He (Jesus) said to them, "Let us go across to the other side." And leaving the crowd, they took Him with them in the boat, just as He was. And other boats were with Him. And a great windstorm arose, and the waves were breaking into the boat, so that the boat was already filling. But He was in the stern, asleep on the cushion. And they woke Him and said to Him, "Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?" And He awoke and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, "Peace! Be still!" And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm. He said to them, "Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?" And they were filled with great fear and said to one another, "Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?" Mark 4:35-41
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:
The salvation story of Jesus Christ reaches around the world. So that the readers of our Daily Devotion may see the power of the Savior on a global scale, we have asked the volunteers of our International Ministry Centers to write our Friday devotions. We pray that the Spirit may touch your day through their words.
In Christ, I remain, His servant and yours,
Kenneth R. Klaus
Speaker Emeritus of The Lutheran Hour
Going the way and sailing with Jesus as His disciples is not always an easy trip.
Indeed, it is a rare believer who can honestly say his or her life has been lived without thunder and lightning or without wind and wave. Often, and without warning, those storms of life come sweeping over the bow and gunnels of our ship, and we can be afraid.
Still, as our text shows, when Jesus is with us, we don't have to be afraid of the wind and waves. He who gave His life to save our souls is not going to forget our bodies. That is why I am convinced: with Holy Spirit-given faith I know that not even the most dangerous swells are able to swamp, sink or swallow me.
Still, you may be among those who wonder why it is God allows these storms to come. No doubt that is what the disciples felt in their little boat.
All I can tell you is what Scripture says: these trials and challenges make us, in some way, more mature. Although it may not seem so at the time, these things are part of God's providence, instruction and blessing.
A trial and challenge can, in some way, make us more mature. That is what Old Testament Joseph said to the brothers who, years before, had sold him into slavery. Although Joseph could have been embittered by the storms he had faced, he explained, "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today" (Genesis 50:20).
This is why, today I encourage you, in the trouble you are facing, to hold fast to your faith which says, Jesus is there to bless you. Believe that Jesus will send His Holy Spirit to bring us through every bad situation. If you do, you will find a storm is not a test, but a blessing by which God achieves His plan for us.
THE PRAYER: Lord, I pray for myself and all the church. May I be granted a faith which has learned to be content in whatever situation or storm I find myself. This I pray in Jesus' Name. Amen.
Biography of Author: Today's international devotion was written by South Korean Nam Sang Joon. Born in a Christian family, Nam Sang Joon wanted to be a pastor from early in childhood. He studied theology at Luther University. He has been working in churches in Daegu for 20 years. He is also a professor at Luther University teaching New Testament. In South Korea, Lutheran Hour Ministries operates as Korean Lutheran Hour. The ministry center there produces valuable tools that incorporate Korean traditions in its evangelistic outreach. Youth programs, theater events, and seasonal television specials as well as the ministry center's website, mobile app, blog, and Korean-language videos and books share the Good News in many ways.
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THURSDAY'S QUIZ Who was Achish? He was King of Gath (Good job Bob and Terry!!!)
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FRIDAY'S QUIZ: Who did Saul call on to help him talk to Samuel after Samuel died?
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CALENDAR:
Fri- 7th and 8th graders leave at 4pm for retreat
Sat- worship 5pm
Sun- worship 8:30am and 11am; Sunday school 9:45
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REGISTER TODAY FOR THE FISHING TOURNAMENT THAT BEGINS NEXT MONDAY, APRIL 8!!!
Now's your chance to enter the fifth annual Men's Network north American fishing tournament for a shot at winning weekly prizes and a grand prize $500 Visa gift card. The contest begins next Monday, April 8 and runs through September 1. Ten bucks gets you signed up for a season of freshwater fun. Your registration fee includes a MNW cap and a handy first aid kit (in case you hook your finger on a catch!)
For a limited time, as a sign up bonus you can receive a free DVD of our newest Bible study, "Reel to Real-- Fish and Men". In it, five fishermen talk about temptation, toe one that got away, and that future day when all lines will come out of the water. TO get this four part, video Bible study, enter promo code PCFISH13 in the appropriate box when you register. You MUST enter the promo code at time of registration to receive this promotion.
Register today at www.lhmmen.com/fishing
SPECIAL VOTER'S MEETING DURING SUNDAY SCHOOL HOUR ON SUNDAY APRIL 14 AT 9:45!!
We will hear the results of the finance committee as they have completed their work to figure out how to pay for a DCE here at St. John's. Please make plans to attend!!!
You will receive a letter in the mail about it this week.
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20/30 SOMETHINGS SPRING PICNIC FRIDAY, APRIL 19 at 6pm
Even though it is only 30 degrees. Winter is over and Spring has sprung! Time to gear up for some activities and fellowship. I would like to kick it off on Friday night, April 19 at 6pm with a picnic under the pavilion. I will make the brats and burgers. You bring your favorite beverage and a side dish to share. PLEASE Let me know if you can come! _______________________________________________________________________________________
NEW MEN'S GROUP CALLED "MEN'S NETWORK" TO BEGIN WITH A MEN'S BREAKFAST ON SATURDAY, APRIL 27 at 8am!!!
It has been on my mind and heart to begin a men's ministry at St. John's. I would like us to begin with a men's breakfast on Sat, April 27 at 8am. I will do the cooking, but I would like a guy or two to help me out. We will eat breakfast and have a half hour devotion, followed by the planning of future gatherings and events. Please make plans to attend TODAY. Wives please encourage your husbands to go!!!___________________________________________________________________________________________
HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH BIBLE STUDY TO BEGIN ON MONDAY, APRIL 8 at 6:30PM!!
Make plans now to attend and bring a friend. It will be fun! I promise!
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RESERVE YOUR SPOT NOW TO SELL YOUR OWN WARES AT ST JOHN'S ON SATURDAY, MAY 4
The ladies aid is expanding their bake and craft sale to include those who would like to sell their own products whether they be homemade crafts or sell from home products like uppercase living, scentsy, Tupperware, etc. Tables are available for $20 a table.
Along with that there will again be parking lot spaces available for our 5th annual Flea market. parking spaces are $10 a space. More info below:
WHERE??
Basement and Little Lambs Classrooms: The Ladies Aid is adding INSIDE spaces for vendors, crafters, and bakers to their Spring Craft and Bake Sale. You can reserve your own spot to sell your own wares for $20 per table. These spots are open to St. John's members first before being open to the public. If you are interested, call Coleen Bottorff 456-5482 or the church office 456-2888 within the next two weeks.
Parking Lot: The Annual Flea Market will continue as it has the past four years. Parking spaces will remain $10 per space. Proceeds from the outdoor parking space rentals and Little Lambs sale under the pavilion will benefit the preschool. They are raising funds for their new Summer Camp Programs and to enhance preschool. Please call the Little Lambs teachers or the church office to rent a parking space 456-2888
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PRAYER REQUESTS:
For DAWN LINSTRUTH as she is recovering from hernia surgery.
For DIANNE HANCE as she has been hospitalized since Good Friday with pneumonia due to COPD.
For PAUL TOEDEBUSCH, who will be having surgery soon to remove his bladder due to cancer.
For RICK SPINIOLAS who has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and will be beginning chemotherapy on Monday.
For NANCY SPINIOLAS, his wife, who is dealing with severe back pain due to many years of using an artificial leg.
For RALPH SPOEDE who is dealing with cancer in both his kidney and in his brain.
For DOMINIC GENTILE, a friend to many at church and in the community, who is suffering with brain cancer and is recovering from surgery.
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